A new enterprise hub in Essex, Hope Park, is creating vital career pathways for young adults with learning difficulties, challenging the shocking 95% unemployment rate. Discover how this project is changing lives.
EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal appeared to aim a veiled comment at Love Island's Amber Davies after her Strictly Come Dancing exit. Get the full story on the semi-final drama.
Lioness Karen Carney is the new favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy in the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final this Saturday. Get the latest odds and final details.
Pupils from Aurora Fairway School in St Ives brought gifts and festive cheer to children on the Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, turning their focus from receiving to giving this Christmas.
A planned 150-place special school in Shirley, Solihull, has been cancelled after the government redirected £3bn to create specialist places in mainstream schools. Council leader expresses disappointment.
The complete celebrity and professional dancer cast for the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour 2026 has been unveiled, with shows starting in Birmingham this January. Get your tickets now!
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have branded the show 'over' after a shocking dance-off saw two of the series' strongest contestants eliminated. Read the full reaction here.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers are outraged as Lewis Cope is eliminated in a shock dance-off, with fans branding the decision a 'huge mistake'. Discover the semi-final line-up.
Drag queen La Voix snuck into Shirley Ballas's dressing room to leave a frank lipstick message after receiving a low score on Strictly Come Dancing. Read the full story.
The Strictly Come Dancing results have leaked early again, revealing a semi-final elimination that has left fans reeling. Discover the full reaction and leaderboard details here.
Strictly Come Dancing fans fear Karen Carney could be eliminated after landing bottom of the leaderboard with 36 points. Viewers urge public to vote for the former footballer.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers are worried about a 'voting hack' as the final five compete in Musicals Week. Fans claim multiple accounts are being used, potentially changing the elimination outcome.
Find out when to watch Capital's Jingle Bell Ball 2025 on ITV. All details for the live streams on 6th & 7th Dec and the TV highlights on 13th Dec.
Strictly Come Dancing's quarter finals air later tonight at 6.50pm on BBC One for Musicals Week. Get the schedule, results show time, and latest leaderboard.
Strictly pro Dianne Buswell names Karen Carney as her pick to win the Glitterball trophy, citing a 'very strong chance' and a lucky connection to a past champion.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
DWP minister Stephen Timms has ruled out a state pension-level income for terminally ill people under 66, but outlined existing fast-track benefit support. Learn about the Special Rules for End of Life.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
Birmingham's Karen Carney surges to top of Strictly Come Dancing odds after perfect score. Can she and Carlos Gu lift the Glitterball? Read the latest predictions.
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
YouTube star Joe Sugg reveals the truth about Strictly 'curse' rumours involving Faye Tozer, while he and Dianne Buswell prepare for their first child. Discover their love story.
A Strictly Come Dancing elimination result has leaked online ahead of the Sunday results show, leaving fans divided and 'devastated'. Discover the full reaction.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 results have been leaked online, leaving fans devastated as a potential finalist is eliminated before the quarter-final. Discover the full story and fan reactions.
Drag artist La Voix and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey are the first celebrities confirmed for the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing live arena tour. Get your tickets now!
Richard Madeley launched a furious attack on Strictly Come Dancing judges, claiming EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal has been consistently underscored. Read the full story.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ricky Whittle alleges the BBC 'manipulated' a romance with his dance partner in 2009, causing a real-life relationship breakdown. Discover the full story.
Discover the top spots to buy a high-quality real Christmas tree across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Open daily from 9am to 8pm. Find your festive centrepiece today!
Royal Mail warns UK households to post early for Christmas 2025. Key deadlines for 1st Class, 2nd Class, and Special Delivery revealed. Don't miss the last posting dates!
West Midlands Police spent an estimated £2 million on policing the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match. The PCC is now demanding a government refund. Discover the full story.