EastEnders’ new grooming story is an extremely uncomfortable watch.

That is in no small part due to the stand-out performance of Ellie Dadd, whose character  Amy Mitchell is unknowingly entering a very dangerous relationship with sleazy police officer Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey).

The detective’s motives for befriending the teen seemed benevolent enough at the time. He was leading the investigation into the attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray), who has no shortage on enemies on Albert Square due to his vile assault on stepmother Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), not to mention his disgusting treatment of Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) 

Despite grilling a great deal of Walford’s teens while making enquiries, who were in the all park prior to the incident, he has displayed a particular interest in the wayward daughter of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), a fellow copper.

Perhaps for good reason, seeing as Craig’s investigation of Amy yielded positive results when she privately confessed to him that she was the one who assaulted Joel. She hit the incel bully over the head with a hammer when he wouldn’t stop taunting her.

However, in the process of befriending Amy, Craig arranged private meetings with her, gave her his private number, and even joked about ‘running away’ together.That’s questionable conduct that would raise eyebrows with his superiors in the force.

And it turns out, it has.

It was recently revealed in a meeting with DS Reynolds that complaint had been made against Craig , confirming that the boundary crossing copper was being investigated for gross misconduct over ‘engaging in inappropriate relationships with a female officer’.

Worse still, Craig is still up to his old tricks. He promised Amy that he wouldn’t tell anyone that she attacked Joel, exerting a worrying power over the teenage girl whilst committing the crime of withholding evidence.

This only led poor Amy to the conclusion that Craig was the only one she could trust, enabling a toxic power dynamic leading to the creepy cop kissing her this week.

Ellie, who joined EastEnders in 2022 after having previously starred in Silent Witness and a West End production of Matilda, plays 17 year old Amy Mitchell.

She is 21 in real life, born on March 15, 2005.

Unfortunately Ellie has been the victim of a real life obsession, in 2023,when a disturbed fan was sentenced for repeatedly harassing the actress online.

The age of Craig has not been revealed, but Matthew James Bailey, who plays the character is 31.

Prior to his stint on the Square, Matthew played bad boy Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks.

The most disturbing part of Amy and Craig’s interactions is how they seems like part of a perfectly ordinary burgeoning relationship thanks to the police officer’s manipulations, masking the signs of grooming.

When he first asked Amy out, Craig was careful to disguise his motive.

‘Amy, if you want someone to talk to, we could go for a drink?” he said., quickly back-tracking when she frowned. ‘Unless… No, sorry, bad idea.’

Craig then threw in some flattery to make her feel grown up, along with a compliment about her physical appearance: ‘Don’t get me wrong, you’re an old soul deep down. I know that, obviously, but I’m just not sure you look… mature enough to get served.’

Amy took the bait, insisting ‘I can get served. Trust me.’

‘Ok, all right, then,” Craig replied, adding: “Well, tomorrow?’.

To our horror, Amy agreed.

It makes sense that Craig would target someone as vulnerable as Amy Mitchell, who was previously involved in EastEnders’ ground-breaking self-harm story. Ellie praised the soap for raising the issue, hoping that it would well help those watching the soap who are going through a similar situation with a loved one.

‘It does happen a lot nowadays and it’s less spoken about, and a lot of people in the older generation don’t know about this stuff. So if they found out they had a family member doing it they wouldn’t know how to deal with it.

‘So it’s a good way to spread the information that people can get help. I think it’s really important.’

MORE: What happens next in EastEnders? New spoilers for Thursday’s episode confirmed

MORE: What happens next in EastEnders? Big spoilers for Wednesday’s episode confirmed

MORE: Amy staggered as suspended detective Craig makes his next move in EastEnders

The ‘patchwork’ repairs on a Cambridge road have seen 51 individual potholes filled, with locals and residents questioning the approach to road maintenance

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Cambridgeshire Live readers have been debating patchwork road repairs, with many divided over who bears responsibility and how best to resolve the issue.

A staggering 51 individual pothole repairs have been carried out along a single road in a ‘patchwork’ fashion. Aberdeen Avenue in Cambridge has drawn attention for the repairs, which have seen separate potholes filled at the junction with Brooklands Avenue.

Several of the 51 patchwork repairs overlap one another. Critics say that more substantial, longer-lasting solutions are required.

Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) stated the potholes “have developed over a period of time and have been repaired as they have appeared”.

One of our readers suggests: “Whoever laid the original surface should pay for repairs, as it clearly isn’t fit for purpose. The council needs to hold them accountable.”

Highwayshero believes: “The council spends £££ sending them back time and time again to the same place rather than fixing the whole issue at once. If you hire someone to chop down a tree in your garden, you can’t blame them if they haven’t got rid of a big bush and done all your weeding at the same time – that’s not what you asked them to do.”

Tartan53 says: “Shelford Road has been transformed from a lunar landing site to a nice smooth road, just waiting for utilities to now, come and dig it up.”

Freddly quotes: “‘Resurfacing schemes must be prioritised across the county based on need.’ My advice to the council is that all resurfacing should be a low priority; at most, they should resurface 2 metre strips at the sides and the drain recesses.”

Over on our Facebook page, Clare D comments: “It makes me laugh when the roads need resurfacing, which most of them do now, they cause accidents, and instead of repairing the road or resurfacing it, they just lower the speed limit. We don’t want that, we want the roads resurfaced like they used to be.”

Are you surprised by the shocking state of the potholes on Cambridgeshire roads? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

No arrests have been made

A man has been left with ‘life threatening injuries’ after being hit by a car in Stalybridge.

Emergency services were called to Huddersfield Road, in Stalybridge, on Thursday afternoon, August 27, following reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian.

Pictures from the scene show a large police presence, with an air ambulance also in attendance. A man has since been taken to hospital with life threatening injuries, Greater Manchester Police have said.

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The road remains closed outside St Paul’s Church, on Demesne Drive to the other side of Demesne Drive whilst a cordon remains at the scene.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “This is an RTC between a car and a pedestrian. Male pedestrian taken to hospital with life threatening injuries.”

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing, the force added.

Passengers are advised their journeys will take longer than usual

No trains will run between London and Peterborough on the bank holiday weekend. While some people may be travelling over the weekend for the bank holiday Monday (August 31), they will need to check their train journeys.

There will be no LNER trains between London Kings Cross and Peterborough on Sunday (August 30) due to “major upgrades” taking place. A LNER spokesperson said: “Further upgrade work as part of the East Coast Digital Programme means there will be no direct LNER trains to or from London King’s Cross on Sunday.

“Most LNER trains will start and terminate at Peterborough, where rail replacement coaches will operate to and from Bedford for onward connections with Thameslink to London St Pancras. Journey times will be extended and routes to other London stations, especially trains from Sheffield and Chesterfield, will be busier than usual.”

A reduced train service will run between Scotland and Peterborough, and Leeds and Peterborough. Passengers are advised that their journeys will take longer than usual.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER

Updated: 16:10 BST, 27 August 2026

The clarification came after a social media post from the brand, Forged Irish Stout claimed it would be available at the festival this weekend.

The post said the beer would be “pouring all weekend” from the main bar at the Acoustic Stage.

Forged Irish Stout was founded by mixed martial arts fighter McGregor and was initially launched at his Dublin pub, The Black Forge Inn.

Bolton Council has said no agreement to stock the product was ever made and that the brewery’s social media post was an error.

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: “We would like to clarify that there were never any plans to sell a specific beer brand across any concessions at Bolton Food and Drink Festival this weekend.

“A social media post by the brewery was made in error, and no deal to stock their product at the festival was ever agreed.

“We fully understand the depth of feeling on this topic and can reassure everyone that Bolton Food and Drink Festival is an open, inclusive and family-friendly event, and we look forward to welcoming visitors this weekend.”

The concerns surrounding the brand come after a civil case involving McGregor.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival takes place all weekend and begins on Friday, August 28, running through until bank holiday Monday (August 31).

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has warned the Gunners off making too many signings, believing they do not need to bring in another left-winger this summer.

The Premier League champions have made three major signings so far this window, with Bruno Guimaraes arriving from Newcastle, Ezri Konsa coming in from Aston Villa and Christos Tzolis jetting in from Club Brugge.

Piero Hincapie has also made his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent, as expected, while Illan Meslier has come in on a free from Leeds United.

There has also been the notable exit of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas and now Gabriel Martinelli is expected to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Left wing has been the focus of debate for Arsenal transfer business all summer, with links to huge names like Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez and Premier League options including Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.

Sagna thinks his former club should swerve making another signing in that position, though, feeling Tzolis, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have it covered and any further arrivals would bloat the squad.

‘If Martinelli leaves I think Arsenal have Eze who has played on the left wing for Crystal Palace and did well there. Arsenal have a bunch of players that are able to deliver regardless of where they’re playing,’ Sagna told The Action Network.

‘Madueke could easily play on the left and that will allow him to cross the ball early and be naturally on his left foot also. I think it’s going to be an interesting season going forward because Arsenal have options.

‘I think Tzolis is young enough to be able to play game after game. He’s young. At 24 he will be able to compete all season and he’s smart. He doesn’t always get in between the lines, he doesn’t get kicked a lot. He’s a smart player and I think he’s able to play the whole season the same way Saka did and still deliver.’

He added: ‘At the moment, I don’t think they need Iliman Ndiaye or Junior Kroupi.They have enough players. You don’t want to overload the team.

‘Also, you need to be smart and not just buy a player and have him sitting on the bench.’

Martinelli is set to move to Al Hilal, ending a stint at Arsenal which began in 2019 when he moved from Brazilian side Ituano.

The 25-year-old has made 278 appearances for the Gunners and scored 62 goals, but is set to depart in a deal reportedly worth £50m.

‘It’s going to be sad to see Martinelli leaving because he’s been a fantastic professional for Arsenal,’ said Sagna.

‘He’s been doing well, and I think Arsenal was blessed enough to be able to be rewarded for taking risks with him when he was young.’

MORE: Champions League draw LIVE: Updates as Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool learn fixtures

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“Whatever way our legislation is written at present…one objection and that’s it the yellow lines cannot go in.”

Stormont is being urged to review its double yellow line policy amid a Lisburn residential dispute that could affect all cul-de-sacs in Northern Ireland.

Concerns have been raised over the potential for a single person being able to virtually hold road safety to ransom despite “99.9%” of residents supporting the measures.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is now seeking to meet with Department of Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to resolve the parking matters.

READ MORE: ‘Serious concerns’ over traffic rules enforcement close to Lisburn children’s playpark

READ MORE: Councillor steps down from body after losing daughter in ‘horrific tragedy’

In chambers, Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said: ”I find this very unfortunate as all the Lisburn North councillors in the past have met with DfI on this issue and there were promises made to us of double yellow lines being put into a local cul de sac.

“Now, I had a very interesting phone call from DfI themselves on this a couple of weeks ago, it turns out that one individual didn’t want these double yellow lines.

“Whatever way our legislation is written at present…one objection and that’s it the yellow lines cannot go in. I would ask the council to write to the minister to review the legislation.

“I just find it remarkable as it might mean that 99.9% of individuals asked actually agree with the yellow lines going in, but just one objection and it doesn’t go ahead.

“That does not seem fair to me.”

Double yellow lines are painted along the road side to prohibit parking at any time, though there are some expectations for emergency vehicles, disabled badge holders and deliveries.

The current road safety legislation has been criticised as “remarkable” in comparison to council requirements for Irish language signage being on a different scale.

Councillor Craig added: ”If you look at other issues, such as if you want an Irish language plate up, there you have Belfast City Council having 15% of people saying yes to it can have it agreed.

“Yet, as something as serious as this road safety issue, you can have one individual objecting and it doesn’t happen. That is absolutely remarkable.”

Lisburn North Alliance councillor Nicola Parker added: ”I would like to second the proposal.

“I think this is an issue everybody in our area is aware of having spoken to the residents over the last three to four years, it is absolutely an issue for DfI to try to resolve.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The park had become a target for vandalism in the past.

Concerns have been raised over the security of a kids’ play park in Maybole, just days after it reopened.

South Ayrshire Council announced earlier this month that Miller Park had re-opened following its closure last year.

The park had become a target for vandalism in the past and there had also been reports of “extensive” fire damage to some of the play equipment.

It prompted the local authority to close the park last year and carry out repairs. The total cost of the latest round of improvement work stands at £71,651.19.

South Ayrshire Council officials said on social media it was “great news” the park had opened again and thanked everyone for their patience.

But some locals are convinced the area could benefit from CCTV cameras and beefed-up security at the site.

One woman said on social media: “Hopefully the vandals leave it alone now. Cameras would most certainly be a deterrent, or place more lighting in the park. This was suggested long before the vandalism happened, as it was only a matter of time that this was going to happen.

“It’s not so bad in the summer but once the clocks change, it seems the vandalism is at its height. It is looking good now. Hopefully this will be taken on board.”

Another posted this message: “It’s great its opened again but we were told it would be open for the kids at the start of the holidays. It had been shut for about a year- definitely more than a few months- but I’m glad it’s open.”

The park holds a special place in the history of Maybole.

The park was gifted to the town by local benefactor Harold Chesney and was named in honour of his wife’s father, ex-Provost James Miller, a prominent draper and clothier. The original park opened in October 1953.

South Ayrshire Council has confirmed that patrols in the area “have been requested” to act as a deterrent and these patrols would involve Police Scotland and the local authority’s Community Safety Team.

MONACO (AP) — UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Swiss courts for possible financial mismanagement over his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors.

UEFA said Thursday it filed documents in a Manhattan court requesting discovery of potential evidence from the New York investment fund, Thrive Capital Management, founded by Joshua Kushner.

Thrive and Kushner were to be the anchor investors intending to pay FIFA $4.2 billion for a 20% stake in a subsidiary that would run the soccer body’s commercial events, including the World Cup.

“UEFA and its counsel are contemplating a Swiss criminal proceeding against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code,” UEFA’s lawyers state in a 56-page document seen by The Associated Press.

The document suggests the $4.2 billion figure could be a “fraudulently off-market price promoted by Infantino for his own benefit.”

Infantino dropped the sell-off plan on Aug. 1 after a furious backlash by global soccer leaders, including UEFA.

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See AP’s full soccer coverage here