Nadhim Zahawi says Britain ‘ɪs sɪᴄᴋ’ and under threat from ‘radical Islamists’ as he abandons Tories to join Nigel Farage in Reform –  but did he defect after missing out on peerage?

Britain is ‘sick’ economically and socially and under threat from ‘radical Islamists’, former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said today as he joined Reform UK.

The Iraq-born politician and businessman was all smiles as he posed alongside Nigel Farage, despite having once said he would be ‘frightened’ to live in a country run by him.

Mr Zahawi, 58, who held cabinet jobs under four PMs, came out of political  retirement today to become the most high-profile Conservative to defect to Reform since Kemi Badenoch became leader.

The 58-year-old was Boris Johnson’s vaccines minister during the Covid pandemic and was chancellor briefly in 2022.

But the millionaire was later forced to quit as Conservative Party chairman over his tax affairs before he stepped down as Stratford-on-Avon MP at the last election.

He said Britain is ‘drinking at the last chance saloon’ and ‘really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister’ in a video message announcing his defection, before he addressed reporters.

He lashed out at the state of the country under Labour and after 14 years of the Tories, saying: ‘Nothing works, there is no growth, there is crime on our streets and there is an avalanche of illegal migration that anywhere else in the world would be a national emergency.’

He also warned that there are ‘radical Islamists waiting in the wings to supplant half the Cabinet at the next general election and enter Parliament’.

However a Tory source said his defection came after he begged ‘several times’ for a seat in the House of Lords without success.

‘Given he was sacked for his dodgy tax affairs, this was never going to happen,’ the source said.

‘His defection tells you everything you need to know about Reform being a repository for disgraced politicians.’

The Iraq-born politician and businessman was all smiles as he posed alongside Nigel Farage, despite having once branded his vision for Britain as ‘frightening’

Mr Zahawi once wrote that there was ‘no chance’ he would join Nigel Farage, writing in 2014 that he had ‘been a Conservative all my life and will die a Conservative’

He is the latest and most high-ranking Tory to see more in Nigel Farage than in Kemi Badenoch

Mr Zahawi was sacked as Conservative Party chairman in 2023 after he was found to have breached the ministerial code over his tax affairs.

He later confirmed he paid a nearly £5 million penalty to HMRC in order to settle the matter.

Asked about the incident, Mr Farage gave his backing to the newest Reform UK member.

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Nadhim Zahawi once warned Nigel Farage’s Britain would be ‘frightening’ for Brits born abroad

He said: ‘There’s nobody with a complex business empire that does not have to have negotiations at some point with HMRC.

‘That is how the world works, and I’d much rather have Nadhim who has been through that experience and come out the other end.

‘He could have just gone abroad. He could have just disappeared for a few years, not paid any tax, which by the way, increasingly is what people are doing.’

It came after he once wrote that there was ‘no chance’ he would join forces with Nigel Farage, writing in 2014 that he had ‘been a Conservative all my life and will die a Conservative’.

The following year he said that Farage’s policies would discriminate against people like him, who were British citizens but not born here.

After Mr Zahawi became chancellor Mr Farage repaid the compliment, saying: ‘I thought Zahawi had principles, but tonight we learned all he’s interested in is climbing that greasy pole.’

But he follows Tory MPs including Nadine Dorries, Danny Kruger and Andrea Jenkyns in joining Reform.

Mr Zahawi joined Mr Farage on a visit to anti-Iranian regime protesters gathered outside the Iranian Embassy in London today

Mr Zahawi arrived in Britain in the 1970s as a Kurdish refugee fleeing Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime in Iraq.

He has previously described how, aged 11, he sat at the back of a classroom in the UK ‘unable to speak a word of English’.

But he went on to make a fortune founding polling firm YouGov from an office in his garden shed, as well as building a £100million property portfolio.

His political career saw him first enter Parliament as a Tory MP in 2010 before becoming Chancellor little more than 12 years later.

But he was sacked by Rishi Sunak as a result of a fierce row over unpaid tax.

In 2015 he attacked Mr Farage’s policies as the leader of Ukip, saying that ‘in Farage’s Britain people like me could be lawfully discriminated against’ because they were British but born abroad.

Today he insisted that those misgivings are behind him as he backed Mr Farage to be PM.

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Mr Zahawi was vaccines minister under Boris Johnson during the Covid pandemic

‘We can all see that our beautiful, ancient, kind, magical island story has reached a dark and dangerous chapter,’ he said.

Former Tory MPs who have joined Reform UK

Ben Bradley
Lia Nici
Chris Green
Jonathan Gullis
Sarah Atherton
Maria Caulfield
Danny Kruger
Henry Smith
Nadine Dorries
Adam Holloway
Sir Jake Berry
Andrea Jenkyns
Marco Longhi
Ross Thomson
David Jones
Anne Marie Morris
Alan Amos
Aidan Burley
Lucy Allan
Lee Anderson
Mark Reckless
Ann Widdecombe
Nadhim Zahawi

‘Things might feel like they are ticking along just fine within a few square miles of where we stand today. But in so much of the rest of the country, the sickness is no surprise to anyone.

‘To anyone trying to get a doctor’s appointment, to anyone who wants to express an opinion, whether on X or even just down the pub, to anyone who wants their children to be taught facts, not harmful fictions at school, to anyone just trying to earn a living and not be crushed into the dirt by ever-growing taxes.

‘Even if you don’t yet realise that Britain needs Reform, you know in your heart of hearts that our wonderful country is sick.’

He was asked as a former vaccines minister about Reform’s conference last year hosting a vaccine denier who linked the medication to King Charles’s cancer, but branded it a ‘really stupid question’ and declined to answer.

Mr Farage insisted the ex-Tory big beast’s move to his party helped to dispel suggestions Reform UK was a ‘one-man band’.

But the Tories said Mr Zahawi is the latest of a number of ‘has-been politicians looking for their next gravy train’.

A Conservative spokesman said: ‘Reform is fast becoming the party of has-been politicians looking for their next gravy train.

‘Their latest recruit used to say he’d be ‘frightened to live in a country’ run by Nigel Farage, which shows the level of loyalty for sale.

‘Reform want higher welfare spending and higher taxes. They are a one-man band with no plan for our country.

‘Under Kemi Badenoch the Conservatives are demonstrating we have the plan, the competence and the team to get Britain working again.’

Labour Party chair Anna Turley said: ‘This confirms what we already knew: Reform UK has no shame.

‘Nadhim Zahawi is a discredited and disgraced politician who will be forever tied to the Tories’ shameful record of failure in government.

‘Zahawi himself has previously repeatedly lambasted his new boss over his divisive and extreme rhetoric – and Farage has said that Zahawi has no principles and is only interested in climbing the greasy pole.

‘This shameless scurry of yet another failed Tory over to Reform will tell people everything they need to know about both of them.’

BBC Radio 2 icon Bob Harris has shared a moving update on his ongoing cancer battle, sparking an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues alike.

The 79-year-old, affectionately known as “Whispering Bob,” took to social media to admit he’d been “feeling very low” while dealing with the side effects of his treatment. “I am so grateful for my cancer treatment but there are times when the side effects are really tough,” he wrote. “Feeling very low tonight. Tomorrow I go again…”

His heartfelt message quickly drew emotional responses from fellow BBC stars. Zoe Ball commented, “Darling chap, sorry to hear today hasn’t been so good. All the love to you — you’re very brave and loved xxxx.” Paddy McGuinness added, “I need you up and at ’em, Bob! You’re the Governor!” while Dermot O’Leary simply wrote, “You’re the best, champ!” Sara Cox chimed in, “Bob, I’m sending you an inappropriately long hug xxxxx.”

Bob was first diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2007 and continues to manage the disease through ongoing medication and periodic intensive treatment. In a previous message to fans, he revealed, “My cancer was detected early, and I count every day as a blessing. My advice to any man over 50 — get yourself checked! The blood test only takes seconds, and it could save your life.”

The legendary DJ, who’s been part of the BBC for over five decades, was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to broadcasting. In 2019, he survived a terrifying health scare after suffering an aortic dissection while out walking, crediting his daily five-mile walks and family support for saving his life.

Despite the ups and downs, Harris continues to host Bob Harris Country and Bob Harris Sunday, proving his resilience and unwavering passion for radio.

D3ATH CONFIRMED! THE TRUTH ABOUT RAY & CELIA BURIED NO MORE — SHOCKING RECKONING!

The nightmare that has haunted Emmerdale for months is finally dragged into the open — but the truth comes at a horrifying cost. Next week, the full scale of Celia Daniels and Ray Walters’ criminal empire is exposed, April Windsor is finally free, and yet the village is plunged into a new kind of terror when a dead body is discovered.

Justice, it seems, never arrives cleanly in Emmerdale. And as one family dares to hope their ordeal is over, another devastating chapter begins — one that threatens to annihilate lives already pushed to the brink.

A criminal empire collapses — but the danger isn’t over

For months, Celia and Ray have operated in the shadows, controlling lives through fear, manipulation, and silence. Their grip over April Windsor appeared unbreakable — until now.

At last, April is free of their clutches. Celia and Ray are gone. Their secrets are no longer whispered but screamed. And yet, as the dust settles, it becomes painfully clear that exposure does not equal closure.

Because someone has died.

And the identity of that body — waiting to be discovered at the depot — is about to send shockwaves through the entire village.

Marlon and Rhona: relief curdles into dread

For Marlon Dingle and Rhona Goskirk, the festive period should have marked the end of their living nightmare. Their family has been pushed to the edge emotionally and financially, their daughter traumatised, their trust shattered.

They pray this is the end.

But Emmerdale rarely grants such mercy.

As next week’s episodes open, the atmosphere around Marlon and Rhona is thick with paranoia. They are behaving strangely — secretive, evasive, nothing like the couple who usually wear their hearts on their sleeves. Marlon sends a furtive text, his face tight with guilt. Rhona makes a discreet phone call, her voice barely above a whisper.

Who are they contacting?
The police?
The villains?
Or someone else entirely?

Their behaviour suggests one chilling possibility: they know more than they’re saying — and whatever they’re hiding is about to explode.

April returns — but not unscathed

After the chaos of Christmas, April goes missing, sending her parents into panic. When a familiar car finally pulls into the village, the relief is overwhelming — and short-lived.

Behind the wheel is Ross Barton. And in the passenger seat is April.

The reunion is emotional, raw, and fragile. Marlon and Rhona are ecstatic to have their daughter home, but it’s immediately clear that April has returned deeply changed. Her silence speaks louder than any confession. When asked about Celia and Ray, she becomes evasive. Her eyes tell a story she cannot yet voice.

Where have she and Ross been?
What exactly happened to Celia and Ray?

And most disturbingly of all — did April witness a murder… or was she forced to commit one to survive?

The implication that Ross may have “handled” the villains hangs heavily in the air. His return feels heroic on the surface — but in Emmerdale, heroes often carry dark secrets of their own.

April wants justice — her parents want silence

Despite her trauma, April makes a decision that shocks her parents: she wants to go to the police. She wants to tell them everything. To expose Celia and Ray legally, properly, and finally.

But Marlon and Rhona are terrified.

They remember what April believes she did in self-defence during her ordeal — a killing that could still land her in prison. They fear that speaking out won’t bring justice, only destruction.

Rhona’s instinct is painfully human: bury your head in the sand and hope it all goes away.

Actress Zoë Henry, who plays Rhona, has admitted her character’s mindset is driven by pure maternal fear. Rhona believes silence might protect her daughter from further harm — not realising that silence is exactly what gave Celia and Ray their power in the first place.

April, heartbreakingly, is the bravest person in the room.

The slavery horror deepens — and the guilt becomes unbearable

Just when Marlon and Rhona think they have reached the limit of what they can endure, the truth grows darker still.

They learn that Bear Wolf — Paddy Kirk’s father — was one of the victims held captive in Celia and Ray’s modern slavery operation. Forced to live in squalid conditions. Stripped of dignity, freedom, and identity.

The revelation devastates them.

If they had gone to the police sooner… could Bear have been saved?

The guilt threatens to consume them as they realise their silence may have allowed unimaginable suffering to continue. And now, they must face the impossible task of telling Paddy Kirk the truth.

Paddy’s reaction: grace in the face of horror

When Rhona tentatively invites Paddy inside and explains what has happened to his missing father, the horror is almost unbearable. Paddy struggles to comprehend the brutality of it all.

And yet, in a moment that defines his character, Paddy responds not with anger — but compassion.

Despite learning that his father was enslaved, despite discovering the truth was kept from him, Paddy finds the strength to comfort April and Dylan. He reassures them they are not to blame.

It is one of Emmerdale’s most quietly powerful scenes — a reminder that kindness can exist even in the aftermath of unimaginable cruelty.

But one question remains unanswered.

Where is Bear now?

The body in the van: Emmerdale’s chilling final twist

As a desperate search for Bear gets underway, the episode delivers its final gut punch.

At the Haulage Depot, Jai Sharma is preparing to drive a van to Manchester when Caleb Milligan stops him, casually suggesting it can wait.

Unbeknownst to Jai, something is already waiting in the back of that van.

A body.

The discovery sends a chill through the village — and through viewers. Who is the mysterious fatality?

Is it Ray Walters, finally paying the ultimate price?

Is it Celia Daniels, the architect of so much suffering?

Is it Bear Wolf, the innocent victim no one was able to save?

Or has Ross Barton left the police a grim “gift” that will expose everything?

Zoë Henry has teased that the fallout from this death will “annihilate” Rhona’s family — a word that suggests the truth will strike devastatingly close to home.

Suspenseful ending: justice, or just more heartbreak?

This is Emmerdale at its most ruthless — justice tangled with grief, freedom intertwined with guilt. Celia and Ray may be exposed, but their legacy of destruction is far from over.

The body in the van is not just a mystery. It’s a reckoning.

And when the truth finally comes out, it will leave scars no one in the village can ignore.

Closing questions

Whose body has been found — and will the answer shatter Emmerdale forever?

Can April truly heal if the past continues to haunt her family?

And will speaking out finally bring justice… or unleash consequences far worse than silence ever did?

One empire has fallen — but Emmerdale’s darkest truth is only just being uncovered.

Brooklyn Beckham has unleashed a shocking online “rant,” sending social media into meltdown as he publicly targets his parents, accusing them of excessively controlling his life

Brooklyn Beckham has detonated a deeply personal and astonishing public statement, accusing his parents of controlling his life and manipulating the media for years — and insisting he has finally found “peace and relief” since marrying Nicola Peltz.

The 26-year-old, eldest son of David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, shared a lengthy message on Instagram on Monday night, making it clear he has no intention of reconciling with his family and is, in his words, standing up for himself “for the first time in my life.”

Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, 31, have been at the centre of an increasingly bitter family rift, one that has seen them skip major Beckham milestones in recent months — including David Beckham’s landmark 50th birthday celebrations.

In the statement, Brooklyn said he had stayed silent for years in an effort to keep matters private, but felt forced to speak out after what he described as repeated briefings to the press by his parents and their team. He claimed the public image of unity around the Beckham brand masked a far more painful private reality.

According to Brooklyn, his entire life had been shaped by “performative” social media posts, carefully curated family events and relationships he described as inauthentic. He alleged that preserving a flawless public facade had repeatedly come at the expense of others — including his wife.

He went on to make a series of explosive claims about the period surrounding his wedding to Nicola. Brooklyn said his mother pulled out of designing Nicola’s wedding dress at the last minute, leaving her scrambling to find an alternative. He also alleged that, weeks before the wedding, his parents pressured — and even attempted to bribe — him into signing away rights to his name, a move he says would have affected not just him but Nicola and their future children.

Brooklyn claimed his refusal to sign before the wedding date damaged the deal financially and permanently altered how he was treated. He also alleged that during wedding planning, his mother called him “evil” over seating arrangements that included elderly grandparents who would otherwise have been left alone.

The night before the ceremony, Brooklyn said members of his family told him Nicola was “not blood” and “not family.” He described that moment as devastating.

One of the most shocking allegations centred on the wedding reception itself. Brooklyn claimed that what was meant to be his romantic first dance with Nicola was hijacked, with singer Marc Anthony calling him to the stage — only for his mother to be waiting instead. He said she danced inappropriately in front of hundreds of guests, leaving him feeling humiliated and deeply uncomfortable.

Brooklyn said the experience was so distressing that he and Nicola later discussed renewing their vows, simply to replace the painful memories with happier ones.

He also accused his family of repeatedly disrespecting Nicola, claiming women from his past were deliberately brought into their lives to cause discomfort, and alleging that even his brothers were encouraged to attack him on social media before cutting him off entirely last summer.

The breakdown reached such a point, Brooklyn revealed, that contact with his parents was eventually restricted to lawyers — a move that underscored just how irreparable the situation had become. Despite this, he said he remains close to both sets of grandparents.

Crucially, Brooklyn insisted his stance has nothing to do with being controlled by his wife. Instead, he framed his marriage as a turning point — the first time he felt supported, protected and free from a life dictated by image and promotion.

Brooklyn posted a lengthy statement to Instagram across six story posts.

The first page read: “I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private.

“Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.”

The eldest Beckham sibling unequivocally shared his feelings towards his parents saying: “I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.

“For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family.

“The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.

“Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.”

A second post went on to detail how Brooklyn believes his football father and pop star mum want to “ruin his relationship”.

“My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn’t stopped.

“My mum cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress.

“Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children.

“They were adamant on me signing before my wedding date because then the terms of the deal would be initiated.

“My holdout affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since.

“During the wedding planning, my mum went so far as to call me ‘evil’ because Nicola and I chose to include my Nanny Sandra, and Nicola’s Naunni at our table, because they both didn’t have their husbands.

“Both of our parents had their own tables equally adjacent to ours.”

Brooklyn continued to speak about how the biggest day of his life was severely hampered by his family’s actions.

“The night before our wedding, members of my family told me that Nicola was ‘not blood’ and ‘not family’.

“Since the moment I started standing up for myself with my family, I’ve received endless attacks from my parents, both privately and publicly, that were sent to the press on their orders.

“Even my brothers were sent to attack me on social media, before they ultimately blocked me out of nowhere this last summer.

“My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song.

“In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead.

“She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone.
I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.

“We wanted to renew our vows so we could create new memories of our wedding day that bring us joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment.”

Brooklyn added: “My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we’ve tried to come together as one.

“My mum has repeatedly invited women from my past into our lives in ways that were clearly intended to make us both uncomfortable.

“Despite this, we still travelled to London for my dad’s birthday and were rejected for a week as we waited in our hotel room trying to plan quality time with him.

“He refused all of our attempts, unless it was at his big birthday party with a hundred guests and cameras at every corner.

“When he finally agreed to see me, it was under the condition that Nicola wasn’t invited. It was a slap in the face. Later, when my family travelled to LA, they refused to see me at all.

“My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first.

“Family ‘love’ is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it’s at the expense of our professional obligations.

“We’ve gone out of our way for years to show up and support at every fashion show, every party, and every press activity to show “our perfect family.

“But the one time my wife asked for my mum’s support to save displaced dogs during the LA fires, my mum refused.”

The final fiery post continued: “The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life.

“I grew up with overwhelming anxiety. For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared.

“I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose, and have found peace and relief.

“My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family.”

Heartbreaking indeed! Jesy Nelson’s ex Zion Foster’s shock comments about her emerge after sad split news

Fresh heartbreak has emerged around Jesy Nelson after reports confirmed that the former Little Mix star has split from her fiancé Zion Foster, just weeks after the couple revealed their newborn twin daughters had been diagnosed with the devastating condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA).

Despite ending their romantic relationship, the pair are said to remain united in co-parenting their daughters, Ocean and Story, as they navigate the most challenging chapter of their lives.

In the days before news of the split became public, Zion shared what now reads as a heartbreaking farewell message to Jesy on Instagram. Praising her courage, he described her as “the definition of a superwoman” and spoke passionately about the need for urgent change within the UK healthcare system. He insisted that newborns should be tested for SMA at birth, arguing that it is “indefensible” not to screen babies when revolutionary treatments now exist.

Zion also thanked the wider SMA community for embracing them, supporting them and “fighting with us”, words that have taken on new weight following confirmation of their separation.

Jesy, 34, has been widely applauded for using her platform to raise awareness about SMA and to campaign for the NHS to introduce a £5 heel-prick test for newborns. Her efforts have sparked national conversation and overwhelming public support.

Appearing bravely on This Morning, Jesy gave an emotional update on her daughters’ health, revealing that baby Story must sleep connected to a breathing machine because she is not yet strong enough to breathe unaided. She admitted that while she loves her children fiercely, she struggles with the reality of feeling more like a nurse than simply their mum.

Viewers quickly noticed that Jesy was no longer wearing her engagement ring during the interview, and Zion was absent from the studio — signs that, in hindsight, hinted at the split.

Just days earlier, Zion had shared a deeply moving poem dedicated to Ocean and Story, calling them “two little warrior girls”. In the video, he reflected on the devastating words doctors had spoken, explaining that he and Jesy were told their daughters might never walk, talk or even hold up their heads. Yet he found hope in their cries, saying he heard strength in their lungs every time they fought to be heard.

He confessed that his deepest fear was not about missed milestones, but about learning how to accept and love his daughters fully, without conditions, no matter what the future holds.

Though their engagement has ended, those close to the couple insist Jesy and Zion remain bound by love for their children — united in purpose, even as they walk separate paths.

‘I’M MOURNING’ — Lorraine Kelly’s Heartache As She Announces Dad’s ‘Shock’ Death Aged 84, Sharing The Emotional Memories That Defined Her Life

Lorraine Kelly and dad John, pictured during filming for GMTV at The Mills Observatory, which she re-shared in October
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Lorraine Kelly has shared devastating news with fans, announcing the sudden death of her beloved father John, who passed away aged 84.

TV legend Lorraine shared a heartbreaking tribute on InstagramCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Taking to Instagram, the ITV presenter wrote simply: “Very sad news. My dad has died.” She then opened her heart with a moving tribute that revealed just how deeply her father shaped the woman the public sees today.

“I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything,” Lorraine wrote.

“Our priority is taking care of my mum,” she added, asking for privacy for the family during what she described as a “distressing time.”

Tributes pour in

Almost immediately, Lorraine’s celebrity friends flooded the comments with messages of support.

Charlotte Hawkins added: “Heartbreaking for you. Sending loads of love.”
Craig David shared: “Sending my love to you & the family Lorraine. He was always your angel.”
Vanessa Feltz said: “I know what a close and loving family you are. My deepest condolences.”
Dawn French simply wrote: “Love wrapped around you.”

A lifetime of quiet inspiration

John with baby Lorraine, who was born when he was just 18 when she was born in 1959Credit: Instagram
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John, a former  TV service engineer, had a lifelong passion for science and astronomy — a love he passed directly to his daughter. Lorraine has often credited him with inspiring her curiosity about the world.

He and his wife Anne were married for more than 65 years and raised two children, with Graham six years younger than Lorraine, who is now 66.

Lorraine Kelly recovering in a hospital bed after keyhole surgery. 5 Lorraine updated fans ahead of surgery in MayCredit: Instagram
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Lorraine previously spoke about terrifying moments when doctors feared she might lose her dad after he battled a severe infection and heart failure.

In a 2021 interview, she revealed: “We went through a few very tough months thinking we were going to lose him. It was just awful – but he rallied. He basically has heart failure, and at one point they even feared lung cancer, but it turned out to be a massive infection.”

Caring for her family — and herself

The presenter has also been open about caring for her mother Anne, who suffers from nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney condition. Lorraine even cut back her work hours to spend more time with her.

Last May, she also revealed her own health scare, sharing a hospital bed video with fans and explaining she needed preventative surgery to remove her ovaries and tubes after feeling unwell for some time.

From Glasgow beginnings to TV icon

Born in the Gorbals area of Glasgow, Lorraine grew up with her parents before moving to Bridgeton and later East Kilbride, where she began her career at the East Kilbride News.

Just weeks ago, she posted a throwback photo of herself with her dad during filming at The Mills Observatory — a quiet, poignant moment now filled with new meaning.

As Lorraine continues to grieve, her words have left thousands of fans reflecting on the powerful bond between a father and daughter — and the lessons that last long after they’re gone.

EMERDALE EXPLODES NEXT WEEK: Wedding chaos, Bernice’s bombshell return and Mackenzie trapped between life and death

Next week on Emmerdale, the village is plunged into one of its darkest and most emotionally brutal weeks of 2026 so far. A wedding teeters on the edge of disaster, a captive man begins to lose his grip on reality, a vulnerable teenager is pulled deeper into the criminal underworld, and a dangerous contract threatens to destroy everything Moira Dingle has built.

Here’s what’s coming up in Emmerdale from Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January 2026 — and why the fallout will be devastating.

 Mackenzie Boyd’s haunting vision as his captivity continues

Mackenzie Boyd remains chained inside John Sugden’s underground bunker — weak, isolated and terrified. The man who once faced life with bravado is now barely holding on as hunger, pain and psychological torment push him closer to the edge.

Before John drove himself and Aaron Dingle off the cliff, he deliberately left Mack behind with a syringe. When Mack injects himself, the effects are immediate and disturbing. He hallucinates his wife, Charity Dingle, standing before him — a heartbreaking vision that offers fleeting comfort but signals just how badly his mind is unraveling.

What makes the situation even more chilling is the realisation that John has not returned. With the aftermath of the cliff plunge still shrouded in secrecy, Mack’s survival may depend on whether John and Aaron are even alive. If no one comes back for him, Mackenzie Boyd’s fate could be sealed.

 Bernice Blackstock returns — and old feelings resurface with Bob Hope

Bernice Blackstock’s unexpected return sends shockwaves through the village. Nicola King is furious to see her sister back, while Bernice finds herself isolated, rejected by both her family and her daughter Gabby.

Seeking refuge at the B&B, Bernice finds an unlikely source of comfort in Bob Hope. Over wine and shared memories, the pair open up about heartbreak, regret and the love they once shared. Bernice admits she is desperate to rebuild bridges with Gabby — but fears she may have left it too late.

As the conversation deepens, sparks begin to fly. Viewers are left wondering whether this emotional reunion could reignite an old romance — and whether that timing could prove disastrous with Gabby’s wedding just hours away.

 Gabby and Vinny’s wedding hangs by a thread

What should be the happiest day of Gabby Thomas’ life rapidly descends into chaos. Vinny Dingle is already on edge, wracked with guilt over secrets he’s kept hidden and shaken by threats connected to “Mike”.

The bridal party is momentarily stunned into silence when Gabby appears in her wedding dress — but the mood darkens instantly when Bernice arrives uninvited, hinting that Gabby is hiding a truth that could make marrying Vinny a catastrophic mistake.

Later, Gabby admits to Vinny that something has been wrong for a long time. Is she referring to his internal struggle with his sexuality, or is she about to reveal a secret of her own? Unable to cope, Vinny walks away, leaving Gabby devastated.

Determined to go ahead with the ceremony, Gabby asks her brother Arthur Thomas to walk her down the aisle. But her resolve is shattered when she arrives at the church and discovers the unthinkable: Vinny is nowhere to be seen.

Has Gabby Thomas been left at the altar?

 April Windsor pulled deeper into Ray Walters’ dangerous world

April Windsor’s nightmare with drugs boss Ray Walters takes a terrifying turn. Forced to carry out a solo drop-off, April narrowly avoids exposure when PC Swirling spots her acting suspiciously.

Although she manages to cover her tracks, Ray is far from reassured. He begins to question whether April can be trusted at all — and makes it chillingly clear that he only needs her, not Dylan.

When April confronts Ray and demands to know when their debt will finally be cleared, he responds by taking her away alone in his car. As Dylan anxiously attends a job interview, unaware of what’s unfolding, viewers are left fearing the worst.

Is April in grave danger — and has she gone too far to escape?

 Liam Cavanagh faces an upsetting medical issue

Doctor Liam Cavanagh is forced to confront a deeply embarrassing and worrying health problem. When Claudette Anderson catches him urinating in public, Liam finally admits he’s been struggling with bladder control — something he’s been trying desperately to ignore.

Claudette refuses to let him brush it off, pushing him to book a medical appointment immediately. As a doctor himself, Liam knows that this could be a symptom of something far more serious.

What will the tests reveal — and is Liam facing a life-changing diagnosis?

 Moira Dingle signs a deal she may regret forever

Moira Dingle’s instincts are put to the test when Celia Daniels arrives with a mysterious contract. Despite realising the deal is illegal, Moira signs on the dotted line, convinced it could offer a way forward.

Ross Barton watches uneasily as Moira takes the risk, aware that in Emmerdale, nothing comes without consequences. As Moira hopes she hasn’t made a catastrophic mistake, it becomes clear that Celia’s offer may be far more dangerous than it appears.

 A devastating week that will change Emmerdale forever

With hallucinations, betrayal, criminal exploitation, health scares and morally dangerous decisions, the week of 12–16 January 2026 promises relentless drama and lasting consequences.

Who do you think will pay the highest price once the truth finally comes out — and will anyone emerge from this week unbroken?

Rylan Clark’s mum Linda, 73, ‘black’ with bruises after terrifying fall on ice

Rylan Clark’s mum was taken to hospital this week after a nasty fall (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Rylan Clark’s mum, Linda, has revealed she was rushed to hospital this week after falling at home amid the UK’s icy temperatures.

The Celebrity Gogglebox star, 73, mistook ice for water outside, causing her to slip and fracture her shoulder.

Speaking on her son’s hugely popular BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday, Linda told listeners: ‘I just went flying, and I hurt my arm again.’

She added that she is ‘so sore’ and now ‘black’ from bruising.

On receiving the worrying call, Rylan, 37, chimed in: ‘Well, that was a lovely phone call I got that morning, you on your way to the hospital.’

‘But it could’ve been worse,’ he reasoned. ‘It could’ve been your arm and your leg, like we’ve had before.’

Linda, 73, slipped on the ice at home and fractured her shoulder (Picture: Instagram)

Having urged his mum to be ‘careful’, Rylan later thanked listeners for their kind words after many sent messages of support.

Assuring fans that she is ‘alright’, he joked: ‘I just can’t help her, you know what she’s like, rushing around doing stuff.’

‘In all fairness, though, it was an accident; she just slipped on some ice.’

Linda’s health woes have been well documented, as, in the past, she’s had three major bowel operations. She also takes several medications each day to manage her Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic condition that causes the lining of the digestive system to become inflamed.

Her decades-long battle with Crohn’s resulted in her losing her job and now ‘totally dictates her life’.

‘When she was diagnosed, it really hit her hard because it wasn’t picked up early enough,’ Rylan once explained.

The Celebrity Gogglebox personality said she is ‘black’ with bruises (Picture: Instagram)
‘The earlier you pick it up, the easier it is to control. I grew up with the disease as well because she was ill – it is life-threatening. It’s scary.

‘It could be difficult when I was young because sometimes she couldn’t come on school trips and other times she was so embarrassed about her symptoms that I couldn’t have my mates to stay over.’

What’s more, in 2018, Linda contracted sepsis, which almost killed her.

Linda is no stranger to a trip or a fall, either. Last summer, the former X Factor star shared a series of updates after she was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with a mystery illness.

Rylan dipped out of his radio show to be by her side, thanking ‘the emergency team’ for taking care of her.

Hailing his mum as a ‘trooper’, Rylan vowed to keep fans in the loop, revealing two days later that she had been discharged and was home to celebrate her birthday.

Rylan thanked fans for their concern, assuring everyone that Linda is doing OK (Picture: Instagram)
In 2023, Rylan also informed his followers that, while holidaying in Marbella, Linda had taken a nasty fall, leaving her requiring urgent surgery.

She was then flown back via private plane, with Rylan thanking everyone for their well-wishes and telling them she was ‘on the mend’.

Linda’s latest ordeal comes after a plethora of British TV stars offered their condolences to Lorraine Kelly, whose father died in a fall on the ice.

The Scottish broadcaster shared in a heartbreaking statement: ‘Very sad news. My dad has died. I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything.

‘He was in poor health but it has still been a shock.’

She added: ‘Any of you who have experienced a similar loss will know how my brother Graham and I are feeling. Our priority is taking care of my mum and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time. We will miss you dad ’

Lorraine Kelly’s father, John, sadly died this week after falling on an icy path (Picture: Alan Davidson/Shutterstock)

The UK battled snow and ice this week as temperatures plummeted (Picture: Getty Images)
It was later confirmed that her father, 84-year-old John, had fallen on an ‘icy path’.

In a statement to Metro, a Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: ‘Around 7am on Saturday, 10 January, 2026, we were called to a report of a man found injured on a path near to St Leonard’s Square in East Kilbride.

‘The 84-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. His family is aware and are being supported by officers.

‘The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.’

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Mother and hero bystander drowned as they tried to rescue teenage girl, 15, swept into sea, inquest hears

A mother and bystander drowned as they tried to rescue a fifteen-year-old girl who was swept out to sea, an inquest has heard.

Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died while attempting to save Grace Keeling, 15, and Sarah Keeling, 45, at Withernsea Bay Beach off the coast of East Yorkshire on January 2.

Mrs Keeling had bravely waded into the water in a bid to rescue her daughter Grace, who is understood to have fallen into the sea after being swept by a wave.

The bodies of Mrs Keeling and Mr Ratcliffe were recovered shortly after the tragedy, while a search is ongoing to find Grace.

East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris today told Mrs Keeling’s inquest that her primary cause of death was drowning, contributed to by head and neck injuries.

Ms Harris said Mrs Keeling was a married woman who was born in Germany, lived in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and worked in international sales.

The coroner said Mr Ratcliffe’s primary cause of death was drowning, with chest injuries a contributory factor.

She said Mr Ratcliffe was born in Bradford, lived in Withernsea and was a retired warehouse manager.

Sarah Keeling, 45, is pictured with her 15-year-old daughter Grace Keeling. The mother died in the tragedy, while the search is ongoing to find Grace

Hero bystander Mark Ratcliffe, 67, (pictured) also lost his life after trying to save Grace from the water

Coastguards search the shoreline at Withernsea, East Yorkshire, early on Saturday, January 3

Each inquest opening took about two minutes at Hull Coroners’ Court and no family members were present. Ms Harris adjourned both hearings to a date to be fixed.

Humberside Police previously said officers were called to the incident at Central Promenade in Withernsea at 3.15pm on January 2.

Last week, the force said that – after trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses –  it is understood that Grace and a friend were on the steps near the rocks when she is ‘believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave’.

Mrs Keeling and three other members of the public, including Mr Ratcliffe, immediately entered the water in an effort to save her.

Police said officers were deployed along with coastguards, ambulance and fire service resources.

Mr Ratcliffe was recovered unconscious from the water during initial searches. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, the force said.

Emergency services search for Grace, after the bodies of her mother and Mr Ratcliffe were recovered from the water

Mrs Keeling’s body was then found by the coastguard the same evening.

Two other men who also entered the water in an attempt to assist with the rescue managed to exit safely, the force said.

Mr Ratcliffe’s family has paid tribute to him, saying he was a ‘true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others’.

Behind the smiles and soft lighting — Michelle Keegan reveals the unexpected truths of motherhood, admitting her new life isn’t quite as perfect as it appears

From the outside, everything looks beautiful.

Michelle Keegan cradling baby Palma. Soft smiles. Warm family moments shared online. But those close to the actress say the past year has been less about perfection — and more about quiet adjustment behind closed doors.

Since welcoming her daughter in March 2025, Michelle has been learning a whole new role in life. Not just as a mother, but as a woman redefining her place within a much bigger family dynamic.

Friends say she has embraced motherhood with everything she has, but it hasn’t been without emotion.

“Becoming a mum changes the way you see everyone around you,” one source reveals. “Michelle is finding her feet — not only with Palma, but with who she is now inside her marriage and her extended family.”

Behind Closed Doors

While Mark Wright has openly praised his wife as his “superhuman superhero,” those close to the couple believe the real transformation is happening quietly at home.

Sources say Michelle has been learning how to balance love, boundaries and expectations — especially when it comes to stepping into life as a daughter-in-law as well as a first-time mum.

“It’s not about conflict,” a friend insists. “It’s about finding her own rhythm. Every woman has to do that when a baby arrives.”

A Family That’s Learning Together

Mark’s mother, Carol Wright, recently admitted she has chosen to take a step back — giving Michelle the space to grow into motherhood without pressure.

Those close to the family believe that decision has been key.

“She doesn’t want to overwhelm Michelle,” a source explains. “It’s a sign of respect — and it shows how much everyone wants this chapter to be built on understanding, not expectations.”

The New Michelle

What fans see online is love. What they don’t always see is the emotional shift that happens when life suddenly changes direction.

Friends say Michelle is no longer chasing perfection — she’s choosing something far more powerful: authenticity.

And while her new world may look effortless on screen, those closest to her believe this is the bravest chapter of her life so far.