From The North

The Manchester ISIS plot - and the undercover agent who foiled it

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:50:00 +0000

This is the story of Farouk, an undercover operative who foiled what police said could have been "one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in UK history".

Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, had a “visceral dislike” of Jewish people and wanted to kill as many as they could in their Islamic State-inspired gun attack in Greater Manchester.

But the duo were brought down after an undercover operative posed as one of them to gain their trust, tracking their every move for six months before armed officers swooped in to arrest them.

Elaine Willcox takes up the story with Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, from Counter Terrorism Policing North West.

Chasing the Odds: A Journey of Hope

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:55:00 +0000

We follow Pete McCleave as he travels 6,000 miles to his ancestral home of Macau in an attempt to extend his life. The dad-of-two was diagnosed with rare blood cancer myeloma in 2017 and given just seven years to live. His best hope is a stem cell transplant - but his mixed heritage has made it difficult.

DKMS, the largest stem cell registry in the UK, says four out of 10 people looking for an unrelated matching donor worldwide are not able to find a match. Visit their website to sign up to the register.

20 and Counting: How Arne Slot brought the Premier League title back to Liverpool

Fri, 23 May 2025 15:50:00 +0000

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot took over from the adored Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024 and delivered a season very few predicted, leading the Reds to their 20th league title, matching Manchester United's record, and celebrating in front of fans for the first time in more than three decades.

Sports Correspondent Chris Hall joins fans Abigail Rudkin, Ste Hoare and Gareth Roberts as they delve into the story of just how they did it, and explore whether Slot can build on this success in years to come.

The hunt for 'heavy bag man': How police caught a man who killed and chopped-up his housemate

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:08:00 +0000

In March 2024, 67-year-old Stuart Everett was murdered and dismembered before his body parts were scattered across Greater Manchester. It was one of the most complex murder investigations in recent years - join Emma Sweeney and the police officers who worked on the case as they tell the story of just how they solved it.

Why is Ketamine use on the rise and what can be done about it?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:55:00 +0000

Emma Sweeney takes a look at the dramatic rise in those taking the so-called party drug Ketamine, its worrying long-term effects, and the stark warning from scientists about exactly what people could be consuming.

What did we learn from the Lucy Letby Inquiry?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:40:00 +0000

After 59 days, 133 witnesses, and 396 statements - the Thirlwall Inquiry, looking into how Lucy Letby was able to murder babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital has heard all of its evidence - and one word was prominent - sorry. But other than apologies what else have we learnt? ITV News correspondent Mel Barham takes a look at just what is new - and what comes next.

The Southport attack: What happened?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:54:00 +0000

On 29 July, a knifeman entered a Taylor Swift dance class aimed at children aged between six and 11, in Southport in Merseyside.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died in the attack. Eight other children and two adults were seriously injured.

Gamal Fahbulleh takes look at what happened, who the three girls were, and how the community is coming together to try and heal following the tragic incident.

Missing in Tenerife: The Search for Jay Slater

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:45:00 +0000

On 17 June 2024 one young holiday maker on his first trip without his family vanished on Tenerife without a trace.

But just what happened? ITV Granada Reports' Andy Bonner takes a look at the disappearance of Jay Slater which has intrigued millions across the world.

General Election 2024: The Campaign Trail Ep4

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:44:59 +0000

As the election campaigns get into full swing, Zoe Muldoon provides you with a roundup of this week's biggest political stories in the North West ahead of the General Election on 4 July.
This episode covers 2 June - 28 June.

General Election 2024: The Granada Election Debate

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:52:06 +0000

In a special programme we were joined by a panel of candidates, all of them hoping to get elected to seats here in the North West, and all of them taking your questions.

Chaired by Lucy Meacock and Gamal Fahnbulleh, during the lively debate the candidates faced questions on the NHS, immigration, and support for those on foodbanks.

On the panel were:

Chris Green - Conservatives,
Ashely Dalton - Labour,
Lisa Smart - Liberal Democrats
Paul Swansborough - Reform UK

General Election 2024: The Campaign Trail Ep3

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:51:55 +0000

General Election 2024: The Campaign Trail Ep2

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:22:04 +0000

General Election 2024: The Campaign Trail Ep1

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:59:21 +0000

As the election campaigns get into full swing, Lauren Ostridge provides you with a roundup of this week's biggest political stories in the North West ahead of the General Election on 4 July.

This episode covers 31 May - 7 June.

Brianna Ghey: How could someone so young turn into a killer?

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:53:14 +0000

As the two teenagers who murdered Brianna Ghey are sentenced to life in prison for at least 20 years, Rob Smith takes a look at how two seemingly ‘innocent’ teenagers became killers, concocting a kill list, luring Brianna into a park and stabbing her, in a "frenzied and ferocious" attack, 28 times.

Does the government's response to the Hillsborough Report go far enough?

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:26:24 +0000

It's been more than 30 years since the dealdliest stadium related disaster the country's ever seen - Hillsborough.
Six years ago the Rt Revd James Jones released his report on the establishment response, and since then the families caught up in the tragedy have waited for the goverment to respond.
Now, after seven home secretaries, they have finally got that response - but does it go far enough?
Join Merseyside Correspondents Andy Bonner and Ann O'Connor as they look into the issue, and how those involved feel.

Theresa May: What lessons have been learnt from Hillsborough?

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:08:07 +0000

In this special episode of From the North Merseyside Correspondent Andy Bonner sat down with former Prime Minister Theresa May to ask what lessons, if any, have been learnt from Hillsborough and other major incidents including the Manchester Arena Attack and Lucy Letby.

How did Lucy Letby slip under the radar for so long?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:17:53 +0000

As neonatal nurse Lucy Letby becomes the most prolific serial child killer in modern Britain, Gamal Fahnbulleh joins Mel Barham and Emma Sweeney to look at how she managed to slip under the radar for so long, carrying out her attacks at the Countess of Chester Hospital, unchallenged, for a year.

Lucy Letby will spent her whole life in prison after being found guilty of murdering six babies and trying to murder another six more.

How can we help our mental health during the most difficult times in life?

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:03:58 +0000

Over the course of May, Granada Reports presenters Gamal Fahnbulleh and Lucy Meacock spoke to five incredible people about their mental health.

Each person has been through some kind of adversity in their life but has come through the other side. Now, they are offering a message of hope to others who may have been affected by similar issues.

Warning: This podcast touches on a number of issues from addiction and terminal illness to bereavement, bullying and being open about our sexuality.

How can we better deal with bereavement?

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:54:15 +0000

In this bitesize episode of From the North Rob Smith takes a look at bereavement, and how we can all better deal with it after a pandemic where so many died in such a short space of time. What can we learn to help us understand about how grief works, and what can we do to lift the stigma around death?

Should suicide prevention be taught in schools?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:21:15 +0000

In this episode of From The North Mel Barham is asking should suicide prevention be taught in schools? It follows the high proflie campaign by Three Dads Walking - three bereaved fathers who are trying to get the school curriculum changed to make suicide awareness lessons a compulsory part of our children's education.

We hear from the dads themselves, as well as asking both teachers and pupils whether its something they want. We also hear from other bereaved families about what difference they think it could have made to their loved ones, and whether the medical profession agree.

Why are guns and gangs such a problem on Merseyside?

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:00:02 +0000

In this episode Anna Youssef take a look at why guns and gangs are such a big problem on Merseyside, and what’s being done to stop young people getting involved in organised crime.

Anne Williams: the campaigner who embodied the inspirational Hillsborough mums

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 11:59:43 +0000

In this episode, ITV Granada Reports Correspondent Andy Bonner talks about the new ITV drama Anne. It tells the incredible story of Hillsborough campaigner Anne Williams who spent decades trying to overturn a verdict that her son Kevin's death was an accident.

Women's safety - are we any further forward?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:15:01 +0000

In this episode Elaine Willcox takes a look again at the issue of women's safety, and asks was the death of Sarah Everard a watershed moment and has anything has actually changed in the nine months following? Following Sarah's death in March 2021 a Home Office report revealed 'there's an epidemic of violence against women' - but what is being, and what can be, done?

3 Dads Walking - what next for the dad fighting for young suicide awareness?

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:25:36 +0000

In this episode Mel Barham catches up with Mike Palmer - one third of 3 Dads walking - as he talks about his amazing walk raising awareness of young suicide. Mike lost his daughter Beth to suicide last year and, after teaming up with the other bereaved dads, walked 300 miles from each of their homes raising money for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus. Mel also chats to Mike about his newest hope - to get suicide prevention and awareness on to the national curriculum.

The man who's saved 16 lives - but is still waiting for someone to save his

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:08:57 +0000

Meet the Cheshire man who's saved 16 lives, but is still waiting for someone to save his.
As part of Blood cancer awareness month, Pete McCleave talks to Mel Barham about his race to get more people on the stem cell donor register.

Teenage self harm: The North West's alarming numbers

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:16:33 +0000

The North West has the highest levels of child self harm in the country - with those figures tripling in the past decade, and a 600% increase in the 9-12 year old age group. So what can be done to help? Mel Barham speaks to an incredibly brave 13 year old about her experiences, and a Liverpool charity Open Door, which is doing things a bit differently in a bid to help and reduce waiting lists for those who need help.

The Manchester Arena terror attack: a safer summer?

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 12:22:00 +0000

Four years has passed since the Manchester Arena terror attack, and after a damning report revealed lives might have been saved if security had done a better job Amy Welch investigates if anything has actually improved, and whether young people feel any safer when they go out. She is joined by two people who were badly injured in the bombing which killed 22, and speaks to a former Counter Terrorism UK National co-ordinator who gives his own take on what needs to be done to make us all feel safe this summer.

Tokyo 2020: Our team's Olympic memories and their ones to watch

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 16:16:29 +0000

Join Granada Reports sports correspondents David Chisnall, Chris Hall and Mike Hall as they discuss their favourite Olympic memories and hear from five of the athletes they tip for a place on the podium in Tokyo.

Mixed/Other: Dismantling racial sterotypes

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:23:04 +0000

Journalist and author Natalie Morris joins Ann O'Connor to talk about her experiences of what it is like to be someone of mixed heritage in Britain. Using her own stories, as well as interviews from other people of a variety of mixed heritages and ages, Natalie hopes to dismantle the stereotypes and amplify the voices of mixed Britons today.

Forced to hide my identity: Being transgender in the workplace

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:36:44 +0000

There has been a sharp rise in the number of people in the North West who are forced to hide their gender identity at work fearing prejudice or abuse.

Ashleigh Talbot felt she had to quit her job to safely transition before re-entering the workforce in a new role. That was 10 years ago but the abuse continues. She spoke to Sarah Rogers about her experiences.

The cladding crisis: Living in an apartment you know is unsafe

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 13:08:22 +0000

In this episode we are discussing what it's like to live in an apartment you've been told isn't safe and you can't move or sell.

Ever since the Grenfell Tower fire four years ago exposed the dangers of flammable cladding, we've spoken to countless people in the North West whose properties are considered dangerous and they face bills of tens of thousands of pounds.

Elaine Willcox has been talking to two people in different properties, one's had work done, the other's still waiting, but both aren't safe and they're trapped.

From the North: Johnny Marr and Dennis Tueart talk Manchester City

Thu, 27 May 2021 11:00:19 +0000

Two of Manchester City's biggest and most well known fans, music legend Johnny Marr, who shot to fame in legendary Manchester band The Smiths, and Dennis Tueart, who was a cult hero at Maine Road in the 1970s before becoming a director at the club are not only great friends, but also next door neighbours. Sports Correspondent Mike Hall joined them for a brew.

From the North: Women's safety - is this a watershed moment?

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 15:41:46 +0000

On this episode of From the North ITV’s Elaine Willcox takes a look at women's safety, and whether this is a watershed moment for our towns and cities in the north following the tragic death of Sarah Everard in London.

From The North: Why is it important to mark Holocaust Memorial Day?

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:19:56 +0000

On this episode of From the North ITV’s Elaine Willcox is joined by Dr Rachel
Century, Head of Research at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Noemie
Lopian, the daughter of Holocaust survivors Dr Ernst Israel Bornstein and Renee
Bornstein, to discuss why it is so important we continue to mark Holocaust Memorial
Day.

The "Yorkshire Ripper": A legacy of terror

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 06:00:21 +0000

On Friday November the 13th one of Britain’s most notorious serial killers, Peter Sutcliffe, died in hospital in Durham. He was 74. He’d been admitted from Frankland Jail where only days earlier he tested positive for Coronavirus.

From 1975 to 1980 he single-handedly brought panic and terror to the streets of Northern England, murdering thirteen women and attempting to kill seven others, while continuing to work as a lorry driver in Bradford . He was named by the Press as the “Yorkshire Ripper”.

ITV Calendar presenter Christine Talbot reflects on the reaction to his death from relatives of his victims, those who survived his attacks, the police officers who tried to catch him and women who took to the streets in protest .

From the North: 'Tiering' us Apart

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 23:04:42 +0000

As pubs of Lancashire and Liverpool City Region are forced to close under Tier 3 restrictions - the Government’s new system cracks down first on the North. But as the stand-off over Greater Manchester continues into the weekend - what’s the impact for the North East and Yorkshire, and the wider lockdown strategy?

Join presenter and ITV Granada Reports Political Correspondent Hannah Miller, along with ITV Tyne Tees & Border Political Correspondent Tom Sheldrick, and ITV Calendar's Political Correspondent Harry Horton as they discuss a system that the Government said was meant to simplify and streamline, but is already causing conflict and confusion.

Levelling up: Is the north being left behind?

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:39:05 +0000

A survey commissioned by ITV News has found that 67% of people living in northern England say they are not confident that the Government will deliver on its promise to 'level up' the underperforming areas of the economy where they live.

The Government say they're putting their full force into levelling up, but longstanding inequalities have been highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Join presenter and ITV Granada Reports Political Correspondent Hannah Miller, along with ITV Tyne Tees & Border Political Correspondent Tom Sheldrick, and ITV Calendar's Political Correspondent Harry Horton as they ask just what the Government is doing, and will levelling up ever really happen?

Can the Black Lives Matter protests bring about change?

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:18:20 +0000

In this episode of From The North, we look at the Black Lives Matter protests which are being held across the country and beyond.

They follow the death of George Floyd, a black man restrained by a white police officer in the US.

Campaigners stress that although the incident happened on the other side of the Atlantic it again highlights issues of racism every day closer to home.

ITV’s Tony Morris asks what these protests mean to those involved and can this momentum be capitalised on to bring about real change?

He is joined by protestor Reece Williams, race and equality researcher Rachel C. Boyle and Faye Bruce from the Caribbean and African Health Network.

What impact will coronavirus have on our football clubs?

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode of From The North, we look at how our football clubs could be affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Most sporting events are cancelled and the football season delayed, but with some clubs already on the brink of financial collapse will...

Being Gay and Asian - the challenges faced by LGBT+ members of the Asian community

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of From The North, we discuss the issue of homophobia faced by many LGBT members of the Asian community. Nearly half of young LGBT+ people who are left homeless after coming out are from religious backgrounds - with strict...

What can be done to tackle knife crime?

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 20:00:00 +0000

What can be done to tackle knife crime?

Election Special: Week 5 - The Results

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Hannah, Joe and Martin discuss the fallout of the General Election results.

Election Special: Week Four - The final countdown

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 19:00:00 +0000

With one week to go, we look at what the parties policies really mean for the North. Plus - three former Brexit Party MEPs back the Conservatives and the Labour battle bus is out and about, but in the age of social media can it really have an impact? D...

Election Special: Week Three - Polls apart

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:00:00 +0000

In the third of our election special episodes, we look at what this week’s YouGov poll would mean for the North, and how the parties might react. Plus - how will allegations of anti-semitism play out among Jewish voters in Bury South, and the Labour message that really is cutting through.

Election Special: Week Two - Trust issues

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 20:00:00 +0000

On episode two of our election special, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn went head to head for the first time in a televised debate in Salford , but with trust top of the agenda are dodgy leaflets and questionable stats causing voters here to switch off?

Election Special: Week One - From floods to Farage

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 21:00:00 +0000

The first election edition of From the North. Each week, throughout the campaign, Political Correspondents Hannah Miller, Joe Pike and Martin Stew take the focus away from Westminster to bring you the reaction and announcements that really affect those...

How to stop more football clubs falling into crisis like Bury and Bolton

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we look at football club ownership, where things have gone spectacularly wrong and what should be happening to stop more clubs from falling into the crisis we saw at Bury and Bolton.Chris Hall is joined by Accrington Stanley Chairman...

Why are so many still seeing suicide as their only option?

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the very tough issue of suicide which according to campaigners has reached crisis point. Tony Morris is joined by Stephen Klein from Samaritans, psychiatrist Professor Nav Kapur and Michael Josephson who attempted to take his...

63 Up: Claire Lewis on making the pioneering documentary series on social class

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 11:00:00 +0000

We speak to Claire Lewis, series producer of the ITV documentary series Up, and ask what it takes to make a television programme 56 years in the making?

Does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have what it takes to be Manchester United's permanent manager?

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have what it takes to become the permanent manager of Manchester United? ITV's Mike Hall is joined by Happy Mondays singer Rowetta, former United player Sammy McIlroy and boxing trainer Joe Gallagher to ask who they think will...

The North-South Divide

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

ITV's Hannah Miller is joined by broadcaster Terry Christian, The Guardian's Helen Pidd and Jessica Bowles from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership to ask does the North-South divide still exist - and what can be done to even the political playing field with London?