Joe – who penned the script of the original Basic Instinct, as well as the likes of Flashdance and Showgirls – explained he’s almost done with writing a new spin on the original 1992 erotic romance.
He claimed: “The producers are negotiating with a really interesting director – a Brit, Emerald Fennell – who did Promising Young Woman and Wuthering Heights.”
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“Her sensibility is exactly right,” Joe continued. “She’s someone who is not afraid of controversy and sexuality. So I’m thrilled by that. I hope it works out.”
After working both behind and in front of the camera on screen, Emerald made her feature-length directing debut in 2020 with Promising Young Woman, which was nominated for five Oscars and won one in the Best Original Screenplay category.
She followed this with Saltburn, a dark comedy thriller set in the mid-2000s, which got everyone talking thanks to its many twists and rather graphic sex scenes upon its release in late 2023.
Barry Keoghan in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn
The original Basic Instinct was a box office smash upon its release, with Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas in its lead roles.
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A much-panned sequel eventually followed in 2006, winning Worst Picture and Worst Actress at that year’s Razzies.
Boxing Day lands on a weekend, which means a bank holiday substitute day is placed the following Monday
This year, millions of employees across the UK will get a three-day working week over Christmas, thanks to Boxing Day falling on a Saturday. Whenever a bank holiday, such as Boxing Day, lands on a weekend, a ‘substitute day’ is allocated so that there is a bank holiday during the week.
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Different nations across the UK have different rules when it comes to bank holidays. England and Wales recognise eight bank holidays per year, with some exceptions for special circumstances. An example of these exceptions was in 2022 when the UK had two extra bank holidays – one on June 3 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and another on September 19 for the Queen’s funeral.
Northern Ireland and Scotland have some extra bank holidays, with the former recognising ten and the latter nine. In 2026, Scotland has an extra bank holiday to celebrate their participation in the World Cup, falling on Monday 15 June.
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Across the globe, India is the nation with the most bank holidays, with 21 days as official national holidays. Sadly for us living here in England, there is only one country in the world which celebrates fewer bank holidays, and that is Mexico which only recognises seven official public holidays.
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Historically the UK used to have 33 official holidays on the calendar, made up mostly of saints days and religious celebrations. But in 1834, it was decided this was too many, and by 1871, the Bank Holidays Act had the number reduced and made into law.
This year, Boxing Day (December 26) lands on a weekend, which means a substitute day is given on the following Monday – December 28. And then New Year’s Day falls on the Friday of that week, making it just a three-day working week.
Here is a full list of the remaining bank holidays for England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Police were alerted at around 12.30pm on April 5 to an incident on Chorley New Road, close to the Bee Hive pub.
Officers attended and found the item was deemed a “non-viable” weapon, with police confirming it had been made to resemble a gun.
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.
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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told The Bolton News: “At around 12.30pm on April 5, officers responded to reports of a male with a firearm on Chorley New Road, Bolton.
“One man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm, and the item has been deemed non-viable.”
Another force spokesperson confirmed to The Bolton News that the item in question closely resembled a stick.
A spokesperson for the Bee Hive said: “The safety of our customers and team is our top priority and we temporarily restricted access to the pub as a result of an incident in the local area on Sunday.
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“We’re grateful for the quick response of the emergency services and reopened soon afterwards on the advice of the police.”
This Morning star Alison Hammond was quick to praise her colleagues ahead of their new show
Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
18:09, 07 Apr 2026
ITV viewers are in for a delight as a brand-new series kicks off this month, hosted by two This Morning stars.
Josie Gibson and Dan Hatfield, a regular expert on ITV’s This Morning, will be presenting How to Clean Up for Cash. They’ll journey across the country, encountering families who have the chance to convert their clutter into cash.
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While the families are preoccupied with a decoy TV programme, Josie covertly enters their homes to pack up their clutter, assisted by decluttering specialist Jacqueline McLeod and Dan Hatfield.
Upon returning home, the ‘clutter culprits’ face a choice: do they retain the clutter or opt for the cash?
Announcing the news on Instagram, Dan Hatfield gave a sneak peek of what audiences can anticipate, reports Birmingham Live.
He captioned the post: “HUGE TV NEWS I’m so excited to finally reveal that the secret filming project I’ve been teasing, is..How to Clean up for cash… coming to ITV next Monday (13th April) at 7:30pm.
“I’ve been travelling up and down the country with the gorgeous Josie and formidable Jacque to help people tackle their clutter and make some cash!
“Josie convinces the clutter culprits that we have sent them away from their homes to film a different show, whilst secretly we clear out and box up their belongings.
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“When they return, we make them a cash offer for their items. Will they take it, or will they unbox their items and put them back?”
Dan hinted that viewers can anticipate remarkable discoveries, unexpected twists and ‘bags of emotion’ throughout the series, scheduled to broadcast over the forthcoming six weeks.
The post quickly garnered responses, with numerous individuals extending their congratulations, including their This Morning colleague Alison Hammond.
She posted: “This is gonna be great.” The Coupon King, another regular on the ITV programme, chimed in: “This is such a fun idea! Saw an advert for it earlier.”
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Another user expressed: “Love this so much, darling! Can’t wait to watch xx.” A different individual enthused: “Sounds amazing! We can’t wait to watch.”
A fan commented: “Cannot wait to watch – huge congratulations xxx” While another shared: “Oh wow !! This sounds amazing, a definite watch!”
Before the show’s premiere next week, Josie remarked: “How To Clean Up For Cash is a show with so much heart. It isn’t just about decluttering, it’s about bringing people together.
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“We’re on the ground, in homes across the country, showing viewers how much their everyday items might be worth.”
How to Clean Up for Cash airs Monday April 13 on ITV from 7:30pm
Baggy Khan, who is running to be a councillor in the Halliwell ward, posted a story to his public Instagram account which shows him sitting in the driver’s seat before the camera flips to show the steering wheel as the car drives down the motorway.
It is unclear when the video was taken, but other videos still on his Instagram appear to show him recording while driving in October 2022 and June 2023.
Mr Khan said that the videos were “very old” and he “won’t be posting driving videos” in the future.
Baggy Khan (Image: Baggy Khan)
Bolton Labour condemned the footage, which they said was “extremely dangerous” and showed “disgraceful judgement and behaviour that puts other road users and pedestrians at risk”.
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They called on Greater Manchester Police to investigate the footage to determine if any road traffic offences had been committed.
Cllr Rabiya Jiva, who is Bolton Council‘s Labour executive cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Residents in Halliwell have a right to expect that anyone asking for their vote takes public safety seriously.
“This footage appears to show shocking irresponsibility.
“If a Green Party candidate thinks filming content while driving is acceptable, then the Greens need to explain that judgment to the public.
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The posts appear to show Mr Khan recording while driving (Image: Baggy Khan)
“Greater Manchester Police should review the video, and Bolton Green Party should now seriously consider whether Baggy Khan is fit to stand for elected office.”
Cllr Hanif Alli, councillor for Halliwell and chairman of Bolton Green Party, said the party is “internally investigating” the incident.
He said: “The Green Party takes this matter very seriously and we’re investigating it and will be talking to all candidates that, although campaigning is important, it’s not above the law.”
When people hear Slimming World, their first thought is often weight loss—and rightly so. Supporting members to lose weight and improve their health is at the heart of everything we do. But to see Slimming World as only a weight loss programme is to miss something truly special.
Russia and China have blocked a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz – this is a breaking story
Husna Anjum Senior Live News Reporter and Eliana Nunes
17:25, 07 Apr 2026
Russia and China chose to block a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This happened just hours before Donald Trump’s dramatic deadline for Iran to re-open the vital shipping route.
The Mirror reports the Bahrain-sponsored resolution failed after receiving 11 votes in favour, two abstentions and two against (Russia and China). Both countries hold veto power on the council.
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The vote took place before the deadline of Tuesday 8pm ET (1am BST Wednesday) set by the US president for Iran to reopen the strait or face attacks on its power plants and bridges.
One-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through the strait, and Iran’s blockage of the route has sent energy prices soaring.
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Greater Manchester Police issued an appeal to the public via social media on Tuesday, April 7, asking for help in finding the next of kin of Alan Harper.
The force said he died at Hemsworth Road, Bolton, on Thursday, April 2, and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Anybody with any information should call the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.
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A spokesperson for GMP said: “Do you know the next of kin of a man from Bolton?
“Alan Harper (48), sadly died at Hemsworth Road, Bolton, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
“Any info? Call the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.”
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Once the police have the details that they need, they will be passed along to the Coroner’s Office to let full cause of death be established.
A healthy conversation has a natural rhythm, a give-and-take in which both people feel heard, understood and valued. But with some people, that balance never quite happens.
That’s the case with what experts call “conversational narcissism.”
“Conversational narcissism is a communication style wherein an individual centres themselves in conversations, engages in oneupmanship, fails to ask follow-up questions and has a difficult time maintaining interest in what other people have to say,” Natalie Moore, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told HuffPost.
A conversational narcissist can leave you feeling drained and like you couldn’t get a word in edgewise. They tend to be inattentive and lack curiosity.
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“Whatever you share is quickly met with a more extreme or more compelling version of their own experience,” said Tracy Ross, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in couples and family therapy. “Over time, the conversation stops feeling like an exchange and starts to feel one-sided. It results in leaving an interaction feeling unsatisfied and empty.”
Conversational narcissists don’t necessarily have narcissistic personality disorder, though some may fall somewhere on the narcissism spectrum.
“It’s also important to note that many of us have been guilty of conversational narcissism from time to time,” said Lauren Maher, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma and narcissistic abuse recovery. “If you notice that you’ve inadvertently done this, take a breath, make sure that you bring the conversation back to the original speaker and follow up by asking them questions about their experience.”
There are also best practices for those who find themselves interacting with a conversational narcissist. Below, experts break down ways you can navigate these situations while protecting your energy and reclaiming your voice.
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Acknowledge your feelings ― but try not to take it personally.
“First, acknowledge any feelings that are arising for you ― such as frustration, indignation, anger, disappointment or loneliness,” Moore said. “Engaging in an interaction with someone who is a conversational narcissist can bring up lots of intense feelings, especially if you’re someone who spends effort maintaining balance in conversations who values reciprocity in relationships.”
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If I’m grabbing lunch with a friend who tends to over-talk, I might say right at the start, ‘I’ve had such a heavy week and I really need to vent for a few minutes ― is it OK if I go first?’
– Dr. Sue Varma, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University Grossman School of Medicine
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Try not to take someone’s conversational narcissism too personally.
“Know that what you’re experiencing has nothing to do with how interesting or valuable you are, but has more to do with the other person’s ability to take an interest in you,” Moore said.
Consider that a conversational narcissist might also be a kind and generous person in other ways.
“Is the person able to celebrate your wins and be happy for you and be there for you in your time of need? That to me is most important. If they are a true, solid, loyal friend, you can and should give them grace.”
Be direct about what you need.
“Keep in mind what your objective is in your communications with this individual,” Moore advised. “If your goal is to be seen, heard and understood, you will probably be frustrated and not get what you want. But if your goal is to communicate something specific, find a pause or an opportunity to interrupt and get straight to the point.”
Take a more efficient, practical approach. Adding a little structure to your conversation can ensure you achieve your goal. Being clear and direct about what you need is crucial.
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“Set the intention,” Varma said. “If I’m grabbing lunch with a friend who tends to over-talk, I might say right at the start, ‘I’ve had such a heavy week and I really need to vent for a few minutes ― is it OK if I go first?’”
Set limits.
“Protect your peace and walk away if the conversation doesn’t become two-sided or beneficial in any way,” said communications consultant and author Amelia Reigstad.
Setting limits around how much you engage and share can help keep intense emotions at bay.
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“If you find that a person is not willing to take accountability for their behaviour, or you feel drained, resentful or even a bit ‘used’ after conversations with this person, then this may be a sign that you need to set much stronger boundaries with this person,” Maher said. “This may include excusing yourself from the conversation or setting a time limit for yourself on how long you will participate in the conversation.”
Fiordaliso via Getty Images
Dealing with a conversational narcissist requires direct communication and boundaries.
If the conversational narcissist in question is also a fundamentally narcissistic person, you’re better off saving your energy than continuing to engage with them or falling under their control.
“Don’t ‘over-fuel,’” Varma said. “Sometimes, being a ‘great listener’ actually encourages the behaviour. If you’re giving 100% of your focus to someone who isn’t giving it back, it’s OK to lean back, give shorter responses, and politely wrap things up when you’ve hit your limit.”
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Adjust your expectations.
“If the pattern continues, it’s also important to adjust your expectations and protect your own energy,” Ross said. “Not every relationship will offer the kind of mutuality you’re looking for, and recognising that can help you engage more intentionally, rather than leaving interactions feeling depleted.”
Come to terms with what the a conversational narcissist can actually provide.
“Manage your expectations,” said therapist and “Disarming The Narcissist” author Wendy Behary. “You’re not going to get a whole lot back in the way of a real, reciprocal conversation ― the real give and take of ‘I see you, I feel you. I sense you. You see me, you feel me. You sense me.’”
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Practice empathic confrontation.
“I think if it’s someone who’s really intimate in your life, you may want to use the beautiful strategy of empathic confrontation,” Behary said. “Say, ’I know you’re very excited about what you want to share with me, but I have to tell you, I’m feeling a little bit forgotten in what I just shared with you. I feel like we moved very quickly from my experience into your experience, and I just want to be honest with you because you’re my dear friend, or because you’re my husband or whoever.”
With an acquaintance, you might choose to simply set limits or avoid them, but a more direct approach could be preferable for someone with whom you’re more intimately involved.
“Empathically confront them and hold them accountable for this very self-absorbed way of communicating,” Behary said.
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Use gentle pivots to redirect the conversation.
“I’m a big fan of the ‘gentle pivot,’” Varma said. “You can say, ‘I love hearing about your trip, but before we move on, I really wanted to finish telling you about my new project.’ Believe it or not, the other person may genuinely be interested in hearing what you have to say and want to know what you’ve been up to.”
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A person who is not narcissistic will usually reflect on their behavior, take accountability, and try to make more space for you in future conversations.
– Lauren Maher, licensed marriage and family therapist
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You can “reclaim the ball,” so to speak, in a way that still protects your energy.
“Re-direct the conversation back to you ― ‘Thanks for that, great point, however, I’d love to share my perspective,’” Reigstad said.
Humour is another way to get a word in edgewise. Make a playful comment or joke to ease the tension of this dynamic.
“If you find yourself regularly interacting with a conversational narcissist, you can first try lightly interjecting with something along the lines of ‘Hang on… I’d love to finish that thought,’” Maher said.
“You can start by saying things like, ‘I’d like to talk about something else for a while,’ ‘Our conversations are starting to feel very unbalanced,’ or ‘I feel like when I’m speaking you’re not really listening. Can we talk about that?’”
With time and accountability, the habit of conversational narcissism can shift.
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“A person who is not narcissistic will usually reflect on their behaviour, take accountability, and try to make more space for you in future conversations,” Maher said.
The key is to be honest about your feelings and the patterns you’re noticing, but in a relational way.
“Rather than criticising, speak from your own experience,” Ross said. “‘I notice that when I share something important, I feel more supported when you stay with what I’m saying, rather than shifting to your own experience.’ Being clear about what you need ― more listening, more presence ― can sometimes create an opening for change, especially if the person isn’t aware of how they come across.”
Michelle Collins, who plays the iconic Cindy Beale on EastEnders, was rushed to hospital after suffering a nasty knee injury that left her unable to walk
17:12, 07 Apr 2026Updated 17:13, 07 Apr 2026
Iconic EastEnders actress Michelle Collins was left struggling to walk after suffering a horrific knee injury. The star shared that she spent her Easter Weekend at hospital after “bashing” her knee.
The star, who plays Cindy Beale on EastEnders, took to Instagram on 7 April with images from the weekend before. In her photo dump, she showed the waiting area of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, herself on crutches with a medical brace around her knee, as well as a close up of her leg in the brace and a pic where she was sat in a wheelchair.
Michelle captioned the post with information about how the injury happened. She explained that she was trying to stop her dog from getting out of the house: “Fell over trying to stop Peggy bolting out the door while staying with friends in Norfolk bashed my knee, cuts and bruises.”
She added that she loved the care she got and was disheartened to learn that the hospital was not rated well on the league table. “Staff were great, efficient, kind despite apparently very low on hospital league table. I would never have known from the service I got.
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“Seems so unfair to label a hospital like this. Not great for morale as one of the lovely nurses said. Also went to my local hospital @Finchleymemorialhospital who were great too! So lucky to have them so near me. Happy Easter xx Sitting down scenes this week ! @bbceastenders.”
Fans jumped in the comments to send Michelle support. “Omg darling, so sorry. Sending all love,” said one. Another wrote: “Omg get better soon lovely.”
A third said: “Oh no… take care Michelle and I hope the healing process is as quick as it can be.” Likewise, her costar Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar, said: “Oh love!” She added a heart emoji.
Michelle’s EastEnders character Cindy has been in hospital a couple times since returning to the show. Two Christmases ago, she almost died after being hit over the head with a shovel. In February 2025, it was revealed that her former mother-in-law Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) who whacked her over the head because she hated the woman for how she treated Kathy’s son Ian (Adam Woodyatt).
Cindy found herself in hospital again in late 2025, when Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) pushed her down the stairs of the Prince Albert. Cindy had realised Jasmine wasn’t being honest about her past and confronted her, leading a desperate Jasmine to push her as she tried to get away. Cindy was left bleeding on the floor.
Cindy is an iconic EastEnders villain. She has been in the show on and off since 1988 and has had many dramatic storylines, including hiring a hitman to kill Ian, faking her death in prison, having a secret family under the alias of Rose Knight and causing the Queen Vic to explode.
Following today’s racing tips? In need of some guidance? Or just fancy a flutter?
Each day Marlborough brings you the best bets from every race at every racecourse around the country.
From the bright lights of the Cheltenham Festival and Glorious Goodwood to a low-key evening meeting at Chelmsford City, we have all your racing tips and best bets covered.
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Meanwhile, you can get the latest betting offers and free bets from the top bookmakers here.
Looking for a daily racing nap? Marlborough will indicate his top tip for the day in traditional style, with his other notable selection highlighted with “NB”. Whistler, The Sunday Telegraph’s tipster will also name his daily Nap.
So come back every morning for Marlborough’s daily selection. Note, tomorrow’s tips will appear towards the bottom of the page. Good luck!
Tuesday, April 7
Pontefract
1.57 Spaceman 2.27 Arabian Desert 2.57 Alpha Capture 3.27 Salaria 3.57 Arklow Lad Nap 4.27 Ashdown Forest 5.00 Liquid Cooled 5.35 Wrestling Revenue
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Exeter
2.10 Dawn’s Desire 2.40 Madame de Labrunie 3.10 Arnie Moon NB 3.40 Bannerdown 4.10 Prairie Queen 4.40 Dyno Dave 5.10 Mackin
Southwell
4.55 Galileo Charm 5.30 Brazilian Belle 6.00 Captain Fox 6.30 Fanjove 7.00 Lexington Jet 7.30 Analogical 8.00 Gesayed 8.30 Raft Up
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