Katy Hallam
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Audience Editor at BirminghamLive. Mad pup owner, love 80s music and lazy Sunday mornings. Views my own etc. katy.hallam@reachplc.com
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Articles by Katy Hallam
Pub restaurant chains shuts all 89 UK restaurants after 45 years in the country
A beloved British pub-restaurant chain has closed all 89 of its locations, marking the end of its 45-year presence in the country. Brewers Fayre officially closed the doors of all its restaurants on Monday, 7 September.
Pub restaurant chain closing all 89 UK branches today including Greater Manchester
A popular UK pub restaurant chain is set to close all of its 89 branches today after 45 years in the country. Brewers Fayre will officially shut all its restaurants on Monday, September 7. Brewers Fayre confirmed the disappointing news in an email to customers last month, writing "As you may have seen, we have recently announced changes to our business, which is resulting in the closure of our Branded Restaurants.
Date clocks change earlier this year as 5pm sunsets around the corner
Autumn is here, and the days are already starting to get shorter and the dark creeping in. As the heatwaves of the symmer appear to have been forgotten, another seasonal shift is just around the corner - the end of daylight saving time. This year the clocks will go back a day earlier than last year. We'll get an extra hour of sleep - if children and pets get the message - on Sunday, October 25 as the clocks turn back an hour at 2am.
Stacey Solomon won't share certain pictures of new family home due to 'issues'
Stacey Solomon has been sharing glimpses inside her new home after leaving her beloved 'dream home', Pickle Cottage. Stacey, 36, previously explained her family was moving because they wanted somewhere with more land so they could rescue animals and grow more of their own food. The star, her husband Joe Swash and their children are now settling into their new home, after saying an emotional goodbye to Pickle Cottage, where they had lived for five years.
Midlands Raise the Colours founder Ryan Bridge charged with 14 offences including common assault
Raise The Colours founder Ryan Bridge has been charged with 14 offences including common assault, police revealed tonight. Mr Bridge, 45, of Blackwell, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, has been at the forefront of the group putting Union Jack and St George's Cross flags on lampposts around Birmingham and beyond for over a year. He has been charged with a string of offences including racially aggravated harassment, threatening behaviour and assault in Oxfordshire.
Kelly Osbourne addresses reason for 'scary' weight loss and hiding appearance
Kelly Osbourne has admitted her weight loss following the tragic loss of her father Ozzy Osbourne is 'scary'. The 41-year-old mum and daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne said she hadn't reconised the problem and couldn't see what others who were warning her did. Kelly previously admitted she 'wasn't well' after the death of Birmingham legend Ozzy. Opening up about her struggle in a new interview, she said: "I looked like the f****** Crypt Keeper. I said, 'This is scary.
Stacey Solomon explains why she won't post certain photos of her new home after 'some issues'
Stacey Solomon has introduced fans to her new home after leaving her 'dream home', Pickle Cottage. Stacey, 36, previously explained her family was on the move because they had wanted somewhere with more land so they could rescue animals and grow more of their own food. And after finding the perfect space, Stacey and husband Joe and their children have already spent the first night in their new home.
Dec Donnelly apologises for shoplifting at M&S and is left 'out of pocket'
Declan Donnelly admitted he thought he was going to get arrested after accidentally shoplifting from a M&S service station. One half of the nation's favourite TV presenter duo, Dec explained how he had walked straight out of the shop without paying after stopping on a journey with wife Ali Astall. The I'm A Celebrity star, 50, had scanned his sandwiches, crisps and bang bang chicken at the till, then 'beeped' his M&S card - but forgot the crucial payment.
Gary Lineker's love life, divorces and health scare as he hosts new ITV show The Box
Gary Lineker needs little introduction. A Midlands legend, born in Leicester, he is regarded as one of the best football players of his generation. But tonight he takes on an entirely different career path - as the host of a new prime time ITV show. The Box sees ten celebrities sealed inside large yellow boxes and transported blindly to mystery locations where they then have to solve a puzzle as fast as they can to stay in the competition.
Gary Lineker's love life, divorces and health scare as he hosts new ITV show The Box
Gary Lineker needs little introduction. A Midlands legend, born in Leicester, he is regarded as one of the best football players of his generation. But tonight he takes on an entirely different career path - as the host of a new prime time ITV show. The Box sees ten celebrities sealed inside large yellow boxes and transported blindly to mystery locations where they then have to solve a puzzle as fast as they can to stay in the competition.
Birmingham comedian Joe Lycett opens new TV show with comments on flags on lampposts
Joe Lycett opened his new TV show with a routine on the controversial pratice of raising England flags on lampposts after it was revealed around 20,000 flags are flying around Birmingham and nearby. The Birmingham comedian was back with his new Channel 4 TV show as he opened his pub The Lycett Arms, where he welcomes punters and celebrity guests, tonight serving Coventry comedian Gus Khan and DJ Sara Cox.
Birmingham star Alison Hammond praised for candid disclosure on facial hair 'I love them'
TV star Alison Hammond has been applauded for opening up about her facial hair. The Birmingham-born presenter, known for her roles on This Morning, The Great British Bake Off and For The Love of Dogs, shared a candid post discussing how she had decided against laser hair removal. Alison, 51, spoke openly about loving the hairs on her chin instead.
Birmingham vet hospital stars in 'important' national TV advert during ITV The Voice tonight
A Birmingham vet hospital is front and centre of a new national TV advert launching tonight which shows the important work that goes on behind-the-scenes. Blaise Vet Specialists, based in Longbridge and one of the largest referral animal hospitals in the UK, has specialist teams who provide 24-hour emergency and critical care for both routine and complex cases.
'Get rid' and 'makes you proud' - debate rages as Birmingham political leaders fall out over court bid to stop flagging
News that Birmingham City Council is seeking an inunction to stop anyone putting up 'unauthorised attachments including flags, banners and signage' on the highways has divided people. Responding to the city's Reform UK and Conservative leaders objecting to the court bid on BirminghamLive's Facebook page, the public has had its say on the latest development after more than a year of flagging on the city's lampposts.
Date set for Solihull libraries to allow residents in without staff under new technology
Three libraries in Solihull are set to make a major change to allow residents to access the spaces outside of staffed hours. New Open Plus technology will allow registered library members to access their local library using a library card and a PIN, with security systems and CCTV monitoring the building. Dickens Heath, Hobs Moat and Balsall Common libraries will have the technology installed between winter 2026 and spring 2027.
Date set for Solihull libraries to allow residents in without staff under new technology
Three libraries in Solihull are set to make a major change to allow residents to access the spaces outside of staffed hours. New Open Plus technology will allow registered library members to access their local library using a library card and a PIN, with security systems and CCTV monitoring the building. Dickens Heath, Hobs Moat and Balsall Common libraries will have the technology installed between winter 2026 and spring 2027.
Young people in Birmingham 'can save lives' by reporting those carrying knives anonymously - and not to police
New research has raised concerns that vital information about knife crime could be going unreported in Birmingham and the West Midlands. Young people in the region are being encouraged to report those carrying knives anonymously after research found only one in five people in the region are confident they would report them to police.
Dolly Parton dies aged 80 as fans mourn country music legend
Music legend Dolly Parton has tragically died at the age of 80, her nephew has announced. Bryan Seaver shared the news in a video on Instagram on Tuesday, August 25. In the video he said Dolly would now be reunited with her husband Carl Dean who died in March last year.
TUI flight issues mayday call and diverts to East Midlands Airport
A TUI flight was forced to make an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport after fuel levels fell to a critical point while the aircraft was in British airspace. The incident unfolded when flight BY439, travelling from Aristides Pereira International Airport in Cape Verde, was abruptly ordered into a holding pattern above Manchester Airport before it could land. The disruption was triggered by an individual "encroaching" onto the airfield at Manchester Airport on Friday evening.
Teen who lost most of her hands wins The Piano as Birmingham Symphony Hall in tears
A teenager who had all her fingers amputated when she was four years old brought the audience at Birmingham Symphony Hall to tears as she performed in the final of Channel 4's The Piano. Grace Matthews, 19, received a standing ovation after an emotional performance on stage at the sold-out theatre with a capacity of 2,262 people - going on to win the entire show.
DWP sets out new bank eligibility verification rules for benefit claimants
New regulations have outlined how banks will be obliged to flag accounts receiving particular benefits to the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP The new Eligibility Verification Measure will enable the DWP to require banks and other financial institutions to examine accounts receiving Universal Credit , Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Emily Atack marries partner Alistair Garner in 'perfect' wedding
Actress and comedian Emily Atack has married her partner Dr Alistair Garner in a 'perfect' ceremony. The Rivals and Inbetweeners actress announced the happy news on Instagram on Sunday, the day after the she swapped vows with the scientist in front of close friends and family. The pair have known each other since they were kids and reconnected back in 2022. Emily, 36, gave birth to her and Alistair's son Barney in the summer of 2024.
ITV The Voice UK fans disappointed in seconds as they have same complaint
The Voice UK returned for its 14th series on Saturday night and immediately had fans in a spin with a massive format change. The ITV singing competition sees gifted amateurs take to the stage with the hopes of seeing an expert judge turn their chair during the audition. And this year former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland joined Will.i.am, Tom Jones and McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher on the panel.
TUI flight issues 'mayday' call and diverts to Midlands airport as fuel runs low
A TUI aircraft was forced to make an emergency diversion to the Midlands after its fuel levels dropped critically low above the UK. The situation unfolded as flight BY439 from Aristides Pereira International Airport in Cape Verde was suddenly instructed to enter a holding pattern above Manchester Airport prior to touchdown. This followed a person "encroaching" onto the airfield at Manchester Airport on Friday night.
ITV The Voice UK's Tom Fletcher's decade-long mental health diagnosis
The Voice UK judge Tom Fletcher has opened up about his heartbreaking condition The 41-year-old McFly singer-songwriter and author will be back in the hot seat as a coach on ITV 's The Voice UK this evening (Saturday, August 22). However, what fans might not know is that the musician suffers from a mental health condition. He previously told Fearne Cotton how the condition had affected him since childhood. Tom explained: "Ever since I was a child, I've always been highly emotional.
Two police officers among 7 dead named after A66 'wrong way' crash
A horror crash has claimed the lives of seven people, including two police officers. The collision happened as a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat were driving on the A66 this morning in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside at 3.39am. Cleveland Police "sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began", the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it understood as it launched an investigation into the tragic incident.
Kelly Rowland wows The Voice UK fans with real age as she 'could be 21'
The Voice UK has returned with an exciting new series - and a brand new guest judge. Legendary Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland has joined Will.i.am, Tom Jones and McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher on the panel as they compete to get amateur singers on their team.
ITV The Voice UK star Danny Jones' marriage now after Maura Higgins' kiss
McFly frontman and guitarist Danny Jones is back on The Voice UK tonight, but has faced some well-documented challenges in his personal life in recent years. Danny, 40, who also won the 24th series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2024, issued a public apology to his wife and former Miss England Georgia Horsley in 2025 after he was caught locking lips with his I'm A Celebrity co-star Maura Higgins at a BRIT Awards after-party. He married Georgia in 2014 after four years dating.
ITV The Voice UK star Danny Jones' life from marriage strain to 'scary' health condition
McFly frontman and guitarist Danny Jones is back on The Voice UK tonight with bandmate Tom Fletcher as they hope to find the next big music star. Danny, 40, first shot to stardom with his band in 2004 with hits like All About You and Five Colours In Her Hair - and quickly beat a record held by the Beatles. The band's first album - Room on the 3rd Floor - went straight to number one, making them the youngest band to have an album debut take the top spot, a title previously held by the Beatles.
Jeremy Clarkson beats hosepipe ban at pub as garden lovely and green
TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson is amongst those currently subject to a hosepipe ban - yet he has managed to find a way around the restriction. Aerial photographs revealed the grass outside his pub, The Farmer's Dog, near Burford, Oxfordshire, looking suspiciously lush compared to the surrounding countryside. It has been a gruelling summer for Britain's green spaces, with five heatwaves and months of little rainfall pushing around 70% of the country into drought conditions.
Jeremy Clarkson beats hosepipe ban at pub as garden lovely and green
TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson is amongst those currently subject to a hosepipe ban - yet he has managed to find a way around the restriction. Aerial photographs revealed the grass outside his pub, The Farmer's Dog, near Burford, Oxfordshire, looking suspiciously lush compared to the surrounding countryside. It has been a gruelling summer for Britain's green spaces, with five heatwaves and months of little rainfall pushing around 70% of the country into drought conditions.
Free bus pass change from September as postponement scheduled
The age where people qualify for a free bus pass is changing in September. The eligibility age for free bus passes will rise in tandem with the State Pension age. As that climbs from 66 to 67, the qualifying age for a free national bus pass in England is increasing accordingly. It means those born between August 6, 1960 and September 5, 1960, will experience a postponement in their bus pass eligibility. They must wait until reaching 66 years plus a specified number of months before qualifying.
Homes with apple trees in garden risk £200,000 fine after court ruling
UK homeowners with apple trees in their gardens are being warned over potential fines. It comes after a gardener whose decomposing apples dropped into a neighbour's property was previously unsuccessful in a court hearing and was ordered to pay £200k in legal costs. The High Court dismissed allegations by apple tree owner Antoinette Williams that neighbour Barbara Pilcher "fabricated" evidence against her.
UK households with garden hedges under cutting ban until August 31
UK homeowners with garden hedges are facing a significant rule change in September - avoiding substantial and hefty penalties. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use. As birds frequently nest in hedgerows between March and August, any gardening activities that disturb them could result in severe legal ramifications.
Beloved comedian Sean Lock died five years ago today as Bill Bailey still can't believe it
Bill Bailey has said he sometimes still can't believe his mate Sean Lock is gone as he paid tribute on the anniversary of his death. The beloved comedian passed away five years ago today from cancer on August 16, 2021, at the age of 58. He spent his final moments at his home surrounded by his family. Beloved for his quick wit and deadpan brand of absurdist humor, his death sparked a huge outpouring of grief and shock among fans after he kept his battle with the disease out of the public eye.
Jessie J tells fans 'it's time to tell you the truth' over dating rumours after split
Jessie J has tearfully responded to speculation about her love life following the end of her relationship in a tongue-in-cheek video. The Price Tag singer announced she and partner Chanan Safir Colman had split after five years together in a statement last month. The 38-year-old has now responded to reports she has been spotted on celebrity dating app Raya.
Five teens dead after horror head-on collision on motorway in Ireland
Five male teenagers have tragically died and four others are seriously injured following a head-on collision on a motorway today. The crash took place on the northbound lane of the M9 in Co Kildare in the early hours of Sunday morning between Junctions 3 and 4. One of the two vehicles involved, belived to be a BMW, was driven the wrong way down the motorway and collided with another car carrying four people.
Coronation Street star 'heartbroken' as dog he rescued from puppy smuggling ring dies
Coronation Street actor Daniel Brockleback shared his heartbreak after his beloved pet dog passed away. The actor, best known for portraying the roles of Ivan Jones in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale and Billy Mayhew in Coronation Street , revealed his miniature Dachshund Jean had died. Daniel, who rescued n from illegal puppy smuggling rings, said vets had done all they could to save her but she was sadly not able to continue.
Solar eclipse happening in 2027 will be the second longest of the century
The second-longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century is set to take place next year, offering stargazers a rare opportunity to witness more than six minutes of complete darkness. The eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027, with totality lasting an remarkable six minutes and 23 seconds at its peak, according to NASA. The event is expected to affect parts of southern Europe , North Africa and the Middle East, including cities such as Cádiz, Tangiers, Benghazi, Luxor and Jeddah.
Glastonbury Festival confirms 3 headliners and address Madonna and Taylor Swift rumours
Glastonbury Festival may be on a break this year, but next year's acts are already being confirmed. Emily Eavis, the co-organiser of the huge event, has confirmed that three headliners have already been secured to appear at Worthy Farm in 2027. And while she is keeping tight-lipped about who they are, she did address rumours that music legend Madonna and Taylor Swift would take a headline spot.
Train disruption continues around Birmingham on Sunday after Stourbridge fire - all routes affected
Train passengers are being warned of disruption in the Stourbidge area on Sunday (August 16) after a large fire spread to railway embankments. The devastating blaze on Thursday (August 13), which totally destroyed 19 homes and saw 54 people injured, is continuing to cause issues on the Snow Hill railway line. Today, workers continued to inspect damage to signalling, telecoms and the embankments.
Birmingham city centre police incident as Hockley street cordoned off
A police incident has seen a street corner in Birmingham city centre cordoned off this evening. An officer was seen standing guard at emergency police tape on the corner of Icknield Street and Camden Street in Hockley at 5.40pm. Images of the scene - which is opposite the Tesco Superstore by Spring Hill island - show a grassy area and the pavement out of bounds. A blue car is also inside the police cordon. The circumstances behind the live incident are currently unclear.
Kelly Osbourne in brutal spat as rock star claims Ozzy didn't write own songs - and takes on Sharon
Kelly Osbourne has hit out after her father Ozzy Osboune was accused of not writing his own songs by another rock legend - telling him to 'keep my father's name out of your f****** mouth'. The astonishing claims about the Birmingham -born Black Sabbath icon, who died last year, were made by American heavy metal star Dee Snider, of Twisted Sister. In a post on X , he claimed Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler penned all of the band's lyrics.
When to look perseid meteor shower as the incredible lightshow peaks
Tonight is poised to become one of the most extraordinary evenings for stargazers in living memory - and if you head outside purely for the solar eclipse , you'll be doing yourself a disservice. Britain has not seen a solar eclipse of this magnitude since 1999. Tonight, the moon will block around 90% of the sun, with the partial eclipse beginning shortly after 6pm and the breathtaking highlight - when the sun reaches its greatest coverage - taking place just after 7pm.
Don't go inside after solar eclipse or you'll miss second amazing event
This evening is set to become one of the most remarkable nights for astronomy enthusiasts in recent decades – and if you venture outside solely for the solar eclipse, you'll be missing out on something truly special. Britain hasn't witnessed a solar eclipse comparable to this since 1999.
Boy arrested after 'officers find Stanley knife' in Birmingham city centre stop - and gets re-arrested in custody
A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article after police said they recovered a knife during a search in Birmingham city centre. Officers from West Midlands Police's Guardian Taskforce were patrolling in the city centre yesterday (Tuesday, August 11) and they stopped a 16-year-old boy at around 8pm. Following searches the officers recovered a Stanley knife, and they boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
The Great British Sewing Bee booted from slot tonight as BBC strips schedule
The Great British Sewing Bee has been bumped from its regular slot tonight on BBC One. Viewers eager to catch the latest episode live have been warned it will be moving to BBC Two tonight due to a major scheduling clash. The programme will still air at the same time of 8pm but has switched channels as the European Athletics Championship being held in Birmingham takes over BBC One.
Netflix series so addictive viewers binged every episode in one go
Every so often, viewers find themselves searching for something fresh to watch, and one Netflix series has had audiences hooked from the very first episode. If you're a fan of gripping TV drama, it may well be worth turning your attention to this show, as viewers are hailing it as one of the finest things currently available on Netflix. The series was recently thrust into the spotlight on Reddit, when one TV enthusiast was eager to gather recommendations for their next binge-watch.
Large fire at West Midlands beauty spot as people told to avoid area
A large fire has broken out at another UK beauty spot as people have been told to avoid the area. Eight fire engines were sent to the Barr Beacon nature reserve in Great Barr, Walsall, to tackle the fire today. Police officers were blocking three entrances to the nature reserve this afternoon as smoke was billowing into the sky.
Birmingham Snow Hill Station line 'blocked' after lorry hits bridge
UPDATE: The line has reopened at Stourbridge but West Midlands Railway have warned there are still dlays while the service recovers. A lorry has hit a railway bridge in Birmingham this afternoon leading to a temporary block being placed on the line for Snow Hill Railway Station.
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