The Cadbury Flake is an icon of British confectionary.
First developed all the way back in 1920, and surprisingly discovered just by chance thanks to Cadbury Bournville factory employee, Ralph Thompson – who noticed thin streams of excess chocolate falling from moulds cooled into flaky ripples – the Flake has gone on to become a beloved sweet treat, not just in the UK, but in several other countries worldwide too.
Due to the success of the chocolate bar, by 1930, Cadbury began selling half-sized Flakes specifically for sticking in the top of vanilla soft serve ice cream, known as ’99 Flakes’, which were served by ice cream vendors nationwide.
Many will be familiar with the famous 1983 advert, where Cadbury chose to brand Flakes as “the crumbliest, flakiest milk chocolate in the world”.
But could the day finally be here? The day when the “the crumbliest, flakiest milk chocolate in the world” is now just too crumbly to stick in 99 cone? Well, according to a growing number of ice cream sellers, this is apparently the case.
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Ice cream sellers are complaining Cadbury Flakes are now ‘too crumbly’ for 99s / Credit: Flickr
With the UK having been treated to some warm weather recently, and the hottest day of the year even on the horizon this bank holiday weekend, it’s led to ice cream traders across the country complaining that 99 Flakes have started deteriorating in quality since the production of the chocolate treats was moved over to Egypt in 2020.
Vendor John Taylor, who owns of C&M Creamery Ices in North Yorkshire, complained to the BBC that the quality of 99 Flakes nowadays is “embarrassing for an ice cream man”.
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“You can’t give someone a 99 with a broken Flake,” he added.
Lawrence Glauser, owner of Lorenzo’s Ices in East Yorkshire, agreed with fellow vendor John and described the situation as a “big issue” because often at least a quarter of the Flake boxes are “unusable” – which has left him having to resorting to more creative measures.
“I now serve trays of ice cream and sprinkle bits of Flake on top,” Lawrence revealed, “I shouldn’t have to do that. I’m fed up of the wastage”.
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Is the “crumbliest, flakiest milk chocolate in the world” now… too crumbly? / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Katy Alston, who is the president of The Ice Cream Alliance, says she won’t be using Cadbury Flakes in the 99s she sells from her ice cream van in Bognor Regis for the first time ever this year, as she claims she sometimes has to throw at least half the box away because “they’ve all been broken”, which doesn’t help when she has a reputation to maintain.
“If you order a 99, you want a good solid Flake in it,” she concluded.
Addressing the growing concerns, a spokesperson for manufacturer Mondelēz International said: “Cadbury Flake 99 is a naturally delicate and crumbly product, and we have processes in place within our supply chain to avoid any breakage as much as possible.
“We are aware that recently some customers have received product which does not meet our usual high standards. This has been addressed following recent improvements to our production processes although some prior stock may remain in circulation.
“We are in the process of liaising with our customers (wholesalers) to support those potentially impacted.
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“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused”.
Featured Image – Flickr
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First look images released of new BBC comedy series Small Prophets filmed in Urmston
Emily Sergeant
The first images of a new BBC comedy series created by Mackenzie Crook filmed over in Urmston have been released.
Ahead of airing in early 2026, new on-set images of the six-part series called Small Prophets gives viewers a glimpse behind the scenes of the much-anticipated BBC comedy that was created, written, and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook – best known for his roles in The Office UK and Detectorists.
The series will feature a host of comedy stars including Mackenzie Crook himself, alongside the legend Sir Michael Palin, and other famous names like Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing, and Paul Kaye.
The new images are said to reveal the ‘weird and wonderful’ new world Crook has conjured up.
The first look images of new BBC comedy series Small Prophets have been released / Credit: BBC
Small Prophets was both filmed and set in and around Greater Manchester – particularly in Urmston – and will be incorporating animation elements throughout as a story of ‘the magical and the mundane’ unfolds in a suburban cul-de-sac.
But what actually is the show about? Well, a synopsis on the BBC website explains: “We meet eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) whose darling partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Since then, Sleep has lived a very ordinary life.
“He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits his dad Brian (Michael Palin), and hopes for Clea to return.
“One day Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure, and more than a little alchemy.
The show was filmed in and around/ Credit: BBC
“With recipe in hand, Sleep sets out (albeit with some scepticism) to create Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future.
“Sleep gets help from young work mate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly, but not wholly, through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook).
“Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed.”
Small Prophets will be released on iPlayer and BBC Two in early 2026, but an official air date is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – BBC
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Ticket prices for Take That at Etihad Stadium revealed ahead of The Circus Live Tour
Lilly Boardman
Manchester-formed band Take That are back on tour, with ‘The Circus Live’, a reprise of their 2009 tour of the same name – and ticket prices have just been released.
The trio – Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald – are back after nearly 17 years since the original The Circus tour, which became one of the fastest-selling tours in the UK.
The return of The Circus Live Tour gives fans who experienced the first, the opportunity to reminisce and watch the same show more than a decade later, whilst also allowing newer fans to create new memories and witness high-quality live performances from the band.
The original setlist will be performed (with a few surprises along the way), and the trio will have support from The Script (who were support on the 2009 tour) and Belinda Carlisle.
Take That initially announced two nights at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, on 19 and 20 June 2026, before adding a third on 21 June due to phenomenal pre-sale demand – and the best news is, ticket prices have been released.
Tickets for the stadium shows start from £61 (plus booking fee) for seating.
General admission standing is priced at £76 (plus booking fee).
For the ultimate fan experience, you can buy a one of the two packages on offer which include a limited-edition circus inspired gift, a collectible laminate lanyard and exclusive online content.
You can choose between the front standing package costing £200 (plus booking fee) including a front standing ticket or the premium seat package priced at £241 (plus booking fee) which includes a premium reserved seat.
There are also amazing VIP and hospitality tickets available with Seat Unique, which you can check out HERE.
If you missed the presale, the general sale takes place on Friday 26 September at 9.30am HERE.