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Gabby Logan has shared heartbreaking details about the final hours of her beloved father Terry, after his sudden death was confirmed just one day after she was forced to abandon Match of the Day mid-broadcast.

The 52-year-old sports presenter stunned viewers on Wednesday night when she abruptly left the BBC studio only 20 minutes into the programme following what was initially described as a “family emergency”. With no explanation at the time, Radio 5 Live host Mark Chapman stepped in to complete the show.

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Gabby Logan was forced to leave Match of the Day midway through the show (Credit: BBC)

“Saddly Gabby has got a family emergency that she had to rush off and deal with,” he told viewers. “She’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show.”

Concern quickly spread among fans — and yesterday morning the devastating truth emerged.

Gabby pictured with her father Terry Yorath on her wedding day (Credit: Shutterstock)

Gabby, along with her siblings Louise and Jordan, released a statement announcing that their father, former footballer and manager Terry Yorath, had died aged 75 following a short illness.

“To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad — a quiet, kind and gentle man,” the family said. “Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”

Gabby’s brother Daniel tragically died in 1992 aged just 15 after collapsing while playing football with his father. His death was later attributed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an undiagnosed heart condition — a loss that shaped the rest of Terry’s life.

Later that evening, Gabby posted her own deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, sharing a carousel of photos and opening up about her father’s final moments.

“Thank you for your messages of love and support today, it has meant the world to us,” she wrote. “Our dad — a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country — was a kind-hearted and generous man off it, and would have hated all the attention (well, most of it). The stories shared by strangers today have been enormously comforting. He touched so many lives.”

She then revealed how she had sat beside his hospital bed only hours before her  TV appearance.

“We knew he had limited time, but it is still a shock,” Gabby said.
“Yesterday afternoon I sat by his bed in St James Hospital Leeds and we debated whether roast potatoes were better with calves’ liver than mash — the meal he’d decided he wanted when he went home tomorrow.

“I left and went to work. He was looking forward to watching Newcastle v his beloved Leeds. He won’t go home tomorrow. But he is reunited with Daniel and that will feel like home.”

Gabby also spoke of the pain her father had carried for decades — from the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985 that killed 56 people, to the devastating loss of his son.

“I am sorry he had to deal with so much pain,” she wrote. “The Bradford fire was forever in his heart and losing Daniel defined the second half of his life.”

She ended her tribute by thanking hospital staff who cared for him with “such tenderness”, calling them “angels”, and signing off with the words: “I love you Dad.”

Born in Cardiff in 1950, Terry Yorath enjoyed a distinguished career as both a footballer and manager, earning 59 caps for Wales and captaining the national side on several occasions. He is survived by his wife Christine and children Gabby, Louise and Jordan.

Tributes quickly poured in from fans and football figures alike.

“Very sad to hear about the death of Terry Yorath. He was always lovely to chat to,” one wrote.
Another said: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of a true footballing great. One of Wales’ finest ever players.”
A third added simply: “RIP Terry Yorath — a Leeds United and Wales legend.”

The entertainment world has been left heartbroken after Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph shared an emotional and painfully honest update about her dearest friend and longtime co-star Pauline Quirke, who has been quietly battling dementia since 2021.

During a recent appearance, Lesley — known for her strength, humor, and elegance — struggled to find the words as she spoke about Pauline’s condition. The silence that followed spoke volumes. Her voice trembled, her eyes welled up, and the audience could feel the depth of her love and pain. “She’s… not too well,” Lesley finally whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of emotion.

It was a rare glimpse into a private struggle that many fans had only heard whispers about. Pauline Quirke, now 65, has been living away from the spotlight, surrounded by her closest family members. Once the heart and soul of British television, known for her warmth, wit, and down-to-earth charm, Pauline has been facing the toughest chapter of her life — one marked by memory loss and fading recognition.

Lesley, who has been by Pauline’s side for over four decades both on and off screen, described her friend as “a light that still shines, even when it flickers.” Their friendship — forged in laughter on the set of Birds of a Feather — has endured through fame, distance, and time. And even now, in Pauline’s quietest moments, that bond remains unbreakable.

Co-star Linda Robson also opened up recently, saying Pauline still has her “good days.” Those moments, she explained, are filled with small smiles, gentle laughs, and fleeting sparks of the woman the world adored. “She still remembers the fun we had sometimes,” Linda said softly. “When she does, it’s like the old Pauline is right there again — just for a second.”

Fans across the UK and beyond have flooded social media with tributes, photos, and heartfelt messages. Many say that Pauline Quirke wasn’t just a comedy star — she was part of their lives, their families, and their memories. Her characters made people laugh through hard times, and her warmth radiated far beyond the screen.

As Lesley and Linda continue to stand by her, the message is clear: Pauline Quirke is not forgotten. She remains one of television’s brightest souls — a woman whose kindness, humor, and humanity touched millions.

 Let’s fill the comments with love, light, and gratitude for Pauline — for every laugh, every smile, and every memory she gave us. She may be quieter now, but her legacy still speaks volumes.

Nicki Chapman, the effervescent Escape to the Country presenter and former Pop Idol judge whose bubbly charm has lit up British screens since 2001 with 1.5 million viewers, has shared a chilling update on her 2019 brain tumor diagnosis, revealing in an October 16, 2025, The Times interview that the “most frightening experience of her life” is worsening with more frequent headaches, busy children, and a husband often absent, amid fears the non-cancerous but life-threatening tumor’s “only 13% five-year survival” rate for adults is catching up.

Diagnosed in May 2019 with a golf ball-sized meningioma pressing on her brain, causing vision loss and slurred speech during a quick recovery from knee surgery, Chapman underwent successful surgery to remove most of it, but the remaining fragment has “disappeared” per scans every 18 months—yet the “only 13% survival” statistic for brain cancer (though hers was non-malignant) haunts her, as shared in her memoir So Tell Me What You Want (£22, Sphere, 2024).

The “worsening” worries? A wave of weariness: Chapman, 57, admits the “horrifying” ordeal “makes me cry,” filing memories in a “mental filing cabinet” to cope, her “quick recovery” (back to work in six weeks) a quicksilver that masked the “shocking and frightening” fear: “I had a brain tumour. I didn’t have brain cancer, but my surgeon and the NHS had that conversation with me. I made my will.” Her husband, Dave Shackleton, and children, Olly, 20, and Chrissie, 18, are “busy,” leaving her “alone with ache,” but her “greater sense of gratitude” fuels her patronage of The Brain Tumour Charity, where 34 daily UK diagnoses and 5,000 yearly deaths (1 in 14 over-65s) make her “not alone” mantra a mantra for the many.

The “fans in tears”? A torrent of tenderness: Chapman’s update, amid her 2025 Escape series (1M viewers), has sparked 3.2M #NickiNerve posts, “Warriors weep!” with Ken Bruce’s “brave” tribute and Carol Vorderman’s “sister in strength” sealing the sentiment. The “redefines resilience”? A clarion call: Chapman’s 2024 So Tell Me What You Want (£500k sales) and Brain Tumour Charity advocacy (£200k raised) echo her “glass half-full” born, the “13% ache” a ache that aches for awareness (3 in 4 adults can’t name symptoms, per charity).

This isn’t celeb scare; it’s a serenade to survival, Chapman’s “worsening” a light for the lost. The update? Unflinching. October 16? Not interview—an inspiration. Fans? Flooded with faith. The world’s watching—whispering wellness. Nicki’s nerve? Noble, nuanced.

Strictly favourites Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have officially confirmed the news fans have been waiting for — they are expecting their first baby together.

The much-loved couple shared the heart-warming announcement on Sunday in a joint social-media post that immediately melted the hearts of their followers.

Dianne Buswell showcased her blossoming baby bump in new snaps shared by her boyfriend Joe Sugg

Joe, 34, and Dianne, 36, captioned their video simply:
“Our little baby boy  we cannot wait to meet you.”

The dancer posed for a playful snap with YouTuber Joe as they both lifted their shirts to show their bellies while going for an evening stroll

In the adorable clip, the pair stand side-by-side behind a wooden easel while painting a mystery artwork to the tune of Elton John’s Tiny Dancer — a nod to their Strictly roots.

As the music builds, they turn the canvas around to reveal three stick figures: one representing Dianne, one Joe, and a tiny child drawn between them — confirming they are welcoming a baby boy in 2026.

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Another photo saw the couple, who met when they were partnered on Strictly in 2018, sharing a kiss

Strictly Come Dancing’s official account quickly responded:
“So happy for you both! Huge congratulations from the whole Strictly family.”

Their BBC co-stars rushed to the comments with emotional messages. Amy Dowden led the tributes, writing:
“Still screaming, dancing and celebrating! So so happy for you both! Magical  Auntie Ames can’t wait xxxx.”

Karen Hauer added:
“Oh my god!! Congratulations!!!  so happy for you both!!”

Joe also shared a photo of Dianne on a shopping trip as she cradled her bump while dressed in a green sleeveless dress

Kevin Clifton commented:
“Omg guys!!!! Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you .”

Johannes Radebe shared:
“Congratulations darling, wonderful news.”

Nikita Kuzmin gushed:
“Best news ever!!!  omg congratulations that’s just freaking awesome!!!”

Nadiya Bychkova wrote:
“Awww congratulations guys what wonderful news.”

He captioned the post: ‘Back in the UK fighting off the jet lag and looking back on some highlights of the trip down under…’

Fleur East exclaimed:
“Ahhhh! No way! Congratulations to you both!”

Both Dianne and Joe spent this Christmas Down Under with her parents and she revealed her family organised her shower in a sweet post

And Aljaz Skorjanec added:
“Just the best news!!! HUGE congratulations!! You two are going to be the most EPIC parents ever!”

Even head judge Shirley Ballas joined in, writing:
“Ahhhh congratulations to you both @diannebuswell @joe_sugg  such beautiful news.”

The pair famously met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, where they reached the final together. Around the same time, Dianne split from then-boyfriend Anthony Quinlan after being swept off her feet by Joe.

Although they narrowly missed out on the glitterball trophy, they returned for the 2019 Christmas special and were awarded a perfect score by judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Joe asked Dianne to move in with him in 2019, before the couple relocated to a sprawling £3.5 million countryside mansion in 2021.

Now, as they prepare to welcome their baby boy next year, the Strictly stars are stepping into their most exciting chapter yet.

Jesy Nelson has melted hearts after sharing an emotional glimpse of her baby daughter using a feeding tube — just days after bravely revealing the heartbreaking truth about her twins’ SMA diagnosis.

Jesy Nelson revealed this week her daughters’ had been diagnosed with SMACredit: ITV

The former Little Mix star, 34, has left fans in tears this week as she spoke openly about the life-changing condition affecting her eight-month-old daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, whom she shares with partner Zion Foster.

The singer today melted hearts with a video of daughterCredit: Instagram

The twins have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA Type 1) — the most severe form of the rare muscle-wasting disease — and doctors have warned it is unlikely the girls will ever be able to walk.

Only around 50 babies in the UK are born with SMA each year.

The former Little Mix star revealed earlier this week that Ocean Jade and Story Monroe had the devastating diseaseCredit: Instagram/Jesynelson

Jesy has to put feeding tubes down down her babies’ noseCredit: jesy nelson

But determined to remain positive, Jesy posted a beautiful clip to her Instagram Stories showing one of her daughters smiling and laughing while being gently rocked, with a feeding tube visible in her nose.

Both girls currently require feeding tubes to help clear their chests.

Captioning the tender moment, Jesy wrote:
“I’m so in love with her laugh.”

 Jesy’s Heartbreak

In her first  TV interview since the diagnosis, Jesy fought back tears while speaking to This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.

Jesy warned how important it is to spot the symptoms as early as possibleCredit: ITV

“I just want to be their mum. I don’t want to be a nurse. It’s hard,” she admitted.

She revealed the twins have already received a one-off gene-replacement infusion.

“They’ve had their treatment, thank God. It puts the gene back in their body that they don’t have. It stops the muscles from continuing to die. But anything that’s gone, you can’t get back.”

Jesy shared that her daughters now attend Great Ormond Street Hospital twice a week for physiotherapy.

“They’re still smiling, they’re still happy and they have each other. That’s what I’m so grateful for. All I can do is give them positive energy and keep doing physio.

“My whole life has completely changed. My house looks like a hospital — the hallway is full of medical equipment.”

The singer admitted she struggles with guilt.

“I potentially could have saved their legs. I don’t think I’ll ever accept it. All I can do now is fight for change.”

 How It Was Discovered

Jesy gave birth prematurely at 31 weeks in May last year. She initially focused on keeping her babies breathing and warm, unaware of early warning signs.

It was her mum, Janice, who eventually insisted something was wrong after noticing their leg movement and breathing patterns.

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After months of appointments, Jesy confirmed on Sunday that both babies had been diagnosed with SMA Type 1.

She has since vowed to campaign for SMA1 screening to be offered at birth on the NHS.

---

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

SMA is a genetic condition that weakens muscles by damaging the nerve cells in the spinal cord. It affects a child’s ability to walk, eat and breathe.

Types of SMA:

Type 1: Diagnosed within the first six months of life — the most severe form

Type 2: Diagnosed after six months

Type 3: Diagnosed after 18 months

Type 4: Rare adult-onset form

Common symptoms include:

Weak or floppy arms and legs

Difficulty sitting, crawling or walking

Twitching muscles

Swallowing and breathing problems

SMA does not affect intelligence.

Around 1 in 40–60 people carry the faulty gene, and if both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance their child will be born with the condition. It affects approximately 1 in 11,000 babies.

Adil Ray Fired from GMB After ‘Falsely Accusing’ ITV Staff of Bullying – ‘Stop Playing the Victim’

Good Morning Britain’s Adil Ray Says He Received ’Horrendous’ Racist Abuse Following Anti-Migrant Frenzy

Adil Ray, a prominent presenter on the UK-based television show Good Morning Britain, has recently opened up about receiving horrendous racist abuse, particularly in light of the current anti-migrant sentiments sweeping the nation. In his candid revelations, Ray, who is Muslim, detailed his experiences with social media threats and public harassment that have intensified amid the heightened focus on migrants and asylum seekers in the country.

Facing Hatred Amid Rising Anti-Muslim Sentiment

During a recent broadcast of Good Morning Britain, Ray shared how he has been subjected to an onslaught of threatening messages. These messages, often filled with racial slurs, explicitly told him to “remigrate” and warned him to be cautious when out in public. This experience reflects not only Ray’s personal trials but also a broader climate of fear and hostility facing the Muslim community in Britain.

Ray’s concerns are not unfounded. In the past few years, there has been a notable uptick in hate crimes targeting Muslims. Community leaders and statistics alike point to a disturbing trend where not only private individuals but also public figures and politicians of Muslim heritage are grappling with threats and harassment. Vandalism incidents at mosques have become more common, signaling a worrying escalation in anti-Muslim sentiments across the nation.

The Impact of Racism on Community Safety

In his heartfelt account, Adil Ray recalled specific instances of racial abuse that have left many within the Muslim community feeling unsafe. He described how women, in particular, have reported feeling anxious about venturing outside after experiencing or witnessing acts of racism and xenophobia. One woman approached him, expressing her fears about encountering racial hostility in her own neighborhood, illustrating the palpable tension that many Muslims feel in daily life.
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The ramifications of such widespread racism extend beyond individual experiences. Imbued with fear and anxiety, communities are fragmented, and the social fabric begins to fray. Ray criticized the absence of political leaders who have failed to acknowledge or address the growing concerns of the Muslim community. He pointed out that without strong political leadership and a clear stance against hate crimes, marginalized groups will continue to suffer.

Calls for Unity and Inclusivity

In light of these troubling developments, Adil Ray has advocated for a need for unity and support for marginalized communities. In previous discussions, he has praised initiatives that promote inclusivity and community solidarity. For instance, he lauded the Ramadan Lights project in London, noting how it aims to embrace diversity and foster understanding among different cultural and religious groups. Events like these not only celebrate the multifaceted nature of society but also serve as a vital counter-narrative to the current trends of division and animosity.

Ray stressed that such celebrations of diversity can help restore a sense of humanity and connection during challenging times. The presenters believe these initiatives are essential for bridging gaps between communities and enhancing social cohesion, especially in the light of rising intolerance.

The situation highlighted by Adil Ray underscores the urgent need for a unified response against racism and discrimination in all its manifestations. It is imperative for society as a whole to recognize and address these issues, ensuring safety and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their background or beliefs. Only through collaborative efforts can we hope to foster a society free from hate and filled with acceptance and understanding.
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It is crucial for everyone to join in this conversation, stand against hate, and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity. We всех must act and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected in order to create a better, more equitable future for all.

Lorraine Kelly informed her followers that her beloved father John has sadly passed away after suffering from poor health for a number of years.

Lorraine Kelly with her dad John.(Image: Daily Record. )

Scottish TV star Lorraine Kelly has announced that her father tragically passed away. She took to Instagram on Saturday January 10 to share the news with fans.

 

John, Lorraine’s father, had a career as a TV service engineer and passed on a love of science and astronomy to his daughter.

 

Sharing a snap of herself and her late dad, the ITV star said: “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.

“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.”

The Mirror reports her post was soon flooded with messages of condolences, with EastEnders and Absolutely Fabulous star Harriet Thorpe saying: “Sending all love to you and your family at this impossible time.”

Yvie Burnett added: “So so sorry and totally understand how you feel. Such a tough time.” Nicola Sturgeon commented: “Sending love Lorraine.”

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Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins penned: “Lorraine, I’m so sorry to hear that, heartbreaking for you. Sending loads of love.” While ITV’s resident doctor, Dr Amir Khan, said: “Oh, Lorraine, I’m so sorry. I know how close you are to your family – sending all the love.”

John had been married to Lorraine’s mum for over six decades, with the couple going on to welcome their daughter and son Graham, who is six years younger than Lorraine.

Lorraine previously opened up about her father’s ill health after he suffered from heart failure and an infection. She told us in 2021: “We went through a few very tough months thinking we were going to lose him. It was just awful – but he was amazing, he rallied.

“This time last year he was in hospital and got out just before Covid started. He basically has heart failure.” She went on to add: “He also had a really bad scare and they thought he had lung cancer but it was just a massive, massive infection.” She went on to say that she struggled during the coronavirus pandemic as she was not able to see her parents.

She shared: “You know what it’s like with parents – they don’t want to tell you there’s anything wrong, so they say, ‘Yeah, I’m fine’ because they don’t want you to worry, as they know there’s nothing you can do. So that’s really hard.”

Hunger striker says ‘I’m dying in this cell’ after 65 days without food in prison

The 31-year-old spent almost a week recording the answers to questions from Metro as she is having difficulty concentrating.

‘As each day passes I get weaker, aches worsen, headaches are frequent and concentrating is extremely difficult,’ she said.

‘My body shakes, I get dizzy to the point of nausea and now breathing is getting hard. I am deteriorating in this cell, I am dying.’

Supporters of the Palestine Action hunger strikers hold pictures showing three of the group including Heba Muraisi (Picture: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)

‘Denied communication’

The protester, from Barnet, north London, is awaiting trial over her alleged role in the break-in at a research and development facility owned by Elbit Systems, a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm, in Filton near Bristol.

The lifeguard and florist was arrested in a dawn raid on November 19 last year, according to support group Prisoners for Palestine.

Her trial is not scheduled to take place until June, by which time she will have spent close to two years in prison on remand.

Muraisi said: ‘Prison is prison, it’s the same oppressive system under the false pretence that it is rehabilitation.

‘Here I’ve been heavily restricted and monitored, visitors not being approved, phone numbers being rejected including doctors, emails getting blocked, my legal team has been ignored.

‘On day 45 of my hunger strike I was threatened to be forcefully moved by a custodial manager in the presence of a senior officer.

‘I was moved away from my support system I had built, and the only friend I had made on this new wing was recently just moved.’

Heba Muraisi is on hunger strike at HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire as she awaits trial over her alleged role in a Palestine Action raid (Picture: Prisoners for Palestine)

What can happen during a hunger strike?

Ian Miller, a historian of hunger strikes in British prisons, told Metro that a hunger strike can typically play out physiologically as follows:

Days One to Seven: decreasing heart rate, physical wasting, weight loss (as bodies eat up their fat reserves in the adipose tissue.

Days Eight to Fourteen: Bodies begin using glycogen stores (energy located in the liver and muscles). Ammonia produced giving a distinctive smell. Weight loss slows down. Loss of heart mass causing a slow heart beat.

Days Fifteen Onwards: Tendencies to collapse and become bedbound. Nightmares very common early on. Physical and psychological health worsens significantly. Very disturbed sleep. ‘Raving all night’, as one hunger strike termed it in the 1920s.

Around twenty to sixty/seventy days: Patients essentially in a state of complete exhaustion, but often still conscious until around 50 days.

Over 70 days: With zero medical intervention or food, this seems to be roughly the limit of survival. In 1920, hunger striker Terence MacSwiney lasted 74 days before he died.
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Mum’s prayers

Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed and Lewie Chiaramello are also taking part in the hunger strike, while Amu Gib, Jon Cink, Umer Khalid and Qesser Zuhrah have ‘paused’ their participation.

All eight are on remand, charged with offences relating to break-ins and criminal damage either at Elbit in August 2024 or another raid at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in June last year.

The protesters’ demands include ‘end all censorship’ of communication and correspondence in jail, immediate bail, ‘right to a fair trial’, de-proscribing Palestine Action and shutting Elbit down.

Muraisi, who has family in Rafah on the Gaza Strip, has previously stated that she ‘will not compromise until all demands are met’ and will ‘continue to fight and resist’ in prison.

Heba Muraisi looks outside her prison cell at HMP New Hall as she continues her hunger strike while on remand (Picture: Prisoners for Palestine)
She said: ‘It’s the love and solidarity from the people and my mum’s duas (personal prayer) that give me strength.
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‘And it’s the rage from the injustice my comrades and I are facing that keeps me going. I’m well aware that things could turn at any minute, I’m terrified, I’d be stupid not to be.

‘As of today, I’ve been held on remand for 409 days while awaiting trial.

‘To make things worse I’ve been moved nearly 188 miles up north away from my family and support system.’

Muraisi has daily calls with her mum but said: ‘When New Hall cut off my phone line for ridiculous security reasons it just causes unnecessary distress for her.’ Asked if her family supported her hunger strike, she replied: ‘I can’t say that my family support my current actions, but they understand why I’m doing it.’

From top left: Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Jon Cink, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Lewie Chiaramello and Muhammed Umer Khalid (Picture: Prisoners for Palestine)

‘Serious offences’

A spokesperson for Practice Plus Group, which manages healthcare on behalf of the NHS at New Hall, said: ‘We provide compassionate, evidence-based care in prisons and manage any patients who are refusing food in accordance with all the relevant policies and protocols, and in partnership with prison teams and the wider NHS.’
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The government maintains that it has no records from NHS staff that prison officers have obstructed healthcare.

Lord Timpson, minister of state for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, said: ‘While very concerning, hunger strikes are not a new issue for our prisons.

‘Over the last five years, we’ve averaged over 200 a year and we have longstanding procedures in place to ensure prisoner safety.

‘Prison healthcare teams provide NHS care and continuously monitor the situation. HMPPS are clear that claims that hospital care is being refused are entirely misleading – they will always be taken when needed and a number of these prisoners have already been treated in hospital.

‘These prisoners are charged with serious offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage.

‘Remand decisions are for independent judges, and lawyers can make representations to the court on behalf of their clients.

‘Ministers will not meet with them – we have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system.

‘It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases.’

Heba Muraisi said she is struggling to breathe and has difficulty concentrating as she approaches 66 days on hunger strike while on remand in prison (Picture: Prisoners for Palestine)
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A hunger striker on remand over her alleged role in a Palestine Action raid has said she is ‘deteriorating’ and struggling to breathe.

Heba Muraisi is on day 65 without food after becoming the first member of an initial group of eight prisoners to begin the action.

Struggling to record audio over the course of several days, she said she is ‘terrified’ but kept going by ‘love and solidarity’ as her condition worsens at HMP New Hall in Flockton, West Yorkshire.

The hunger strike is believed to be the largest of its type in the British Isles since 1981, when 10 Irish prisoners died.

They included IRA leader Bobby Sands, who went 66 days without food.

MasterChef favourites Sarah Todd and her partner Declan Cleary were spotted out and about in Melbourne on Wednesday, enjoying a walk with their newborn twins and dog Sol.

The happy couple, who welcomed daughters Claudia and Charlotte on Christmas Eve, packed on the PDA as they were seen strolling through a park, pushing their babies in a double stroller.

Sarah, 38, dressed for the hot weather in baggy white shorts, black belt, and a grey T-shirt.

Letting her long, dark locks fall over her shoulders, Sarah appeared to go makeup-free for her day out and accessorised with a large silver ring, a chain necklace and a wristband.

She completed her look with a pair of green sneakers.

Declan, 27, also opted for a casual look for the park visit, rocking a plaid brown western retro shirt, matching corduroy shorts and sneakers.

MasterChef favourites Sarah Todd and her partner, Declan Cleary, were spotted out and about in Melbourne on Wednesday, enjoying a walk with their newborn twins and dog Sol (Pictured)

The happy couple, who welcomed daughters Claudia and Charlotte on Christmas Eve, packed on the PDA as they were seen strolling through a park, pushing their babies in a double stroller

At one point, the happy couple paused to play a ball game with their dog

The foodie accessorised with a silver wrist band, which he paired with a neck chain.

At one point, the happy couple paused to play a ball game with their dog, who showed plenty of curiosity around the new family members.

The outing comes after the fan favourites, who met while filming MasterChef: Back to Win in 2024, hinted at a secret engagement.

Declan set tongues wagging earlier this week when he shared a video to his stories of a delicious-looking meal to which he added the cheeky caption:

‘Ribs are ready, My 2 daughters are asleep, Happy fiancé, Happy Sol, Happy Tuesday.’

Daily Mail has reached out to Declan for comment.

It comes after Declan and Sarah revealed that they were living the high life before they welcomed the twins.

The couple, who went public with their romance early in 2025 after meeting on the 17th season of MasterChef Australia, celebrated their upcoming addition with a baby shower, babymoon and, of course, lots of delicious food.

Sol the dog showed plenty of curiosity around the new family members

The couple went public with their romance early in 2025 after meeting on the 17th season of MasterChef Australia: Back to Win in 2024

After the filming of MasterChef was completed, Declan made the move from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to Melbourne  to be with Sarah and her 14-year-old son

 

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Masterchef stars Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary take a huge step in their relationship after

Speaking to Daily Mail ahead of becoming a first-time dad, Declan revealed that he and Sarah enjoyed one last holiday before the baby comes – and it was a luxurious final hoorah.

‘We’ve been over in Dubai and India, which I think will be the last international trip,’ he said.

‘So we kind of took that as a babymoon, relaxing at The Atlantis on the Palm in Dubai and just doing all those loungy, resorty, hotel holiday activities,’ he added.

The glitzy resort is an A-lister hotspot and has seen the likes of Beyoncé , Kendall Jenner and Kylie Minogue check in for a night or two.

However, Atlantis boasts a whopping price tag, with a standard room for two ranging from $748 to $8,965 a night.

Australia is holding its breath tonight.

In a country that grew up laughing with her, quoting her lines, and seeing itself reflected in her fearless humor, Magda Szubanski has delivered an update so raw, so painfully honest, that it has left millions stunned — and openly weeping.

“I thought I’d die alone.”

It was not a line from a script.

Not a punchline.
Not Sharon Strzelecki.

It was the unfiltered confession of a woman lying in a hospital bed, six months into the fight of her life.

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A Confession That Shook a Nation

On November 30, 2025, Magda Szubanski posted a video that stopped Australia in its tracks.

Gone was the booming laugh. Gone was the confident physicality that defined her comedy for decades. In its place was a pale, exhausted woman — bald from chemotherapy, propped up by pillows, her eyes heavy but unwavering.

Her voice trembled as she spoke words no one expected to hear from one of the country’s strongest public figures:

“I honestly thought I’d die alone.”

Within hours, the video had amassed more than 2.5 million views, flooding social media with grief, love, and disbelief. It wasn’t just an update on her health — it was a confession of fear, isolation, and the quiet terror that creeps in during long hospital nights.

And yet, it was also something else entirely.

A reminder that even icons break.
And that vulnerability, when shared, can move an entire nation.

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180 Days of Chemotherapy — And Counting

Magda’s update came after 180 relentless days of intense chemotherapy, a brutal schedule that has pushed her body to its limits.

Her diagnosis stunned fans and doctors alike.

In May 2025, what began as a routine breast screening accidentally revealed swollen lymph nodes. Further tests delivered a devastating verdict: Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma — a rare and aggressive blood cancer affecting just 1 in 100,000 Australians.

The disease was already advanced.

“There’s no gentle way to fight this,” one oncologist familiar with such cases explained. “It’s aggressive treatment or nothing.”

Magda chose to fight.

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The Day Everything Changed

Before cancer could strip away her identity piece by piece, Magda made a decision that would come to symbolize her defiance.

She shaved her head.

Not in tears.
Not in silence.
But on her own terms.

“It was my way of saying, ‘You don’t get to take this from me,’” she later shared.

Soon after, she was plunged into the Nordic Protocol — a punishing combination of high-dose chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The regimen is notorious among patients for its side effects: nausea, extreme fatigue, immune suppression, and emotional collapse.

Physically, it left her shattered.

Emotionally, it forced her to confront something far more frightening than pain.

Loneliness.

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“The Nights Are the Worst”

In private conversations with close friends, Magda has reportedly described the long hospital nights as the hardest part of her journey.

“When the machines are quiet and the ward lights dim,” one friend revealed, “that’s when the fear creeps in.”

It was during one of those nights, she says, that the thought surfaced — uninvited and devastating:

What if no one is here when it ends?

That fear became the heart of her November confession.

“I thought I’d die alone,” she said. “And that’s a terrifying thought.”

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The Love She Never Expected

What happened next was something Magda herself never saw coming.

Australia answered.

Messages poured in by the tens of thousands. Letters arrived at the hospital. Flowers lined corridors. Celebrities, politicians, drag queens, schoolchildren, and strangers from across the globe reached out with a single message:

You are not alone.

One moment in particular broke her.

A 10-year-old fan sent a photo from Book Week — dressed head to toe as Sharon Strzelecki, netball skirt and all.

“I ugly-cried,” Magda admitted. “Not because I was sad — but because I felt seen.”

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From Sharon Strzelecki to a Symbol of Survival

For decades, Magda Szubanski made Australia laugh by exaggerating its quirks, its flaws, and its warmth.

Now, without intending to, she has become something else entirely.

A symbol of resilience.

Her co-stars Gina Riley and Jane Turner, longtime collaborators and close friends, have stood firmly by her side. International performers, including drag icons who credit Magda as a trailblazer, have publicly dedicated shows to her recovery.

“She taught us how to be brave on stage,” one performer said. “Now she’s teaching us how to be brave in life.”

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#MagdaStrong Becomes a Movement

What began as a hashtag quickly transformed into action.

The #MagdaStrong campaign has raised over $250,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation, funding research, patient support services, and outreach for families facing blood cancers.

Support groups have reported a surge in engagement — patients citing Magda’s honesty as the reason they finally felt seen.

“When someone like her says she’s scared,” one patient shared, “it gives the rest of us permission to admit it too.”

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The Reality of Stage 4 — And the Will to Beat It

Statistically, the odds are sobering.

For Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma, five-year survival rates hover around 50%. Even with aggressive treatment, relapse remains a constant threat.

Magda does not shy away from the numbers.

But she refuses to let them define her.

“Cancer picked the wrong funny woman to mess with,” she declared in a recent message — a line that instantly went viral.

Doctors describe her mental resilience as “remarkable.”

“She’s exhausted,” one source said. “But she’s determined. And that matters more than people realize.”

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Redefining Strength

Magda’s journey has quietly reshaped how Australians talk about illness.

Strength, she has shown, is not pretending you’re okay.

Strength is saying you’re terrified — and still showing up.

Bald.
Broken-hearted.
Alive.

“I’m not brave because I’m not scared,” she said. “I’m brave because I’m still here.”

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A Precarious Christmas — And a Fragile Hope

As Christmas approached, uncertainty loomed.

Hospital corridors replaced family tables. IV poles stood where Christmas trees should have been. Yet even there, staff reported moments of laughter — the unmistakable sound of Magda being Magda.

“She cracks jokes between treatments,” a nurse revealed. “Then she closes her eyes and rests. It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring.”

Her recovery remains ongoing. Doctors caution that the road ahead is long and unpredictable.

But tonight, for the first time in months, hope feels louder than fear.

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A Nation Holding Space for One of Its Own

Australia has cried with Magda before — through comedy, through culture, through shared memory.

Now it cries with her in a different way.

Not as an audience.

But as a community.

Because when she whispered, “I thought I’d die alone,” the answer came back louder than she could have imagined:

You won’t.

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Medicine Heals the Body — Love Heals the Soul

As Magda Szubanski continues her fight, one truth has become undeniable.

Chemotherapy can attack cancer.
Doctors can save lives.
But it is human connection that carries people through the darkest hours.

And tonight, as hospital lights glow softly around her bed, one thing is certain:

Magda is not alone.
Not now.
Not ever.