The closure of the waterway, which transports a fifth of the world’s oil supply, is rocking international markets and sending fuel costs skyrocketing.
Brits were already facing a financial squeeze before the conflict began at the end of February.
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The latest Which? consumer insight tracker – recording from the month leading up to March 13 – found half of UK households are now making at least one adjustment, like selling their possessions or getting loans, to cover the cost of essentials on a daily basis.
The watchdog also found 67% of UK adults are now expecting the national economy to worsen over the next year.
However, the government has urged the public to carry on as usual while it puts “contingency plans” in place.
Keir Starmer also launched Labour’s local elections campaign on Monday by insisting his party understands “most people are concerned most of all about the cost of living”.
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In a separate statement, the prime minister promised the public that they “have a government on their side, working with allies on de-escalation and bearing down on the cost of living.”
But, he admitted: “We must go further to bear down on costs, and that means pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East and a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“That is the best way we can bring down the cost of living for families and that is my focus.”
Here’s a quick look at the measures the government is introducing on Wednesday – and their effectiveness…
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1. Increasing The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage
The government will be increasing the National Living wage to £12.71.
That works out to a £900 increase for 2.4 million workers aged 21 and over.
More than 200,000 young workers – those aged between 18 to 20 – will also enjoy a hike of £1,500 per year as the National Minimum wage goes up to £10.85.
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The director of the Living Wage Foundation, Katherine Chapman, said last November – when the change was announced – that this was “a really positive move’.
However, she claimed: “It will still fall short of the voluntary real Living Wage which is the only wage rate based solely on the cost of living.
“The real Living Wage is currently £13.45 in the UK with a higher rate of £14.80 in London.”
Chair of the Low Pay Commission, Philippa Stroud, also warned about the impact rising wages would have an businesses.
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She said in November: “In our discussions this year with workers and employers alike, it has been clear that no one is having an easy time.”
2. Cutting Energy Bills
The energy regulator Ofgem has decided the energy price cap will be set at £1,641 per year between April 1 and June 30.
That’s a decrease of 6.6% compared to between January 1 and March 31, when the annual price cap was at £1,758.
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However, the April-June cap was decided prior to the breakout of the Iran war.
The next cap, from July to September, will likely go up as a result of the conflict.
The government has suggested it may implement some targeted households for those most in need, rather than the universal support offered by Liz Truss’s government in 2022.
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Jess Ralston, the head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “Bills going up again because of war thousands of miles away will be a tough pill to swallow for households still saddled with debt from last time.”
3. Freeze On Prescription Prices Extended
NHS prescription charges in England have been frozen at £9.90 per item for the 2026/27 financial year to help with financial pressures.
Prescriptions will still be free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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However, the Prescription Charges Coalition’s Laura Cockram pointed out that people living with long-term conditions who are not exempt still feel the cost is too high.
She said: “No one should have to worry about affording the medication they need to stay well, so although a freeze on prescription charges is more welcome than an increase it’s not enough.
“Unlike in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, people in England with Parkinson’s and other long-term conditions still have to pay for the prescriptions they need to manage their health. The UK government must rethink.
“At the least, the government should review the prescription charge exemption list so people with long-term conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, asthma, HIV don’t have to pay an ill health tax.”
It’s money from the government which can be used for people struggling with a financial shock or unexpected finances. The fund will be focused on those who are in or close to poverty, disabled or in older households.
Anyone can apply for the fund for money towards their energy bills, food, clothing and furniture.
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It will replace the Household Support Fund which has now ended.
It’s thought the government may pump extra cash into the fund if fuel and energy costs do rise in the summer.
Anti-hunger charity, the Trussell Trust, welcomed the news, calling it a “major milestone”.
“Effective crisis support is crucial to prevent people from falling into severe hardship, so they can still afford the essentials we all need,” the charity said.
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However, it warned there is still work to do and “is not a substitute for the deeper reforms needed to the inadequate rates of social security which fail to protect people from going without the essential day to day”.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued travel warnings for certain border areas in three popular holiday destinations ahead of summer 2026
Tannur Anders UK & World News Reporter
04:05, 01 Apr 2026
Britons planning trips to three popular holiday destinations have been cautioned against visiting certain regions.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued travel warnings for parts of Turkey, Thailand and Mexico.
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With summer holidays fast approaching, it’s crucial to take on board advice from the FCDO before organising your getaway.
Turkey
Turkey-Syria border
The FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the Turkish border with Syria. This is due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism, the FCDO said.
Thailand
The FCDO also advises against travel to the following areas in Thailand:
Thailand-Malaysia border
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia.
These areas include: Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province, the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.
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FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.
Thailand-Cambodia border
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the land border with Cambodia.
In July 2025, the countries fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and unexploded landmines in the border area remain a point of concern.
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Mexico
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following areas of Mexico:
State of Baja California
State of Chihuahua
State of Sinaloa
State of Zacatecas
State of Michoacán
State of Jalisco
State of Colima
State of Guerrero
State of Chiapas
It is important to follow advise from the FCDO if planning a trip to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between July 11 and July 19.
The President of Ireland must first consult with the Council of State before referring legislation passed by the parliament to the Supreme Court over constitutional concerns.
Ireland’s president Catherine Connolly has appointed Irish language activist Linda Ervine and Professor Colin Harvey to her Council of State.
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Ms Connolly made seven appointments to the body which assists the Irish president in considering various matters.
The President of Ireland must first consult with the Council of State before referring legislation passed by the parliament to the Supreme Court over constitutional concerns.
The president can also communicate directly with the Irish parliament on a matter of public importance after consultation with the Council of State.
Ms Ervine, who is from east Belfast, is the manager of the first Irish language centre to be based in a loyalist area.
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She is also the founder of Scoil na Seolta, the first integrated school to teach through the medium of Irish.
Mr Harvey is a professor of human rights law and a former head of the School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast.
He is also a commissioner on the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, has served two terms as a commissioner on the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and is a member of the Scientific Committee of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
Along with Ms Ervine and Mr Harvey, Ms Connolly appointed law professor and Irish speaker Fionnuala Ni Aolain, sociologist Kathleen Lynch, law professor and the Legal Aid Board member Donncha O’Connell, law professor and director of the Child Law Clinic Conor O’Mahony and former president of Ollscoil na Gaillimhe/University of Galway, Ciaran O hOgartaigh.
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Ms Connolly said in a statement: “May I thank each of the nominees who have agreed to serve as a member of the Council of State.
“These seven members bring a unique expertise and range of experience to the Council of State which will be of immense value in considering the matters which may arise over the course of my term of office.
“I look forward to receiving their advice and support over the next seven years.”
The Council of State also consists of the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste, the Chief Justice, the president of the Court of Appeal, the president of the High Court, the Ceann Comhairle of Dail Eireann, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, and the Attorney General.
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It also comprises previous presidents, taoisigh and chief justices.
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Northern Ireland have two unconfirmed friendlies in June before the Nations League starts in September. The manager is confident his emerging talents are going in the right direction
Michael O’Neill has asked for some ‘realism from the media’ after being asked what it will take to get Northern Ireland back to a major tournament.
Italy ended their 2026 World Cup dream in the play-off semi-final in Bergamo last week, which meant they faced Wales in a meaningless friendly in Cardiff.
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The teams played out a 1-1 draw – all while Italy were knocked out by Bosnia – their third World Cup play-off exit in a row.
When asked what’s needed for his young Northern Ireland team to take the next step, O’Neill said: “Hopefully a bit of realism from the media.
“I mean we were drawn in a group with Germany and we had a play-off against Italy, so I think we’ve got to be realistic where we are,” he explained to BBC. “We’re a small nation, we’re not blessed with a squad of Premier League players.
“I think we’re punching above our weight, we gave a really good account of ourselves in the qualification.
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“When we saw the team at full strength in the games against Slovakia and against Germany we saw what we were capable of…so just give the team a bit of time to breathe, give it time to develop and I’m sure we’ll keep progressing.”
Northern Ireland have two unconfirmed friendlies in June before the Nations League starts in September. The manager is confident his emerging talents are going in the right direction.
“When you’ve got players at this stage of their career you’ve got to be careful with them, you’ve got to handle them the right way and they’ve got to be patient as well,” he added.
“I think we’ve done that extremely well and I think the coaching staff have been brilliant with the players. They’re learning all the time and that’s all we can do, continue to work.
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“I think this team, given the age profile of the player and given the fact that there’s only probably one or two players that may drop off in the next period of time and the lead up into obviously the qualification for Euro 2028, we’ve got the Nations League and we’ve got friendlies in June to help us develop and continue and be ready for that competition when it comes around.”
Jamie Donley raised hopes of a first Northern Ireland victory against Wales since Noel Brotherston’s winner at Ninian Park 46 years ago.
But Sorba Thomas secured a share of the spoils with an equaliser straight after the interval, extending Wales’ unbeaten run against their visitors to 10 games – five wins and five draws.
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UEFA had insisted Thursday’s beaten play-off semi-finalists – Wales had lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland to Italy – met each other in a match ridiculed by many as a waste of time.
Unsurprisingly, there were empty seats for a fixture that had been officially declared a sell-out weeks ago.
In the event, it was a decent contest but one that inevitably lacked the edge and jeopardy of a more meaningful affair.
Both sides made inevitable changes from Thursday but perhaps not as many as might have been expected.
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Wales made five alterations with Thomas, Ben Cabango, Josh Sheehan and Lewis Koumas included and Cardiff’s Joel Colwill getting his first senior international start on his home ground.
Harry Wilson took the armband with Ethan Ampadu among the substitutes.
Northern Ireland gave Patrick Kelly his first start in midfield as Ciaron Brown and Eoin Toal came into the defence and Conor Hazard replaced Pierce Charles in goal.
The two nations last met at Euro 2016 when an unfortunate Gareth McAuley own goal settled the tie in Wales’ favour.
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Northern Ireland were almost punished by another lapse inside seven minutes after Koumas seized on Isaac Price’s wayward pass and warmed the hands of Hazard.
Price was more productive at the other end, flashing a cross into the corridor of uncertainty that evaded everyone, before the visitors struck after 22 minutes.
Donley headed Justin Devenny’s centre on to a post and the rebound fell straight to him.
The Spurs forward currently on loan at Oxford poked home his second international goal and might have added another with a sweeter connection from Kelly’s cross.
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Northern Ireland’s attacks carried far greater danger and Price, just 10 yards inside the Wales half and having spotted Karl Darlow off his line, tried an audacious attempt that the Wales goalkeeper just about got to safety.
Hazard remained mostly untroubled with Colwill’s header blocked and Wilson sending a free-kick wide from 30 yards.
But Wales levelled within seconds of the restart, with half-time substitute Charles’ first task to pick the ball out of the Northern Ireland net.
David Brooks drove at the visitors’ defence and Thomas reacted quickest to the loose ball to claim his second Wales goal from close range.
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Charles did keep out a curling Wilson free-kick and Darlow provided an excellent stop from Brown’s close-range header.
Wilson fired just wide from 18 yards as Wales probed for a winner, but Northern Ireland almost snatched it the death as Callum Marshall’s header cleared the crossbar.
Hot cross buns are an Easter tradition, but this recipe has a savoury twist on the classic that beats any supermarket version
It feels as though New Year’s Day was only yesterday. In the blink of an eye, Easter is now just around the corner, even if the seasonal treats have been filling supermarket shelves for months.
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I grew up in a household where traditional Easter fare, such as hot cross buns, never made an appearance. I have a sneaking suspicion this was down to neither of my parents being particularly fond of them… it must have been the mixed spice. I’m all for bucking the trend, and unusual flavours appear to be very much on the hot cross bun menu at supermarkets this year.
I stumbled across one particularly intriguing recipe, which swaps out the sweet flavourings of a hot cross bun for a savoury spin. Anyone tempted by cheese with their hot cross buns?
That’s right – triple cheese hot cross buns. As the years go by, I’ve certainly noticed my palate gravitating more towards savoury rather than sweet, and these really caught my eye.
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If mixed spices, peel, or even fruit aren’t to your liking, this recipe harnesses a variety of cheeses to deliver bags of flavour. You’ll need a combination of grated cheeses alongside cubes of mature cheddar, reports the Express.
The recipe from Good Food featured in one of its magazines last year, and it’s taken me well over a year to finally give it a go. Even for the most inexperienced home baker, this recipe couldn’t be more straightforward. All it requires is just a touch of patience for proving.
The secret to ensuring the buns aren’t heavy once baked is getting the dough just right. During kneading – whether by hand or with a stand mixer – the dough needs to be soft and stretchy.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Overall, the dough requires a total of two hours and 15 minutes proving time, provided it takes that duration to double in volume. As I mentioned, patience is essential.
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For the cheese selection, I went for a Sainsbury’s packet of ready-grated cheese containing mozzarella, cheddar, Double Gloucester and Red Leicester. That’s in addition to the diced mature cheddar. You can never have too much cheese.
Each bun undergoes a complete transformation in the oven. The moment I removed them from the oven, the recognisable aroma of every mouth-watering bakery wafted through the kitchen. To achieve a subtle shine, simply brush the tops of the buns while they’re warm with a mixture of milk and caster sugar.
For me, I’d serve these warm – or even toasted – with a liberal spread of butter. They’re like a thicker, softer take on cheese on toast.
I’d choose cheesy hot cross buns over a traditional hot cross bun any day. This recipe suits anyone who’s had their fill of chocolate Easter eggs and sugary snacks.
Might I suggest, cheese-flavoured hot cross buns surpass the original? Could they match up to supermarket versions..?
Triple Cheese Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
7g fast action dried yeast
One tbsp caster sugar
75g salted butter, cut into cubes
300ml whole milk, warmed to room temperature
One egg
200g mixed cheeses (mix of cheddar, red Leicester and parmesan), grated
100g mature cheddar, cubed
One tsp dried mustard powder (optional)
Eight thyme spring, leaves picked (optional)
For the cross
For the glaze
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Two tbsp milk
One tbsp caster sugar
Method
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, sugar and one teaspoon of salt. Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Pour in the warm milk and egg, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for eight to ten minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for five minutes.
Fold in the grated mixed cheeses and cubed cheddar, kneading until evenly incorporated throughout the dough. If you’re using mustard powder and thyme, work them in at this stage too.
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Roll the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Drape a tea towel over the top and leave it to rise somewhere warm for an hour to an hour and a half, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knock it back to remove any air pockets. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each one into a bun.
Place them on a baking tray with a small gap between each. Drape a tea towel over the top and leave to prove for a further 45 minutes, or until nicely puffed up.
Preheat the oven to 190/170 (fan)/gas 5. In a small bowl, combine the plain flour with just enough water to create a thick paste.
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Spoon into a piping bag (or a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe a cross on top of each bun. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. While the buns are in the oven, prepare the glaze by warming the milk and sugar in a small pan until the sugar has dissolved. Put to one side.
When the buns emerge from the oven, promptly brush the glaze across the hot buns to create a shiny finish. Leave the buns to cool in the tin for roughly ten minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool down fully.
A Scottish man who is allegedly a high-ranking member of an international crime gang is set to be deported to Spain after being arrested in Bali.
Steven Lyons, 45, was taken into custody by immigration officers at Ngurah Rai International Airport on Saturday on arrival from Singapore. Untung Widiyatmoko, head of Interpol Indonesia, later confirmed his arrest.
He is wanted in the UK and Spain for alleged organised crime, drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as a murder that took place in Spain in 2024.
Lyons, who has been on Spain’s wanted list for about two years following a murder case there in 2024, will be extradited to Spain on Wednesday, Indonesian authorities have said.
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A picture taken on Tuesday shows him in an orange prisoner’s suit as he’s escorted by two police officers in Bali’s capital of Denpasar.
Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya said the arrest was part of a joint investigation involving Spanish and Scottish police.
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He said the 45-year-old was alleged to be the leader of “a large-scale transnational criminal organisation involved in narcotics trafficking and money laundering”.
According to Widiyatmoko, Lyons is alleged to have led a crime ring that used shell companies for money laundering in Europe and the Middle East – including in Spain, Scotland, England, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.
He said police in Scotland and Spain last week carried out raids in connection with Lyons’ case, resulting in multiple arrests with the help of Europol – a European Union law enforcement cooperation hub – and also Turkey, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
Scottish media have reported that Lyons survived a 2006 shooting in Glasgow that killed his cousin and later moved to Spain before settling in Dubai.
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Last May, his brother and an associate were shot and killed in a suspected gangland shooting at a beachfront bar in Fuengirola, southern Spain.
Roberto De Zerbi will be the new Tottenham manager (Getty Images)
They are winless in their last 13 Premier League games, their longest run without a top-flight success in 91 years and endured an embarrassing 5-2 capitulation against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash before a futile second-leg success served as their only win under Tudor, who was a left-field appointment when he replaced Thomas Frank in February.
But the club has opted for ex-Brighton and Marseille coach De Zerbi, who left the Ligue 1 side in February. It was initially thought that the 46-year-old was only happy to join Spurs at the end of the season, once he knew their league status, but has had a change of heart and will become head coach immediately to try and steer them away from the drop. He has signed a long-term deal, with no relegation clause.
A Tottenham statement said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as our new men’s head coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit.”
In a statement accompanying Tottenham’s announcement, De Zerbi insisted he is committed to the club’s “ambition for the future”. The Italian lasted less than two seasons in his previous two spells at Brighton and Marseille, and he has been immediately thrown into a relegation battle.
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“I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world,” said De Zerbi. “In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.
“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”
De Zerbi developed a reputation for possession-based, attacking football while in charge of Benevento and Sassuolo in his homeland before a spell at Shakhtar Donetsk was cut short by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He joined Brighton and secured European football for the first time in the Seagulls’ history during his first season in charge – ultimately reaching the last 16 of the Europa League during the following campaign.
That success saw him linked with managerial vacancies at giants such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich but his relationship with Brighton hierarchy completely broke down, leading to a mutual parting of ways at the end of the 2023-24 season.
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He then joined Marseille, finishing second in Ligue 1 in 2024-25 but leaving by mutual agreement in February 2026 after a Champions League exit in the league phase and a 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain domestically.
De Zerbi left Marseille in February (Getty Images)
When he was linked with the Spurs job, three Tottenham fan groups urged the club not to make the appointment, due to the Italian having backed controversial Marseille forward Mason Greenwood during his time in charge.
Ex-Manchester United attacker Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 owing to a “combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses” and due to “no realistic prospect of conviction”. Greenwood has since resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.
In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” and added: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”
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Mason Greenwood was defended by De Zerbi during his time in charge of Marseille (Getty Images)
Tottenham fan groups Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Reach and Women of the Lane all started a “No to De Zerbi” campaign due to the Greenwood association.
Proud Lilywhites said at the time: “We’ve seen the reports linking Roberto De Zerbi with the Tottenham job and honestly, it doesn’t sit right. As Proud Lilywhites, we care deeply about this club, not just what happens on the pitch, but what Tottenham stands for off it. This isn’t just about results or style of football. It’s about values, identity, and the kind of people we choose to represent us.”
In a statement following De Zerbi’s appointment, Proud Lilywhites said: “Whilst we disagree with the managerial choice, in terms of culture and competence, we will continue to support the players without pretending to be comfortable with the appointment.
“Staying silent is not the answer. But choosing when and where to be vocal matters. Managers come and go. Executives come and go. Players come and go. Fans remain. We are the constant in this club. We will continue to represent the views of our members to the club, alongside the other supporter associations. This is not noise or reaction. It is a considered position, and it is not going away.”
Standing in their way, though, is Jamaica, still reeling from the shock resignation of manager Steve McLaren. He hung up his coach’s whistle in November after overseeing a humiliating 2-0 defeat by Curacao, also missing out on automatic World Cup qualification. But the Reggae Boyz have been in fine form since replacing him with Rudolph Speid. They are unbeaten in five, most recently beating New Caledonia 1-0.
Stockton Council has announced this will affect various roads in Thornaby as part of a temporary traffic regulation order.
Starting from April 7, several roads will undergo temporary closures, as outlined in a drafted order available for viewing on the council’s website.
Provisions are also in place to introduce a one-way system on Baysdale Road, Thornaby, and temporarily revoke the prohibition of driving restrictions on Bassleton lane, Thornaby.
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The order may continue in force for a maximum period of eighteen months.
Stockton Borough Council propose to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the Highway Authority being satisfied that access to the said road should be prohibited because works are being or are proposed to be carried out on or near the road.
For more notices affecting YOUR area, visit our Public Notice Portal – Public Notices from The Northern Echo (publicnoticeportal.uk).
The police and emergency services will be informed of the closures prior to the works commencing.
Access for pedestrians and emergency services will be maintained through the works.
Bus services will be affected.
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The restrictions and roads affected are specified in the draft Order and plans which can be viewed on the Council’s website (Traffic Orders).
The English singer-songwriter, 60, on learning to appreciate good fortune, the benefits of stoicism, and being a trucker in another life
My morning ritual is …
I get up, go out, take a long walk and maybe get a coffee and some scrambled eggs somewhere.
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I feel optimistic about …
My life. As I get older, I’ve learned to appreciate just how lucky I’ve been. When I see things that are on the horizon for us, like the gigs we’re doing this year, I think “Oh, you jammy bastard!” I don’t want to ever forget how lucky I am.
What makes me angry …
Unkind people. Social media’s brought that to the fore. People are downright awful about other people. They’ve got no idea what that person’s life’s like, but they’re willing to jump in and say a snide remark for anybody in the world to hear. The world is a bit unkind at the moment.
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If I wasn’t a singer-songwriter, I’d have liked to have become …
A drummer. But I also really like driving long distances, so maybe a trucker in America would be cool. I’ve done some long drives in America, and the radio goes from country to rootsy country to cowboy country – it changes as you go.
The habit that has served me best in life …
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Being aware enough to be able to appreciate things. Don’t get me wrong – I can be an arsehole and I can moan about the size of sandwiches backstage at a gig. But generally the world I’ve been lucky to be in is full of people who moan about everything. It comes with insecurity.
The habit I’ve successfully kicked …
I don’t eat anywhere near as many sweet things as I used to. I’m one of those people who will get a chocolate bar, snap a bit off, have an espresso, then I’m done. I don’t need to eat the chocolate bar. In my 30s and 40s, I would’ve wolfed it down. I just don’t have a sweet tooth for it anymore.
There’s something in rock music that’s primeval and gut-wrenching, and lifts you out of something
My sources of joy are …
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Being with family friends. When you have the end of your life not that far down the road, you think “These are the moments…” One of my favourite things is to be on a beach on a holiday with friends and family, a little gang of you, the sun beginning to go down, and someone says “Anyone ready for a rosé?” I’m, like, “This is the best moment in life.”
When things get tough I …
Go for a walk and listen to music. There’s a band called Biffy Clyro and some of their music completely changes my mood. Foo Fighters do that, too. There’s something in rock music that’s primeval and gut-wrenching, and lifts you out of something.
The book I wish everyone would read …
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The Road Less Travelled by M Scott Peck. It was a game-changer for me when I read it 30 years or more ago. It’s a therapy self-help book. I did quite a bit of therapy in my late 20s and into my 30s, and, along with having an actual therapist, this book made me think differently about things.
‘I’m happy where I am. I wouldn’t want to change it,’ says Rick Astley
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The big thing I’ve changed my mind about in life …
When I was young, I thought the rich and privileged lived a problem-free life. But no matter how you were brought up, everyone has problems.
What keeps me awake at night …
When I’ve had too much to eat and drink. There’s very little that’ll keep me awake, but I do wake up early in a morning if I’m working on a track I’m excited about and sneak off into the studio.
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The thing that motivates me most of all …
The fear that it will all go away. It’s not a God-given thing to be where I am. 10 years ago, we weren’t playing arenas and we wouldn’t have three new albums to play from. It will go away, because that happens to everybody. But it’s about “When? How long can we hold on to it?”
I know when to talk to people and when to go ‘I’ll keep that one to myself’
My parents taught me …
My mum and dad worked hard and had a lot on their plates. They lost a son when they were very young, before I was born. They were very stoic. They taught me sometimes to keep hold of something yourself, maybe have a think about it, rather than telling everybody all the time, which is not always a good thing, but sometimes it is. I know when to talk to people and when to go “I’ll keep that one to myself. I’ll just let that one stew for a while before I want to talk to anybody about that.”
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I have this theory that …
The world as we see it is only a sliver. I’m not a conspiracy nut but I do think that the world has been formatted in a way, like, we have a Prime Minister or President and they’re in charge. But I don’t think they’ve ever been in charge. Nowadays, they don’t run anything. We live in a world where you have to think about yourself and the way you live it because no one else is going to sort it out for you.
I’d like to tell my younger self …
To enjoy your 20s a bit more. I became a bit more introverted because of what happened to me – having that hit record and a few others. But I won’t wish it was different because I’m happy where I am. I wouldn’t want to change it.
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Rick Astley is playing gigs across the UK for his Reflection tour from April 10-25. His autobiography, Never, is also out now in paperback (Pan, £10.99). See rickastley.co.uk.
Photography: Alex Lake
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Weather maps show snow could fall in Belfast, Manchester and Glasgow on Sunday, with the Met Office warning of unsettled wet and windy conditions across the UK over the Easter weekend.
Ethan Blackshaw Deputy Publishing Lead (Mirror) and Emma O’Neill Content Editor
21:29, 31 Mar 2026Updated 21:29, 31 Mar 2026
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Meteorological projection charts indicate snowfall will arrive in certain regions of the UK during the prolonged Easter break.
The ECMWF weather model indicates some flurries will strike the extreme north of Scotland on Friday afternoon – though more extensive snow is likely later during the weekend.
The ECMWF charts for Sunday depict snow descending on Belfast, Manchester and Glasgow around noon, with intermittent wintry showers anticipated throughout northern England and Northern Ireland, while substantial snow blankets western areas of Scotland.
The Met Office has warned Brits to anticipate “unsettled” conditions throughout the Easter weekend, with an “increasing likelihood of wet and windy weather” for certain regions, reports the Mirror.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Steven Keates, said: “As we head into Good Friday and Easter Saturday, the weather is expected to turn more unsettled, with spells of rain at times, some of which could be heavy. This will be followed by sunny spells and showers, with the driest conditions likely towards the southeast of the UK.”
“It is also likely to become windy at times across all areas, particularly in exposed north-western locations. While there remains some uncertainty in the detail at this point in time, there is a strong signal for wet and windy conditions to continue into the Easter Weekend.” BBC meteorologists have also indicated that blustery and damp weather is expected.
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The BBC prediction states: “Stronger winds could develop during the Easter weekend, with gales possible across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland as a vigorously deepening low pressure circulation approaches.
“There’ll be some heavy rain, and it could also turn wet in Wales and the north and west of England as a frontal system edges across. Southern and eastern England may stay dry until late in the day or overnight.
“Sunday will be a chillier and showery day, with frequent and often wintry showers across northern and western Scotland. Sunny spells could be interrupted by sharp showers elsewhere. Southern and eastern England should see the fewest showers and the most sunshine.”
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