Channel migrants aboard a mega-dinghy have arrived in Dover after an unprecedented 38-hour voyage to the UK.

It started from Port-en-Bessin, north of Bayeux in Normandy, just before 10am on Monday, and the occupants – estimated to number around 60 – arrived in the Kent port after midnight following reports they had been bound for Gosport, Hampshire.

It is thought to be the longest duration of any voyage undertaken by small-boat migrants – and it was branded a ‘fiasco’ by the Conservatives.

Following reports yesterday the dinghy was to dock in Gosport, hundreds of protesters turned out in the town – and in nearby Portsmouth – but the effort dissipated after the boat was rerouted to Dover.

Hampshire Police described some of those who remained in Gosport thereafter as ‘hostile’ towards officers and said it arrested six people for offences including careless driving, assaulting an emergency worker and aggravated trespass.

Around a dozen protesters were seen in Dover as the migrants arrived and officers closed nearby roads in anticipation.

The dinghy incident raised serious questions over the effectiveness of Labour‘s £662million deal with the French to prevent crossings.

Before the French sailors handed over to the RNLI in the Channel

Meanwhile protesters – some wearing masks – gathered in Gosport and Portsmouth, Hampshire, as reports suggested the dinghy may dock nearby

Gosport’s MP Caroline Dineage said the boat had been rerouted to Dover but some protesters remained in the town

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Photos last night showed the migrants making their way into a Border Security Command compound in Dover

Those pictured had their hoods up and were mostly wearing hats and orange life jackets

The dinghy seemingly came to shore around midnight 

French authorities, who shadowed the dinghy across the Channel, said they decided not to intervene due to safety concerns.

As tides took the boat back towards the French coast on Monday evening, it was so close to shore another ten to 15 migrants were able to board, it is claimed.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: ‘This latest fiasco shows that the French are not even trying to stop the illegal immigrants’ boats in French waters – instead they are escorting them here.

‘Our border security has descended into chaos with migrants crossing at will over ever larger distances and in ever larger boats.

‘The Government’s claim to smash the gangs is laughable and their deal with the French is clearly not working.

‘The Conservatives have a plan to end all accommodation and benefits for illegal immigrants, and instead deport them on arrival. Then, these farcical crossings would soon stop.’

Four French lifeboats plus the search-and-rescue tugboat Abeille Liberté, along with a French Navy helicopter, were scrambled to the 40ft dinghy’s location on Monday. A spokesman for local rescue services said: ‘The boat was in a very bad way, and very low in the water, with just a single small outboard motor to power it.

‘The sea was calm, and weather conditions were good, but the decision was taken to escort the boat, without intervening.’

The Abeille Liberté continued to follow the migrant boat yesterday morning and afternoon.

At about 4.30pm, the migrants were transferred from their dinghy to two RNLI lifeboats. Half an hour later, they switched to Border Force’s HMC Vigilant.

Hampshire Police said it made six arrests in Gosport after some protesters who remained on the streets became ‘hostile’ towards officers

Protesters fronted up to police officers in Gosport as the dinghy’s progress was livestreamed online

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The boat was escorted by sturdier vessels throughout its passage to Britain

Border Security Command boat HMC Vigilant returned to Dover in the early hours of this morning

The cutter then headed towards Gosport but last night the town’s Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage said she was ‘pleased’ Border Force had confirmed the migrants were instead being taken ‘to Dover by water as we asked’.

She added: ‘This must now set a clear precedent. If further boats are intercepted in our part of the Channel, they should be taken straight to Dover.’

Hampshire Police said it was investigating a reported slashing of a boat in the Channel after a video appearing to show the attack was posted on social media.

Migrants are normally processed at Manston, near Ramsgate. This incident comes just over two weeks after a mega-dinghy with 120 migrants aboard was brought into Eastney Marina, three miles from Portsmouth’s main harbour, sparking protests.

The Daily Mail reported yesterday how a migrant boat reached Folkestone in Kent without being intercepted by UK Border Force.

Defence minister Luke Pollard said a Home Office investigation was under way.

Up to Sunday, 17,480 migrants have arrived via the Channel this year.

The crash was reported on Atherton Road at the junction with Corner Lane in Hindley Green on the afternoon of Tuesday September 22.

A motorbike and a car were believed to have been involved in the crash, with the road closed for much of the day as police went about their work.

The crash was tragically reported as fatal (Image: Phil Taylor)

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said that the crash had been fatal and that the motorcyclist was believed to have been killed.

Images from the scene show a badly damaged car and motorbike strewn across the site on Atherton Road.

Officers were on the scene (Image: Phil Taylor)

Wigan Council advised members of the public that the road was likely to remain closed throughout Tuesday and possibly into Wednesday as investigations were carried out.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area as the emergency services went about their work.

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

The five-star hotel is known for its award-winning spa, fine dining and coastal views, but its history stretches back more than two centuries.

Built in 1791, the Grade II-listed property has served as a military hospital and, reportedly, a secret whisky bottling site during US prohibition.

Seaham Hall

The building later became a children’s infirmary before beginning its transformation into the luxury retreat visitors know today.

Entrepreneur Tom Maxfield converted the property into a 19-bedroom boutique hotel in 2001, focused on luxury, wellness and relaxation.

Seaham Hall is now known as a luxury spa escape.

A key part of that vision was the introduction of the Serenity Spa, which helped establish Seaham Hall as one of the region’s leading spa destinations.

Over the years the hotel has continued to evolve, expanding its accommodation and facilities while maintaining its reputation as an exclusive coastal escape.

Seaham Hall is now known as a luxury spa escape.

Recent additions include luxury coastal lodges, high-end suites such as the Milbanke Suite, Japanese-inspired restaurant Geko and speakeasy-style Harvey’s Bar.

The hotel has attracted a number of high-profile visitors over the years. Members of Take That and singer Lionel Richie have been among those linked to the venue, while Kylie Minogue has also reportedly stayed there.

Seaham Hall’s reputation has been reflected in a growing collection of awards and accolades.

The hotel was named AA Hotel of the Year in 2004 and has more recently received recognition at the North East England Tourism Awards, where it secured the title of Small Hotel of the Year.

Seaham Hall is now known as a luxury spa escape.

This year it has been awarded a Michelin Key in the 2026 Michelin Guide Hotel Selection.

The recognition is regarded as the hotel equivalent of a Michelin Star and sees Seaham Hall become one of just 18 new Key hotels added across the UK and Ireland this year.

It has also been recognised by international travel rankings, including La Liste, which named it among the world’s leading hotels.

One of Seaham Hall’s first coastal lodges.

Today, Seaham Hall remains one of County Durham’s most recognisable luxury destinations, combining its rich history with modern spa facilities, fine dining and luxury accommodation overlooking the North Sea.

As it celebrates 25 years as a luxury hotel, the venue continues to attract visitors seeking a high-end coastal getaway while preserving a remarkable piece of County Durham’s heritage.

The hall also has a notable literary connection: Lord Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke there in 1815, and their daughter, Ada Lovelace, later became a pioneer of early computing.

One of the musicians at the heart of the band’s early blues sound was Jeremy Spencer, who was born in West Hartlepool on July 4, 1948.

That Hartlepool connection gives the County Durham coastal town a place in one of rock music’s most recognisable stories.

From North East to fame

Spencer, now in his late 70s, took piano lessons as a young boy, but later lost interest after hearing the new sound of rock and roll.

While attending Stafford Art College, he discovered the music of American bluesman Elmore James, whose slide-guitar style became a major influence.

It was a long way from Hartlepool to international fame, but Spencer’s musical path soon took him into the emerging British blues scene.

He joined Fleetwood Mac in 1967, becoming one of the band’s original members alongside Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood, with John McVie joining later that year.

Spencer’s speciality was slide guitar, although he also played piano and contributed to the band’s early blues-rock identity.

The Hartlepool-born musician featured on the group’s 1968 debut album, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, and also appeared on English Rose, released the following year.

The early line-up was rooted firmly in British blues, rather than the polished California rock sound that would later make the group a global phenomenon.

Spencer was also known for his playful performances and impersonations of established rock and roll stars, including Elvis Presley.

That lighter side of his stage presence added a touch of fun to a band otherwise renowned for its serious blues credentials.

Leaving Fleetwood Mac

His time with Fleetwood Mac came to an abrupt end in 1971, when he left during an American tour and later joined the religious group Children of God.

The unexpected departure surprised his bandmates and marked a dramatic change in direction for the Hartlepool-born musician.

Spencer later continued making and performing music, releasing solo material and working on projects outside Fleetwood Mac.

In 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

So, while Hartlepool may be better known for its maritime history, football and unmistakable North East character, it can also claim a link to the early story of Fleetwood Mac.

Jeremy Spencer carried a little piece of the North East with him from West Hartlepool to the world stage, taking the sound of Elmore James, the energy of early blues and a distinctly unusual career journey along for the ride.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the former Greenhill Primary School after a fire broke out on Tuesday evening, September 22.

A major fire has taken hold at an old primary school building in North Lanarkshire. Emergency services were called to the former Greenhill Primary School on West George Street and Coltswood Road in Coatbridge after the blaze broke out shortly before 5.20pm on Tuesday, September 22.

Six crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service alongside specialist resources including two aerial appliances are at the scene. Police Scotland has asked members of the public to avoid the area and locals are being warned to keep windows and doors closed.

A number of streets around the school – including West George Street and Coltswood Road – have been closed while emergency services tackle the blaze. The cause of the fire is not currently known and it is still unclear whether there have been any injuries.

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Video of the fire shared on social media shows the derelict school, which closed in 2012, is well alight. An orange glow can be seen rising above the roof while grey smoke billows from every visible corner of the building.

A police van can also be seen outside the school closing off one of the adjacent roads while a firefighter carrying an axe runs around the perimeter of the school. A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted to a building fire at a derelict school on Coltswood Road, Coatbridge at 5.21pm.

“Operations control mobilised six fire appliances and specialist resources including two aerial appliances. Crews are currently on scene.”

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A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Emergency services are responding to a fire at a derelict building on West George Street in Coatbridge. Please avoid the area.

“Locals are being asked to close all windows and doors. West George Street is closed at Stewart Street, and Coltswood Road is closed at Inveresk Place.

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“Please use alternative routes for the time being.“

It is not the first time the derelict school has been affected by fire. In February 2022, Police Scotland were treating another incident as wilful after the building was targeted by firebugs.

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The paedophile claimed in interview to be ‘lonely’

A paedophile who messaged people he thought were children and arranged to meet them has been sent to prison. Timothy Pavitt, 73, was brought to police attention after he uploaded indecent images of children to a Kik account in 2024.

Officers were able to trace the IP address of the account, which led them to Pavitt’s home in Boxworth End, Swavesey. He was arrested on February 19, 2025 and claimed in interview to be “lonely” and using chat sites to speak to children and download images.

A review of his devices found he had been speaking in a sexual manner with users he believed to be children and arranging to meet up with them. The devices also contained more than 350 indecent images. The identities of the people he was messaging have never been confirmed.

Pavitt was jailed for four years and eight months after admitting 18 counts, including communicating sexually with children and making indecent images, at Peterborough Crown Court on Monday (September 21). He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Det Sgt Zip Lloyd said: “Pavitt knew what he was doing was wrong but continued to seek out users he believed were children, encourage sexual conversations and make indecent images. He was also actively sharing those images for others to view, further fuelling the exploitation of children. I am pleased he is now behind bars

“Protecting young people from harm is one of our top priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep children safe.”

The Great British Bake Off has returned, and let’s get straight to the cherry on the cake. 

Let’s cut to the chase and focus on the luscious bombe that has exploded in the canvas marquee of fondant fancy – readers, let’s rise up like sugar-glazed souffles of joy, for Nigella is in the tent.

Only those hiding under a rock bun could be unaware that the domestic goddess is the new Bake Off judge, having signed on to give her views alongside veteran baker and yeast whisperer Paul Hollywood.

When this was announced earlier this year many, including me, wondered if Nigella would prove to be the Bake Off’s salvation; the missing link, the only thing that could save this long-running show from almost certain doom. 

Either that or she would hasten its demise, like a flamethrower scorching a wilting meringue.

For even the show’s biggest fans must admit that after surviving 17 series, ghastly Sandi Toksvig, Bingate, Custardgate and Matt Lucas capering about in a sombrero amid accusations of cultural stereotyping during the disastrous Mexican Week of 2022, GBBO was becoming as stale as a ten-year-old taco. 

Viewing figures slid from a peak of 14million in 2016 to seven million last year. Who or what could stop the rot?

Sound the crumpet trumpet! Enter Miss Nigella, striding into the tent wearing a superhero jumpsuit and a knowing smirk, ready to turn up the heat and administer a rescue remedy onto these moribund proceedings like it has never seen before.

With her posh girl poise and bluestocking smarts, she quickly established an alarming brand of calm yet quirky authority. 

She used the word ‘ferrous’ in the first five minutes; campily opined that ‘there is something a bit savage about cardamom’; and described a lavishly iced cake as ‘very Dutch old master in the colours’. So far, so flighty.

Then she got P. Hollywood in her crosshairs and took aim. ‘I know you like neatness,’ she briskly told him in an early scene, ‘but I like a bit of goo.’

There have been rumours of on-set tensions between this pair of bake stars, but she is not afraid to make fun of him, nor his infamous perma-tan. 

When the two of them were discussing the merits of a contestant’s coffee icing, Paul told Nigella that in his professional opinion it had ‘a nice bit of colour’.

‘Almost as good as yours,’ she responded, tartly.

When another contestant baked a sachertorte – a famous chocolate cake from Vienna – Nigella used the word ‘schlag’ in her description, then turned to Paul in the manner of a school marm addressing the class dunce. 

She used the word ‘ferrous’ in the first five minutes; opined that ‘there is something a bit savage about cardamom’; and described a iced cake as ‘very Dutch old master in the colours’

‘Schlag, that is Austrian for whipped cream,’ she airily told him. It was absolutely delicious.

Particularly as Hollywood, although clearly fond of his former judging partners Mary Berry and then Prue Leith, often patronised the former and slightly undercut the latter.

It seemed to me that across all series he assumed a leadership and a patriarchal seniority of rank that wasn’t always his to take.

Well, those days are over, mister. This time around Hollywood has been put firmly back in his cake box. 

This time around, he wouldn’t even dare make jokes about any overt fondness for booze and alcohol in bakes, as he often did with both Mary and Prue. 

This time around, he has met his match. ‘I want it to be sumptuous,’ breathed Nigella at one point, and he could only meekly nod in agreement.

The 12 contestants taking part this year are the usual carefully selected social and cultural smorgasbord, with a high thread count of MWBs – Minorities Who Bake.

In the mix is a working-class single mum called Shannon, a camp northern hairdresser called Tom, a plucky baker in a wheelchair called Molly, and Gabe the drag king with a nose ring who measures out ingredients ‘with my heart’. 

I particularly liked Connie, who put elephants on one of her cakes because she once visited an elephant sanctuary – random! –although she had a bigger message to impart through the medium of butter and sugar.

‘My baking is a homage to Caribbean flavours,’ she said, chopping up a mango. Presenter Alison Hammond, who is also of Jamaican heritage, was on it like a Scotch bonnet.

‘Are you bringing Jamaica into your bake?’ she asked, for Alison seems to believe the main role of a television presenter is to repeat what has been said before.

‘I am,’ said Connie.

‘Have you ever been in Jamaica when you can just pick a mango off a tree?’ Alison continued.

‘I have,’ said Connie.

‘It is the best thing ever,’ gushed Alison.

‘It is,’ said Connie.

Perhaps this riveting exchange was meant to reveal how far the Bake Off has come since Mexican Week, which is clearly not far at all.

In addition, Alison has a strong Birmingham accent, which added a note of exciting confusion to events. 

‘On your marks, get set, bike!’ was what I thought she shouted at one point, half-expecting to see everyone ripping off their aprons and cycling out of the tent, never to be seen again.

Yet thanks to Nigella, it was tremendous to be back again in the land of sugar domes – she is not a fan – tuiles, buttercream, Kirsch-soaked cherries and zested lemons.

Much enjoyable chaos ensued in this first episode, where there were cakes that were too warm to ice, two cakes that fell on the floor, one cake baker who had to leave the tent after taking ill and cakes that were making Nigella purr with ‘a lot of pleasure’.

She certainly wolfed down her share with enthusiasm. 

Yet, along with the campier contestants, she has a dreadful habit of giving cakes the feminine gender – as in ‘she is jaunty’ or ‘she needs first aid’ – which one suspects is going to grate horribly as we progress towards the final.

Meanwhile, I need hardly add that the infamous Bake Off innuendo was back with a – titter – bang. ‘A wet batter really needs longer,’ said Nigella. 

‘The sponge is quite soft because the nut size is huge,’ said Paul.

There have been rumours of on-set tensions between this pair of bake stars, but she is not afraid to make fun of him, nor his infamous perma-tan

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And when an annoying vegan baker called Danni announced she used foraged ingredients for her bakes including a herbaceous plant called Sticky Willy, no one knew what to say – except Alison Hammond. 

‘Did you say Sticky Willy?’ she boomed.

Later, Danni described the make-up of her fem-cake. ‘She’s got Sticky Willy inside her,’ she said, surely the most outrageous Bake Off innuendo of all time.

Nigella paused, her forkful of willy cake in mid-air, but wisely said nothing.

Ultimately this was a tremendous debut performance from the new mistress of meringue, showing a side of Nigella we have not seen before: quirky, commanding, funny – but also humane.

She spoke of cakes that showed anxiety, announced ‘none of us are finished articles,’ and enthused about ‘brightness’ in the buttercream.

‘I am full of cake and hope,’ she said at the end, like a hostess at a party who made everyone look and feel better about themselves. Even Paul Hollywood.

Greater Manchester Police have issued a statement about the incident in Prestwich this evening, confirming two teen boys have been taken to hospital following a stabbing.

A spokesperson from the force said: “Police were called around 5.40pm on Tuesday (22/09/26), to reports of a stabbing on Whittaker Lane, Prestwich.

“Emergency services attended and two teenage boys were taken to hospital.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk and quote log 2743 of 22/09/2026. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The American singer-songwriter had the audience shouting along to her catalogue of hits

Is this reality…or a huntastic fever dream?

Anastacia, dressed in a gold jacket, tinted sunglasses and skinny jeans, is strutting down the stage belting out One Day In Your Life.

She has a large gold chain attached to her belt hook.

Is she aware this look is pretty dated? Yes, probably. Does she care? Hell no!

Anastacia is 58 but looks like she’s about 20 years younger. With skin that good, I probably wouldn’t care either.

I have officially died and gone to noughties ‘power rock’ heaven.

The singer is performing at the 02 Apollo as part of the UK leg of her #NTK (Not That Kind) tour. And boy is she bringing the energy.

The gig is packed with her famous tunes, which propelled her to superstardom across the globe in the early 2000s.

Even though the venue is a seated theatre, audience members immediately pop up from their chairs and begin dancing.

I see a pair of crutches being hit together in time to the beat by a fan at the front of the audience, such is the enthusiasm in the room.

Anastacia builds up an easy rapport with the audience between songs. She jokily asks what to call people from Manchester. ‘Is it Manqueeneys?….I heard it’s something like Monks.’

You get the sense that she’s the nice, friendly brand of diva. You can more easily picture her having a gossip with her beautician while having her eyebrows waxed, rather than screaming at her assistant for getting the wrong coffee order.

At one stage the hun levels of the night actually peak off the charts. As I queue at the bar, none other than TikTok star Luke Hamnett appears. We grab a quick selfie with him before my friend shouts ‘I love your mum more than you!’ at him.

Surreal.

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There are moments of reprieve from the energetic dancing – at one stage the pop star and her two backup singers perform soulful acoustic songs under dramatic spotlights.

But it’s the big hits the audience (who Anastacia cheekily refers to as ‘virgins’ because it’s the first time most of us have seen her live) are here for.

After a few outfit changes – from a green kimono, to a ‘rock chick’ leather jacket, Anastacia wheels out the classics such as Paid My Dues, before finishing with the seminal I’m Outta Love.

It’s hard to describe how much of a high you leave on after an Anastacia gig. The singer oozes warmth, humour and charm. There is no attempt to try be cool here – it’s all about letting loose, having a fabulous time and belting out soulful tunes.

Just a shame that after all that singing along I’m outta vocal cords when I leave the venue.

The Princess of Wales wore a set of earrings which belonged to Princess Diana as she and Prince William attended the world premiere of Tom Cruise’s new film.

William, who is the president of Bafta, and Kate attended the premiere of Digger in Leicester Square, central London, on Tuesday. Kate wore a purple floor-sweeping Jenny Packham dress accessorised with Diana, Princess of Wales’s earrings and the Queen Mother’s amethyst sautoir necklace.

William wore a black velvet tuxedo that attracted a compliment from Mr Cruise, who greeted the prince with the words “great jacket”.

The film premiere came as the Prince of Wales’s late mother has dominated headlines due to the publication of her brother Earl Spencer’s book.

The 64-year-old Mr Cruise stars opposite Riz Ahmed, Sandra Huller and Jesse Plemons in the film about an oil tycoon whose company sets off an ecological disaster, forcing the Mission: Impossible star’s billionaire character to embark on a mission to save humanity from his own mess.

The Hollywood star wore a traditional black tuxedo with cummerbund and bow tie, but his patent leather cowboy boots were a surprising nod to his Digger character.

Co-star Mr Ahmed, who opted for a single-breasted black blazer with flap pockets and wide-leg suit trousers, was accompanied by his mother in a traditional sari in red ombre tones.

British actor Mr Ahmed was not the only star who attended the event with his family: Sir David Beckham brought along two of his sons, Cruz and Romeo, with the family trio all in tuxedos.

They posed for photographs alongside William and Kate, who were also seen talking to the cast of the satirical black comedy, including House Of The Dragon’s Emma D’Arcy, Everything Now actress Sophie Wilde and Call Me By Your Name’s Michael Stuhlbarg.

The film’s director Alejandro G Inarritu, who won best director Oscars for The Revenant and Birdman, was also on the black carpet.

Digger actress Huller wore a gold deep V-neck gown with cape-like sleeves, while her co-star Wilde walked the carpet in a dark purple off-the-shoulder crinkled dress with sculptural draped layers and a neckline bow.

Known for his exuberance at premieres, Cruise spent time taking photographs with fans and also signed the white shirt of one man who was in the crowd.

Also in attendance, Salma Hayek wore a silk-caped black maxi dress while actress Jodie Turner-Smith wore a peach-toned backless pleated dress with ruffled sleeves.

Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham also posed for photographs wearing a sparkly black strapless gown alongside her partner Nick Beresford-Cleary.

Digger will be released in cinemas in the UK on 2 October.