Coronation Street murder investigation launched as a body is found in the search for missing Joel Deering
THE MYSTERY of Joel Deering’s disappearance is revealed when his body is found next week in Coronation Street.
Upcoming scenes on the ITV soap will see Craig Tinker and Kit Green study CCTV from a train station car park, and see Joel Deering and then his dad around a locker.
The search for Joel Deering comes to an end[/caption]Kit interviews Joel’s dad Gus and demands some answers.
On a riverbank, three lads spot a body floating in the water.
Craig approaches DS Lisa Swaine and Kit and announces that they’ve found Joel’s body.
Kit steals himself to break the news to Dee-Dee Bailey and Lauren Bolton at the hospital.
Lisa breaks the news to people in the Rovers.
Kit calls back at the hospital and tells Lauren that the post mortem revealed that Joel was dead before he entered the river.
So, they’re now looking at a murder investigation.
But, who could be responsible?
Kit questions Lauren about where she was on the night of Joel’s death, the 27th September.
Dee-Dee tells her dad Ed Bailey and uncle Ronnie Bailey that Joel was murdered.
Later in the week, Kit reveals to Lisa that Joel died from two blows to the head, inflicted by a heavy weapon, most likely a crowbar.
Lisa is shocked to discover from Yasmeen Nazir that she threw Mason Radcliffe out because he had a crowbar.
Betsy Swaine is intrigued when her mum tells her to stay away from Mason.
Betsy warns Mason that the police are onto him.
Most devastating soap deaths
SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust.
Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years.
EASTENDERS
Barry Evans – Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying.
Her plan to inherit Barry’s fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files.
Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was “fake”.
Bradley Branning – Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater’s rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died.
He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape.
Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death.
CORONATION STREET
Tina McIntyre – Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow – despite him being married to Carla Connor.
When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla’s brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her.
Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony – then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her.
In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe.
Molly Dobbs – Molly was one of the victims in Corrie’s 2010 tram crash, alongside Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold).
Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly had been having an affair with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) in the months before her death.
This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth.
As fate would have it, Kevin’s wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly’s side in her final moments.
Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack’s father, before dying of her injuries.
Vera Duckworth – Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character.
Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap’s most beloved couples.
Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair.
Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey’s exit as Jack.
Paul Foreman – Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman succumbed to his illness after battling motor neurone disease.
Introduced in 2018 as David Platt’s (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance – and marriage – with vicar Billy Mayhew.
The MND storyline was announced in 2023 – with the expectation it would result in the character’s death.
EMMERDALE
Sarah Sugden – After the family got into financial problems, Sarah’s son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn.
He didn’t realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze.
Nine villagers – The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale.
Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash.
Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died.
HOLLYOAKS
Carmel McQueen – The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family’s car.
Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble – but got stuck in it herself.
Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel.
Behind the factory, Mason disposes of the crowbar in a bin.
But is caught in the act by Kit.
And Dee-Dee explains to Ronnie that the police believe Joel was attacked with a crowbar.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Chelsea Fox forced into shock confession over the crowd crush in EastEnders
THERE’S nowhere left to hide for Chelsea Fox as she finally reveals the truth about causing the deadly crowd crush.
Denise Fox and Jack Branning appear to be getting their marriage back on track next week on EastEnders.
The Brannings uncover a huge secret[/caption] A furious Penny hunts down Chelsea to confront her[/caption]However, Denise is wracked with guilt as she knows her daughter Chelsea Fox was to blame for the crowd crush – not Penny Branning.
Upcoming scenes on the BBC soap will see Chelsea demand her mum to keep her distance from Jack.
While an oblivious Kim Fox is all for the relationship.
At the hospital, Amy Mitchell gets upset at the rate of her recovery, and an argument between Penny and Amy breaks out.
Later, Penny makes the decision to leave Walford, and arrives at No.27 as Jack and Denise try to buoy Amy up.
As the situation escalates between the Brannings and Penny, Denise finally reveals the truth – Chelsea was to blame for the crush.
The Brannings reel as Denise reveals the truth about the club incident, as Penny heads over to No.20 to demand an audience with Chelsea.
Jack demands she hand herself into the station, but Chelsea refuses.
Lauren Branning takes Amy to No.20, and after sharing some harsh truths with her older step-sister, Chelsea decides to hand herself in to the police.
Later in the week, Chelsea is emotional as she prepares to hand herself in.
But will the Brannings have second thoughts?
Meanwhile, Junior Knight tries to contact Cindy Beale following the news of her and Ian Beale’s engagement, but she avoids his calls.
A wounded Junior heads to Beale’s Eels to confront her.
But, she is adamant the affair is over and asks him to leave.
Darkest soap storylines
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…
In The Vic, Junior snaps at Peter Beale after he continues to discuss the engagement, and later heads to the café where he asks Priya Nandra-Hart to join him for a drink.
In The Vic, Cindy is anxious to see Ian and Junior talking as it becomes clear he is intent on playing games.
Is Cindy and Junior’s affair truly over?
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Cindy calls off her affair with Junior[/caption] Junior gets back at Cindy[/caption] Is Junior playing games?[/caption]Man Utd fans ‘gutted’ as TWO stars including new signing & in-form ace join Mainoo in pulling out of international duty
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are concerned after learning TWO more stars have withdrawn from international duty due to injuries.
Kobbie Mainoo had already pulled out of the England squad on Monday due to a fitness issue after he was replaced by Casemiro in the 85th minute during the goalless draw with Aston Villa.
Noussair Mazraoui has withdrawn from the Morocco squad[/caption]But now he has been joined by two Red Devils players who also started the stalemate at Villa Park on Sunday.
Right-back Noussair Mazraoui has withdrawn from the Morocco squad after being replaced by Victor Lindelof at half-time on the weekend.
And Alejandro Garnacho has pulled out of Argentinian duty with an injury.
That is despite having played the full 90 minutes against Villa.
According to Manchester Evening News, he has been managing a knee injury for the last week – the reason behind him coming off the bench in the 3-3 draw with Porto.
The fitness blows are the latest concern for manager Erik ten Hag as pressure grows following Man Utd‘s worst ever start to a Premier League season.
Reacting to the news, one fan replied: “Ten Hag has injured half of his players while achieving draws only”.
Another added: “Gutting”.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
A third said: “So Many Injuries. Get Well Soon ”.
While a fourth responded: “Man Utd cursed has started”.
Mainoo, Mazraoui and Garnacho join Harry Maguire as fresh injury worries after the England centre-back limped off during the Villa draw.
Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are also sidelined.
It comes as Man Utd bosses prepare to meet for crunch talks in London on Tuesday amid reports linking ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel with replacing Ten Hag.
Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let down
MANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.
United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.
Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6
Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.
JONNY EVANS – 9
Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7
Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.
Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here!
Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 6
Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.
SUBS
MATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.
VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.
ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.
CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United.
Wuhan Open Snooker 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Wilson in action NOW, Trump and Higgins return TODAY – latest updates
SNOOKER fans rejoice as the Wuhan Open 2024 is now UNDERWAY – with some huge names in action in China.
This morning’s action sees world champion Kyren Wilson take on Xiao Guodong for a spot in the last-16.
Today’s second session features World No1 Judd Trump and snooker icon John Higgins.
But fan favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the event last week due to medical reasons.
- Start times: 7.30am/12.30pm BST
- TV channel: Eurosport
- Live stream: discovery+
- Explainer: Full schedule and prize money
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Follow ALL the action from the Wuhan Open with our live blog below…
Handy tool every Amazon shopper should use that reveals if a Prime Day deal is REALLY worth buying
AMAZON Prime Day is a great opportunity to grab a bargain, but it’s important to make sure a deal is really going to save you money.
Fortunately, there are tools available to check you really are getting the best price on the market before you hit ‘buy now’.
Amazon Prime Day is a 48-hour sale event that will take place on October 8 and 9.
It’s exclusively available for Prime members, offering discounts on everything from the latest technology to sought after beauty items and top toys.
Bargain hunters will be looking to score big savings on thousands of items, but it’s important to make sure that the publicised discount is as good as it seems.
We all know how alluring sales can be, particularly with Christmas just around the corner, but luckily there are tools available to stop you losing your head.
Harry Rose, Editor of Which? magazine, said: “Amazon Prime Day may seem like the best time to snap up a good deal if you are a Prime member but don’t feel panicked into buying things you don’t need or haven’t budgeted for.
“When looking to buy something new, always do your research first by checking price comparison sites like PriceRunner and CamelCamelCamel, which not only show current prices at multiple retailers but also reveal a product’s pricing history.
“This allows you to work out whether the sale price genuinely represents good value.”
CamelCamelCamel is a shopper’s best friend when it comes to Amazon Prime Day.
The website allows shoppers to enter an item’s URL to reveal its price history, and see if it has previously been sold at a lower price.
Handily, you can also set up price alerts to let you know when it drops in price again.
Prices can change during the two day event so if there’s an item your desperate to get at the best price, setting up a CamelCamelCamel alert could ensure you don’t miss out on the best price.
Don’t forget to also check other retailers before purchasing using Google Shopping or Price Spy.
And remember, you’ll only be making a saving if you intended to buy the item in the first place and don’t forget hidden costs, like delivery charges.
Some items are particularly likely to be heavily discounted in the Prime Day sale, such as stock the online retailer wants to clear ahead of Christmas.
Which? editor Mr Rose said: “Some products follow quite predictable pricing cycles, for example, the previous year’s TVs typically drop in price when new models launch in spring, so check if you can pick up last year’s models for a bargain price.
“Most technology, including smartphones, TVs and tablets, are released on a one-year cycle, so you only need to wait 12 months before there’s a shiny new device to get excited about.
“Big tech companies will do their best to tempt you into buying their latest release, but the forgotten device celebrating its first birthday could still be more than adequate and it’s also far more likely to be on sale.”
Whatever is catching your eye this October remember to do your research and make sure you get the best price.
When is Prime Day 2024?
The next Prime Day event will be the Big Deal Days sale event in October.
The sale will kick off at midnight on October 8 and run to midnight on October 9.
The last Prime Day event for 2024 took place on July 16-17 and Prime members enjoyed thousands of discount across all categories.
If you don’t want to miss out on October’s event you will need to become a Prime member.
Signing up for a Prime membership is easy and comes with lots of perks including next-day delivery and access to Prime Video and Amazon Music.
Amazon Prime costs £8.99 a month, or £95 for an annual membership.
But if you are brand-new to Prime you can sign up for a 30-day free trial, giving you free access to the sale when it launches next month.
However, you will need to cancel your membership before the 30-day trial ends to avoid the ongoing £8.99 monthly fee.
What were the best Prime Day deals in July?
Some of the best Prime Day bargains offered in July were for Amazon branded products such as Fire tablets and TVs as well as Ring doorbells.
One of the hottest deals was the ‘seriously impressive’ 55-inch Fire TV slashed from £549.99 to £329.99.
Other highlights in the July Prime Day event included discounts on the Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, which was reduced from £279.99 to £159.99, and the Philips L’OR Barista Sublime Capsule Coffee Machine, which was slashed from £109.99 to £49.99.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Long lost Dingle returns for Zak Dingle’s emotional funeral in Emmerdale
THE DINGLE family get a surprise visitor next week as they mourn Zak Dingle’s death.
Moira has a seizure whilst cooking breakfast in upcoming scenes in Emmerdale.
She receives news of an available operation slot the next day.
Cain returns home unexpectedly and Moira avoids telling him her operation news.
As Cain goes for a shower Moira answers a call from Debbie – revealing the tragic news Zak has passed away.
Cain informs the family about Zak’s death.
It’s a sad day for the Dingles and the village at large.
The bereft family take comfort in being with each other.
Soon, Cain and Sam find Belle outside and the trio reminisce about their father, all knocked for six by his passing.
Soon the villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off as they poignantly leave for Scotland to bring Zak home.
Thanks to Chas the Woolpack becomes a space for mourning.
Meanwhile, Matty questions Moira’s decision to delay her operation.
Later at Wishing Well, the Dingles gather and raise a glass to Zak’s memory.
On the day of the funeral, a long-lost relative appears at the graveside, shocking the family.
But who could it be?
Elsewhere, Will comforts Kim over the loss of her old friend Zak.
Most devastating soap deaths
SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust.
Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years.
EASTENDERS
Barry Evans – Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying.
Her plan to inherit Barry’s fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files.
Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was “fake”.
Bradley Branning – Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater’s rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died.
He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape.
Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death.
CORONATION STREET
Tina McIntyre – Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow – despite him being married to Carla Connor.
When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla’s brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her.
Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony – then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her.
In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe.
Molly Dobbs – Molly was one of the victims in Corrie’s 2010 tram crash, alongside Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold).
Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly had been having an affair with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) in the months before her death.
This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth.
As fate would have it, Kevin’s wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly’s side in her final moments.
Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack’s father, before dying of her injuries.
Vera Duckworth – Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character.
Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap’s most beloved couples.
Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair.
Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey’s exit as Jack.
Paul Foreman – Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman succumbed to his illness after battling motor neurone disease.
Introduced in 2018 as David Platt’s (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance – and marriage – with vicar Billy Mayhew.
The MND storyline was announced in 2023 – with the expectation it would result in the character’s death.
EMMERDALE
Sarah Sugden – After the family got into financial problems, Sarah’s son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn.
He didn’t realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze.
Nine villagers – The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale.
Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash.
Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died.
HOLLYOAKS
Carmel McQueen – The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family’s car.
Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble – but got stuck in it herself.
Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel.
But, when Kim asks Gabby to move back in at Home Farm, it spurs Will on to talk to Caleb about bringing Kim down soon.
And Caleb’s under increasing pressure from the bank.
Soon, Will and Caleb spur each other on in their plan to take down Kim.
Caleb’s operating on a wing and a prayer as he’s lied to the bank.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Erik ten Hag updates: Man Utd board set for crunch talks TODAY, Thomas Tuchel ‘lined up as replacement manager’ – latest
ERIK TEN HAG’S future as Manchester United manager continues to be in serious doubt despite the Red Devil holding Aston Villa to a draw on Sunday afternoon.
United have made a shocking start to the new season, winning just two of their opening seven Premier League games.
The Red Devils are also winless in the Europa League after draws with FC Twente and Porto.
United’s hierarchy will undergo crunch talks today amid growing uncertainty around Ten Hag’s position at the club.
Should the Dutchman lose his job, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Graham Potter have been linked with the post.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Keep up to date with the latest from Old Trafford below…
Woman, 32, dies in car smash as family pay tribute to ‘inspiring writer’ whose ‘smile brightens up a whole room’
THE family of a woman who died in a car smash have paid tribute to the “inspiring writer” whose “smile brightened up a whole room”.
Shejuti Pasha, 32, was killed in the crash in the Staffordshire town of Newcastle-under-Lyme on September 25.
She was a passenger in a silver Toyota Icon which hit the railings on Knutton High Street just before 10.30pm.
Shejuti was rushed to hospital but died from her injuries despite medics’ best efforts.
Paying tribute, her family said: “Shejuti was pursuing her dream of becoming a famous writer before she passed away.
“She was an inspiring writer who had so much to give in this world -she was one of the most determined people there ever was.
“Her smile could brighten up a whole room and her intelligence was a sight to behold. We will all miss her dearly.”
The driver and a second passenger from the car were not injured, cops said.
A 22-year-old man from the area was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.
He has been released on conditional police bail while cops probe the horror.
If you have any information or footage which could help cops, call 101 quoting incident 710 of 25 September.
World Grand Prix Darts 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler CRASHES OUT, Van Gerwen and Smith in action TONIGHT – updates
LUKE LITTLER is OUT of the World Grand Prix Darts after a brilliant win by Rob Cross.
Teen sensation Littler was the pre-tournament favourite but was well beaten by world No 4 Rob Cross.
Defending champion Luke Humphries was on the brink of an exit against Stephen Bunting, who had a match dart before Cool Hand sensationally stormed back to win a thriller.
Tonight’s action sees six-time World Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen take on Daryl Gurney while Michael Smith faces Gary Anderson in a blockbuster clash.
- Start time: 6.10pm BST
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
- Live stream: NOW TV
- Explainer: FULL schedule and results
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Follow ALL the action from the Mattioli Arena with our live blog below…