SWINDON Town manager Mark Cooper says Notts County's recent success has a lot to do with how they "epitomise" manager Shaun Derry and the sort of player he was.

The Robins travel to Meadow Lane on Saturday in League One with both sides in and around the play-offs.

Cooper attended the Magpies' Johnstone's Paint Trophy quarter-final win at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night and is under no illusion of the task ahead.

"Notts County are in a good place at the moment," said Cooper.

"They are winning games, very organised, very difficult to play against and they have got some good players.

"Before I went (on Tuesday night) I was under no illusions that it will be a tough game.

"They are not in and around the play-off region for no reason and they are in the habit at the moment of winning games.

"I think they epitomise their manager. He probably could still play, he is very hard working, with desire and a will to win with decent ability so they epitomise everything that the manager and the staff is.

They work hard but they try and play as well, so it is going to be a difficult task for us but we have to remember that we have good players as well."

A MANSFIELD couple who were killed in a crash on the A60 have been named locally as Rob Bowker and Jennifer Hopkinson. Tributes from Mr Bowker's family were left at the scene, near Ravenshead, including photos, flowers and hand-written messages.

A card from his parents read: "To Babe, God bless you son, You will always be in our hearts till we meet again. Love Mum + Dad."

The incident took place last night at around 9.45pm on Mansfield Road and involved a bus and a Vauxhall Corsa.

Mr Bowker and Miss Hopkinson were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Mr Bowker's Facebook profile, he was born on September 6 1987 and worked in McDonald's.

Another card from his family read: "Dear Rob, you have been the best brother ever. Will never forget you, love forever and always, Will + Becky xxxx"

One of the witnesses to the aftermath of the crash was Lois Lightfoot, whose house looks onto the scene.

Mrs Lightfoot, 80, said: "This is the worst crash that I've ever known about.

"My husband heard a loud bang and phoned the police. "He said I don't like this at all. It's going to be very bad.

"All we could see was the bus stopped and the car next to it - then all traffic stopped. Paramedics and ambulance arrived then about five or six police cars.

"I can't think what the family must be going through."

Friend Lois Riley has also paid tribute on Facebook.

She wrote: "Can't believe mine and Daniel Riley's best friend who was my brother from another mother has gone. Rob Bowker I love you so much, you were everything to me and Dan and the kids. Still trying to work out how to stop crying. You had found such an amazing girl to be with Jennifer Hopkinson was gorgeous inside and out the most beautiful person I've ever met. You were both moving on to such big things and I can't believe that you are both gone. You've left so many people behind who truly love you and will be missed by so many. But especially us and your families. Love you both so very very much. Xxxxxxx"

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 817.

A MOTHER whose teenage daughter died following a move to an adult mental health unit has launched a campaign demanding more support for young people.

Rebecca Overy was a mental health patient in a facility with other people her age at the Alpha Hospital, in Woking, Surrey.

But on the day after her 18th birthday Rebecca was moved back to Nottinghamshire, where her mother, Kathryn Wilson, and stepfather, Barry Wilson, live in Radcliffe-on-Trent.

The teenager thought initially she was going home, but in fact she was moved to Annesley House, an adult unit.

She died three months later after her mental health deteriorated. She was found unconscious in her room on June 24, 2013, and died the following day at the Queen's Medical Centre from a brain injury caused by asphyxiation.

Mrs Wilson, 56, said: "Her death has destroyed me. I sob every day. I think Rebecca would have coped better if she got used to her new place slowly. I am not going to let this go. Rebecca should be here."

Mrs Wilson is now campaigning for better support when young people transfer to adult units. She hopes to contact the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and force a debate in Parliament.

She said her daughter was badly affected by the news she was not going home and the situation was made worse because she says no help was given during the settling in period and there were no prior visits to Annesley House.

Mrs Wilson added: "When Rebecca was in Alpha Hospital she really started to flourish and gain more confidence. She had her own CD player, lots of posters, and cuddly toys on her bed. It was like a home from home, and there were plenty of activities for her to do. She had made lots of good friends too. They wanted her to get better, just like they wanted to."

Her self-harming attempts had also become less frequent, and she was on less medication.

But at Annesley House, Mrs Wilson said her daughter's spark had "started to disappear" - she became more irritable, withdrawn, and more at risk of self-harm.

Her step-father Barry said: "Rebecca was happy, jolly and full of life, but she became a shadow of her former self. If you were a young person and you had to move place - how stressful would it be? I want the Government to stop talking about transition and start acting."

At an inquest into her death, held in Nottingham last month, the coroner recorded a narrative verdict.

A spokesperson for Partnerships in Care, which runs Annesley House, said: "Partnerships in Care (PiC) acknowledges that there are differences between services for young people and those for adults. The transition between such services can be a difficult time for patients and their families. PiC strives to work closely with everyone involved to ensure the transition is safe, planned and agreed by all. We support the family in seeking new guidance for the transfer of young people into adult care."

AFTER topping Pool A, the quarter-final stage of the 2014 Champions Trophy ended in bitter disappointment for England's men as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the world No.3 side Germany.

Playing with two fewer outfield players following a bout of sickness in the squad, England conceded two goals in the closing moments of the second and fourth quarters.

Captain Moritz Fürste and Christopher Rühr scored a goal each to take their side into the semi-finals, while England will now face Argentina on Saturday (6am UK time) in Bhubaneswar, India as they play off for fifth to eighth in the event.

England team manager Andy Halliday said: "David Condon and Chris Griffiths have both been suffering from sickness over the last 24 hours and neither were able to leave the hotel.

"It's extremely frustrating because we have been meticulous in taking every precaution to try and prevent illness throughout the trip."

With the Beeston quartet of Adam Dixon, Sam Ward, Tim Whiteman and Ollie Willars helping England through to the last eight in fine style, England were unable to keep their run going to move onto a medal match.

Germany forced a series of penalty corners in the opening quarter of the match but a combination of good defending from Dan Fox and some outstanding goalkeeping from FIH Goalkeeper of the Year nominee George Pinner kept the scores level as they denied Fürste on four separate occasions.

England's best chances came from a Ward deflection which flashed just wide of the post and a Nick Catlin reverse stick strike that flew over the bar when the Holcombe man might have had more time than he realised.

England started brightly in the second quarter. Catlin and skipper Barry Middleton swapped passes and opened up the German defence but they were unable to get the shot away.

Catlin had another reverse stick effort deflected over the bar but it was Germany who went into the break in the ascendancy.

Fürste finally got the better of Pinner with a rocket penalty corner into the roof of the net to make it 1-0.

The third quarter was nip and tuck as the two sides battled for the all-important next goal.

Ashley Jackson couldn't quite set up Ward in the opening exchanges and at the other end Pinner was called upon to keep out Florian Fuchs and former East Grinstead player Mats Grambusch also went close.

The half ended with a yellow card for Timur Oruz for a foul on Jackson, meaning the Germans would start the final 15 minutes a man down.

England went all out in the final quarter to rescue the game but Nicolas Jacobi stood firm to glove away a Jackson penalty corner with Mark Gleghorne unable to get the rebound under control.

The same two players went head to head again with another penalty corner but with Jackson this time going low, Jacobi was up to the job once again, getting a foot to the ball to keep it out.

With two minutes left on the clock, Germany sealed the win. Grambusch found some space in the circle and cut it back across goal where Christopher Rühr pounced to lift the ball over Pinner to send Germany into the semi-finals.

England head coach Bobby Crutchley said: "We're very disappointed with the result, I thought we lacked our normal high intensity out there.

"Maybe playing with two fewer players affected that, however we are not looking to make excuses for the overall outcome.

"We controlled possession for good periods of the game, but came up against a resolute German defence and a team that always threaten on the counter attack.

"We still created corner opportunities and chances, but were unable to convert them into goals.

"We now need to regroup and with a rest day we can recover and recharge our batteries and hopefully be back up to full strength for Saturday's game against Argentina where we will be looking to reverse the score line from our defeat back in June at the World Cup.

"They are a side who are always strong on the counter attack and they defend with numbers behind the ball."

A NOTTINGHAM Forest fan has a chance of winning £250,000 for the Reds to spend in the January transfer window.

Shaun Lander is one of ten supporters from different Football League clubs through to the Final Draw in the Sky Bet Transfer Fund competition, which takes place at Wembley Stadium next Tuesday, from midday.

As well as money to spend on a player's wages, the winner will also pocket £5,000.

"I couldn't believe it when I found out I was in the final ten," said Lander, who was selected at random from around 70,000 Sky Bet customers to take his place.

"I've always supported Forest since I was a kid, and it's great that I've got a chance to help win them the money!"

Football League Director Richard Bowker will draw the name of the winning fan and the club.

Supporters entered the competition by linking their Sky Bet account to their favourite Football League club. For every £1 bet, they generated one Transfer Fund Token.

Sky Bet Head of Sponsorship Edwin Martin said: "The £250,000 Transfer Fund has proven extremely popular with Football League fans up and down the country.

"Every fan who entered had a chance of making a huge difference to their club, and the second half of their season.

"And, the Sky Bet Transfer Fund re-opens for business on Tuesday December 16 so it's not all over for fans who haven't made our final 10 this time

"They will get another chance to win £5,000 for themselves and £250,000 for their club in the Summer Transfer Window."

The winning club will also be able to spend the £250,000 on players' wages.

The full list of the fans in the final ten are:

No. Name Club

1 J Spurr Huddersfield Town

2 Tony Richards Fulham

3 Christopher Goodwin Cardiff City

4 Brenda Wall Leeds United

5 Jason Woods Southend United

6 Jay Dave Watford

7 Shaun Lander Nottingham Forest

8 Jason Worth Exeter City

9 Matthew Peat Wigan Athletic

10 Tom Howe Leeds United

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Police are appealing for help to find a Basford woman who has not been seen since discharging herself from hospital.

Sophia Alam was being treated at the Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham, when she discharged herself at around 5.45am on Wednesday, December 10.

She has not been seen since and has made no contact with friends or family.

Ms Alam is described as Asian, around 5'3" tall, of average build, with long, black hair worn in a bun.

She was last seen wearing a traditional Asian dress, burgundy-coloured and patterned, with trousers underneath and black shoes.

The 38-year-old has some links to Leicestershire.

She also drives a green Ford Fiesta which cannot be located at present.

Anyone with information on Ms Alam's whereabouts should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 000311-10122014.

A woman convicted of arson after a family of five had to flee their home when she allegedly set fire to their shed will serve her sentence in the community.

Melanie Shaw, 44, of Bonnington Crescent, Sherwood, was found guilty of starting a shed fire and throwing paint on a Sherwood family's home last month.

Despite denying the charges, she was convicted by a jury's unanimous verdict of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered on February 1, and damaging property at the same house on June 26.

Returning to Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, December 11, she was given a community order for three years with supervision from the probation service.

Judge Michael Pert QC was satisfied Shaw suffered from mental illness and told her: "Because you are ill, I'm not going to send you to prison."

She was banned by a five-year restraining order from contacting the victims of the arson attack or going to their address.

Shaw thanked the judge for his time as she life court as her many supporters, who attended her trial, clapped as she left court.

Shaw was said to have had a grudge against a friend at a house where the sheds were set on fire in Bonnington Crescent after she had spoken to social services.

Shaw, a churchgoer, lived nearby and had threatened her pal before starting a fire in the family's garden shed as they slept, the court heard.

The friend's husband, who raised the alarm, told the court that they had all gone to bed when he awoke and heard a noise like the sound of running water.

He thought one of the children had left a tap on but when he got up, he saw orange flames against the landing window. "I went to the window, thinking next door was on fire, and saw the shed was ablaze," he had told the court.

His partner called the fire brigade, while he ran to neighbours' houses to alert them.

Flammable acetylene gas bottles had been inside the shed but remained intact.

The family could not return immediately to their home until it was considered safe because acetylene can continue to burn inside the cylinder.

The fire happened in the darkness, so it was not until the following morning that the family saw abusive graffiti on a door and a wall about their daughter.

Four months after starting the blaze, Shaw attacked the family's home again, throwing paint at the house.

A woman convicted of arson after a family of five had to flee their home when she allegedly set fire to their shed will serve her sentence in the community.

Melanie Shaw, 44, of Bonnington Crescent, Sherwood, was found guilty of starting a shed fire and throwing paint on a Sherwood family's home last month.

Despite denying the charges, she was convicted by a jury's unanimous verdict of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered on February 1, and damaging property at the same house on June 26.

Returning to Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, December 11, she was given a community order for three years with supervision from the probation service.

Judge Michael Pert QC was satisfied Shaw suffered from mental illness and told her: "Because you are ill, I'm not going to send you to prison."

She was banned by a five-year restraining order from contacting the victims of the arson attack or going to their address.

Shaw thanked the judge for his time as she life court as her many supporters, who attended her trial, clapped as she left court.

Shaw was said to have had a grudge against a friend at a house where the sheds were set on fire in Bonnington Crescent after she had spoken to social services.

Shaw, a churchgoer, lived nearby and had threatened her pal before starting a fire in the family's garden shed as they slept, the court heard.

The friend's husband, who raised the alarm, told the court that they had all gone to bed when he awoke and heard a noise like the sound of running water.

He thought one of the children had left a tap on but when he got up, he saw orange flames against the landing window. "I went to the window, thinking next door was on fire, and saw the shed was ablaze," he had told the court.

His partner called the fire brigade, while he ran to neighbours' houses to alert them.

Flammable acetylene gas bottles had been inside the shed but remained intact.

The family could not return immediately to their home until it was considered safe because acetylene can continue to burn inside the cylinder.

The fire happened in the darkness, so it was not until the following morning that the family saw abusive graffiti on a door and a wall about their daughter.

Four months after starting the blaze, Shaw attacked the family's home again, throwing paint at the house.

A woman convicted of arson after a family of five had to flee their home when she allegedly set fire to their shed will serve her sentence in the community.

Melanie Shaw, 44, of Bonnington Crescent, Sherwood, was found guilty of starting a shed fire and throwing paint on a Sherwood family's home last month.

Despite denying the charges, she was convicted by a jury's unanimous verdict of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered on February 1, and damaging property at the same house on June 26.

Returning to court on Thursday, December 11, she was given a community order for three years with supervision from the probation service.

Judge Michael Pert QC was satisfied Shaw suffered from mental illness and told her: "Because you are ill, I'm not going to send you to prison."

She was banned by a five-year restraining order from contacting the victims of the arson attack or going to their address.

Shaw thanked the judge for his time as she life court as her many supporters, who attended her trial, clapped as she left court.

Shaw was said to have had a grudge against a friend at a house where the sheds were set on fire in Bonnington Crescent after she had spoken to social services.

Shaw, a churchgoer, lived nearby and had threatened her pal before starting a fire in the family's garden shed as they slept, the court heard.

The friend's husband, who raised the alarm, told the court that they had all gone to bed when he awoke and heard a noise like the sound of running water.

He thought one of the children had left a tap on but when he got up, he saw orange flames against the landing window. "I went to the window, thinking next door was on fire, and saw the shed was ablaze," he had told the court.

His partner called the fire brigade, while he ran to neighbours' houses to alert them.

Flammable acetylene gas bottles had been inside the shed but remained intact.

The family could not return immediately to their home until it was considered safe because acetylene can continue to burn inside the cylinder.

The fire happened in the darkness, so it was not until the following morning that the family saw abusive graffiti on a door and a wall about their daughter.

Four months after starting the blaze, Shaw attacked the family's home again, throwing paint at the house.

A CASUALTY was rushed to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre after being cut free from the aftermath of a two-vehicle crash.

The incident happened on Carter Lane, in Shirebrook, and saw the injured party rescued by firefighters from Mansfield and Bolsover.

Two other people were also taken by ambulance to King's Mill Hospital, near Mansfield, following the incident, which happened around 1.20pm on Thursday, December 11.

The last fire crew left the scene around an hour later.

DRINKERS at a Bilborough pub rushed to the bar this evening – but it wasn't the thirsty regulars hoping to catch a final tipple as time was called.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson took over the taps at the Beechdale as part of a Tory party fundraiser, topping out a pint of Greene King IPA.

"That's not a half measure," he boomed before placing the pint down on the bar.

And manager Gary Appleby was impressed. "Not bad for a trial shift," he said.

Mr Johnson was visiting the East Midlands as part of a whirlwind tour which took in the Bombardier factory in Derby, and Ilkeston High Street before heading to two fundraisers for candidates in the county.

One drinker shook Boris's hand and said he was "brilliant" when he appeared on Top Gear.

Others wanted a quick photo, including Tony Murphy, 53, of Felstead Road.

He said: "We usually come down on a Thursday for a bite to eat and a few drinks.

"It was really bizarre to just see Boris there through the doors so I went and said hello.

"I was quite surprised. But of course you're going to ask for a photo if you see him there."

Wife Kathryn, 49, added: "It's good for the pub to have people like Boris here – he was lovely."

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson said his party could do well in typical Labour-held seats in Nottingham.

He said: "Jane (Hunt, the candidate for Nottingham South) is not at all far behind here, she is hot on Labour's heels here and has a great chance."

Topics on the lips of Mr Johnson included city devolution, with the Mayor saying more powers could give local politicians "a kick in the pants".

He said: "I wouldn't presume to say that Nottingham can learn anything but Nottingham and London are working together on what I think is a really important issue: giving power and helping local people help set priorities for the city.

"We think the devolution in Scotland and Wales needs to happen in the great cities of England as well.

"We think that will produce responsible government in the great cities.

"I have looked at what's happening with the tram and it's been held up here.

"You would hope that kind of devolution would give a terrific kick in the pants to local politicians."

THE woman accused of the murder of seven-year-old Shanay Walker is facing new charges.

The body of Shanay was discovered in a house in Bestwood Park, Nottingham, on Thursday, July 31.

Kay-Ann Morris was charged with her murder on Sunday, August 3.

Morris, of Beckhampton Road, was additionally charged on Thursday, December 11 with cruelty to Shanay, dating back to 2012.

The 24-year-old has also been charged with cruelty to two other children, dating back to 2011.

A second woman, Juanila Smikle, 53, of Easegill Court, Top Valley, also faces allegations of cruelty towards Shanay between 2012 and 2014.

She has also been charged with cruelty to four other children, dating back to 2011.

Smikle was due to appear before Nottingham Magistrates on Friday, December 12.

MATTIAS Modig has no intention of giving up his place as Nottingham Panthers' first choice netminder after admitting he wanted to stay all along.

The Swedish stopper (pictured) spent three weeks with the club before making way when Craig Kowalski returned from injury last month.

However, with Kowalski swiftly back on the treatment table, Panthers brought Modig back for the rest of the season.

It is unclear just how long Kowalski will be out for this time, but when he does come back, Modig says he is ready for the fight despite his rival's lofty reputation.

He said: "Of course I'm ready (for a battle). It's between me and Greener (Dan Green) right now and then Killer as well when he is ready.

"You want a battle. It should always be that way.

"I'm happy to be here all year. I was kind of hoping for it when I came here the first time, to stay a lot longer, but then Killer got healthy.

"At that point I figured I'd go home and see what happens. They called after just a week and when that happened there wasn't much to think about.

"I'd never been unemployed in a season before. I was pretty confident a team would want to sign me up and then Nottingham came so it worked out perfectly.

"It was easy to come back having been here before. I knew the guys and I knew the city a little bit. I've been playing alright I guess but the most important thing is the team wins. It doesn't matter if it is 7-6 or 2-1."

Former Lulea goaltender Modig, 27, has helped Panthers to their current position of third in the Elite League.

It remains tight at the top and with that in mind, he says every point counts heading into tomorrow's visit of fellow title challengers Belfast Giants (4pm).

"We are supposed to be one of the top teams so we can't give away any games. There are plenty of top teams that won't do that, Sheffield for instance. We can't do that either," he said.

"Every team seems good. I've played Coventry three times already and they have some skilled players so it was good to get the points against them last Sunday."

PRACTICE is starting to make perfect for Nottingham Panthers with their Champions Hockey League exploits a ghost of the past heading into Christmas.

While playing in Europe's top new tournament has been hailed as a high point in the careers of the roster, centre Max Parent feels the travel that came with it slowed them down in training as a byproduct.

But with sessions now running at full tilt, Parent feels results have followed as third-placed Panthers look to go back to the top of the Elite League heading into the festive season.

He said: "We've been practicing really well for a while. That's the big difference.

"At the start of the year we were a lot more tired with all the travelling we were doing. Practices seemed to be at half speed but the last few weeks we've had great practices.

"There's still a lot for us to get better at but we're feeling good."

Parent puts himself in the same bracket having recovered from injury to play in the last seven games after missing the previous 11.

The 26-year-old now feels his career in this country is truly up and running after impressing early on before being forced to drop out of the line-up.

"I knew I was out at least four weeks minimum. It was a question of making sure it was 100 per cent after that," he said.

"We had pretty much a full roster so there wasn't much point rushing it. If we had two lines then it might have been different but we took that bit of extra time to make sure it didn't happen again this season.

"I'm feeling good. The first weekend is always tough when you come back but I've been getting my rhythm back the last two weekends.

"It's getting better every day so I'm pretty happy with how it's going. I like it here. It's a great city.

"Getting used to the weather was the big thing. The sun is setting a lot earlier now but it's great living here.

"The fans are great and it's been a great experience."

The former Syracuse Cruch player admits he is happy to be back on home ice ahead of the visit of Belfast Giants tomorrow (4pm) after last Sunday's 4-3 win at Coventry Blaze.

Parent feels Panthers are restricted when they play at smaller rinks like the Skydome and Cardiff Devils' Ice Arena.

"Cardiff is a really tough team to beat at their rink. The rink back home is bigger so it gives you that bit of extra time to do those plays here and there," he said.

"If you come to Cardiff and Coventry for example you have to keep it simple, play south and north not east to west as much. You can be more fancy in Nottingham."

CORONATION Street's Liz McDonald is currently minus her best gal pal after Deirdre decided she needed a break from the cobbles – but she won't be without a partner in crime for much longer, as Erica, a mate from Spain, is set to pay a visit.

"Liz and Erica could be a tour de force," reveals Claire King, who is joining the soap as the flamboyant friend.

"Erica's a tough person, straight-talking, but she's got a good sense of humour, so she's not like the other one in the Dales," adds the actress, referring to Emmerdale's conniving Kim Tate, who she played for 10 years until 1999.

"I don't think people really understand how long it's been since I left Emmerdale. The good thing about it is, I've been there and know the [soap] system to a certain extent, although this is more full-on."

There are rumours she'll be returning later on, but initially, Erica is only set to appear for a couple of weeks. Still, she's sure to make an impact, not least where Nick Tilsley, played by Ben Price, is concerned, as she embarks on a passionate fling with the younger man.

The 51-year-old is already being called a cougar. "Arrgh, great!" she purrs with a throaty laugh, the result of decades of smoking, though the actress recently gave up.

"In every scene, there's a reference to going to bed or having a drink. I think there are only two scenes where I don't have a glass in my hand."

Following head injuries sustained in a car crash, Nick's had a tough time, and King believes Erica's arrival marks a fresh start for the Bistro owner.

"I think it's good for him because it brings him out of his shell – and his suits, actually," she adds, laughing.

"They just get talking, and he sees she's not a clingy younger person and doesn't think, 'This could be trouble'. He just thinks, 'Wow, she's got a great attitude to life and I want some of that'."

There isn't, as King expected, a showdown with Nick's ex, Leanne. "We actually get on quite well, I think she's pleased to see him not be so mopey."

There is tension with Nick's over-protective mum, Gail, however. "You can imagine she's not impressed. She thinks Erica's brash and a bit of an old soak, really – and she's probably not far off. But Erica doesn't care what she says to her, like, 'Oh yeah, I gave Nick his Christmas present last night' – wink, wink!"

King confesses she isn't as confident with men as her Corrie alter ego. "I wouldn't be now. I'd hate to go on a date, it would be the worst nightmare. I was lucky I met my boyfriend in the local pub and knew him before, so that was fine."

It was the same with her ex-husband, actor Peter Amory, who played her step-son, Chris Tate, in Emmerdale.

"We didn't like each other at first. Then got to know one another and got married. With friends, you can have the best relationship, because you've so much in common and have been through more."

The Yorkshire-born actress does share some characteristics with Erica, though. "We have the same sense of humour, maybe sometimes a little too wicked, which can upset people if they're over-sensitive," says King, who ran off with a punk band as a youngster.

"I'm so glad punk came along, because I think that really moulded me. It's probably why I like leather jackets and my music on really loud, so when my boyfriend gets in the car he goes, 'Oh my God, the oldest rocker in town'."

And, like Erica, she wants to simply savour life.

"What's the alternative, doom and gloom when things start dropping off or wrinkling?" she says, shrugging.

In fact, at the time of our interview, she's due to attend two funerals, and admits that losing people has affected her outlook on life.

"You think, 'Right, let's get out there, live life and help others'. I'm a carer sometimes for my dad, because he's really not well. You start thinking, 'I'm going to look after myself, look after my family and do more for my nearest and dearest'."

The Corrie role allows King to be closer to her parents, and came about after the producer Stuart Blackburn came to see her in the production of Fetish Knights ("which was quite funny but not for children") at Manchester's Lowry.

"We were talking about things and whether there was the possibility, and I said, 'Well, I don't think I'll go back to Emmerdale, I think too much water's passed under the bridge now for that character, but I would consider Corrie'."

She hopes it might mark the end of the "Emmerdale actress" tag.

"It's been that for ages," she reveals. "I've been whacked over the head and poked in the face and told, 'Don't be horrible to [Kim's husband] Frank!'

"I had one chap who asked me for my hair colour, where I shopped, my favourite nail colour, the make-up I used, because he was transgender and wanted to look like Kim."

People also refer to her as Karen, after her six-year stint in prison drama Bad Girls. "And I'll get Strictly fans who say, 'You were great, you laughed your way through', and I think, 'I had to, I was with Brendan [Cole]!' No, he was all right really."

King took part in the popular dancing series in 2006, finishing sixth. She's enjoyed taking on more comedic roles over the past five years but admits: "A lot of people don't know that, because it's either been shoved on E4 or it's been on stage, so a limited audience."

One thing she certainly doesn't mind, is being associated with playing strong women. "I suppose it's the way I look as well," she reasons. "I'm not 5ft 2in and size four, I'm broad-shouldered and strong-looking, but that's fine, you play to your strengths."

Coronation Street continues on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Claire King arrives in Coronation Street on Monday at 7.30pm.

THE stage has been set, the acts have been gargling their hot water and lemon, and Louis Walsh has no doubt been rehearsing his last "you remind me of a young..." of the series.

This year's X Factor may have been thrashed by Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings stakes, but there has still been the occasional shock and surprise to keep fans entertained (Simon Cowell eating in a Harvester restaurant, for one).

So before the winner is crowned, and the power ballads, sob stories and judges' squabbles are put to bed for another year, let's run through this year's highlights...

Cheryl and Simon's return

A few years ago, it seemed as though Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (then Cole) had drawn an un-erasable line under their professional friendship for good, after Cowell unceremoniously sacked the Girls Aloud star from the X Factor USA judging panel.

So it was a delight for fans – and the media – to see the pair seated side by side on the UK show again this year.

There's still the occasional tiff (Simon comparing Cheryl to Kermit the Frog in her green dress; Cheryl swapping seats after a spat with Simon over Jay James), but the pair seem to have patched things up for our viewing pleasure. And, no doubt, their hefty pay packets.

Comedy value

What 34-year-old call centre worker Stevi Ritchie lacked in vocal prowess, he made up for in likeability.

Despite his rather woeful first audition (in which he struggled through Olly Murs' Dance With Me Tonight, before partaking in some solo salsa dancing), he impressed Simon with his "kind eyes" and made it to the arena auditions.

Once there, the dad-of-one got the crowd whooping and cheering along and eventually landed a wild card slot in the live shows, where he ramped up the novelty factor even more, with performances cheesier than a fondue in the Swiss Alps.

There was his shirt-ripping rendition of Livin' La Vida Loca, his Phantom of the Opera impersonation, and most memorably, his Egyptian-themed I'm Still Standing in week seven.

Sadly for Stevi, he wasn't standing for long; he promptly got voted out in the sing-offs the same week.

But he'll always have the memories – in particular, his "bromance" with Simon, and their trip to Stevi's favourite restaurant, Harvester.

The stage invader

When Stereo Kicks sang Michael Jackson's You Are Not Alone in week five, they were right – an imposter had joined them on stage.

Funny (or not so funny, depending on your sense of humour) man Lee Nelson, real name Simon Brodkin, appeared for a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment before a crew member shoved him into the wings. With eight members, viewers could be forgiven for not noticing the new addition to the band.

Dedicated X Factor fans will recall a similar incident back in 2009, when superstar DJ Calvin Harris appeared on stage with a pineapple on his head during a Jedward performance.

Opportunity knocks

Soon after heart-throb Jake Quickenden was voted off the show, he was jetting off to Australia to appear in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (stretching the definition of "celebrity" to its limits there, ITV).

Before you could say "kangaroo bottom", he was flirting up a storm with models Kendra Wilkinson and Nadia Forde, and urinating in the bushes around camp.

Jake also got on the camp mates' nerves by singing a Michael Jackson medley and admitted: "Probably my singing is annoying, because I didn't last very long on X Factor, did I?"

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell appeared to make a dig at Jake when he criticised "people who come on the show who just want fame" and will "do anything afterwards".

Famous fans

Who'd have thought Kate Moss was such a big X Factor fan? The supermodel took a break from pouting to appear on Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer Gogglebox special alongside Noel Gallagher and Naomi Campbell, bopping along to Lauren Platt and head-banging her way through Andrea Faustini's Earth Song ("don't talk to me about Andrea – I'm obsessed").

And then there was her assessment of "posh" contestant Chloe-Jasmine Whichello: "She's not Downton Abbey – isn't she Essex?"

Chart-topper Ed Sheeran is also a fan of Italian Andrea, revealing: "I texted Cowell about the Italian dude, because I think he is fantastic."

Stereo Kicks vs Katie Hopkins

If there's one person you can call on to stoke up some trouble, it's Katie Hopkins.

Appearing on The Xtra Factor, the former Apprentice contestant claimed Stereo Kicks looked "like teenage boys waiting at an STI clinic to find out some really bad news".

The lads' mums weren't too happy with the comments, however, and things reportedly got so heated that Hopkins had to sneak out of a back entrance to leave the studio.

The row rumbled on over Twitter and, after the boy band were voted off in week eight, Hopkins suggested they were "wishing they had spent a bit of time at school, instead of practising with a hairbrush in the mirror". Ouch.

Mel B

Before the cameras started rolling, this year's X Factor looked set to be "The Simon and Cheryl Show". So when Mel B was announced as the fourth judge, the reaction was as lukewarm as Louis greeting a non-Irish contestant.

But with her no-nonsense approach, the Leeds-born Spice Girl has managed to inject some much-needed "zigazigaa" into the show.

Particularly when, after a succession of hopefuls professed their love for Cheryl, straight-talking Mel asked: "What am I, chopped liver?" Thanks for spicing things up, Mel.

The X Factor final airs on ITV tonight at 8.30pm and tomorrow at 8pm.

JAMAAL Lascelles insists he is 100 per cent focused on leaving Nottingham Forest on the biggest high possible with promotion into the Premier League.

The England Under-21 defender (pictured) will exit the City Ground at the end of the season, having been sold to Newcastle United with Reds' No.1 Karl Darlow for £7m.

He is determined to help Forest join his new club in the top flight next season.

And he says there is no way he is daydreaming of playing on the biggest stage in England while he's got a big job to do right now for the club he joined when he was eight.

"If I can have an influence on us getting promotion or in the play-offs then that would be amazing," said Lascelles. "I want to leave on a high.

"I've come up through the ranks here, I've seen players come and go and I've seen this club do well and not so well.

"Now I'm a part of it so it's really important and special for me."

Lascelles was only five when Forest were last in the top flight in 1999.

Having been with the club since he was a kid he knows just how much getting back into the big time means to the fans after a 16-year wait.

Asked if he has Newcastle and the bright lights of the Premier League on his mind, he said: "100 per cent not.

"Every game I play I am focused on Nottingham Forest.

"I don't think about Newcastle."

"My aim is to help push us into the play-offs and get promoted so I've not thought about any of the other stuff yet," he added.

Lascelles' focus today will be on Forest's Championship clash at newly-promoted Rotherham United as Stuart Pearce's side aim for a victory that could take them closer to the top six – and the play-offs places.

And, after two wins in their last four league games, Lascelles believes three points against the Millers will set them up perfectly for the Christmas period when they will face Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Birmingham.

"If we win (today) that will push us into Christmas when we've got a lot of games coming up," he said. "Hopefully we will get the three points against Rotherham and we should be good after that."

FOR most people it would be impossible. But not for Jamaal Lascelles.

The England Under-21 defender insists the exciting prospect of playing in the Premier League for Newcastle United next season is very firmly at the back of his mind as he tries to help Nottingham Forest end their long wait to return to the top flight during this campaign.

Signed by Newcastle with Reds' No.1 Karl Darlow in a £7m deal at the start of August and instantly loaned back to Forest for a year, whisked up to St James' Park and straight back to the City Ground, Lascelles still feels like a Red.

And sat in his Forest training gear on the eve of their Championship clash at Rotherham United today (3pm), he looks like one.

"It's not sunk in that I actually do play for Newcastle," he said. "I've not really thought about it. I just focus on Nottingham Forest every day."

Even watching Match of the Day, and seeing Newcastle beat the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, does not get Lascelles going, he says.

"I watch football anyway, no different to before," he added. "Like I said, I'm just concentrating on Nottingham Forest and getting promoted."

For Lascelles, all of it; playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country, on one of the biggest stages in the world, can wait, it seems, although he admits that when he does eventually make the biggest move of his career so far next summer it will help having his friend Darlow beside him, having been together for so long at the City Ground.

"It makes things easier," he said. "I think he was talking about living close to each other as well because it's not like I can just nip back and see my family or my friends, so it will be good to have him up there with me."

Today, the pair are likely to be centrepieces in Forest's defence against Rotherham.

After three substitute league appearances earlier in the season, Lascelles, 21, has started the Reds' last six games and is enjoying his longest run in Stuart Pearce's first team so far this campaign.

"It's very pleasing," he said. "The aim this year is to get lots of games and the ultimate aim is to get promotion.

"These games we are playing at the minute, we need to get the three points.

"I think we're getting better and better each game and if we get three points, especially in the home games, then I'm sure we'll do fine."

Playing alongside Michael Mancienne at the heart of the back-four in all of those six Championship games, Lascelles feels like he is getting stronger and stronger.

"Every game I play I feel like I'm getting a better partnership with Mancienne at the back. He's a really good defender," he said. "He talks to me throughout the whole game, he's very encouraging. I also learn a lot from him in training.

"He's a different sort of defender. He's not big, but he makes up for it because he's fast and clever the way he does things, so it's good."

Forest too, have been good this season, rising to the top of the Championship with five wins in seven games during an unbeaten start.

But they have also been terribly inconsistent and have slipped to tenth place on the back of two wins in their last 13 league games.

"If you look at the possession through the games and the percentages we have been battering teams, but it's just creating them chances and being clinical in front of goal," said Lascelles of their recent results. "I'm sure it will come."

The Reds' last game, a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic, perfectly reflected the present unpredictability of their performances as they produced a stirring second half display and midfielder Robert Tesche scored a super goal, but only after a below-par first half in which they trailed 1-0.

"First half we weren't great and then we had a bit of a kicking off the gaffer at half-time and we came out flying in the second half," reflected Lascelles.

"We should have started the game like that and if we did I think we probably would have got the three points."

"We probably just need a bit more consistency," he added.

"I think we're playing well, but we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal and putting the three points away.

"There's still massive belief. All the staff are brilliant with us and the boys are at it every day in training.

"We're not too far off the play-offs anyway, so there's still great belief."

AROUND 13,000 staff members at Nottingham's hospitals have been told they could be sacked if they are caught smoking in hospital grounds.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust – which runs the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital – has reinforced its smoking policy in a crackdown against the habit.

Bosses have always banned smoking at the hospital sites but have now told staff they could be subject to disciplinary proceedings up to and including being dismissed. The hospitals are also running active poster campaigns and have challenged 600 patients, residents and visitors who have been found smoking on the hospital sites in the last 14 weeks.