When Michelle Tolley received a prestigious award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, she felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. The 60-year-old campaigner, known for her tireless efforts advocating for over 30,000 individuals infected with HIV and Hepatitis C due to the Infected Blood Scandal, was in for an additional surprise. Alongside fellow advocates Andrew Evans and Jason Evans, she was awarded a Special Recognition Award and a holiday cruise from P&O Cruises.

“It was a moment I will never forget,” Michelle recalled. Initially, she believed the cruise was awarded solely to midwife Agnes Nisbett, who was also recognized that evening. “I was thrilled for her, but then they announced that all of us had won a cruise!”

Michelle’s journey has been marked by decades of health struggles and relentless campaigning. After being infected with Hepatitis C through a blood transfusion following the birth of her first child in 1987, she faced 28 years of fatigue and illness, often dismissed by medical professionals. It was not until a year after her diagnosis that she began treatment.

“I was so angry. I told my husband, Dean, that I needed to channel this anger into something positive,” she said. Michelle went on to manage a support group for fellow patients, partner with the Hepatitis C Trust, and present at the official government inquiry on the scandal.

The couple had not traveled abroad since their wedding in 1984. “I told Dean, I would either go alone or he would have to join me,” Michelle laughed. They booked a cruise to the Canary Islands, which coincided with their upcoming 40th wedding anniversary. “I mentioned to P&O that we might want to renew our vows, and they called back to say they had arranged it for us,” she explained.

Onboard the ship Ventura, Michelle and Dean were treated to a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a framed photo of their ceremony, and special dining experiences. Michelle’s previous cruise experience was limited to a journey she took at the age of nine in 1976. The grandeur of the ship left her in awe.

“The sight of the ship was mind-blowing,” she described. “It felt like Christmas day with all your presents. I had this childish urge to squeal. I just couldn’t believe it.”

During their time at sea, the couple took full advantage of the amenities, relishing gourmet meals, enjoying the cinema and theatre, and exploring the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands. “At our first stop in Madeira, I was amazed to see so many banana trees. Instead of just wandering, I decided to hire a taxi for a tour, and our driver Manuel offered us a fantastic deal,” she recounted.

The experience was so enjoyable that by the end of the cruise, they immediately booked another trip. They are now looking forward to a Mediterranean cruise, a winter escape to the Caribbean, and an ambitious 108-day round-the-world cruise with P&O Cruises planned for 2027.

After years of dedicated campaigning, Michelle is embracing this exciting new chapter in her life. “If you’ve never been on a cruise, I highly recommend it,” she stated. “The facilities are fantastic, the staff are incredibly welcoming, and the value is exceptional for everything you receive.”

To learn more about booking a holiday with P&O Cruises, visit pocruises.com.

Hollyoaks is set to deliver a series of dramatic twists in the coming week, as key characters confront their complex pasts and face unexpected consequences. Central to the unfolding events is Jez Blake, portrayed by Jeremy Sheffield, whose hidden history takes center stage, impacting multiple characters and turning family dynamics upside down.

In the upcoming episodes, Liberty Savage (played by Jessamy Stoddart) discovers a romantic proposal from Jez inviting her to participate in the flower show, Hollyoaks in Bloom. This revelation occurs during a family dinner that is interrupted by a distressed John Paul McQueen (played by James Sutton). His discomfort arises from Jez’s recent actions, prompting him to leave the gathering after Ste Hay (played by Kieron Richardson) takes his drink away. According to reports from the Mirror, the Blakes are divided as the situation escalates, with Cleo McQueen (played by Nadine Mulkerrin) urging Sienna Blake (played by Anna Passey) to support her family despite the tensions.

Jez, keen on personal growth for Sienna’s sake, makes the surprising decision to release Robbie Roscoe (played by Charlie Wernham) from his past grievances, allowing him to pursue happiness with Vicky Grant (played by Anya Lawrence). Meanwhile, Sienna seeks answers regarding a troubling DNA connection involving Dilly Harcourt (played by Emma Johnsey-Smith). Dilly’s tragic murder by Jez, intended to protect Sienna from exposure related to Ethan Williams’ (played by Matthew James-Bailey) death, adds a dark layer to the narrative.

The cover-up, which involved misleading other characters about Dilly’s disappearance, continues to haunt Sienna as she finds herself drawn deeper into the family’s troubled history.

New Arrests and Confrontations Unfold

In a parallel storyline, Rex Gallagher (played by Jonny Labey) alters his previous statements, implicating Clare Devine (played by Gemma Bissix) and DI Banks (played by Drew Cain) in a larger conspiracy. The investigation tightens around Grace Black (played by Tamara Wall), who finds herself under scrutiny as undercover officers monitor her flat. As the tension mounts, Donny Clark (played by Louis Emerick) and Dodger Savage (played by Danny Mac) remain in hiding nearby.

Clare’s chance encounter with an undercover officer prompts her to alert Grace, leading to their eventual arrest. The stakes rise as Tom Cunningham (played by Ellis Hollos) informs Froggy Black (played by John Middleton) about the developments, setting the stage for a tense confrontation between Clare and Froggy.

As these intertwined storylines unfold, fans of Hollyoaks can expect an engaging week filled with drama and unexpected turns. The series airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 19:00, with episodes available for streaming on Channel 4 from 07:00.

Paramore’s lead vocalist, Hayley Williams, has made headlines with the surprise release of her new solo album titled Ego. This 17-song collection is not available on traditional streaming platforms or in physical stores. Instead, Williams has chosen a distinctive method of distribution: fans must make a purchase from her haircare brand, Good Dye Young, to gain access to the album.

When a customer completes an online order, they receive a 16-digit access code via email, allowing them to download the album. Williams’ official website encourages fans to check their inboxes for this email, suggesting they “ask a friend for theirs” if they do not receive a code. This innovative approach to music distribution reflects a growing trend where artists leverage their brands to connect with their audiences.

Track List and Album Details

While there is no official running order for Ego, the album features a diverse track list, including titles like “Mirtazapine,” “Negative Self Talk,” and “Dream Girl In Shibuya.” The complete list includes:

– Mirtazapine
– Negative Self Talk
– Kill Me
– Glum
– BloodBros
– True Believer
– Disappearing Man
– Dream Girl In Shibuya
– Love Me Different
– EDAABP
– Discovery Channel
– Brotherly Hate
– I Won’t Quit On You
– Ice In My OJ
– Whim
– Zissou
– Hard

The lead single, “Mirtazapine,” received an exclusive radio premiere last week on a Nashville station, although at that time, no indication was given that it would be part of a new album. The song made its live debut when Williams performed with Bleachers at the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 2023.

Independent Artist and Recent Collaborations

Williams’ decision to distribute her music through her own brand highlights her independence as an artist. Having fulfilled her contract with Warner/Atlantic, she now has the freedom to release music on her own terms. This independence allows her to explore unique methods of engaging with fans, such as this album release.

In addition to her solo work, Williams has recently collaborated with other artists. She provided guest vocals for “Seein’ Stars” on Turnstile‘s new album, Never Enough, and released a single titled “I Like It I Like It” with American singer-songwriter Moses Sumney in May.

As Williams continues to evolve as an artist, her innovative approach to music distribution may set a precedent for how artists interact with their audiences in the digital age. Fans are eagerly anticipating what she will do next as she navigates her career independently.

Tina O’Brien was seen in a joyful moment with her new boyfriend, Adam Fadlé, as they left the wedding of fellow actor Jack P. Shepherd and his partner Hanni Treweek. The couple, who were photographed sharing a passionate kiss in the early hours of Sunday, July 28, 2025, appeared to be deeply in love as they exited the Manchester venue.

The 41-year-old actress, known for her role in the long-running soap opera *Coronation Street*, looked radiant in a blue and white floral dress that featured a daring plunging neckline. She paired the outfit with pink heels and a chic white handbag. Fadlé, 38, complemented her style in a smart navy suit and white shirt. The couple’s affectionate display included kissing while waiting for a taxi to take them back to their hotel in Manchester.

Reports indicate that O’Brien and Fadlé met through mutual friends in their home town of Cheshire earlier this summer. Their relationship blossomed following O’Brien’s split from her husband of seven years, Adam Crofts. A source close to the actress shared, “Tina fell out of love with one Adam and then fell in love with another,” suggesting that the couple has been quite open about their romance.

At the wedding ceremony, which took place at Manchester Cathedral, O’Brien and Fadlé were seen holding hands and smiling as they celebrated the union of Shepherd and Treweek. Their relationship seems to have progressed quickly, as they have been spotted together multiple times, including walking O’Brien’s dog.

Fadlé is the founder of Panoramic Properties, a successful interior design firm that counts high-profile clients such as football stars Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo. He established his company in 2010, and since then, it has gained recognition for its luxury residential designs. According to financial documents, Panoramic Properties now boasts over £554,000 in assets, reflecting Fadlé’s rising status in the industry.

O’Brien’s previous marriage to Crofts, with whom she shares a ten-year-old son named Beau, reportedly ended amicably as they continue to prioritize their child’s well-being. Friends of the couple have noted that while they maintain a good relationship for the sake of their son, their differing lifestyles played a significant role in their separation.

As O’Brien and Fadlé continue to explore their relationship, they appear to be embracing this new chapter in their lives with enthusiasm. Fadlé’s growing success in interior design, along with O’Brien’s established career in television, positions them as a notable couple in both the entertainment and business sectors.