
James Norton and Rebecca Adlington take part in 10-hour charity swim
On Friday, the two were among those to take the plunge in a 10-hour endurance ocean swim at Joss Bay in Kent, to raise money for the Blue Marine Foundation, a charity committed to addressing overfishing.
Ahead of the event, they shared their earliest memories of the sea and pressed the importance of allowing future generations to 'experience the magic of healthy seas'.
Ms Adlington told the PA news agency: 'I've always felt a deep connection to water, so when the opportunity came up to support coastal restoration through this event with Talisker and Blue Marine Foundation, it just felt like a natural fit.
'As a swimming challenge, this one stands out because of its direct impact on protecting and preserving marine life, with £150 from every kilometre swum helping to fund essential conservation work.'
The two-time gold medal swimmer added: 'I hope people see this event as more than just a challenge, it's a call to action.'
A report published by Blue Marine Foundation in July 2024 noted a 92% UK reduction in seagrass meadows and a 95% decline in native oyster reefs over the last century.
Happy Valley actor Norton said: 'Like everyone, I'm in awe of the ocean. It's wild, powerful, and under threat.
'Taking a stand is about protecting biodiversity and ensuring future generations can experience the magic of healthy seas.'
He added that his family goes by the mantra 'you'll never regret a swim' but admitted he had never been involved with this level of endurance swimming.
New government regulations came into force on Friday which give water industry regulator Ofwat the power to retrospectively prevent bonuses paid in cash, shares or long-term incentive schemes to chief executives and chief financial officers for breaches of environmental, customer service or financial standards in a given financial year.
Ms Adlington did not have a direct challenge for water companies in the UK but added that the Blue Marine Foundation was committed to coastal regeneration and improving UK waters.
Ahead of the event, Norton said: 'My earliest memories of the sea are going on day trips to Scarborough.
'My whole village would cram into a coach and head to the beach for a day of fish and chips, rock and candy floss.'
For every kilometre swum by participants at Joss Bay between 7am and 5pm on Friday, Talisker, who are supporting the event, will donate £150 to the foundation.
The company has also pledged a further £112,608 to Blue Marine Foundation through sales of a limited edition whisky.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE PICTURED: 'Smitten' Aimee Lou Wood seen passionately embracing Happy Valley star Adam Long as 'new couple' cuddle up on coffee date
Aimee Lou Wood was pictured passionately embracing Happy Valley star Adam Long as 'new couple' cuddled up on coffee date in London on Saturday. The actors, who star together in upcoming BBC series Film Club, looked smitten as they enjoyed a cuddle and a kiss outside of the cafe. Aimee, 31, looked effortlessly stylish for the romantic outing in a denim waistcoat that she paired with wide-legged jeans and red ballet pumps. Adam, 34 - who is best known for his role as convict Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley - was also dressed down on the outing, pairing a Levi's T-shirt with shorts and trainers. While the pair have not commented on their relationship status, they looked incredibly close as they cosied up to one another on their day out. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Aimee has liked all of Adam's social media posts since their Film Club casting was announced last November. She was also quick to praise the star after he completed a sponsored run in aid of Movember and men's mental health awareness. On a snap of the actor and his running buddies, Aimee penned: 'YOU DID IT!!!!!!! ✨' It's believed the pair met last year working on their upcoming BBC Three series, written by Aimee, in which they play a couple. The pair play lovers in the series, which follows Evie (Aimee) who sets up a film club with her best friend Noa (Nabhaan Rizwaan). A BBC synopsis reads: 'It's Friday night. 7pm. Film Club Week 198. Evie hasn't left the house in six months after a 'wobble', and tonight, things are different. 'Noa's got big news. A dream job is taking him across the other side of the country, which means that all of this is ending. That reality is hitting. That they're going to be forced to consider for the first time they might be more than just friends. 'Neither of them are the best when it comes to emotions but this time those emotions might be impossible to ignore... 'As if life weren't challenging enough already, Evie is going to be navigating this amongst the eccentricity of her family home - living with her fiercely loving single mum Suz (Suranne Jones), sister Izzie (Liv Hill), and handsome boyfriend/sometime man of the house Josh (Adam). 'Film Club is a witty and emotional show about love and family, about whether we should follow our hearts or heads, and being in love with a friend.' Speaking about the series, Aimee - who created the show with Ralph Davies - said in a statement: 'I'm thrilled that our beloved TV series Film Club, a project that Ralph and I have been writing for the past decade, starts shooting this week. 'We couldn't be more excited, and grateful, to the incredible team we have assembled with the BBC. 'To bring this to life with Nabhaan and Suranne, two exceptional actors I have always admired, is a real honour.' The series was filmed in Manchester last year and is set for release on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three later this year. Adam, who also starred in Day Of The Jackal and Waterloo Road, has not spoken publicly about his love life. Aimee's last known relationship was with her Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells, who she split from in 2020 after two years together. Connor, 28, who stars in SAS Rogue Heroes, is now married to the Peaky Blinders star, Amber Anderson, 32, who he wed last year. Discussing the reason behind their split, Aimee noted that relationships don't have to consist of a 'goodie' and a 'baddie', but sometimes the combination of two personalities in a dynamic can result in 'unhealthy themes'. She said in an interview with Grazia: 'We'd had some time apart and then we realised that maybe the relationship wasn't serving us both,' before stating that she and Connor still love each other and respect each other. According to Aimee the breakup was amicable and wasn't dramatic. She compared the moment she became single to a dam bursting wide open. She added: 'When I'm in a relationship I find it hard to maintain my sense of self. I'm very independent but also quite impressionable.' MailOnline has contacted Amy and Adam's representatives for comment. In recent months, the star has catapulted to global fame, owing to her role in HBO hit, The White Lotus. However, the actress' personal life caused more headlines than the series itself, with Aimee hitting out at Saturday Night Live for their 'mean and unfunny' parody of the show that mocked her teeth; as well as being embroiled in claims of a 'feud' with her on-screen lover. The SNL sketch featured comedian Sarah Sherman, 32, parodying Aimee's character Chelsea while using fake teeth to mock her, which prompted in widespread outrage. The sketch poked fun at her Manchester U.K. accent and her teeth, with Sarah exclaiming: 'Fluoride? What's that?' In response, Aimee took aim at the 'cheap' joke, writing on Instagram: 'Such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple weeks ago. Yes, take the p**s for sure - that's what the show is about- but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?' She also shared messages of support from her followers and sister Emily, admitting she'd received 'thousands' of messages backing her up. Aimee continued: 'Last thing I'll say on the matter. I am not thin skinned. I actually love being taken the p**s out of when it's clever and in good spirits. But the joke was about fluoride. I have big gap teeth not bad teeth. 'I don't mind caricature - I understand that's what SNL is. But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/ Chelsea was the only one punched down On... Okay end of.' To conclude, she shared a comment from a fan that read: 'It was a sharp and funny skit until it suddenly took a screeching turn into 1970's misogyny', she added: 'This sums up my view'. As well as her role in Film Club, Aimee has been kept busy filming series two of her BBC sitcom Daddy Issues. This year will also see her star in crime-thriller film Sweet Dreams, which has been pitched as 'a British Fargo'. Adam's most recent TV role was in the ITV drama Protection, which saw him reunite with Happy Valley co-star Siobhan Finneran. His most famous role to date was in the BAFTA-winning Happy Valley, in which he played a convict who aided James Norton's Tommy Lee Royce in kidnapping the daughter of a wealthy businessman, for ransom.


Glasgow Times
13 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Tiny meerkat pups find their feet in Scottish safari park
The four pups at Blairdrummond Safari Park were born on May 10 to parents Cardi B and Biggie. New photos show the pups scampering about their enclosure at the park, exploring their surroundings. (Image: PA) READ NEXT:Rachel Reeves reveals changes to Winter Fuel Payments this year Staff at the park say they are settling in and starting to "show a bit of character" in their home at the park. It is the third litter for the pair since they joined the park in 2022. Meerkat pups are born blind, deaf and almost hairless but keepers said that now, aged around one month, the animals have opened their eyes and begun exploring the outside world. (Image: PA) Meerkats are described as incredibly social animals and live in tight-knit groups known as mobs which work together to raise their young. (Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: PA) Carolyn Booth, Pets Farm Team Leader at Blair Drummond, said: "The pups are just starting to find their feet and show a bit of character - it's a brilliant stage to watch. "They're getting more confident by the day, and the rest of the mob has really stepped up to help raise them. It's a real family effort." The pups have now started nibbling on bits of solid food and spend time following the adults around and practising their digging skills."


Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Legendary band set to receive major gong at Brits next year as bosses ‘kick off Manchester residency with a bang'
MAD FER BRITS Legendary band set to receive major gong at Brits next year as bosses 'kick off Manchester residency with a bang' THERE'S only one band the whole country is talking about right now, with their sell-out international reunion tour just weeks away. So when the Brit Awards head up to Manchester next year, I've been told we can expect an Oasis extravaganza. 11 Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher are set to receive a major gong at the Brits next year Credit: PA 11 Liam and Noel at the Brit in 1995 Credit: Getty 'The Brits want to kick off their two-year residency in Manchester with a bang,' my Brits mole said. 'Oasis will have not long finished up their sold-out shows and the hope is that Liam and Noel Gallagher will accept a special award to recognise the phenomenal sales which have come out of their reunion gigs. 'Along with it being heavy on Oasis, the Brits want to celebrate Manchester's rich music history. 'As well as Oasis, huge bands like The 1975, The Stone Roses, The Smiths and Take That all have their roots in Manchester. London might be the music capital of the country, but Manchester is just as important and has given the UK some of our best homegrown talents. 'It's a new adventure and the Brits team think they could be onto something very special.' We're expecting a very different vibe from the ceremony this year — and that's no bad thing. The annual event — taking place on at the Co-op Live arena on February 28 next year — has been slammed for now being a little stale, with more influencers and reality stars packed into London's O2 Arena than ever at this year's bash. It's little wonder then that Love Island's Maura Higgins ended up having a kiss with married McFLY star Danny Jones, which, thanks to my video, got the Brits more headlines than it's had in years. All the gossip By taking the ceremony back to focusing on the music, with the stars taking to the stage in the state-of-the-art Co-Op Live Arena, this move could breathe some much-needed life back into the show I love so much. Naturally there will be some whingers who think that Manchester is a bit of a schlep, especially as all of our major music labels have their bases in the capital. Inside Noel & Liam Gallagher's first Oasis show in 16 years at surprise venue where they enraged neighbour But I'm told plenty of cash and creativity is being pumped into the bash by Sony Music, which spearheaded the move to Manchester and have taken on the stewardship of the awards for the next three years. A Brits spokesperson said: 'We are all very excited about the move to Manchester, and we look forward to planning a spectacular event. 'No decisions have been made about the 2026 show, and no meetings have taken place yet to start the planning.' With a deep breath, we've booked our hotel rooms and are scouting out the best celebrity hotspots to get you all the gossip from the event. That Avanti West Coast service back to London Euston is going to be heaving . . . SAM'S LOVIN' IT WITH ROSA 11 Sam Fender in McDonald's with girlfriend Rosa Collier Credit: Click News and Media 11 The pair were seen looking loved up in the fast food chain Credit: Click News and Media 11 Rosa brought the food out for Sam to 'stop him being mobbed by fans' Credit: Click News and Media NOTHING says 'I love you' more than sharing your Big Mac and fries. And it seems Sam Fender is more than happy to hand his over to girlfriend Rosa Collier. I revealed in March that Sam had secretly been seeing Rosa for almost two years and the pair were snapped together in public for the first time when they stopped for food at County Durham services. An onlooker said: 'Sam is a superstar but he keeps his personal life low key. "He was really affectionate towards Rosa and, after he'd ordered their haul, he headed back to the tour bus with Rosa bringing him the food to stop him being mobbed by fans.' Friends told me earlier this year that Sam met Rosa while she was studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. They became more serious in 2023 and she's been on the road with him for his mega People Watching world tour – which saw him playing to 80,000 people at the London's Olympic Stadium on Friday night. They added: 'Sam's career has gone stratospheric but he likes to keep his feet on the ground and Rosa helps him do that. 'They make a lovely couple.' They sure do. ROD'S EXTRA GIG GUESTS 11 Sir Rod Stewart has promised three special guests for his Sunday afternoon legends slot at Glastonbury Credit: Getty 11 His Rolling Stones pal Ronnie Wood will be joining him on stage Credit: Getty SIR ROD STEWART had already let slip that his Rolling Stones pal Ronnie Wood will be joining him on stage at Glastonbury – and now he's teased two other famous faces will be getting involved. He has promised three special guests for his Sunday afternoon legends slot at the festival at the end of the month. Admitting he won't nail down the setlist for the 90-minute performance until the night before, Rod said: 'We've been running [through it] because I have two guests coming on. "Three guests actually, so we're doing their songs. But no, it won't be until the night before.' But does that mean he will be on his best behaviour at Worthy Farm? Doesn't sound like it. The Faces legend – who has been forced to cancel a string of gigs in the US this month while recovering from flu – said he will be treating himself to some Bacardi and Coke before going on stage. He added: 'This time, we're all in a hotel in Bath the night before, me and the band, all the road crews, so we're going to have a right old p***-up. 'It's obviously the last time I do it, so I want it to be memorable. 'But I'm just going to go in, have a few drinks before I go on and enjoy myself like I've always done all my life.' It will be his second time at the festival after headlining in 2002, but it sounds as though he had a fair few drinks then, too. Asked what he recalls about last time, he confessed: 'Nothing. 'I think it's the alcohol intake over the years. 'I just cannot remember what happened at Glastonbury.' But while it will be a special moment, it has not come cheap. Speaking on the Sidetracked podcast on BBC Sounds – recorded before his recent illness – he explained: 'It's actually cost me £300,000 to do the show because I've got to bring all the band back from America and I've got to take them all the way back to America. 'Believe it or not, my kids, three of them, all bought their own tickets, because Glastonbury give nothing away. Nothing. 'Everybody asks me for tickets. All the time. Everywhere. People just come out of the woodwork. 'Oh, you haven't spoken to me for 25 years. Any chance I could have a ticket?'' Rod is a busy man, as alongside the Glasto show, he is working on the first Faces album for over 50 years, a solo country album, another solo record, plus documentaries about his life and his time as frontman of the Faces. But the singer said: 'I'm enjoying performing now more than I've ever done in my entire life and I'm in my 80s. 'You'll see it at Glastonbury. 'My energy, enthusiasm is overwhelming, almost. I've got a band that I absolutely adore being with.' And he's so excited to be there on the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday legends slot that he is even looking forward to people chucking their pants at him on stage – despite the fact they may be days-old, unwashed underwear. He added: 'Oh, it doesn't matter. 'They're my people.' Rather him than me . . . JADE'S CRAZY ABOUT HER KESHA COLLAB 11 Jade is lining up her first major collaboration since going solo Credit: Splash 11 The former Little Mix star will be teaming up with Kesha Credit: Getty JADE is lining up her first major collaboration since going solo, by teaming up with Kesha. We've been told she is set to feature on a remix of the US star's new single Boy Crazy, after they both performed at Mighty Hoopla festival in London earlier this month. They have been leaving clues on each other's Instagram posts in recent days, with former Little Mix star posting a photo of herself in a Boy Crazy T-shirt. Kesha commented: 'U boy crazy too? We should go out…' to which Jade replied: 'Let's party!' It could be the perfect move to introduce her to more fans in the States, where Little Mix never hit the big time. She is being managed by a team in the US who want to make her a star there following the success of her debut solo single Angel Of My Dreams and her Brit Award for Pop Act. Jade's album That's Showbiz Baby! will be out on September 12, followed by a UK tour in October which is almost entirely sold out. She's already moved on to big things, but I have high hopes for what's next. WINNER CARDI IS TWO GOOD 11 Cardi B picked up two gongs at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards Credit: Getty CARDI B did the double at the 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards. The I Like It singer was handed the Voice Of Culture gong for her influence on the music industry and picked up an award for her track Enough (Miami). Cardi looked pleased as punch with her haul and later celebrated in at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. It was a flying visit for Cardi, who is seriously loved up with her new man, American Footballer Stefon Diggs. Before flying into LA to pick up her gongs, Cardi spent her weekend at an NFL kids football camp hosted by Stefon in Maryland – with the superstar posing on the side of the pitch with the New England Patriots player. BILLIE HAS HOL LOT OF LOVE 11 Billie Eilish and Nat Wolff on holiday in Italy Credit: supplied BILLIE EILISH has flown to Venice on a romantic getaway with actor Nat Wolff, despite claiming they are just friends. They were pictured in a clinch on holiday in Italy at the weekend, almost a year after he played the singer's love interest in the video for song Chihiro. LIOINEL: TOUR IS A PAIN LIONEL RICHIE's Hello To The Hits tour is hitting Manchester for two nights on Thursday, following a mammoth show in Birmingham last night. After the shows at the Co-Op Live arena, the American soul legend will then return to the capital for one final show at London's O2 Arena on Sunday. So it's little surprise Lionel is feeling the burn, joking on stage: 'When you see me jumping and running, sliding, running up stairs, running down stairs, I want you all to know one thing – I'm in pain.' His high-intensity shows are fuelled by early nights and electrolytes, with Lionel performing 22 of his biggest tracks including Dancing On The Ceiling, Endless Love and All Night Long. But while he has the moves of a man half his age, Lionel said his vocals are given a rest – by the audience. He adding: 'When you come to my show, the last person you'll hear singing is me.' We caught Lionel live in London on Friday night and can confirm this is true. And his performance was a masterclass for younger artists. Lionel, never stop. IDRIS ELBA, Blossoms, Jade and Mabel have been added to the line-up of artists playing the British Grand Prix weekend. They will join headliners Sam Fender, Raye, Fatboy Slim and Becky Hill at the event at Silverstone, Northamptonshire, from July 3 to 6. THE festival set up in memory of TV's Caroline Flack hopes to top £1million in fundraising for mental health support after this year's one-day event. Flackstock has raised over £700,000 in its first three years, with the money split between Choose Love, Mind, Samaritans and the Charlie Waller Trust. This year, another charity, the Flackstock Fund, will also benefit. Stars at this year's event, on August 8 at London's Crystal Palace Bowl, will include Mel C, Pixie Lott, Alfie Boe, Boyzlife, S Club's Jon Lee and Jo O'Meara, and Wes Nelson. Hope to see you there.