On Tuesday, temperatures in High Beach in Essex and Frittenden in Kent reached 16.6C.
In Kinloss, in Moray, 13.7C was recorded.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, temperatures fell a little short of those recorded at the weekend but still reached 15.2C and 13.4C in Hawarden and Helen’s Bay respectively.
The mercury could rise a little further still on Wednesday in south-east England with a small chance of 18C (64F) in the best of the sunshine. Northern Ireland may also be a little warmer than on Tuesday, following a wet start.
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In the north and west of the UK there will be more cloud and some rain, but temperatures even here will still be above average.
To put this warmer weather into context – the last time the temperature reached 18C was 13 November 2025, and the record for February is 21.2C (70.2F) on 26 February 2019 at Kew Gardens.
Wednesday is likely to be the peak of the warmth this week, with temperatures back to near average on the last day on February and a possible frost for many on Friday night.
The White Company officially launched its new concession inside Barkers Department Store in Northallerton, opening its doors yesterday (February 23).
Located on the first floor of Barkers High Street store, the new space showcases a curated selection of The White Company’s “signature collections, including homeware, clothing and accessories”, joining a line-up of established retail names.
The concession is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Pictures reveal the perfectly curated unit kitted out with luxury items and clothing, ready for shoppers to enjoy as the spring season approaches.
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The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
Guy Barker, director at Barkers Department Store, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome The White Company to Barkers.
“This is a brand we have admired for many years, and we have been working closely with their team for some time to bring this concession to our store.
“As a family-owned independent department store, we are always looking to enhance our offering for customers and bring premium brands to the heart of Northallerton.
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
“The White Company is synonymous with quality, style and timeless design, and we are confident it will be a wonderful addition for our customers and for the town as a whole.
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“We look forward to seeing the new concession thrive and to welcoming both new and existing customers to experience it.”
To celebrate the launch of the new store, customers can enjoy a complimentary tote bag when they spend £50 or more, while stocks last.
Fans just got their first look at Outlander season eight after Starz dropped a video from the final series
Neela Debnath Screen Time Reporter
00:01, 25 Feb 2026
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Outlander fans have been sent into meltdown after US network Starz released a snippet from one of the episodes ahead of the official premiere next week.
In the short, minute-long clip, Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan) is talking to his son-in-law Roger MacKenzie (Richard Rankin) after the pair are reunited following the MacKenzies’ return to the past at the end of season seven.
Jamie tells Roger: “There’s a man by the name of Cunningham. He helped open the new trading post. I’d be curious to ken what ye might think of him, anything ye might learn.”
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Roger listens to Jamie and nods in agreement as Claire and Brianna MacKenzie (Sophie Skelton) walk into the room and she updates her mother on the children.
Brianna mentions her daughter Mandy MacKenzie’s (Rosa Morris) heart surgery: “She was on antibiotics for a while, had a few checkups but other than that…”
“Children are remarkable. Listening to her heart you’d never have known anything was wrong,” Claire responds.
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Brianna reveals the children have at last gone to sleep after their long journey back to the correct time zone after they were initially reunited with Roger in 1739.
Jamie tells Roger and Brianna: “I still canna believe it, the sight of you here. We weren’t even sure if the letters would reach ye when we left them at the bank.
Outlander returns in trailer for the final season
“There was an inheritance, I suppose. We thought you should ken what had become of us.”
Claire adds: “We never would have dreamed you would have used them to find your way back to us.”
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Roger raises a toast and poignantly says: “To coming home. To family. Slàinte.”
Many fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts about the footage as one person posted: “They’re all together again,” alongside crying and heart eyes emojis.
While a second said: “I hope to god they filmed the “hello the house!” Scene. Best reunion ever! (Since Claire and Jamie obvs) [sic].”
A third commented: “I know this math won’t make sense to everyone, but seven seasons were too few, and two more weeks to wait is too much!”
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While on YouTube, one fan said: “The last droughtlander is almost over… now it’s time for the final chapter.”
A second person reflected what many others were thinking when they posted: “Ugh I’m not ready [sic]” and a crying eyes out emoji.
Someone else added: “It’s gonna be so fun seeing them together again, even if this show is ending it’s still gonna be fun to watch!! [sic].”
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Outlander’s final series will be arriving on March 6 for those in the USA and on March 7 for British fans, with a total of 10 episodes airing weekly.
Outlander season 8 will premiere on Starz in the USA on March 6 and on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK on March 7
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It tops up a claimant’s income to a guaranteed minimum level which is currently £227.10 if you’re single or £346.60 if you’re a couple. It can also open the door to other benefits such as help with health and housing costs.
However the rules state someone who is part of a couple will not qualify if their partner is under pension age, currently 66. Lib Dem MP Liz Jarvis questioned the rule asking of the impact it has on those in a “mixed age” relationship but on a low income.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions she asked “what assessment” their Department had made “of the potential impact on levels of pensioner poverty among mixed-age couples of the requirement that both members of a couple must have reached State Pension age in order to be eligible for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit.”
However, in reply, Stephen Timms, the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, said the rules were “important”. In a written reply, he said: “Ensuring that individuals can get into, progress and stay in work is important in helping them to continue saving for their own retirement and contribute to the wider economy.
“The requirement for mixed-age couples to seek financial support from the working-age social security system until both members of the couple reach State Pension Age ensures that, once in receipt of Universal Credit, the younger partner can access the same employment support that is available for customers below State Pension Age, including dedicated employment support for customers over the age of 50. The pension-age partner is placed in the no-work related requirements group.
“The Government recognises the critical role Universal Credit has to play in tackling poverty and making work pay and is taking important steps to support people with their living costs. For the first time ever, we have introduced a sustained above inflation increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance for all claimants. From April 2026, this will see the standard allowance uprated by 3.8%, followed by a further 2.3%.”
Prior to 2019 couples who were mixed age – where one was a pensioner and the other under pension age – could choose to claim either Pension Credit or working age benefits. Then in 2019 the government changed this so they would be treated as a “working age” couple for means-tested benefits.
At the time Age UK criticised it as “unfair” warning it would have a serious impact on pensioners with a younger partner. It warned it would put pensioners in a situation where they would be better off living alone and claiming Pension Credit than living as a couple receiving Universal Credit.
And earlier this year Independent Age, a later in life financial hardship charity, called on the government to end the rule. It said goverment figures showed that affected couples could be losing around £5,900 a year, with some losing as much as £7,000.
Independent Age Chief Executive, Joanna Elson CBE said: “Our helpline received a call from a 79-year-old who was unable to claim Pension Credit because their partner is 59. Under the mixed-age couples rule, they will have to wait until they are 87 before they can access this life-changing financial support.
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“The UK Government has created a flawed system where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently just because one has a younger partner.” The charity is urging the UK Government to reverse the mixed-age couples rule, to enable couples to claim pensioner benefits once the older partner reaches State Pension age.
She added: “The mixed-age couples rule is unfair and must end. It is wrong that older people on a low-income with younger partners are locked out of vital financial support, forcing them to wait years for entitlements like Pension Credit. Independent Age supports couples where the younger partner is in low-paid employment or unable to work due to health conditions, or due to caring for their older partner. This rule risks pushing more older people into deep financial hardship.
“Who you fall in love with and choose to spend your later years with should not determine how much financial support you receive. Far too many older couples are forced to live on tiny incomes because of this rule. It’s time for the UK Government to reverse it.”
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What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Although the Moon is in Gemini this morning, it’s not long until it enters sensitive, intuitive Cancer overnight.
There’s also the beginning to Mercury Retrograde to look forward to tomorrow — very much a ‘calm before the storm’ type energy.
So, ahead of the potential heightened emotions and logistical complications these transits may bring, self care is key.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Wednesday February 25, 2026.
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Feeling social, spontaneous and ready to share things, just maybe not in a straight line. Conversations zip, ideas fly and your attention span is doing its best. This is a great day to brainstorm, connect or flirt with a fresh perspective. Just watch for scattering your energy like confetti, which is fun but messy. Write it down, follow up and don’t overthink everything.
Your mind is on money, values and a few tempting splurges, so keep an eye on your bank account. Conversations around finances or self-esteem may pop up, and you’re more flexible than usual about exploring new ideas. Just don’t let indecision sneak in. Trust your instincts but let logic have a seat at the table too. A thoughtful pause is worth more than buyers’ remorse.
With the Moon continuing its dance through your sign, you’ll feel extra chatty, curious, clever and restless. Emotions bubble up, but they’re wearing party hats and are light, expressive and eager to mingle. It’s a great day to share something, start a conversation or send that text you’ve been thinking about since last week. Say what you feel, then feel what you say and be yourself.
Finding emotional energy a touch distracting? Today, you’re feeling everything but processing it through thoughts. Memories, intuitions and inner dialogue swirl like a soft breeze through your psyche. Don’t rush to explain what’s going on, let your inner narrator take its time. Rest, reflect and be at ease with yourself. Your inner self knows the story and your mind is just catching up.
You may be feeling very curious, chatty and ready to chase shiny ideas. Your social sector is lit up, making this a perfect day to mingle, brainstorm or charm a crowd, whether digitally or otherwise. You’re magnetic without trying but do look to listen as much as you speak. With so many thoughts flying, don’t say more when you could say less. Stay sensitive to others’ vibes.
Your mind may be multitasking but your feelings are harder to pin down. Career thoughts, long-term plans and public image are in the spotlight, and you’re juggling them brilliantly. But beware of analysis overload, as feeling isn’t a flaw, it’s data too. Conversations with authority figures or collaborators could open doors, so listen to those powerful but subtle nudges, as well as logic.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Big ideas, travel plans or spiritual ponderings may show up, and your heart is in the mood to wander, mentally and literally. Let curiosity guide you, but don’t forget to come back down to earth long enough to answer texts or finish what you started. Today, your balance comes not from stillness, but from graceful motion. Chase wonder but also pack sandwiches and a map.
Today’s lunar vibe highlights shared resources, secrets and soulful bonds, so expect thoughts about trust, intimacy or finances to surface. You’re ready to talk about the things most avoid, just try not to sting if someone can’t go as deep as you. Insight comes through conversation, so speak your truth with warmth. Mystery is still your magic, but clarity is your secret power move.
Your relationship zone is lit up like a dazzling disco ball. Conversations with partners, whether romantic, business or just brunch, may be fast, funny and revealing. You’re after great conversation and a little wordplay. Today, listening is just as appealing as speaking. Don’t shy away from emotional depth, as love or that brilliant idea could be just one sentence away.
Tasks, texts and to-do lists can multiply fast, but your sharp mind is up to the challenge. Today’s lunar energy highlights your work, wellness and routines, so it’s a great chance to rethink how you’re spending your time and energy. Try not to over-schedule yourself into a corner, as even the most efficient goat needs breaks. Multitask mindfully, communicate clearly and hydrate often.
Your brain is buzzing, your charm is at a peak, and your inner genius is ready to play. Creativity, romance and self-expression are in focus, so flirt with a new idea, text that intriguing someone or dive into a personal project. You’re not just thinking, you’re sparkling. Say yes to spontaneous joy and unexpected inspiration. Even so, don’t scatter your brilliance, instead focus your fun.
With the Moon continuing in quicksilver Gemini, your shell of calm may feel more like a carousel of thoughts and feelings. Your home life, inner world or emotional landscape is buzzing with activity, memories, conversations and an urge to do some rearranging. Give yourself a chance to relax and doodle ideas. Talk it out, write it down or chat with someone who gets you.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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The Preston boss clearly wasn’t having any of the hype surrounding Swansea’s celebrity investor
Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom claimed there was a ‘smell of weed’ in the tunnel during his side’s highly-anticipated clash with Swansea City.
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Swans investor Snoop Dogg was in attendance for the clash at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday night, with his arrival attracting a record home crowd, and a huge atmosphere ahead of kick-off.
Snoop was introduced to the Jack Army around 15 minutes before the start of the game, and did his part in geeing up the home crowd.
What unfolded was a surreal night that few in attendance will ever forget.
However, visiting boss Heckingbottom clearly wasn’t all that fussed, and dismissed suggestions the hype around Swansea’s celebrity investor had an impact on the game.
Having seen his side go ahead through Daniel Jebbison in the 26th minute, the Lilywhites boss was frustrated by their inability to see the game out, with Liam Cullen coming off the bench to net a stoppage-time equaliser.
After it was suggested to him that his players were potentially walking into an ‘intense’ atmosphere, the North End boss said: “It wasn’t was it?
“It was quiet. We kept them quiet. That’s how we played. Our fans were the loudest.
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“We only let them have their occasion at the very end by conceding.
“So that’s the frustrating thing.”
Asked if he felt the atmosphere was potentially different to other games, he added: “I can’t tell. It’s only different for people who are here every week, isn’t it? It’s not different for us.
“We don’t play at Swans every week, so it’s no different for us.
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“We go away to Ipswich the other week, they were at it, their fans were at it, and that was noise all game.
“It was just a game for us and we kept, I felt, everyone quiet until the end.
“I think just the smell of weed in the tunnel is the only thing where we realised something was different.”
Newcastle are certainly enjoying life back at Europe’s top table.
Howe’s side are the top scorers in the Champions League with 26 goals, and have won six games in a single campaign in the competition for the first time.
It has been quite a turnaround in the last two-and-a-half weeks.
Howe was the first to admit he was not doing his job “well enough” after his side were booed off by a section of supporters following a 3-2 defeat against Brentford in the Premier League in their previous game at St James’ Park earlier this month.
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The Newcastle head coach embarked on some soul searching in the aftermath of the loss, while his players set out to “fight for the manager”.
Newcastle have won four of their last five games in all competitions since, and secured a place in the knockout stage proper.
Given the revenue gap between the Premier League and a number of clubs on the continent, and the competitiveness of the top-flight, outsiders may question whether that should necessarily come as a huge surprise.
Even beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur, who are hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League, finished in the top eight of the league phase.
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Yet the manner of Newcastle‘s six Champions League victories against Qarabag, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise were far from foregone conclusions.
Qarabag, for instance, had drawn against Chelsea and defeated Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen. Newcastle hammered the Azerbaijan Premier League champions.
Although Howe wanted more from his much-changed side in the 3-2 second-leg win on Tuesday night, Newcastle have shown they can battle the continent’s elite on their day.
Newcastle drew 1-1 against holders Paris St-Germain in the French capital last month and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in their opening game of the competition.
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No wonder, then, defender Dan Burn feels Newcastle can “compete with anybody” at their best.
“We’ve shown that, especially against Paris St-Germain, how good we can be,” he wrote in his programme notes.
“I think we elevate our game going into those games because there are bigger, better teams at this stage of the competition.”
Good evening and welcome to our coverage of the second leg of Newcastle’s knockout play-off vs Qarabag. Eddie Howe’s men coasted to a 6-1 victory in the first leg in Baku, so there is a sense tonight will be a procession.
Unsurprisingly, no team has ever surrendered a five goal lead aggregate lead in major European competitions.
It therefore could be a good chance for Howe to continue boosting confidence into players who have been struggling in the league as of late. Anthony Gordon scored four first half goals from centre forward last Wednesday, but struggled to get himself into the game in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on the weekend. Newcastle were able to get their speedster in behind against City’s high line – Qarabag will surely have to play with one tonight – but he lacked players to link up with. Howe seems to be backing the Gordon up top, Nick Woltemade in the midfield selection for the remainder of the season so any chance to gel that combination, with next year’s European hopes hanging by a thread, should be taken.
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Conversely, it could be a chance for Howe to get minutes into some young legs and keep his bench fresh. Malik Thiaw, who scored in the first leg, is suspended and Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are still injured, so there’s a perfect opportunity to re-introduce Sven Botman who returned to training this week and is awaiting the results of a late fitness test.
Yoane Wissa was also back in training, so could come into start – it would do some of Newcastle’s front line players no harm to have a rest with the result all but secure having travelled from Birmingham to Baku to Manchester to home all within the last 10 days. William Osula is another player who could do with some minutes up front – he has struggled for goals this season.
Plenty of chance to experiment or really turn the screw for Newcastle, hopefully Gurban Gurbanov has told his players to chase the impossible so we can enjoy an open game. This is their first ever knockout match in the Champions League, nothing to lose!
Stay tuned for team news, build up and live coverage here on Telegraph Sport!
A medic who gave up a promising Wall Street career on to serve on the frontlines in Ukraine has told Sky News it was the “easiest decision she ever made”.
Viktoriia Honcharuk said she was “living the American dream” with a fledgling career in investment banking when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022
But seeing how her homeland resisted the advance of Putin’s “special military operation”, she was inspired to return home and take up a medical role on the frontline – despite her fear of blood and needles.
Image: Viktoriia Honcharuk serving in Ukraine.
Speaking to The World with Yalda Hakim, she said: “Everything was quite good in my life, but then Russia attacked my country. My mum, my dad, my sister… they all joined the resistance as soon as they could.
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“They said, look, we’re not going to go anywhere… we’re going to fight for our home, our town. And that was very admirable – that inspired me a lot.
“After a couple of months helping from far away, I said, well, I cannot also stand back. I cannot watch Russia, the biggest country in the world, attacking my country.”
Despite the misgivings of her friends in the US and even her own mother, Victoria made the decision to return home, and called her sister with some questions.
Image: Viktoriia Honcharuk serving in Ukraine.
“She was like, why are you asking this?
“And I’m thinking: I’m ready to go back to Ukraine and I want to join the army, and it’s going to be, I think, something in medicine.
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“And she just took like five seconds. She said, ‘okay, I’ll put you in touch with the right people’.”
She added: “A lot of people think it was a difficult decision to leave a good career, good life, and go back to Ukraine and go to the frontlines.
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“But looking back… I think that is the easiest decision I ever made.”
Image: Viktoriia Honcharuk, right, serving in Ukraine.
After a “couple of days of training” Victoria was deployed to the frontlines, but she would not only be helping her countrymen.
“I was afraid of blood and needles before the invasion,” she admitted. “But, at that point I just realised this is something that needs to be done.”
Among the thousands of people she’s treated, are Russian prisoners of war.
She said: “It’s something that we have to do, right? I don’t get to choose who I have to work with.
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“We’re following the Geneva Convention. We have to treat prisoners of war, Russians.”
Image: Viktoriia Honcharuk serving in Ukraine.
She added: “You get to speak with them… and understand that Russia is not going to stop where what they’re doing right now.
“They are ready to go further and they are preparing for something bigger.”
Viktoriia, who has now been painted by British artist Max Denison-Pender, believes it is the actions of ordinary Ukrainians that have staved off Russian domination.
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Image: Ukrainian medic Viktoriia Honcharuk as painted by Max Denison-Pender. Pic: Max Denison-Pender
She said: “If we were all to say ‘this is not my war’, I think Russia would be pushing through the rest of Europe at this point.
“But just because of this, like men and women in Ukraine have decided to stand up to a bully and join the resistance.”
Channel 4 has announced that one well-known face will replace Paddy McGuinness as host of the reality show’s third series
21:28, 24 Feb 2026Updated 23:46, 24 Feb 2026
Tempting Fortune: Amani heads back to camp after taking a temptation
Fans of the hugely popular reality series Tempting Fortune have been given a boost, as Channel 4 has confirmed a third series is in the pipeline.
The show first launched in 2023 and saw presenter Paddy McGuinness bring together 12 individuals in a remote wilderness setting, as they undertook an 18-day expedition with the aim of sharing a £300,000 prize fund.
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Throughout the journey, their resolve will be continuously tested as they are repeatedly offered lavish comforts, including delectable treats, comfortable beds and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
However, should any contestant succumb to temptation and choose to accept something on offer, money will be deducted from the overall pot, affecting everyone’s share.
Now, a brand new group of contestants will be required to make their way through the Malaysian jungle, equipped with nothing more than basic provisions and sheer willpower, reports the Mirror.
The third series will be hosted by comedian Rob Beckett, who steps into the role previously held by Paddy McGuinness.
Reflecting on his new role, Rob said: “Put people in the jungle, take away everything nice, then tempt them with hot showers and burgers. It’s hilarious.
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“Everyone thinks they can resist temptation until they’re hot and filthy, and suddenly morals go out the window. I’m very happy to be hosting this show, especially from the comfort of a lovely crew hotel.”
A synopsis for the series reads: “With big brands lining up to transport their products to the jungle to offer up comforting tastes of home, the temptations on offer are more tempting and more emotionally evocative than ever before.
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“This new series promises more extreme conditions, more enticing temptations, and some dramatic new twists that will put even greater pressure on the shared cash pot.”
It’s not yet been confirmed when the third series will air.
Since the programme launched three years ago, it’s received nothing but acclaim from fans as one person on X said: “This is amazing #TemptingFortune.”
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Someone else wrote: “Thoroughly enjoyed #TemptingFortune, what a great series and SO well made. Easily some of the best tv I’ve watched this year so far. From the brilliant cast, epic set builds and incredible filmmaking feats of the crew, production and producers on the ground.”
Series 1 & 2 of Tempting Fortune is available to watch on Channel 4.
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As part of a proposal for charges to rise by 10 per cent at car parks run by North Yorkshire Council, the authority had also proposed introducing charges where parking is currently free during evenings and on Sundays.
After pressure from coastal politicians, a council director has said that the changes will now “not include evening or weekend charges, which will be matters that will be considered in future as part of the local area reviews”.
Cllr Janet Jefferson, who represents Scarborough’s Castle division on NYC, had urged council bosses to reconsider the evening charges over concerns that it would “kill our post-6pm trading and economy”.
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She suggested that the town, which advertises itself as being ‘open for business’ should be rebranded as ‘we will be closing businesses’ if the evening charges were introduced.
In an email to the authority’s corporate director of environment, she said: “You will be more than aware of the pressure such [evening] charges will incur, especially to residents and also to our Scarborough economy, and with Park and Ride closing so early, visitors will leave earlier, damaging our hospitality economy”.
She added: “Overnight stay visitors use our car parks, which in turn relieves our resident zones. All the streets in Castle division are resident parking and at night, they need to be able to park. It is difficult now, so goodness knows what charging at NYC car parks will do.”
A council briefing note had identified an estimated £198,000 income “specifically attributed to the introduction or harmonisation of evening charging across the county”.
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Cllr Jefferson said: “I estimate that as a town we would lose this in a week in our economy. Tourism is hard enough, and this will kill our post-6pm trading and economy.”
The new charges would have been introduced where parking is currently free during evenings and on Sundays.
However, on Tuesday, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, confirmed in an email that the council’s report “is being revised to take account of a number of issues raised”.
He noted: “The revised report will be available either later today or tomorrow and will not include evening or weekend charges, which will be matters that will be considered in future as part of the local area reviews.”
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Cllr Jefferson, an Independent, described the decision as “great news”.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s not just Scarborough, but it was particularly pertinent to us because it will help our nighttime economy.”
Council bosses have estimated that the 10 per cent increase in parking charges will give the authority a £3.563 million boost in 2026/27.
