16th January 2026

Thursday 15th January 2026 – Guardian Review

Owen Cooper shines at Golden Globes, heartbreak on the roads, and Warrington’s babies!

Gareth Dunning, Deputy Editor of the Warrington & Knutsford Guardian, joins Paul Smith on Mix 56 for this week’s roundup of the big stories across Warrington and Knutsford.

Owen Cooper – Warrington’s Golden Boy

All eyes on our very own Owen Cooper this week! The young actor from Warrington scooped a massive award at the Golden Globes – youngest winner ever. Just a year ago, he was a schoolboy dreaming of drama classes (the only boy there!), now rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s elite.

His speech was class – humble as ever. With The Adolescent behind him and Wuthering Heights coming soon, there’s no stopping this lad!

Heartbreak from M62 Crash

Tough one now – the tragic 2024 M62 crash reached Liverpool Crown Court. A lorry driver’s lapse took the lives of two Ryanair pilots, taxi driver seriously injured. Heartbreaking family impact statements. Driver faces long jail time. Thoughts with all affected.

Tommy O’Connor – People’s Champion

Inspiration alert: Tommy O’Connor, Widnes boxing club owner with Parkinson’s, named People’s Champion. Started his gym, expanded to town centre, won a Guardian Inspiration Award last year. Swears by boxing for Parkinson’s/dementia – getting folks active and thriving. Proper legend!

Litter Heroes & 2025 Babies

Big cheers for Warrington’s litter pickers – record year! Hundreds of volunteers, royal nods, spotless streets. Saw them out at 8am New Year’s Day!

Plus, gorgeous 2025 baby pics in special pullout – 200+ from Warrington (Northwich & Knutsford next week, 22nd Jan). Perfect keepsake for parents. No baby Pauls or Gareths though… Gareth says all the Gareths are dogs now!

Thanks Gareth – same time next week on Mix 56 for more Guardian gold.