A couple from Lancashire who won a whopping £61 million jackpot in the EuroMillions have been publicly named for the first time.
It’s officially Richard and Debbie Nuttall’s lucky day… or we should say lucky life, more like.
The winning couple – who are both 54, from the Lancashire town of Colne, and have been happily married for 30 years – scooped a share of the mega £123 million EuroMillions jackpot in the draw on 30 January earlier this year, and took home a total of £61,708,231.
The Nuttalls were actually on holiday in Fuerteventura celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary when they found out about their life-changing lottery win.
Apparently, the pair mistakenly thought they had only won a measly £2.60, due to some confusion with reading their bank balance, only to find out it was quite the opposite – which led to them being, understandably, “totally stunned”.
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“You dream of winning the lottery, but you never think it’s going to be you,” Mr Nuttall told the media at a press conference at Mitton Hall in Whalley, near Clitheroe, yesterday.
Mr Nuttall explained that he was checking his emails while on holiday last year when he found a message from the National Lottery saying he had a £2.60 win in his account, and when he told his wife, she comically responded: “Woo hoo, we can get a bacon butty with that.”
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But it turns out, they could actually afford quite a bit more than breakfast.
After receiving the initial message, the couple then went out for the day to explore the stunning Spanish island, before returning to their hotel room only to find another National Lottery message asking them to check the account again.
“I looked and it said ‘you’ve won £61,708,231’, ring this number,” Mr Nuttall admitted, and although he couldn’t quite believe it, the win turned out to be true.
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So, what’s next for the Nuttalls then? What are they planning to do with their winnings.
The Lancashire couple who won £61m on the EuroMillions have been publicly named for first time / Credit: Pxhere
Well first, the “dazed” couple have admitted that they have no plans to continue working, with Mrs Nuttall already handing her notice in and Mr Nuttall set to do the same at the end of this tax year, and are already in the process of buying a new house and upsizing to a home that has more room and outdoor space for them and their dog to enjoy.
Mr Nuttall said their lives are going to be “so different” now.
He continued: “We have worked hard all our lives and we are now very much looking forward to taking life a bit easier. But not just that, this win will also change the lives of those closest to us, and hopefully the next generation after that too.”
The Nuttalls also revealed they’ll be making a considerable donation from their winning amount to a charity close to their’s and their family’s hearts – BK’s Heroes, which was set up in their nephew, Ben King’s, memory after he died of a rare condition called Tubular Interstitial Nephritis and Uveitis at the age of 27.
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“This charity means so much to our family and we are all involved,” Mr Nuttall concluded.
No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2024 
