Category Entertainment News

Mick Michaelis, the evil character Joe Layton, is back to cause chaos in Weatherfield, but Joe Layton claims to have received a lot of online abuse from viewers.

Colson Smith pardoned Corrie cop killer Joe Layton for brutally attacking his beloved character PC Craig Tinker with a baseball bat. The same can’t be said for Weatherfield residents, whose lives will be in danger when Joe’s character Mick Michaelis explodes after a dramatic jailbreak.

As he tries to snatch his kids and flee abroad, Mick lands DC Kitt Green in hospital, needing lifesaving surgery. Joe, 33, who is leaving the soap, says of Colson: “He was such a positive energy and for the other cast and crew there’s obviously a massive Colson-sized hole everywhere at Coronation Street. “But we had a good chat when we first met and continued to chat.

“We were both Leeds United fans, so we bonded over that pretty quickly. And I was just struck by what a lovely warm-hearted person he is.“He never made me feel in any way shape or form: ‘I’m doing this bad thing to this popular character.’” Playing a Corrie baddie has prompted some unexpected encounters. Joe tells The Mirror: “I was in Scotland with my sister who lives up there. We were sitting outside a restaurant having a drink and a lady came out from the restaurant.

READ MORE: Corrie’s Sally Dynevor reveals she and husband Tim are making a huge change

She said, “Should you not be in prison? ” and then she looked at me and said, “Bye bye.”

She claimed that she and the five other women who were seated in front of the window, including the Scottish constabulary’s head, were all police officers. Since Monstrous Mick first touched the cobbles in February, Corrie fans have been on the edge of their seats.

Joe claims that his younger self would have rejected the role if he had been spotted by a US agent at age 22 and moved to the US, where he spent six years before being promised Hollywood stardom. Joe, who came back to the country five years ago, says, “I think I would have said “no” if you had asked me when I moved to America if I’d ever do a soap. ” I don’t mean to disrespect soaps, but I didn’t think I should watch them.

“I’m just so happy that I was offered the role in Coronation Street when I was. I’d grown up a bit and my attitude towards work had changed. “It’s a great lesson for me that you should try everything, because what I experienced in my six months at Coronation Street was incredible.” And he will be leaving the cobbles with a bang, as Mick causes mayhem after his jail break.

Joe warns, “No-one on the street is safe. He has already killed Craig and attacked Kit, something we have seen his capabilities. His strategy is to seek refuge in his children and flee. We see a different side to him and how important his children are to him.

“Serving a life sentence isn’t something he can deal with and he’ll do whatever it takes to get out of the country and take his kids with him.” Joe’s big break came 11 years ago when he landed the lead role in the BBC drama series Tatau.

He recalls, “I came out of drama school and hit the ground running.” Tatau gave me the opportunity to travel there and on top of that, I was picked up by a US manager and US agent.

They declared, “You’re going to come over and do whatever you want to do.” Why wouldn’t you believe that when you were in your early 20s?

However, he quickly realized renting a studio apartment in the heart of Los Angeles was terrible. “It was great, but it was like living next door to Harrods without any money,” he says. “I was walking past all these lovely restaurants and shops, but I was also cooking baked beans in my apartment.”

Still, he was delighted to land a role in the hit American TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “When I first drove into the Universal Studio parking lot, I remember sitting in my car calling my dad saying ‘you’ll never guess where I am,’” he smiles.

However, life in LA might be challenging despite this amazing role. He acknowledges that at times, “I also worked as a carpenter and as a food deliveryman.” In a very large pond, I was a very small fish. At times, it made me feel demoralized, but it also taught me how to walk on two feet.

And when he started being offered bigger jobs back in Blighty, he came home. Since then, he’s worked alongside Jodie Comer in Thirteen, he appeared in the Dawn French comedy The Trouble with Maggie Cole and in the Netflix crime drama Young Wallander, as well as being cast in the BBC series The Bombing of Pan Am 103.

Then came Mick, one of Corrie’s sexiest characters in recent memory and a wife-punch wrestler. I’ve received a lot of hate online through “Joe recalls” tweets, direct messages, and comments. Everyone seemed to think, “There’s no room for this guy on the street, we don’t like him, get rid, we wish you hadn’t existed as an actor or person!” There can sometimes be a fine line between reality and your character because Corrie is a staple in the lives of so many people and because it has been around for a long time.

“I was lucky that my previous job was The Bombing of Pan Am 103. That was airing at the same time on BBC. So, the night that Craig was killed I was on ITV at 8-9pm and then 9-10pm I was on BBC playing a really nice American character.”

London-born Joe, who grew up in Ilkley in the Yorkshire Dales, wrote a journal as Mick, to help understand his character. “I wrote it first person as Mick,” he explains. “It was just a stream of consciousness. “I was playing an abusive husband who kills a police officer. On paper that’s dreadful and horrible, but my job as an actor is to get to the why and the motivation. You don’t judge the character; you try to understand them and step into their shoes.

Mick has endured letdown and fall through the cracks numerous times in his life, making him a truly wounded, angry man. Sadly, there are many such men out there.

However, Joe won’t be watching his final scenes because he would be happy to go back to Corrie. He is filming a new Apple TV sci-fi series Star City in Lithuania, where he plays a Russian cosmonaut along with Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin.

He claims that going right into that was really exciting. Joe is relieved that he won’t have to leave his soap business. He will also be making a UK tour of the play Lost Atoms in September. He claims that when my mother organized for a large gathering of friends and family members to watch my very first TV show, I felt more nervous than I had ever felt performing on stage. he claims. Although I was not particularly interested in it, I still felt self-conscious.

I watched it on ITV at 7 a.m. the morning after Craig’s death, getting ready to watch it with my girlfriend and our friends in the evening!

We want to hear what you think about Gregg Wallace, who was fired by the BBC after almost a year-long investigation into misconduct allegations, and he has made a lengthy statement on Instagram.

Gregg Wallace has been fired by the BBC following an investigation into alleged misconduct – and we want to hear your thoughts. In December, the former MasterChef presenter was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period.

It comes as 50 more people have approached the BBC with fresh claims about Wallace, BBC News reports. Wallace has strongly denied all claims. After reportedly being informed of his dismissal from the BBC by production company Banijay, the former greengrocer released a statement saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him.

The 60-year-old wrote on Instagram: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.

After conducting a thorough and thorough investigation for six months, it was discovered that the most damaging claims, including those made by public figures, were unsubstantiated. He also accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalized gossip” while using fake news sources.

Gregg continued, “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations that made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of using inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018,” to be clear. I am aware that some of my humor and language were occasionally inappropriate. I sincerely apologize for that. But I’m not the caricature being sold for clicks.

Now, Gregg has also claimed that “nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years”. As part of a lengthy statement, he shared: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand.

“Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.” In another part of his statement, he insisted he “will not go quietly” and “will not be cancelled for convenience”, adding: “The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”

The Silkins report, which is set to be released on Thursday, has been given a first look at the father-of-three’s legal team. A number of complaints were made about the BBC show last year, including allegations of touching an assistant’s bottom on the program.

Gregg stepped down from the show after denying the allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying Gregg engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Gregg insisted via his legal team: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

With the Silkins report due to be released this week, we want to know if you think Gregg should have been sacked over the MasterChef scandal? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve picked my 22 best Amazon Prime Day deals with the biggest savings I’ve seen all year’

Gregg Wallace, a former MasterChef host, announced over the weekend that he is now offering one-on-one coaching for fans looking to “get fitter” and “stronger.”

Former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace is offering one-to-one coaching after he “transformed” himself by embracing a new healthy lifestyle. He promoted the venture, which he said is priced at £200 a month, just days before the news of his exit from the show.

It was announced last year that Gregg, 60, would be stepping away from the BBC show whilst its production company Banijay UK reviewed historical misconduct complaints, which were said to be from across a range of shows. As reported at the time, he said through a lawyer: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

Then, earlier today, it was reported that Gregg had been fired from MasterChef after a year-long investigation into the allegations, with 50 people making new claims. He issued a lengthy statement this afternoon in which he claimed that he has been exonerated of “all the serious allegations which made headlines last year” but apologised after saying that he was found “primarily guilty of inappropriate language”.

Just days before the latest developments, Gregg took to Instagram over the weekend to share with his followers that he is offering coaching for people who want to “get fitter and stronger”. He wrote over a video message on Sunday: “One to One Coaching £200 a month.”

Gregg, who lost five stone in his fifties, said in the video itself: “Are you feeling well? Are you feeling energised and healthy? Because if you’re like me and you’re over 50, the chances are you have put a huge amount of effort into your job and looking after your family, and very little focus has gone on you and your wellbeing.”

You might be thinking, “I wanna feel healthier,” he continued. I want to look more physically fit. I want to lose this belly and look better in my clothes. My life was completely transformed. Let me tell you that it’s not about eating salads or working out all day that I’m now fitter than I was at 30.

Gregg, who has previously stepped up his coaching position, said, “What you need is a guide. Someone to demonstrate this to you. Someone who has already done it. I provide one-on-one coaching to clients. Because it’s important to look after ourselves as we age, I help them become fitter and stronger. Leave me a message here if you’d like to talk to me about helping you.

The former Celebrity MasterChef host shared in the comments section of the post that his coaching is “not just for over 50s”. And when asked by someone how they could sign up, Gregg told them to direct message him on the platform.

Gregg’s post was uploaded just days before it was reported today that he won’t be returning to the BBC. And he issued a statement this afternoon about an investigation that was launched into allegations previously made against him.

He claimed the Silkin report had expunged the “most serious and sensational accusations” against him and that the BBC had “peddled sensationalized gossip masquerading as truthful stories” to him.

He apologized, however, for the offensive language that the report found him “primarily guilty” of using between 2005 and 2018. He continued, “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer.” A genuine person with character, warmth, and flaws. That authenticity has defined the brand for more than 20 years. That same personality is now seen as a problem in a sanitized world.

Over the course of countless Master Chef seasons, my neurodiversity, which has been officially identified as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues.

“It has been a while since I’ve been aware that this has been a dangerous environment for more than 20 years. Nothing has been done to look into my disability or protect me.” That error is now being quietly forgotten.

A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

The BBC did not fire Gregg because the company does not employ him, according to The Mirror, and Banijay is aware that the report will be released. Banijay instead hired him.

Add a splash of colour to your garden this summer with a vibrant collection of evergreen shrubs that will stay bright and colourful all year round

Shoppers looking for an easy way to elevate their outdoor space this summer should look no further. This 8-piece set offers the perfect solution to keeping your garden bright and colourful even through the winter months.

This shrub variety pack, which includes four Dwarf Rhododendrons and four Japanese Azaleas, is the perfect way to add eye-catching colours to your garden or patio without spending a fortune or requiring difficult maintenance.

Picked to create an outstanding array of Spring flowers, this pack includes bright and bold hues of orange, red, purple, white, yellow and a variety of shades of pink. Selected from proven and trusted varieties, many of which have been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this set is sure to make a great addition to any outdoor area without breaking the bank.

READ MORE: Maura Higgins debuts shock jet-black pixie haircut and thanks this £5 styling spray

READ MORE: Get £150 off Foreo skin-firming gadget as Amazon Prime sale makes it cheapest on the internet

The dwarf-sized shrubs display masses of profuse blooms. Combining Dwarf Rhododendrons with Japanese Azaleas creates a broad array of flower colours that are ideal for containers, beds, or borders. The ultimate sizes of these slow-growing shrubs will vary between 50-80cm in height and spread, but they can be easily kept at the desired heights.

And before you worry about turbulent weather and temperatures, these plants are comfortable in moist but well-drained acidic soils. They can withstand even severe winter conditions, though it’s recommended not to plant them in too exposed sites to prevent too much damage caused by the elements, ensuring they are at home in any UK garden. Best positioned in full sun, though they can tolerate part shade, these shrubs are evergreens that will keep their luscious and vibrant colour all year round, no matter what the seasons bring.

This shrub set is delivered as garden-ready and fully rooted, meaning they can be planted straight into gardens or containers as soon as they’re delivered. Promising to deliver colour and structure to your garden all year round, these shrubs are up for grabs on Amazon for £29.99 (8-pack).

Green-thumbed shoppers who have already picked up a set are thrilled to report their experience with this shrub set, which has amassed an impressive 4.6 out of 5-star rating with over 75% bestowing 5 out of 5.

One 5-star reviewer raves: “I was delighted to receive such well produced plants all in first class condition. The way the plants were packed was absolutely marvellous, no broken branches and produced in individual pots. Nothing but praise for such lovely plants, packaging, and delivery well done you.”

Another buyer beams: “I purchased this selection of plants to be made into very attractive bonsai tree for my collection when arrived was very pleased well packaged very healthy green foliage once I have pruned and wired the branches to my desired shape and when they flower next spring will make a stunning addition for my collection thank you for your quick delivery will packaged very healthy plants.”

Further praise comes from this shopper who says: “Very healthy plants with a great selection amazing value for money I’ve had experiences with a lot of on line plants and this selection is the best I’ve ever had.”

While another chimes in: “These are perfect for hanging baskets and small pots would highly recommend.”

That said, one shopper was less than satisfied as they bestowed a 3-star review that says: “they are all very small and honestly I don’t even know if they are going to flower because they will only grow a bit more and I can’t see a plant of this size flowering.”

Though the majority of customers seem to disagree, with more praise piling on from this customer who gushes: “Extremely pleased with this product. The seller has taken great care with the plants, packed them well, and when I received them, I was very happy as the plants were healthy, and I have already planted them in bigger pots. Thank you.”

The Princess of Wales will join the state banquet during the French state visit tonight – marking her first one back since her cancer diagnosis. The King and Queen will host French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte in a lavish dinner at Windsor Castle as part of the leader’s state visit.

It will be staged in the medieval St George’s Hall and the King will stress the vital partnership between France and the UK in the face of a “multitude of complex threats”, declaring “as friends and as allies, we face them together” in a speech. Kate, who is in remission from cancer, had not been confirmed to attend the white tie dinner, where royal ladies are expected to wear tiaras and formal gowns. However, Kensington Palace has now said the princess will be there later alongside her husband Prince William.

Last year during the Qatar state visit to the UK, Kate attended the day time events, but did not attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace with the rest of the Royal Family. She last made an appearance at a grand royal dinner 20 months ago in November 2023, in honour of the South Korean president.

It will mark the end of a busy day for the Prince and Princess of Wales who were on hand to greet Mr and Mrs Macron at RAF Northolt this morning as they touched down in the UK.

Kate carried out the royal duty just days after opening up about her ‘rollercoaster’ cancer recovery, its life-changing impact and putting on a “brave face” last week.

She channelled diplomatic royal dressing choosing to wear French fashion house Christian Dior for the celebratory occasion. Her earrings belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales and the pearl necklace was from the late Queen’s collection.

The Christian Dior jacket is the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket and a piece from the 2024 collection. It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original first created in 1947 by Dior himself. Kate’s hat was by Jess Collett.

The president warmly shook the William’s hand and held onto his arm as they chatted. Mr Macron then took the princess’s hand and delivered a gallant air kiss towards it.

On travelling to Windsor, King Charles and Camilla warmly greeted the French leader and the first lady on a specially constructed Royal Dais near the town’s Windsor and Eton Riverside train station, with the castle in the backdrop.

The French guests were driven in a ceremonial carriage procession through streets of Windsor lined with troops from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. Crowds gathered in the town centre, decked in the French Tricolor and British Union Flags as the procession made its way to Windsor Castle. Bands from all three services played music to honour the visiting nation and celebrated centuries of combined history with the UK.

The procession finished in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards provided a large Guard of Honour with two State Colours on parade. The King then led the President from the specially constructed dias to inspect the troops in the Quadrangle as the Massed Band of the Grenadier Guards and the Scots Guards played ‘L’Entente Cordiale’.

Following the Inspection, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the foot guards Guard of Honour marched past The King and The French President as the Massed Band played ‘Hielan Laddie’ and ‘The British Grenadiers’. The troops exited the Quadrangle via King George IV Gate and returned to Barracks.

State banquets have moved from the Buckingham Palace ballroom to Windsor for the next few years while reservicing work at the London royal residence continues and starts to affect the state rooms.

Kate has attended a handful of engagements in recent months including Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. But she missed Royal Ascot in June after seeking to find the right balance to public appearances following her cancer treatment.

The Prince and Princess of Wales looked as loved up as they found time for several tender moments during the first day of the French president’s visit to the UK

Prince William and Princess Kate shared several secret loved-up moments during the first day of the French state visit. As the Prince and Princess of Wales joined to meet the French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, the royal couple stole a brief moment of intimacy.

William and Kate met with Macron at the RAF Northolt before heading to Windsor Castle, where the French leader received an official welcome and later joined King Charles to inspect the Guards of Honour. As the official welcome ceremony began, William and Kate were snapped having a sweet moment together, as William held his wife’s hand in support as she walked down the stairs.

The royal couple then stood together under a marquee as the inspection of the guards took place, as Kate put a loving hand on William’s back while she smiled brightly at her husband.

The small but charming moment caught the attention of royal fans, who were quick to comment on the rare intimate exchange on social media. One fan wrote: “Such beauty, character &amp, class. They are a charming couple”, while another person added: “What a sweet moment they shared”!

Others were quick to point out the stark contrast between the loved-up royal couple and the seemingly tense Macrons, who have had a number of awkward moments on the first day of the state visit.

In only a matter of hours on the first day of the state visit, French president Emmanuel Macron was seemingly snubbed on two separate occasions by his wife Brigitte.

As the couple disembarked their private jet, Brigitte rejected taking her husband’s hand to steady herself on the stairs, instead using the handrail and ignoring Emmanuel’s help.

Later in the day, as the Macrons walked into Windsor Castle alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, Emmanuel once again reached for his wife’s hand in an affectionate moment, only to be dismissed once more.

Today marks the first day of the three-day state visit, with Macron and Brigitte also joining King Charles and Queen Camilla for a viewing of the Royal Collection exhibition at Windsor Castle later.

The King and president will both deliver speeches at a state banquet this evening in the medieval St George’s Hall at the Castle, where some 160 guests will be seated at the elaborately decorated 50 metre table, which will run the full length of the vast room.

Macron’s trip marks the first state visit to the UK by an EU head of state since Brexit, and has also saw Macron address parliamentarians in the Palace of Westminster’s Royal Gallery and, on Thursday, he will join a UK-France Summit at Downing Street.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled a “reset” in relations between the UK and Europe as he looks to heal the wounds caused by the Brexit years.

Defence, growth, security, migration and French tactics on tackling small boats will be discussed, with the two leaders expected to dial in to speak to other allied nations who are looking to support any future peace deal in Ukraine.