RUSSELL Watson was visibly emotional on The One Show after he received a heartfelt message.

The classical singer, 57, spoke to Alex Jones and Roman Kemp about his comeback to music following two life-threatening brain tumours.

BBC

Singer Russell Watson became visibly emotional on The One Show after receiving a special message[/caption]

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Russell is a renowned classical vocalist who has faced two life threatening brain tumours[/caption]

BBC

He received a poignant message from an important person in his past[/caption]

Having undergone 25 sessions of radiotherapy in 2008, Russell admitted the “impact is still there” and outlined his depressive state during recovery.

In a moving moment, The One Show team surprised the star with a message from his consultant, Mr Lackett.

Speaking in a video, the medical professional said: “Hello Russell.

“17 years on from that brave decision to have the surgery and look what a glittering career you’ve had in-between.

“I can’t tell you how much the team and I were so proud to watch you and your progress after that awful night when you were taken into hospital as an emergency.”

He concluded: “We’re thrilled for you. Well done, Russell.”

The acclaimed singer was left visibly teary after hearing Mr Lackett’s words.

Wiping his eyes with a tissue, Russell said: “Why did you do that?

“Oh deary me, what a man. And so lovely as well, so down to earth. Just a beautiful human being.

“I will be eternally grateful to him.”

Russell’s medical journey and subsequent return to music inspired his new memoir.

He told the hosts: “I’m singing better than I’ve ever sung and just loving life.”

Titled Encore: My Journey Back to Centre Stage, the memoir is reaching bookshelves this week.

Meanwhile, Hollywood star Will Ferrell was also on the green sofa.

He was discussing his new documentary Will & Harper, alongside writer and friend Harper Steele.

Will reminisced showing off his own vocal ability in his 2008 film Step Brothers, where he performed Por ti Volare

As a clip played, Russell joined in with his own vocals, admitting: “Every chance to sing, I’ll take it.”

The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Russell briefly sang with actor Will Ferrell[/caption]

Getty

The vocalist was on The One Show to discuss his new memoir[/caption]

A MAJOR fashion retailer with 364 stores in the UK has confirmed it is closing a “gorgeous” branch today.

New Look‘s store in Gillingham High Street, Medway, Kent, has been open for over 30 years – but is shutting for good today.

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New Look is closing is store in Gillingham High Street, Medway, Kent, today[/caption]

At the end of 2023, the unit hosting the branch at 118-120 High Street, near Poundland, was listed for let by estate agents Crosthwaite Commercial for £52,500 per year.

The listing was then taken down and New Look bosses confirmed the store will be closing down.

From tomorrow, customers in the Medway area can visit the store at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, which continues to operate as normal.

Customers can also shop online for the full range of products.

It is not yet known what will replace the New Look store in Gillingham High Street.

A spokesperson for the fashion retailer said: “Our store in Gillingham is closing on September 17.

“We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.

“We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found.”

New Look has other branches in Kent, including stores in Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

The latest closure comes after B&M recently announced it would take over the former home of Wilko between Savers and Sports Direct in Gillingham High Street.

Other recent closures in the area included the Wilko stores in Strood, Rainham, and Gillingham closed in September 2023.

The Claire’s store at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham closed in February 2024.

The Debenhams store in Chatham Town Centre closed in January 2020.

It comes after Weird Fish, which has around 30 branches across the UK, confirmed it has closed its Canterbury store just two years since it first welcomed customers, located at Unit 5 of Marlowe Arcade.

The closure was a commercial decision due to the landlord of the store “redeveloping”.

A spokesperson from Weird Fish said: “The landlord is redeveloping this unit and the adjacent one, which meant they needed the space back which didn’t work for us commercially.

“We are however very keen to find another suitable site in Canterbury at the earliest opportunity. We also still have a store in Whitstable.”

Other high street news

A number of retailers have been shutting stores across the UK in a hammer blow to shoppers.

Wilko, The Body Shop and Ted Baker have closed hundreds of branches between them after falling into administration.

Other retailers, including Poundland, Lidl and Iceland have closed single shops here and there too.

But plenty of chains have been expanding their presence on the high street and across retail parks.

Poundland, Lidl and Aldi have all been expanding, pouncing on shoppers’ appetites for cheap and good quality produce.

Health and beauty retailer Superdrug recently said it wants to open 25 new branches across the UK too.

Asda has been opening hundreds of convenience stores in recent months as it looks to rival major players Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

And B&M plans to open “not less than” 45 brand new stores across the UK in each of the next two consecutive years.

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JAMIE Theakston’s Heart Radio replacement has been revealed amid the star’s cancer fight.

The Breakfast Show DJ, 53, was flooded with messages of support from colleagues and well-wishers after being diagnosed with Stage 1 Throat Cancer.

PA:Press Association

Jamie Theakston has revealed his Heart Breakfast show replacement alongside Amanda Holden[/caption]

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It came as Jamie, 53, revealed his stage one throat cancer diagnosis[/caption]

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Jason already presents a Heart show with Kelly Brook, right[/caption]

Jamie is a much-loved anchor of the early-bird show alongside Amanda Holden and Ashley Roberts.

In his emotional statement on his illness, Jamie revealed his stand-in as Jason King – known as Jason King.

Jason is well-known to Heart listeners for his show with Kelly Brook.

Jamie wrote on social media on Tuesday: “Hi Folks,

“As you know – I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal cords.

“The biopsy has identified this as stage 1 Laryngeal cancer.

“So – I have cancer – but cancer doesn’t have me.

“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.”

Revealing his stand-in, he added: “Until then I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.

“Big thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.

“Be thankful for this day, and when I next see you, I’ve got a great story to tell … Jamie x”

Jamie’s celebrity pals have been sending out messages of support.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda posted: “Love you darling” underneath his health update.

Meanwhile, she dedicated a post on her own Instagram grid to her co-star.

She uploaded

According to the NHS website, laryngeal cancer is a type that affects your voice box.
The main treatments for throat cancer include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted cancer medicines.

“Our wonderful @jamie_theakston has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.

“His prognosis is very good and he has an incredible team around him.

“Jamie. We love and miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon.”

It comes just weeks after Jamie revealed he was taking a break from his breakfast show to recover from surgery.

And it appears the cancer may well have been spotted by his listeners after a change in his voice.

In a statement on social media, he revealed he had emergency surgery on his vocal cords.

He explained: “Sooo – a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks – I’ve got you to thank…
got it checked.

“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I’ve had removed this weekend.

“Thanks for all the kind messages should be back on my feet soon – in the meantime…”

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Jamie released an emotional statement on his illness on Instagram[/caption]

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He told how it was radio listeners who contacted him about his voice[/caption]

An Australian-based expert has highlighted a glaring hole in the decision.

Timber escaped a red card after a heavy tackle on Tottenham star Porro He then avoided a second yellow card by tackling Tottenham keeper Vicario LISTEN NOW: It’s all about to begin! available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday By Kieran Lynch Published: 04:04 EDT, September 17, 2024 | Updated: […]

The ‘Monster of Avignon’ stunned the courtroom today during his closely watched trial when he confessed to drugging his wife and allowing several strangers to rape her. Dominique Pélicot, 71, spoke about his crimes for the first time on Tuesday morning after being absent from his trial due to illness. “I am a rapist, just […]

Kapinga’s future at Pirates is in jeopardy as the transfer deadline looms, with a potential loan move on the horizon.

ANTHONY MARTIAL has reportedly made a transfer U-turn in his search for a new club.

The forward remains a free agent after leaving Manchester United when his contract expired at the end of June.

PA

Anthony Martial is set to complete a transfer U-turn in his search for a new club[/caption]

He had looked set to join Brazilian side Flamengo earlier this month only for the deal to fall through when the parties could not agree on contract length.

A host of clubs have shown an interest in Martial since his Old Trafford exit, including Lille, Atalanta, Marseille and Besiktas.

However, he now appears ready to join a team he previously snubbed the chance to sign for.

According to Sport24, Martial has reached a verbal agreement with AEK Athens and final documents are now being exchanged.

The 28-year-old will pen a three-year deal with the Greek outfit worth £2.5million-per-season.

His contract is said to be the most lucrative deal in the club’s 100-year history.

Martial will join a host of former Premier League stars at AEK, with Erik Lamela, Nordin Amrabat and Roberto Pereyra already at the club.

Meanwhile, the 13-time Greek champions currently top the Super League after making an unbeaten start to the new season.

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They are out of Europe, though, following a shock defeat to Armenian side Noah in Conference League qualifying.

Martial will arrive off the back of a disappointing final season with the Red Devils.

Several injury layoffs, most notably following groin surgery in January, limited him to just 19 appearances.

Overall, however, the Frenchman scored 90 goals in 317 appearances for United during his nine years in England.

If his move to AEK is completed in time, he could make his debut away to Kallithea on Sunday night.

Alamy

Martial has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United earlier this summer[/caption]

RORY MCILROY is on a mission of redemption as he prepares to tee it up at the BMW PGA Championship this week.

The 6-1 clear favourite is still licking his wounds after throwing away the Irish Open last weekend, with an untidy finish opening the door for Ramus Hojgaard to finish with a hat-trick of birdies and pip McIlroy by one shot.

The bookies clearly feel he can make amends at Wentworth. But it is worth remembering this is not really his favourite course.

His only win here came ten years ago. Sure, there have been plenty of near-misses since, but at 6-1 close calls just don’t cut the mustard. So the value lies elsewhere.

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Golf tips

Aaron Rai looks attractively priced at 22-1. He finished joint runner-up here last year, just a shot behind Ryan Fox, and has gone on to enjoy a stellar season on the PGA Tour.

His first US victory, at the Wyndham Championship, came on the back of three top tens, and he played his way into the Tour Championship for the first time.

The Midlands golfer is now up to 22nd in the world rankings, and is capable of continuing the upwards trajectory.

I’m prepared to forgive him a mediocre display at last week’s Irish Open – where he finished 42nd – as the windswept conditions at Royal County Down were totally different to anything he has experienced in the States.

He will feel more at home on a course where he finished 17 under par a year ago, especially with warm and calm conditions forecast for this week.

Open championship runner-up Justin Rose, widely available at 35-1 is another home hope with plenty of form to underline his chances of an overdue victory here.

This is an event he has dreamed of winning since he was a kid, watching his boyhood heroes at his local course, and he has gone agonisingly close.

Two runner-up finishes and three other top tens prove he knows how to play the West course. If he putts like he did at Troon – where only the brilliance of Xander Schauffele thwarted his charge – he could pull off an  emotional triumph.

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It is hard to believe 11 years have passed since a twenty year old Matteo Manassero became the youngest winner of the BMW PGA, claiming the title after an epic three-man play-off.

The Italian wonderkid seemed to have the golfing world at his feet back then, only for his form to nosedive soon afterwards.

But a decade in the doldrums seems to have toughened him up. He was back to winning ways in South Africa earlier this year, and followed up his sixth place at the British Masters last month by finishing a close third in Ireland.

Odds of 35-1 seem reasonable, while Victor Perez – who finished like a train to take fourth place at the Olympics – also looks competitively priced at the same odds.

The pick of the outsiders could be 100-1 shot Sami Valimaki, who caught the eye with a top ten at Royal County Down.

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A FOOTBALL star tragically lost both of his lower legs in a horror car crash hours after playing a match.

Four teenagers were rushed to hospital following the early-morning smash on Union Road in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, on September 8.

Deveronvale JFC goalie Adam Golebiewski, 17, lost both lower legs as a result of the impact.

The team had taken on Nairn St Ninian FC the day before the smash, which happened around 3am.

His friend and fellow passenger Curtis, 18, also underwent surgery on his back.

Both work as apprentices at a local building company.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support their families, who have had to take time off work.

The page reads: “I am starting a fundraiser for Adam and Curtis who were both passengers in a tragic car accident on Sunday, September 8 in Macduff.

“These boys are only 17 and 18 years old. Both boys play football for local teams and Curtis has participated in boxing as well.

“Unfortunately Adam has lost both his lower legs and Curtis has had an operation on his back.

“Both boys are apprentices with a local building company and will be out of work for some time.

“Adam will require adjustments to be made to his house, and I am just looking for some donations to help these boys and their family.

“Adams parents are both having to take time off work at the moment to support their son, so they are all going to have minimal income.

“I know they are overwhelmed with the support they have been shown in the last week, but I just want to show them that the local community are thinking of them.

“We are planning a few different fundraisers in the future. Please donate what you can and share this page.”

So far, kind-hearted punters have raised more than £6,500 for the cause.

In a post on social media, Deveronvale JFC sent well-wishes to goalkeeper Adam.

The club wrote: “After Saturday’s win at Nairn, and his own fantastic performance, our young goalkeeper Adam Golebiewski was in a car accident and suffered very serious injuries.

“Everyone at the club wishes Adam well with his recovery and rehabilitation and assures him he has the full support of the Club going forward.

“Take care and all the best Adam.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3am on Sunday, officers were called to a report of a one-car crash in Union Road, Macduff.

“Emergency services attended and three men aged 17, 18 and 19 and an 18-year-old woman were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.

“The 18-year-old man has since been released from hospital, whilst the injuries of the others are described as serious, but not life-threatening.”

“Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0609 of September 8 2024.”