Lancashire

Former Coronation Street star Sarah Lancashire ‘knew when to stop’ doing Happy Valley despite its major success, according to the show’s creator Sally Wainwright

Sarah Lancashire ‘knew when to stop’ doing Happy Valley despite its major success. The actress, 60, starred as Catherine Cawood in Sally Wainwright’s hit drama over the course of three series that were filmed over a decade, and even helped write its final episode, which pulled in almost 10 million viewers.

Despite the show’s incredible popularity, creator Sally, 62, insisted that a short run had always been agreed upon. She told The Sunday Times: “Sarah’s good at knowing when to stop and when to say no. There were a couple of things in the script that she wanted to question, and it was a good process.”

However, fans of the programme need not be disappointed as seasoned television writer Sally explained that she and Sarah, who won a BAFTA for her portrayal of policewoman Catherine, are already working on a new project together, insisting that they are ‘still friends’ and the character is ‘still there’ in their minds.

READ MORE: BAFTA TV Awards viewers fume as BBC drama Happy Valley snubbed for Best Drama SeriesREAD MORE: Sarah Lancashire’s life after Happy Valley – stepping back from acting to acclaim

As well as Happy Valley, Sally is also the creator of several other hit series such as Last Tango in Halifax and Gentleman Jack. She started out writing episodes of radio soap The Archers before going on to work on Coronation Street, which turned Sarah into a household name when she was cast as barmaid Raquel Wolstenhume, in the late 1990s.

Following the advice of late TV writer Kay Mellor, she went on to create At Home With The Braithwaites, which starred Amanda Redman as a woman who had won the lottery but tried to keep it all a secret from her dysfunctional family. Reflecting on those early days of her career writing episodes of the long-running ITV soap, Sally admitted that she worked with some ‘fabulously clever’ people at the time.

She said: “The Coronation Street storyline meetings were amazing. There were some fabulously clever story-makers. Dialogue comes easily, characters come easily, but story is relentlessly hard. I have to just really bash it out. With Happy Valley, I do pride myself on the last episode being just as good as the first episode.”

The scriptwriter previously admitted that she got ‘bored’ of writing for the soaps because of how all the stories had become so similar, and acknowledged that viewing habits have changed dramatically in recent years as streaming services have become the norm.

“I think one of the reasons I got bored of the soaps (is that) all the stories got a bit samey,” she admitted. Referencing the amount of choice TV viewers now have, Sally added: “There is so much content, it is increasingly easy for people to turn over.”

She explained: “You’ve got to be captivating your audience moment by moment… its seems increasingly important.” Discussing her time on Corrie, Sally revealed that she did not initially have the ‘confidence’ to contribute to storylines at Coronation Street.

Sally said she was ‘in awe’ of everyone who worked in the writer’s room when she joined, which had two women within its 15-writer team at the time. Wainwright recalled that it was a time when writers would go to the pub at lunch which she said would mean the afternoon could be a ‘bloodbath’

She added: “It wasn’t a nasty atmosphere, it was very lively and often fun.” Wainwright revealed that writing is how she can ‘make sense of the wppr;d’. In a discussion with broadcaster Adrian Chiles, she reflected on how she began writing as a child with her sister creating strip cartoons and plays.

“It’s just a childhood habit that has continued,” Sally explained. “I make sense of the world by writing about it. I also love the idea of writing dialogue, creating characters, I love the idea of making people say things, I love the actors and love the whole process of drama.”

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A SCHOOLGIRL has tragically died at her home, as friends and family pay heartbreaking tributes.

Emergency services attended a property on Manor House Lane, Preston, on Monday morning after reports of a sudden death.

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Nina Papierniok, 13, who was a pupil at Archbishop Temple Church of England High School, was found dead.

Lancashire Police have confirmed her death is not being treated as suspicious.

A report will be handed to the coroner in due course.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to Manor House Lane, Preston, at 7.04am on September 15 following reports of a sudden death.

“Emergency services have attended and tragically found a 13-year-old girl deceased.

“Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this extremely distressing time.

“The girl’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.”

Friends and family have rallied round to launch a fundraiser in the Nina’s memory and as a way to support her loved ones.

It has already raised more than £9,500 in just a few days.

A post on the GoFundMe page says: “13-year-old Nina, the beloved daughter of our friend Justyna, passed away suddenly in the United Kingdom.

“Justyna is a single mother, and during this unimaginably difficult time, she needs our support to cover the funeral costs and to say a dignified farewell to her daughter.

“If you can – please support the fundraiser or share it with others.”

Blackpool is one of the UK’s most iconic seaside towns but just five miles away is a town that’s just as inviting yet totally different

With its tower, illuminated promenade and Pleasure Beach amusement park, Blackpool is one of the most well-known seaside towns in the UK, attracting around 20 million tourists every year.

But a smaller town, just five miles south, slips under the radar of holidaymakers. I visited Lytham St Annes, historically a fishing and shrimping harbour with a Victorian pier and golden beach, to see exactly how it was different to its famous neighbour.

I parked up close to St Annes Pier before having a stroll along the seafront and the first thing I noticed was how quiet and peaceful it was — a far cry from the hectic nature of a tourism giant like Blackpool.

“It’s a lot different here and it’s less frenetic,” Janet Ruanne tells me as she sits on a bench with her husband Martin. “We love it here. We’ve got the beach so close and there’s many nice places to walk. We come to the promenade basically every day, it’s lovely.”

The couple are from East Lancashire but moved to Lytham St Annes five years ago. They believe they have a beach worthy of rivalling any in the area, including Blackpool’s.

Mrs Ruanne, 67, says: “I think we’ve got one of the best beaches on this whole coastline. The people here are so friendly too which you don’t get everywhere else. It’s just a lovely place to come to.”

Mr Ruanne, 72, adds: “You’ll notice the beach here is really clean. They have a good group of volunteers who come and clean the beach regularly.”

From the South Promenade I walked towards and through the pier. It is located directly in front of the main high street, surrounded by a bandstand, Victorian shelters and seafront gardens.

St Annes Pier was built in 1885 and cost £18,000. Built from cast iron and wood, the structure was one of the first public buildings in St Annes.

It was restored in 2018 and now features a host of amusement games perfect for young families to enjoy. The open-air end of the pier boasts stunning coastal views across St Annes seafront and towards Blackpool.

It was here that I met Jenny Shaw who was visiting the area with her family. They are from Chesterfield, in Derbyshire, and visit Lytham St Annes most summers.

“We normally come in the summer holidays. It’s flat which makes it easy to walk around and enjoy,” she says. “The beach is lovely and there’s some nice parks. I think the town centre is underrated too – there’s plenty of places to eat and drink.”

While Blackpool can sometimes be tarred with a bad reputation for antisocial behaviour in its busiest months, Mrs Shaw says this is not the case with Lytham St Annes. “There’s no bad behaviour here. I think bits of Blackpool are quite grim but you don’t get that in Lytham. Everyone is really friendly and lovely,” she explains.

Lytham St Annes’ beach has miles of golden sand and is lined by iconic beach huts. It strikes me as a quintessentially British and timeless beach, perfect for leisurely walks and family activities.

Relaxing on the beach are Chris and Wendy Moden. The pair are visiting Lytham St Annes from Bolton and think it’s the perfect place to come for young families.

Mr Moden, 70, says: “We’ve got two grandchildren – aged six and four. We’d definitely bring them here, I think it’s perfect for a holiday.”

He tells me the family also enjoy visiting Fairhaven Lake, which is located between Lytham and St Annes. The saltwater lake offers a variety of activities, including boat rodes, nature walks, a play park and an area for bird watching.

He adds: “It’s a lot better than Blackpool. It’s a lot cleaner and less busy which I think people appreciate. Every time we come here we feel like we’ve had a good day out.”

Mrs Moden then chimes in: “Everyone is so friendly here. There’s never any trouble. We can come for a quiet walk along the beach and the views are beautiful.”

The promenade and pier are conveniently located close to the main high street. There are a number of shops and cafes on St Annes Road West including big name retailers and independent businesses.

Hazel, who did not want to give her surname, has lived in the town since she was five years old. She is sat in the town centre after doing some shopping.

“I think I’ve had a great life here really. We’re so lucky to live in a place like this. I always like going to sit down at the beach. We’re just very lucky really.”

According to Hazel, Lytham St Annes is far quieter and more relaxed than its famous neighbour.

“Blackpool always get really busy and noisy. It was terrible last time I visited – it was far too much,” she explains. “It’s a lot quieter here which I like. It’s cleaner too as we get less tourists.

“There’s also less antisocial behaviour here I think, although we get some. Just like everywhere, you’ve got some nicer and less nice bits.”

If you’re after an action-packed seaside holiday with lively nightlife and entertainment, then Blackpool will remain your place.

But if you prefer a more relaxed and peaceful holiday, then Lytham St Annes is probably going to be a better option. It boasts charm and natural beauty, as well as a slower pace of life.

A WOMAN has tragically died in hospital after she was pulled from the sea at a popular UK beach.

Emergency services raced to the scene on the Promenade, opposite the Belvedere Hotel in Blackpool yesterday.

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Lancashire Police, HM Coastguard and the town’s beach patrol all responded to the incident.

Officers have confirmed that a woman in her 30s was rushed to hospital after receiving treatment on the scene.

She has since sadly passed away and her next of kin has been informed.

Cops said the tragic death is not being treated as suspicious, a file is being prepared for the coroner.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called at about 10am today, August 25, following reports a woman had been pulled from the sea opposite the Belvedere Hotel at Blackpool.

“Despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene and at the hospital, the woman sadly later died.

“Following enquiries, the woman, in her thirties, has now been identified and her next of kin has been informed.

“Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.”

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A SEASIDE town made famous by former world heavy-weight boxing champ Tyson Fury is on the ropes.

Gritty ITV cop drama ‘The Bay’ attracts five million viewers, but has done nothing to restore Morecambe’s fortunes as a tourist and holidaying hotspot.

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Dilapidated buildings, boarded up shops, closed hotels, and vandalised shopping arcades blight the Lancashire seaside resort.

And homeless down-and-outs, swigging cans during the day, plague the streets.

Morecambe FC has been besieged with talks of going under after 105 years, with the beleaguered club enduring a chaotic summer since being relegated from League Two, with staff and players not even paid.

Some football club workers have been offered food parcels. As it stands, the National League club is on the brink of extinction, though takeover talks continue.

Eden Project Morecambe – a sister to the popular Eden bio-spheres in Cornwall – is hoped to breath new life into the area and bring tourists flocking back to the resort. But that is at least three years away.

Brother and sister Liam, 14, and Lola, nine, were visiting Morecambe from their native Canada and were drawn to the vandalised and graffitied former shopping arcade, which is fenced off to the public due to a rusted and collapsing roof.

They were accompanied by their aunt and nan Kay Robinson, 73, who remembers the good old days of the seaside resort.

It used to boast such attractions as the Super Swimming Stadium lido, the pleasure park Frontierland and sea life centre Marineland.

“It’s gone down hill since the 1970s,” said Kay.

“There used to be fairgrounds, illuminations, an amazing swimming pool, there used to be everything. We liked coming here better than Blackpool.

“Even the outdoor market has gone now. Everything has gone or is going now.

“You can’t go round the pubs like you used to, it used to be a great night out around Morecambe, but not now.”

Visitors love taking selfies beside the statue of the late comedian Eric Morecambe, which was unveiled on the promenade by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.

Holidaymakers Paul and Alison Johnson, from Glossop, posed with grandson Ralphie, eight, as they enjoyed the summer sunshine.

Paul, 59, who has visited Morecambe over the years, said: “It seems to be getting cleaner, now this sea front has been done up.

“We have a caravan near here.”

Alison, 51 said: “It’s lovely in the sunshine.”

But directly opposite the iconic bronze tourist attraction stands reminders of the resort’s decline.

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Standing side-by-side, Eric’s Cafe and the Tivoli Bar, are closed down at what should be the height of the summer season.

And the town centre, just a streets from the prom, is lined with abandoned shops, closed down pubs and eateries and empty banks.

A homeless rough sleeper was slouched by the entrance to the tired Arndale Centre, which stands beside a boarded-up pawnbrokers and opposite empty shops and the shell of the former Santander bank.

In a shaded doorway down a run-down street a couple of scruff-looking men, one sitting beside his crutches, were swigging from cans of super-strength Oranjeboom beers, as parents and kids walked past.

Back on the sunny promenade where the popular outdoor swimming pool, which used to be home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest between 1956 and 1989, John and Lynda Ritchie were taking a stroll.

“This is where they are going to build the Eden centre, if it ever gets off the ground,” said John, 80, visiting with wife Lynda, 80, from Kendal.

“It can’t come soon enough. It’ll hopefully save the town.”

“We used to bring our lads here to swim in the pool, but it is such a shame what it is like now,” said Lynda.

“Hopefully things will change when the Eden Project comes, but I wish they’d hurry up, I’d like to see it.

“The place has very much gone down hill, as many seaside towns have since people started to go abroad.”

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First-time visitors David and Lynn Buswell, from Leicestershire, were walking their Staffie Tyson – aptly named as Morecambe is the home town of former world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury – along the prom after parking up their motorhome.

“Never been here before. I’m here because my mum and dad had a photo taken with the Eric Morecambe statue and we want to recreate it,” said David, 64, a music producer.

“It looks like an average, typical English seaside town, nothing special. Okay for the kids, but not us.

“We will be parking up the motorhome for one night – not for two though. I think we will be moving on.”

Lynn, 69, said: “We have just come down from the Lake District, which was beautiful. This is a stark contrast.”

South of the town centre, the Cumberland View pub is boarded up.

Beside the former almost seafront railway station – closed now and turned into a pub – is the Festival Market.

Trains, no longer full or excited holiday makers and day trippers from West Yorkshire, now pull in to a dowdy wooden platform next to a boarded up former restaurant 500 yards of more inland.

Festival Market trader Karen Brown, 66, has been running her stall The Beauty Box for 50 years, and has seen the decline of the town.
“The place has gone really down hill since the glory days. The job is tougher now,” said Karen.

“I don’t do too bad in summer with the tourists. They come to buy things. But, in winter, the locals don’t tend to to use the market. They should do, they’ll whinge if it goes.

“The visitors come round saying what a lovely market it is and they appreciate it, but the locals, not so much.”

Fellow market trader Julie Norris, 58, has run sweet stall, Sweet Tweets, for five years.

“I’m finding trading in Morecambe alright because all the other sweet shops are shutting down,” said Julie.

“The kids are coming here for their holiday treats. And we also do well from people coming here to buy snacks and sweets before going to the cinema next door.

“They don’t want to pay rip-off cinema prices so stock up here before going to see a film.

“I love working here and if the Eden Project comes it will be fantastic. It’ll be very family orientated.”

Tyson Fury

Fury is arguably the town’s biggest name, living in the area with his wife Paris and their seven children there.

And today, it was revealed that he had sold a property in the area – for a knockdown price of £700,000.

Speaking last year, he told TNT: “17 years, it’s become my home. A new home, away from home. I actually cast myself now as from Morecambe, I don’t say I’m from Manchester anymore.

“It’s been keeping me grounded – I have always likened Morecambe to Alcatraz island… because if you go 200m that way you hit the sea, and if you go a couple of miles that way you hit the M6 motorway, and you’ve got to drive an hour to get to any city.

“It’s a big island, there’s not much distractions, there’s not much stuff to do, you can’t spend your money here because there’s nothing to spend it on, apart from Asda… That’s it, really, it’s a good place for a fighter…

“It’s kept me grounded, away from all the limelight.”

He added that locals are very respectful and leave him alone when he goes for runs. “If I go to any other city in the world, oomph Elvis has landed.”

The “Gypsy King” has previously expressed interest in buying Morecambe FC and told talkSPORT: “I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up. I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club.

“I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”

The Tyson Fury Foundation sits in the north-east corner of the football club’s Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

However, the Telegraph has claimed that Fury currently has no interest in buying the Shrimps.

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Earlier, Ormskirk-born ex-Red Rose Jones posted his first century since rejoining Lancashire from Durham over the winter. He reached a 33-ball 50 and helped them to 100-1 in the 18th over.

Either side of losing George Bell lbw playing to leg against two-wicket seamer Jack White, Jones hoisted three sixes over long-on and long-off and hit one arrow straight off Ben Coad’s seam.

He later pulled successive sixes off Matthew Revis towards the latter stages of a 92-run stand with his captain Marcus Harris, who was the first of two wickets to fall in as many overs as the score fell to 136-3 in the 24th.

Harris was caught behind driving at Revis for 32 before Coad trapped Josh Bohannon lbw without scoring.

Jones reached his century off 79 balls and hit seven sixes in all. But the visitors were checked impressively through the middle of their innings.

They were limited to 40 runs from the end of the 25th over – 143-3 – to the end of the 35th, where they reached 183-4 having lost Jones slicing White out to deep cover.

Replays suggest George Balderson was reprieved on 18 as he pulled Dan Moriarty for four. Him stepping on off-stump in the process went unnoticed by the umpires.

Balderson made a dynamic 70 off 48 balls as Lancashire fell just short of 300 in excellent batting conditions.

Tom Bailey had Adam Lyth caught behind driving early in Yorkshire’s chase, which fell to 16-1.

But Luxton kicked things into life by taking three fours and six – all through leg – off Will Williams’ first four balls, in the 11th over, as the score moved to 57-1.

From there, Luxton and Imam cruised along against a Lancashire attack lacking depth, understandable with half a dozen bowlers on Hundred duty.

By the time Luxton reached his 50 off 42 balls, Yorkshire were 107-1 after 20 overs. Imam’s third in as many matches – this off 72 balls – followed shortly afterwards.

When Luxton miscued Charlie Barnard’s left-arm spin to long-on, Yorkshire were still a long way ahead at 169-2 in the 30th over.

Imam reached his latest hundred off 118 balls by pulling Bailey for his third six before falling caught at midwicket on the pull against Arav Shetty’s spin – 220-3 in the 37th.

James Wharton and Revis wrapped things up with 41 apiece in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 75.

Match report supplied by ECB Reporters Network, supported by Rothesay

THE WORLD’S top place to take bored kids this summer, which is in the UK, has announced a new rainy day guarantee scheme.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort has introduced a free return for ticketholders who attend the attraction on a day that rains.

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The new policy means that guests will always have a great visit to the attraction, because if the weather is poor they can return on a day where it is better.

The policy will be in place throughout August and it will need to rain for more than three hours on the day of their trip.

If this does happen, then guests can return for free within seven days of their original visit date.

CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE said: “It’s important to us that guests have the best time when visiting, and while technically speaking the rain doesn’t affect our rides, we wouldn’t want the wet weather to dampen anyone’s day.

“We truly believe that you can have a great time at Pleasure Beach come rain or shine, but we know that everything is extra special when the weather is on side.”

If a guest wants to use a rainy day return, they should arrive at the same ticket centre on the day of their return visit and display their eTickets, paper tickets or confirmation email to staff.

The new option can also be used seven days of the week.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort was also recently named as one of the best attractions to bust kids being bored.

AttractionTickets.com created an index compiling the best attractions to take kids to this summer and the Lancashire-based attraction managed to beat the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Overall, it scored 31.3 out of a possible 35 marks.

The attraction is home to 10 rollercoasters, five ‘dark’ (indoor) rides, five water rides and 12 Nickelodeon-themed rides.

Throughout the year, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort also hosts a number of shows, including fireworks.

Earlier this year, the reimagining of Launch Pad was unveiled, which climbs up to 80 mph and sends riders 210 ft into the air.

AttractionTickets.com’s Banish Boredom Index was made by analysing reviews from over 160 destinations, and the UK dominated the top 20.

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These included the likes of the Tower of London, Ribby Hall Village, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London all made the list.

Some other attractions across the UK offer rainy day guarantees, such as Crealy Adventure Park in Devon.

The attraction offers visitors a free return within seven days of their original visit if there is 30 minutes or more of continuous rainfall during their visit.

It is worth checking the FAQs or T&Cs of your tickets to an attraction to see if the theme park, adventure park or other destination offers the same guarantee.

Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.

There is also a unique UK theme park with safaris, water park and rides for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Plus, Disney is set to open a brand new theme park and resort – here’s everything we know.

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An American visiting the UK decided to sample some good old fashioned fish and chips, but Brits spotted a “problem” when he tucked into the food at a popular seaside resort

When you visit a different country, it’s natural to explore and sample some of the traditional delicacies on offer and, here in the UK, one of the most beloved meals is fish and chips. Perhaps that’s why an American ventured to a popular seaside resort in Lancashire to sample the goods – after all, you can’t beat a chippy tea right by the sea.

A man, known as Kalani Ghost Hunter on TikTok, recently headed to Blackpool to sample one of his “favourite” British meals, and his video has since gone viral. He headed to Bentley’s Fish and Chips to carry out a taste test, as he said it was recommended by some of the locals, and he was keen to tuck in and see what was on offer.

He admitted that, when he has fish and chips, he has to have Dandelion and Burdock, as he said it’s “needed” to pair with the meal. Showing off the dish, he explained: “So, we’ve got our fish here, take a look at that – that is the large portion of fish and chips.

“Vinegar, salt – you guys know the combo. Now let’s dive in. I’ve been waiting for this meal for so many days. Mmm, so they’re frying in vegetable oil, and you guys know I’m a beef dripping lover but, what I will say is, there’s a very nice crunch on this.

“That’s a good batter flavour. Let’s try out a chip – I will say they have nice, chunky chips. That’s a solid piece of fish and chips. You guys know we love the curry sauce.

“I also love taking a chip through some mushy peas. I also love me some cheesy chips. Now they have melted the cheese on top here – let’s get us a nice bite. I love some cheesy chips.”

Overall, he said the fish and chips were fried “nicely”, and he deemed the meal a “solid option”, awarding it an 8.6/10. According to the reviewer, the meal was “very good”, and he really enjoyed it.

However, in the comments, people were quick to chime in with all sorts of ideas. Some people spotted a “problem”, as they thought he was missing one key item on top of his chips.

One person wrote: “Cheese, chips and gravy.” Another added: “Have you tried cheesy chips and gravy?”

A third added: “Need to chuck some gravy on the chips and cheese.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “You need to add gravy to your cheesy chips.”

Some people also thought Blackpool “wasn’t the best place” to sample fish and chips, but others said there were a few spots that serve up tasty offerings. One person thought the eatery he went to was lovely though, adding: “Good chippy that.”

Another also chimed in with: “Ignore the people in the comments hating on Blackpool. Yes, of course it’s not the gastronomic capital of England, but it’s fun and a great time, if you’re not pretentious.”

Blackpool is a seaside town in Lancashire, England. It’s situated on the Irish Sea coast of the Fylde peninsula, around 27 miles (43 km) north of Liverpool and 14 miles (23 km) west of Preston.

It’s the main settlement in the borough, which carries the same name. The town also homes the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, which is world-famous for its unique sprung dance floor and amazing architecture.

POLICE have launched a manhunt after a woman was sexually assaulted.

The incident occurred in the Claremont area of Blackpool at around 4.45am on Saturday, June 28.

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Blackpool Police has now released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in relation to the assault.

Cops believe he may have been in the town centre area throughout Friday evening and Saturday morning.

In addition to the manhunt, they are also appealing for CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between the town centre and Claremont area.

In a statement to Lancashire Live, Blackpool Police said: “We’re asking if you recognise this man after an incident over the weekend.

“At around 4:45am on the morning of Saturday 28th June, we received a report of a sexual assault in Blackpool.

“It was reported that a man sexually assaulted a woman in the Claremont area of North Blackpool.

“An investigation is underway, and the woman is being supported.”

Anyone that recognises the man, has information, or footage that could assist the investigation should contact 101 quoting log 0270 of 28th June.

EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly.

The actor 30, apologised for “any offence and upset” after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals.

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Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were “ignorant and hurtful”, adding: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”

The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed.

Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”

The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders.

Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show.

He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said “Oh my God” on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie’s.

Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.

“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.

“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.

“That is on me completely.

“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.

“It was wrong.

“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment.

“Again, that is no excuse.

“But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.

“The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.

“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come.

“I am truly sorry.”

The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour – which was staged nationwide earlier this year.

Jamie, laughing, says on the video: “Blackpool by the way. “Absolute m********s’.”

The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16.

This latest shock comes after opera singer Wynne was booted off the Strictly tour in January accused of making an inappropriate sexual comment, and later told his BBC Radio Wales contract is not being renewed following a four-month investigation.

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And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham – which happened before the latter’s suspension.

Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video.

It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool.

Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.

“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.

“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.

It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street

Warren Kirwan, Scope

“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.

“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”

Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council’s Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick’s comments.

He said: “Blackpool’s best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town.

“Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Strictly series – with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there.

The source added: “This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show’s very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”

It has been a dreadful start to the season in the County Championship for Lancashire, who named former T20-winning captain Steven Croft as interim head coach, with no wins from their seven games.

Jennings had already resigned as red-ball captain and the club apologised to its members before Benkenstein’s exit.

Back in charge for the T20 Blast, Jennings brought up his 50 off 30 balls and put on 79 for the first wicket with Luke Wells.

But a brilliant catch in the deep from Ethan Brookes removed Jennings and halted Lancashire’s progress, and the hosts lost five wickets for 22 runs to keep the target to under nine runs an over.

When Kashif Ali smashed 39 off 21 balls, the Rapids were well over the required rate and on course for an away win.

But the loss of captain Brett D’Oliveira (30) and Adam Hose (13) to reduce Worcestershire to 93-4 after 10.1 overs changed the complexion of the game.

From there, Lancashire turned the screw and with the visitors needing 15 runs off the last over, Tom Aspinwall conceded just seven to deliver a morale-boosting first win of the season in any competition.

KINGS of Leon have been forced to cancelled their UK and European shows after frontman Caleb Followill suffered a “freak accident” while playing with his kids.

The Grammy-winning group had been due to perform across several countries this summer, including stops in Cardiff and Lancashire, as well as shows and festivals in Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Belgium and Portugal.

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But Caleb, 43, has been sidelined after breaking his foot and requiring emergency surgery, giving the band no choice but to pull out of all appearances in June and July.

In a video posted to the band’s Instagram account, he explained: “Hello to everyone out there, especially our European fans that are coming to see us this summer. Unfortunately I regret to inform you that those shows will have to be cancelled due to a freak accident that happened the other day.”

“I broke my foot pretty bad just playing with my kids… It’s pretty gnarly and I’ll spare all the details. But we’re fortunate enough to have some great doctors here in Nashville that gave me emergency surgery.”

Caleb, who shares two children with model Lily Aldridge, revealed that he’s been told to stay off his feet for around two months.

He added: “I’m on the mend, but they’ve told me that I can’t be on my feet, travelling, or anything for the next eight weeks or so. That’s a big bummer.”

The singer looked visibly frustrated as he continued: “We were so excited. We’ve been preparing for this tour for a long time, we’ve been preparing for a lot of things.”

“We’ve been in the studio recording, we have a bunch of new songs, we were going to debut a few of them on this run. We had a lot of exciting things planned and now we’re going to have to pivot and find a new way to continue the work that we’ve started.”

Despite the disappointment, Caleb ended the message on a more hopeful note.

He said: “I’m very excited for when we do get to show you the stuff we’re doing, and in the meantime we’re going to do whatever work we can while I have these limitations.”

“Exciting stuff is coming, I know this isn’t the message anyone wants to hear, and it’s certainly not the message I want to be sending, but it’s going to be alright. Everything is going to be good. Hopefully, we will see y’all soon.”

The clip ended with a shot of Caleb’s foot in a cast.

His bandmates, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill, issued a separate statement, confirming the necessary recovery time.

They said: “Kings of Leon are updating fans that Caleb Followill has recently sustained a serious injury, shattering his heel and requiring a significant emergency surgery, that will prevent him from travelling and performing.

“The anticipated recovery process is expected to take eight weeks, under strict guidance of expert orthopaedic specialists.”

“The band regrets to report that they will need to cancel all upcoming UK and European festival headline shows in June and July of this year.”

The tour had been set to include a high-profile headline slot at Lytham Festival in Lancashire, where they were billed alongside Justin Timberlake and Alanis Morissette.

Organisers have since confirmed the festival will be reduced from five days to four, as it’s too late in the day to book a replacement act.

They also wished Caleb a “speedy recovery”.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

A FORMER Met detective who investigated Jay Slater’s disappearance has said his drug dealer “pal” has to come forward and answer key questions from the inquest.

Mark Williams-Thomas – who worked on the Madeleine McCann case – conducted his “own investigation” after the 19-year-old went missing on the island of Tenerife in June last year.

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The inquest into Jay’s death was suddenly adjourned yesterday after his grieving mum Debbie pleased the coroner to summon crucial witnesses – including convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim.

Detective turned TV-sleuth Mr Williams-Thomas said he had been in close contact during the investigation with a number of witnesses – including Jay’s family and friends.

Now he has urged Qassim to come forward and answer questions from the “disappointing” inquest.

Qassim took the 19-year-old Brit back to an Airbnb in Masca the night before he went missing on June 17.

Mr Williams-Thomas called Qassim “the most important witness” who he says gave him “crucial evidence” that “hasn’t been made public” yet.

The ex-detective added that the evidence he received from Qassim in his own investigation provides “greater context” as to why Jay left the villa.

Qassim was previously jailed for nine years in 2015 as the ringleader of a London-based gang dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Cardiff.

He and another Brit previously known only as “Rocky” had rented the Airbnb in the remote Tenerife mountains that they took Jay back to after the festival.

Jay posted a final Snapchat picture of himself smoking on the doorstep of the apartment at 7.30am on June 17 before leaving shortly after.

Qassim has always denied any involvement in Jay’s death.

Jay’s disappearance sparked widespread media interest – as well as a slew of social media conspiracy theories.

One of those theories claimed Jay had stolen a £12,000 watch – which his mum Debbie dismissed as vile rumours.

Josh Forshaw, who met Jay as they boarded a plane from Manchester to Tenerife, said he received a message from the teen before he disappeared.

It read: “Ended up getting thrown out with two Mali kids, just took an AP [luxury watch strap] off somebody and was on the way to sell it.”

Josh told the hearing via video link that Jay said he was planning to sell the strap for “10 quid”, slang for £10,000.

Josh told the hearing he received a Snapchat from Jay later in the night that claimed he “ended up getting thrown out” of the venue with two other people.

He also claimed Jay sent him a photo showing “knives down his trousers” that was captioned “in case it kicks off”.

Josh said he didn’t mention the image to Spanish police before leaving Tenerife, but did inform cops in Lancashire on his return.

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Speaking of Josh’s claim of receiving the knives image, Mr Williams-Thomas says he was told that they weren’t found with him and were left in the apartment.

Apprentice bricklayer Jay travelled to the Spanish island in June to attend the NRG music festival in Playa de las Americas with two friends, Lucy Law and Brad Hargreaves.

The teen travelled to an Airbnb apartment in Masca with two men including Qassim in the early hours of June 17, before leaving at around 8am.

Jay, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancs, made a heartbreaking final call to his friend Law saying he had cut his leg, was lost, dehydrated and had just one per cent battery on his phone after he left the Airbnb.

On Wednesday night, Law’s family revealed she was simply on holiday on the very same island where Jay died.

They claimed she was also unaware that she had been called to give evidence at the inquest.

Speaking at the family home in Burnley, Lucy’s stepfather Andy Davis said: “We had no idea Jay’s inquest was even being held today.

“The police have only just been round today to say that she was due to give evidence. But it’s the first time we knew of it.”

He added: “They asked if Lucy was home and I said she was abroad and they asked me if I was aware that she should have been in court, and I said I wasn’t.”

“The police said they had sent Lucy paperwork with the dates on it, but the first I knew about it was when the police turned up earlier today.”

Sources in the Slater family later said they were aware where the other missing witnesses were, and had also been able to find them easily, according to the MailOnline.

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The family source said: “Lucy is in Tenerife. Another supposedly untraceable witness is on holiday in Greece.

“If we can find this out so quickly why can’t the police?”

The court also heard a suggestion that witnesses may be reluctant to appear because drugs may have been involved.

After Jay’s body was found, officials said there were traces of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine in his body.

Dr Adeley said: “When drugs are involved in a death, the witnesses are less than forthcoming and do not wish to speak to the authorities.”

Jay‘s disappearance and death remain largely cloaked in mystery and it is hoped that glaring gaps in his final movements will be filled after the inquest.

The inquest heard from three construction workers who said, via video link, they saw Jay on the main road through the remote village of Masca and he asked them about bus times.

He was attempting the treacherous 10-hour walk back to his apartment in Los Cristianos when he called Lucy to say he was lost.

DCI Rachel Higson, head of digital media investigations at Lancashire Police, told the hearing today that Jay’s phone recorded “a lot of steps and inclines” between 7.59am and 8.49am.

His mobile last pinged in the mountainous Rural de Teno Park after Jay walked the wrong way from the Airbnb, and DCI Higson said there was “no data recorded” after 8.49:51am.

After a month-long search, Jay’s body was found in a ravine on July 15 last year – near to where his phone last pinged.

A post-mortem examination concluded he died of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height.

Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd today told the inquest Jay suffered a “heavy fall from height” and the “devastating” effects would have been “immediate”.

Why the inquest farce is more pain for Jay’s family

By Katie Davis, Chief Foreign Reporter (Digital)

AS I stood in the sweltering, remote mountains of Masca I was told the news Jay Slater’s loved ones dreaded – his body had been found.

But for his devastated family, it didn’t bring the closure they so desperately needed.

Now almost a year on, his grief-stricken mum, dad and brother have been subjected to yet more torment as an inquest into his death dredged up painful details of his disappearance – while lacking any actual answers.

Jay’s courageous mum Debbie Duncan opened up to me just weeks after his body was found about how she was tortured by not knowing what happened to her beloved son before he fell to his death.

I was humbled by the bravery she showed in the face of living every parent’s worst nightmare on the world stage – relentlessly hounded by mindless trolls.

Spineless witnesses failing to turn up to the hearing to provide crucial information is a kick in the teeth for Debbie and his already suffering family.

The 19-year-old went missing 11 months ago, and his body tragically discovered 29 days later.

So why after all these months has the court failed to bring together vital witnesses – including the two friends he was on holiday with?

After months and months of battling through their grief, the last thing Jay’s family needed was to face a farce of a hearing without the necessary witnesses.

Read more here…

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A PRISON governor has been jailed over an illicit relationship with a drug gang boss who gifted her a £12,000 Mercedes.

Kerri Pegg was seen as a “rising star” in the Prison Service and quickly rose through the ranks to become governor at HMP Kirkham in Lancashire.

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But her career is now in ruins after she embarked on a relationship with inmate Anthony Saunderson, who was known as Jesse Pinkman after the series Breaking Bad.

Pegg, 42, has now been jailed after she was found guilty of two counts of misconduct in a public office.

One relates to the divorcee’s fling with Saunderson and the second by failing to disclose county court judgements about her debts.

She was also convicted of one count of possessing criminal property, the Mercedes car, from Saunderson.

Preston Crown Court heard Pegg released Saunderson on licence in 2019 despite not having the authority to approve the bid.

After he was granted his freedom, the prisoner used cash from selling 34 kilos of amphetamines to buy Pegg the Mercedes coupe.

On April 6, 2020, Saunderson was sent a message on Encrochat saying “car her for ya bird 12 quid or work” and a photo of the vehicle.

The court was told “12 quid” meant £12,000 and “work” meant drugs.

Saunderson asked “what work they want” and he was told “top or weed” – meaning cocaine or cannabis.

Two days later, he arranged for “17 packs” to be dropped off in Manchester to pay for the car.

The Mercedes was registered in Pegg’s name, with a pal messaging Saunderson: “Where u ya seedy man u and Peggy out floating orrel in the new whip?”

Law enforcement agencies cracked the criminal’s Encrochat and discovered he was involved in drug trafficking on a huge scale.

Saunderson, who was also known to his criminal pals as James Gandolfini -the actor who played Tony Soprano in the mafia TV Series – has now been locked up for 35 years.

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The court was told other messages revealed the “ongoing nature” of his relationship with Pegg.

Police searched her home on November 19, 2020, and found a toothbrush and flip flops containing Saunderson’s DNA.

Officers also discovered a haul of designer clothing and found Pegg was subject to a number of county court judgements for unpaid debts.

Prosecutor Barbara-Louise Webster said: “Her downfall was two-fold, the first, despite having a good income, she lived beyond her means.

“She spent all her income and more, incurring debts and she had county court judgements made against her.

“As a consequence, she became vulnerable and open to exploitation.

“The second was that she became emotionally and personally involved with a serving prisoner, Anthony Saunderson and later accepted an expensive car, a Mercedes C class, which was paid for by him out of his proceeds of criminal activity ie trading in drugs.”

Pegg joined the prison service in 2012 as a graduate entrant and worked at prisons in Risley, Liverpool and Styal.

By April 2018, she was a governor at HMP Kirkham, where Saunderson was serving a lengthy jail term.

He had been locked up in 2014 for his part in importing £19m of cocaine in shipments of corned beef from Argentina.

From the start, there were concerns about Pegg being inappropriately close to prisoners.

It was also noted that she spent a lot of time in her office with Saunderson.

In October 2018, he put in a request to be released on temporary licence.

Despite Pegg not having the authority to green light his release, she intervened and approved his application without notifying the official who should have dealt with the case.

Days later she was moved to another jail, later becoming duty governor at HMP Lancaster Farms.

Saunderson meanwhile was revealed as one of nine gangland figures responsible for producing amphetamines on an industrial, multi-million-pound scale.

The gang made and dealt 2.6 tonnes of amphetamines worth £1million – as well as trafficking heroin, cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, MCAT and diazepam.

Tarryn McCaffrey, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “Kerri Pegg’s conduct fell far short of what might be expected from any professional within the Prison Service, let alone one of such a senior grade as prison governor.

“She was clearly involved in an inappropriate relationship with Saunderson after he was released and the evidence points to this going back further, to a time when he was in jail.

“This relationship, and the fact that Pegg failed to disclose her debts to her employers, amount to a gross breach of trust and are therefore extremely damaging to public confidence.”

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A CRICKETER left a commentator stunned after his PHONE fell out of his pocket while taking a run.

Tom Bailey may not have been completely ready to bat when he was called upon as No.10 in Lancashire‘s clash with Gloucestershire.

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The County Championship clash was taking place at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Bailey, 34, would have started the match hoping to help Lancashire turn around their poor start to the season, which has been three defeats.

However, he caught the eye while he was batting as his phone fell from his pocket during a run.

As he attempted to score his first runs of his innings, the mobile fell at the non-striker’s end just a few feet from the umpire.

The phone was picked up by bowler Josh Shaw but it was not clear if he handed it to the umpire or back to Bailey.

The moment left the commentators stunned.

One said: “Something has dropped out of his pocket. I think it’s his mobile phone.”

While the other responded: “No way.”

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It was then said: “As much as it is hilarious and we are laughing about it, I almost wonder if that’s going to have to be reported.

“The fact that he was out in the middle, with a mobile phone in his pocket haha.”

The moment was caught on camera and has gone viral on social media.

Fans could not help but see the funny side as they shared their reaction.

Former England cricket ace Alex Tudor reacted with a face-palm emoji.

A fan wrote: “So village.”

A second commented: “Rubbish thigh pad.”

Another added: “Must be obsessed with counting his steps.”

Despite having his phone in his pocket, Bailey managed to score a respectable 22 runs not out.

Lancashire finished their first innings with a score of 450 runs with Marcus Harris the pick with 167 runs off 269 balls.