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Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dara Ó Briain to make his Electric Picnic debut at Comedy Tent as line-up revealed
One of Ireland's most popular stand-up comedians, Ó Briain, will perform in the early afternoon slot on Saturday, August 30. It comes as Electric Picnic announced the Comedy Tent line-up, with plenty of well-known names set to hit the stage to entertain festivalgoers. A spokesperson for the festival, which takes place from August 29 to 31 in Stradbally Hall in Co Laois, said a 'myriad of mirth, mayhem, mischief and comedic delight is in store'. "Some of the biggest names in the industry, alongside a whole host of original, exciting, emerging comics, descend upon the rolling lawns of the beautiful Stradbally estate,' they added. Irish comedy sketch troupe Foil Arms and Hog, consisting of Sean Finegan, Conor McKenna, and Sean Flanagan, will perform their only Irish festival show this year at the festival in August. Other comedy stars coming to Strandbally Hall this August include comedian and An Irishman Abroad podcast creator Jarlath Regan, stand-up comedian and Corkman Chris Kent, and Belfast's Shane Todd, who is making his return to the Electric Picnic. One of Ireland's best-known comics, Andrew Maxwell, who won Celebrity Mastermind, Dublin comedian and actor Gearóid Farrelly, and comedian and podcaster Emma Doran will also perform at the festival. Among comedians who will make their debut at Electric Picnic are Cork native and Barcelona resident Kyla Cobbler, and Irish comedian living in New York City, Katie Boyle, whose debut TV special I'll Do it Myself has hit over 1 million views on YouTube. TikTok star Rachel Galvo, who recently sold out the Olympia Theatre, Italian-Irish comedian Vittorio Angelone from Belfast, who was nominated for best newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, and Kilkenny's Mike Rice, who has just completed his first tour of the UK and Ireland, will also hit the stage at the Comedy Tent. Other comedy acts include comedian and TV personality Eric Lalor, award-winning Hot Young Guys podcasters and comedians Killian Sundermann, Shane Daniel Byrne, and Tony Cantwell, comedian John Colleary, Bridget and Eamon creator and star Bernard O'Shea, Canadian slacker comic Glen Wool and many more. Electric Picnic has sought to provide a platform for the best of the new comedians, and this year, it will be Síomha Hennessy, Steve Spade, Emer Maguire, Bronagh Diamond, Darragh Bourke and Eddie Mullarkey who will play the biggest gig in their careers thus far. The Comedy Circus will be hosted by MC and Irish comedian Karl Spain for the weekend, as the EP Comedy Tent opens at 1.30pm on Saturday, August 30, and runs until Sunday, August 31. The festival is headlined by Hozier and Chappell Roan on Friday, Sam Fender and Fat Boy Slim on Saturday and Kings of Leon and Becky Hill on Sunday.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Energy expert lifts lid on Brits' top queries – including lost fuse boxes
Rustie Lee reveals how smart meter installers can help keep energy equipment safe at home | Ben Stevens/PinPep An electricity and gas expert has revealed the most common questions they get from their customers – from "where on earth is my fuse box?" to Brits being baffled by power cuts. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tom Hicks, who has been on the tools for eight years, is unlikely to be the only one after a survey of 4,000 adults found as many as one in 20 (six per cent) have no idea where their fuse box is. And 14 per cent aren't confident they know how it works either, even if they do know where it's located. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He also regularly manages queries with households being completely stumped about where they can find their energy meter. And often finds himself fielding questions about why certain electrical items continuously trip out. When visiting properties, Tom often spots things that need attention, such as outdated wiring that should be replaced every 15 to 20 years, during a visual safety check he does when installing a smart meter. He advises that in a power cut you should first turn off all appliances, check your fuse box to see if the electricity has tripped, and if it hasn't, see if your neighbours have been affected too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other common recommendations he has for people are to get boilers serviced every 12 months and to contact a gas safe boiler engineer if you see any fine sooting or abnormal marks on the surrounding walls. Tom's six months of intense training prior to installing smart meters are regularly tested, with customers relying on him for safety and energy saving advice. With 44 per cent of the adults polled relying on tradespeople when things go wrong, even for the simplest of tasks, for peace of mind that everything is safe (48 per cent) – or because they'll simply do a better job (65 per cent). Tom, who is working with Smart Energy GB to highlight the safety checks performed during smart meter installations, said: 'Safety should always be your number one priority when it comes to energy equipment at home. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's important to know what to look out for and make the most of the free checks and support available to households.' TV personality and chef Rustie Lee, also known for her time on Celebrity Super Spa and Celebrity Mastermind, has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to share her experience of getting work done in her home. | Ben Stevens/PinPep 'I get a free visual safety check when my smart meter is installed' The survey also found 26 per cent of adults are unsure where their stopcock can be found. While a third don't know how to turn off the electricity in their home and 49 per cent could not bleed a radiator. But it also emerged 13 per cent would 'never' start a DIY job they weren't already familiar with, with plumbers, electricians and gas safe engineers the tradesfolk most relied upon. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Gen Z are only second-most likely to watch a 'how to' posts on social media when tackling a new task (44 per cent), compared to 49 per cent of Millennials. While those aged 65+ who are responsible for maintaining their own homes were least likely to need to bring in a professional to finish a job they'd started themselves. But those aged 25-34 have typically had to do this three times in the last two years. The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 62 per cent are unaware of the advice they could access via a free visual safety check of gas and electrical equipment, carried out by a qualified engineer with a smart meter installation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad TV personality and chef Rustie Lee, also known for her time on Celebrity Super Spa and Celebrity Mastermind, has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to share her experience of getting work done in her home. Rustie said: 'I think I'm quite handy when it comes to fixing things at home and I'm proud to say I can rewire a plug! 'And like many people, I also rely on an expert to do some jobs properly. 'But energy meters are not something I've ever really thought about, because they just sit in a cupboard out of sight. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Since I found out that I get a free visual safety check when my smart meter is installed, it's made me realise that the equipment I have is probably quite old. 'Which could well be the case for others too, so getting it checked is probably a good idea. 'Staying safe is important so I'm pleased to know I'll be getting a safety check to make sure the energy equipment I have at home is working as it should.' Tom Hicks, who has been on the tools for eight years, shares his top tips and what to watch out for when it comes to energy | Joel Chant Tom Hicks' top tips on what to watch out for and when to call an energy expert: Check your wiring - Wiring and fuse boxes should be replaced roughly every 15-20 years, but it's not uncommon to see 30, 40 or even 50-year-old equipment on the wall. Call in an expert if you see any signs of overheating, distress on cables, electrical installation, charring, melting or exposed live contacts. Look for soot - Boilers are an incredible piece of kit, but they can go wrong, even when serviced every 12 months. Not many people would know there is an issue unless the boiler physically stops working, but we look for fine 'sooting' or abnormal marks on the walls and flue that indicate signs of gas spillage If you see something that doesn't look right, call a Gas Safe boiler engineer. Meter movement - If you have an old analogue gas meter and the dials are moving when all the gas appliances in the house are turned off - even if very slowly over time - it can be a sign of a gas leak. We call it checking for creep. Anyone who has trouble accessing their meter can ask their energy supplier to send an engineer to read and check it. If you smell gas, especially if its continuously inside, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. Power cuts – If this happens, the first thing you should do is switch off appliances and if you can, check your fuse box to see if a fuse has tripped (turned off). If not, check if your neighbours still have their electricity. If they are also affected don't assume the experts have already been notified and give your Electricity Distribution Network Operator a call on 105. The sooner they know, the quicker they can help. Get a free visual safety check with a smart meter installation - Smart meters replace your old analogue gas and electricity meter and are great tools to help you manage your spending on energy. But they also come with a free visual safety check when they're installed. It's easy to request one, just contact your energy supplier, if you don't already have a smart meter.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Energy expert lifts lid on Brits' top queries – including lost fuse boxes
Rustie Lee reveals how smart meter installers can help keep energy equipment safe at home | Ben Stevens/PinPep An electricity and gas expert has revealed the most common questions they get from their customers – from "where on earth is my fuse box?" to Brits being baffled by power cuts. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tom Hicks, who has been on the tools for eight years, is unlikely to be the only one after a survey of 4,000 adults found as many as one in 20 (six per cent) have no idea where their fuse box is. And 14 per cent aren't confident they know how it works either, even if they do know where it's located. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He also regularly manages queries with households being completely stumped about where they can find their energy meter. And often finds himself fielding questions about why certain electrical items continuously trip out. When visiting properties, Tom often spots things that need attention, such as outdated wiring that should be replaced every 15 to 20 years, during a visual safety check he does when installing a smart meter. He advises that in a power cut you should first turn off all appliances, check your fuse box to see if the electricity has tripped, and if it hasn't, see if your neighbours have been affected too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other common recommendations he has for people are to get boilers serviced every 12 months and to contact a gas safe boiler engineer if you see any fine sooting or abnormal marks on the surrounding walls. Tom's six months of intense training prior to installing smart meters are regularly tested, with customers relying on him for safety and energy saving advice. With 44 per cent of the adults polled relying on tradespeople when things go wrong, even for the simplest of tasks, for peace of mind that everything is safe (48 per cent) – or because they'll simply do a better job (65 per cent). Tom, who is working with Smart Energy GB to highlight the safety checks performed during smart meter installations, said: 'Safety should always be your number one priority when it comes to energy equipment at home. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's important to know what to look out for and make the most of the free checks and support available to households.' TV personality and chef Rustie Lee, also known for her time on Celebrity Super Spa and Celebrity Mastermind, has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to share her experience of getting work done in her home. | Ben Stevens/PinPep 'I get a free visual safety check when my smart meter is installed' The survey also found 26 per cent of adults are unsure where their stopcock can be found. While a third don't know how to turn off the electricity in their home and 49 per cent could not bleed a radiator. But it also emerged 13 per cent would 'never' start a DIY job they weren't already familiar with, with plumbers, electricians and gas safe engineers the tradesfolk most relied upon. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And Gen Z are only second-most likely to watch a 'how to' posts on social media when tackling a new task (44 per cent), compared to 49 per cent of Millennials. While those aged 65+ who are responsible for maintaining their own homes were least likely to need to bring in a professional to finish a job they'd started themselves. But those aged 25-34 have typically had to do this three times in the last two years. The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 62 per cent are unaware of the advice they could access via a free visual safety check of gas and electrical equipment, carried out by a qualified engineer with a smart meter installation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad TV personality and chef Rustie Lee, also known for her time on Celebrity Super Spa and Celebrity Mastermind, has teamed up with Smart Energy GB to share her experience of getting work done in her home. Rustie said: 'I think I'm quite handy when it comes to fixing things at home and I'm proud to say I can rewire a plug! 'And like many people, I also rely on an expert to do some jobs properly. 'But energy meters are not something I've ever really thought about, because they just sit in a cupboard out of sight. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Since I found out that I get a free visual safety check when my smart meter is installed, it's made me realise that the equipment I have is probably quite old. 'Which could well be the case for others too, so getting it checked is probably a good idea. 'Staying safe is important so I'm pleased to know I'll be getting a safety check to make sure the energy equipment I have at home is working as it should.' Tom Hicks, who has been on the tools for eight years, shares his top tips and what to watch out for when it comes to energy | Joel Chant Tom Hicks' top tips on what to watch out for and when to call an energy expert:
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street's Colson Smith lands first TV role after being axed as Craig Tinker
back on the box Coronation Street's Colson Smith lands first TV role after being axed as Craig Tinker Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CORONATION Street's Colson Smith has landed his first TV role since bowing out as Craig Tinker. Viewers were heartbroken when beloved police officer Craig was killed off in brutal scenes. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Corrie's Colson Smith has revealed an upcoming TV appearance Credit: Getty 6 His beloved character Craig Tinker was killed off earlier this year Credit: ITV 6 Colson revealed he'd filmed an episode of Celebrity Mastermind Credit: Instagram / @colsonjsmith Taking to his Instagram story, Colson teased when fans can next see him on-screen. The 26-year-old revealed he's filmed an episode of Celebrity Mastermind. Colson posted a snap of himself sitting in the BBC show's famous black chair -- with the caption "Find out in December". The actor obscured his specialist subject and asked followers to guess what it could be. When Hannah Montana emerged as an answer, Colson confirmed he "wasn't allowed" to pick the popular Disney show. He explained: "Can I just say how much I love that I've had about 6000 suggestions of Hannah Montana! I really did try!" Colson played Craig Tinker from 2011 until his final scenes which aired in May 2025. As part of the dramatic exit, Craig was attacked with a baseball bat by drunk villain Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton). Rushed to hospital, the young police officer later passed away from the injuries. In January, Colson first revealed he would be waving goodbye to the cobbles later in the year. Coronation Street favourite left for dead in brutal attack after actor is axed from soap He penned on Instagram at the time: "Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker's time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025. "I've loved every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. "I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. "I've learned pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. "I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning. Darkest soap storylines Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock... EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) - Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca's adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police. Emmerdale: Holly's drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) - In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale's first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose. Hollyoaks: Luke's rape (2000) - Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap's first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs - who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance. Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) - Just a mere mention of 'Richard Hillman' is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it's not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn't. "I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter two has in store for me." Away from the soap, Colson also took part in Celebrity Big Brother during its first series on ITV. He placed third overall, behind winner David Potts and runner-up Nikita Kuzmin. A year later, his Corrie co-star and On The Sofa podcast co-host, Jack P. Shepherd, went on to win the series. 6 The iconic game show is renowned for its tough questions Credit: BBC 6 Colson played the role of Craig for 14 years Credit: ITV
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street's Colson Smith lands first TV role after being axed as Craig Tinker
CORONATION Street's Colson Smith has landed his first TV role since bowing out as Craig Tinker. Viewers were heartbroken when beloved police officer Craig Advertisement 6 Corrie's Colson Smith has revealed an upcoming TV appearance Credit: Getty 6 His beloved character Craig Tinker was killed off earlier this year Credit: ITV 6 Colson revealed he'd filmed an episode of Celebrity Mastermind Credit: Instagram / @colsonjsmith Taking to his Instagram story, Colson teased when fans can next see him on-screen. The 26-year-old revealed he's filmed an episode of Celebrity Mastermind. Colson posted a snap of himself sitting in the BBC show's famous black chair -- with the caption "Find out in December". The actor obscured his specialist subject and asked followers to guess what it could be. Advertisement Read more on Corrie When Hannah Montana emerged as an answer, Colson confirmed he "wasn't allowed" to pick the popular Disney show. He explained: "Can I just say how much I love that I've had about 6000 suggestions of Hannah Montana! I really did try!" Colson played Craig Tinker from 2011 until his final scenes which As part of the dramatic exit, Craig Advertisement Most read in Soaps Exclusive Rushed to hospital, the young police officer later passed away from the injuries. In January, Colson Coronation Street favourite left for dead in brutal attack after actor is axed from soap He penned on Instagram at the time: " Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker's time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025. "I've loved every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. Advertisement "I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. "I've learned pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. "I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning. Darkest soap storylines Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock... EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) - Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Emmerdale: Holly's drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) - In 2010, Hollyoaks: Luke's rape (2000) - Actor Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) - Just a mere mention of 'Richard Hillman' is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the "I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter two has in store for me." Advertisement Away from the soap, Colson also took part in Celebrity Big Brother during its first series on ITV . He placed third overall, behind winner David Potts and runner-up A year later, his Corrie co-star and On The Sofa podcast co-host, Jack P. Shepherd, went on to win the series. 6 The iconic game show is renowned for its tough questions Credit: BBC Advertisement 6 Colson played the role of Craig for 14 years Credit: ITV 6 He also competed on Celebrity Big Brother last year Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
