From dawn redwoods to Austrian black pines: The monster trees about to make home in Manchester city centre

LADstudios Behind ‘Lens On Ukraine’

Ukraine.

SAM Thompson has revealed a cruel meat prank he plays on his best mate Pete Wicks - despite the Towie star being vegetarian. The 29-year-old was revealing all about his ‘bromance’ with Pete – and revealed some of the tricks he’s tried to get away with.

Lanarkshire police are keen to hear from anyone with information relating to off-road quad bike use following a spate of incidents in Airdrie.

Young people who are keen on a seagoing career are being encouraged to apply for the CalMac Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

Under pressure Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a mammoth boost with Kylian Mbappe set to start against Real Madrid.

An outraged woman has complained after money was automatically taken from her bank account without her knowing after being told that she would receive a £10,000 Covid-19 fine in 2021.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld's jersey from their 1967 European Cup final triumph is set to go for £20,000 at auction.

Turkish Masters in Antalya very much the worse for wear.The world No44, who has had a dreadful season on the table, became embroiled in an altercation with guests at the VIP bash for players and dignitaries.And after falling and splitting his chin open in the toilets there was then a heated exchange with WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson.Milkins was rushed to a nearby hospital where he also had his stomach pumped and was collected and brought back by pal and former European Masters champion Jimmy Robertson.The incident was highly embarrassing for the snooker authorities on a first visit to a new territory with huge potential.And to complete a catastrophic 48 hours personally, Milkins then crashed out of the tournament 5-4 to China’s Ding Junhui yesterday – losing the last four frames after leading 4-1.Gloucester’s Milkins is known on the circuit for using The Worzels’ ‘I am a cider drinker’ as his walk-on music.He said: “I drank far too much, and something happened. I genuinely don’t know exactly what and cannot remember details - I was in a state where I didn’t know where I was.“It was my birthday and I had been drinking for a long time but that is no excuse and I know that.

SAS hero who once returned solo to save hostages from terrorists in Kenya has opened up about what it felt like getting shot. In January 2019, 21 people were killed during a 19-hour siege by terrorists on a luxury hotel complex in Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

Strictly Come Dancing back in 2018. And Stacey Dooley has gone from strength to strength in recent years after she bought her first home with ballroom dancer Kevin Clifton and launched her new podcast on BBC Sounds.Loyal viewers will remember the gorgeous redhead for her brilliant series of documentaries on BBC One which have raised awareness for current affairs issues affecting people around the world.But it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the 35-year-old as the TV presenter has had her fair share of controversies over the years and has even opened up about her difficult family life online.Now, the Daily Star has taken a look into the life of the successful movie maker as she celebrates her birthday today (March 9).The auburn beauty was born in the heart of Luton, but it wasn’t an easy childhood for the youngster as she revealed her father left the family home when she was just two years old.In her 2018 book, On The Front Line with Women Who Fight Back, the starlet confessed how her father was a struggling alcoholic and sadly passed away when she was in her mid 20s before she was able to reconcile with him.But despite her absent father, Stacey explained how her mother more than made up for his absence throughout her childhood.She wrote: “My mum went above and beyond to make up for the fact I didn’t have two parents.

Good Morning Britain viewers have slammed Richard Madeley for quizzing Iceland's First Lady about whether she'd pick up a gun to defend her family if she was in the situation of people in Ukraine. The presenter brought up the question on Tuesday's show, which saw him and Susanna Reid talking about International Women's Day with Iceland's First Lady Eliza Jean Reid.

Coronation Street bosses have announced plans for a brand new set expansion, that will introduce countless possibilities for new storylines.The build is set to take just six months, and will bring viewers the Weatherfield Precinct, which has been mentioned on the ITV soap before.The two-storey build will include maisonettes, a staircase and balcony which leads up to the properties.There will also be a piazza and a number of accessible local shops and business units, which is set to enhance the ITV soap's 7.7 acre site near Manchester.The plans are the vision of production designer Rosie Mullins-Hoyle, and the construction begins this week with it expected to last six months.Then, the soap's cast and crew can begin filming exciting storylines with the extended set.Rosie said: "We are extremely excited to be starting to build Weatherfield Precinct this week after a year of technical drawings, model making, visualising and planning."An incredible amount of research has been carried out focussing on 1960s local architecture and we are striving to create an authentic area of Weatherfield with a grittier vibe to the existing street that we know and love."The build is being led by myself and Construction Manager Keith Eccleston and is a fantastic opportunity to use some of the amazing behind the scene talents we have on the show with bespoke joinery, scenic art work, graphic design and set dressing skills all being involved."Rosie went on: "I cannot wait to meet the characters that may call it home and see the businesses that will be created and the storytelling potential of an old but new part of Weatherfield.”In the past, viewers have seen characters talk about heading off to the shops at the precinct, but the new set will

A case of bird flu has been confirmed in a dead wild bird on the Isle of Wight as officials warn people to be vigilant around domestic and wild birds.This is the first confirmed case of the disease being carried by a wild bird on the Island during the current outbreak.The UK government declared a Nationwide Prevention Zone in November 2021, which is still in force.

Shane Warne’s daughter Summer after the cricket legend died aged 52.The sportsman, who was in a relationship with Elizabeth from 2010 to 2013, died of a suspected heart attack on Friday while on holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand. Authorities confirmed an autopsy showed he died of natural causes.After sharing support for Shane’s son Jackson, 23, Elizabeth also commented on a heartbreaking tribute shared by Summer, 20.The actress, 56, wrote: ‘I love you, Summer.

An Australian comedian who learned Prince Philip was dead seconds after he made a joke about him during a live set has revealed he received death threats after his show went viral.Lewis Spears was performing a stand-up routine in April 2021 when he began poking fun at the Royal Family, including Philip, unaware that his death had just been announced.A camera caught the bizarre moment Lewis was told by audience members that the prince had died, just after Lewis joked ‘the c*** is 3,000-years-old’ and ‘invented racism’.Lewis read out the official statement from Buckingham Palace announcing his death to gasps and laughter from the crowd, before launching into the pre-prepared set that ripped shreds out of the royals, focusing mostly on Philip.Now, in an interview with SBS Tonight, Lewis said that, on the night, his set ‘f****g demolished, it was one of the best sets I’ve ever done in my life’.He explained the jokes were pre-written and he had been performing them every night for 10 days, joking: ‘I should maybe apologise to the Royal Family because I think I killed him, I may have cursed him.’Warning: the video below contains explicit language.Lewis said the response from young and old in Australia was ‘really good,’ and while ‘young people in England loved it, old people in England hated it’.‘I’ve never had so many death threats from so many people close to death themselves,’ he joked.‘[Overall] it was profoundly positive but there was a really, really loud minority that were incensed and very angry and upset.’Lewis had just began his segment on the royals when he was told the prince had just died, and launched into the prepared set regardless, first joking his death was ‘a bit overdue’.‘Are we sure he died today?’ he said

His caption read: “A year ago today, I went for a little stroll… and in the words of Edith Piaf, je ne regrette rien! #LongWalkToFreedomOfSpeech."Fans and friends took to the comments to voice their opinions on the matter.His son, Spencer Morgan wrote: “The moment morning TV died.”Faye Dickinson commented: “Iconic moment #f***cancelculture.”Speaking on GMB last year, Piers said he had doubts about the accuracy of the account given by the Duchess of Sussex, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which she spoke up about her mental health issues.Following a tense encounter with co-host Alex Beresford, Piers quit the show, explaining “freedom of speech is a hill I’m willing to die on,” on Twitter at the time. Bec3030 wrote: “I’ve not watched morning TV since.”The Meghan and Harry controversy is not Piers’ last, however.The media star took to Twitter in response to the Met Office’s reveal of their International Woman’s Day campaign.The Met Office released a poster which included employees vowing to promote gender equality at work.One of the lines read: “I will maintain and promote generations equal mindset.”They captioned the image: “We’ll be sharing more stories from Met Office colleagues over on @MetOffice_Sci throughout the day.”The broadcaster quote tweeted the image with the comment: “What is this c**p?"“There’s a war on, just give us the weather and pipe down with this absurd virtue-signalling nonsense.”Piers' remarks sparked strong reactions from other Twitter users.ThomQ23 said: “If even this war in Ukraine doesn't stop the woke nonsense then what will?”TheRealInsano enquired: “Can you please tell me what you mean by woke?”

Jamie Redknapp has dedicated his latest social media post to the most important women in his life - his wife Frida and mum Sandra Redknapp.MORE: Jamie Redknapp's baby son Raphael causes a stir with 'twin' - take a lookIn honour of International Women's Day on Tuesday, the former footballer shared a heartwarming message alongside a sweet snapshot of the two women with his youngest son Raphael.WATCH: Jamie Redknapp's baby son Raphael takes after his dad!"Happy international women's to all the amazing women out there who inspire and lead every day you make the world a kinder and better place," he wrote. "And especially to these two ladies in my life, I love you [heart emoji] oh and I love you too Raphael!!"MORE: Jamie Redknapp expresses heartache after ex-wife Louise reveals family deathSEE: Inside Jamie Redknapp and wife Frida's luxurious Maldives honeymoon with baby RaphaelHis doting wife was quick to respond, writing: "Thank you my Söt [sweet in English]." One fan added: "Awww Special Photo of Beautiful Ladies & Lovely words Jamie." A third post read: "Oh Wow a beautiful photo of you all, I absolutely love it."Jamie and Swedish model Frida started dating in 2019 and went on to tie the knot in October.

Brooklyn Beckham is counting down the days until his wedding to Nicola Peltz with his Instagram feed filled with declarations of love for his future wife.MORE:- Victoria Beckham poses in a bikini in family picture as she honours son Brooklyn – 'We all love you'But his latest post has proved a little controversial amongst his fans.WATCH: Brooklyn Beckham hints at baby newsIn honour of International Women's Day on Tuesday, Brooklyn again shared a photo of Nicola with the caption: "Happy international women's day x You inspire me every single day and I couldn't imagine a life without you.READ: Cruz Beckham poses shirtless in bold new photo – dad David Beckham reactsMORE: David and Victoria Beckham's 10 sweetest moments with mini-me Harper Seven"You are my absolute angel and soulmate and I couldn't imagine you not being by my side x you are the most talented, sweetest, kindest most gorgeous person I know. love you so much xx."A post shared by @brooklynbeckhamBrooklyn's post divided his fansNicole, 27, was among the first to react, writing in reply, "I more than love you." But not everyone was impressed.READ: David Beckham makes shocking food revelation about unusual dinner date with wife VictoriaMORE: Victoria Beckham reacts after husband David is left in shock by Harper's new 'crush'"Your mom first, man… girlfriend can change, but never your mom… anyway, wish you a long life together." A second also called out the perceived snub.

Calvin Harris and Megan Thee Stallion are among the artists who have been announced on the line-up for the inaugural edition of the Munich festival SUPERBLOOM.The new event will take place at the Olympiapark and Olympiastadion München in Munich, Germany across two days, September 3-4.As well as Harris and Megan, the likes of David Guetta, Macklemore, Stromae, Anne-Marie, Years & Years, Glass Animals, Skepta, Willow, Sigrid, Girl In Red, Beabadoobee, Dora Jar and Rita Ora will also perform during the two-day festival.You can see the line-up for SUPERBLOOM Festival 2022 below.“SUPERBLOOM is more than just a music festival: the numerous experience areas offer something for all the senses,” a press release adds about the festival. 11 “experience areas” at SUPERBLOOM will offer “something to discover, experience and interact with at every turn from art to fashion, science to sustainability, dance and acrobatics and much more”.You can find out more information about SUPERBLOOM 2022 by heading here, while tickets are on sale now from here.

Manchester’s veteran town hall leader Sir Richard Leese will stand down from the top job at the start of December, the M.E.N. can reveal.