PRINCE Harry has demanded “people from the top start listening” in a bonfire chat while on a trip to South Africa.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, has taken yet another solo trip, with wife Meghan Markle noticeably absent, to drive work for his charity Sentebale.
On his first night in Lesotho he was reunited with old pal and co-founder of Sentebale, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, around a firepit.
The pair discussed the charity, which supports children and young people living with, or who are at risk from, HIV, and what it’s been working on.
Harry said: “We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people ranging from six to 25 – and the biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening.”
Prince Seeiso added: “This whole journey of Sentebale started from that element of [Harry] having come to the motherland – he’s now my younger brother Mohali, the warrior – but experiencing breathing the same air, eating the same food as the children… that inspired this dream to come to where we are now.
“But it is that deep felt need that we want, collectively, to make a difference in our lifetime, and not only in our lifetimes, but to leave a legacy and pass on the baton to the next generation so that’s why we are going out in all different angles.”
Harry spent two months in the landlocked African kingdom during his gap year back in 2004.
And the experience made a lasting impression on the Duke – who was just 19 at the time.
Two years later, he launched Sentebale which means “forget me not”.
In 2006, one in three children in the country had lost parents to HIV AIDS-related illness.
The charity now works across Lesotho and Botswana helping those most vulnerable.
Earlier in the day, Harry had lunch with Prince Seeiso’s niece, Princess Senate Seeiso of Lesotho.
The pair posed for a picture before the princess posted it on Instagram, writing: “Had the pleasure of hosting the Duke of Sussex today for lunch.”
Harry last visited Lesotho in 2018 and his latest trip will see him meet local leader and youth advocates.
The group will head to Lesotho “to witness Sentebale’s programmes at work.”
It comes after Harry made a brief visit to the UK to hail a group of “little legends” honoured at an awards ceremony.
He paid tribute to the children and teenagers recognised at the WellChild Awards – who act as carers, fundraisers or just carry on with life as they cope with debilitating conditions.
Harry appeared upbeat and relaxed for the evening presentation.
And before the ceremony began he was upstaged by a boisterous seven-year-old, Noah Nicholson, who threw his toys on the floor and delighted in Harry picking them up.
Harry told the young people and their families: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour.
“And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you. The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”
THE couple were on the brink of divorce, but can their rekindled passion get their marriage back on track next week in EastEnders.
Denise Fox (Diane Parish) arrives back early after hearing the news about Pastor Clayton’s suicide in upcoming scenes on the BBC soap.
During a heart-to-heart, Yolande (Angela Wynter) talks to Denise about the importance of honesty and truth.
This triggers a guilty Denise into opening up in a vague way about her lies over the club crush, caused by her daughter Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams).
With Yolande’s words about the corrosive nature of lies ringing in her ears, Denise steels herself to tell Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) the truth about Chelsea causing the club crush.
But will she follow through after seeing Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and the extent of her injuries?
Meanwhile, Jack is overwhelmed with the demands of caring for Amy and running the house singlehandedly.
He reluctantly agrees that Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) can go over to No.27 to support Amy.
However, Jack is pleased to find Amy in much better spirits thanks to Penny’s visit.
But, Jack ruins the whole mood by making a tactless comment that upsets Penny, causing a massive row between them.
After hearing about Penny and Jack’s continuing issues, Denise makes it her mission to fix their relationship.
She gets them both to come to Denzel’s (Jaden Ladega) 16th birthday party – but can she bring them together?
Later, at the Branning house, Jack tells Denise how grateful he is for everything she’s done for their family.
He gives a moving speech about how amazing she is.
Can the turbulent couple get their married life back on track?
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with Ofcom and complain. Here are just some of the most scandalous…
CARLA Connor shares a tender moment with another resident after she is attacked in the factory next week in Coronation Street.
Upcoming scenes on the ITV soap will see Carla’s day goes from bad to worse when Betsy lets slip to an important client that she is in court for ABH.
Sally adds to the drama as she admits Sarah Platt is in Turkey.
Meanwhile at court, Carla comes face to face with Tom, the dad of the lad she knocked over.
Back at the factory with the client less than impressed, Carla takes her anger out on Betsy and Sarah.
But, she is unaware that Tom has followed her back from court and is watching her overseeing a delivery.
She’s startled when Tom appears.
His fury evident.
Is Carla in danger?
Meanwhile, a tender moment with DS Lisa Swaine leaves Carla feeling confused.
Bit did Lisa feel it too?
Carla goes to find out.
Elsewhere, in the café, Carla buys Betsy a coffee.
She confirms that Betsy can have her job back, leaving her delighted.
And Dee-Dee confides in Kit that she phoned the wedding venue and the holiday company.
It would seem Joel has already recouped their deposits – but where is he?
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
LOVE triangles are a fundamental part of soap-land, but which ones have become the most iconic?
EASTENDERS
Bradley/Stacey/Max: Stacey Slater began an affair with boyfriend Bradley Branning’s dad Max in 2007.
Despite their romps, Stacey still married Bradley, but their deceit came out in an iconic Christmas Day episode that year.
Grant/Sharon/Phil: Heading even further back in Walford history, EastEnders fans were gripped in the 90s as Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell.
Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler – not realising it was caught on tape – and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic.
Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realising he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on his wedding day.
A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and went ahead and married Amira anyway, but when they returned, the two men started an affair before being caught in the act by Amira.
CORONATION STREET
Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of a love triangle and ran with it in Coronation Street – extending it to bigamy.
He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards, and quickly married her after she fell pregnant with his son, Simon.
But it didn’t stop him also marrying Shelley, but he was eventually caught when Lucy turned up in Weatherfield and the two women confronted him.
Ken/Deidre/Mike: Back in 1982, Deirdre Barlow started sleeping with her husband’s nemesis Mike Baldwin in secret, before confessing all a year later.
When Mike turned up at the marital home, Deirdre was being throttled by her husband who then kicked her out, but years later they reconciled.
Maria/Aidan/Eva: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with girlfriend Eva Price’s best friend, Maria Connor.
Eva eventually found out and she decided to take revenge by faking a pregnancy, spending his money and planned to confront him on their wedding day.
But she had a change of heart when a remorseful Aidan confessed, and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to arrive and expose her fake pregnancy.
EMMERDALE
Ross/Debbie/Pete: Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton in 2015 in Emmerdale.
She eventually decided to marry Pete but yet again, a soap wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of his bride’s betrayal via a recording played at the wedding.
Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all seemed well – until he began a steamy affair with Aaron Dingle.
Robert’s ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair – but fell to her death before she had the chance.
However, a guilty Aaron eventually cracked and told Chrissie about the affair – after which she announced it to the whole pub.
FOR families on low incomes or struggling financially, Christmas can be a particular source of stress.
From pressure to get gifts for partners and children to forking out for Christmas dinner, it can be hard to do the festive season on a budget.
The good news is that there are grants and charities that can help you get through it.
Charity Turn2Us says that while most charitable funds do not provide specific grants to help people meet the costs of Christmas, some may consider applications of this nature, depending on your circumstances and background.
At the same time, others might give you money to help with your day-to-day living costs, which could free up some cash for the festive season.
The amount of money available through grants depends on which ones you are eligible for. Some are created for people who work or have worked in specific professions, whilst others are aimed to help people with specific disabilities or health conditions. Others are tied to a specific location.
Grants don’t have to be paid back, and they won’t affect your benefits. Most charities offer at least £100, but some offer thousands.
For instance, the dance professionals fund has grants available between £600-£3,000 for dancers, dance teachers, and choreographers. The money can be used for cost-of-living expenses, medical fees, and even career retraining costs.
Meanwhile, B&CE’s Charitable Trust has grants available worth up to £500 for people in the construction industry. These can be used for day-to-day livings expenses, paying off debts, and even holidays.
The Salespeople charity helps anyone who has worked as a Business to Business (B2B) salesperson for 5 years within the last 10 years, visiting business customers in their premises to sell goods or services. Grants are worth £1000 or more.
Some grants are even specific to employees of certain companies. For instance, the BHS Trust Fund helps people who have worked for BHS for at least twelve months, whether they’re currently in work, between jobs or even retired.
The charity awards Christmas grants to individuals facing financial difficulties in the lead up to the festive period. The support ranges from hampers and food shopping vouchers to toys for children. Applications open in November and run through to the first week of December and you can find out more here.
To find out what grants you might be eligible for, you can use Turn2Us’ grant search tool. If you fill in your age, any disabilities or illnesses, your profession (and your partners if you have one) and any religious affiliations, it will show you a list of grants available.
You could also use the platform Lightning Reach, which tells you the grants you might be eligible for, and helps you apply.
It also details how much the grants are worth, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply for each one.
Some grants are paid within weeks, while others take longer, so if you’re specifically concerned about the Christmas period, it makes sense to start applying as soon as possible.
You may be able to get help with essential living costs from your local council through a program called the Household Support Fund (HSF).
This program is meant to assist people who are struggling or cannot afford basic needs like energy bills, water bills, and food.
Some councils provide food vouchers to families during school holidays as part of this program.
Eligibility criteria differs from one council to another, so it’s a good idea to visit your local council’s website to find out what help is available and how to apply.
For example, Richmond Council offers grants of up to £600 for families with two or more children, while Haringey Council usually gives out vouchers of around £100 per household.
Each Christmas, the Salvation Army supports thousands of people across over 600 communities in the UK.
It says that this year, it will be providing Christmas lunches and companionship to older people living alone, giving food parcels to families who are struggling to afford a proper Christmas lunch, and distributing toys to children whose parents are unable to afford presents.
You can find your location Salvation Army using the map tool.
Every year, Crisis at Christmas offers warmth, accommodation, healthcare, food and specialist advice.
Last Christmas, the charity worked with over 6,600 people facing homelessness through day centres and hotels in London, and Crisis Skylight centres across Britain.
Visit the ‘Get Help’ section of the website, if you think Crisis can help you.
The CashForKids Mission Christmas appeal provides gifts for kids from underprivileged families.
You can’t apply directly, but referral services such as social services, GPs and teachers can do so on your behalf.
Priority is given to applications that are submitted from social services and other bodies of authority within the remit of caring for disadvantaged children.
The organisation or professional making the application is responsible for ensuring that the gifts are distributed to children who meet the eligibility criteria.
Family Fund works with partners in the UK to offer grants that can be used to allow families with a disabled child to go on holiday. This includes holidays over the festive period.
The charity says applicants should include as much information as possible about the type of break you’d like as a family and the difference it will make to the child or young person you’re applying for. You can make an application here.
Many local schools, councils and churches run schemes to help disadvantaged families over Christmas, so it’s worth checking with any that are near you to see what’s available.
In the run up to December, more charities will announce schemes. For instance, Lidl, Book Trust, Action for Children, and Family action have all run initiatives in the past.
OCTOBER is another month where we’ll see more shops closing down as retailers continue to quit the high street.
Shoppers have faced a swathe of closures on their local high streets in recent years as many of their favourite chains shutter sites.
The cost-of-living crisis has meant households have less money in their pockets and so are cutting back on their spending.
As a result, high street shops have seen lower footfall and less money landing in the tills since the pandemic.
That, coupled with ongoing restructuring plans and high rents, has forced many chains to close.
Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed almost 10,500 UK shops closed for the final time in 2023.
The 12-month period also saw over 119,000 jobs lost across the sector.
According to the centre’s most recent data, 1,846 stores closed and 23,982 retail jobs were lost during the first six months of 2024.
This month will be no different, with Game, Poundland and Tesco among those closing stores.
Of course, it’s not all bad news. In some cases the branches will be replaced with bigger and better shops.
Retailers regularly open and close shops for a number of reasons – not just because they are struggling.
For example, they may have a store nearby that is performing better or it may be because they want to pick a spot that has higher footfall, such as in a retail park.
Poundland will close its store in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands on October 5.
A spokesperson for the budget retailer indicated it had not been able to reach an agreement with the landlord of the plot.
The spokesperson added: “We know how disappointing this will be.”
The Sutton Coldfield closure is not the first announced by Poundland in recent months.
The retailer announced the closure of its Macclesfield site in August after it was unable to secure a new lease agreement.
It also pulled down the shutters on a store in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in July, having taken the site on from Wilko following its collapse.
Poundland bought 71 ex-Wilko stores when the homeware retailer fell into administration last year.
The discounter re-branded the locations and opened many up before Christmas.
But since then, several have closed down, including in Ellesmere Port in Galashiels and the Sailmakers Shopping Centre in Ipswich.
In total, Poundland has shut down nine former Wilko locations just months after bringing them back to life.
However, despite the closures, Poundland has still massively grown its presence on the high street in recent months.
Tesco is closing its High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire superstore between October 2024 and autumn 2025.
The store will remain closed while landlord Buckinghamshire Council reconfigures the site.
Tesco will open a temporary Express store in the Eden Shopping Centre while the branch is closed.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our superstore will reopen in Autumn 2025 with a refreshed look and feel which we’re excited to share with customers.”
Tesco is pursuing a strategy of expansion with plans to open 70 more stores across the UK over the next year.
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.
The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.
Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.
It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.
The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.
Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.
“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.
“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”
Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.
The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.
However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.
The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.
Game is shutting its store in The Broadway Shopping Centre, Bradford, and has launched a closing down sale.
An exact closure date has not yet been revealed, but a spokesperson for the shopping centre told The Telegraph and Argus: “We can confirm that Game will be closing and we will be announcing new fashion and beauty retailers in the coming weeks.”
Shoppers have expressed concern about the number of stores closing in the town.
One said: “Bradford is going to be a ghost town.”
The latest Game closure comes after the retailer, operated by the Frasers Group, shut a number of other branches across the UK.
Almost a dozen Game branches have closed in England and Wales since last October.
A branch in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, shuttered in November, while a store in Witney, Oxfordshire, closed in January and one in Plymouth, Devon disappeared the following month.
Trespass’ store in the Silverburn shopping centre, in Glasgow, will be shutting for the final time over the coming weeks.
The store, which sells ski wear, waterproof jackets, fleeces, festival accessories, walking boots and camping gear, has launched an everything must go sale.
Black and yellow signs read: “Closing down. Everything must go.”
Trespass has not yet confirmed an exact closing date.
Trespass, which has around 170 UK branches, confirmed last summer it would pull down the shutters on half a dozen branches.
Stores shut in Chesterfield and Workington while others in Canterbury and Solihull were also earmarked for closure.
In recent weeks, Trespass has also closed its store in St Johns Precinct, Liverpool, after signs were placed in the window.
Toys R Us
The iconic 90s toys retailer is to rapidly launch 23 new shops following the successful opening of dozens in the last year.
The stores will all be open by Christmas, with the first welcoming customers at the end of last month.
See a full list of locations here.
Mountain Warehouse
The outdoor clothes retailer has revealed it will open 50 new stores in the UK.
The brand has already opened 20 new stores in the UK in the past six months – and now plans to expand to new locations, including at retail parks.
The exact list of locations where Mountain Warehouse will be opening is yet to be revealed.
Boots has not confirmed exact dates for October closures, but has been shuttering a large number of sites following a review of its estate.
The health and beauty chain announced last year that it would close 300 branches, and more than 250 have since shut.
The remaining stores marked for closure will have shut for good by the beginning of October.
The move is aimed to reduce the chain’s store portfolio from around 2,200 to just 1,900.
The pharmacy chain employs over 52,000 team members, and it has said that these closures will not lead to any redundancies.
Cineworld has plans to close six UK sites as it enters the first phase of a major restructuring.
Venues in Glasgow, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate, and Swindon are expected to close down over the coming months.
A Cineworld spokesperson said: “We are implementing a restructuring plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK.”
The fate of the sites will not be confirmed until the legal process for the restructuring plan is completed.
The chain is also said to be renegotiating rent agreements for around 50 of its sites.
Struggling businesses often do this to help lower their operating costs and help retain more of their brick-and-mortar estate.
However, landlords don’t need to accept what’s put forward in these discussions.
This means that up to 50 additional Cineworld complexes could also be at risk of closure if the chain and its landlords cannot reach an agreement.
A further 25 cinemas will be left unaffected by the restructuring plans and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
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BILLY Fletcher is taking furtive phone calls and clearly hiding a secret next week in the ITV soap.
Out of sight, Emmerdale viewers then see Billy hiding a pair of boxing gloves from Dawn.
![FROM ITV
STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 1st October 2024
Emmerdale - Ep 10112
Friday 11th October 2024
Will Billy Fletcher [JAY KONTZLE] admit to wife Dawn Fletcher [OLIVA BROMLEY] about this illegal fight club that he’s finding it hard to leave?
Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com
This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/11_10_emm_dawn_billy_02.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
![FROM ITV
STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 1st October 2024
Emmerdale - Ep 10112
Friday 11th October 2024
Will Billy Fletcher [JAY KONTZLE] admit to wife Dawn Fletcher [OLIVA BROMLEY] about this illegal fight club that he’s finding it hard to leave?
Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com
This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/11_10_emm_dawn_billy_01.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Soon, Billy and Dawn are excited to be bringing Evan home.
And Billy enquires from Mack about finding him a cheap car to buy.
But, Mack is suspicious of Billy’s new found wealth and an injury he is nursing.
The next day, Mack has a lead on a car.
Whilst, Dawn reminds Billy he can’t be late for the hospital visit to collect Evan.
Gabby spots an anxious Dawn waiting for a late Billy and she offers to take her to the hospital instead.
Meanwhile, Mack is shocked to the core when he sees a bloodied and bruised Billy on his doorstep.
Billy begs Mack to help him and refuses to go to a hospital, worried about involving the authorities.
Mack attempts to help Billy clean his wound.
Billy explains he was injured whilst fighting in an unlicensed boxing match.
His reason is that he is fighting for money to support his family.
Paramedic John soon arrives to help stitch him up.
Will Billy admit to wife Dawn about this unlicensed boxing that he’s finding it hard to leave?
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…