Is it insensitive to make TV dramas and movies out of real life heartache?
Is it insensitive to make TV dramas and movies - out of real life heartache? ITV's multi-part drama 'manhunt' follows the investigation into Levi Bellfield, a serial killer who murdered three young women in and around west London during the early Noughties. The programme has been criticised with one review labelling it as "an exploitative theme-park ride through one of the biggest tabloid stori...
13m Jan 14, 2019
13m
No Brexit is now more likely than leaving without a deal - that's the warming from the PM.
No Brexit is now more likely than leaving without a deal. That's the warning from the Prime Minister the day before her deal goes before parliament. Yesterday The Times reported a plot by MPs to allow Parliament to take control of Brexit out of the government's hands. So - where next? Is the PM right - could Brexit be at risk? And is no-deal now off the table? Vinny spoke to BBC NI political co...
33m Jan 14, 2019
33m
Irish League footballer appealing 4 month jail sentence for sharing an indecent image of a child
Irish League footballer Jay Donnelly is appealing a four month jail sentence for sharing an indecent image of a child. The striker took an intimate photo of a 16 year old girl while he was having sex with her and shared it on WhatsApp with his team-mates. It later went viral on Facebook. Donnelly was 21 at the time. He pleaded guilty to the offence. Vinny got reaction from Irish News journalist...
12m Jan 11, 2019
12m
Self-help author and Ardoyne man @owenokaneten talks to @vinnybelfast about growing up in the Troubles and helping others deal with stress and anxiety
Our big Friday interview today with Ardoyne man Owen O'Kane. Stress is something that most of us tackle at some point in our lives. It is not always easy to overcome. But Owen says he has some tips to help us. That's why he's written a new book - Ten to Zen.
21m Jan 11, 2019
21m
Rural ATMs under threat because we've no ministers at Stormont to sign off a rates exemption scheme
The Rural ATM scheme ensured those who provided the service were exempt from extra rates charges - but that's fallen by the wayside because there's now no one to sign off on it - Fermanagh businessman Ruairi McKeagney explains to Vinny and we get reaction from Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts.
6m Jan 11, 2019
6m
An extra £300M peace money for NI - but is there a catch? Do we have to sign up to PM's #Brexit withdrawal deal? And is it a price worth paying?
£300 million peace deal offering. Northern Ireland is set to receive the cash to continue funding peace and cross-border projects after Brexit. The money will be made available from 2021 until 2027. But - it is linked to acceptance of Theresa Mays withdrawal deal. Vinny spoke to BBC NI political editor Mark Devenport and got the views of commentator Nelson McCausland, Jane Morrice, former Europ...
32m Jan 11, 2019
32m
Meat eaters fight back - UFU say going vegan for New Year is overdone
It's the meat eaters fight back! The Ulster Farmers' Union says going vegetarian or vegan as a New Year resolution is well past being rare or medium but verging on the side of over done! The organisation says its becoming increasingly concerned about misinformation driving misconceptions about red meat, diets and health. Vinny got the views of UFU Beef and lamb chairman Sam Chesney and vegan ad...
9m Jan 10, 2019
9m
"It is dismaying - for patients and for staff" - @CancerFocusNI reacts as it is revealed targets for cancer waiting times have again been missed
Targets for cancer waiting times have again been missed here, that's according to the latest figures from the Department of Health released yesterday. They show that in September 2018 nearly 40% of patients with an urgent referral had to wait more than 62 days for first treatment. The ministerial target is for 95% of those referrals to be seen within 2 months all HSC Trusts failed to meet this ...
8m Jan 10, 2019
8m
Should we have a veto over EU withdrawal agreement backstop? #Brexit
Plans to give the Northern Ireland assembly a say in a future Brexit backstop have been rubbished by both the DUP and Sinn Fein. Yesterday, the government committed to giving local politicians a say on any new EU rules being applied to Northern Ireland in the event that the backstop comes into force. But the DUP and Sinn Fein immediately shot the proposals down. The DUP said they added nothing ...
28m Jan 10, 2019
28m
In agony, struggling to walk and struggling to eat - Nolan listener Paul tells @vinnybelfast about living with a hernia and being told he could wait up to 3 years for surgery
Nolan listener Paul has been told he could face a 3 year wait for a hernia operation. But this is not a regular hernia. Just before you listen to this interview - a warning - it does contain some graphic description. Paul told Vinny why he got in touch with the Nolan Show on Christmas Eve.
13m Jan 10, 2019
13m
New figures reveal Christmas Day's TV ratings were the lowest on record
New figures just out reveal that Christmas Day's TV ratings were the lowest on record. They come as the BBC claims it will become irrelevant unless it can transform its iPlayer. Vinny spoke to Mike Ward, TV critic for the Daily Express and Daily Star.
2m Jan 09, 2019
2m
A French writer criticised after saying he would be "incapable" of loving a woman aged over 50 despite being 50 himself
A French writer is being criticised and ridiculed after saying he would be "incapable" of loving a woman aged 50 or above... despite being 50 himself. Yann Moix told Marie Claire magazine he found women of that age "too old". "I prefer younger women's bodies, that's all. End of. The body of a 25-year-old woman is extraordinary. The body of a woman of 50 is not extraordinary at all." The comment...
10m Jan 09, 2019
10m
Phones in prison cells - that's the call from a think tank in Scotland
Landline phones should be provided in prison cells to help in-mates maintain contact with families on the outside, that's according to a new report. Currently most prisoners can only access pay phones in communal areas. Independent think tank 'Reform Scotland' said this makes it difficult to have confidential family conversations - and they think introducing in-cell phones would help prisoners'...
9m Jan 09, 2019
9m
Stormont EU veto power plans to be published by government
The DUP have dismissed the latest proposals from the Government to reassure MPs over the Northern Ireland backstop. The party's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said the proposals were "meaningless" and had "no real significance." The Government will today unveil proposals to give Stormont - currently suspended - the power to veto any new EU regulations. Vinny spoke to BBC political correspondent ...
18m Jan 09, 2019
18m
Two years on from Stormont collapse - how has it made a difference in your life? Do you miss your MLAs?
On January 9th 2017 Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy First Minister citing the DUP's conduct around RHI as the main reason. That triggered the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly. It's now 2 years later. Have you missed it? What impact has the lack of a functioning Stormont had on your life? Vinny spoke to Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International, DUP MLA Jim Wells, All...
25m Jan 09, 2019
25m
Top 20 driving tracks revealed - has your favourite made it on the list?
What tunes do you listen to in the car when you're driving? Is it rocky? Upbeat? Or do you prefer a nice soothing ballad? New research has revealed the Top 20 driving tracks. Most of them date back to the 70s or 80s. Over 90% of drivers questioned said the music makes them feel happy. Why does listening to music whilst driving make us feel good? Vinny got the views of showbiz commentator Kelly ...
8m Jan 08, 2019
8m
"...help these people by not giving them money" - the advice from PSNI regarding people who beg on the streets of Belfast.
Posting on their Facebook page yesterday the police said that "Sadly, evidence indicates that money given to those begging is often spent on drugs - making problems worse. GIVE instead to the various charities..." Do you give to those who beg on the streets? Should you? And is it fair to link those who ask for your spare change with drug use? Vinny spoke to Phil Kelly from the Labour Party and ...
16m Jan 08, 2019
16m
MPs raise safety fears with police after @Anna_Soubry subjected to 'Nazi' chants
Police are investigating abuse hurled at the Conservative MP Anna Soubry outside Westminster. Ms Souby was accused of being "a nazi" and a liar while being interviewed on the BBC's news Channel. She was later shouted and jostled as she tried to re-enter parliament. Ms Soubry said the police needed to "do their job." She called on officers to prosecute the protestors under public order legislati...
22m Jan 08, 2019
22m
Belfast City Council set to spend over £1M a year on bonfire related issues.
Belfast City Council is set to spend more than a million pounds a year on bonfire related funding schemes. Last night, councillors voted to increase the amount of money allocated to a controversial fund aimed at so-called "diversionary" activities in loyalist and republican areas. Supporters of that scheme - which is backed by the DUP and Sinn Fein - say it helps to reduce anti-social behaviour...
31m Jan 08, 2019
31m
Row over Tribeca - "triangle beside the cathedral" - name for redevelopment of old Royal Exchange area of Belfast
Drop Tribeca - that will be the call from the DUP in Belfast City Council tonight - as the name over the old Royal Exchange area of Belfast heats up. Tribeca is not going down well locally. The developers say the name is based on an acronym of a description of the area; the "triangle beside the cathedral". Vinny got the views of Alliance Cllr Emmet McDonough-Brown, who has seconded the DUP moti...
19m Jan 07, 2019
19m
Over 200 MPs sign letter calling on Theresa May to rule out leaving the EU without a deal
The row over no-deal is heating up as Brexit day approaches. With serious doubts as to whether Theresa May can get her deal through Parliament - news this morning that 209 MPs have signed a letter opposing a 'no deal' exit. So is the no-deal option dead? Vinny spoke to BBC NI's Economics and Business editor John Campbell and got the views of TUV leader Jim Allister and SDLP MLA Claire Hanna.
17m Jan 07, 2019
17m
Dry January - are you cutting out the booze after a long Christmas of over-indulging? Or could you think of nothing worse?
Are you going dry for January? It has become more and more popular as people wave goodbye to the over-indulgence of Christmas, and cut out alcohol for a month. Are grand gestures needed? Or should sensible moderation be an all year round thing? Vinny got the views of commentators Brendan Mulgrew and Paul Martin.
7m Jan 07, 2019
7m
Treat obesity as a disease not the result of poor lifestyle choices - that's the call from the Royal College of Physicians
Most of have put on a few pounds over the Christmas holidays. But we're talking this morning about those who are seriously - even dangerously - overweight. The Northern Ireland Department of Health says 63% of adults here are either overweight or obese. Should obesity now be classified as a disease? The Royal College of Physicians thinks it should be. The doctors' professional body says: "It is...
28m Jan 07, 2019
28m
£115M lottery winners revealed as Frances and Patrick Connolly from Moira, Co Armagh
£114,969,775.70. The local EuroMillions lottery winners are revealed as Frances and Patrick Connolly from Moira, Co Armagh. Can you imagine what you would do if you won that amount of money? Would you go public? Would you remain anonymous? What would you do with all that money? Have you any idea? Vinny spoke to Jim McDowell and commentator Malachi O'Doherty.
25m Jan 04, 2019
25m
As the 30th anniversary of the Kegworth air disaster approaches @vinnybelfast speaks to the daughter of one of the survivors
A British Midland flight from London Heathrow to Belfast International crashed onto the M1 motorway embankment near the village of Kegworth as it tried to make an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport. 47 people died, including 29 from Northern Ireland. 74 people were seriously injured. Dessie Clarke was only 22 when he was involved in the crash. He and two friends Lesley Bloomer and Mervy...
22m Jan 04, 2019
22m
Peter Robinson hits back following calls for the east Belfast Robinson centre to be renamed
Former First Minister Peter Robinson has branded political opponents 'hypocrites' following calls for the east Belfast Robinson Centre to be renamed. The Centre - named after the former DUP leader is expected to re-open in the autumn after a multi-million pound redevelopment carried out by Belfast City Council. Sinn Fein and the SDLP say the council hasn't followed its own protocols on the nami...
25m Jan 04, 2019
25m
'Going vegan' for January - with claims of the benefits - both to your health and conscience - would you consider it?
Greggs bakery have launched a "vegan friendly" version of an old customer favourite - the sausage roll. But many were quick to point out yesterday on social media - that if it ain't got meat - it isn't a sausage roll! Veganism is becoming hugely popular with many 'going vegan' for January for a trial period. With claims of the benefits - both to your health and conscience - would you consider i...
5m Jan 03, 2019
5m
"So awful that it's physically painful to sit through" - critics hit out at Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials
Mrs Brown's Boys had two Christmas specials this year - on Christmas Day and New Years Day. But the critics have been very vocal about their dislike - with a review in the Independent saying it was "so awful that it's physically painful to sit through." But with the Christmas Day show reportedly raking in 283,000 viewers in Northern Ireland alone - are the critics wrong? Vinny got the views of ...
10m Jan 03, 2019
10m
Nolan listener Robert contacted us about concerns he had about ambulance service in his area
Nolan listener Robert lives in Mountjoy, just outside Omagh. He contacted us with concerns about the ambulance service in the area. We also heard from Brian McNeill, Director of Operations for Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Have a story? Email nolan@bbc.co.uk
14m Jan 03, 2019
14m
Health officials in sugar warning as they say average 10yo has eaten 18 years' worth of sugar
Health officials say children in the UK are eating an entire childhood's worth of sugar by the time they are ten years old. That equates to thirteen sugar cubes a day - which experts say is eight too many. Public Health England has released data gathered from households across the UK and is urging families to make simple changes to cut down on sugar. Should we now really start looking at introd...
17m Jan 03, 2019
17m
Sajid Javid criticised after he questions whether cross-Channel migrants are 'genuine' asylum seekers
The Home Secretary Sajid Javid,has been criticised by refugee groups after he questioned whether migrants using small boats to try to cross the English Channel were genuine asylum seekers. More than 530 have attempted the dangerous crossing in the past year - most of them since October. Think about that. Getting into a small boat during the night and trying to cross the busiest sea shipping rou...
28m Jan 03, 2019
28m
Belfast City Council under fire as bins not emptied over Christmas period
Residents in some parts of Belfast will not have their blue recycling bins collected for up to a month due to staffing issues. Bins were not collected before Christmas and are not due to be picked up until later this month. Belfast City Council has apologised for the inconvenience. Vinny spoke to Nolan listeners Shauneen and David - they contacted us about this - and we heard from UUP Cllr Jim ...
14m Jan 02, 2019
14m
Queen's Christmas speech slammed as disrespectful to families "struggling to make ends meet" as she delivers it beside a golden piano
What were you doing at 3pm on Christmas Day? Were you one of 6 million people in the UK watching the Queen's Christmas Day speech? It was slammed on social media for being "out of touch" and disrespectful to families who are "struggling to make ends meet" - as the 92-year-old monarch delivered her speech beside a lavish golden piano in a luxurious room in Buckingham Palace. So what do you think...
18m Jan 02, 2019
18m
'No deal' #Brexit could slash support for NI remaining in UK warns Secretary of State
Secretary of State Karen Bradley has warned a 'no deal' Brexit could slash support for Northern Ireland remaining in the United Kingdom. In her new year message the Conservative MP says the EU's original plan to "split the UK in two" has been scuppered - but insists a 'no deal' scenario could instead spark a fall in support for the "union itself". That's in contrast to warnings from unionists w...
26m Jan 02, 2019
26m
Irish folk music legends the Fureys spoke to @vinnybelfast about 40 years on the road and some upcoming shows
The Fureys were in the Nolan studio talking about their music, and how they've been performing together for 40 years! Vinny asked them if they were ever tired - and in need of a break...
18m Dec 24, 2018
18m
What's the best and worst items for your festive plate? Our @nweir1 was talking turkey at the Belfast Christmas Market
What's the best and worst items for your festive plate? Our @nweir1 was talking turkey at the Belfast Christmas Market
4m Dec 24, 2018
4m
Listen to this - the incredible @margaretkeys performs 'Holy Night' live in the Nolan studio
Classical singer - Margaret Keys - joined Vinny live in the Nolan studio for a live performance of "Holy Night"
7m Dec 24, 2018
7m
@vinnybelfast was joined by @margaretkeys live in studio for performance of 'White Christmas'
Classical singer - Margaret Keys - joined Vinny live in the Nolan studio for a live performance of "White Christmas"
7m Dec 24, 2018
7m
Can @RealCFrampton beat the undefeated Josh Warrington for the IBF featherweight title this weekend? #WarringtonFrampton
Tomorrow night all eyes will be on Manchester as Carl Frampton takes on undefeated Josh Warrington for the IBF world feather weight title. Carl is looking to end 2018 on a high and he is the bookies favourite but will it be a straight forward fight?
7m Dec 21, 2018
7m
Parent places dating ad to set up three sons – helpful or embarrassing? #BBCNolan
An American father has decided to play matchmaker by posting a newspaper ad hoping to find his three sons "nice" dates during a family holiday. Neil and his family from Oregon USA are spending the New Year in New Zealand and advertised for parents of single New Zealand women to contact him in order to arrange some introductions during their visit. Neil has revealed he has received over 200 resp...
9m Dec 21, 2018
9m
The west Belfast smell controversy - @daera_ni refuse to answer Nolan show questions around public safety #BBCNolan
There's something in the air in Twinbrook. We returned to our ongoing story about the pungent smell in the West Belfast area. You asked us yesterday to seek assurance that there was no danger to human health.
26m Dec 21, 2018
26m
A @StephenNolan exclusive - questions for LORAG, the Ormeau Road community group, about what they knew around the Roma exploitation scandal
This morning - questions for an Ormeau Road community group around the Roma exploitation scandal we reported on earlier this month. The Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group - or LORAG - provided support to RRCANI. The LORAG manager is Gerard Rice. LORAG were deeply involved with RRCANI - they were given public funding by Stormont to improve the group's governance because of past concerns. We hea...
16m Dec 21, 2018
16m
The pong. The smell. The stench across west Belfast. We've been investigating and have internal official emails about the possible source of the smell.
You brought us a story yesterday about concerns of a pungent smell throughout the Twinkbrook and Poleglass area. You asked us yesterday to seek assurance that there was no danger to human health. Stephen spoke to SDLP Councillor Brian Heading, Sinn Fein representative Joe Duffy and took calls from some people living in the area.
36m Dec 20, 2018
36m
Chaos at Gatwick as drones ground flights - @StephenNolan talks to travel expert @SimonCalder
Huge disruption at one of the UK's busiest airports this morning after drones were spotted over the Gatwick. The runway shutdown started just after 9pm last night, when two drones were spotted being flown over the airfield. The runway was briefly reopened at about 03:01, but forced to close again about 45 minutes later amid "a further sighting of drones". Chris Woodroofe, the airport's chief op...
7m Dec 20, 2018
7m
The Biggest Book Club in the Country is back with David Walliams' "The Midnight Gang"
The Biggest Book Club in the Country is back! We do this in conjunction with Libraries NI. A special one this month - the kids book by David Walliams' - 'The Midnight Gang'. It has been turned into a TV programme which will be on BBC One on boxing day at 7:30pm. There was a special screening yesterday and we brought our 4 young reviewers along to review the book ahead of the screening. Our revi...
7m Dec 20, 2018
7m
Row erupts as Jeremy Corbyn accused of calling Theresa May a "stupid woman."
Stupid woman or stupid people? An exchange between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn during Prime Minister's questions yesterday sparked a row in the Commons which lead to calls for the Labour leader to apologise after a mumbled comment. He denied he said stupid woman instead saying stupid people. Stephen got the views of Labour party member Phil Kelly and commentator Fionola Meredith.
21m Dec 20, 2018
21m
There's something in the air in Twinbrook - local man James contacted Nolan over a bad smell in the area
There's something in the air in Twinbrook - local man James contacted Nolan over a bad smell in the area
23m Dec 19, 2018
23m
José Mourinho sacked at #MUFC - with Ole Gunnar Solskjær confirmed as interim manager
The Special One no more as Jose Mourhino's reign at Manchester United comes to an end. After a poor start to the season United are currently 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool who they lost to on Sunday in what was Mourinho’s final game in charge. This morning it was confirmed that fan favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed as interim manager today. Stephen got the views of Ma...
6m Dec 19, 2018
6m
Government ramps up preparations for no-deal #Brexit amid uncertainty over PM's proposed EU exit deal
The cabinet has decided to "ramp up" preparations for a no-deal Brexit amid uncertainty over the fate of Theresa May's proposed EU exit deal. It allocated to ministries £2bn, set aside in case the UK leaves on 29 March without MPs having accepted any deal. Letters will be sent to 140,000 firms updating them on what they should do while 3,500 troops will be put on standby to help government depa...
32m Dec 19, 2018
32m
Muckamore Abbey Hospital controversy - @StephenNolan discusses the facility's seclusion room with consultant psychiatrist from the hospital
The Nolan Show has been speaking to Doctor Colin Milliken a consultant psychiatrist at Muckamore Abbey Hospital and Chair of Intellectual Disablilty in Belfast Trust. Doctor Milliken has a senior role in the care and wellbeing of the people living in Muckamore. Stephen started by telling him that the Nolan Show had been speaking to families who had described the seclusion room as a dark dungeon...
27m Dec 18, 2018
27m