News
Emotional tributes paid to Tony Morris, the man whose ‘smile lit up the North West’
Such sad news.
Tony Morris, the face of North West News for Granada Reports, sadly died at the age of 57 last weekend.
Tributes have been paid across many news outlets this morning, including from Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard on this morning’s Good Morning Britain.
Speaking on Tony’s death over a montage of his best moments from the 17 years he worked at Granada Reports, Kate described him as ‘warm and brilliant’.
He died on Saturday at Bury Hospital with daughters Natalia and Rebecca at his side, after being diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.
His daughters released a statement that read: “You all know him as ‘the guy off the news’ – but we know him as our dad. He was always so proud to be an adopted northerner.”
They added: “What you saw on TV every evening was exactly who he was – authentic and honest in everything he did, relentlessly funny, ferociously intelligent, endlessly kind – he lit up every room he walked into.
“We know there will be a lot of people in the North West who are going to miss him – so we know we are not going through this alone.”
During last nights Granada Reports, Tony’s presenting partner Lucy Meacock spoke to viewers about her loss.
She said: “Tony was one of the most, one of the kindest, funniest people that you could ever meet – he was always interested in other people, he was interested in our guests who would come into the studio, he had a genuine interest.”
“And it was a very special bond that we had, we knew each other very well and I think it was a great partnership,” she added, tearing up as a picture appeared on screen of Tony.
She said: “He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh until my sides ached.
“A smile from Tony Morris always brightened everyone’s day and certainly brightened up the whole of the North West for 17 years.”
Lucy continued: “I am so very, very sad and my heart goes out to his daughters Nat and Becky.”
Many viewers, who have watched Tony almost every night for nearly two decades, shared their condolences and thoughts on Twitter after the sad news.
One said: “Will miss his humour, he was the reason to watch local news. RIP Tony.”
Another wrote: “Awful news. Regional presenters do have such an important part in so many peoples’ lives – many people will have had their tea with Lucy and Tony for years. Will be much missed by those who knew him and those who didn’t. RIP Tony.”
One viewer added they hope he will meet Dianne Oxberry saying: “He will be sorely missed and I hope he meets up with Dianne Oxberry. Two special Manc people. RIP.”
His friend and sports reporter Chris Hall shared a touching poem on social media. It reads: “TM had his trademarks. The smile. The scowl. The sparks in his quick remarks making us howl with laughter. His mic now faded forever. Nothing comes after. Not even the weather.
“Our Tone used his own to marvel us, move us and manoeuvre us around our armchairs.
“Hairs on end as we sat on the edge for the heavier stuff. Then quirky and off-the-cuff candour cajoled us back into cushions.
“He always knew how to push our buttons. Always ‘on it’. No stumbles.
“So much he taught us – not always aloud – and that knowledge lives on through his daughters who make him so proud.”
Annabel Tiffin from BBC North West Tonight’s sent her love and sympathy to Natalia Morris saying: “I am so sorry to hear about Tony.
“We may have been on opposite channels but I always had the utmost respect for him, and we would always have a wee chat whenever we crossed paths on a story.
“Sending you much love and sympathy.”
Sophie Raworth added: “He was always lovely and always smiling. I was delighted to see him again in February this year at the RTS Awards.
“Had no idea he was ill. So so sad to find out he has gone.”
News
Oasis announce huge reunion tour as Liam and Noel Gallagher ‘make peace’
The news we’ve all been waiting for!
After years of will-they-won’t-they speculation, Oasis are officially BACK together for a reunion tour.
The Gallagher brothers have put aside their differences in the name of music, making thousands of fans extremely happy in the process.
The band teased the news on their socials over the weekend, posting a video on Sunday morning with today’s date (Tuesday, August 27th) and the time 8am.
And now shows have been announced for multiple dates in the UK and Ireland, with tickets going live this Saturday, August 31st.
The legendary Mancunian rockers will take to the stage next summer, with gigs in Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, Dublin and, of course, Manchester.
15 years after splitting, the band confirmed they would be back for 14 shows, saying: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised”.
The gigs will be Oasis’s ‘only shows in Europe next year’, with tickets on sale this Saturday at 8am in Ireland and 9am in the UK.
The Oasis 2025 tour dates in full:
July
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
25th – London, Wembley Stadium
26th – London, Wembley Stadium
August
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
16th – Dublin, Croke Park
17th – Dublin, Croke Park
You can grab your tickets HERE.
News
Stagecoach hiring over 100 new bus drivers for Bee Network with £31k salaries
Fancy a career change?
Stagecoach Manchester is hiring over 100 new bus drivers to work from its Oldham depot, following the second phase of the Bee Network launch in March.
You can apply for a range of roles, from positions with no experience required to fully qualified bus drivers.
Successful applicants will receive full training as part of the job, and trainees will get paid to train. Then after only 12 months’ service at Stagecoach, drivers can expect to earn up to £16 per hour, which equates to £31.6K per year, before overtime.
As well as that, drivers that already hold a PCV licence may be eligible to receive a £1,200 joining bonus.
Stagecoach
There’s also a host of other benefits available to all Stagecoach employees, like 28 days paid holiday, generous pension and free Stagecoach bus travel for successful applicants and a companion.
Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester said: “Expanding our offering in Oldham means we’ll be investing more in the economy and supporting our local community, as well as strengthening our workforce.
“Whether you’re looking for a career change or you’re a fully qualified, experienced bus driver, there’s a role for everyone here in Oldham.
“We’re looking for personable and dedicated drivers who are ready to help us build on the success of the Bee Network and connect the people of Oldham and Greater Manchester with the places and people that are important to them.”
Stagecoach
Phil Cornwall, bus driver at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “I’ve been a driver at Stagecoach for 25 years and I couldn’t recommend it more.
“From the perks to the people to the passengers, it really is a great place to work.”
To apply, head to the Stagecoach website HERE.
Two men have now been charged with murder, following the discovery of a human torso in Kersal Dale.
As well as that, more suspected human remains were also discovered this morning, Monday April 29th, in an alleyway close to the railway lines off Worsley Road, Eccles.
This follows earlier discoveries of human remains over the past three weeks, at Kersal Dale, Blackleach Reservoir and Colliery Wood, all in Salford.
Greater Manchester Police
Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski (25/04/1956) and Marcin Majerkiewicz (10/04/1982) both of Worsley Road, Eccles, have been charged with murder.
They are set to appear at Tameside Magistrates Court this afternoon.
While formal identification is still ongoing, the remains found at Kersal Dale are believed to be of a local man in his 60s. The remains found at the other three locations are still to be tested, but police are confident they belong to the same victim.
ACC Sarah Jackson said: “We have had large numbers of officers, staff and specialists working diligently on this investigation over the last three weeks. It has been very much a large, collective effort, with the victim and family at the heart of it from the outset.
“We have specially trained officers deployed to support the family as they come to terms with this tragic news. They are aware of this morning’s further discovery and will continue to be kept up to date with how we are progressing.
“Despite the charges brought today, our work is far from over.
“The scenes we already have established in Bury and Salford will remain in place for much of this week whilst our searches and enquiries continue. Local officers will continue to patrol the impacted areas to provide reassurance.
“We will continue following every line of enquiry to recover and reunite the victim with his family, bringing a dignified end to this terrible scenario.
“I’d like to thank the communities of Salford and beyond for their cooperation throughout this investigation. I know this incident has come as a shock, and the support we’ve had from those in the area is very much appreciated.”
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