Bizarre story of the lost 'Blobbyland' theme park near Greater Manchester shut down just weeks after opening

Vera star David Leon, who plays Joe Ashworth, has addressed the future of the ITV drama.The actor played Joe in the first four seasons of Vera, before Kenny Doughty's Aiden Healy stepped in to fill his place. But after Doughty decided to leave the show after almost a decade in 2023, Vera's leading star Brenda Blethyn admitted she wanted to quit as well. It seems that Leon's return might have kept Brenda on board, however, as he agreed to return for the 13th series.

ITV's brilliant detective drama Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, is back for an exciting 13th series. David Leon is also returning as DS Joe Ashworth, after being away for nearly ten years.

Saltburn star Barry Keoghan has been making moves over the last few years, and it doesn’t look as though he has any plans to stop anytime soon. Despite his young age, he’s already appeared in a number of major films and TV series, and has even been nominated for an Oscar. From Dunkirk to The Killing of a Sacred Deer to his BAFTA Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination for Calm with Horses, for Barry, it hasn’t always been all glamour and Hollywood.The 30 year old Love/Hate star grew up in Summerhill, Dublin alongside his brother, Eric.The siblings had a pretty turbulent childhood, and spent seven years living between 13 different foster homes.

A husband and wife who use witchcraft to help around the home say spells help their domestic life 'in all sorts of ways'.

If you think you have had a wet and stormy week, spare a thought for the 73-year-old Oldham Athletic owner who is currently attempting to row his way over the Atlantic Ocean while being buffeted by wind and waves. But, despite everything, thrill-seeker Frank Rothwell remains in good spirits.

A row has erupted over the release of a council report on the use of bailiffs ahead of a crucial meeting.

The government is “looking at” the option of exonerating all postmasters involved in the Horizon scandal, the Prime Minister has said. Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Rishi Sunak said exonerating all postmasters was being “looked at” by the Justice Secretary.

A new tapas restaurant could be about to join the growing list of bars and eateries popping up around Stockport.

Inspectors have rated adult cares services in Bolton which provide rehabilitation for people in their own homes as ‘good’ in all areas. Bolton Council’s adult social care home support reablement service has been awarded the positive rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Stephen McGann, who plays the beloved Dr Patrick Turner in the BBC One drama Call the Midwife, has been a fan favourite since the show first aired in 2012.The actor, now 60, portrays the heroic doctor who cares for the residents of Poplar during the 1950s and 60s. Dr Turner is a hero in the East End community, saving lives, delivering babies, and melting viewers' hearts with every episode. Fans were overjoyed when his character found love with Sheelagh Mannion after becoming a widower at a young age, reports My London.

MasterChef host Gregg Wallace, who was once nearly 17 stone and at risk of diabetes and heart attack, has lost an impressive five stone. He achieved this not by dieting, but by making healthier food choices and changing his daily habits. Gregg, 59, decided to ditch snacks, ultra-processed foods and takeaways and instead started cooking healthy meals at home every day.

Maya Jama has touched down in Cape Town, South Africa ahead of the Love Island All Stars launch.The spin-off show will start on Monday, 15 January, and it will see some old Love Island stars from across all series enter a villa for a second chance at love. Maya, 29, is once again the host of the show and she's already in South Africa, as she gave her fans plenty of updates from her journey.

Former Love Island star Georgia Harrison has been spotted in South Africa ahead of the launch of Love Island All Stars.The spin-off show kicks off on Monday, 15 January, with a host of former Love Island stars entering a villa for a second chance at love. Georgia, 29, appeared on Love Island in 2017, and her now being in South Africa suggests that she's set to be on Love Island All Stars.

Romeo Beckham and girlfriend Mia Regan have celebrated a milestone moment in their relationship and it appears that the pair are now living together. Romeo and Mia, who were spotted cheering on Luke Littler as he competed in the World Darts Championship Final earlier this month, have been in a relationship since 2019 and are often seen looking loved-up at various high-profile events.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has described cup football as 'do or die' in a warning to his players ahead of Monday's game against Wigan Athletic.

As a former Mod on palliative care, Jimmy Reynolds had only one wish – to be surrounded by classic scooters again.

Liam Hemsworth is a talented actor with multiple successful projects to his name.

The Disney Channel has been a jumping off point for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, especially in the early aughts.

The Hollywood awards season kicks into full gear this weekend with Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony, and actors are pondering how to enjoy the onslaught of attention and survive the ups and downs.Britain’s Carey Mulligan, a two-time Oscar nominee who is vying this year for a Best Actress Golden Globe for her role in “Maestro,” cuts to the chase: “Oh, just enjoy it and have fun and don’t take it too seriously.”Mulligan said she is delighted by what she calls “a lovely sisterhood” of actresses nominated this year, including Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Lily Gladstone and Greta Lee.Oscar-winning Stone, nominated for a Best Actress Golden Globe for “Poor Things,” acknowledged that the awards season is both “very nerve-wracking and very exciting.”On the arrivals line at the Palm Springs Film Festival this week, Golden Globe nominees shared their mix of elation, disorientation, and the need to take care of one’s mind, body, and spirit. The season runs through the Oscars on March 10 and includes several awards show stops and countless interviews.“It is a lot of attention on the project, that’s good, but at the same time I can understand how someone can get a little sideways with this runaway circus,” said Jeffrey Wright, nominated for best actor for “American Fiction,” adding, “I want our film to be seen.”Colman Domingo, vying for his first Golden Globe for best actor in “Rustin,” said the advice he gets from actors who have been through the awards season is to focus on self-care.“So don’t think about who is winning, don’t think about those things,” Domingo said.

Emma Stone has recalled a piece of “total garbage” advice that she once received from a Hollywood studio executive as she was starting her career.The actor, who won an Oscar for her role in La La Land, is starring in the upcoming film Poor Things, a darkly comic fantasy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite, The Lobster) that is released in UK cinemas on January 12.Stone, who also produces the film, was awarded for her performance at the Palm Springs International Film Awards last week (January 4), and it was during her acceptance speech that she shared the bogus advice.“I went to one of those general meetings that they sometimes send you to, and an executive told me that for male actors, it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” she said. “And in his eyes, for women, it was a sprint, not a marathon.

Kelly Clarkson has said social media is banned for her children until they turn 18.The singer spoke to People to explain her parenting tactics for her two children, River Rose, 9, and Remington Alexander, 7.“That can be really hard on kids in general but especially kids with parents in the public eye,” she told People. “So I have informed them they’re not allowed to, under my roof, ever have [it].”Clarkson, who co-parents with Brandon Blackstock, says that her ex-husband currently agrees with the social media ban.

Parts of the UK will see wintry weather continue, as up to 4mm of snow is expected during a cold spell in the country, according to forecasters.

Rangers supporters looked on from afar as Michael Beale took on a massive summer turnaround of incomings and outgoings.

Scotland’s "Hotel of the Year" has announced a one-of-a-kind private romantic dining experience this Valentine’s Day.

Excited Arsene Wenger believes Scotland's ability to cope with Germany will set the tone for Euro 2024 as he insists the hosts will not have it all their own way.

Amanda Abbington reportedly 'demanded' backstage footage from her time on Strictly Come Dancing after she was diagnosed with PTSD.

Jodie Foster has shared that co-stars of the Generation Z variety can be “really annoying” to work with.

In the battle between British pop stars Ed Sheeran and Sam Ryder — both nominated for Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso — it was Grammy winner Sheeran who walked away with the Emmy for Outstanding Music and Lyrics.

Canal+ Group and Warner Bros Discovery have announced the renewal of their exclusive premium pay TV agreement for Warner Bros Pictures films.

A bubbling conflict from the last series of the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing – the original show of the global Dancing with the Stars franchise – has broken through the surface with a celebrity contestant reportedly demanding she receive footage of her dance rehearsals to assist in a possible legal claim.

Five female BBC news presenters have been off the air, on full pay, since March 2023, when BBC News Channel merged with BBC World News and dozens of roles were axed. Since then, the broadcaster has struggled to find new roles for the five, while the axing of the presenters, all female and experienced, has become something of a PR disaster.

The cast of Call the Midwife have had their fair share of romantic ups and downs - from the 'Strictly curse' to co-star relationships and long-lasting marriages. The popular BBC period drama, which started in 2012, takes on important storylines with a heartwarming charm which has continued to delight fans.The show follows a group of midwives, portrayed by a bunch of talented actors, working in East End London during the late 1950s and 1960s.

Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly “give as good as they get” if “their disagreement results in raised voices”, a royal expert has claimed. The pair, who have been married since 2011 and together publicly since 2004, are known for their solid relationship, but one expert has alleged that they have their disagreements just like every other couple. Writing in his 2022 book, William at 40: The Making of a Modern Monarch, Robert Jobson alleged that although the pair are very loved-up and make a strong partnership, they approach disagreements differently.

When it comes to fashion staples, few things will work quite as hard in your wardrobe as a good pair of leggings.They’re the ultimate go-to for running errands, heading to the gym or lounging around at home, and for many people they’re an absolute essential when it comes to comfortable, easy-to-wear style. Although you can pick up super cheap pairs just about anywhere, the biggest downfall of many ultra-affordable leggings is their opacity.

Amanda Holden has been branded "incredible" for posing in a dazzling gold bikini.The 52-year-old has posted a sizzling holiday picture to Instagram, enjoying an Aperol Spritz by the pool. She has sent her fans into a frenzy by showing off her washboard abs and radiant skin in Cape Town, South Africa.This is the second time the mum-of-two has updated her 2.1 million followers from her five-star hotel Mount Nelson. She used her latest bikini shot to promote second series of her TV series with friend and fellow host Alan Carr.

EastEnders actor Matt Di Angelo has celebrated a huge anniversary on the soap, after first appearing in Albert Square in his iconic role of Dean Wicks 18 years ago. On January 2, a fan account on Twitter marked the milestone anniversary with a tribute post featuring a collage of snaps from Matt's first episode. In the caption, they said: "18 years ago today (2nd January 2006), @matt_diangelo made his first ever appearance on @bbceastenders #EastEnders." The 36 year old actor first graced our screens in 2006 as Pat Butcher's great-nephew, causing all sorts of trouble from spiking Stacey Slater's drinks to framing Sean Slater for a crime he didn't commit and even assaulting Linda Carter.