Call The Midwife's Reggie Jackson star Daniel Laurie's real age, famous dad and season 14 speculation

The new series of Call the Midwife is set to hit our screens on January 25 next year - and fans will be pleased to know that fan favourite Reggie Jackson will be returning to the show. A character adored by Call the Midwife fans, Reggie has been a staple in Poplar for the past six years.

The role is beautifully portrayed by actor Daniel Laurie, who was introduced to the BBC One period drama through a heart-wrenching storyline. His character's mother tragically suffered a heart attack in a church, leaving Reggie alone at home, anxiously wondering about his mother's whereabouts.

However, his distant cousin Fred Buckle (played by Cliff Parisi) and his wife Violet (portrayed by Annabelle Apsion) stepped in to look after Reggie as if he were their own child.

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Daniel Laurie portrays a much-loved character on Call the Midwife (Image: BBC/Neal Street Productions/Olly Courtenay)

Given that Reggie has Down's syndrome, he was offered a permanent spot at the Glasshouse Trust, a care facility for young adults with disabilities. Despite this, he frequently visits his family and friends in the East End and enjoys spending time with his friend Cyril Robinson (played by Zephryn Taitte).

But what about the man behind the character? Here's a few things you might not know about the much-loved actor.

Daniel's age and early life

Daniel was born in 1995, but it's not known whether he is 28 or 29 years old at present, as he has not released his exact date of birth publicly. He attended a drama school in South West London during his late teens, close to his home. He recently shared that he was forced to leave education due to bullying before he found fame on the BBC period drama.

He spoke candidly about his struggles with bullies, which led him to leave school before finding solace in launching an acting career at the age of 17. Over ten years on, he received a nomination for Best Actor at this year's TV Choice Awards for his portrayal of Reggie in Call the Midwife.

Famous dad

Daniel's dad Leslie played 'Dirty' Den Watts on EastEnders (Image: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire)

Acting prowess evidently runs in the family for Daniel, son of the late EastEnders icon Leslie Grantham. Leslie famously brought the character of 'Dirty' Den Watts to life in the BBC soap, and was an original cast member at the soap's 1985 debut before being allegedly 'killed off' in 1989.

Thankfully for fans, the gripping 'Dirty' Den narrative didn't end there; he stormed back into Albert Square in 2003 with a compelling return plot. In a 2006 Daily Mail interview, Leslie's then-wife Jane recalled the tender side of the man known for his onscreen villainy, describing him as a "fantastic" father.

Reflecting on an intimate moment shortly after Daniels birth, she said: "When he was just a few days old, Leslie looked down at the baby and said 'you know, there are some hard things in life, but this isn't one of them'."

Leslie passed away in 2018, leaving a legacy through his three sons and former partner. In a full-circle moment, actor Cliff Parisi's connection to Leslie spanned their time together working on EastEnders - and he has since worked closely with Daniel on Call the Midwife.

Other appearances

Daniel's break into significant roles happened in 2016 with the part of Jamie in Sky Ones comedy-drama Stella, where he worked alongside Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones, the mind behind the creation. His trajectory continued upward with a stint as Adam Beecher in an episode of ITV's Vera in 2020 and portrayal of Sheemie in The Dark Tower.

In 2021, Daniel took on the role of Zach in ITV's drama Finding Alice, starring TV favourites Keeley Hawes, Nigel Havers, and Joanna Lumley.

Daniel Laurie is set to return as Reggie Jackson in the Call the Midwife this January, airing on BBC One. Season 14 will include 8 hour-long episodes, as well as a Christmas special - and the show's creators have confirmed that season 15 of the series is also guaranteed, with it expected to air in 2026.

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Marks and Spencer's shoppers fume at 'hard to get', 'beautiful' trousers - in stock now

Marks and Spencer's fashion-savvy customers have been left frustrated after a pair of trousers featured on the retailer's Instagram page proved to be a hit, leading to them being 'sold out for weeks'. The video - posted last year - showcased by M&S, featuring content creator and legal director Thandi, displayed the stylish brown crepe trousers paired with a chic ensemble that included a ribbed knitted top, a relaxed tweed blazer, brown kitten heel boots, and a coordinating cross-body bag.

The outfit garnered heaps of praise from followers, with one commenting, "Ladies and gentlemen I was officially influenced today. Literally went out and bought these trousers." Another chimed in, praising the design: "Such a beautiful cut and style."

However, the excitement was dampened by the fact that many shoppers couldn't get their hands on the coveted item. One disappointed customer remarked, "Love these trousers - hopefully, they'll be back in stock soon." While another voiced their struggle: "Trousers are sold out and impossible to get! I've been trying to get the cream ones for a few weeks now."

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Despite these grievances, it appears there is still a glimmer of hope for those seeking the trousers at the time of writing, select sizes remain available. The Ecru colour in particular has nearly full stock, as does the green pair.

With a solid rating of 4.6 stars based on 1422 reviews, shoppers appear impressed. One reviewer praised the wide-leg trousers, saying: "Surprised by how good these trousers are. Lovely thick material and a nice fit for wide leg trousers; they don't swamp. They can be nicely dressed up or down."

The stunning green pair nearly has all sizes available at the time of writing (Image: M&S)

Another customer shared their approval, commenting: "Beautiful trousers, good quality material which hang beautifully, true to size but a little long in the leg so had to have altered but otherwise a great wardrobe staple for the colder months would definitely recommend."

However, not everyone was satisfied. One person said: "The trousers were heavier than I expected and longer." Another added: "Regular length too short for me (5ft7”) even though the pink ones were perfect in length. They didn’t sit all that great. Different material to the pink ones I got last year. Returned them."

You can pick up the pair of Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers from Marks and Spencer for £39.50.

Elsewhere, New Look have a pair of White Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Tailored Trousers for £24, down from £34.99. And recently Frankie Bridge stunned in Khaki Premium High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers from River Island for £45.

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EastEnders fans clamour for spin-off as three characters sent down in major twist

EastEnders fans are clamouring for the BBC One soap to broadcast a series of special episodes set within the women's prison, as three key characters now find themselves behind bars.

On Thursday (September 5), Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) made a surprise return, adding a twist to The Six's ongoing murder plot.

However, instead of showing up in Albert Square, Chrissie is seen in prison, where she is due to meet her former adoptive step-daughter Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

Earlier this week, Sharon was detained for contempt of court after an outburst in the witness box during Dean Wicks' (Matt Di Angelo) murder trial, where she accused a judge of 'slut-shaming' her.

Despite Dean Wicks collapsing the trial with his confession to raping Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Sharon now faces a week in prison, reports the Daily Star.

Chrissie Watts was seen in a prison cell on Thursday (Image: BBC)

Unbeknownst to Sharon, Chrissie, who was imprisoned for murder, is her neighbour. Chrissie killed Sharon's father Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) back in 2005.

Chrissie had beaten her husband Den to death in The Queen Vic, confronting him about his various wrongdoings alongside Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf).

At the time, Chrissie allowed Zoe to believe that she had killed Den during their confrontation, when in reality, it was Chrissie who had finished him off.

After discovering Chrissie was the true mastermind, Sharon became instrumental in her downfall, delivering a memorable punch as Chrissie was arrested at an airport trying to escape the country.

Sharon Watts has arrived in prison but she's about to get a huge shock (Image: BBC)

Now, after 19 years, Sharon and Chrissie are set for a dramatic reunion.

Meanwhile, another Albert Square resident, Sonia Jackson (played by Natalie Cassidy), finds herself behind bars on remand, accused of a murder actually committed by her partner Reiss Colwell (portrayed by Jonny Freeman), who has yet to be unmasked.

Fans of EastEnders are now clamouring for a prison-set mini-series featuring Sharon, Chrissie, and Sonia, hoping for a show reminiscent of the iconic ITV drama Bad Girls.

On social media platform X, one viewer suggested: "I wouldn't even complain if #Eastenders had a few actresses from Bad Girls and Wentworth in there for a week. #Sharon."

Sonia has also been thrown in the slammer (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Another fan expressed excitement: "The Bad Girls reboot looks amazing! #EastEnders", and a third shared their anticipation: "Very excited about the return of Bad Girls. #EastEnders."

One more added to the buzz: "SPOILER ALERT Bernie, go to Spain and don't tell the police. It's 'Bad Girls' in EastEnders. This week has been outstanding. #EastEnders".

Echoing the sentiment, another tweet read: "#EastEnders is giving serious Bad Girls vibes for next week. High hopes to say the least. #ChrissieWatts".

EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer

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Channel 4 favourite sparks police response as show accused of 'bashing UK town'

Channel 4 has received support from Bedfordshire Police after a local council accused the series '24 Hours in Police Custody' of tarnishing the image of a town. The documentary series, which first aired in 2014, primarily follows Bedfordshire Police as they investigate cases in Luton.

To date, there have been 10 seasons and 22 specials, with investigations into crimes such as murders, drug smuggling and sexual assaults being the focus of numerous episodes. However, Luton Borough Council is now urging the police force to cease their collaboration with the broadcaster.

Furthermore, the council also noted that the show provided the force with a "platform to engage younger audiences" and connect with crime victims. They added that plans were underway to work with producers to "see what measures can be put in place to reduce any negative perceptions of the town".

A Channel 4 show provoked a police response (Image: Channel 4)

Last week, a draft letter was leaked detailing the local government's plea to the chief constable, the police and the crime commissioner to end their involvement in the series. The letter, now seen by BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service, described the programme as a "kick in the teeth", claiming it fuelled "Luton-bashing".

Parts of the letter stated: "Every week when this programme airs to millions of people across the UK, it fuels the 'Luton-bashing' we have become accustomed to, which further damages our reputation. This kind of negativity affects our community's sense of identity and purpose, in limiting their perception of their own lives, relationships and opportunities," reports the Mirror.

The programme has been heavily crIticised (Image: Channel 4)

"We feel that it is time for Luton to end this negative relationship with wider audiences and, if the programme is to continue, for another force to feature in it."

However, Bedfordshire Police chief constable Trevor Rodenhurst and the county's police and crime commissioner John Tizard are standing by the Channel 4 series.

They were quoted by Metro.co.uk and the BBC as saying: "It sends a categoric message that criminals will not be able to operate with impunity in Luton, or anywhere in Bedfordshire, and underlines our relentless commitment to bring offenders to justice."

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EastEnders Dean Wicks' lawyer's TV past exposed – from Emmerdale to Corrie

EastEnders has had its audience on the edge of their seats this week as the murder trial for Keanu Taylor finally got underway, leaving Dean Wicks (played by Matt Di Angelo) scrambling to prove his innocence with the assistance of his assertive solicitor.

Warren Finn, the defence attorney, is going all out to discredit witness testimonies from Stacey Slater (portrayed by Lacey Turner), Sharon Watts (played by Letitia Dean), and Linda Carter (acted by Kellie Bright).

The straight-talking barrister has already pushed Sharon to her limits, resulting in a seven-day prison sentence for contempt, while he attempted to dismiss Linda as an unreliable alcoholic.

However, EastEnders fans might be curious about where they've seen Warren Finn before.

The lawyer has kept viewers amused with digs towards The Six as they take to the witness box (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Actor Neil Roberts has reprised his role as Warren Finn after first appearing on the show in April, where he represented Eddie Knight (played by Christopher Fairbank) in his historic murder case against George Knight's (portrayed by Colin Salmon) biological father, reports the Daily Star.

Aside from his role on the long-standing BBC One soap, 59-year-old Neil has featured in an impressive array of TV shows both in the UK and the US. He's also no stranger to the world of soaps.

Viewers may recognise the actor from his role as Rex Buckland in the popular American series Charmed in the late 1990s. He joined the cast during the first season in 1998 and remained a regular until 2006.

Neil Roberts pictured in 2000 (Image: Sunday Mercury)

The actor has also made appearances in Party of Five, Baywatch Nights, Beverly Hills 90210 and even shared the screen with Dick Van Dyke in CBS' Diagnosis Murder.

Neil had a stint in the now-defunct Channel 5 soap opera Family Affairs, played Dr Phillip Lawlor in Holby City, and took on the role of Oberon Prince in Endeavour four years ago.

In 2011, he made his way to Weatherfield as Mike Leydon for a brief appearance in Coronation Street. Mike was a client of Frank Foster's (Andrew Lancel), with plans to go into business together.

However, Carla Connor (Alison King) accused Mike of sexual assault, leading to his departure from the show in early 2012.

Neil Roberts previously starred in Emmerdale as DS Jason Wise (Image: ITV)

Just four years later, Neil landed the role of Detective Jason Wise in Emmerdale, appearing in 17 episodes between 2016 and 2023.

DS Wise was given the task of investigating historic child abuse allegations against Gordon Livesy (Gary Mavers), brought forward by his son.

In 2017, it was announced that Neil would be joining Hollyoaks in a regular role as Glenn Donovan. However, after only 18 episodes, he left the show and the character was recast, with actor Bob Cryer stepping into the role.

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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TfL staff have 'eggs and white spirit' thrown at them by those angry over ULEZ

Transport for London (TfL) has said that staff are still being 'assaulted' by people against Sadiq Khan's expansion of the city's ULEZ. This includes having 'eggs and white spirit' thrown at them.

In addition, vehicles have been 'blocked in' and cameras 'stolen'. It comes as the enlargement of the £12.50 charge incurred for driving more polluting vehicles turned a year old on August 29.

Documents for TfL's Safety, Sustainability and Human Resources Panel on Wednesday, September 4, state: "Confrontations associated with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) still feature highly in Quarter 1 [of 2024/25]. With incidents including an assault, eggs and white spirit thrown, a car kicked, and vehicles blocked in, as well as faulty cameras stolen after a confrontation.

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Sadiq Khan expanded the ULEZ on August 29, 2023 (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)

"We continue to work with our supply chain, the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] and the wider Greater London Authority (GLA) Group to identify ways of reducing these incidents as well as undertaking training and briefing sessions on reducing conflict and conflict resolution."

Staff 'subjected to unacceptable abuse and intimidation'

A TfL spokesperson said: “It is a sad fact that we have been forced to deploy security staff to protect our contractors installing or repairing ULEZ cameras. A number of security staff have been subjected to unacceptable abuse and intimidation while carrying out their duties.

"For safety reasons, they are advised to record any issues on body-worn cameras to help deescalate conflict and if necessary, record evidence for police investigations. Vandalism is unacceptable and all incidents on our network are reported to the police for investigation.

"Criminal damage to ULEZ cameras or vehicles puts the perpetrators at risk of prosecution and injury, while simultaneously risking the safety of the public. Those trying to disrupt a scheme that is helping millions of Londoners breathe cleaner air will face the consequences of their actions through the courts."

Auto Pay ULEZ charge

Officials say, to help drivers of non-compliant vehicles 'avoid receiving a PCN', drivers can sign up to TfL’s Auto Pay, for free. Drivers signed up to Auto Pay are automatically billed for the number of charging days their vehicle travels within the Congestion Charge zone, LEZ and ULEZ.

There are no registration or renewal fees to add vehicles to Auto Pay or Fleet Auto Pay, bosses add. TfL also says that all vandalised cameras are repaired or replaced 'as soon as possible', and the authority's 'extensive' camera network which is 'sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme'.

A TfL report published in July found that emissions have been brought down by 'six per cent more than expected'. It also concluded that PM2.5 gases given off by vehicles had gone down by 22 per cent - compared to if the Mayor of London had not expanded the £12.50 charge zone.

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'Starving student' shares budget-friendly meal ideas that can feed four for £5

As the cost of living crisis continues, many Londoners are looking for ways to slash their food bills.

However, one woman insists she's discovered some wallet-friendly recipes that could lighten the load for a family of four. Lauren Leyva has become an internet sensation thanks to her straightforward recipes that serve up four portions for less than £5.

Originally trained as an architect, Lauren now runs a full-time food business named The Starving Student, dedicated to low-waste meals. The 26-year-old's inventive approach has struck a chord online, racking up millions of views with a range of affordable meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan recipes, all while emphasising minimal food waste.

"I was a student for seven years and completed my architect training," shares Lauren. "But setting up my food and recipe business through university is now a full-time business and helps over 70,000 people save money while eating well."

The 26-year-old shares simple meals that can feed four for under £5 (Image: (Image: COVER IMAGES))

Her love for cooking began early on, inspired by her Spanish father. "My dad taught me to cook from the age of four," she remembers. "Cooking remains the biggest bonding activity between us, and he was the reason I originally started sharing food photos on social media."

Lauren's popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown when she was invited to host a BBC radio segment titled "Tasty Tuesdays." During this period, people were forced to cook at home with limited ingredients, and her low-cost, low-waste recipes quickly became a hit.

One of her most beloved creations, a tomato soup recipe, has captured the attention of over a million viewers. "That tomato soup recipe resulted in 16,000 new social media followers, and the recipe was saved by over 20,000 people. I make four portions of it for under £5," she revealed.

The charm of the recipe lies in its simplicity. With just garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper, Lauren whipped up a roasted tomato, red pepper, and garlic soup that's both budget-friendly and easy to make.

Laura claims the popularity of her dishes lie in their simplicity (Image: (Image: COVER IMAGES))

Lauren also shares tips for saving money during the weekly shop. "When you go to the supermarket, crouch down and look at the lower shelves," she advises. "These are typically where the cheaper, unbranded products are placed. Also, look at the price per 100g or unit rather than the main price to find the best deals."

She recommends stocking up on long-lasting items like tinned or jarred foods and advises batch cooking to save time and money. "Batch cooking is especially great for students and families with limited time. Spend a night cooking two big meals and freeze portions for later."

Lauren is passionate about reducing food waste. "Wasted food is your hard-earned money down the drain. Stretching the life of food will save you money." She encourages planning meals ahead, organizing the fridge, and avoiding impulse buys by always shopping with a list.

Lauren's commitment to helping others save money and reduce waste extends to her meal planners available on her website. "I hope I can continue inspiring those in need of help or inspiration in the kitchen," she concludes.

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