Blaze at Sheffield Full Monty club 'deliberate'
The club closed in 2019 and the following year, Sheffield City Council's planning officers refused an application to bulldoze the building after more than 1,000 people signed a petition to save it.Ann Bentley, who was behind the petition, said she believed the fire marked "the end of an era".Ms Bentley, who ran the club with husband Roy for 15 years, including while the famous movie was being shot there, said: "It was a fantastic Working Men's Club when my husband and I had it. It was very, very busy."While the fire was "sad to see", the club would forever remain an "icon of the city", Ms Bentley added."It'll never lose that, really, will it?"Oscar-winning comedy The Full Monty depicted the lives of Sheffield steelworkers who were made redundant and turned to stripping at a club to earn a living.The movie, starring Robert Carlyle and Mark Addy, ended up as one of the best-loved and highest-grossing British films of the 1990s.
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Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's thoughts clear on new MOTD hosts and admits he probably won't watch on Saturdays
Gary Lineker stepped down from his role as Match of the Day presenter after over 25 years in the hotseat, with three presenters stepping in to take over his role this season Gary Lineker believes that Match of the Day are replacing him with three new hosts due to the "massive commitment" required to be the face of the BBC One show. The former England star, who spent over two decades as the main face of MOTD, stepped down from his role in May after severing ties with the broadcasters following online controversy. Lineker's name has become almost synonymous with the flagship show, since he made his debut in 1999 by replacing the iconic Des Lynam. Following his exit announcement in November 2024, the BBC worked hard to source an adequate replacement - and came up with three. Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will enter the studio this season to take over from Lineker; a decision that many were confused by. Viewers questioned why three presenters were drafted to take over one person's job, but the departed host has had his say on exactly why this happened. Lineker, who turned out for Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in his playing days, claims that the three hosts will have to share the massive workload that can take over your life. Speaking to FourFourTwo, the 64-year-old said: "That's probably down to the fact it's a massive commitment. "Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone. That might be it, I don't know. I didn't get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they've named three, but I suspect it's not due to that." Lineker went on to confirm he won't be an avid viewer of his old stomping ground on the weekends, and will instead spend his time catching up on time missed while doing the show. Sending well wishes to the new MOTD faces, he added: "I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they'll be fine and they'll do a great job. I've known them all for years, they're top presenters. "I'll be watching, but probably on iPlayer … I don't think I'll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I'm in." With the Premier League kicking off this weekend, Chapman has been confirmed as the first to sit in Lineker's old spot for the 2025/26 campaign. He will be joined by ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney and the league's all-time topscorer, Alan Shearer. Chapman has plenty of experience in broadcast and also on the show specifically, having presented the Sunday spin-off since 2013. Cates made her debut on Wednesday, covering the UEFA Super Cup final between Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain. Cates has been a Sky Sports regular since 2016, covering the Premier League and is set to continue her role with BBC's rival during this campaign. Meanwhile, Logan has been with the BBC since 2007, presenting shows like Inside Sport, Final Score and also standing in as presenter of MOTD since 2012. Despite sending his best regards to all three presenters, Cates confirmed that Lineker hasn't spoken to the new hosts, and is not keen on instructing them on how to run the show. Speaking before the launch of the new Sky Sports Premier League season, the 49-year-old admitted she isn't trying to replace the iconic presenter, but instead put her own stamp on the show. Cates said: "No he hasn't got in touch and I haven't got in touch with him, but not because we're not avoiding each other. We just don't know each other. I know Gary to say hello to, We just don't know each other that well. "And I think Chappers was saying that Gary said: 'Well, why would I tell three broadcasters how to do their job?' which is very lovely of him because he was brilliant at the job and adored. And as much as he was a controversial character at times, any focus group that was researching will tell you how much he was adored in that role. "So I think from my point of view, the reason not to do it would be, I don't want to be Gary. I think there's a temptation to try and be someone else, and I think that you get a job because of yourself. And if then you try to be someone else, it can all just get a bit confused. "I don't need another thing to think about. I don't need to be sitting there thinking: 'What would Gary do? It's not a decision not to. It's just we don't have that relationship." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Brookside creator breaks silence on Hollyoaks crossover saying 'it's bitter sweet'
Brookside is set to return to Channel 4 in a special crossover with Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks and series creator Sir Phil Redmond has now weighed in on the exciting announcement Channel 4's cherished inaugural soap Brookside is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks. As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond. After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4 's premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside's former set, which remains its filming location to this day. Sir Phil has garnered acclaim for his hard-hitting television dramas, including Grange Hill, which have consistently tackled pressing societal issues within their respective settings, often pioneering discussions on such topics. Hollyoaks has continued in the spirit of Brookside, addressing trailblazing social themes but through a more youthful and dynamic narrative approach, reports the Liverpool Echo. The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event. Executive Producer Hannah Cheers expressed her enthusiasm: "This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside." She elaborated: "Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks - it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets." Cheers added: "For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks' history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast. "This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy. "These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks. "As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil's blessing - after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him - and the support of Channel 4, we're able to make it happen. "Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than 20 years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again." Sir Phil commented: "It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us. "But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes. "I can't wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there." Filming is set to commence in September, with the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office granting special permission. This is because the former set and production offices, an unadopted road in West Derby, are now residential homes. The residents have been offered the chance to share a meal with the cast and crew from Lime Pictures. This marks the first time Brookside Close will be broadcast since its conclusion, which saw Jimmy Corkhill (portrayed by the late Dean Sullivan) adding a 'd' to the sign, transforming it into 'Brookside Closed', before driving away from the cul-de-sac.
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Who new Match of the Day host Mark Chapman supports, BBC salary and Gary Lineker quip
Who new Match of the Day host Mark Chapman supports, BBC salary and Gary Lineker quip Mark Chapman will host the first Match of the Day show of the new Premier League season on Saturday evening, with long-term lead presenter Gary Lineker having stepped down Mark Chapman will host Match of the Day on Saturday evening (Image: BBC/Charlie Clift) Mark Chapman will present the opening Match of the Day programme of the new Premier League campaign. Following Gary Lineker's departure, the 51-year-old will alternate hosting responsibilities with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates throughout this season. The BBC's flagship football show will feature a new permanent presenter for the first time since 1999 after former England forward Lineker stood down, ending all ties with the corporation from last season's conclusion following controversy over an antisemitism-related social media post. Lineker's departure was revealed in November last year, with confirmation arriving in January that former MOTD 2 presenter Chapman, established broadcaster Logan and ex-Sky Sports star Cates would share the presenting duties. Chapman will begin his tenure on Saturday, and we examine his life beyond television, including his footballing allegiances and salary details. Mark Chapman's Gary Lineker quip Whilst Saturday marks Chapman's debut as permanent presenter, according to PA, with colleague Logan handling the Sunday programme, he is well-versed in fronting MOTD, reports the Mirror. Chapman's MOTD 2 responsibilities frequently involved presenting the midweek programmes, and a January appearance saw him deliver a humorous remark during the period of Lineker's exit announcement. Article continues below Chapman quipped about his upcoming role in January (Image: BBC) The 51-year-old began the show alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer with a clever reference to his forthcoming position, stating: "Evening, thought I'd get the practice in..." His co-stars couldn't help but chuckle at the admission, with Shearer exclaiming: "You haven't wasted any time, have you? Six months too early!" Chapman retorted: "It's going to be a long night, eh?" What football club does Mark Chapman support? Former presenter Lineker made no secret of his devotion to childhood team Leicester City, where he launched his playing career. He turned out more than 200 times for the Foxes between 1978 and 1985. Chapman, who isn't a former professional, having begun his BBC journey in 1996 as a community announcer, also holds allegiance to a major English club in Manchester United. Chapman is a Red Devils fan (Image: Getty) Hailing from Rochdale, Chapman revealed to the iPaper in 2018: "It's not my fault that I support a big team! I had to put up with a lot of poor, if at least entertaining, stuff in the 1980s. I am a genuine Manchester United fan." Following the Red Devils' challenging 15th-placed Premier League campaign last season, featuring some woeful performances, Chapman revealed during a 2025 Catchphrase appearance: "By the time we go on air, I've had enough time to stop being a sore loser. So by then I'm fairly impartial." How much does Mark Chapman earn? Lineker was famous for being amongst the BBC's most handsomely remunerated employees throughout his tenure with the broadcaster. Reports suggested he earned approximately £1.35million last year prior to his departure. Hosting duties will rotate between Chapman, Cates and Logan (Image: BBC/Charlie Clift) Colleague Shearer was also a top earner last year with a reported salary of £440,000, though Chapman earns considerably less than the two former England strikers. Throughout the 2021/22 season, Chapman earned roughly £250k, and this salary was subsequently boosted the following campaign to around £325k. Article continues below During the 2023/24 season, Chapman took home somewhere in the region of £260k for his coverage on Radio 5 Live, MOTD 2, the Challenge Cup, the Euros and Olympic Games.
