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Daily Mirror
3 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Hawley confirms he's back 'permanently' on Emmerdale after huge life change
Emmerdale welcomed back Ryan Hawley as Robert Sugden in tonight's dramatic episode and now the returning star has confirmed that he's back "for good" after six years away. "The secret is out today! My character is returning permanently and not just for Aaron and John's wedding. I am back for good, and I am so excited to be playing Robert again," he told The Mirror in an exclusive chat.
Daily Mirror
18 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Thugs leave lecturer blind in one eye after he 'refused their offer of a chip'
Patrick Kerr, 33, and Simon Tierney, 38, blinded university lecturer Antonio Grant at Rewind Festival after they became angry that he had refused a chip from them Two violent thugs who left a university lecturer blind in one eye after he refused their offer of a chip at a music festival have been jailed. Patrick Kerr, 33, and Simon Tierney, 38, blinded Antonio Grant in one following the attack at the Rewind Festival at Sone Palace, Perthshire on July 22, 2023. The 53-year-old lecturer had been at the festival with his family and had engaged in a "polite" conversation with the pair, who he did not know before the festival. But when Mr Grant decided to walk away from an "aggressive" Tierney, he was set upon by the thug after he refused the offer of a chip from him. Both then punched and kicked Mr Grant before knocking him to the ground. They landed more blows on his head before security arrived to pull them away. Mr Grant needed a metal plate inserted in his jaw following the assault. He was also left blinded in one eye. The pair separately admitted to having assaulted Mr Grant, leaving him with a severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment. Tierney, who previously ran a gas fitting company, pleaded guilty at a hearing last summer. Sentencing had been delayed until the end of Kerr's trial in Dundee last month but he later admitted to the same charges as his accomplice on the second day of the case. Kerr was jailed for five and a half years today with Tierney being sentenced to four and a half years. The duo, both of Glenrothes, Fife, will be supervised for another two years once they are released. A non-harassment order was also imposed, banning them from approaching or contacting the victim for an indefinite period. Prosecutor Brian Bell explained at the hearing in Dundee how Mr Grant was set upon by the pair, the Daily Record reported. The advocate depute added: "He was punched on the head and knocked to the ground. Both were seen to repeatedly punch and kick him on the head and body while he was there. Security and others came to assist and were pulled away. "The incident appeared to have been brief, but (Mr Grant) was described as being kicked and punched with force." The assailants were held and had insisted they had been attacked. Tierney claimed he had been knocked out and, when he came to, spotted Kerr fighting with others. Mr Bell then outlined the extensive damage to one of Mr Grant's eyes. He added: "He has suffered the permanent loss of vision in his right eye." It remains a possibility he may need to have it removed at a later stage. Mr Grant, who already suffered from a sight condition before the assault, also needed extensive dental work for six broken teeth. Mr Bell said the attack had resulted in "life changing consequences" for the victim. Kerr's lawyer David Taylor today said the ex-bricklayer had been in "a spiral of decline" at the time due to personal issues. He continued: "He is ashamed of his behaviour. He wishes to convey his apologies to the victim." Gordon Martin defending Tierney said it appeared in a pre-sentencing report the thug was trying to "minimize" his involvement, but that had "not been his intention." Lord Renucci went on to say both had "anger management" issues and that they were "no stranger to the courts." due to their criminal records. The judge said: "You have both pleaded guilty to what can only be described as a brutal, cowardly alcohol fuelled attack on a vulnerable victim. The i m pact and consequences of your actions have been shattering to him and will be lifelong."
Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kool & the Gang icon dead in tragic car crash
Michael Sumler, affectionately known as 'Chicago Mike' and the longtime hypeman and backing vocalist for Kool & the Gang, has died at age 71 following a fatal car crash near Atlanta, Georgia. The accident occurred Saturday night near Buckner Road, where Sumler's vehicle collided with another. Tributes have poured in for the soul music icon, remembered by many as the 'life of the party.' 'It was a devastating blow,' said Sumler's friend Adrian Meeks in a statement to Fox 5 Atlanta. 'It's like no, no, no, not Mike.' With a career that spanned more than three decades, Sumler was a familiar face and voice to generations of fans. Known for his high energy and crowd engagement, he served as the group's hype man, bringing an unmistakable spirit to every performance. Sumler first joined the iconic band in 1985 and would go on to mentor several young musicians. His friend added: "He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he'd been around most of all of his life." Robert "Kool" Bell, the band's founding bassist and the last surviving original member of the group, said: "It's a bittersweet feeling. We've lost another brother, and the stage won't be the same without Mike.' Kool & the Gang were formed in 1969 and had an illustrious career, winning two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums. Following the sad news of his tragic death, fans have paid tribute to Michael on social media. One X user lovingly wrote: "RIP Michael 'Chicago Mike' Sumler. A true legend and the life of every stage he touched. Your voice, your energy, your spirit will never be forgotten." Another echoed: "So sad to hear about the passing of Michael Sumler, aka Chicago Mike. A powerhouse performer and beloved soul in the music world. Rest easy, legend." Someone else said: "Chicago Mike brought light, laughter, and soul wherever he went. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the magic. You'll be missed deeply."
Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Alan Shearer breaks silence on Match of the Day future after Gary Lineker exit
Gary Lineker waved goodbye to Match of the Day on Sunday night after 26 years presenting the BBC's Premier League highlights show, many of which were spent alongside Alan Shearer Alan Shearer has confirmed that he won't be leaving Match of the Day despite 'amazing friend' Gary Lineker's exit. Lineker hosted his final episode on Sunday, having sat in the presenter's chair for 26 years. Lineker's departure from the programme - which had been planned since November - came amid an anti-Semitism scandal which prompted the 64-year-old to end his contract with BBC 14 months early. Lineker was supposed to front the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 season before ending his stint with the broadcast at the World Cup next summer. Shearer and Micah Richards were the pundits sat next to Lineker for his emotional farewell. The trio, who have a podcast together, reviewed the final day of this season's Premier League before Lineker was given a touching send-off. But Shearer won't be going anywhere. Confirming that he'll be staying on, the Newcastle legend told the Mail: "He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved, and he's a brilliant broadcaster, and he's a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him. Shearer added: "It's different for myself and Micah, because it's not as if we're not ever going to see him again. I mean, we've done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we're still going to be sort of working together." The BBC put together a seven-minute montage featuring tributes from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Virgil van Dijk and Paul Gascoigne. Shearer was among them, saying: "Match of the Day is everything to him. He loves it, it means the world to him. Off air he's very calm, very generous. You are an amazing friend." Signing off on Sunday night, Lineker told viewers: "Let me take the opportunity to thank all the other pundits I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years. You've made my job so much easier. "Also, thanks to all those you don't see at home. The work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs. Will Match of the Day be a success without Gary Lineker? Give us your prediction in the comments section. "Thank you all you're the very best. Everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. It's been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous. "I'd like to wish Gabby (Logan), Mark (Chapman), and Kelly (Cates) all the best when they sit in the chair The programme is in the best of hands. "My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It's been so special. I'm sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye." 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
35 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star ready to quit acting for very different job before landing role
EastEnders' Laura Doddington has revealed she planned to retrain in a very different career after giving up hopes of securing an acting role before taking on Nicola Mitchell Laura Doddington has quickly become a soap favourite after her bombshell entrance as Nicola Mitchell in EastEnders. Since then her character has been embroiled in a murder and this week an historic affair was uncovered which blew up some major drama. With the makings of a true soap matriarch - it's no surprise Laura, 44, has found herself nominated for Best Newcomer at this weekend's Soap Awards. But before bagging her dream role, the actress of 22 years admitted she mused the idea of changing careers after thinking her big break wouldn't come. 'The industry is hard at the moment,' admitted mum-of-one Laura. 'Before this audition came through, I'd been looking at retraining to do something else, I've got a young kid. And that makes you think about their future and stability for them.' Having previously starred in Doctors, Holby City and Casualty as well as on the stage - the lead role Laura had hoped for just wasn't coming. 'I cut my son's hair and I'm sort of reasonably good at it, so I thought that might be an option,' she mused. 'I was in Prime Suspect when I was in my 20s and The Midwich Cuckoos, but they weren't massive parts. I was beginning to think it might not be possible to have that lead role.' But she got the breakthrough she wanted so much, landing the part of the latest fiesty Mitchell woman, Nicola, nine months ago. And Cambridge-born Laura made an immediate impression. 'I've been a jobbing actor for 22 years and over that time you deal with really amazing highs, but also lows,' explained Laura. 'Missing out on jobs, not even getting seen for jobs. So when I got the part, especially as I'd been in it before for a fleeting moment, I was ecstatic. 'I'm really lucky that Chris Clenshaw took a punt on a jobbing actor and gave me the chance. This came at the right time. It feels incredible.' She says her audition process was an emotional rollercoaster - fearing she'd missed out on the chance of a lifetime. 'I didn't hear anything for four weeks,' recalled Laura. 'I thought it had gone to someone else. Unfortunately in this industry when you get to over the age of about 35 and you haven't made a name for yourself, the interesting roles sort of start drying up. It's just the way that it is and the way the world is a little bit. That's why I love soaps and continuing dramas as they champion individuals of all ages and put characters at the heart of storytelling.' Writing the opportunity off initially, eventually the call came through and Laura had got the part. 'When I found out there were a lot of tears and a lot of expletives!' she laughs. Stepping out on the Albert Square set for her first scenes as Nicola, Laura said she was full of nerves. But said soap stalwart Adam Woodyatt, who was her mentor was on hand to steady them. 'He was amazing,' smiles Laura. 'He came in, he was on set on my first day in case I had any questions. It was his day off, bless him. Everyone on the are so welcoming and kind. It was also daunting doing scenes with soap legends as colleagues. 'Seeing Steve (McFadden), Letitia (Dean) - it was just like, 'Oh my god'. But they are amazing. And the boys, Roland, Elijah and Lewis, they were awesome. We gelled so quickly.' The new Mitchells - Teddy (Roland Manookian), and his sons Harry (played by Elijah Holloway) and Barney (played by Lewis Bridgeman) - arrived in Walford in June causing shockwaves when it was revealed they were Stevie's secret family. Mum Nicola joined later, having spent time behind bars for injecting unlicensed filler. Earlier this month she confessed she'd murdered Harry's girlfriend Shireen to her son. She did it to conceal how Teddy is not Barney's real father – Zack Hudson ( James Farrar) is. The paternity bombshell was exposed this week leading to Harry kidnapping Zack to stop him telling Barney and the pair crashing into a lake. Tonight's episode sees Zack still missing and feared dead. Laura says it can be intense filming dramatic scenes and often likes to lighten the mood in between takes. 'The boys and I often burst into song between takes,' she revealed. 'It's hilarious when you belt out a tune and no one else joins in and you're like, 'That song was too random'. 'I'm high energy, a bit like a cocker spaniel most of the time. Then I realise that I have to portray the character and I'll take a minute to focus and get into Nicola's head. Although very different to her villainous character, Laura says they do share one quality. 'I relate to her protectiveness of her children." Letting her young son watch her EastEnders entrance last year - it was the first and last episode he's seen. Laura recalled: 'He turned to me and he said, 'Mummy, you're not very nice in this, are you?' 'I went, 'No I'm not, lovely' And he asked, 'Do you mind if I don't watch it?' in my head I was going, 'Thank God - I mean you were never gonna watch it!'.' One thing she will let him watch is mummy's appearance at the Soap Awards. Laura is up against Jacob Roberts as Coronation Street 's Kit Green, Shebz Miah and Emmerdale 's Kammy Hadiq and Isabelle Smith and Hollyoaks 's Frankie Osborne. 'When you've been doing something for a really long time and then suddenly someone acknowledges it… it's special,' she beams. 'I was really overwhelmed by it because I wasn't expecting it. I spent a lot of that first day bursting into tears - and I'm not a crier.' Gracing her first event red carpet, she says she's both excited and nervous. 'I'm a little bit of a clown,' admits Laura. 'I'm slightly worried that I might, in my head, think it's funny on the red carpet to pull a stupid face and then it's there for forever, isn't it? 'I'm really worried about tripping. It's probably gonna be me that falls flat on her face on the red carpet in front of everyone. But I can't wait to celebrate EastEnders and all the other amazing people and shows.' With a murder, an affair and huge family secret now exposed, is there a future for Nicola on EastEnders? 'There's always redemption,' Laura jokes. 'The knock-on effect of the secret of 16 years coming out would bring drama to anyone's life. In Nicola and the boys' case I think there's a journey to be had in that. It'll be interesting to see what she would do in a situation, how she repairs it with Barney.' Hoping to become an EastEnders favourite for years to come, Laura vowed: 'I don't want to go! But in the end that's not up to me. Everything is finite. I will just enjoy every moment that I'm here.' ITV at 8pm on June 5. 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