Mary-Margaret Humes played James Van Der Beek’s on-screen mother, Gail Leery, on iconic ’90s TV drama Dawson’s Creek and is still heatrbroken over his death five months ago

Dawson’s Creek star Mary-Margaret Humes has paid tribute to James Van Der Beek ahead of Father’s Day following his tragic death. Fans of the iconic TV drama will recall that Mary-Margaret, 72, played Gail Leery – the on-screen mother of James’s character, Dawson, on the smash hit show from 1998 to 2003.

In November 2024, James revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer 14 months prior – and tragically he died in February this year at the age of 48. He left behind wife of sixteen years, Kimberly, and their six children.

This Sunday will mark the first Father’s Day James’s family will experience since his tragic death. Taking to social media on Saturday, Mary-Margaret shared an image of herself with James and her on-screen husband John Wesley Shipp, who played Mitchell ‘Mitch’ Leery on the show.

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Referencing her on-screen son’s death, the American actress urged followers to embrace those closest to them as she contemplated the fragility of life. She wrote: “Wishing all of the amazing dads throughout this vast universe a Happy Father’s Day weekend.”

She continued: “My advice? Give big meaningful hugs and tell them you love them … a shout-out to simpler times with @vanderjames @johnwesleyshippjr.”

Fans of Dawson’s Creek were heartbroken five months ago when it was announced that James had died following his cancer diagnosis. His family announced the news in a social media post, writing at the time: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.”

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The statement continued: “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Mary-Margaret was among those to take to social media to pay tribute to the actor. She wrote at the time: “Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity.”

She continued: “I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations, merely a few days ago, are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping.”

And she added: “To our extended Dawson’s Creek family of friends … please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now.”

James is survived by his wife, Kimberly, 44, and their children Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10, Gwendolyn, eight, and Jeremiah, four.

Last month, Kimberly took to social media to express her continued heartbreak over her husband’s death. She wrote on Instagram: “Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames. To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement.

“Words just don’t capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in … and I miss him. We all miss him. Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply.”

Thanking fans for their support, the mum-of-six added: “The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways.

“You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful.”

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The ban will see children no longer able to access apps like Instagram, X, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook.

Reaction to the ban has been mixed, as some fear it will make children feel lonely, while others think it’s the necessary thing to do.

But it does make you think that we’ve all become too reliant on social media.

If you were to tell someone in the 1970s that 50 years later, the world would revolve around social media, they would ask you what it was and to not be ridiculous.

The ban is likely to come into force by spring 2027. (Image: Getty Images)

But here in the 21st century, we have all become addicted to the endless offerings of the great media world.

It’s fair to assume that, as a society, we’ve become more reliant on social media than we could have ever imagined.

15 years ago, we were limited to chat rooms and Facebook pokes.

Now, with Instagram, X, TikTok, Snapchat and endless other platforms, the world has shifted.

In one click, we can find out where someone went for dinner yesterday, what they did at work a month ago, and who they were dating five years ago.

But the best part of all is that you can share your opinions, no matter how unwanted they are.

The hidden downsides of social media use

You might think that the first social media platforms were Six Degrees or Friendster, but it’s been suggested that it all began with Morse code.

Although social media began as a way for us to connect, the modern-day version is a much bigger and scarier place.

Now, we’re able to waste the day spending 18 hours watching TikTok and doomscrolling on X and Instagram (and I’m talking from personal experience).

Leading mental health charity Mind explains that the online world can be a double-edged sword.

Social media offers us the chance to express ourselves and connect with others, but it can also lead to comparing ourselves or feeling anxious and even lonely.

Recently, Sir Keir announced that all under-16s would be banned from social media, following in the steps of Australia’s world-first ruling.

The ban, likely to come in from Spring 2027, will mean children will no longer be able to access Instagram, X, Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok.

While media apps can be harmful, some suggest that they have a wider benefit in helping people not feel alone.

Riky Hanaumi, Clinical Director at Quadrant Health Group, who has more than 10 years of leadership experience in clinical behavioural health, shares that she has found that many people she’s worked with have found support through social media.

“Many clients I’ve worked with have reported experiencing significant relief once they realised they were not alone in struggling with feelings related to grief, chronic illness, neurodiversity, trauma or parenting stress.

“The realisation that they weren’t the only person feeling this way was enough to eliminate a great deal of shame they had experienced previously.”

How much time are we really spending on social media?

I grew up at the weird crossover between never having social media as a child, to getting an Instagram and Snapchat account at the ripe age of 14.

From the moment I signed up for those apps, I would never have imagined the grip the online world has on me today.

Now I find myself opening TikTok, X, and Instagram when I’m bored, want a distraction or simply because it’s become a habit.

It makes me ask the question of whether I’m wasting my time on social media when I could be out doing other things, in the real world, not just through my phone.

So then why can’t I just delete all the apps and never look at the online world again?

Well, as it turns out, breaking the habit of social media is a lot harder than we are led to believe.

Leading professionals suggest that the constant use of online platforms leads to addiction and has an impact on mental health.

Professor Marcantonio Spada, Chief Clinical Officer at Onebright, one of the world’s leading psychologists on technology addiction, suggests regular use of social media can heavily impact a person’s mental health.

I spent most of my teenage years obsessed with Snapchat. (Image: Newsquest/ Emilia Kettle)

“There are multiple psychological risks associated with regular social media use,” Professor Spada explains

“A prominent risk is mental ill health, for example, anxiety and depression.”

He adds that social media use can create “addiction-like symptoms” with frequent use linking to changes in parts of the brain responsible for emotional learning and behaviour.”

My 18-hour screen time wake-up call

Although I don’t see any of those behavioural changes in myself, I will admit that I have a slight fear that my constant habit of opening apps is less a habit and more an addiction.

The potential idea that I’ve pavloved myself to the point where my social media use could be affecting me in ways I might not know is a very scary thought.

In fear that I might be using the apps a bit too much, I looked at my weekly usage of all the social media apps I regularly use.

In one singular week, I used Facebook for 24 minutes, Instagram for one hour and two minutes, X for five hours and 33 minutes and TikTok for 12 hours and 10 minutes.

To say I’m ashamed is an understatement, knowing that I’ve wasted more than 18 hours in one week on social media, it made me feel sick.

I knew something had to change; I couldn’t let apps have such a big grip on my life anymore.

So, like any sane person, I decided that the only way I could find out if my fears were valid was to quit social media.

For one week, I would avoid TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, all in the name of my sanity.

But the question is, can I survive a week without using social media?

I quit social media for a week – but could I actually do it?

Day One

On May 18th, at the bright and early time of 5am, the sweet tunes of Michael Giacchino’s Life’s Incredible Again woke me from my slumber, and for the first time in a long time, my immediate action was not to open X.

No, instead, I got out of bed with very sleepy eyes and began my morning routine with the one difference of not looking down at my phone.

The night before, I thought there was no way I was going to wake up and not go for my apps, but in a big shock to myself, I didn’t.

I hadn’t even deleted the apps from my phone, no, I just turned my alarm off and started my day.

I had no worries I would be missing out on overnight events, what my mates had been posting on Instagram or edits I wasn’t seeing on TikTok.

I just felt relaxed and ready to start my social media-free week with no concerns that it would be a problem.

Day Two

Day two was a similar mood, I felt more focused, productive and motivated to see if I could complete the week.

Instead of constantly opening apps, I was reading more, I was going out for walks and watching programmes I’d had on my watchlist for ages and never got round to.

Although a creeping feeling of missing out slowly began to crawl its way into my brain, becoming an itch I would later find would be too easy a temptation to scratch.

Day Three

By Wednesday, the itch grew, and I began to miss social media and the fear that I was missing out on what was happening in my bubble in the online world grew.

I even started to miss doomscrolling on TikTok.

But the important thing is I still hadn’t used social media.

Instead, I just dived into my books, walks, and a new TV show that had taken over the world (and my life).

Day Four

However, on day four, things took a turn.

Experts suggest that constant use of social media could affect your personality. (Image: Getty Images)

It had reached the point when friends had begun screen-recording TikTok edits they thought I would enjoy and texted them to me.

It was at this point that I realised that I was going to really struggle over the next few days, and my optimistic Monday self might be in over her head.

Nevertheless, I continued, and I did not open social media.

I kept it hidden and locked away as friends continued to tempt me with their screen-recorded edits and chatted about viral trends I was clueless about.

Day Five

But then day five arrived, I didn’t have work to distract me, and I may have given in for five minutes.

One quick, accidental opening of X left me scrolling for five minutes when I realised my mistake, and the moment I did, I was mortified.

I couldn’t believe that I’d broken the ban that quickly and easily.

I’d done so well until I hadn’t.

I immediately threw my phone across the room and looked at it in horror, as the realisation hit that I can’t live without social media.

Sure, I can go a few days without it, and I can use it less, but I still want it, and I enjoy it.

What quitting social media taught me

Social media allows me to switch off in a way that books and walks do; it lets me see others’ reactions to movies and TV shows I’ve watched, and I like that.

I love that I get to see what my friends and family are up to despite living hundreds of miles away from them.

To know that my friends enjoyed a night at the pub on Instagram or that my Mum liked a cute picture of an AI cat on Facebook.

It’s the little things away from the celebrity edits and stupid tweets that make me enjoy social media.

So, the short answer to whether we can live without social media, in my case, is a big fat no.

However, if there’s one thing this week has taught me, it’s that I should, and I need to, take regular breaks.

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Almost like a holiday where for a few days I just ignore the online world, focus on what’s in front of me and enjoy it.

While the PM’s recent social media ban might sound scary, I think it will have positive effects.

Over time, as children and parents get used to the change, we might see a world where we’re all less reliant on social media and create a better relationship with it.

As for myself, I’m going to practice a social media-free lifestyle a bit more, and maybe one day, I’ll realise that it’s not impossible to live without.

Right now, I’m still going to enjoy late-night doomscrolling and sending memes to my friends.

But maybe I’ll fit in more time for walks and reading, maybe.

Could you live without social media? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Stokes’ absence as a leader and all-rounder have been noticeable as England head for their third successive defeat in Tests at The Oval.

Chasing a fanciful and world record target of 463, the home side closed Saturday on 182-5 and probably would have been beaten inside four days had it not been for stand-in captain Joe Root’s unbeaten 75.

Without Stokes to balance the team, England have been forced to pick Jordan Cox as a specialist batter at number seven and omitted spinner Shoaib Bashir.

After Ollie Robinson missed the match with an injury and Jamie Smith also sat out on paternity leave, Root was left to lead an England team including three debutants and its fewest combined caps in 17 years.

“Yeah, we’ve missed him,” said Tongue of Stokes. “Obviously we’ve got a lot of leaders in our team as well.

“Rooty stepping in as captain is an unbelievable player and an unbelievable leader as well. It’s been good.”

Stokes and Atkinson broke England’s midnight curfew celebrating the win over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.

The pair were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

Both Stokes and Atkinson have been spoken to as part of the investigations and could be available for the third Test at Trent Bridge, starting on Thursday, with Stokes in line to return as captain.

Ms Qureshi – Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden – put out a post on social media calling for a ‘clear timetable’ for Starmer’s resignation.

This post follows hot on the heels of Andy Burnham’s convincing victory in the Makerfield by-election, where the former GM Mayor beat Reform’s Robert Kenyon by nearly 10,000 votes.

Ms Qureshi said: “In May, the election results across the country, and particularly in constituencies such as Bolton South and Walkden, delivered a clear message to the Labour Party.

“Too many people who voted for change in 2024 do not yet feel that change in their daily lives.

Yasmin Qureshi with Andy Burnham (Image: Martini)

“There has been real progress since 2024, but voters are telling us they want change delivered more quickly and more visibly.

“The result in Makerfield showed there remains a strong appetite for Labour politics that is ambitious, hopeful, and focused on working people’s priorities.

“Andy Burnham offered a clear vision to unite the country, rebuild trust in public services, and put people first.

“His victory was not simply a local result. It showed that Labour can win decisively when it speaks directly to the concerns of the communities we were founded to represent.

“The Prime Minister should now set out a clear timetable for his departure and allow the Labour Party to renew itself on delivering the change the country needs.”

Neither Kirith Entwistle nor Phil Brickell – Bolton’s other two MPs – have made similar comments, though both have made posts congratulating Burnham on winning the election.

“You do reach a point where your relationship changes and you go from being a parent to being really good buddies.”

This Father’s Day we’re celebrating the special bond between fathers and sons through the story of Brian and Rhys Worthington – a father-son duo working side by side at M&S Newtownbreda. Their story also highlights the influence fathers can have on the choices their sons make.

At 61, Brian’s journey to M&S is a little different from most. With a varied career spanning painting and decorating, as well as insurance, he made the move into retail later in life in 2018.

While the transition marked a significant change, Brian quickly found his feet and discovered a genuine enjoyment for the pace and people-focused nature of store life.

Inspired by his dad’s move to M&S – and to the store at Lesley Forestside Shopping Centre specifically – Rhys, 23, joined the business in 2020 while studying at university.

Brian works in the foodhall, while Rhys works in the café. Whenever schedules allow, the pair make the most of the opportunity to travel to work together, catching up along the way.

Recently, Brian has also taken on additional shifts in the store café, giving him even more opportunities to work alongside his son and share in the day-to-day rhythm of store life.

Their shared interests extend beyond work too. Following in his dad’s footsteps once again, Rhys has recently taken up outdoor bowls – a hobby Brian has long enjoyed with friends.

Reflecting on their experience, Brian said: “I’ve had a few different careers over the years, but working at M&S has been a really enjoyable change. It’s a completely different environment to what I was used to, but I’ve really taken to it.

“Seeing Rhys enjoy it too, and occasionally bumping into him in store, is really special. You do reach a point where your relationship changes and you go from being a parent to being really good buddies.”

Rhys added: “My dad has definitely had a big influence on the choices I have made, including coming to work at M&S. It’s been great having that shared experience, both in work and outside it with things like bowls and football.”

Ryan Lemon, Regional Manager of M&S Northern Ireland, added: “Stories like Brian and Rhys’ highlight the role family can play in shaping career choices. We see it time and again across our stores, and we’re proud that colleagues recommend and inspire those closest to them to join M&S.

“It’s a strong example of the connections that make our teams what they are, and we’re proud to celebrate them this Father’s Day.”

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

Lewis Quinn was involved in a quad bike accident less than 24 hours after arriving in Kalamaki on June 6 – and dad John says he’s been in hospital ever since

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A dad who went on holiday with his son has spoken out about the nightmare which unfolded within the first 24 hours of the trip – and is still going on.

John Quinn went to Kalamaki on Zante on Saturday, June 6, for a week’s break with his son Lewis Quinn and family friend Shaun Clark. But within 24 hours of arrival, Lewis was seriously injured in a quad bike accident and has been hospitalised ever since.

John, from Fenham in Newcastle, explained to ChronicleLive that they had hired quad bikes with plans to tour the local area.

He said: “The following morning, we were notified by the guy who rented us the quads that there had been an accident. The police officer who dealt with it said that Lewis was in a serious condition.”

The 27 year old sustained a fractured arm and a jaw fractured in two places during the collision. He was rushed to hospital where medics put him on a ventilator.

His condition worsened when internal bleeding in his lungs triggered an infection that progressed to pneumonia. Following nearly a fortnight in hospital, Lewis is now awake and improving, though doctors haven’t confirmed when he’ll be well enough to leave hospital and return to the UK, reports Chronicle Live.

John, who works as a tattoo artist, described the ordeal as “very, very difficult”.

He told ChronicleLive: “I’ve have never experienced stress like this in my life. He’s been under sedation and they’re trying to bring him out of that to remove the tube, but he’s getting agitated.”

Lewis, who currently resides in Bedford with his partner, had failed to arrange travel insurance prior to the journey. His mate Shaun has launched a GoFundMe appeal to support his continuing treatment, which has accumulated nearly £7,000 thus far.

John explained: “It (the GoFundMe) was originally for Lewis’s repatriation, but his partner has flown out and it’s also to help cover her accommodation and travel expenses. I have even considered cashing in my pension but it was going to take three weeks.

“This is all about his immediate care, not long term care. I just want him to be okay.”

The 60 year old admits he’s desperate to accompany Lewis on the flight back to Britain, though he’s currently unable to predict when that might happen. Meanwhile, he’s ensuring he remains near the hospital where Lewis is receiving treatment, despite facing considerable difficulties.

He concluded: “I would like to fly home with Lewis. We’re between apartments as we’ve not have a tenancy for more than two nights, high season is approaching and I’m worried I won’t have a bed; it’s all very, very stressful.”

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WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland’s highest state honor, after the Polish president stripped him of the award as a politically charged dispute over World War II history resurfaced.

Ukrainians believed the order “was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army,” Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post explaining the gesture. “Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve.”

The message published on X is accompanied by photos of the Polish order and a postal receipt that it was about to be mailed to the Polish presidential office.

President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over the Ukrainian leader’s decision to name a military unit after a Ukrainian paramilitary organization accused of massacring Poles during WWII.

Former Polish President Andrzej Duda bestowed the award on Zelenskyy in 2023 for services to security, resilience and the defense of human rights.

Zelenskyy issued a decree on May 26 naming a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, or UPA, which operated during the 1940s and 1950s and has been accused in Poland of mass killings.

“For the majority of Polish society, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army remains above all a formation responsible for cruel crimes against the citizens of the Polish Republic during World War II,” Nawrocki said in a 13-minute address on social media.

Zelenskyy’s move reopened old wounds in Poland

The Ukrainian decree was met with widespread criticism in Poland, which has hosted millions of Ukrainian refugees and is a key supporter of Kyiv as it battled Russia’s four-year invasion. However, Nawrocki is a nationalist politician who has exploited anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral gain. Ukrainians in Poland have been facing increasing prejudice despite their contribution to the economy.

The decision to revoke the honor did not mean Poland’s support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia would decrease, Nawrocki said.

Ukraine is grateful to Poland for its support, and would stay open to resolve historical differences with Poland, Zelenskyy wrote Saturday in his post. “I am proud of our people and of EVERY Ukrainian warrior.”

Ukrainian Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov wrote on Telegram that Nawrocki’s decision was “an unfriendly act toward our people” and “a gift to the Moscow aggressor, which will certainly use it against both of our countries.”

Four Ukrainian officials including Budanov said they would return state honors that Poland had issued them.

Poland and Ukraine had recently made progress on the issue of exhumation of Polish victims. A December meeting between the two presidents in Warsaw had signaled progress on historical reconciliation.

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Yurchuk reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.

Owen Evans, 45, fell ill on holiday in 2023 and needed life-changing surgery – now he’s raising money for the hospital that cared for him

A man who fell ill on holiday and had to undergo life-changing surgery wants to raise money for the hospital that cared for him. Owen Evans, from Ely, went on his first cruise in June 2023 with his family, and this cruise set sail to the sunny Mediterranean.

In the lead-up to the cruise and in the first few days of the holiday, Owen “didn’t feel right”. On the third day, Owen went into atrial fibrillation – an irregular, rapid heart rhythm.

“I wasn’t breathing right – I was rushed down to the medical centre on the boat,” said 45-year-old Owen. When the ship docked in Spain, Owen was taken to the hospital, and his heart was shocked back to a normal rhythm.

However, things took a turn for the worse when Owen’s heart “became a total mess”. Owen had to be airlifted to a hospital in Brittany, France, where he spent a week in intensive care. He was told he needed urgent surgery. While the France hospital provided “excellent care”, Owen decided to fly back to England and underwent surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

He said: “It was a surreal moment in my life. They told me I was probably born with the condition. [Papworth] was great. It was a successful surgery and I got back to normal life. My heart was functioning at 22% and I managed to get it up to 50 per cent. Then a year ago, out of nowhere, I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest. I died for nine minutes.”

Owen had to go into Royal Papworth again and he was told he was living with long-term heart failure. Although he has to go for regular checks, take lots of medications and be careful, Owen said things are “generally good”.

Following from the “amazing” care he experienced at Papworth, Owen wants to raise money for the hospital. He said: “Every staff member was brilliant. Their expertise are incredible. Until you go through something, you don’t realise what they do for you.” Before he got ill, Owen was a keen cyclist.

He planned to do a charity cycle from the hospital in Brittany to Papworth with his brother-in-law, however the hospital advised against it. As an alternative, he now plans to motorcycle the 744km route instead. Owen plans to do this with his family and friends next year. Anyone who would like to donate to his fundraiser can do so here.