Two of Coronation Street‘s most famous faces have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for the Platinum Jubilee.
Helen Worth and Antony Cotton have both been made MBEs.
71-year-old actress Helen Worth has been recognised for her services to drama after having played the legendary Corrie character of Gail Platt since 1974, while 46-year-old Antony Cotton – who is best known for playing the character of Sean Tully on the long-running, Manchester-based soap – has been recognised for his services to the British Army, personnel and veterans.
Helen told ITV Granada that it is “truly wonderful” to have been honoured with an MBE, adding that it was “a huge surprise” to learn that she had even been nominated.
She continued: “To be honoured for doing something I have enjoyed so much for so many years is truly wonderful, and I am particularly delighted to receive this award in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.”
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Helen has been a fan favourite on the ITV soap since she first appeared on screens nearly 50 years ago, and her character has been the centre of countless gripping storylines ever since.
Outside of acting, Helen is a patron for the international wildlife charity, Born Free Foundation, and has played an active part in campaigning and working to stop animal suffering and abuse for the past two decades.
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She is also an ambassador for the charity ActionAid.
Helen Worth and Antony Cotton have both been made MBEs / Credit: ITV
Antony Cotton may have a racked up stellar list of acting credits to his name over his career, having also notably played Alexander Perry in the popular series, Queer As Folk, made appearances on Absolutely Fabulous, and being known as a comedian and talkshow host too – but its his charitable efforts working with “our amazing Armed Forces” that have seen him be honoured this year.
The Bury-born actor has been involved with the military community since 2008.
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Since then, he has become a celebrity ambassador for military charity the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), is a patron of Help For Heroes, and has worked alongside the British Army on its mental health and resilience training programme, OPSMART.
Antony says he is “completely overwhelmed” at being made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year.
I am completely overwhelmed by the MBE, given to me in the Queen’s platinum jubilee Birthday Honours. Working with our amazing Armed Forces, in particular the @BritishArmy, has truly been the greatest honour of my life. I share this with all our service personnel and veterans
He told ITV Granada: “Working with our amazing armed forces, in particular the Army, has truly been the greatest honour of my life [and] to have a soldier, of any age or rank, come to me and entrust me with their stories, their experiences and especially their worries, has been life changing.
“When I am asked why I spend my spare time helping with the welfare of our soldiers and veterans, the answer is a simple one – I feel it is my duty, and it has genuinely become my life’s work.”
He continued: “I share this award with every single person who has ever fought for our country – I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be in your company.”
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, said that everyone on Coronation Street is “so pleased” that two of its brightest stars have been honoured this year, and that it is “richly deserved” for both of them.
Featured Image – ITV
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Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening date announced – including new spots
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Christmas Markets are merely months away, and the opening date and important details for 2026’s return have been announced.
It’s official… holidays are coming, and the countdown is on.
Just as we do every year, the Greater Manchester public has been eagerly awaiting news of when the city’s iconic Christmas Markets would be making a comeback for the 2026 festive season. And now, Manchester City Council has announced – initially via the MEN – that the famous wooden huts will be lining the city’s streets once again from the first week in November.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bring thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 return date has officially been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
And there’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action this year.
There will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square this year, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.
There’s officially eight weeks to go until the iconic wooden huts line the streets / Credit: Manchester City Council
Promising to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages, it has been confirmed that 2026 will see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Of course, everyone’s favourite big red legend, Zippy Santa, will also be back this year, although his location has not been set in stone just yet, so stay tuned.
“There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council.
“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.
“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.”
He concluded: “Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 will officially open across the city on Friday 6 November and close on Tuesday 22 December – with the exception of Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open right through until Sunday 3 January.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd June 2022 
