CORONATION Street’s new boss Kate Brooks has warned there are several shock exits coming as she wields the axe on the cast.

The producer – who previously helmed sister soap Emmerdale – has opened up about her plans for the show for the new year.

ITV

ITV

ITV

Speaking to The Sun about the exciting storylines coming up, producer Kate said: “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves. 

“People might not expect the exits, but there are a few.”

However while several cast are set to leave the how, Kate’s making her mark with a series of comebacks and new additions. 

Villain Rob Donovan will be making a big return, causing chaos for his son Bobby, sister Carla and her new relationship with Lisa Swain.

Actor Marc Baylis has already returned to filming with Kate explaining: “We last left Rob languishing in prison. 

“He made mistakes. He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether that’s the case or not, I don’t know! 

“He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa.

“Just when Carla and Lisa think it’s safe to sit down and watch Netflix, Rob Donovan comes along and scuppers all of that. 

“So, it’s a big story for them and a big story for Rob. Lots of twists and turns.”

And Kate is introducing a long forgotten character who was first mentioned almost 40 years ago.

She is bringing in Kevin and Debbie Webster’s brother Carl who has never before been seen on screen.

Kate revealed: “We’ve got Carl Webster coming into the show, who is Debbie and Kevin’s brother, to build up that Webster clan. 

“We’ve got big stories coming up for Debbie and Kevin. It’s about building that clan up. For me, the Websters, Barlows and Platts are the big clans.”

And it won’t be a moment too soon as Kevin faces a cancer battle when he discovers he has testicular cancer.

There will also be a new family being introduced, a huge house fire stunt and a harrowing knife crime storyline in the first few months of the year.

TEMPLEGATE tackles Friday’s racing confident of banging in a winner or two.

Scroll down for all his selections.

STUZZIKINI (2.50 Chepstow, nap)

He looked a National type when winning the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan last time. He wasn’t stopping at the end of three miles there and shapes like a real stayer. It’s relatively early days and he can improve past his handicap mark.

BOOTHILL (2.30 Kempton, nb)

He fell in this race 12 months ago and ran his best race since when second to Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham last time. He pushed that class act to within two lengths and will appreciate these conditions. A repeat of that effort would be good enough.

DR TJ ECKLEBURG (3.25 Chepstow, treble)

He seemed to have plenty left in the tank when winning at Haydock last time and a 7lb rise in the weights won’t put the brakes on.

Templegate’s verdicts

CHEPSTOW

1.05

NOCTE VOLATUS has a cracking record at Chepstow and saw off a big field over this trip here in October.

He then ran another decent race at Ascot when staying on strongly in the closing stages. He’s back from the same handicap mark with every chance again.

Lowry’s Bar got the best of a battle when landing his first chase victory at Exeter 21 days ago. He’d ideally like it softer but is improving and looks a major threat.

Le Milos has dropped to 5lb below his last winning mark but he hasn’t been seeing out his races for a little while. It would be no surprise to see him bounce back for the Skeltons.

Venetia Williams may not quite be in the form of a couple of weeks ago but her Georges Saint is still a threat.

He didn’t fire at Ludlow last time after a couple of decent wins over this trip. He could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Fidelio Vallis was pulled up after a year off at Newbury last time and showed he was better than that when scoring at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.

1.40

NIETZSCHE HAS boasts some fancy form in France where he was beaten just over a length in an Auteuil Grade 1 last month.

He has plenty of pace for this trip and likes cut in the ground. He should be capable of better.

Opec had eight lengths in hand when winning a Newbury Listed contest last month.

She had the race won a long way out and gets the valuable mares’ allowance which only boosts her chances. This is hotter company but she should be up to it.

Static has moved to Olly Murphy from France and was a distant third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 latest.

He’ll need to raise his game but this is just his third run for current connections.

Hot Fuss was a fair handicapper on the level and landed his first hurdles victory at Sandown earlier this month. This is a much hotter contest but he could hit the frame under Harry Cobden.

Melon clocked a fair time when scoring on hurdles debut at Donny just 14 days ago. He’ll have to take another step up in this company.

2.10

DANS LE VENT has tumbled to almost a stone below his last winning hurdles mark and showed some promise at Haydock last month.

He has plenty of stamina for this trip and looks a big price to make the placings at least for Welsh trainer Evan Williams.

Woodie Flash seems to have improved for being held up on his past two runs, with a win at Ffos Las followed by a close second in decent company at Lingfield last time.

A 5lb rise for that looks fair over his favourite distance.

Madaket finished a place behind Woodie Flash latest and he’s 3lb better off at the weights today.

Phantomofthepoints could do with more rain as he loved the mud when going close at Haydock last month. He is a thorough stayer who will go from the front and could hold on for a place.

Bill Baxter enjoyed coming back to hurdles when second at Uttoxeter latest and has an each-way chance from this reduced mark.

Tune In A Box landed a big pot at Punchestown in April and ran his best race since when a close-up fourth at Cheltenham latest. He has a chance over an ideal trip.

2.50

STUZZIKINI looked a National type when winning the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan last time.

He wasn’t stopped at the end of three miles there and shapes like a real stayer. It’s relatively early days and he can improve past his handicap mark.

Elliott has another good chance with Where It All Began under Sean Bowen. He was far from disgraced when eighth in the Irish National and comes here fresh.

Galia Des Liteaux has been laid out for this and ran a decent race in the Coral Cup at Newbury last time. He would ideally like the ground a bit softer but should be right there.

Iron Bridge was a distant third in this 12 months ago but is 6lb lower in the handicap today so has every chance of matching that effort.

Monbeg Genius was a good second at Haydock on comeback and has run well around here before. He will enjoy this test of stamina.

Fontaine Collonges has a big weight but he was impressive when beating Monbeg Genius at Haydock latest.

He’s up 8lb but should be competitive although softer ground would be ideal for the Venetia Williams runner.

Sam Thomas pair 2021 winner Iwilldoit and Jubilee Express both have place claims but would also like more rain.

KEMPTON

1.20

LARCHMONT LASS found 2m4f on the sharp side when a still-decent third at Sandown last time out.

She was much happier tackling a stiffer stamina test at Wetherby scoring on comeback and she looks capable of better for Nicholls and Cobden.

Fortuna Ligna looks an each-way price and was far from disgraced at Ascot latest. She can make mistakes but has a decent engine.

Pawpuri was understandably rusty on his her first hurdles outing for almost a year here last month. She went well for a long way and just got tired in the closing stages.

This longer trip should be fine and she’s a threat.

West Balboa is in danger of becoming disappointing and she has more talent than she’s been showing lately.

She is capable of better than we saw at Doncaster last time and her rider takes off a valuable 7lb.

Della Casa Lunga was a solid second in Listed company here latest and has had a wind op since. She needs to find her very best.

1.55

This should be an absolute cracker and chase debutant SIR GINO can just get the better of Ballyburn.

Nicky Henderson has been waxing lyrical about Sir Gino’s schooling at home and he showed himself in peak form when winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth over hurdles at Newcastle last month.

His best form has all been over this distance and he’s got a course win on his CV which is a major plus.

The decent ground just tips things in his favour as Ballyburn has only run with plenty of give underfoot.

Willie Mullins’ hope will be a tough nut to crack though and he looked a natural when winning his chase debut at Punchestown last time by 13 lengths.

He won a Grade 1 over hurdles at this trip but he shapes as though a longer distance would be perfect.

If would be a surprise if Rubaud can figure on his chase debut although he was more than decent over timber too.

He took Listed honours over course and distance in October but this is tougher.

2.30

BOOTHILL fell in this race 12 months ago and ran his best race since when second to Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham last time.

He pushed that class act to within two lengths and will appreciate these conditions. A repeat of that effort would be good enough.

Martator showed no signs of ending his winning run when bolting up by 11 lengths at Ascot last month.

That was his fifth success in a row for Venetia Williams and he’s right at home over this distance on decent ground.

The handicapper has piled another 11lb on his back but that may not be enough to put the brakes on.

Edwardstone was behind the tip in the Shloer before falling in the Tingle Creek last time.

He was still going well when hitting the deck four out but may struggle to give weight away all round.

Sans Bruit was no match for Martator when they met at Ascot last month and there’s no obvious reason why he’ll turn that form around.

3.08

FRERO BANBOU was impressive when winning at Newcastle last time and a 7lb rise isn’t a worry as he’s won off this mark before.

We have seen all season how good jockey Charlie Deutsch is on staying chasers and he can land another nice prize for Venetia Williams.

Weveallbeencaught will be much happier down at this level after being pulled up at Cheltenham last month.

His last run in this grade saw him finish a close second and he looks solid each-way.

Dreaming Blue makes the odd mistake but he got everything right when winning over a bit further at Ludlow last time. A 3lb rise in the weights is more than fair.

Highstakesplayer was a battling winner over course and distance in April and returned with a good second at Ascot before a flatter effort at Newbury latest. He has his sights lowered here.

Golden Son is another who has shown his best at this specialists’ track and will be a lot fitter after his rusty comeback at Newbury last time out.

Templegate’s tips

WETHERBY
11.50 Let’s Go Joe
Right back to his best when scoring at Doncaster last time.

12.25 Maghlaak
Decent on the Flat and been knocking on the door as a hurdler.

1.00 Campaign Trail
Expensive buy made a winning start at Doncaster latest.

1.35 Dare To Shout
Keeps running well and went close again at Kelso last time.

2.15 Cruden
Made a winning hurdling start at Cork and has moved yards since.

2.45 Pay The Piper
Has run well on his past two visits to this track.

3.20 Blue Bellamy
Good in points and went close at Market Rasen latest.

CHEPSTOW

12.00 Julius Des Pictons
Game winner last time and few miles on the clock.

12.30 King William Rufus
Landed deserved win at Ascot and back under penalty.

1.05 Lowry’s Bar
Good win over fences at Exeter and has more to come.

1.40 Nietzsche Has
Consistent and went close in French Grade 1 last time.

2.10 Dans Le Vent
Looks ready for this step back up to his best distance.

2.50 Stuzzikini (nap)
Improving stayer who was in good form at Navan last time.

3.25 Dr TJ Eckleburg (treble)
Won well at Haydock latest and form has been franked.

KEMPTON

12.45 Nardaran
Flat winner who can make winning start for Paul Nicholls.

1.20 Larchmont Lass
Can strike again returned to her favoured three miles.

1.55 Sir Gino
Class over hurdles and schooling reports have been good.

2.30 Boothill (nb)
Has winning form here and good run behind Jonbon latest.

3.08 Frero Banbou
Loved testing trip when scoring at Newcastle last time out.

3.38 Willmount
Can get his career back on track for Nicky Henderson.

WOLVERHAMPTON

4.00 Havana Sky
Just keeps winning and this is another excellent chance.

4.30 Enacting
Promise on both runs so far with more to come.

5.00 Best Rate
Finished strongly into fifth at Lingfield last time out.

5.30 Merchant
Improved from debut when second at Newcastle last time.

6.00 Currumbin
Good start for this yard when winning at Southwell latest.

6.30 One Night Stand
Has shown best form over this course and distance.

7.00 Come On John
Keeps running well and another good run last time out.

7.30 Master Of Combat
Can land a fifth win here from a fair handicap mark.

8.00 Forever Proud
Good second over course and distance last time out.

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A MUM who woke up from a Covid coma was stunned to discover she had given birth to a baby girl.

Laura Leece, 36, fell ill with the virus during the pandemic in 2021 but had no idea of what would happen next.

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Laura, when she came round from her coma – with partner John, Hope and Alex[/caption]

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Laura missed out on Hope’s first precious milestones[/caption]

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She was stunned to see she had given birth to a baby girl[/caption]

Her condition worsened to such an extent that she was sedated for an emergency C-section at 31 weeks, well ahead of her expected due date of October 15.

Laura, from Wigan, in Manchester, was told she nodded to consent to the birth before being put into a coma but has no recollection of it.

Her next memory was waking up seven weeks later, on September 30, to be greeted with the sight of the precious daughter she didn’t even know she’d had.

Born prematurely and weighing just 3lb 7oz at Royal Bolton Hospital, her daughter spent five weeks in the neonatal unit before returning home with dad John and brother William.

John hadn’t wanted to name their daughter without Laura there, referring to her as just “baby girl” until they were able to choose together, deciding on the name Hope.

Recounting the ordeal, Laura told Manchester Evening News: “It’s all very hazy now. I don’t really remember coming out of the coma. I remember they placed Hope next to me and I turned my head to look at her, but I couldn’t speak at that point.

“I was on that much medication at first, steroids and what not, it’s all a blur. I remember John bringing William to see me. It was his third birthday in the October and I’d not seen him since July so I got very emotional.”

Having had tracheostomy and feeding tubes fitted, it was two weeks before Laura was even able to speak and she’s since had to relearn how to do the most basic everyday activities. 

When she arrived back home just a few weeks before Christmas, she still wasn’t able to climb the stairs.

But with physiotherapy and determination, Laura made incredible progress.

Just a few months later she was up the stairs and helping with bath time.

Missing out on those early milestones with Hope, now a lively three-year-old, was one of the reasons Laura wanted to do it all again and the couple are expecting a boy in March 2025.

The 36-year-old mum said: “We’re all looking forward to it so much. “I missed out on so much with Hope – her first bottle, her first bath, I missed all of it and it still makes me emotional when I think about it.

“I’m even looking forward to the night feeds, although I probably won’t say that at the time. You never get those early bits back.

“It does upset me but I try to stay positive and look to the future and think I’m still here, she’s still got me and it could have been so much worse.”

Laura added: “It’s something I want for all of us, but I also needed to do this for me. I didn’t have the full experience last time and although I’m nervous, I’m mostly excited.”

After her initial treatment at the Royal Bolton, Laura was sent to Wythenshawe Hospital, where she spent 35 days of her coma on an ECMO machine – the highest level of life support.

Now back at work as a teaching assistant at Tyldesley Primary School, Laura, struggles a little with her breathing and is being checked for asthma.

She’s also been left with partial numbness in her left foot and the back of her leg, due to being immobile for such a long time.

Although she’s not able to do it right now, it didn’t stop her returning to the zumba classes she loves and she credits those with helping get her fitness back.

It comes after a surge in bugs in the UK over recent weeks.

The NHS recently warned of a “tidal wave” of flu infections amidst warnings of a “quad-demic” of converging winter viruses.

Claire Nevinson, Boots superintendent pharmacist, told Sun Health: “During the festive season we’re seeing an increase in the number of cases of viral respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu and Covid-19.

“This is often due to people spending more time indoors, making it easier for the viruses to spread.”

Even if doesn’t cause as serious of an illness in most people as it did a few years ago, Covid is still about.

Recent data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that Covid-19 is still “circulating at baseline levels”, though cases have decreased in recent weeks.

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The family have been slowly recovering from her ordeal[/caption]

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Laura and John on their wedding day in July 2022[/caption]

A Gavin and Stacey star is set to sign for Strictly after the last ever episode, according to bookies.

Betting odds have surged for Joanna Page, who played Stacey Shipman, to take to the dancefloor next year.

PA

Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa Jenkins and Joanna Page, who plays Stacey Shipman filming for the Christmas Day special at Barry in Wales.[/caption]

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Joanna Page could star in Strictly Come Dancing, according to bookies[/caption]

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Joanna and her family attend the opening of Cirque Du Soleil.[/caption]

Not known, clear with picture desk

Gavin and Stacey’s final episode left viewers in tears[/caption]

Following a cracker of a Christmas Day special, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “The Gavin and Stacey finale went down a storm, and with the latter playing such a huge part in the episode, we reckon she could soon be swapping Barry for the ballroom.”

A record 12.3 million viewers tuned into Gavin and Stacey – the best Christmas Day audience since 2008.

They were keen to find out what would happen in the final programme.

And they were not disappointed as Gavin and Stacey delivered an unforgettable final episode.

Gavin and Stacey first aired 17 years ago. Since then, there have been three series and just as many Christmas specials.

The last one saw Nessa down on one knee asking Smithy to marry her.

So viewers were surprised to find him getting ready to marry Sonia as the episode opened.

The last outing followed preparations for the wedding and Smithy’s stag do, which is almost ruined when everyone got drunk the night before.

It was a happy ending for Smithy, who finally married Nessa – the love of his life.

After leaving Sonia at the altar, when his good friends and family objected to the union, Smithy realised that he loves Nessa.

The whole gang chased down the motorway to Southampton to find her before boarding a cargo ship.

Meanwhile, Stacey and Jason’s mum, Gwen, shocked everyone by revealing her secret lover was Nessa’s ex, Dave Coaches.

Viewers were teased about Uncle Bryn and Jason’s fabled fishing trip but left hanging when interrupted.

The show’s creators James Corden and Ruth Jones kept the storyline a closely guarded secret and have confirmed it will be the last ever one.

RUBEN AMORIM is on a mission to steer crisis-hit Manchester United away from relegation as he ruled out a European finish.

The Red Devils conceded directly from a corner AGAIN for Matheus Cunha’s opener — with keeper Andre Onana at fault.

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Ruben Amorim gave a shock reply when asked about making Europe[/caption]

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Matheus Cunha embarrassed Andre Onana by scoring with a corner[/caption]

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Bruno Fernandes saw red just 90 seconds into the second period[/caption]

Then sub Hee Chan Hwang struck in injury- time at a foggy Molineux.

Bruno Fernandes was sent off at 0-0 — the United’s skipper’s third dismissal of the season — for two yellow cards.

Defeat leaves United 14th — eight points above the bottom three. Asked about the prospect of relegation, Amorim said: “We just have to survive and to win sometimes, to work on the team.

“We have tough games and it’s a long journey. Like I said on the first day, we have to continue and we have to fight the bad moments because this is part of football.

“When you don’t have the results, it is even harder for them to believe.”

Asked about European qualification, Amorim said: “No, no, no, no.

“We have to work on a lot of things in our club inside the pitch, outside the pitch.

“Let’s focus on each game and use every minute of training to improve the team.”

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Onana was unable to keep out Cunha’s corner just seven days after stand-in stopper Altay Bayindir was embarrassed by Son Heung-min in Tottenham’s 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final win.

Amorim added: “The first half was controlled by us but we lacked aggression in the last third.

“At half-time, we talked in the dressing room, tried something different and then the sending off changed the game.”

Fernandes received a second yellow card for a tackle on Nelson Semedo.

Amorim said: “I am always frustrated with a red card.

“He wants to go to the ball — it’s not like he wants to stop a player with a yellow.

“The other guy touches the ball first, there is contact and that thing is tough on him also.”

Marcus Rashford was left out of the squad for a fourth game in a row and Amorim said: “It’s always the same reason.

“We have to be the same professionals, winning or losing.

“Losing, I have to be stronger. I’ll continue with my idea until the end.”

New Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, who has won his first two games, said: “It is a fantastic feeling, especially because of the spirit of the team.

“We can see the players are ready to suffer, run and fight for each ball.”

Wolves scorer Cunha was playing because the FA are yet to decide on a punishment for elbowing an Ipswich staff member earlier this month.

The Arsenal target said: “Vitor came with a lot of energy and we feel this.

“It means a lot — in the stadium you can see how happy they are.”

A nine-year-old boy was reportedly pinned beneath the tyre of a cab when a group of pedestrians were struck by the vehicle.

Heatwave conditions across large swathes of eastern Australian have prompted extreme fire danger ratings, with people urged to vigilantly monitor conditions.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has promised a thorough investigation into the two deaths that took place on the first night of the 2024 Sydney to Hobart.

South Korea's political crisis is threatening to intensify with the acting president facing impeachment, amid fears if could trigger a new financial crisis.

A vet revealed he’s seen pets “bloodied” in a concerning holiday trend.