ITV and Coronation Street has offered fans the first look at the new actor set to play Todd Grimshaw following the recasting of the character.
The character of Todd Grimshaw, son of long-standing character Eileen Grimshaw, has not appeared on the street’s famous cobbles since actor Bruno Langley was axed from the show back in 2017 following sexual assault convictions.
Welsh actor Gareth Pierce – who may be familiar to viewers of Ruth Jones’ Sky One sitcom Stella, as well as appearing on radio stalwart The Archers – will be taking over the role of Todd Grimshaw.
Speaking on his casting to the popular soap, Gareth Pierce said: “I’m thrilled to be joining such an iconic show, and to have been entrusted with taking Todd forward into some really exciting storylines. It’s an honour to be part of the dedicated Coronation Street team in such unprecedented times.”
ITV / Coronation Street
Pierce will be making his first on-screen appearance in autumn, but the soap is apparently intending to “sow the seeds” for Todd’s return before this date however.
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Following the sacking of Bruno Langley, viewers were told that Todd had “gone on the run” after assaulting a police officer, and the character’s return is set to see him still in trouble.
It’s said that a letter will arrive in the post from the Grimshaws’ ex solicitor asking for money as early as next week, and with Eileen away in Thailand visiting her other son Jason, the letter is opened by Mary and Sean who break the news to Todd’s former partner Vicar Billy Mayhew.
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The trio will then embark on a manhunt to try and track him down.
Coronation Street currently airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 7.30pm on ITV.
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Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32
Daisy Jackson
Tributes are flooding in for The Vivienne, drag artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, after their sudden death at the age of just 32.
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, died at the weekend, their public relations representative shared with an emotional tribute.
As well as winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne also finished in third place in Dancing On Ice in 2023.
They’d also recently added West End star to their impressive CV, with a role as The Child Catcher in the touring theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which comes to Manchester in March.
Tributes are now flooding in for the star, who is being described as ‘a beacon’ with an ‘immense talent’.
Announcing the new of their death, Simon Jones PR wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.
“We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32. Credit: BBC
In a later tribute to The Vivienne, Simon added: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.
“From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing.
“No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning.
“In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news.
“RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and producer Michelle Visage said: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.
“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.
“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Danny Beard is among those paying tribute to The Vivienne. Credit: Instagram, Danny Beard
Fellow RuPaul star Danny Beard wrote: “We’ve lost a friend, all of us. Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy.
“She was one of the most passionate, talented, geeky, girls I’ve ever known. When you worked with her you knew she was gonna show up and do the job like a pro and while you’re both there you’d be laughing your tits off!
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“Her love for creating characters wasn’t just what we all saw on TV or on stage! When you’re with Viv she’s creating them all the time! Always doing a bit, or a voice, and it made for the best fucking time. HOWLING!
“There’s a piece missing now. See ya girl!!”
The BBC said in a statement: “We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne. We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race official account shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Tesco reveals what the UK’s most popular meal deal was in 2024
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has officially revealed what the UK’s most popular meal deal combination was in 2024, and some newbies have taken the top spots.
We all know meal deals are a classic lunch option for hungry office workers and for those looking for something quick to grab on the go, and it’s fair to say Tesco’s is one of the most popular on the market – but which combination was the most popular over the past 12 months? Which meal deal was the most commonly-picked from supermarket shelves in 2024?
Well, after two years of the same three options claiming the top spots on each of the main, snack, and drinks list, we have some new picks topping the charts.
Tesco has revealed what the UK’s most popular meal deal was in 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
For the past two years, the Tesco Sausage Bacon & Egg Triple, and the McCoy’s Flame Grilled Steak ‘Grab Bag’ Crisps have come out on top as the most popular main and snack, but for 2024, the supermarket retailer has revealed that the nation’s favourite meal deal combination was the Tesco Chicken Club Sandwich for main, and the Tesco Egg Protein Pot as the snack.
Once again, Coca-Cola (500ml) took the title as the nation’s favourite meal deal drink, just as it has done in both 2022 and 2023.
The meal deal statistics for 2024 were revealed as part of Tesco’s annual ‘Clubcard Unpacked’ series, which is basically like ‘Spotify Wrapped’, but for Clubcard customers.
It gives the supermarket’s loyalty card members a unique insight into what they shopped for and how much they saved over the last year.
The meal deal statistics for 2024 were revealed as part of Tesco’s annual ‘Clubcard Unpacked’ series / Credit: Tesco
The series also gives Clubcard holders the chance to find out what their personal favourite meal deal combination was in 2024, and see how that compares to the rest of the nation.
You’ll just need to open your Tesco Clubcard app on your mobile to find out, or you can head to the Tesco website here and login to your account.
Results are available from today (6 January) for a limited time only.
As well as getting to find out their own most-bought meal deal items, this year’s video also shows Clubcard members further insights into how they shopped at Tesco last year – from their most frequently-purchased products, to how many points they saved and spent.
Emily Sergeant -
10th August 2020 
