Coronation Street fans knew that Cassie Plummer’s exit was on the cards. But that won’t make it any harder to watch the gobby Rovers’ regular tear-jerking goodbye, especially since according to actress Claire Sweeney, those tears were real.’

The soap star announced back in January that she was leaving the Street back in January, as she’s been cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of musical Annie.

But it wasn’t until recently that her final denouement really kicked off, thanks to the introduction of the villainous Ross Wilkes (Ian Burfield). Ross took advantage of Cassie when she was fifteen and paid her for sex, resulting in the birth of their son Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall).

We’ve already seen Ross threaten Cassie’s life to stop her interfering in his relationship with his long-lost son.

This week, Cassie’s mission to oust Ross from her family blew up in her face when she was caught spiking his smoothie to make sure he failed a drug test for his new job. This resulted in her being rejected by Tyrone, not to mention her long-time boyfriend Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) who caught her red-handed with the drugs and breaks up with her.

Despite knowing that she was going to leave, Claire admitted to being taken by surprise when it came to finally departing the Cobbles for good in a recent chat with Metro.

‘Honestly, I was in total denial. I just carried on as if I wasn’t leaving at all because I was having such a wonderful time with the storylines. I was absolutely loving every minute of it. It only really hit me about a week before the end, particularly when I started clearing out my flat in Liverpool and had to pack up my dressing room.’

‘I remember standing there thinking, “I can’t take these things out of my dressing room.” Even now, I still feel a bit in denial. Because I’m still in touch with everyone—chatting to Alan and Simon every few days—it doesn’t feel like I’ve moved on yet. For a while I hadn’t even started rehearsing for Annie, so it feels like I’m still part of the family.’

‘I couldn’t believe the quality of the writing they gave me for the end; it was beautiful. And Ross is played by Ian, who is just a brilliant actor. The scenes we shot were so poignant.’

The story takes a particularly heart-breaking turn when Cassie is forced to say goodye to her beloved grandchildren, Hope Stape (Isabella Flanagan) and Ruby Dobbs (Billie Naylor).

‘There was one specific scene at the end, saying goodbye to Hope and Ruby in the Dobbs house, where I literally sobbed. The tears were completely real. At one point, the director even asked me to hold back a little bit because it looked like I was having a breakdown on camera, but that was just how it felt. It was so genuine that the children started crying during the take, too. It was incredibly emotional.’

However, that’s not even Cassie’s final scene. The last we see of her is after she’s accepted a job as a cleaner on a cruise ship, then Ross arrives and offers her a lift in his car. He speeds off with Cassie in the passenger seat, leaving her end chillingly ambiguous. Claire reflects on Kathy’s fate.

‘She feels she has absolutely no choice. She has been rejected by the love of her life, Steve, and everyone else has turned their backs on her. She feels her life there has been destroyed. The only option left is to take that job on the cruise ship. Whether she actually makes it to that ship or what happens when Ross takes her—that’s the beauty of it. No one knows, and it’s left wonderfully open.’

First joining the show in 2023, Cassie was introduced as the long-lost mother of Tyrone, who struggled with drug addiction for many years, and finally managed to get clean and be the mum he always needed. In that time, we have seen her full character arc and redemption into the no-nonsense switchboard operator of Street Cars that we know and love… and Claire Sweeney has loved every moment of it.

‘It’s been an absolute joy.’ Claire gushes. ‘I’ve been blessed with brilliant, multifaceted storylines from start to finish. I went from being a “baddie” to someone who softened, particularly with Steve, who really brought out her vulnerability and honesty. I loved the comedy, the motherly instincts she developed with Tyrone, and the wonderful, forgiving friendship she had with Ken. Even the comedic elements of living with Tracy (Kate Ford) and Steve—the scripts were just brilliant. I’ve been so lucky.’

Her time on Coronation Street maybe coming to a close, but Claire’s managed to hold on to one keepsake from her days on the Cobbles.

‘I intended to take my battered old trainers, but I actually ended up leaving my dressing room table exactly as it was. I think it was a subconscious thing—I just wasn’t ready to let go. However, I did keep one special thing, the Heart badge with Cassie written on it, I was given during my very first scene with Simon Gregson at the speed dating event in the Rovers. It’s on my fridge now as a little reminder of where it all began.’

MORE: Coronation Street spoiler videos confirm huge exit and shock attack

MORE: Cassie loses everything in Coronation Street as vile Ross’ revenge works

MORE: More scheduling chaos as Coronation Street and Emmerdale to be taken off air again

Zia Yusuf said the party would launch ‘the largest military operation in the English Channel since WW2’

Reform UK would launch a military operation in the England Channel to stop small boats if it were in power, the party has said.

Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, said that Reform UK wants to launch “the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two” to stop small boat arrivals from France.

A Government led by Nigel Farage would send the Royal Navy into the channel to intercept all migrant boats there and return them to France or Belgium under a plan called “operation fortress”.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

The party says the plan is in line with international law and that it will both halt small boat arrivals and act as a humanitarian response. Labour criticised the “reheated” announcement and said “anger and easy answers won’t bring crossings down”.

Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, said: “Britain is being invaded. Tory and Labour governments responded with a free ferry service and free hotels. Reform UK will respond by launching the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two.

“Nigel Farage will order his Majesty’s Royal Navy to ensure that not a single unauthorised vessel crossing the English Channel makes it to the shores of the United Kingdom. Those who attempt it will be intercepted by our Armed Forces and returned to France.”

He said the move would make the border “impenetrable” and that “nobody” will be able to make it to UK shores via small boat.

The party said the situation in the North African Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where some 60,000 migrants breached the border to enter Spanish territory earlier this week, shows the “urgency” of Reform’s plan for the UK. Most of the migrants in Ceuta had walked back to neighbouring Morocco by Sunday.

Reform UK described the fundamental objective of its plan as humanitarian and claimed it would save lives in the Channel.

A total of 162 people died in the English Channel between 2018 and 2025, according to the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory.

The party proposes to set up a joint military command with units from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF and British Army as well as a surveillance command to track incoming boats.

The armed forces would intercept any unauthorised boats and detain their occupants, giving them water and food and a medical assessment before returning them under escort on navy vessels. They would pass emergency legislation “as necessary” to give the joint command any further required powers.

Last Wednesday marked the busiest day for small boat crossings across the English Channel so far this year, with 752 migrants arriving in the UK. But the number of overall arrivals for 2026 so far has dropped since last year.

The provisional total for the year so far is 14,526, 43% lower than the number recorded by this time last year (25,436) and down 14% on the same period in 2024 (16,903).

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Reform have reheated an old announcement in their latest desperate bid to distract from their growing sleaze scandals.

“Anger and easy answers won’t bring crossings down. The serious action we’ve taken has started to have a real impact and has led to 46,000 attempted crossings stopped, and 70,000 people with no right to be here removed.

“We know there’s more to do on this complex issue.”

Meanwhile, former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, who has since started his own Restore party, made an overture to Mr Farage.

He said in a video posted to Twitter that he was willing to put his differences with Mr Farage aside and have their parties work together if Reform UK took on some of Restore’s policies, such as a ban on the burqa and Halal meat and a referendum on the death penalty.

He also said Mr Farage would have to commit to not having any former Conservative ministers, such as Tory defectors Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, in any future Cabinet.

“I truly believe there could be sufficient common ground for our two movements to co-operate collectively (to) destroy the looming left-wing alliance that will finish off what hope remains for this country.

“We have recently shown how effectively co-operation can work locally on the Norfolk County Council, so why not at national level?” Mr Lowe said in a video posted on X.

The Reform UK leader appeared to give a lukewarm response in his own social media post, saying there will “always be a home in Reform UK” for those who reject the two main parties and think the country needs a “fundamentally different direction”.

He said he was building a “broad coalition” but that “only one party truly has the possibility of delivering change”.

The Streets brought their landmark 2004 album A Grand Don’t Come For Free to life at Scarborough Open Air Theatre last night (August 1) as part of a special UK tour performing the record in full for the first time.

Led by frontman Mike Skinner, the group delivered a 90-minute set filled with garage and grime anthems, nostalgic storytelling, and high-energy crowd interaction.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Fans were treated to hit singles including Dry Your Eyes, Fit But You Know It, and Blinded By The Lights.

The second half of the show featured more fan favourites such as Turn The Page, Who’s Got The Bag, and Never Went To Church.

Performing to fans at the barrier (Image: Provided)

Mike Skinner made his way into the crowd to perform Take Me As I Am from the back of the venue, finishing the night by crowd-surfing back to the stage.

Speaking prior to the tour, Mike Skinner said: “A Grand Don’t Come For Free was a moment in time – for me, and for everyone who grew up with it. I wrote it as a story from beginning to end, even studying screenwriting to shape it and without the faintest idea how people would react.

Fans at the barrier for The Streets (Image: Provided)

“We’ve been looking for something bold to do with the live show, and we landed here: some tracks have never been played live, others haven’t surfaced in years.

“It’s a new challenge to bring the whole journey to life on stage, but I have an incredible band and we always give everything every night. So I’m certain we’ll make finding out what happened to that thousand quid a party every night.”

The Streets at Scarborough Open Air Theatre (Image: Provided)

Special guests included masked UK rapper Casisdead and cult favourite Jimothy Lacoste, who opened the show.

TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre continues on Sunday with headliners Sex Pistols feat’ Frank Carter and special guests The Stranglers and The Undertones.

By DAN HODGES, DAILY MAIL COLUMNIST

Published: 21:16 BST, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 21:32 BST, 2 August 2026

Andy Burnham has finally decided to go where previous Labour leaders have feared to tread. Namely the White Cliffs of Dover, to announce the French farce which has seen the British taxpayer handing £160million to Emmanuel Macron to stop the small boats – only to see them being waved off by Gendarmes from the beaches of Calais with a cheery ‘Bon Voyage’ – will finally end.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister defiantly declared that he would be ‘relentless’ in confronting the Channel crisis. ‘The public don’t like the idea that the border looks like it’s not controlled. We need to bring back that control.’

A senior aide spelt out what that meant in practice: ‘The bottom line is payment by results. If certain tactics aren’t working, the funding stops.’

This bold rhetoric stands in stark contrast to his immediate predecessors. Keir Starmer’s premiership began to properly fall apart after he admitted his infamous statement that Britain was becoming an ‘island of strangers’ was one that had been inserted into a speech by his aides and been delivered without him even bothering to read it. The tough immigration policy it was meant to frame was also quickly disowned.

Advertisement

Jeremy Corbyn believed robust immigration rules were anathema to his socialist principles. And the closest Ed Miliband got to getting to grips with the issue was to put the word, ‘Controls On Immigration’, on the side of a mug.

So Burnham’s statement yesterday, though typically short on detail, marks a significant departure for his party. His critics will claim – with some justification – he has been forced to speak out by recent events.

Last week, Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp was subjected to a hostile intervention from a French coastguard cutter, which unleashed a few live rounds as part of a ‘training exercise’ as he attempted to highlight a surge in small-boat arrivals.

And the dramatic incursion into the Spanish territory of Ceuta by 60,000 illegal migrants from Morocco highlighted Europe’s widening migration crisis.

Advertisement

Andy Burnham yesterday during a visit to HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Dover

The Prime Minister defiantly declared that he would be ‘relentless’ in confronting the Channel crisis

But Burnham’s allies insist his intervention is more than just reactive political posturing. ‘During the by-election in Makerfield the issue of small boats came up again and again,’ I’m told. ‘He understands this is a major issue for working people.

Advertisement

‘And he’s said that in his first few weeks on the job he would be focusing directly on the big problems that have been ducked for too long and finally need to be addressed. Small boats is one of them.’

It also represents an answer to those within his party who have been expressing concerns that his priority will be to drag his party to the Left in order to shut down the threat from Zack Polanski and his insurgent Greens.

Worries that were heightened by the re-admission into his ranks of Left-wing firebrand Diane Abbott, and the appointment of three Left-wing MPs to the junior ministerial ranks of Parliamentary Private Secretary.

As another Burnham supporter joked: ‘How many Labour MPs have gone to Dover to highlight the small-boats issue? Apart from Andy, the only other person to do it is Mike Tapp.’

Advertisement

Tapp, the former Home Office Minister who recently left government after an unseemly scrap with Shabana Mahmood, is famed for his stridently populist stance on immigration.

What Burnham’s intervention also presages is a shift in focus in international affairs. Keir Starmer prized his cosy relationship with Macron and other European leaders.

Our new Prime Minister has indicated he’s prepared to ruffle some diplomatic feathers if necessary. And that his agenda is going to involve putting domestic priorities ahead of international ones.

There is a long way to go before Andy Burnham can claim to have gripped the small-boats crisis. But his more robust approach represents a welcome start. Vive la difference.

Advertisement

Sandi sang ‘I’m proud to be from Scotland’ to the tune of her hit ‘I wish I were a punk rocker’ surrounded by pipes and drums.

Scots Singer Sandi Thom kicked off the closing ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

She opened the show to chants of no Scotland no party.

She then sang ‘I’m proud to be from Scotland’ to the tune of her hit ‘I wish I were a punk rocker’ surrounded by pipes and drums.

Cammy Barnes then launched straight into Whisky Roll on the big screen asking whose up next just before Australian Delta Goodrem took over on the live stage.

Pyrotechnics fired off as a flurry of colour filled the stage representing each nation of the Commonwealth as she sang Ecliose form the Eurovision and Warrior.

Delta said: “Closing ceremonies have such a special energy – they’re a celebration of everything the athletes have achieved and of all the people who have come together through sport. It feels especially meaningful to return to a Commonwealth Games ceremony 20 years after performing “Together We Are One” at Melbourne 2006.”

Team Scotland proudly wore their cone heads as flags were waved in the air from around the Commonwealth.

Scottish rock legends Simple Minds are set to headline the closing ceremony before India receive the Commonwealth Games flag as the centenary edition of the multi sport event will be held in Ahmedabad in four years time.

Dance group Diversity are also due to show off some impressive moves, bringing their well known choreography and dramatic style to the Hydro stage.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, was in attendance at the closing ceremony.

He was seen chatting to First Minister John Swinney.

There was also a firework display along the River Clyde as the closing ceremony took place.

The Games, which saw around 3000 athletes from 74 nations take part, left Scotland in fourth place in the final medal table.

The competition took over the city for eleven days, with pop ups and special events at Glasgow cathedral, the City Chambers, Scotland House and the Merchant City.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Andy Burnham has insisted he wants to get a ‘grip’ of the small boats crisis, after more than 2,000 crossed the Channel into Britain during his first fortnight in power.

Mr Burnham travelled to Dover this afternoon for a visit to the country’s top migrant command room, as he championed a surge in border officers.

The new Prime Minister promised to ‘deal with it head on’ as he attempts to regain Labour’s credibility on illegal migration.

Speaking from the coast, Mr Burnham promised: ‘We have to deal with the issue rather than play politics with the issue. Just deal with it head on, grip it, and then make the changes that will bring that reassurance to the public.

‘The public don’t like the idea that the border looks like it’s not controlled.

‘We need to bring back that control, but also we need to offer support for people who genuinely need it.

‘It’s about changing the whole approach, and slowly but surely we are putting in place those building blocks of a very different approach to this issue. It’s working, but there’s more to be done.’

Hitting back, the Tories accused Mr Burnham of being ‘too weak’ to stop the ongoing migrant crossings, and called on him to follow their plan to quit the ECHR.

Visiting the migration nerve centre, Mr Burnham insisted Labour is tackling the crisis despite more than 2,000 migrants crossing the Channel since he became PM two weeks ago

Shabana Mahmood announced she has more than doubled the number of National Crime Agency officers taking on the people smugglers

Advertisement

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp blasted: ‘77,000 illegal immigrants have crossed since the election, including over 2,000 since Andy Burnham became prime minister.

‘Labour has not smashed the gangs as they promised over two years ago. I saw for myself just last week hundreds of illegal immigrants departing a French beach while the gendarmes Shabana Mahmood is paying for stood by and did nothing.

‘The Conservative plan is to leave the ECHR so all illegal immigrants can be deported within a week of arrival. If Andy Burnham was serious he would do this – but he’s too weak.’

Mr Burnham’s fresh promise to grip the crisis and restore Britain’s borders came as the Home Office confirmed a surge in border guards.

Shabana Mahmood, who retained the job in Mr Burnham’s reshuffle, said that officers at the National Crime Agency tasked with tackling organised immigration crime have more than doubled since the start of 2025.

They have increased from 376 to ‘almost 800’, and contributed to almost 300 arrests last year as they target the people smuggling gangs.

The department also said NCA officers, working alongside international allies, have seized more than 1,100 small boats and engines before they could be used to transport up to 72,000 migrants across the Channel.

Ms Mahmood, who visited the NCA’s headquarters in Stratford, East London, said: ‘We have more than doubled the number of NCA officers working on immigration crime to tackle the gangs who profit from illegal small boat crossings.

‘We have seized over a thousand boats and engines, arrested thousands of criminals, and stopped tens of thousands of attempted crossings.

‘There is more to be done, but this Government is restoring control at our border.’

2,000 new small boat migrants entered Britain since Mr Burnham entered Downing Street just two weeks ago, including 326 in four dinghies today.

It brings this year’s numbers up to 14,526.

Mr Burnham said he had been in contact with Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez following the scenes of chaos in Ceuta this week, when around 60,000 Moroccans swarmed the Spanish enclave on the north coast of Africa.

The Prime Minister cited Mr Sanchez’s claim that around 98% of the number have already been returned to Morocco, but warned: ‘There’s a broader issue about the Schengen area and our relationship with it.’

Jadon Sancho is a free agent after being released by Manchester United and has been training with 10th-tier club Flixton FC

Non-league team Flixton has been forced to issue a statement about former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who has been training at the club’s facilities.

United released Sancho at the end of June following the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford, and he was joined by the likes of Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia in leaving the club as free agents.

Sancho joined United in the summer of 2021 from Borussia Dortmund for around £73million, but went on to score just 12 goals across 83 appearances for the Reds.

Before his departure, Sancho had loan spells with former club Dortmund, as well as Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Without a club, Sancho has been training alone at Flixton FC in Greater Manchester. In a video posted on the tenth-tier club’s social media channels, he spoke highly of their facilities, sparking some light-hearted speculation that he might drop down to non-league football.

“You’ve got a nice layout here,” Sancho said. “It’s my first time around this area, and it’s the first time I’ve seen a nice pitch [in this area] apart from United and City.”

The club, whose assistant manager is Rhodri Giggs – brother of United legend Ryan – have moved to set the record straight. In an official statement, Flixton owner Christopher Garcia said: “Over the past few days, we’ve seen a number of posts and comments circulating regarding Jadon Sancho’s visit to Flixton FC.

“To clarify, Jadon was not on trial with the club and was not involved in any transfer discussions. He simply used our facilities for a private training session to maintain his fitness while preparing for the next chapter of his career.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

“We’re proud that the quality of our pitch and facilities made Flixton a place where a player of his calibre felt comfortable training, and he is welcome to train at Flixton FC whenever he wishes.

“During his visit, Jadon was nothing but professional, humble, and generous with his time. After completing his session, he happily met with young supporters, posed for photos, signed autographs, and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

“Jadon is a world-class footballer who has achieved more in the game than most players could ever dream of. He deserves respect for both his accomplishments and the way he conducted himself during his visit, not the unwarranted criticism that has followed.

“We thank Jadon for choosing Flixton FC as a place to train and wish him every success in the next stage of his career, which will undoubtedly be at a level far above where we currently compete. Our doors will always be open to him.”

Sancho has not been linked with many potential new clubs so far, with Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan among the few sides to make an enquiry.

The winger is reportedly open to a move to the Middle East, where the Saudi Pro League remains a possibility, or alternatively remaining in Europe.

Countdown to Kickoff: The Ultimate 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season with more than 1,400 live games across the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

Every subscription now comes with 135 channels alongside free subscriptions to HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.

Advertisement

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have joined his godfather Elton John on his yacht miles from where his estranged parents are holidaying in the South of France.

It marks the closest Brooklyn, 27, has been from his estranged family in months as they holiday just along the coast of the French Riviera. 

Victoria and David were most recently seen on their yacht in St Tropez, 75 miles away from their son, who is staying on Elton’s boat near Nice.

Once again, Brooklyn skipped his family’s annual getaway on the £16million yacht once again after severing ties with his parents and siblings.

Instead, he united with Elton and his husband David Furnish, where they were spotted chatting on board the vessel.

Christmas 2024 was the last time the Beckham clan were pictured with Brooklyn and Nicola before they lost all meaningful communication.

During his trip, David appeared deep in thought as he wrapped his arm around his beloved son Romeo, while his eldest Brooklyn enjoyed a holiday without him.

Meanwhile, the aspiring chef appeared in high spirits as he was seen laughing and giggling with Nicola.  

David appeared deep in thought as he wrapped his arm around his beloved son Romeo… while his eldest Brooklyn enjoyed a holiday just miles away

The Beckhams and Elton have been pals for more than 30 years, with David affectionately calling the musician ‘Uncle Elton’ after the pair became friends in his football heyday 

Advertisement

Before arriving in St Tropez, Victoria and David visited different parts of the Balearic Islands with Romeo on their luxury £16million yacht, Seven.

Instead of choosing to patch things up with his family, Brooklyn holidayed with his wife, Elton and other friends just a small distance away.

The Beckhams and Elton have been pals for more than 30 years, with David affectionately calling the musician ‘Uncle Elton’ after the pair became friends in his football heyday.

Yet Elton appears to be pledging an allegiance with Brooklyn and Nicola as they enjoyed a luncheon on the sundeck.

Brooklyn and Nicola, 31, put on a very tactile display as they held hands while stepping off the boat.

Nicola slipped into a lace white minidress and wore beige heels while Brooklyn cut a casual figure in denim shorts and a white T-shirt.

Elton appeared in high spirits as he was pictured smiling and laughing with Brooklyn and Nicola on the sundeck. 

Elton seems to have acted as a mediator throughout the feud, with Brooklyn and Nicola seen holidaying with the hitmaker on multiple occasions.

The couple were also seen having a stern conversation at Elton’s exclusive Oscars viewing party earlier this year. 

Brooklyn skipped his family’s annual getaway on the £16million yacht once again amid their ongoing family feud 

Victoria and David are currently holidaying in Port de Saint-Tropez just a close 75 miles away from their distant son

Instead, he united with his godfather Elton and his husband David Furnish on their superyacht along the coast in Nice 

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the aspiring chef appeared in high spirits as he was seen laughing and giggling with Nicola 

Their separate yacht trips appears to be the closest the estranged family have been in proximity since the fallout

Instead of choosing to patch things up with his family, Brooklyn holidayed with his godfather and wife just a small distance away 

Earlier in the day, the Beckhams were pictured relaxing on their luxury £16million yacht, Seven

Advertisement

David showed off his ripped physique as he enjoyed a dip in the sea

Elton was due to perform at the Beckhams’ wedding in 1999 before suffering a heart attack that prevented him from playing – yet he later sang at Brooklyn’s christening. 

Victoria once disclosed that Elton inspired her to say goodbye to the Spice Girls, penning an emotional letter to her older self where she confessed that watching her friend perform made her realise that her true calling lay beyond singing. 

Victoria and David recently followed the World Cup around the US with Romeo, Kim, Harper, 15, Cruz, 21, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

Despite living across the pond, their eldest son Brooklyn has avoided all family outings amid their ongoing estrangement. 

In January, Brooklyn released a scathing six-page statement denouncing his parents and declared he was no longer part of ‘Brand Beckham’.

Brooklyn also claimed David and Victoria had controlled him for much of his life, attempted to drive a wedge between him and Nicola and left him embarrassed when his mother danced ‘inappropriately’ with him during the first dance at his wedding.

He has not acknowledged any of his parents’ birthdays or milestones publicly since their rift began, around the time of David’s 50th celebrations, and failed to share a post for Father’s Day this year.

It was previously reported that Brooklyn was ‘furious’ that his parents had included him in a Father’s Day post and wants them to ‘leave him alone’.

Shortly before Christmas last year, Brooklyn blocked his parents on Instagram, while his lawyers later wrote to the Beckhams’ team requesting all communication be conducted through legal representatives. 

The Daily Mail contacted Brooklyn’s representatives for comment at the time.

Elton appears to pledging an allegiance with Brooklyn and Nicola as they enjoyed a luncheon on the sundeck

Advertisement

Nicola slipped into a lace white mini dress and wore beige heels while Brooklyn cut a causal figure in denim shorts and a white T-shirt

The couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other

Elton appeared in high spirits as he was pictured smiling and laughing with Brookyln and Nicola on the sundeck

Elton seems to have acted as a mediator throughout the feud

Advertisement

Brooklyn and Nicola seen holidaying with the hitmaker on multiple occasions

Nicola hugged a member of the crew on Elton’s yacht

Nicola caught some sunshine on the sundeck

She chatted with Brooklyn onboard

Advertisement

The couple headed out in the quaint streets

Nicola received a helping hand off the boat

Earlier this year, Brooklyn was accused of selling his family out for a big sum following the release of his two-part DoorDash commercial. 

Five months after declaring that he and his wife Nicola want privacy, Brooklyn was savaged by fans, who branded him ‘classless’ after he collaborated with the food delivery firm for the sponsored video.

In the teaser clip for the advert released on June 15, Brooklyn smirks and says: ‘You’re probably wondering why I’m watching the Fifa World Cup 2026 from home… It’s a long story.’

It has been taken as mocking parents David and Victoria with whom he no longer speaks – and profiting off their name, while friends of the Beckhams have said the pair are ‘devastated and inconsolable’ by the jibe.

By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 11:59 BST, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 21:11 BST, 2 August 2026

Boxer Lee Reeves is ‘critical but stable’ having been hospitalised after being knocked out during his defeat by Gary Cully on Saturday night.

In what proved to be an enthralling all-Republic of Ireland bout, Reeves was stopped in the 10th and final round by Cully – who sent him tumbling to the canvas with a huge left hand.

There was immediate concern from those inside the 3Arena in Dublin as Reeves stayed down for several moments as officials and medical staff quickly came to his aid.

The 31-year-old was given some oxygen before he left the venue being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

Advertisement

A spokesperson from Queensberry Promotions said on Sunday evening: ‘Lee Reeves is still in hospital, in a critical but stable condition. 

‘We will know more in the coming days, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Lee and his family.’ 

Lee Reeves (right) was rushed to hospital after being knocked out by Gary Cully on Saturday

Advertisement

Reeves was immeadiately attended to by after being stopped in the 10th round of his defeat – he is now ‘stable but critical’

Taking to X to provide an update, Queensberry promoter Frank Warren had previously written: ‘All our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Reeves and his family at this time as he remains in hospital.

‘Everyone at Queensberry is thinking of him and we’re in constant contact with his team regarding his condition as we hope for positive news.’

Victory for Cully meant he claimed the BUI Celtic super-lightweight title but despite the victory, his thoughts were with Reeves.

Advertisement

‘My prayers and thoughts are with Lee Reeves, hopefully he’s okay,’ said a concerned Cully.

‘He came in there as a big underdog after fighting relatively at a lower level up until now, but he really showed that he can operate at a higher level. Huge credit to him.’

This was the dramatic moment a car burst into flames on Belfast’s M2 tonight.

The incident happened at around 8.30pm on Sunday August 2 on the Fortwilliam off-slip in the north of the city.

Witnesses told Belfast Live that flames were shooting from the rear of the car before it pulled off the motorway and came to a halt.

People were then seen exiting the black Ford Fiesta and there have been no reports of injuries. Other motorists then alerted the emergency services and directed traffic away from the flames until 999 crews arrived.

This is a breaking news event, please stay with us as we keep you up to date.