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HE rose to fame as the much-loved PC Plum in the iconic children’s show Balamory nearly two decades ago. 

But now, 19 years on, Andrew Agnew looks unrecognisable in a new stage show, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 

BBC

Andrew Agnew (second from left) is most remembered for his role in Balamory[/caption]

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Andrew is the star of new panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears[/caption]

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Andrew became a household name thanks to his appearances as the happy-go-lucky PC Plum in the iconic Balamory series, set in his homeland of Scotland.

The popular show ran from 2002 to 2005 and introduced Andrew into living rooms up and down the country thanks to it being a staple of children’s television at the time.

His character patrolled the crime-free village of Balamory as he dreamed of becoming a detective one day.

But these days, he’s switching the police uniform for over-the-top costumes as he takes on the role of a pantomime dame.

Andrew plays circus owner Dame Dolly Dundonald in the Kilmarnock production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 

Dame Dolly is on the hunt for a spectacular new act to rival fellow circus owner Roger Von Riccarton’s circus, which has the money to fund bigger and better acts.  

Goldilocks plays a circus acrobat who goes for a walk between shows and finds a small cottage where she meets the three dancing bears. 

Ahead of the panto, Andrew said: “I am delighted to be back in Killie this year with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Especially as it’s going to be a brand new show and a different experience for us all. Audiences are going to love it.

“It’s an unusual title for a Killie panto, certainly my first time doing this show, but people are going to enjoy the change I think.

“I love the circus and we are going to have our very own in Kilmarnock with all the comforts that we all need to keep us cosy, but most importantly, entertained over this festive season.”

Andrew, who directs the panto as well as being the star lead, is no stranger to the panto circuit, having played Muddles in festive pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Sunderland since 2014.

He’s also made appearances in Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, and Peter Pan, has gone on to direct kids TV programmes and had his own CBeebies live theatre show.

Rex

Andrew looks unrecognisable in the new show (seen here with Balamory co-star Julie Wilson Nimmo in 2022)[/caption]

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Andrew stars and directs the new panto, which is running until 29th December[/caption]

Casting is exceptional in the new show, with Gary Morrison playing Donald Dundonald, James McAnerney as Roger von Riccarton and Craig McDougall as Scott the Ringmaster.

Andrew is not the only Balamory star to sport a new look.

Last year, Balamory co-star, Julie Wilson Nimmo, who played the beloved school teacher in the show, starred in her own new kids show, Olga da Polga. 

The show, based on Paddington creator Michael Bond’s children’s books, features Julie and her partner Greg Hemphill as on-screen couple Mr and Mrs Sawdust.

The 51-year-old actress debuted long, red hair in the show – a look worlds away from her bob haircut days on Balamory. 

A MARBLE bust believed to have the face of legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII carved into it has been discovered in a recent excavation.

The white marble statue, which depicts a woman wearing a royal crown, was found under the walls of the ancient Tapuziris Magna temple, in western Alexandria, Egypt.

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Cleopatra VII, who whose reign lasted from 51 to 30 BC, is the Egyptian queen who famously romanced Julius Caesar and Mark Antony[/caption]

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

The dig unearthed about 350 coins, many showing an image of Cleopatra VII[/caption]

It is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.

Kathleen Martinez, who was leading the dig, believes the statue depicts Cleopatra VII.

However, some archaeologists say the bust represents someone else.

“I looked at the bust carefully. It is not Cleopatra at all. It is Roman,” former Egyptian minister of antiquities Zahi Hawass told Live Science.

He noted that during the queen’s time, pharaohs were portrayed in Egyptian art styles, and not Roman.

Other archaeologists have suggested the bust belongs to a princess who lived after Cleopatra’s death in 30 BC.

Cleopatra VII, who whose reign lasted from 51 to 30 BC, is the Egyptian queen who famously romanced Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

The dig unearthed about 350 coins, many showing an image of Cleopatra VII.

A pottery set, oil lamps, limestone pots for preserving food and cosmetics, several bronze statues, a bronze ring dedicated to goddess Hathor, and an amulet engraved with the phrase “Ra’s justice has risen” were also found.

The team discovered a limestone bust of a king, who was wearing the Nemes, a special headdress worn only by pharaohs in ceremonies.

Although, archaeologists have been unable to determine the identity of this king.

This cache of treasure is understood to be a “foundation deposit” – a trove of artefacts buried before Egyptians began construction on an important structure.

The artefacts have helped date the temple to the Late Baltic Age, and the construction of its walls to the 1st century BC.

Remains of a Greek temple from the 4th century BC have also been discovered.

The temple, destroyed sometime between the 2nd century BC and the early Roman period, includes an advanced tunnel system deep underground.

The tunnels connect Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning researchers had to undertake preliminary excavations underwater.

Submerged sections of the temple have revealed man-made structures, human remains and “vast quantities” of pottery, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement.

A large tomb with 20 catacombs was unearthed, alongside another tomb beneath an ancient lighthouse.

The Egyptian ministry hailed the discoveries as “pivotal” to understanding the late Ptolemaic period.

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

This cache of treasure is understood to be a “foundation deposit” – a trove of artefacts buried before Egyptians began construction on an important structure[/caption]

A HEARTBROKEN mum has made a desperate appeal for help in finding her missing daughter’s body.

Natalie Jenkins, 32, disappeared in December 2019 and is feared to have been murdered.

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Natalie Jenkins, 32, who was last seen on December 10, 2019[/caption]

Evening Gazette

Sylvia Jenkins[/caption]

Evening Gazette

Cops pieced together her last known movements using CCTV[/caption]

In 2021 Cleveland Police arrested five people in connection with the case but they were released without charge.

Natalie, from Thornaby, was seen on CCTV walking towards Albert Park, on Park Road South in Middlesbrough, at 11.38pm on December 10, 2019.

It is believed she was still in this area in the early hours of the following day.

She is was last seen wearing dark coloured fur-lined boots, a dark coloured coat, white hat, trousers and a light coloured top.

Natalie is described as white, of very slim build, around 5ft 5ins tall, with a fair complexion and straight brown hair.

She has hazel eyes, a missing front tooth and two tattoos – one saying SWANN on her neck and another on her wrist saying SWANNY.

APPEAL

Mum Sylvia Jenkins has made several public appeals for help in finding her missing daughter.

Today – the latest anniversary of Natalie going missing – her mum shared heartbreaking photos of her daughter growing up.

She said: “This will be our fifth Christmas without Natalie. Somebody knows what happened to Natalie, someone knows where Natalie is.

“All we want, as a family, is closure. All we want is to lay Natalie to rest.”

Tragically, Sylvia has also lost her two sons at young ages.

Eldest son Anthony died in 2004 aged just 24 after falling from a balcony at his home in Thornaby.

While youngest son Neville died aged 38 in 2021 of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Sylvia accepts Natalie has also died.

She said: “All I want is my little girl to be buried with her brothers.”

Natalie’s boyfriend has also died since her disappearance, and Sylvia believes any chance of finding out what might have happened like vanished with him.

She claims he knew information about her daughter’s death but “was too frightened”.

Sylvia added: “I don’t even care if justice isn’t done. I just want my little Natalie’s body.”

Natalie suffered with a heroin addiction. Her mum described her as a “lovely, kind girl” who “took the wrong road but always had our support and our love”.

She said she will continue to appeal each year for the rest of her life, and said cops have told her Natalie’s is at the top of the list for potential cold case reviews.

Anyone who may have information in relation to Natalie’s disappearance can call Cleveland Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

FROM next year, flag carrier Kenya Airways will operate a new route from London Gatwick Airport to Nairobi, the country’s capital.

Kenya Airways already operates a route from London Heathrow to Nairobi but the airline is expanding its UK flights.

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Kenya Airways is poised to launch a new route between Gatwick Airport and Nairobi (pictured)[/caption]

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Kenya is one of the few places in the world where visitors can spot the ‘big five’ in their native habitat[/caption]

The new route between London Gatwick and Nairobi is slated to run from July 2, 2025, three times per week.

According to the Kenya Airways website, direct flights will operate every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

This will take the number of weekly connections between London and Nairobi up to 10 per week.

Flights between the two capitals will take just under nine hours, with Sun Online Travel finding one-way fares from £360 per person for economy-class tickets.

Kenya Airways group managing director and and chief executive Allan Kilavuka said: “The United Kingdom is essential and strategic for Kenya Airways and Kenya.

“It provides a gateway for trade, tourism, education, business, leisure travel and diaspora connections.

“We are excited to add Gatwick airport to our expansive network as it means that KQ guests now have more options in and out of the UK and a convenient schedule that suits their travel preferences.”

The group managing director has also hinted at Kenya Airways introducing more UK services – although nothing has been confirmed.

As a holiday destination, Kenya seems to have it all with safaris, tropical coastlines and good value all-inclusive holidays.

The East African country has some of the best safari experiences in the world.

It’s one of the few places in the world where visitors can spot the ‘big five’ in their native habitat.

This includes lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos.

There is also a scenic coastline along the Indian Ocean, where holidaymakers can relax on the beach, snorkel and dive.

The country is also an attractive destination because of its culture with tourists able to learn about the customs of local tribes and explore historical monuments, such as Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While Nairobi combines animals with culture, visitors can take a day excursion to Nairobi National Park and visit the giraffe centre.

Nairobi has a milder climate with average temperatures between 10 and 26C. 

Elsewhere in the coastal regions, such as Mombasa, temperatures range from 23 to 35C throughout the year.

The dry season, which means high temperatures and hardly any rainy days, is between May and October, making it the best time to visit.

Back in 2023, tour operator TUI re-introduced Kenya as a holiday destination for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sun Online Travel have found seven-night all-inclusive breaks from £1,215 per person during the country’s peak season.

The Low-cost airline easyJet is launching a new route between London Gatwick and Rimini, with flights to start operating in April.

Meanwhile, Jet2 is poised to launch a new base at London Luton Airport.

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There is also a scenic coastline along the Indian Ocean, where holidaymakers can relax on the beach, snorkel and dive[/caption]

Alamy

The new route between London Gatwick and Nairobi is slated to run from July 2, 2025, three times per week[/caption]

UKRAINIAN tennis star Elina Svitolina has shared a picture of herself holding a rocket launcher.

The former Wimbledon semi-finalist, 30, has returned to her war-torn homeland during the off-season.

Instagram @elisvitolina

Elina Svitolina aims a rocket launcher in the snow[/caption]

Instagram @elisvitolina

Svitolina, 30, has returned to her homeland during the off season[/caption]

Svitolina has inspired many by seeking to raise awareness for the continued suffering in Ukraine while competing on the WTA Tour.

In her latest Instagram post, the world No23 shared a pair of snaps of herself wrapped up warm in the snow while aiming a rocket launcher.

She also posted a selfie while wearing a camo jacket, hat and scarf.

Captioning her post, Svitolina wrote: “Kharkiv has a special place in my heart.

“The city that gave the feeling of real home when I started my professional career here at 12 years old.

“The city that continues to provide warmth and protection during the great war.

“If you ask me, where do I find the motivation to fight in sports arenas? This is my country, my people, my Kharkiv and our heroes.”

Svitolina is married to French star Gael Monfils, and the pair have a two-year-old daughter together named Skai.

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Svitolina is married to Frenchman Gael Monfils[/caption]

Earlier this year, Svitolina reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals by beating China’s Wang Xinyu.

After the match she broke down in tears during her on-court interview, following Russia‘s latest devastating attack on Kyiv, which included a hypersonic missile strike on a children’s hospital.

Wearing a black ribbon on her Wimbledon whites, following special permission from the All-England Club, Svitolina said: “It’s a very difficult day today for Ukrainian people.

“It was not easy to focus today on the match. Since the morning it’s very difficult to read the news, so just to go on the court is extremely tough.”

When later asked about her black ribbon, Svitolina explained: “It’s been approved by Wimbledon today, the black ribbon. I feel like it would be understandable after such a big attack for my country.”

Former Ukrainian tennis players Sergiy Stakhovsky, who once beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon, and Alexandr Dolgopolov have both fought in the war.

Svitolina will soon begin her preparations for the 2025 tennis season, which begins Down Under later this month.

She has been sidelined since the US Open, having undergone season-ending surgery on a foot injury.

At the time, she wrote on Instagram: “I am excited for the opportunity to focus on my recovery and come back even stronger than before.

“I am determined to do whatever it takes to get back on the court and compete at the highest level.

“I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement during this challenging time. Your love and positivity mean the world to me, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the courts in 2025.”

Svitolina has not entered an event in the lead up to the Australian Open, but is on the entry list for the opening Major of the season.

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Svitolina wore a black ribbon on her kit during the Wimbledon fourth round this year[/caption]

Paul Edwards

Svitolina reached the quarter-finals at the All-England Club[/caption]

MOST mums dread coming up with Elf on the Shelf ideas every Christmas – but not Louise Goddard. 

The 39-year-old might just be the most dedicated mum in the UK, and has even gone as far as to vandalise her husband’s car and draw on her nine-year-old son’s face while he was asleep in the name of Christmas spirit. 

Louise Goddard/Facebook

Louise Goddard/Facebook

Louise Goddard/Facebook

The creative mum has even shaved words into her husband Jason’s head[/caption]

Louise Goddard/Facebook

Little Mason, nine, named his elf Oscar six years ago, and now he’s a firm part of the family[/caption]

She has also submerged her kitchen in spaghetti, covered her toilet in chocolate spread (we’ll let you guess why) and decorated her car in festive wrapping paper. 

When there’s no food involved, the creative mum has taken to shaving “ELF” into her husband Jason’s head and set up an “elf tattoo parlour” with Santa’s little helper seemingly drawing body art on toys around the house. 

Louise’s son Mason, nine, is often talk of the school playground thanks to her creative ideas. 

The family live in a village near Bristol, meaning news of the elf’s elaborate pranks spreads quickly and often sees other families travelling across town to get a look. 

Mason named his elf Oscar when he was three-years-old, and while his parents have no idea where the moniker came from, it has stuck. 

So when she decided to vandalise her partner’s car in the name of festive cheer, it was only right that Louise painted the elf’s name on the bonnet. 

She also added hearts, trees and sketched “ELVES RULE” on both sides of the motor. 

Louise came up with the idea on the way back from her staff Christmas party at 1am, and executed it in the dead of night with spray-on snow. 

“It was so popular with the locals,” she tells Fabulous. 

“The whole village was coming over and taking pictures. 

“I had to leave the car stationary for a couple of days.”

Louise has also managed to draw on Mason’s face while he slept without him noticing. 

“My son sleeps like a brick,” she laughs. 

“You could have a stampede of elephants go through his room and he wouldn’t wake up. 

“I do have to be a bit of a ninja at times.”

The creative mum has never repeated an idea and comes up with new pranks every Christmas. 

Elf on the Shelf is a newly created Christmas tradition where families adopt one of Santa’s little helpers. 

While they sleep, the elf gets up to all sorts of mischief around the house, typically leaving a mess for the children to wake up to. 

Louise Goddard/Facebook

Louise has even managed to draw on Mason’s face while he was asleep[/caption]

Louise Goddard/Facebook

She only uses stuff that she already has in the house to execute her pranks[/caption]

Louise Goddard/Facebook

“I live for Mason’s face in the morning,” Louise tells Fabulous[/caption]

The character’s prominence in modern culture is loosely based on the 2005 children’s book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.

The story details elves visiting children during the festive period to Christmas Eve, after which they return to the North Pole until next year. 

For mums like Louise, it’s a great way to add to the magic of Christmas without breaking the bank. 

“I live for Mason’s face in the morning,” she tells. “He wakes up so excited and he’s straight downstairs looking for what the elf has been up to.

“A lot of people buy loads of props but I don’t. I just use whatever we’ve got in the house.

“I think some parents feel pressured to spend a lot of money, but I literally don’t spend a lot of money on it.

“As long as you’ve got the elf, you can just use what you’ve got at home.”

BUYING Christmas presents can be tricky, but King Charles once selected a purse-friendly gift for son Prince Harry.

When Harry was deployed for active duty in Afghanistan in 2012, he was sent a £7.95 present over the festive period. 

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HIGHGROVE

In 2012, Charles gifted his son a pot of Highgrove honey from his estate, according to a royal biographer[/caption]

In Robert Lacey’s Battle of Brothers book, the royal biographer wrote: “Harry had qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot in April 2011, the same month that William and Kate got married, and he was deployed to Helmand Province over Christmas 2012.

“So once again the Queen said prayers for Harry over a Christmas lunch at Sandringham – while the prince put on a Santa hat to cook breakfast for his crew, then queued for histurkey dinner alongside the thousands of other servicemen and women who were deployed in Camp Bastion.”

The biographer then revealed the gift Harry was sent by the then-Prince Charles, and how it didn’t last long in his company.

Robert wrote: “His father had sent him some Highgrove honey for Christmas and a box of Cuban cigars – which Captain Wales promptly traded for sweets and chocolates with his fellow officers.”

King Charles sells his own honey jars produced from pollen collected by the royal bees at his countryside home.

The Highgrove Royal Orchard Summer Honey currently costs £7.95 online, and is available for delivery across the UK and overseas.

Although a delicious pot of honey is a nice gift to receive, Prince Harry has been given some more lavish gifts from wife Meghan Marke over the years.

The Duke of Sussex has been seen wearing a Cartier Love Bracelet, which is said to be worth over £5,000. 

The 18-carat diamond-encrusted yellow gold bracelet, comes with a screwdriver to attach it to your loved one’s wrist – with Meghan wearing a matching one.

Meghan shared a snap of the couple wearing the ‘his and hers’ bracelets on her social media pages.

In a nod to their one-year wedding anniversary theme of “paper”, Meghan hand wrote out their wedding speech and had it framed for Harry, according to People.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex gifted his wife an eternity ring.

Contrary to what we might expect, it turns out that the Royal Family, who traditionally give their presents on Christmas Eve, prefer to give each other tongue-in-cheek ‘gag’ presents. 

PA:Press Association

Prince Harry posted in Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan[/caption]

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Typically the royals flock to Sandringham for Christmas[/caption]

It’s a tradition that still stands today – typically, there are no diamonds under the royals’ Christmas trees.

Kate once gave Harry a Grow Your Own girlfriend kit when he was single, while Princess Anne once gifted her older brother Charles a leather toilet seat.

But Diana was unbeknown to this and was left blushing by the unusual tradition when she gifted her sister-in-law Princess Anne a beautiful cashmere sweater.

BackGrid

Prince Harry has been seen with a Cartier Love Bracelet[/caption]

The Mega Agency

Meghan Markle has a matching Cartier bracelet[/caption]

Cartier

But in return, Diana was rewarded with a toilet roll holder.

According to royal expert Jennie Bond: “The name of the game is to buy cheap, witty presents.

“The gifts are to make people laugh, not to be expensive.”

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The Sussexes reportedly haven’t been invited to Sandringham this year[/caption]

PREGNANT Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon has revealed her due date as she anticipates the arrival of her baby girl.

Lucy, 29, who rose to fame as Bethany Platt on the ITV soap, has been keeping her followers updated on her pregnancy journey with her boyfriend Ryan Ledson, 27.

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Pregnant Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon has revealed her due date[/caption]

Instagram

She shares son Sonny with her boyfriend Ryan Ledson[/caption]

Taking to Instagram yesterday, the actress posted a video alongside a heartfelt message about self-care during the final weeks of her pregnancy.

In her caption, Lucy shared: “Slow mornings, self-care, and some @floradixuk love. Spending the morning with me means cherishing these quiet moments and making time for self-care.

“With just a few weeks left until baby number 2 arrives, these routines are more important than ever.”

Lucy, who already shares son Sonny, 23 months, with Preston North End footballer Ryan, reflected on the challenges of being pregnant while parenting a young child.

She added: “Being pregnant while chasing a toddler is tiring, but Floradix Liquid Iron & Vitamin Formula has been a lifesaver!

“It’s helped me maintain healthy iron levels and steady energy throughout the day, so I can savour these special moments before our family grows.”

The star also reminded her followers to seek medical advice before using supplements, particularly during pregnancy.

Lucy and Ryan, who met through friends back in 2017, welcomed their first child in early 2023 and announced they were expecting their second baby in August 2024.

The soap star previously quit Weatherfield in 2020 after five years, but returned last year.

In 2024, she appeared on reality series Drama Queens, alongside fellow Corrie stars Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach.

As well as sharing her highs, Lucy revealed on the show that before welcoming their son, she and Ryan, 26, tragically experienced a miscarriage when they first got together.

Speaking about her first scan, she said: “I didn’t expect anything to be wrong.

“That was one of the most difficult things me and Ryan have ever had to go through, and I think I really struggled with it after, because it felt like everybody sort of moved on.

“Everyone else’s lives sort of went back to normal, and I felt like I couldn’t.”

Lucy previously told Ryan that she was keen to have a big family and would want at least three kids, but while Sonny is now in a better sleep routine she’s had a rethink.

In an interview with The Sun on Sunday‘s Fabulous magazine, she said: “I’ve changed my mind now. I couldn’t do it! My sister Laura has three – all boys, too. Maybe just one more.

“I do like being a young mum. I feel like I’m still 17, then I remind myself: ‘You are 29 this year!’ Having children changes things.”

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The actress posted a video alongside a heartfelt message about self-care[/caption]

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Sonny adorably featured in the video[/caption]

ITV

She rose to fame as Bethany Platt on the ITV soap[/caption]

The global airline industry stands to earn $US36.6 billion ($57.2b) in net income in 2025, driven by a record 5.2 billion passengers taking to the skies.

West Coast have not ruled out a last-minute attempt to move up the order in a bid to secure top local talent ahead of Monday’s AFLW draft.