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The farmer and the drug dealer have a surprising family connection

Emmerdale has confirmed a surprising family twist involving Celia Daniels and Ray Walters, revealing that the two characters are related. And they’re not just related – they’re about as close as family can be: they’re mum and son!

The revelation adds a new layer to both storylines and raises questions about how their connection will affect life in the village moving forward.
Celia warned April not to cross her (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale: Farmer Celia runs a drug operation

We discovered tonight (Thursday October 2) that April’s drug dealing is actually for Celia, not Ray. Celia is Ray’s boss!

April had accidentally dropped some of the pills she was meant to sell at home. Mistaking them for sweeties her brother, Leo, had eaten them. After suffering a seizure he was rushed to hospital and was fighting for his life.

Guilty April was ready to confess all. But when Ray found out he called Celia who turned up at the hospital. She cornered April and encouraged her not to cross the dangerous people who had her dealing drugs. And when that didn’t work, she turned round and violently slapped April.

Celia called her an “ungrateful little wretch”. She then added: “You lost Ray thousands of pounds, and this is how you repay him?”

Celia then revealed that she is Ray’s boss. She threatened April and her family and insisted April lie to the police. April did as she was told. 

Later, another bombshell was dropped when Ray called Celia ‘Mum’. Celia reduced him to a quivering wreck as she called him “a useless, pathetic, weak little man” for allowing April to humiliate him.

Celia is evil (Credit: ITV)

So just who is Celia in Emmerdale?

Ray is clearly terrified of his mum, but we don’t know how that came about. Has she always been this scary? Has Ray been groomed like he is now doing to Dylan and April.

When Celia first arrived we were told she had a repuation and wasn’t someone to be messed with. She proved that with her reaction to Paddy’s dog attack.

At the time, actress Jaye Griffiths, who plays her said: “Without giving the game away she is very different to anyone I have played before. I can’t wait to really get into the heart of her storyline.”

‘Different’ is one way of putting it!

Producer Laura Shaw also added: “We are absolutely delighted to have Jaye Griffiths joining us to play the role of Celia. Having recently taken over a nearby farm, not much is known about mysterious Celia’s past before arriving on the outskirts of the village.

“While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience, and our villagers, will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.”

We can see what she’s capable of – and we’re terrified!

Ray is scared of his mum (Credit: ITV)

More drama to come as April is ‘trapped’

Jaye has now revealed a little more about what’s to come – and it’s not good.

“At last the audience have seen the familial link between her and Ray and the fact she is the mastermind behind it all,” Jaye said.

“There is lots more drama to come but I feel that the context of the whole operation is now apparent and so the audience will now be fearing how trapped these kids are as it’s very clear Celia and Ray are not beginners at this.”

Read more: Emmerdale spoilers for next week including Charity’s abortion decision

 

Israel has blamed Keir Starmer for the Manchester synagogue 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 after failing to curb a “toxic wave of antisemitism” in Britain.

Two men were killed in the terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, and four other men were hospitalised with serious injuries.

Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British national of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police at the scene after driving at high speed into a group of Jewish worshippers and using a knife on the victims.

The two men killed in the 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 were named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall.

Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli foreign affairs minister, blamed the British Government in a social media statement for allowing anti-Jewish hatred in the UK.

Posting on X, he wrote: “The truth must be told: blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain, and on its campuses.

“The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.

“We expect more than words from the Starmer Government. We expect and demand a change of course, effective action, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement in Britain.”

In a recorded message to Jewish people, Sir Keir said: “I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do… Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.

“And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.

“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.”

JD Wetherspoon has delivered robust financial results, posting revenues of £2.13billion for the year ending July 27.

But the pub chain has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that Government-imposed cost hikes could drive inflation across the UK economy.

The company achieved like-for-like sales growth of 5.1 per cent, demonstrating resilience in challenging market conditions.

Early trading in the new financial year has maintained momentum, with like-for-like sales rising 3.2 per cent in the opening weeks.

Sir Tim Martin, Wetherspoon’s chairman, said the Government’s policies under Ms Reeves could result in £60million of extra costs each year.

​Zack Polanski SLAMS Shabana Mahmood after she branded Palestine protesters ‘un-British’

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has accused the home secretary of being “deeply irresponsible” for her comments about pro-Palestine protests.

She told GB News today that protestors at the rally overnight were “un-British” and described comments as “utterly disgraceful”.

Mr Polanski said: “I think Shabana Mahmood is also being deeply irresponsible.

“There’s a lot of it about. I think, ultimately conflating protests against the genocide in Gaza and ultimately weaponising that against an anti-Semitic attack on our streets, a terrorist attack is deeply irresponsible.

“And again, Democratic, non-violent protest is a cornerstone of our democracy.”

‘Utterly disgraceful!’ Shabana Mahmood brands Palestine protesters ‘un-British’ after sickening scenes following 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has branded pro-Palestine protesters, who said they don’t support Jews in the UK, as “un-British” and “utterly disgraceful”.

Pro-Palestine protests were taking place just hours after this attack, with one protester outside Downing Street heard shouting: “I don’t give a f*** about the Jewish community right now.”

When asked for a response, Ms Mahmood told GB News: “Those messages are utterly disgraceful. They are fundamentally un-British in nature, as far as I’m concerned.”

She called for Britons to “step back from protesting for at least a few days just to give the Jewish community here a chance to process what has happened and to begin the grieving process.”

“I am very disappointed that some of the organisers haven’t heeded the call to step back,” Ms Mahmood added.

Kemi Badenoch insisted Conservative Party is the only ‘credible alternative’ to Labour despite Reform UK surge

Kemi Badenoch insisted the Conservative Party is the only ‘credible alternative’ to Labour

Kemi Badenoch insisted the Conservative Party is the only “credible alternative” to Labour despite Reform UK’s surge in the polls.

The Tory leader said she will use her party’s conference starting on Sunday in Manchester to show voters “that we’re the only party that can deliver a stronger economy and stronger borders”.

She acknowledged the Tories were having a “tough time” after last year’s landslide General Election defeat, dismal poll ratings and a string of defections to Reform UK.

Mrs Badenoch said: “We are setting out how and why we are a credible alternative to Labour.

“Unemployment has risen every single month since Labour came into office. Inflation has nearly doubled since Labour came into office.

“People are crying out for solutions, and I’m going to show you we’re the only party that can deliver a stronger economy and stronger borders.”

She described a war of words between Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage as “not serious behaviour”.

The comments follow several polls that have put Nigel Farage’s Reform UK ahead in the polls, even showing that they would be close to forming a majority Government if a General Election were held today.

‘Victims of discrimination!’ Green Party conference bans women’s rights campaigners

The Green Women’s Declaration (GWD), a group advocating for sex-based rights for women, has been told its stall booking was cancelled at the Green Party conference.

The group said the move “undermines the rights of women to advocate for single-sex spaces, services, and sports — rights that are protected under UK law”.

It told the Times: “The accusations made against our members, including claims of hostility and confrontation, are wholly unfounded.”

The ban is the latest argument between those in the party who believe in sex-based rights and those who have made transgender rights a priority.

Zack Polanski, the new Green Party leader, has repeatedly spoken about his support for transgender people in same sex spaces despite April’s Supreme Court ruling.

‘We don’t want our Jewish community here in Britain to have to live a smaller Jewish life because of the fear of antisemitism’, says Shabana Mahmood

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has told GB News that she doesn’t want British Jews to “live a smaller Jewish life because of the fear of antisemitism.”

Speaking to Britain’s news channel, Ms Mahmood said: “My thoughts remain with the victims and the families of all those who have been murdered.

“And I particularly want to thank the members of the community who were worshipping at the synagogue yesterday, whose quick action undoubtedly saved lives.

“Alongside the quick reaction of the police who brought this attack to an end within seven minutes of receiving the first phone call.

“In terms of the attacker, this individual was not known to the security services. He has obviously been shot dead at the scene, but the police investigations will now continue at pace.”

The Home Secretary added: “What I want to do is to reassure the community that this Government will take the rising tide of antisemitism seriously.

“We already invest in security for the community, security at places of worship as well as other communal institutions, because we don’t want our Jewish community here in Britain to have to live a smaller Jewish life because of the fear of anti-Semitism.

“It is really important that we hold the line between what is legitimate in our country, which is protest and so on.

“But that behaviour which crosses the line and breaks our laws, the laws of our land, must be upheld, and I will ensure that they are.”

Stacey Solomon has opened up about how she finds it “scary to be Jewish” following yesterday’s horrific terror attack at a Manchester synagogue.

TV personality Ms Solomon, 35, shared an emotional message on her Instagram account on Thursday evening.

 

A lone attacker left two people dead yesterday after targeting Heaton Park synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Five were injured and two people were killed in the attack, which was initially declared a major incident by Greater Manchester Police before being deemed terror-related.

Stacey Solomon opened up on how it feels ‘scary to be Jewish’

Sort Your Life Out host Ms Solomon penned a candid response to the tragic events, expressing her fears surrounding being Jewish in the current climate.

She shared: “It is heartbreaking to hear of the attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur.

“My thoughts & prayers are with everyone [affected]. I’m also thinking of anyone right now who feels scared for themselves & their loved ones just because of who they are.”

In a candid confession, she added: “Being Jewish feels scary & that is heartbreaking.”

Stacey Solomon shared an emotional post on Thursday

Addressing wider global events, she added: “It goes without saying, although I’ve said this before, my thoughts are also with the innocent people in Gaza.

“Being proudly Jewish & being against the horrific attack today does not cancel the other. I realise no matter what I say, someone somewhere won’t like it. But all I really have to say is that none of this is ok.”

The attack and Ms Solomon’s response come as the second series of her BBC docuseries, Stacey and Joe, airs on screens. Throughout the first and second series, Ms Solomon has shared her experiences of growing up Jewish and the traditions she celebrates with her family.

The series follows the mother-of-five and husband, former EastEnders star Joe Swash, as they navigate the highs and lows of family life and the couple’s individual careers from their Essex mansion, Pickle Cottage.

Stacey Solomon has been starring in docuseries Stacey and Joe

Ms Solomon isn’t the only famous face to have issued a statement following the events of Thursday. Countdown star Rachel Riley shared a statement on the “rampant antisemitism”.

Ms Riley wrote on X: “This June, I had the privilege of interviewing former hostage Eli Sharabi in front of 800 packed into Heaton Park Synagogue.

“Jewish events aren’t advertised. We have security at shuls, schools, charities, everywhere. CST put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Britain 2025.”

The post included photos of the event, featuring one of Ms Riley sharing a hug with Mr Sharabi.

Stacey Solomon as shared her experiences of growing up Jewish in her show, Stacey and Joe

In a second statement, she added: “As well as sending thoughts and prayers to those affected, we need to address the issue at large – rampant antisemitism running riot in our country, often excused or ignored.

“Each event I do, worried grandparents tell me the fears for their families’ futures in the UK. Enough.”

In a candid chat about parenting with The Reluctant Traveller host Eugene Levy, the Prince of Wales shared the one item his three children are not allowed to have

Prince William has revealed the rule he has for his three children that he and Princess Kate are “very strict” about.

The Prince of Wales has made a rare TV appearance, featuring on The Reluctant Traveller, giving host Eugene Levy an inside look at Windsor Castle and a glimpse into his life as the future King.

During a candid chat about parenting, William revealed the one item that his three children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, – are not allowed to have: mobile phones. The future King shared that he and Kate are passionate about their kids staying offline, and that they are “very strict” about enforcing their rule.

Prince William revealed that he and Kate are “very strict” about their children not having mobile phones

While enjoying a walk through the grounds of Windsor Castle, Canadian actor and comedian Eugene Levy quizzed William on his day-to-day life and routines as a father of three young children.

He asked: “Do you all sit down at the dinner table together?” to which William responded: “Yep absolutely, yep definitely. So, we sit and chat, it’s really important.” The Prince of Wales then admitted: “None of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about.”

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William’s admission perplexed Levy, who then queried: “That is really interesting. So, if your kids don’t have phones to play with. What do they play with? What do they love doing?”

William made the candid admission on The Reluctant Traveller to actor Eugene Levy

He then spoke proudly of his children’s hobbies, revealing: “So, Louis loves the trampoline, so he’s obsessed with trampolining and actually Charlotte does a lot as well. As far as I can tell they just end up jumping up and down on the trampoline, beating each other up, most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it.

“Charlotte does her netball as well and her ballet and so keeping them busy with sports and being outdoors is really important. They’re trying to learn musical instruments. I’m not sure how successful we’re being with that. George loves his football and his hockey.”

Prince William also spoke candidly about his children elsewhere in the interview, as Eugene Levy asked the Prince: “What do you do when you’re home, William?” to which he answered: “Sleep!”

William beamed with pride as he spoke about how his family handled a difficult year with Kate’s cancer diagnosis(Image: PA)

He elaborated: “When you’ve got 3 small children, sleep was an important part of my life recently and now luckily, they’re at a certain age where unless they’re ill they do sleep pretty well. So that’s a bit of relief, but when you’ve got three small children growing up and they’re waking up at all sorts in the night. It is quite exhausting as every parent will tell you.”

William also spoke about how Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 affected their children, admitting it had been a hard year for the whole family, but that they were “constantly learning and adapting”.

“Everyone has their own coping mechanisms for these sorts of things, and children are constantly learning and adapting. We try to make sure we give them the security and the safety that they need,” he explained as he opened up on his family.

“We’re a very open family, so we talk about things that bother us, and things that trouble us, but you never quite know the knock-on effects that it can have. It’s just important to be there for each other and to kind of reassure the children that everything is okay.”

Despite all the tough times of the past year, William admitted he is determined to overcome it – and heaped praise on his family.

He said: “You know life is sent to test us as well and it definitely can be challenging at times, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are. You know, I’m so proud of my wife and my father, for how they’ve handled all of last year. My children have managed brilliantly as well.”

HEARTBREAKING: Stacey Solomon ISSUES Stark Statement after brutal 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 in Manchester

Stacey Solomon has issued a heartbreaking statement following the tragic Manchester synagogue 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬. On Thursday (October 2), two people were killed and four others were hospitalised in a serious condition after a car and knife 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 outside a synagogue in Manchester. The 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 came on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue at 9.30am. It is understood that a vehicle drove into pedestrians, and one person was stabbed. Armed police declared a major incident and opened fire five minutes later, k!lling the suspect.

Clips shared on social media showed police with guns pointed at a person on the tarmac as a bystander could be heard saying the man had a bomb and was trying to push a button.

Police have since declared the 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 a terrorist incident and have made two further arrests. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at Downing Street to chair a Cobra committee emergency meeting.

The tragic incident has sparked nationwide backlash, and now Stacey Solomon has spoken out online. Taking to Instagram, the mum-of-five shared a “heartbreaking” statement as she passed on her sympathies to the victim’s families.

She wrote: “It is heartbreaking to hear of the 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur. My thoughts & prayers are with everyone affected.

“I’m also thinking of anyone right now who feels scared for themselves & their loved ones just because of who they are. Being Jewish feels scary & that is heartbreaking.

“It goes without saying, although I’ve said this before, my thoughts are also with the innocent people in Gaza. Being proudly Jewish & being against the horrific 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 today does not cancel the other.

“I realise no matter what I say, someone somewhere won’t like it. But all I really have to say is that none of this is okay [white heart emoji].” But she isn’t the only famous face to have reacted to the devastating 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬.

Good Morning Britain presenter Rob Rinder took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to issue an urgent plea to Brits up and down the country. He wrote: “On the holiest day of the year, we are 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬ed at a Manchester synagogue.

“Our children walk to school behind barbed wire protected by guns. Yet some still answer this atrocity with ‘what about…’ This is my country, the sanctuary my grandfather found after surviving the Holocaust, promising freedom under the rule of law.

“Today I pray for the victims, thank the brave who responded, and wonder if that promise is fading. A community this small cannot stand alone. If you believe in Britain (wherever you’re from & whatever your faith), you must stand with us. Many Jews cannot imagine a future here, and history tells us what follows when that happens.”

SAD NEWS: GMB disrupted as Charlotte Hawkins makes Tragic 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 News ANNOUNCEMENT

Good Morning Britain came to a halt as Charlotte Hawkins issued a devastating “breaking news” update. The presenter confirmed that police have named the two victims who d!ed in the synagogue 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 in Manchester on Thursday. Jihad Al-Shamie, who was wearing a vest which looked like an explosive device, carried out the horrific 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Charlotte told viewers: “Breaking news now. Police have confirmed the identities of the victims in the Manchester synagogue terrorist 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬.” She handed over to correspondent Richard Gaisford, who reported live outside Heaton Park Synagogue. He revealed the two victims were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both of whom came from the Crumpsall area, a large Jewish community in the north of Manchester.

In a later report, Richard said: “Gathering that evidence and getting answers is really important for the police. Trying to calm the nerves of people in these communities who are now living in fear, not least those that saw the 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 yesterday.

“A small car smashed into the gates of the synagogue. A man all in black jumped out and st@bbed people, seemingly trying to get into the synagogue itself.”

He explained the 35-year-old 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬er, Al-Shamie, had arrived in the UK as a small child from Syria before becoming a British National in 2006.

“At this point, we don’t think there are any links to terrorism that were known, no previous connections had been made,” Richard added.

Despite this, investigators believe it was an Islamist terror plot.

 

Al-Shamie drove a black Kia Picanto car at speed into a group of people who were standing guard outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall area of the city at 9.31am.

The knife-wielding 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬er smashed into the front gates then leapt from the vehicle and began st@bbing “anyone and everyone”. A hero rabbi then managed to barricade the doors to prevent Al-Shamie from gaining entry as armed police raced to the scene.

Three other people remain in serious condition following the 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬. According to the police, one victim has a stab wound, another was struck by the vehicle involved in the incident, and a third “later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬er”.

Armed police arrived within seven minutes of the alarm being raised and fearing Al-Shamie was wearing an explosive vest, sh0t him d3ad.

Former England captain David Beckham has seen a major increase in his and his wife Victoria’s wealth.

 

David and Victoria Beckham have seen their net worth soar further (Image: Getty Images)

David Beckham has celebrated a substantial windfall as profits at DRJB Holdings Limited soared by nearly 25 per cent last year. The firm, which encompasses David Beckham Ventures Limited, Seven Global LLP and Studio 99 Group, posted a net profit of £35.1million for the year.

This marks a considerable jump from £29.1m in 2023. Following this surge in profits, the group was able to distribute an underlying ordinary dividend of £39m. DRJB Holdings Limited is jointly owned by Footwork Productions, a subsidiary of Authentic Brands Group LLC, which initially backed Beckham’s business empire in 2022, according to City AM.

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In a statement, the company declared: “The group’s growth momentum has continued into 2025.

“The global appeal of the brand’s licensed businesses continued to rise with eyewear manufacturer Safilo acquiring the perpetual licence to design, produce, and distribute the eyewear collection, solidifying the brand’s position in the premium eyewear market and ensuring ongoing innovation in collaboration with Beckham.

“The group also secured a multi-year design collaboration with Boss which saw the launch of a new David Beckham collection, in terms of scope, a first of its kind partnership for Boss menswear.

“The first co-designed collection launched in Spring 2025 and the first Fall/Winter collection released last month.

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David and Victoria Beckham were included in the Sunday Times Rich List (Image: Getty Images)

“The group has also moved into the wellness sector, partnering with health sciences company, Prenetics.

“In 2024, alongside Prenetics, David co-founded IM8 to release several cutting-edge consumer health products.

“IM8 has rapidly become one of the fastest growing nutritional supplement businesses globally.”

This development comes as Manchester United and England legend David and his wife Victoria claimed their place on the Sunday Times Rich List, boasting an eye-watering fortune of £500m.

Last August, it was revealed that revenues at Victoria’s fashion and beauty empire had soared beyond the £100m mark for the first time.

Nevertheless, a considerable portion of the former WAG’s fortune also originates from her era with the Spice Girls, who continue to hold the title as the globe’s top-selling girl group of all time, having shifted more than 100m records.

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In a jaw-dropping twist no one saw coming,

 celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo has been officially CLEARED of all allegations — after the star witness at the center of the scandal came forward with a dramatic, tearful apology.

The witness admitted she had been “manipulated by others” and confessed that the accusations were false. Her words sent shockwaves through the media, overturning months of suspicion that had cast a shadow over Gino’s career.

“I want to make it clear that Gino was wrongly accused,” she revealed. “I was influenced, and I deeply regret the pain this has caused him and his family.”

The revelations mark a complete reversal in a controversy that first erupted earlier this year, when shocking headlines left fans questioning whether they truly knew the much-loved This Morning and Family Fortunes star.

Now, with the truth exposed, social media has erupted in relief and celebration:

 “Justice for Gino! He never deserved this.”

 “Finally, the truth is out — the man’s reputation is restored.”

Insiders believe this clears the path for Gino to return to his upcoming television projects with his name and integrity intact.

Despite the storm, Gino himself chose dignity over public mudslinging. Friends describe him as “relieved, grateful, and ready to move forward.”

For fans, the verdict is more than vindication — it is the triumphant comeback of a beloved star who refused to let false claims destroy his legacy.

HEARTBREAKING NEWS: Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown’s DEPARTURE from the soap is no longer just a RUMOUR – and Fans Are Devastated

Coronation Street and Dee-Dee Bailey star Channique Sterling-Brown is reportedly set to leave the soap to ‘pursue other projects.’

Channique’s Dee-Dee has been at the centre of Weatherfield drama over the last few years, but that all looks to be coming to an end.

And, upon hearing this news, fans have been left devastated that Dee-Dee Bailey will soon be leaving their screens.

She’s leaving the cobbles (Credit: ITV)

Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown ‘set to leave’ soap

Ever since arriving onto the Street in 2022, Dee-Dee’s had a rollercoaster of a time.

Falling in love with villain Joel Deering, Dee-Dee’s world was turned upside down when he finally showed his true colours before his death.

More recently, after giving birth to baby Laila and backtracking on putting her up for adoption, Dee-Dee’s tried to find romance again with Ollie. But, the soap is now gearing up for her exit.

With Channique being said to be heading off to ‘pursue new opportunities,’ a source told Express.co.uk: “Posters are up around the Corrie set behind the scenes, it is common knowledge that Channique is going, and cast have been informed.”

A source also told The Sun: “It was Channique’s decision to go and she told bosses some time ago.

“She’s hugely talented and ambitious and the world will be her oyster.”

It is expected that Channique is now preparing to film her final scenes this month. An on-screen exit should follow later this year.

Coronation Street declined to comment.

Fans will be sad to see her go (Credit: ITV)

Coronation Street fans express upset over exit news

With Dee-Dee being such an integral part of the show in recent years, Coronation Street fans have been left upset by the news of her upcoming exit.

On social media, one person on X wrote: “Oh, I liked Dee-Dee.”
Another person on Reddit worried: “I fear this is the beginning of the end for the Baileys.”

A third person complained: “Yeah, Dee-Dee is one of the characters the producers should be trying their best to keep, but given the material she is getting lately, I see why she wants to pursue other opportunities.”

A fourth viewer concerned about the number of cast exits recently commented: “It’s starting to feel like a sinking ship.”

Ranvir Singh has come under fire for admitting she had apprehensions about a Unite the Kingdom protestor after their paths crossed over the weekend.

The demonstrator in question was joining the 150,000 people who took to London’s streets in what was billed by organiser Tommy Robinson as a display of free speech and patriotism.

 

Although the large majority of the protestors were peaceful, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that at least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured, with four seriously hurt.

Ms Singh didn’t take part in the rally and even altered her plans to avoid the capital after learning it was taking place.

However, after deciding to avoid going into central London with her son, Ms Singh encountered a demonstrator at her local station. “It was really interesting, actually. I changed my plans, which actually made me sad because I thought I should be allowed to go into London and feel safe, but I didn’t,” she began on Monday’s GMB.

“I didn’t take my son in; that made me sad. The fact that you think it’s not safe for my little brown boy to be in London is a sad thing.”

Presenter Richard Madeley then asked: “So you thought you weren’t safe because of the colour of his skin?”

Ms Singh explained her stance: “Yeah, I just thought I didn’t want him to be exposed to anything at Euston Station, and there were a lot of people there when we got there.

“It was interesting, at my local station, I was just queueing up to get a coffee and the man in front of me was getting coffee from the guy who I think is Sri Lankan at the station, and – a really jolly chap, white guy, said ‘I’m going into London, I’m gonna join the Tommy Robinson march’.

“And we just started chatting the three of us, which is what I think you need to do, interestingly, you do need to talk to people when you feel they’re on the opposite side to you.

“He said, ‘I’m just curious to know how fascist these people really are, my brother’s a bit more far-right and I’m keeping an eye on him today’. He said, ‘I don’t know how the protest’s going to go, the last one I went on was for Remain during Brexit’. Which again is flipping the idea of who ‘they’ are on its head.

“He goes, ‘You know, I’m worried about illegal migration, not all migration, just the illegal thing, I’m gonna go along’. He was very upbeat and jolly, and we laughed about the Remain thing… and actually, it was interesting because when he left, myself and the chap sort of took a deep breath, gave each other a grimace because – I’m going to say he was a lovely man even though he was going to a far-right march.”

Ms Singh explained further: “In my opinion, you’re going to support someone like Tommy Robinson, which makes me deeply uncomfortable, but the point is you’ve got to feel the pinch and have a conversation with someone.

“We both grimaced a little bit, and that was fine. I posted it on Instagram because I cannot believe – I don’t want to believe – that 150,000 people are out and out racist. That isn’t my experience of the country, so in my head, I just can’t equate that huge number of white faces with my experiences in this country. It just doesn’t seem right.

“So that’s why I posted it. I just thought if there was a march that was ‘if you’re worried about legal migration’, it would be much smaller than that. If it were a march, ‘Are you worried about migration overall?’, it would be a different number. If it were ‘Are you an Islamophobe? Do you want England to be white only?’

“There are so many nuances in those 150,000 people, and the worry for me is that somebody who has got a concern – I might have concerns about illegal migration, right? My mum might have a concern about that, but that man feels that he’s now only being heard and has to go and join the throng, and then you get corralled, and I worry about other people who join the ranks, and the voice that they end up being spoken for and by is someone who is very extreme.

“So to me, it was the nuance of it… Anybody of my skin colour today, you have to work against your instinct of fear.

“There was a Sikh woman who was racially rap𝘦d in the West Midlands, it’s being investigated… that is out there in the public domain. Her evidence to the police is, ‘I was told you don’t belong in this country’.

“That’s a live investigation, that’s where we’ll leave it. I’m a Sikh woman. The climate we live in makes me nervous, but you have to work against the fear.”

Ms Singh continued to speak as she pointed out her desire to hear what the Church of England thought of Mr Robinson and fellow protestors using Christianity in their demonstrations.

“Were you surprised at the way this gentleman spoke to you?” Mr Madeley asked. “No, I wasn’t,” Ms Singh admitted. “I was relieved. It felt good to talk.

“And it felt good to talk to him because I think it confirmed my desire to believe that people feel frustrated, but that doesn’t mean they despise anybody who’s brown.”

While Ms Singh’s preconceived perceptions of the unnamed demonstrator were debunked following the interaction, her description of the man and the protests as a whole led many to take issue with her comments.

Taking to X to react to the discussion, one user hit out: “Please stop calling normal British people far right!!!! All colours and creeds were there on Saturday, and not for Tommy but for the British people!! Is GMB a far-left government puppet?”

“If a white man said he was surprised that a person of colour was a nice guy, I think he would be classed as a racist without any hesitation,” a second claimed.

And a third pointed out: “I saw people of all colours in the crowd, she’s just gaslighting, and it was way more than 150,000.”

“This is such BS,” a fourth fumed. “It wasn’t a racist rally or a ‘far-right march’. ‘It’s not safe for my little brown boy to be in London’ what a ridiculous thing to say and smear all those people, of whom many were ‘brown’. It’s scandalous how they frame that protest and people who went.”

Another weighed in: “I’ve always seen Ranvir as a well-balanced, educated woman, but she’s made that statement to suit a narrative. Just because people are worried about our insecure borders & those who arrive here unchecked, why is she even thinking they may be racist? They’re norma,l concerned folk!”

And a sixth also hit out: “@GMB when the British march for our country and our flag, why is it always called Far Right.. this is the problem with Britain, the paid media labelling and dividing..”

However, Ms Singh’s take did receive plenty of plaudits. “I thought Ranvir’s comments were honest, fair, and balanced,” one supporter said.

“She didn’t label anyone, simply expressed her truth and fears, and clearly stated she doesn’t believe march attendees are racist. She spoke well and conveyed her views effectively.”

And a second agreed: “Actually, I thought this was a really good insight from Ranvir. She had a preconceived assumption that those going on the Unite The Kingdom march were a bunch of racists, and her assumption was proved wrong when she actually spoke to someone.” (sic)