Hello, and welcome to the Wales Online live blog for Friday 17 March. We’ll bring you all the latest news from across Wales – whether you’re on the move, at home or at work – as well as breaking news and travel.
We’ll also keep you up to date on top UK and international news. Contribute to the live blog by posting your comments below or tweeting us @WalesOnline to share breaking news in your area.
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08:58Cathy Owen
Gatland frankly acknowledges Wales
Warren Gatland says his Wales team are a long way from where they need to be as his first Six Nations in charge draws to a close.
It was a testing tournament for Wales, with three defeats from four matches overshadowed by the threat of a strike as uncertainty over next season’s contract continued to come to a head. Rugby morning headlines here.
08:17Cathy Owen
New Bake Off host confirmed
Alison Hammond has confirmed that she will become the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off.
The actress and This Morning presenter will replace comedian Matt Lucas, who announced his departure last year.
She tweeted this morning: “It’s official!! The Great British Pastry is happening! Let’s go.”
07:31Cathy Owen
‘Overcrowding’ and patients sleeping on the floor in Welsh A&E
Accident and emergency department patients in Wales were “not consistently receiving safe care”, according to a new report.
An inspection by the Health Inspectorate of Wales (HIW) at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen has revealed that staff are working extremely hard to deliver quality care to patients under high pressure. However, a “number of improvements” have been identified and require immediate action by the health board.
07:00Cathy Owen
Comic Relief is back with stars
Comic Relief will return on Friday night, with its annual charity fundraiser featuring a star-studded line-up of presenters and performers.
Comedy sketches with Dame Mary Berry, Danny Dyer and Graham Norton, as well as a special message from the Prince of Wales will form part of the show.
06:21Cathy Owen
Met Office forecast for Friday
Increasingly brighter with sunny intervals and scattered showers. Here’s the full forecast for Wales:
Any low cloud will clear soon to leave sunny spells and scattered showers. They could sometimes become heavy and more organized during the afternoon. Airy on the western coasts, although it eases later. Mild. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
Showers will gradually become less frequent overnight, although the sky will become quite cloudy during the early hours. Less wind and another mild night. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
06:20Cathy Owen
Good morning
Welcome to the WalesOnline Daily Blog.
The Breaking News team is here to bring you all the latest news, weather and travel from across the region.
It’s time to start.
