The entertainment and sports communities are mourning the loss of Tony Adkins, affectionately known as Big Tony, who passed away at the age of 64 on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour in Poland. Adkins, a former bodyguard for Simon Cowell and a familiar face to fans of The X Factor, was remembered by his family and friends as a 'lovable rogue' whose presence will be deeply missed.

Adkins' cousin shared the sad news on social media, posting a heartfelt message alongside a photo of Tony. 'It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell's ex bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a Rugby Tour. He was a loveable Rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T,' the message read. The Hammersmith and Fulham RFC, with whom Adkins was touring at the time of his passing, also paid tribute to him on their website, calling him a 'true gent and great Hammer.'

During his eight years on The X Factor, Adkins became known for his role in maintaining order during the often chaotic audition process. He was the go-to person for escorting disgruntled contestants out of the audition rooms, a task he performed with a blend of firmness and charm. His close working relationship with Simon Cowell allowed him unique insights into the music mogul's personality, which he shared in interviews, painting a picture of Cowell as generous, private, and meticulous about his appearance.

Adkins' passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him, both within the entertainment industry and the rugby community. His legacy as a beloved figure on and off the screen will undoubtedly endure, as will the memories of his kindness, professionalism, and the indelible mark he left on those he worked with and protected.

Ibstock, a leading brick manufacturer in the UK, has announced the reinstatement of production capacity at several of its factories, signaling a strategic move to capitalize on the recovering construction market. With a 40% share of the UK brick market, the company's decision comes as a response to the increasing demand in residential construction, aiming to address the significant shortfall in building materials. The UK's ambition to build 300,000 homes annually faces a stark reality, with last year's output barely surpassing 100,000 homes, highlighting the urgent need for increased production capacity.

The company's proactive stance is set against a backdrop of a construction sector that has seen its fair share of challenges, including the closure of factories by other builders like L&G and Tophat due to a sluggish market. Ibstock's move to ramp up production is not without its hurdles, as the process of increasing supply is complex and time-consuming, with new brick factories taking at least 18 months to become operational. This complexity is compounded by the rising costs of production and supply chain disruptions, which have pushed brick prices higher over the past five years.

Despite these challenges, Ibstock remains optimistic about the UK housing market's recovery. The company's CEO, Joe Hudson, emphasized the importance of being well-positioned to support customers and benefit from the market's upturn. However, the firm has revised its full-year earnings guidance downwards, citing cost inflation and a competitive market as significant headwinds. The adjustment reflects the difficulties in passing on increased costs to construction companies, particularly those involved in affordable housing, where margins are already razor-thin.

The UK's brick production capacity has dramatically declined from 7.8 billion in 1970 to approximately 2.2 billion today, underscoring the long-term challenges facing the construction sector. Ibstock's efforts to increase production are a critical step towards bridging this gap, but the path to recovery is fraught with financial and logistical obstacles. As the construction market shows signs of revival, the industry's ability to navigate these challenges will be pivotal in meeting the UK's housing targets and sustaining growth in the sector.