The driver in his 20s died at the scene.
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Young man dies in crash at Tarago, in NSW’s Southern Tablelands
Claudia Winkleman reveals Channel 4 quiz show bosses slapped her with huge rule after being ‘told off’ ahead of return
CHANNEL 4 bosses slapped Claudia Winkleman with a golden rule ahead of its return to screens.
The Strictly star’s quiz show, called One Question, is back for a second series – over two years since its first.
It sees Claudia 53, invite a pair of contestants to answer one single question, giving them 20 possible answers.
With £100,000 on the line, the game progress as they try to eliminate each incorrect answer, taking them closer to the jackpot prize.
But despite asking the important questions, Claudia has revealed show bosses don’t trust her – and they’ve had to give her a telling off, warning her not to drop hints to the contestants.
She explained: “I really want to help them [the contestants].
“But that’s why they don’t give me the questions, and certainly not the answers, before we’re in the studio.
“No one trusts me. When we did one of the run throughs and I knew the answer, the bosses were like ‘Stop winking and making
strange noises’.”
During one game, Claudia admitted she was left sobbing on set after a huge win.
The Head and Shoulders star said: “There is a big win and obviously I can’t give you any details, but I did cry.
“I don’t really cry because I’m over 50, wearing too much fake tan and too much eyeliner, but it was a proper moment.
“It was a proper moment for everyone in the studio and that’s when you know it’s good.”
One Question on Channel 4, stream or watch live from Friday 14th February at 8pm
Claudia Winkleman's career so far
Holiday (1992–1996): Claudia started her TV career as a travel show presenter, delivering segments from exotic locations.
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (2004–2010): Although she worked on a few shows between Holiday and Strictly, Claudia really came into her own as a presenter on this spin-off, where she could be seen offering behind-the-scenes gossip and interviewing contestants. She hosted It Takes Two from its inception until Zoe Ball took over from her in 2011.
Strictly Come Dancing (2014–present): After Sir Bruce Forsyth left the BBC show due to health concerns, Claudia joined Tess Daly as a co-host of the main show. This is one of the jobs Claudia is best known for.
Film 2010 (2010–2016): Claudia succeeded Jonathan Ross as the host of the BBC’s flagship film review show in 2010. She was praised by The Guardian for being a “passionate and engaging advocate of cinema” in this role.
The Great British Sewing Bee (2013–2016): Claudia brought her wit to the crafting competition for three years.
The Traitors (2022-present): Claudia’s dark hair and resting mysterious face have become synonymous with this hit reality show. Despite her attempts to leave after the first series in case future seasons flopped, BBC bosses were determined to keep her on, so it seems unlikely she’ll stop heading up the show anytime soon.
Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour dates revealed as she’s tipped for huge Grammy Awards win
BEYONCE will finally announce dates for her Cowboy Carter Tour on Monday – five months after The Sun first told of the global trek.
The music icon, 43, will unveil four shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.
They will take place in June – with extra dates pencilled in to be announced should the initial run of shows sell out.
In May 2023 Beyonce played five dates at the 62,000 capacity venue as part of her Renaissance Tour.
After delaying the announcement due to the Los Angeles fires, Beyonce finally confirmed the tour on Saturday – but kept the dates a secret.
The Sun understands the Cowboy Carter Tour will be the first time the Single Ladies singer has ever kicked off a tour in the States.
The first dates are pencilled in for April – with rehearsals slated to take place in Glendale, LA.
A source said: “After a number of delays finally it’s all systems go for Beyoncé.
“She will kick off rehearsals for her US & UK tour in Glendale, Los Angeles after delaying the announcement as a mark of respect for the victims of the fires.
“She will undergo three weeks of gruelling rehearsals before kicking off the trek at the end of April in the US.
“Beyonce will be returning to Spurs stadium for a huge run of shows in June.”
Beyonce donated £2 million to the Los Angeles relief fund after seeing the devastation caused to the city last month.
Beyonce is the most nominated at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards which are due to take place at the Crytpo.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles.
She is nominated for nine nominations thanks to her No1 country album Cowboy Carter.
Beyonce is tipped to finally win Album of the Year – beating Taylor Swift, Charli XCX and Billie Eilish.
It means she is the most nominated artist in Grammy history with 99 nominations.
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Towie star James Argent is being kept awake at night by ghost of VERY famous criminal
TOWIE star James Argent says he is being haunted by the ghost of Dick Turpin.
Arg went on telly to stand and deliver his spooky tale after hearing things go bump in the night.
Highwayman Dick and his 1730s bandits, called the Essex Gang, hid in Epping Forest next to Arg’s home.
And ghosthunters headed there for a new TV show.
Arg, 37, who lives alone, said: “I’ve heard someone climbing or crawling up the house and coming through the windows, but when I’ve gone to check, there’s nothing.”
He added: “I feel there’s someone behind me watching me through the window.”
Experts on Discovery+ streaming show Celebrity Help! My House is Haunted say he was being targeted by more than one spectre.
Medium Ian Lawman said: “I can hear horses and several men, which does indicate that it is a gang.
“You can certainly feel the energy surrounding this house, so these gang members are connected to this land. It’s almost like it’s unfinished business.”
The team said they were contacted from the afterlife by gang member John Wheeler, who grassed the others up to save himself.
They believe he is hiding in the house and the others, who were captured or fled, are trying to get to him.
The episode is available from February 13.
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Strictly star Ellie Simmonds lands tear-jerking new show asking ‘should I have kids when they might be born disabled’
SHE had us in tears with her debut documentary on being adopted, now I can reveal that Paralympian Ellie Simmonds is taking us on another emotional journey.
The gold medal-winning swimmer and 2022 Strictly Come Dancing star scooped a Bafta for her show Finding My Secret Family, which followed her bid to discover more about her biological relatives.
Now Ellie Simmonds: Should I Have Children?, on ITV1 and ITVX, will see her examine the idea of having kids when they may be born with disabilities.
She said: “Now having the understanding of what my birth mother and so many others experienced 30 years ago when it came to disability and pregnancy, I want to see how things have changed for parents today.
“I also want to challenge some of the perceptions that exist today about children born with disabilities.
“It’s a deeply personal subject to me, and I’m just so grateful to all those who have let me embark on what are deeply personal and emotional journeys of their own.”
Given the potential for Ellie’s children to share her dwarfism, she asks the question: Should I have children — and what would they look like?
Emotional weight
Although she is not planning on starting a family at the moment, she still confronts the difficult and emotionally fraught decisions she would face.
And she hopes the documentary will help other would-be parents navigating such hard decisions.
She explores the choices around prenatal testing and their implications for parents as well as society’s evolving perceptions over the past few decades.
The film, expected to air later this year, will show the impact of these decisions through Ellie’s eyes as she meets mums and dads faced with the life-changing choices.
In conjunction with one of the UK’s leading foetal medicine units, she gains unprecedented access to families who are dealing with the processes and issues that come with a prenatal diagnosis of disability.
She also meets with doctors, geneticists, midwives, cardiologists and counsellors who guide these families, exploring the emotional weight of the decision and the complexities involved.
They are decisions that she herself will have to consider in the future if she wants children.
Choices every one of us might one day face ourselves.
The masked winners return
THREE Masked Singer favourites will return to perform a string of showstopping duets at this year’s finale.
This series has been one of the ITV show’s most popular runs yet, as household names including Kate Garraway and Mel Giedroyc have been unmasked.
Now I can reveal that Claire Richards from Steps, who was Knitting in the 2023 series, and US singer Keala Settle, from The Greatest Showman, who was Air Fryer in the same run, will be back for the finale on Saturday, February 15.
They will be joined by last year’s champion, Danny Jones, as Piranha. They will all duet with this series’ final three.
Costumes including Bush, Bear and Snail remain in the running, with celebrity guesses so far ranging from Morgana Robinson and Jamie Lynn Spears to Nile Rodgers and Simon Le Bon.
It comes after US singer Macy Gray stormed off stage and refused to be unmasked earlier in the series. She was gutted to be voted off third as Toad in the Hole.
I’m sure these returning champs can be relied on to deliver the goods, though.
Ed start for Kiwi hospital drama
NEW Zealand soap Shortland Street is hoping to find a whole new audience in the UK.
The long-running medical drama – which previously aired here from 1993 to 2003 – is making a comeback.
And it has a headstart as Ed Sheeran has already featured in a cameo role.
It will be shown on free streaming service STV Player, which plays on Sky, Now, Virgin Media and Amazon Fire TV, with three new episodes landing every Monday from February 17.
The series first aired in NZ in 1992 and is focused on staff working at Shortland Street Hospital in Auckland. Michael Galvin has played Dr Chris Warner from the start and said: “Kia ora, UK! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that Shortland Street is coming to your shores.
“To know it’s now going to be part of the British soap landscape alongside shows like Coronation Street and Emmerdale is a real honour.”
Claudia left win tears
THE new series of One Question is an emotional rollercoaster for Claudia Winkleman – so much so she has a rare moment of on-screen tears.
The Channel 4 show – on which teams must answer just one question correctly to win £100,000 – will see a big win in season two, which starts on February 14 at 8pm.
Host Claudia said: “I don’t really cry because I’m over 50, wearing too much fake tan and too much eyeliner.
“But it was a proper moment, there was a big win and I can’t give away the details but, I did cry.”
Despite getting emotionally invested in the competitors, she has to be careful not to give the game away.
She continued: “When we did one of the run-throughs and I knew the answer, the bosses were like, ‘Stop winking and making strange noises’.”
C4 show ad ban
CHANNEL 4’s Go Back to Where You Came From is already causing controversy – before it has even aired.
The show, which starts at 9pm tonight, sees six Brits with differing views follow the perilous journey of immigrants to the UK.
To reflect the show, C4’s first attempt at a poster for the series had opposing quotes, including “6 Brits learn what empathy Is” and “Woke nonsense”.
It was due to go on billboards and bus shelters, but owners JCDecaux and Network Rail said no. They even barred one carrying a QR code taking people to a show trailer.
In the end, C4 went for a third option, saying: “Presumably displaying real comments about our new show was too divisive for this poster. Sorry”.
And they say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.
WHEN Ekin-Su Culculoglu returned to Love Island for All Stars, many wondered what she was up to, having dissed the show while on last year’s Celebrity Big Brother.
Now I can reveal that the Turkish delight has recreated the moment in 2022 when she crawled on all fours to Jay Younger.
A source said: “The sky seemed to be the limit for Ekin when she cracked America after appearing on The Traitors US.
“But CBB undid all that. Now she’s hoping to win over Britain again – and where better to start than by recreating that sexy move? She’s a reality TV producers’ dream.”
Let’s hope this doesn’t become another nightmare for Ekin.
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Dancing On Ice star eliminated in drama-filled show hours after Vanessa Bauer pulls out with injury
SIR Steve Redgrave became the third celebrity to be eliminated from the ITV competition tonight.
There was no skate-off again, instead hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern came straight out with the result.
Before taking a lap of honour, the Olympic hero, 62, said: “It’s been absolutely amazing and this young lady’s [skating partner Vicky Ogden] been incredible.”
And it was a fair result, with Sir Steve finishing at the foot of the leaderboard with just 21 points.
He danced to Bon Jovi‘s It’s My Life in a routine that reflected on his glittering rowing career.
Though he gave it his all, it was plodding and judge Christopher Dean poked fun at his air guitar.
Before the dance, Sir Steve, complete with a fantastic moustache, caught up with his old rowing pal James Cracknell.
It was a drama-filled night that saw Chris Taylor take a tumble, Sam Aston’s secret shoulder injury revealed and judge Christopher Dean pay a poignant tribute to air crash victims.
Dan Edgar topped the leaderboard with 35 points closely followed by Anton Ferdinand on 34 points. They were rightly the first two names to make it through to the next round.
Ex-footballer Anton broke down in tears before and after his emotional tribute to his late mum, Janice.
In his VT he returned to his roots in Peckham and explained how Janice was much-loved in the local community.
Fittingly, he danced to her favourite song She’s Royal by Tarrus Riley.
Meanwhile, the latest show exit followed pro skater Vanessa Bauer’s shock news that she has been forced to withdraw from the series due to injury.
She was the third person involved in the current series to pull out following Dame Sarah Storey and comedian Josh Jones.
In a video, Vanessa said: “I’m here today with rather upsetting news. I am unfortunately not going to be able to continue on Dancing on Ice with Chris.
“That’s really upsetting for me. I have trained Chris since October last year and it is always such an amazing achievement for myself to see someone else progress so much in a skill they’ve never done before.
“So it’s been really rewarding for me to watch this whole journey for Chris [and] the way he’s got better week since October and also since the live shows started.”
She then went on to explain what had happened and how she was having to put her health first.
Vanessa said: “I unfortunately had a little accident backstage last week on Dancing on Ice just before the live show on Sunday.
“And I didn’t realise how bad it was then, but we did an MRI and it turned out that I have a completely torn ligament, grade three sprain injury and a major grade two sprain injury.
“I shouldn’t be skating on an injury like that and so I’m taking all of the advice from the medical professionals here, I am in very good hands.”
Vanessa revealed she needs to have rehab for her injury before adding: “My pain threshold, I don’t trust it, I have been skating this whole week with a lot of pain but I just didn’t realise that it was such a significant injury so I didn’t voice my pain.
“It just goes to show that you should listen to your body and try to tune into your body a lot.
“I don’t want this injury that is already bad to get even worse and so the one sensible decision is to step away, do rehab, focus on my health – I guess mental health as well – because it’s really bad that I have to leave.”
But with a smile she added: “But I’m excited to get better and to get back to skating properly every single day.”
Vanessa was immediately flooded with support from her co-stars, with Ferne McCann – who was voted off last week – writing: “Oh darling [heartbreak emoji] devastating news for you.
Dancing On Ice 2025 pairings
Here's the 12 celebs taking part in 2025 - along with their professional partner.
Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford
Chris Taylor and Vanessa Bauer
Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton
Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty
Dan Edgar and Vanessa James
Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden
Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt
Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan
Josh Jones and Tippy Packard
Here’s who has left the show so far:
Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchanan
Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield
Sarah Storey revealed she had quit on December 6, 2024. The Paralympian was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon.
“Health comes first. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile Chris shared her video on his Instagram and added: “While I’m here, let me tell you something about this woman.
“She is hands down the most committed, determined and inspirational woman I have ever met.
“She gives everything 2000% and it’s been an honour to be taught by her.
“Very, very sad we don’t get to finish this together, but you’ve got an annoying brother for life now.”
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Charlotte Tilbury, 51, shares her exact method for a youthful face with foundation & it WON’T crease in your fine lines
WHEN it comes to skin foundation, you never want it to look cakey and dry.
Thankfully beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury has revealed exactly how to avoid the issue and also how to prevent it building up in fine lines.
On her website, the make-up artist, 51, stated: “Caked-on complexion makeup is never a good look.
“Fortunately, there are many ways to fix cakey-looking makeup without having to restart your application process from scratch.
“Usually, cakey-looking makeup is caused by using the wrong product for your skin type, dry skin that hasn’t been properly moisturised or prepped, not applying your makeup products in the correct order or applying too much product.
“To avoid this, always apply your makeup products in the correct order to clean and hydrated skin and leave a minute or two between each application to allow your skin to properly absorb the benefits of each product.
“Additionally, never skip on primer.
“Charlotte’s primers will help you achieve a smooth-looking base to avoid that cakey foundation finish. Finally, when it comes to applying your foundation, blend in small amounts of the product at a time to avoid that unflattering, over-applied look.”
The make-up pro shared a number of tips for fixing a cakey make-up look at home.
Charlotte advised using a make-up brush to blend out your product from the centre, outwards.
She explained that this “ gently manipulates your foundation to erase any harsh lines. Just magic!”
Her second tip is to spritz using a face mist.
She wrote that you can use an oil-free and lightweight setting spray to refresh the skin and melt away “powdery patches”.
Thirdly, you can “loosen” foundation if it’s already on and looking cakey by exposing your skin to steam in the room, e.g. by putting a hot shower on in the bathroom.
She added: “Alternatively, boil a small pot of water, wafting the steam towards your face to loosen any signs of cakiness.”
Firm foundation
Finally, she advised that you ensure you are wearing the right foundation for your skin type.
She explained: “If you’re using the wrong formula for your skin type or desired look, you may experience an unflattering finish.
“Be sure to discover your skin type for better beauty results and then, discover Charlotte’s wardrobe of foundations to find the best one for you.
“If your skin is dry, you’ll want to avoid powders that will highlight any dry patches.
“And if the foundation feels too heavy on your face, switch to a more lightweight option.”
Top 40 beauty tips that have been handed down from generations
1. Never go to bed in make up
2. Moisturise daily
3. Don’t pick at your spots, to avoid scarring
4. Get enough sleep to prevent tired-looking skin
5. When it comes to make-up, less is more
6. Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends
7. Don’t forget to moisturise your neck and décolletage
8. Drink a big glass of water each morning to cleanse and rehydrate
9. Gently pat your face dry with a towel instead of rubbing to avoid irritation
10. Avoid using too much heat on your hair to prevent damage
11. Remove makeup gently, especially around the eyes
12. Use a lip balm to keep your lips soft and prevent chapping
13. Put cucumbers on eyes to help reduce puffiness
14. Choose a foundation that matches your neck to avoid a mismatched face
15. Wash your face in cold water after cleansing to close pores.
16. Rinsing hair in cold water to increase the shine
17. Wear sunscreen/SPF protection every day, no matter the weather
18. Use a cold spoon to reduce under-eye puffiness
19. Use petroleum jelly to tame brows and moisturise lips
20. Test skincare products on a small patch of skin before using them all over your face
21. Never spend longer than 30 minutes in direct sunlight
22. Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells
23. Wear gloves on hands and socks on feet after putting cream on overnight
24. Wear brown mascara for a less harsh look
25. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a natural glow
26. Wash hair in beer to make in shiny
27. Invest in a good quality eye cream
28. Keep your makeup brushes clean to avoid breakouts
29. Apply eye cream to reduce puffiness and dark circles
30. Apply a heat protectant before using styling tools on your hair
31. Brush your hair 100 strokes per day
32. Head massages for hair growth
33. Deep condition your hair weekly to keep it healthy and shiny
34. Wrap hair in a warm towel to enhance a hair treatment
35. Use a silk pillowcase to reduce hair frizz and skin wrinkles
36. Use a facial mask once a week for deep cleansing
37. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to prevent clogged pores
38. Exfoliate your lips using your toothbrush
39. Use mayonnaise as a hair conditioner
40. Use a primer before applying foundation for a smoother finish
Chris Taylor crashes to the floor in first Dancing On Ice routine with new partner after Vanessa Bauer quits show
CHRIS Taylor suffered an embarrassing fall as he made his skating debut with his new Dancing On Ice partner.
The Love Island star took to the ice with Robin Johnstone after Vanessa Bauer was forced to withdraw due to injury.
However, as Chris and Robin kicked off their performance to the Pokemon theme tune they suffered a fall.
The 34-year-old appeared to misstep sending both him and Robin crashing to the ice.
Determined to continue with the routine, the pair picked themselves back up and carried on like pros.
After the performance, Chris insisted to hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern it was a mistake and nothing to do with his new partner.
Meanwhile, confirming her exit from Dancing On Ice, Vanessa Bauer told fans: “I’m here today with rather upsetting news.
“I am unfortunately not going to be able to continue on Dancing on Ice with Chris.
“That’s really upsetting for me. I have trained Chris since October last year and it is always such an amazing achievement for myself to see someone else progress so much in a skill they’ve never done before.
“So it’s been really rewarding for me to watch this whole journey for Chris [and] the way he’s got better week since October and also since the live shows started.”
She then went on to explain what had happened and how she was having to put her health first.
Vanessa said: “I unfortunately had a little accident backstage last week on Dancing on Ice just before the live show on Sunday.
“And I didn’t realise how bad it was then, but we did an MRI and it turned out that I have a completely torn ligament, grade three sprain injury and a major grade two sprain injury.”
Dancing On Ice continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
Dancing On Ice 2025 pairings
Here's the 12 celebs taking part in 2025 - along with their professional partner.
Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford
Chris Taylor and Vanessa Bauer
Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton
Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty
Dan Edgar and Vanessa James
Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden
Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt
Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan
Josh Jones and Tippy Packard
Here’s who has left the show so far:
Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchanan
Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield
Sarah Storey revealed she had quit on December 6, 2024. The Paralympian was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon.
Mikel Arteta opens door to Arsenal signing striker on transfer Deadline Day after Ollie Watkins bid is rejected
MIKEL ARTETA hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Arsenal making a deadline-day signing tomorrow.
The north Londoners are chasing a new striker following a potentially season-ending knee injury to Gabriel Jesus, which came on the back of the crocking of star man Bukayo Saka.
A bid for England hitman Ollie Watkins was rejected by Aston Villa late last month.
But Arteta hasn’t ruled out bolstering his squad with a stunning deadline-day arrival.
After the Gunners’ battering of Manchester City, the Spaniard admitted it’s “possible” there may be a new face at the club come 11pm on Monday.
He did, however, admit he hadn’t been scouring the market before the match as his phone had been “off” all day.
He said: “I have been focused in the last 24 hours on what we needed to do to beat Man City.
“Intention, we have been clear from every angle of what we want to do.”
Arteta warned the Emirates faithful there may not be a new arrival in the build-up to the visit of City.
He said: “We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not.
“It doesn’t depend only on us.
“We have the intention, the purpose and the ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really, really strong.
“We are actively trying to do that.
“I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing, and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team.
“If that’s the certainly the case and we can agree on something, we will.
“And if not, we won’t. I’m not going to talk about any individuals.”
Arsenal narrowed the gap between themselves and league leaders Liverpool to six points thanks to a stunning 5-1 WIN over City.
Goals from Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri sent the Emirates into pandemonium and heaped even more pressure on City boss Pep Guardiola.
Brit dad dies on Spanish holiday to celebrate 70th birthday after being struck down with salmonella
A BRITISH dad has died after being struck down with salmonella while on a luxury family holiday in the Canary Islands.
Leslie Green had been staying at the four star Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura, while enjoying a sunshine break for his 70th birthday.
But he was struck down with salmonella during the second week of the £2,300 holiday before being admitted to a Spanish hospital when his condition worsened.
The grandfather-of-one then developed complications, including sepsis and kidney failure, and died in hospital around four weeks later.
Leslie’s wife of 38 years, Julie, was also left seriously ill after she too got salmonella and spent a week in hospital.
She fell poorly a week after the start of her husband’s illness – on the day of her 60th birthday.
Julie, of Little Lever, Bolton, has now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers to investigate.
She said the couple had concerns a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm while she found her chicken undercooked during another meal.
She also revealed she didn’t see any staff washing their hands and newly cooked food would be mixed with food that had been stood.
Retired NHS assistant nurse Julie said: “When we booked the holiday to celebrate my 60th and Leslie’s 70th, we never imagined it would turn out the way it did.
“During the second week of the holiday, Leslie became ill and got progressively worse.
“I soon knew it was serious and wasn’t just a 24-hour thing that would pass. A few days later he was in hospital and then a week later I was as well.
“I was lucky in that, while I was very poorly, I wasn’t as bad as Leslie. Seeing him in hospital in those last few days was awful.
“He looked so frail, and I felt so helpless as I couldn’t do anything for him.
“Saying goodbye to Leslie and seeing his life slip away is something I don’t think I’ll get over.”
Julie continued: “Leslie was one of the good guys. He was a kind and gentle man who adored his family and enjoyed keeping fish, playing darts and pool, and supporting his football team, Bury FC.
“I still can’t comprehend how we went on holiday together, but Leslie never came home. If it wasn’t for the pain I wake with daily, it almost wouldn’t seem real.
“Leslie and I had so many plans for our retirement, but I feel cheated that these have been taken away from us in the cruellest way.
“The least I deserve is answers.”
Leslie and Julie, who have two daughters and one grandchild, arrived at Occidental Jandia Playa on October 1 last year.
Leslie fell ill on October 9 with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.
He was seen by the in-resort doctor on October 12 and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids, but he was admitted to hospital the following day.
‘CRUEL LOSS’
Leslie, who tested positive for salmonella, suffered complications including kidney failure, pneumonia and sepsis – where the body attacks itself in response to an infection.
He was placed into an induced coma, yet he continued to deteriorate, and doctors said they could do nothing further for him.
Leslie died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on November 4.
His body was repatriated a week later. A post-mortem examination was carried out on November 18, the results of which are awaited.
Julie, who had remained in Fuerteventura at the end of her holiday to be at her husband’s bedside was discharged from hospital on October 24.
Following her return home, Julie was still affected by bowel related issues.
The couple’s daughter, Becci, 35, flew out to support her parents and to be at her dad’s bedside when his life-support machine was switched off.
Their eldest daughter, Sarah, 38, who is in end stage kidney failure, had recently been discharged from intensive care so was not medically fit to fly.
What is Salmonella?
SALMONELLA is an infection in the gut. It is a type of food poisoning.
What causes it?
Salmonella is usually contracted when you eat contaminated food or drinks such as raw (unpasteurised) milk or eggs, uncooked meats – especially poultry.
It has also been found in a wide range of foods and products such as chocolate, cooked meats, baby milk, and salads.
What are the symptoms?
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- General tiredness
What to do if you have it?
Usually, you won’t need treatment. Just drink plenty of water.
Symptoms take between 12 and 72 hours to develop.
It may take up to two weeks to clear up, but if symptoms become severe, call your GP.
Salmonella isn’t usually life threatening.
How do you prevent it?
- Wash your hands before and after cooking
- Prepare your food carefully (on clean surfaces, using clean equiptment)
- Cook your food properly
- Avoid ‘raw’ dairy products
- Avoid drinking river water
Another British woman who fell ill while staying at the resort around the same time as Leslie and Julie has also asked lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate after she was diagnosed with salmonella.
Jennifer Hodgson, the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie, said: “This is an extremely worrying case with the first-hand accounts we’ve heard from our clients who stayed at the resort at the same time being very similar.
“The impact of salmonella and other gastric illnesses should never be downplayed.
“They can result in serious complications leading to serious injury and sadly death, as Leslie’s case tragically highlights.
“While nothing can make up for what’s happened, we’re now investigating our client’s concerns and are determined to provide them with not only the answers they deserve, but access to specialist rehabilitation and support.”
