'Our mum hid herself away for a year - then we found out the devastating reason why'

A successful business empire. A devoted wife. Four doting children.

A young boy was tragically killed by a speeding drug driver after his mum left him at home alone, with no gas or electricity.

The ladies of Girls Aloud are celebrating the exciting news that they are heading out on tour next year!

The Damned have announced a 2024 UK tour and the return of their ’80s line-up featuring drummer Rat Scabies.The band – comprising David Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies and Paul Gray – will perform 12 shows across the UK next year, marking the first time the line-up has played together in 35 years.The tour will open at Newcastle’s NX on December 4, followed by dates in Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Cambridge and more, before closing out the run at London’s Roundhouse on December 18.Tickets will go on general sale this Friday (November 24) at 10am GMT from here. A pre-sale will also go live on Thursday (November 23) which fans can sign up for here.A post shared by The Damned (@thedamnedofficial)Rat Scabies will rejoin the band for tours, festivals and more in 2024, who quipped in a press statement: “Be careful what you wish for.’”Audiences will be able to expect songs from ‘Machine Gun Etiquette’, ‘The Black Album’ and ‘Strawberries’, along with favourite tracks like ‘Neat Neat Neat’, ‘New Rose’ and more.Find the full tour schedule below.DECEMBER4 – Newcastle, NX5 – Glasgow, Barrowlands6 – Manchester, Academy8 – Leeds, O2 Academy9 – Nottingham, Rock City10 – Wolverhampton, Civic at The Halls12 – Bristol, Beacon13 – Southampton, O2 Guildhall14 – Eastbourne, Winter Garden16 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange18 – London, Roundhouse47 years after the release of their debut, ‘Damned Damned Damned’, The Damned released their twelfth studio album ‘Darkadelic‘ earlier this year.Elsewhere, The Damned’s Captain Sensible recently spoke about his relationship with Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, and how the late bassist “saved” the band.

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Vincent Simone has named who he thinks will win - but he says they're not the 'best dancer'. The Italian professional dancer, who appeared on the hit dance show from 2006 until 2012, has been casting an eye over this year's competition.

Greater Manchester is a region with a deep history and with that comes plenty of trivia.

Manchester City's injury crisis is growing, with Matheus Nunes becoming the fourth player to withdraw from international duty in as many days.

Detectives have appealed for anyone in a "crowd" which gathered around a dying teenager to come forward if they have not yet spoken to the police.

When you think about food associated with ITV's iconic soap opera Coronation Street, you probably think of Betty's legendary hotpot at the Rovers, a fry up at Roy's Rolls, or maybe a tasty curry at Speed Dahl. You probably do not think of a limp sandwich and ultra-processed muffin.

A suspect in a murder investigation was out on licence from prison and wearing a tag following a previous violent offence - and had been seen by neighbours 'hiding in bushes' before the tragedy, the Manchester Evening News can reveal. An investigation into the death of mother Perseverance Ncube, 35, in Little Hulton, Salford, is ongoing.

The family of the woman at the centre of a murder investigation in Salford - attacked in front of her horrified children - say she was 'cruelly' taken from them 'due to domestic violence'. An investigation into the death of Perseverance Ncube, 35, in Little Hulton is ongoing.

Erik ten Hag has made minimal changes to Manchester United's starting team against Copenhagen because he wants to have a consistent side and reward players for their performances at the weekend.

ITV have confirmed the start date for the new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

People living in an east Manchester community said 'violence has been brewing' in the area for years after two teenagers were stabbed in broad daylight.

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes has not had too much trouble raising a few eyebrows in recent times during appearances on talk shows and live radio. The 82-year-old became famous around the world for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films.

FPL managers are gearing up for Gameweek 11 of the Premier League with Manchester United and Manchester City dominating the conversation.

Councillors have approved plans to build more than 2,000 homes in the Hyde green belt despite thousands of objections from campaigners who asked whether the land was ‘precious’ or a ‘cash cow’.

Erik ten Hag insists it is 'only a matter of time' before Manchester United find their feet under him after a tricky start to the new season.

While many people expect to see fewer insects during the winter, you may have noticed one particular species popping up all over your house.

Martin Lewis has shared with bank customers how they could grab £205 for free without even switching their accounts.