Latest news with #Merlin
ITV News
18 hours ago
- ITV News
Rollercoaster crash like 'hitting a car at 90mph': 10 years on from Alton Towers Smiler injuries
Ten years after they suffered life-changing injuries on a rollercoaster at Alton Towers, Leah Washington-Pugh and Joe Pugh reflect on how far they have come. Leah and Joe, from South Yorkshire, were just 17 and 18-years-old and on a date when the carriage they were riding on the Smiler ride crashed into the empty carriage ahead. The pair were left serious injuries with Joe suffering two shattered kneecaps and damage to his hands and Leah having damage to her legs and a fractured hand. She went on to have her left leg amputated above the knee. The crash, on 2 June 2015, led to operator Merlin being fined £5m, with compensation paid to the 16 victims. Speaking through representatives at the legal firm Stewarts, the pair described how having each other got them through their recovery. Joe said: 'We had to learn not only how to walk again, but how to build a relationship with each other again.' 'Looking back now, me and Joe sticking together, we were such a good support for each other. Yes, our injuries were there and everything else around us was going off, but we still had that relationship and friendship and that got us through everything,' Leah added. The Smiler was the couple's first ride of the day after entering the park. "I think if I remember rightly if you compare it to a car accident it was the equivalent of driving into a car at 90 miles an hour. It was pretty severe," added Joe. "I looked down at my legs and realised that something wasn't right," said Leah. "I looked at Joe and Joe's little finger was hanging off." It took a number of hours for them to be rescued from the ride in a complex operation which involved the Air Ambulance flying in blood for Leah. "If it wasn't for the air ambulance and other services on the day I know I wouldn't be here today." Leah spent five days in intensive care and was in hospital for eight weeks in total. Partner at Stewarts, Anna Wiseman acted for Leah and Joe in their case. She said: 'Leah was young when I first met her, she was only 17. For her to go through that process and be injured in the way that she was, was quite terrifying for her.' Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd admitted breaches of the Health and Safety Act in what bosses called "the most serious incident" in Alton Towers' history. Reflecting on a decade since the crash, the couple, who recently got married say the incident has brought them closer together. "You've always got to find the positive in the negative and just got to grab life, because it's so precious, and make the most of it" added Leah. The couple are using the anniversary to host a ball to support the Midlands Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the LimbBo Foundation, a charity which supports limb-different children.
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Slater sisters stars living very different lives now as Zoe returns
From EastEnders mainstays to personal tragedy and a new career as security in B&M Bargains, the Slater sister actresses' lives have all gone in different directions Excited EastEnders fans are bracing for a bombshell - Michelle Ryan appears be returning to Albert Square! The 41-year-old TV star famously played Zoe Slater on the BBC soap from 2000 until 2005, and appearing in 559 episodes and her character was involved in one of the most explosive and iconic lines of soap history. Who could forget when she told Jessie Wallace's character Kat Slater that she couldn't boss her around, famously yelling: "You ain't my mother!" Kat screeched back to deliver the explosive response: "Yes I am!" and the moment cemented the family as EastEnders royalty. Of course, the pair are two of five Slater sisters. Ahead of her expected Walford return, the Mirror remembers them all with their five lives going in very different directions since they found fame. Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) Jessie Wallace continued working in soapland, even when the Slater family dwindled and has been on and off the soap for almost 25 years. She was dramatically suspended from the BBC show early 2020 after being accused of being drunk on set. Jessie, 53, was written out of storylines for a brief period but made a triumphant return two months later. It was the second time her partying has got her into trouble with BBC bosses. Back in the 2000s, she was previously suspended from the show, and then in 2003, she was convicted on a drink-driving charge. In 2018 she was sent home from the British Soap Awards for being tipsy but remains a certified Square legend. Hayley Slater (Katie Jarvis) Katie Jarvis joined the Slater gang in 2018 but she didn't last long on the Swquare. The 32-year-old is a mother to two kids, and since leaving EastEnders has ditched acting in favour of working as a security guard in at B&M Bargains in Romford, east London. Katie previously explained to the Daily Star: "I've taken a step back from acting. I've got a job and I'm looking after my kids." In May 2021, it was revealed she will stand trial for assault and racially aggravated harassment, having appeared before Basildon Crown Court. The star was charged with racially aggravated harassment, common assault and two counts of assault by beating. In court, she spoke only to confirm her personal details and to deny the four charges, and she was bailed until her trial date of April 19th next year. The accusations relate to an alleged incident in Southend in Essex on July 31 2020. Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) Returning Zoe Slater was the baby sister of the Slater clan and was portrayed by Michelle Ryan. Since leaving the Square, Michelle has continued to act and has starred in several high shows including Doctor Who, Mansfield Park, Miss Marple and Merlin. Zoe also won the lead role of Jaime Sommers in the Bionic Woman reboot across the pond but sadly it was cancelled after just one series. In 2011, Michelle played Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream in the BBC Learning project, Off By Heart Shakespeare.2. Also in 2012, Michelle toured with in a production of Cabaret which played in London's West End and now fans can't wait to see her big return to Walford. Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) Kacey Ainsworth - famed for playing tormented Little Mo, the quiet Slater sister - left EastEnders in 2006. The star went on to appear in The Bill and Holby Blue as well as Casualty, Grantchester and The Worst Witch. Kacey is almost unrecognisable since her EastEnders days as she has overhauled her appearance by swapping her dark locks in favour of platinum blonde tones. She has also embraced a shorter style by chopping off her former shoulder-length tresses into a chic bob. Lynne Hobbs (Elaine Lordan) Elaine Lordan played Lynne Hobbs on the soap from 2000 until 2004. The year after she left the soap, Elaine went to the jungle for I'm A Celebrity but only lasted a day after she passed out twice. She also appeared on Soapstar Superstar in 2007 but was the first celeb to the voted out. Elaine has also battled tragedy in her personal life after marrying her husband, Peter Manuel, in 2005 when their baby son died when he was just a few days old. The baby needed surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia and tragically died just nine months after Elaine's mum, Bernie, had taken her own life. Two years later, Elaine and her husband were expecting another baby but she suffered a miscarriage and just 12 months later she lost her father.
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Alton Towers 2015 Smiler crash 'like driving into a car at 90mph'
A couple who were seriously injured in the Smiler rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers say they can "never move on" from it, but still "couldn't be happier".Now married, Leah Washington-Pugh, then 17 and 18-year-old Joe Pugh, from South Yorkshire, were on a date when their Smiler carriage rammed into another at the Staffordshire theme park, 10 years legs were crushed, forcing the amputation of her left leg above the knee whilst both of Joe's kneecaps were shattered and some of his fingers severed in the crash, they said was "equivalent to driving into a car at 90mph". The crash, on 2 June 2015, led to operator Merlin being fined £5m, with compensation paid to the 16 victims. Speaking through their legal representatives, the pair said despite going through some dark times they had "definitely come a long way" since the the day, the couple said they had made a beeline for the ride as soon as they had entered the park. Technical difficulties had delayed them getting on, but "I never thought anything of it," said Leah. After eventually setting off, their carriage had "gone around a corner and crashed straight into the empty cart," she explained. "I think if I remember rightly if you compare it to a car accident it was the equivalent of driving into a car at 90 miles and hour, it was pretty severe," added Joe. "And then I looked down at my legs and realised that something wasn't right," said Leah. "I looked at Joe and Joe's little finger was hanging off." Stranded on the ride for about four hours, she credits emergency workers for saving her life. "The air ambulance was flying in blood for me because I was just losing that much," she said. "If it wasn't for the air ambulance and other services on the day I know I wouldn't be here today." 'Learn to live again' Following her rescue, Leah spent five days in intensive care and was in hospital for eight weeks. After being discharged "navigating life in normal surroundings was quite difficult at the start," she said. "We had to learn not only how to walk again and live again, but how to build a relationship again with each other," added Joe. The couple said supporting each other through their recovery had been "really important"."Yes, our injuries were there and everything else around us was going off, but we still had that relationship and friendship and that got us through everything." "Fast forward ten years we're both really happy," continued Joe. "We're now married, we're almost a year into us marriage, we've got a beautiful home together we couldn't be happier." The crash was "utterly shocking" and "unlike anything that had ever happened the world over," according to one industry expert. Vicky Balch, of Leyland, Lancashire, also needed a partial leg amputation after the crash. "Knowing quite a bit about the theme park industry, it was a shock as to how it could have happened and what would have been the cause," said European Coaster Club journalist Marcus Gaines."The incident attracted worldwide attention which shows how rare and unusual it was and what a major incident it was," he added. Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd admitted breaches of the Health and Safety Act in what bosses called "the most serious incident" in Alton Towers' the fine on Merlin, Judge Michael Chambers QC said the crash had been foreseeable, but accepted the company which owns Alton Towers had subsequently taken full and extensive steps to remedy the problems that led to it happening. 'Unprecedented accident' Mr Gaines added that at the time the UK was recognised as one of the leading experts in amusement park safety. "Lots of other countries don't have any real regulation about ride safety," he said. He said safety measures put in place since the crash included visual checks where staff physically inspect the entire length of the track to ensure it is clear."We've had this horrific accident, but it is unprecedented that that accident happened," Mr Gaines continued."I think the fact that we haven't seen anything like that before, and we've not seen anything like it in the 10 years since, shows what high standards we do have in the UK." Reflecting on a decade since the accident Leah said: "You've always got to find the positive in the negative and just got to grab life, because it's so precious, and make the most of it".The couple are using the anniversary to host a ball to support the Staffordshire Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the LimbBo Foundation, a charity which supports limb-different accident was "tragic," Leigh added, but it has also "fetched a lot of happiness and experiences that we would never have had." Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders legend set to return 20 years after leaving Albert Square
'People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back', claims an insider EASTENDERS legend Michelle Ryan is set to return as Zoe Slater 20 years after she left Albert Square. The shock return will see the actress, 41, back in Walford this year — delighting fans who had hoped to see her in the soap's 40th anniversary special in February. Advertisement 2 Michelle Ryan is set to return as Zoe Slater 20 years after she left Albert Square Credit: BBC 2 Young Zoe fell out with protective Kat, played by Jessie Wallace, storming off Credit: BBC A source said: 'Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right. 'People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back. 'She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.' Michelle starred on the soap from 2000 to 2005, before moving to Hollywood after landing the lead role in a series called Bionic Woman. Advertisement The Slater sisters took Albert Square by storm when they arrived. Young Zoe fell out with protective Kat, played by Jessie Wallace, storming off with the words: 'You can't tell me what to do. 'You ain't my mother.' Kat famously screamed back: 'Yes I am!' Advertisement It became one of the most quoted lines in soap history. The plot twist revealed Zoe — who was brought up believing Kat was her sister — found out she was actually her mum. Discussing her decision to leave at the time, Michelle said: 'I've always taken chances. I think that's how you progress.' EastEnders legend Michelle Ryan reveals devastating family tragedy - after 'having a feeling' it would happen day before Since then Michelle has appeared in several films, including 4.3.2.1. and Cockneys vs Zombies. Advertisement She has also had guest roles in BBC shows Doctor Who and Merlin.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Tesco reveals new Clubcard pass offer that could save families £60 during summer holidays
We've explained how to redeem the offer LOYALTY PERK Tesco reveals new Clubcard pass offer that could save families £60 during summer holidays TESCO Clubcard holders are in for a treat this summer, as the supermarket giant unveils a new offer. For just £60 in Clubcard vouchers, shoppers can now secure a special three-month "Merlin Fun Pass." 1 Szeged, Hungary – August 01, 2022: Large Tesco Supermarket and Shopping Mall Located in Sunshine Park. Credit: Getty This exclusive deal is made possible through Tesco's partnership with Merlin Entertainment. The pass unlocks access to some of the UK's most popular attractions, including Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and Thorpe Park. It also includes entry to other favourites such as Cadbury World and SEA LIFE Aquariums, making it perfect for family adventures. Worth £120 when exchanged via Clubcard, the pass allows families to enjoy a summer of thrilling rides, fascinating marine life, and chocolatey adventures without breaking the bank. Clubcard members can use any existing voucher balance towards the pass, topping up the difference with another payment method if needed. To redeem the offer, Clubcard members need to head to the Clubcard Rewards section of the Tesco app or website by August 31. From there, purchase the Merlin Fun Pass through the link to Merlin, exchanging just £60 of Clubcard vouchers for a pass worth £120. Tesco's group membership and loyalty director Shama Wilson said: "We know Clubcard members have been keen to get a pass for Merlin's attractions with their Clubcard Vouchers, and to mark 30 years of Tesco Clubcard we have delivered just that. "We are expecting this deal to be exceptionally popular with Clubcard members able to visit scores of top attractions across the country for free by exchanging just £60 of Clubcard Vouchers at double their value. This has got to be one of the best ways to reward yourself this summer." This new offer adds to an impressive range of reward partners, giving Tesco shoppers even more opportunities to redeem their vouchers for points. I'm 5'3 and a size 10 - Tesco is killing it with their summer co-ords, my haul was amazing & I got 25% off everything too For instance, those wishing to jet abroad this summer can double the value of their Clubcard vouchers to get money off an easyJet holiday booking. Every £0.50 in Clubcard vouchers is worth £1.50 towards easyJet holidays, making it a great way to cut costs on your trip abroad. Alternatively, holidaymakers can trade £5 in Clubcard vouchers for £10 to use on perfect for booking accommodation. For those staying closer to home, shoppers can also double their vouchers' value to enjoy discounts at ten major restaurant chains, including Pizza Express, ASK Italian, and Frankie & Benny's. Meanwhile, Tesco Clubcard members are being urged to act quickly, as £15million worth of vouchers are set to expire on May 31. How does the Tesco Clubcard scheme work? TESCO'S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop, these points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food or other reward partner schemes. When you spend £1 in-store or online, you get one point when you scan your card or app. Drivers using Clubcards now get one point for every two litres spent on fuel. One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you £1.50, for example. You'll need a minimum of 150 points to request a voucher. These vouchers can either be worth the face value to spend in-store at Tesco, or you can double their worth to spend at reward partners, including restaurants, and on days out. Loyalty card holders can also get cheaper prices on over 8,000 items thanks to Clubcard Prices. These Clubcard prices save the average member £351 on their annual shop, according to Tesco. Check if you can reclaim lost points Many people lose or forget to use their Tesco vouchers, but there's an easy way to claw back the last two years of unused vouchers. Here's exactly how to find out if you have any unused vouchers. The first step is to log into your Tesco Clubcard account on or via the Clubcard app. You'll need your name, email address and Clubcard number to hand. Once you've logged in, navigate to "My Clubcard Account" and then click on "Vouchers" to see a full list of any vouchers you still have to spend. You can use the code included in your voucher to spend online. If you want to redeem them in-store, you'll need to print them off and take them with you.
