Tributes have been pouring in this weekend for DJ legend Janice Long, who has died aged 66.
The radio DJ and Top of the Pops presenter was the first female to have her own daily show on Radio 1.
Some of music’s biggest names have paid tribute to Janice, who died at home on Christmas Day after a short illness.
She was the sister of Keith Chegwin, who passed away in 2017.
Many have paid thanks to Janice, for her ‘enthusiasm and passion’ for music and support for those just starting out in the industry.
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The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess said: “Janice Long was a supporter and mentor for so many bands.
Janice Long. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“To hear our records on her show was always the biggest thrill – her enthusiasm and love shone through. One of a kind. Safe travels, we’ll miss ya x x.”
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Clint Boon posted: “Devastated to hear the news about Janice Long passing away.
“She was by far one of the warmest, most beautiful people in the industry. Her enthusiasm & passion for music was infectious.
“Being in her company was always an absolute privilege & honour. I love her & I’ll miss her.”
Clint later added a fond memory of Janice, writing: “In 1995, Janice Long invited me to be a presenter on a new radio station she was launching, Crash FM.
“It was based in a primary school near Penny Lane, Liverpool during the summer holidays. My first ever radio presenting job. I’ve worked in radio ever since. Thank you Janice xxx”
The Pet Shop Boys posted on Twitter: “We are both very sad to hear of the death of radio DJ Janice Long who was always so enthusiastic about new music and such fun to be around.
“She was very supportive to us in the early days of PSB. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Neil and Chris xx”
Janice Long’s husband and partner of more than 30 years Paul Berry said: “I’ve lost the love of my life and I’m going to spend the rest of it half a person. She had my back from the day we met, you couldn’t possibly ask for more love and loyalty from a wife.”
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Badly Drawn Boy wrote: “Those of us lucky enough to meet Janice Long will know she was exactly the person you’d seen on the telly or heard on the radio. Like meeting an old friend for the first time.
“The outpouring of Love for Janice is real. She was always herself which is why we loved her.”
Peter Hook wrote: “Such sad news about Janice Long. She was always a great friend and a great supporter of our music. She was a lovely lady and a pleasure to be around. RIP.”
Elbow’s Guy Garvey posted: “From her blowing a needle across a @midgeure1 record trying to remove some fluff and then laughing for ages when I was 10 I loved her.
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“Then a really early supporter of @Elbow. She’d sway with her eyes shut during a session. Mad about her family. We really loved her #janicelong.”
Featured image: BBC
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The top 10 ‘happiest’ places to live in the North West in 2026 have been named
Emily Sergeant
The top 10 happiest places to live in the North West have been named for 2026.
It comes as Rightmove has published its annual ‘Happy at Home’ index this week, just as it has done for the last 14 years now, exploring exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlighting the happiest places nationwide ahead of the new year – with thousands of residents across more than 200 locations providing feedback.
The residents told the leading property listing platform what they love (or don’t love) about their community, from the friendliness of their neighbours, to job opportunities, access to green spaces, and so much more.
The survey also outlined the differences in happiness in rural, urban, and suburban environments, as well as the way our sense of ‘home happiness’ changes as we age.
So, when it comes to the North West as a whole then, where do we have in the top 10?
Well, to kick things off, you may have already seen that one Lancashire market town has earned its place in the top 10 nationwide, not just for the North West region – and that’s Chorley.
Closest to the Bolton and Wigan boroughs, Chorley – which is is about a 40-minute drive outside of Manchester, and sits on a direct train route into the city centre.
But aside from the national top 10, when it comes to the regional top 10, the next two towns following Chorley in second and third are both in Greater Manchester.
The North West’s top 10 happiest places to live 2026
Chorley
Stockport
Altrincham
Chester
Macclesfield
Southport
Kendal
Wirral
Northwich
Carlisle
Altrincham has been named one of the North West’s happiest places to live / Credit: The Manc Group
The ever-thriving Stockport comes in at number two, followed by Trafford favourite Altrincham directly behind it at number three.
Other of the region’s inclusions like Bury, Bolton, Wigan, and the Manchester borough itself all ranked towards the bottom.
Speaking on this year’s list, Colleen Babcock – a property expert at Rightmove – explained: “The balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.
“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”
Featured Image – Roger Kidd (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Manchester United’s statement in full as Michael Carrick is sacked as manager
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United has now released a formal statement following the news that Michael Carrick has been sacked with immediate effect.
Carrick – who initially played for Manchester United as a midfielder between 2006 and 2018 – was first appointed as a caretaker manager in 2021, before he went on to become the interim manager and then men’s first team head coach earlier this year.
Unfortunately though, United have struggled to find form this season – with the team winning only three of their first 15 games across all competitions.
The club’s statement reads in full: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Featured Image – Sky Sports (via YouTube – screenshot)
Daisy Jackson -
27th December 2021 
