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The sound of stillness: what happened when I stopped filling the silence

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The sound of stillness: what happened when I stopped filling the silence

A self-confessed chatterbox in an increasingly loud world, Angela Garwood swapped conversation for stillness at a device-free silent retreat, hoping to discover what lies beneath the noise

“It’s okay,” a fellow bather mouths with a reassuring smile. I squeal slightly as the water hits my waist before plunging in. It’s perfect. Refreshing without the usual razor-sharp iciness of British waters. I emerge feeling awakened and alive.

A group of us bob around, admiring the stunning white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Others sit on the shore. No one talks, as this would be breaking the rules. It’s a glorious Sunday morning and I haven’t spoken for over 36 hours.

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I’ve come to the Sussex coast to spend the weekend trying something I struggle with at times: keeping my mouth shut. As a performer, the notion of a silent retreat goes against so much of what brings me joy: using my voice and a love of words. I’m a talker. I revel in a witty exchange or an outrageous story.

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Doubts aside, I’d arrived at Gayles, a beautiful converted family farm in Eastbourne, on a Friday afternoon, in the midst of a particularly full-on summer. Hoping to find stillness amid the chaos, I’d opted for something more radical than a spa day.

“It’s essential,” says Roz Robinson, 66, yoga teacher, former psychotherapist and host of the Walking, Yoga, Meditation, Silence retreats at Gayles. “You wouldn’t expect to drive your car for a year without having an MOT, and I don’t think we should be allowed to carry on without having, if you like, our own reset.”

“It’s such a precious space to be able to step into,” she continues. “To give yourself time to reflect, because there is so much noise in the outside world now.”

I’m shown to my room, a spacious double with views of the sea in a converted 1930s stable. Then the group, all 18 of us, most of them women, are given a tour of the grounds, which include a pool, tennis courts and cosy corners for quiet contemplation. Surrounded by 11 acres of rolling downland, there’s a comforting and unassuming family-home feel to Gayles, which has been in Robinson’s family for generations.

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‘You wouldn’t expect to drive your car for a year without having an MOT, and I don’t think we should be allowed to carry on without having, if you like, our own reset,’ says yoga teacher, former psychotherapist and retreat host Roz Robinson. Image: Laurie Griffiths 

Poolside, Robinson requests “no bombing”. “Who bombs on a silent retreat?!” we ask. “Oh, it’s happened…”. We chuckle. Other rules include no alcohol, no Apple Watches – it’s device-free – and no aggressively strong perfume or deodorant if you’re sharing a room. Electric toothbrushes are allowed, but I later refrain from using my hairdryer.

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A small wicker basket sits on a side table with a note inviting us to hand our phones in. It’s not compulsory, but we’re encouraged to do so. I place mine on the pile.

We are, for the initial meal, allowed to talk. Munching on our delicious, home-grown vegetable lasagne, I enjoy getting to know my soon-to-be-mute companions. We’re mostly first-timers and ages range from thirty-something to sixty-something.

“I walk away from here like I’m walking on air,” says Fiona Lomas, 54, a Brighton-based creative director on her tenth stay at Gayles.

I come for that deep quality of silence that happens in community, when people are together

After dinner, we head to the cow shed, a tranquil yoga space converted from the original farm building. Candles are lit and I feel a child-like sense of ease, like I’m being taken care of. We each share why we’ve come.

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The reasons followed similar themes: needing to switch off, wanting to try something new and seeking a connection with nature. One young professional in sustainability finance admitted “I’m not all that comfortable with silence.” A woman in her sixties just said: “I’m here…for me”.

I’m not alone in my desire for stillness. After taking a 68% hit in 2020, wellness tourism in the UK grew at an annual rate of 79% between 2020 and 2022, according to the Global Wellness Institute, more than twice the global average of 36%. The institute’s 2026 wellness tourism trends include “The Nervous System Reset” and “In Search of Deep Rest”, reflecting growing demand for restorative escapes, nature and time away from digital overload. Condé Nast Traveller, meanwhile, named ‘silent travel’ one of its top travel trends for 2024.

‘The walks are always really interesting because you just see and hear things that you wouldn’t normally. It’s a totally different way of experiencing nature,’ says guest Fiona Lomas. Image: Laurie Griffiths 

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“If you need anything, I’m always here,” assures Robinson. “If you need to cry, or scream even, you can scream. Crying is a release. It doesn’t matter!”. There’s talk of resetting our autonomic nervous system, getting closer to our true selves, and healing. While the retreat isn’t religious, there’s a spiritual undercurrent.

We’re led through a relaxation exercise, before a momentous yet subtle declaration: “The silence has begun”. I leave the room elated by the challenge. A space opens up in my mind.

“I love that there’s no pressure to make conversation,” says Rebecca Hastings, 46, an international charity fundraiser. “I come for that deep quality of silence that happens in community, when people are together”.

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We quickly found our flow as a group. In the kitchen the following morning, we dance around each other, waiting to stack the dishwasher or boil water, as if previously choreographed. Occasional smiles are exchanged, but interaction is minimal. I enjoy a smoothie before we embark on a five-mile sunny coastal walk.

At our source, we are quiet, loving, joyous communicative beings

“You will have some rubbish to work through,” says Robinson. Indeed. While my thoughts were louder than ever, so too was the aliveness of the nature surrounding me. I found the pattern of trees mesmerising and noticed when a flock of tweeting birds flew overhead. I felt held in the presence of everyone else and over time, a harmonious group synchronicity became apparent. We moved almost as one, stopping together and turning away every time someone left the line for a bush wee.

“The walks are always really interesting because you just see and hear things that you wouldn’t normally,” says Lomas. “It’s a totally different way of experiencing nature.”

We’re encouraged to rest, so I indulge in a two-hour nap, followed by some tea and cake. Yoga and meditation, which I’d grown fond of by this point, came later, then a temporary invitation to break the silence and share how we were finding the experience. Most stayed quiet, myself included.

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The silence ends shortly before lunch on Sunday and I have mixed feelings. I was enjoying our peaceful cocoon, but welcomed getting to know the others.

“It’s amazing how connected you can feel to a group of people, even when you’re not talking,” I said in our final circle. We’d shared a unique experience and I’d miss their familiar faces. Together, we’d created our own silent bubble, and I’d come to appreciate existing within it. It was, as Robinson described, a ‘warm silence’.

‘We think of silence as being empty, a void that needs filling, but I learnt there’s a richness to that space. A palpable, yet peaceful energy that sits within us, always,’ says writer Angela Garwood. Image: Derry Robinson

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“At our source, we are quiet, loving, joyous communicative beings,” she reflects. “Donkeys standing in a field are all connected, they’re not chatting all the time.”

Having the burden of small talk removed was refreshingly liberating. Food came alive. There’s a depth of stillness that’s hard to reach when you’re constantly making conversation.

We think of silence as being empty, a void that needs filling, but I learnt there’s a richness to that space. A palpable, yet peaceful energy that sits within us, always. In the silence, I was confronted, head-on, with my thoughts, which was unnerving yet empowering.

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It wasn’t easy. Huge life uncertainties surfaced, including big questions I had no immediate answers to. I noticed everything: my mind drifting from the past to the future, or simply being unduly self-critical. I felt tension in my body as I moved between yoga poses. There were moments I briefly broke the silence, alone in my room, to give myself the odd pep talk or cry. I surrendered to whatever came up.

The silence created space to hear what I already knew deep down. I needed to come up for air amidst my frantic life; to stop, and breathe.

“We look for answers out there, when really the answers are in here,” says Robinson in her closing lesson. “Be kind to yourselves, each and every one of you.”

I left Gayles reenergised, determined to build stillness into my days and commit to the practice. One breath at a time.

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Main image: Laurie Griffiths 

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At least 20 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses

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At least 20 people have been killed, including five children, and dozens are missing after a war-damaged building collapsed in the Gaza Strip, according to local rescue teams.

Video footage shows the search for bodies and survivors continuing in the rubble of the multi-storey building in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City, its floors sandwiched together.

Locals said 10 families had been living in the apartments despite warnings that they were unsafe.

Members of the Hamas-run Civil Defence rescue service said they had initially been working with “empty hands” due to tight Israeli restrictions on equipment allowed into Gaza. However, they have since been able to borrow some heavy machinery.

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On Tuesday, Israeli air strikes in Gaza killed at least five Palestinians, including two children and a Hamas commander, according to health officials and Hamas sources.

The Israeli military said it killed a Hamas commander in southern Gaza and another fighter in the north. In both cases, a child was also reportedly killed.

Separately, the British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians said that a patient was killed by an Israeli drone at a health centre it supports in Jabalia in northern Gaza.

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Nearly two million visits made to North Yorkshire libraries in a year

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Nearly two million visits made to North Yorkshire libraries in a year

North Yorkshire Council’s annual review of its library service reveals 1,909,289 visits were recorded during 2025/26, with the authority saying usage has been on an upward trend in recent years as libraries increasingly operate as community hubs.

The increase comes despite an overall five per cent fall in book issues compared with the previous year.

The council said the reduction reflected a national trend, although physical borrowing was also under-recorded during the first two quarters of the year following the introduction of a new library management system.

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Digital borrowing continued to grow, with eBook and eAudio issues increasing by 11 per cent and eMagazine and eNewspaper issues rising by 16 per cent.

Councillor Simon Myers, executive member for culture, arts and housing, said it was really encouraging to see an increased use of the county’s Libraries which he said was a testament to the hard work of the librarians and volunteers.

He added: “It is particularly gratifying to see an increase in young users and in membership, year on year. Our libraries really are at the heart of our communities, and I hope that in this National Year of Reading more people will take up this wonderful, free, resource.

“I think Billy Connolly’s recollection of the life-altering power of books rings as true today as it did in my own, painfully shy, youth.

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“Billy said ‘when I was an unhappy little boy, going to the library changed my life. It may even have saved it. Amazing as it sounds, literature can do that for you’.”

The annual review also claims North Yorkshire is providing its library service more cheaply than comparable rural councils.

According to the latest data covering 2024/25, the service costs £7.55 per head — the lowest among the rural authorities used for comparison.

Despite the lower expenditure, North Yorkshire recorded the third-highest number of book issues and fourth-highest number of library visits among the comparable authorities.

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However, the figures also highlight the significant contribution made by unpaid volunteers to running the service.

North Yorkshire has a network of 42 libraries, including a mobile library, with 31 branches run in partnership with community organisations.

During 2025/26, volunteers contributed 147,924 hours to the service, carrying out roles ranging from helping to run community libraries and hosting children’s story sessions to providing digital support.

The council says its volunteer numbers are the highest among the authorities included in its comparison.

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Libraries are also increasingly being used for services beyond borrowing books.

During the year there were 22,353 assisted digital sessions, while residents spent more than 101,000 hours using library computers. More than 2,500 people were helped to access Household Support Fund assistance.

Meanwhile, the relaunched mobile library has also seen increased demand, with visits between January and March 2026 38 per cent higher than during the same period a year earlier.

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Ed Sheeran’s support acts quit tour in support of Macklemore

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While the star said he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine” and that the “suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy”, he also attempted to explain his decision to keep political issues at arm’s length.

“I am not complicit,” he wrote. “I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.

“Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”

He continued: “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds.

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“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes.

“However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: Peace.

“I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”

Sheeran added that, “as with all my support acts”, Macklemore had been allowed to choose his own setlist.

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If the statement was meant to placate his fans and other artists on the line-up, it has seemingly had the opposite effect.

Writing on Instagram, Lukas Graham said: “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.”

Rowe, who opened on the Australian leg of the tour earlier this year and resumed as a support act for the US in June, said he did not “take the decision [to quit] lightly”, adding: “Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”

In their post, Beoga said: “As musicians, playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”

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Reform UK leadership frontrunners in Wales and how winner will be selected

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Wales Online

The Senedd group will meet immediately following the shock news of leader Dan Thomas’ departure from the role

Reform UK will on Wednesday begin the process of appointing a new leader after Dan Thomas stood down after being arrested by police.

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Mr Thomas resigned on Tuesday after it emerged he had been arrested on suspicion of assault and coercive/controlling control.

Reform UK’s chief whip, Llyr Powell MS, admitted it had been a “challenging” day.

He was asked on BBC Radio Wales on Wednesday if Mr Thomas should remain in the Senedd. He said the investigation was ongoing and added: “I don’t want to presume anything”.

He said it was right for Mr Thomas, and his family’s wellbeing, he would stand down. He denied Mr Thomas’ presence in the Senedd would be a “distraction”.

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“We’ll wait for whatever judgement comes,” he said. “In this country we have due process.” For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

Reform UK’s Welsh Senedd group was set to meet on Wednesday morning with Helen Jenner, the deputy leader, as interim leader.

The group has a constitution, Mr Powell said, which determines the process of how a new leader will be selected.

The rules will be set there but he said if only one candidate puts their name forward there will be no contest. If there is more than one then there will be a vote of Reform UK Senedd members.

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He said he expects the process to be concluded by the end of September.

Mr Powell said he expected there would be some people who would put their names forward on Wednesday.

But who could be in the running?

Llŷr Powell

A stalwart in Nigel Farage’s political journey in Wales Mr Powell refused to rule himself in our out of the race when he was asked on Wednesday morning.

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He said he hadn’t had time to consider it.

He stood in the crucial Caerphilly by-election last October and lost but was elected to the Senedd in May. Since becoming chief whip he has been a key player in setting up the group as well as coaching staff and determining policy.

In terms of experience he is one of those who has been close to Nigel Farage, and key players in Reform’s Millbank HQ, and knows how the Senedd works.

Laura Anne Jones

Ambitious, certainly, and the most experienced Senedd politician in the group having served in the National Assembly, as was, from 2003 until 2007 and then again for the last six years. As a Welsh Conservative Laura Anne Jones was elected as a regional member in South Wales East for the second time in 2020. In 2025 she revealed a shock defection to Reform UK and was unveiled by Nigel Farage at the Royal Welsh Show and was elected to represent the party in Sir Fynwy Torfaen in May 2026.

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James Evans

Another Conservative who defected to join the group James Evans’ journey into Reform wasn’t straightforward. However he is one of those sat on the front row of the group in the Senedd chamber alongside the other obvious frontrunners.

He holds the key health brief for the party and is clearly ambitious.

He has hinted he won’t stand again in 2030 as he wants to have a life away from politics and start a family so would such a high-profile role be a step too far?

Speaking to the BBC in July Mr Evans said “as things stand today I won’t be standing in 2030”.

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He said it was going to be “a long goodbye” and “a lovely four years for me to go”.

“I’m a big believer that some people can go on in politics too long. It was always my intention to only stand two terms.

“I’ve got a wife… I’d like to start a family,” he said. “We’re seen as a bit of public commodity that can be attacked and then, obviously, that spills into our family life, and I don’t want to be bringing up children in that environment.”

Helen Jenner

The current deputy leader, and now interim, Ms Jenner is a former teacher who represents Bangor Conwy Mon. Thrust into the hotseat when Dan Thomas missed First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday she held her own against Rhun ap Iorwerth.

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A Welsh speaker, she has experience from outside of politics she can bring to the table.

Jason O’Connell

One of the core members of Reform UK in Wales Jason O’Connell’s name was touted during the last leadership contest as he is seen as a safe pair of hands by those in power in the party.

He did a lot of media work before the election and he’s been given the economy and transport brief under Dan Thomas.

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Noah Donohoe inquest: Jury points to possible Stormont failings over death of schoolboy

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Belfast Live

Sunday June 21 2020

3.34am: Noah is seen on CCTV leaving his home on Fitzroy Avenue off the Ormeau Road in south Belfast, turning towards the direction of Queen’s University before returning at 4.08am, barefoot and without his headphones. This footage was first made public in October 2025 as part of an inquest appeal for information.

5.40pm: After a day at home, Noah sets out by bike, wearing a cycling helmet and a backpack, to meet friends in the Cavehill area in the north of the city.

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5.41pm: Noah’s friend sends him a message via Instagram telling him the planned trip had been cancelled. He is not thought to have received it as he did not have internet access on his phone outside his home wi-fi.

5.42pm: Noah is captured on CCTV passing Daryl Paul outside Queen’s Quarter housing building.

5.57pm: Noah is seen cycling along North Queen Street.

5.59pm: Noah is seen falling from his bike at bottom of North Queen Street.

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6.01pm: Noah is seen cycling past the Grove Wellbeing Centre.

6.02pm-6.05pm: A number of sightings of Noah are reported on Northwood Crescent and Northwood Road, and CCTV footage from a property shows him cycling naked on his bike. The last sighting was of Noah going between two homes towards waste ground where the storm drain was located.

6.50pm: A picture of a hand is taken on Noah’s phone. His phone is later found by a member of the public who hands it into the police.

9.44pm: Noah’s mother Fiona reports him missing to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The police response is described as starting during the phone call which ended at 10.10pm with Noah assessed as being of “medium risk”.

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– Monday June 22 2020

Search efforts involving police continue overnight with the police air support unit focused on the Cavehill area, and the Community Rescue Service (CRS) are mobilised.

– Wednesday June 24 2020

Police hold a press conference making an appeal for information to help find Noah, highlighting he had potentially suffered a head injury following the witness report that he had fallen from his bike.

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As public interest grew in the case huge crowds turned out to try and help with the search for Noah across areas of north Belfast. Police hail a breakthrough after a member of the public handed in Noah’s backpack and his laptop computer.

Meanwhile the PSNI Hazardous Awareness Search (HES) team start searching the storm drain using camera equipment. They report their work being hampered by a “hostile” crowd which had gathered at Linear Park.

– Thursday June 25 2020

The PSNI’s Search and Rescue team divers take over exploring the storm drain tunnels amid continuing search efforts.

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– Saturday June 27 2020

9.45am: Police find Noah’s body in the storm drain underneath a Translink depot, more than 600 metres downstream from where he had last been seen in the area of a culvert inlet behind houses at Northwood Road.

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Cheryl gets her groove on as she belts out Fight For This Love on a wild night out in a Manchester gay bar with The Voice co-star Kelly Rowland

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Cheryl belted out hits with The Voice co-star Kelly Rowland as they enjoyed a wild night out at a gay bar in Manchester on Tuesday

Cheryl belted out hits with The Voice co-star Kelly Rowland as they enjoyed a wild night out at a gay bar in Manchester on Tuesday.

The Girls Aloud singer, 43, and Destiny’s Child star, 45, got their groove on at Via in the world-famous Canal Street.

In clips shared on social media, the pair were seen singing and dancing to Cheryl’s hit Fight For This Love and Kelly’s 2010 tune Commander.

Cheryl looked glamorous in a fluorescent pink and green blazer with towering fuchsia high-heels, while accessorising with a statement ‘Love’ necklace.

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Meanwhile, Kelly let her hair down as she stunned in a plunging PVC jumpsuit on the dancefloor.

In more clips as the night went on, Cheryl was later seen belting out her songs while putting on an animated display.

Cheryl belted out hits with The Voice co-star Kelly Rowland as they enjoyed a wild night out at a gay bar in Manchester on Tuesday

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The Girls Aloud singer, 43, and Destiny's Child star, 45, got their groove on at Via in the world-famous Canal Street

The Girls Aloud singer, 43, and Destiny’s Child star, 45, got their groove on at Via in the world-famous Canal Street

Cheryl and Kelly are currently in Manchester filming the new series of The Voice UK.

It was confirmed Cheryl would be joining the show as a judge amid fury over Tom Jones’s axing. 

Cheryl was pictured arriving at the studio in Salford last week to film The Voice’s blind auditions alongside fellow new coach Aitch. 

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It has also been confirmed that Stacey Solomon and Alesha Dixon are set to replace Emma Willis as hosts on The Voice UK, after she landed the coveted role as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing.

This new series of The Voice has been marred in controversy, after it emerged that Tom would not be returning as a coach on the show.

Tom has since insisted it wasn’t his decision to leave and said ITV ‘fired’ him ‘because of a financial difficulty with insurance’.

In a statement confirming the lineup, ITV bosses thanked Tom for his work on the show, saying: ‘ITV would like to thank the irreplaceable Sir Tom Jones for all his years on The Voice UK, and the countless incredible and unforgettable moments he gave the show.

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‘He has brought joy to audiences, and to every singer who performed for him and with him.’

In clips shared on social media, the pair were seen singing and dancing to Kelly's 2010 hit Commander

In clips shared on social media, the pair were seen singing and dancing to Kelly’s 2010 hit Commander

Cheryl looked glamorous in a fluorescent pink and green blazer with towering fuchsia high-heels, while accessorising with a statement 'Love' necklace

Cheryl looked glamorous in a fluorescent pink and green blazer with towering fuchsia high-heels, while accessorising with a statement ‘Love’ necklace

In more clips as the night went on, Cheryl was later seen belting out her hit Fight For This Love

In more clips as the night went on, Cheryl was later seen belting out her hit Fight For This Love

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Meanwhile, Kelly let her hair down as she stunned in a plunging PVC jumpsuit on the dancefloor

Meanwhile, Kelly let her hair down as she stunned in a plunging PVC jumpsuit on the dancefloor

Fellow coach will.i.am, who will remain on the show alongside Kelly Rowland, has vented his fury over Tom’s being dropped from the show, with sources claiming he’s made his feelings known backstage.

Sources have revealed that despite Cheryl and Aitch being welcomed as new additions to the lineup, any excitement on set has been replaced by awkwardness over the row.

A source said that while they normally kick filming off with welcome drinks in a swanky five-star hotel, this year things are different.

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‘It’s seriously awkward as will.i.am is furious with how producers have handled things and is making his feelings known behind the scenes.’

They told The Sun: ‘It’s pretty uncomfortable for Cheryl, who is close with Will and has looked up to Kelly all her career.

‘This is her big TV comeback and right now ITV are letting her be the fall guy for taking Sir Tom’s seat. None of this is her fault, it’s been handled atrociously by the bosses.’

The Daily Mail has contacted will.i.am and ITV representatives for comment.

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On Tuesday, Tom insisted he ‘did not want to leave The Voice’ in a furious statement hitting out at ITV.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: ‘To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as I love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision — obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently.

‘The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance. They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.’

This new series of The Voice has been mired in controversy, after it emerged that Tom Jones would not be returning. The music legend has insisted it wasn't his decision to leave

This new series of The Voice has been mired in controversy, after it emerged that Tom Jones would not be returning. The music legend has insisted it wasn’t his decision to leave

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He added that ITV had offered him ‘a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I’m not thrilled about that.

‘So the only thing I know right now, is that there’s never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who’s still pretty good at his job.’

When contacted by the Daily Mail, an ITV spokesman said: ‘We have loved working with Sir Tom Jones over the past nine years on The Voice UK.

‘While he will no longer be a full-time coach on series 15, we continue to talk to Sir Tom and his team about his involvement in the next series.’

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Girls Aloud star and former X Factor judge Cheryl has not been on primetime TV in six years, with her last TV outing seeing her as a dance captain on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer in 2020.

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M56 LIVE as all traffic stopped on motorway near Manchester Airport with queues building amid ‘multi-vehicle crash’

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Manchester Evening News

Delays are building on the M56 motorway amid reports of a crash.

All traffic has been stopped on the eastbound side of the motorway this morning (Wednesday, September 16). Traffic is stopped from junction seven for Bowdon to junction six for Hale.

Motorway cameras show queues building up to the incident. In a post on X at 9.50am, National Highways said: “Traffic has been stopped on the M56 eastbound between J7 and J6 due to a multi-vehicle collision. @manairport.

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“Emergency services are en route. There are currently delays of 25 minutes on the approach.”

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates.

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Big Brother star Frankie in tears as he comes out on TV: ‘I’ve been in pain for so long’

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Big Brother star Frankie in tears as he comes out on TV: ‘I’ve been in pain for so long’

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Big Brother aired emotional scenes last night, as housemate Frankie came out as bisexual. 

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The 23-year-old Londoner said he had decided to go on the ITV reality show to share his sexuality for the first time.

Waking up for his first morning in the house, Frankie told his co-stars he had struggled to sleep the night before as he went to bed on ‘a really big low’.

The marketing manager decided to hash it out in the Diary Room on Tuesday night’s episode, explaining he had woken up ‘a little bit upset’. 

In what appeared to be the first time he had ever spoken about his sexuality, he said: ‘I needed to get it off my chest. I came on the show to come out, because I’m bisexual.’

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Frankie continued: ‘I’ve been in pain for so long – probably a year and a half or two years – just from the guilt and shame that I’m carrying from it.

Frankie said he had decided to go on the ITV reality show to share his sexuality for the first time (Picture: Big Brother/ITV)
Big Brother star Frankie in tears as he comes out on TV: 'I?ve been in pain for so long'
‘I’ve been in pain for so long – probably a year and a half or two years’ (Picture: Big Brother/ITV)

‘I just feel like I’ve let down a lot of people,’ he added, breaking down in tears while in the confessional room. 

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‘I’m just upset and I’m obviously worried as well,’ he said, referring to his apprehensions about how the news will go down ‘on the outside world’.

He said: ‘Some people might not want to be friends anymore. Some people want to avoid me, not be around me; I guess it’s a little bit sad.’

The Diary Room producer’s voice then asked Frankie what made him feel ready to take such a big step, and he said he felt ‘comfortable’ in the Big Brother setting.

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Frankie and Pauline on Big Brother, as Frankie cries.
Frankie told his co-stars he went to bed on ‘a really big low’ (Picture: Shutterstock for Big Brother)

The show’s social media channels shared the moment online, prompting an influx of support from celebs and ITV viewers alike. 

The Traitors alum Freddie Fraser, who also recently came out as bisexual, commented on the Big Brother post on Instagram: ‘Big up you Frankie boy.’

Are you tuning in to Big Brother?

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Geordie Shore’s Nathan Henry wrote: ‘The nation is so proud of you Frankie,’ while Kate Lawler, who was the first woman to win Big Brother, commented: ‘I feel for Frankie. 

‘That diary room chat was someone lifting a huge weight off their shoulders. I hope whoever he feels he’s let down is going to give him a hug when they see him next.’

Big Brother continues on ITV2 at 9pm.

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UK food wholesaler falls into administration after 6 years

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UK food wholesaler falls into administration after 6 years

Q Movers MFS Ltd, which operates as Rylance Farm Foodservice, supplied more than 2,500 products to caterers across the UK.

It made more than 40,000 deliveries using a fleet of over 30 temperature-controlled vehicles.

The company stocked leading brands including Walkers, Nestle, Tetley, Pepsi, Birds Eye, and Coca-Cola.

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Q Movers MFS Ltd falls into administration after 6 years in business

After six years in business (founded in 2020), Q Movers MFS Ltd has collapsed into administration.

Andrew David Rosler and Nick Clarkson of Ideal Corporate Solutions Limited were appointed joint administrators on September 3, according to The Gazette.

In accounts for the year to October 31, 2024, obtained by Business Sale Report, Q Movers reported a turnover of £16.8 million, down from £21.6 million the previous year.

However, operating losses fell from £205,000 to around £32,000.

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Rylance Farm Foodservice’s address in Burton upon Trent is listed as “permanently closed” on Google.

Q Movers/Rylance Farm Foodservice has been contacted for comment.

What happens when a company goes into administration?

When a company enters administration, it means that it is unable to pay expenses, debts, or other liabilities, according to SquareUp.com.

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Companies House adds: “When a company goes into administration, they have entered a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) with the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cashflow problems.

“An appointment of an administrator (a licensed insolvency practitioner) will be made by directors, a creditor or the court to fulfil the administration process.”



A statutory moratorium is put in place once a company enters administration, giving it “breathing space” to allow for financial restructuring plans to be drawn up free from creditor enforcement actions.

A company can continue to trade while in administration, but daily management and control are handed over to the administrators.

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Companies House continues: “Within 8 weeks it is the administrators’ role to formulate administration proposals.

“Creditors are then asked to vote by a decision procedure to approve the administrators’ proposals.

“If the administration involves a sale of all or part of the company’s business, the proceeds (after the costs of the procedure) will be distributed to creditors in a statutory order of priority.”

Administration will end automatically after 12 months unless the administrator asks the court or creditors for an extension.

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Through administration, a company can be:

  • Rescued and passed back to the directors
  • Enter liquidation
  • Be dissolved

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire’s, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation in May.

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Whitbread closed all its standalone UK restaurants earlier this month:



TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also be closing around 150 stores each across the UK.

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

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Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

The company responsible for iconic British bikemaker Raleigh, Accell Group, has also collapsed into administration, putting the 139-year-old British bikemaker at risk of closing.

Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services “until further notice” as it looks to appoint an administrator.

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Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:



UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out after being acquired by InPost.

It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

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Meanwhile, iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

Which company or store closure has impacted you the most in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.

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Bella Hadid makes the New York streets her catwalk as she puts on her own fashion parade while event-hopping in four stylish outfits

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Bella Hadid proved she was every inch the fashion chameleon as she showed off four different outfits while attending events in New York on Tuesday

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Bella Hadid proved she was every inch the fashion chameleon as she showed off four different outfits while attending events in New York on Tuesday. 

The supermodel, 29, made the streets her catwalk as she switched from minidresses to a vintage Ralph Lauren gown while party-hopping. 

Bella was seen leaving her hotel in a knitted grey midi-dress which she paired with a sheer blue shirt underneath. 

Only a short while later, Bella debuted another look as she headed to the Happy Diamond exhibition. 

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The fashionista showed off her model figure in a minidress and cream satin heels. She accessorised her look with a lemon yellow blazer and embellished handbag. 

Bella, who is an ambassador for Chopard, pulled out all the stops for their event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its free-moving diamond collection, held at Casa Cipriani. 

Bella Hadid proved she was every inch the fashion chameleon as she showed off four different outfits while attending events in New York on Tuesday

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The supermodel, 29, made the streets her catwalk
She switched from minidresses to a vintage Ralph Lauren gown

The supermodel, 29, made the streets her catwalk as she switched from minidresses to a vintage Ralph Lauren gown

At the end of the night, Bella hid her tiredness with a pair of sunglasses and returned to her hotel hand in hand with a pal

At the end of the night, Bella hid her tiredness with a pair of sunglasses and returned to her hotel hand in hand with a pal

She wore a vintage shimmering Ralph Lauren gown from 2008. The stunning piece featured a delicate cobweb design of thousands of tiny silver beads. 

Bella appeared in high spirits as she mingled with model Liu Wen and president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele. 

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At the end of the night, Bella hid her tiredness with a pair of sunglasses and returned to her hotel hand in hand with a pal. 

She changed out of the glamorous dress and into a slinky white silk minidress and burgundy suede heels. 

New York Fashion Week wrapped up on Tuesday. 

Bella recently reflected on her career and what success now means to her.  

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‘Success means something completely different to me now than it did a few years ago. I used to think it was about always working, always saying yes, always chasing the next thing,’ she told ELLE.

‘Now it feels a lot more simple. It’s having the space to wake up and actually enjoy my life, take care of myself, spend time with the people I love, and feel present in the moments that matter. The more I listen to myself and live in a way that feels honest, the more grounded and confident I become.’

Bella was seen leaving her hotel in a knitted grey midi-dress which she paired with a sheer blue shirt underneath and Valentino heels

Bella was seen leaving her hotel in a knitted grey midi-dress which she paired with a sheer blue shirt underneath and Valentino heels 

Only a short while later, Bella debuted another look as she headed to the Happy Diamond exhibition

Only a short while later, Bella debuted another look as she headed to the Happy Diamond exhibition

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The fashionista showed off her model figure in a minidress and cream satin heels

The fashionista showed off her model figure in a minidress and cream satin heels

She accessorised her look with a lemon yellow blazer and embellished handbag

She accessorised her look with a lemon yellow blazer and embellished handbag

Bella, who is an ambassador for Chopard, pulled out all the stops for their event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its free-moving diamond collection, held at Casa Cipriani

Bella, who is an ambassador for Chopard, pulled out all the stops for their event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its free-moving diamond collection, held at Casa Cipriani

She wore a vintage shimmering Ralph Lauren gown from 2008
The stunning piece featured a delicate cobweb design of thousands of tiny silver beads

She wore a vintage shimmering Ralph Lauren gown from 2008. The stunning piece featured a delicate cobweb design of thousands of tiny silver beads

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Bella appeared in high spirits as she mingled with model Liu Wen and president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele

Bella appeared in high spirits as she mingled with model Liu Wen and president of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele

She posed up a storm for photographers

She posed up a storm for photographers 

Bella then changed out of the glamorous dress and into a slinky white silk minidress and burgundy suede heels

Bella then changed out of the glamorous dress and into a slinky white silk minidress and burgundy suede heels

She added: ‘As I’ve got older, I’ve realised how important it is to create space for myself. Whether that’s slowing down, moving my body, or just taking a moment to reconnect, those little rituals have become such a big part of how I take care of myself.

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