There are television presenters, and then there are people who quietly become part of a nation’s emotional landscape.

Monty Don belongs firmly to the latter.

For more than two decades, he hasn’t just fronted Gardeners’ World — he has offered Britain something far rarer than expertise: permission to slow down. And now, as Monty gently hints that he may not want to do the show “forever,” viewers are confronting a feeling they didn’t expect — resistance.

A Voice That Arrived When People Needed One

Monty Don’s rise wasn’t loud. It wasn’t manufactured. It happened because, at a time when television was growing shinier and more frantic, he stood still.

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He spoke calmly.
He made mistakes openly.
He treated gardening not as performance, but as patience.

For millions, especially during periods of uncertainty — recessions, lockdowns, personal loss — Monty became something closer to a companion than a presenter. Friday nights didn’t feel instructional. They felt grounding.

The Man Who Never Pretended It Was Easy

Part of Monty’s enduring power lies in his honesty. He never sold gardening as a cure-all. He openly discussed depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and the physical toll of working outdoors year after year.

More recently, he has spoken candidly about age and limits — about listening to his body, about not wanting to continue simply out of obligation.

“I want to stop while I still love it,” he has said.

That sentence landed softly — and heavily.

Because it wasn’t a farewell.
It was a boundary.

Why Viewers Aren’t Ready

Britain’s reluctance to imagine Gardeners’ World without Monty isn’t about resistance to change. It’s about loss of tone.

In an era dominated by hot takes, conflict, and spectacle, Monty represents a vanishing presence: a man who does not rush, does not shout, and does not demand attention — yet commands it entirely.

Juliana Pasquarosa is shedding more light on her split from The Bachelor season 29 lead Grant Ellis.

“We were not on the same page once the finale kind of aired,” Juliana, 28, said on the Monday, December 22, episode of iHeartRadio’s “Almost Famous” podcast. “That was just one piece of the puzzle.”

In the season finale, Grant, 31, got down on one knee and proposed to Juliana after calling off his relationship with runner-up Litia Garr. In the After the Final Rose special, Grant faced backlash when Litia, 32, claimed he told her he should “stop the show” early because she was his No. 1. Grant later exclusively told

Us Weekly that there was “a lot” that Litia said that he “didn’t align with.”

“I have to give him grace, because it is so hard when it feels like the world is coming at you. That’s how I felt after the finale aired, and I was hoping for his support the way I supported him, and it wasn’t,” Juliana said on Monday. “It was about the optics and it was about what people are going to think, and if we break up, they’re going to think this, and if we stay together, they’re going to think that. And I’m like, ‘I don’t care.’”

Scroll down for more revelations from Juliana’s appearance on the “Almost Famous” podcast:

Juliana Pasquarosa Asked Grant Ellis If He Would’ve Picked Litia Garr If She Was Mormon

After watching Grant’s first one-on-one date with Litia, Juliana claimed that she was “crying” and called him to talk about it.

“I literally said, ‘Would you have picked her if she wasn’t Mormon?’ Because I knew that that was something that he was struggling with toward the end. And I was like, ‘Seriously, would you? Because I can see it and I feel it and I’m having anxiety over it.’ And he was like, ‘No, that wasn’t the main thing.’ And I was like, ‘OK.’ So, I let it go.”

Juliana Pasquarosa’s Family Encouraged Her to ‘Get Through It’ With Grant Ellis While Season Aired

Juliana recalled having conversations with her family about Grant while the season was airing. “I think they were just like, ‘Just get through it, afterwards, when this is all done airing — like, then maybe you can have a different perspective on him, and you guys can really get to know each other,’ and blah, blah, blah,” she said.

Her brother, however, encouraged her to “listen to your gut.” After the breakup, Juliana recalled “crying all day every day for, like, two weeks.”

Juliana Pasquarosa and Grant Ellis Had Been Broken Up for ‘A Few Weeks’ Before Announcing Split

Juliana revealed that she and Grant had been separated for “a few weeks” before they announced their breakup via Instagram in June. After the pair split, she explained that they went on a trip to Aruba with her friends and family.

“The trip was booked and he ended up leaving early,” Juliana said. “I mean, I think it was like he just couldn’t do it, and it makes sense and it was fair. But I think you have to understand, before we broke up — because I broke up with him — I think we were drifting a bit naturally. But he still talked to my parents. He still talked to my brother-in-law.”

Juliana Pasquarosa Details Grant Ellis’ Post-Show Priorities

Juliana claimed that Grant is “a little aloof” and said he lacked a “super clear direction,” claiming he had aspirations to dabble in music and talked about starting a dating app.

“I was having a hard time following it and feeling included in his life’s path to spread this mission that you can do it all and be in a relationship. But I was like, ‘Hi, you have to pay attention to me if you want me a part of this. You have to include me,’” she said.

Juliana also alleged that Grant cared about the “optics” of their relationship — echoing the same sentiment she shared on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast earlier this month, where she claimed that Grant “game-planned” ways for them to announce their split days after the finale.

“I literally rolled over and he was in the bed and he’s like, ‘Hey, good morning. Did you make a decision? Because I’ve come up with some options,’” she recalled on Monday of the morning after the pair had a fight. “I was like, ‘Are you serious right now?’ I was like, ‘Don’t talk to me. I’m going home.’”

Juliana Pasquarosa Reveals She’s Seeing Someone After Grant Ellis Split

While focusing on her “healing,” Juliana shared that she’s seeing someone who is visiting her for New Year’s.

“It’s new, but it’s fun and it’s flirty and I like that. I think that coming out of that, it was so hard that I think I’ve been taking things really, really slow again, and it put me back a little bit into my old ‘I hate men’ vibe, and I’m not a man-hater. I’m not a woman-hater,” she said. “So, I think now I was like, ‘Let me just give this guy a shot.’ He’s blown me up for, like, three straight months nonstop, and I’ve been ghosting him, and I was like, ‘You know what? Screw it. You’re cute.’ So, we’re going to hang out.”

Sending love.

Bachelor Nation fans saw Kelsey Anderson find love and get engaged to Joey Graziadei on Season 28 of “The Bachelor.”

During her time on the show, Kelsey opened up about her late mother, who passed away in 2018 after being diagnosed with breast cancer that metastasized to her bones.

Kelsey shared with Joey that she sees her mom through butterflies and the two connected over her whenever they saw butterflies during filming.

Since their time on the show, the two have kept fans updated with their lives online and Kelsey will often share about her mom.

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Now, the Bachelor Nation star has taken to social media to share what she’s learned about grief since losing her mom.

In a new video posted online, she said, “My mom’s birthday is Christmas Eve, so in honor of her I thought I’d share a little of what I’ve learned about grief over the past couple of years. So this one is for Denise.”

Kelsey went on and shared, “After losing my mom, I learned so much about grief. Mostly about how often we try to compare it. People think that they need to relate in order to show up for someone, but being there doesn’t mean comparing experiences. None of our griefs cancel each other out. They don’t need to be compared and they don’t have to look the same. Even my siblings and I grieved the same loss in completely different ways. Loss doesn’t create a shared grief, it creates many different ones. Acknowledging that doesn’t minimize anyone’s pain. It simply makes space for the truth that grief is deeply personal.”

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Kelsey also explained how grief has connected her with other people and shared a gentle reminder.

She said, “At the same time, we are connected. We all share the feeling of loss, the ache of missing someone, and the love that has nowhere to go. That shared humanity matters, but so do our differences. When we embrace both the connection and the differences, we show up for one another with more compassion and less comparison. As the holidays approach, the season can feel especially heavy for those who are grieving. Joy and loss often exist side by side, so check in on your friends and family. Even if you don’t know what to say, presence matters more than the right words.”

We are sending our love to Kelsey and we always appreciate her vulnerability with her followers. We’re keeping her and her family in our thoughts during this time.

David Beckham has been seen for the first time since his son Brooklyn blocked his entire family on Instagram.

On Monday the former footballer, 50, attended Stone Roses legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s funeral with his former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville.

It came after a difficult weekend which saw his son Cruz claim that Brooklyn had blocked his family as their feud escalated to boiling point.

Cruz penned in a post following reports David and Victoria had unfollowed their son: ‘My mum and dad would never unfollow their son [as reports had suggested]. They woke up blocked. As did I.’

On Monday David headed to the funeral – alongside a sea of other famous faces – and understandably looked downcast.

The ceremony at Manchester Cathedral saw guests arriving including Stone Roses singer Ian Brown and Paul Weller, while David and Gary – legends of Mani’s beloved Manchester United – also attended.

David Beckham has been seen for the first time since his son Brooklyn blocked his entire family on Instagram

On Monday the former footballer, 50, attended Stone Roses legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s funeral with his former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville (right)

Mounfield died peacefully in his sleep aged 63 at his home in Stockport of ‘respiratory issues’ after having the lung condition emphysema, it was revealed last week.

He died on November 20 after collapsing following a seizure, with family sources saying an ambulance was called but he could not be revived.

His death came two years after his wife of 25 years, Imelda died after suffering from bowel cancer. They are survived by their 12-year-old sons Gene and George.

David’s appearance at the funeral comes after the bitter Beckham family feud escalated to new heights over the weekend as Cruz claimed his brother Brooklyn had blocked their entire family on Instagram.

It had first been reported that David and Victoria had stopped following their oldest son, before Cruz, 20, furiously set the record straight.

The claims of the very sudden blocking sparked the obvious question of why he would do such a thing.

And it’s now possible that Brooklyn suddenly cut final ties with his parents and three siblings after Victoria liked a post of his about roasting a chicken.

Aspiring chef Brooklyn, 26, posted another of his regular cooking videos on Instagram last week as he showed his 16 million followers how to brine a chicken.

It came after a difficult weekend which saw his son Cruz claim that Brooklyn had blocked his family as their feud escalated to boiling point

Cruz penned in a post following reports David and Victoria had unfollowed their son: ‘My mum and dad would never unfollow their son [as reports had suggested]. They woke up blocked. As did I’

 David and Gary arrived to the funeral together

David clutched his invite in his hand and wore a smart black leather  coat

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On Monday David headed to the funeral – alongside a sea of other famous faces – and understandably looked downcast

The ceremony at Manchester Cathedral saw guests arriving including Stone Roses singer Ian Brown and Paul Weller, while David and Gary- legends of Mani’s beloved Manchester United – also attended

Mounfield died peacefully in his sleep aged 63 at his home in Stockport of ‘respiratory issues’ after having the lung condition emphysema, it was revealed last week

Mounfield’s died last month aged 63

Victoria is thought to have liked the post which led to a slew of comments under the post urging Brooklyn to fix the feud with his family.

Fans penned: ‘Victoria liked this post. Yay!!! Family is everything’, ‘Go and see your parents, you will regret it later in life’, ‘Call your parents.’

It’s understood that Brooklyn was left annoyed by the comments prompted by his mother’s public like – and decided to block the whole family including his sister Harper, 14.

Brooklyn will be spending Christmas in the US with his wife Nicola Peltz – who no longer follows the Beckhams – and her family.

It comes after The Daily Mail revealed that David and Victoria have been asked to stop contacting Brooklyn and his wife.

It seems that the young couple find Instagram posts by the Beckhams upsetting and anxiety-inducing.

They wake up worrying what might have been posted about them overnight.

‘It would be really in the holiday spirit if the Beckhams could just back off and leave them alone for now,’ a friend of the Peltz Beckhams said on Sunday.

‘The Beckhams started these ‘blocking’ game stories earlier this year and they keep going.

‘Whether someone follows someone else on Insta or any other platform shouldn’t be and isn’t a story. It’s a sad situation, but nothing has changed here.

He died on November 20 after collapsing following a seizure, with family sources saying an ambulance was called but he could not be revived

David looked smart for the funeral in a black leather jacket an white shirt

Mounfield was a passionate and lifelong Manchester United fan

‘Nicola and Brooklyn haven’t been commenting. They just want peace. It would be best for everyone for them [the Beckhams] to stop contacting, commenting and briefing because it’s not accomplishing anything.’

In fact, even the intervention by Cruz is considered another negative briefing by Brooklyn and Nicola. As the friend says: ‘They have requested that the Beckhams back off. They just want to be left alone. The Instagram stuff is just a media play – it feels like more manipulation, more gaslighting. It just drives Brooklyn and Nicola further away.

‘They get upset by the speculation. They are trying to take the high road which is not to react at all and to just live their lives.’

Meanwhile sources in camp Beckham say after the blocking: ‘David and Victoria will never stop loving Brooklyn.

‘They will always be here for him and they always want him to know that, they are devastated at this fall out.

‘So far from this being them, it appears that Brooklyn has blocked them to show them that’s it, this is final.

‘It is very clear that this is a sign of his complete estrangement from his family.

‘For David and Victoria it was their last connection to Brooklyn as he has made it very clear he doesn’t want to talk to them anymore, they haven’t spoken for months and months now.

‘By following him it was a message to him that they still love him and still want to follow his life. Now they can’t do that, but it’s not their doing.’

The Instagram fallout comes just days before Christmas.

Brooklyn will not join his parents and younger brothers Romeo and Cruz or sister Harper.

Instead he is expected to remain in US while the Beckhams celebrate with their wider family at their £10million home in the Cotswolds.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Brooklyn for comment on Cruz’s claims.

It is the most public sign yet that there has is no communication between them amid their spiraling family feud.

Brooklyn’s wife Nicola, 30, also does not follow David and Victoria. They no longer follow her either.

His decision to spend Christmas with his in-laws will come as a blow to his parents and siblings.

In recent weeks, David has appeared to offer a public olive branch to his son, in an apparent bid to put an end to their very public family feud.

The former footballer had shared a throwback picture of himself with Brooklyn and his younger brothers Romeo and Cruz.

Cruz also made sure his brother knew he was thinking of him by sharing a sweet snap of the pair with brother Romeo on the beach in Brazil.

Brooklyn was seen wrapping his arm around his youngest brother Cruz as they posed on the beach.

Relations between Brooklyn, Nicola and the Beckham clan unraveled completely when they did not attend any of David’s 50th birthday celebrations in May. Brooklyn also failed to acknowledge his father’s knighthood in November.

Last week, the Daily Mail revealed how Brooklyn’s nans are devastated they won’t be seeing their grandson this Christmas.

Victoria had shared a festive picture from her parents Jackie and Tony Adams’ house as they placed twelve stockings in a row on their fireplace, one for each grandchild. In pride of place was one reserved for Brooklyn.

The family feud has taken a particularly acute toll on Jackie, as well as David’s mother Sandra.

Some argue that hanging up Brooklyn’s stocking, regardless of the feud, is a sign of hope on Jackie’s part that – somehow, despite everything – Christmas might finally persuade her grandson to put aside his grudges and step on a plane to rejoin the family.

Friends of the Beckhams say Jackie and Sandra are ‘extremely sad’ about the situation.

David’s appearance at the funeral comes after the bitter Beckham family feud escalated to new heights over the weekend

The funeral service booklet is pictured

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The Beckham clan are seen without Brooklyn earlier this month

Brooklyn will be spending Christmas in the US with his wife Nicola Peltz – who no longer follows the Beckhams – and her family

The source added: ‘They’re not getting any younger and the cold truth of it all is that nobody knows when they will see Brooklyn next. It’s Jackie and Sandra who everyone feels so sorry for.’

David and Victoria will spend some of the festive period in the £60million home they recently bought on Miami’s waterfront.

It was where they were joined last year by Brooklyn and Nicola, and photographs of their Christmas celebrations show everyone having what appeared to be a lovely time.

Victoria is believed to be working hard to put on a brave face and stay strong for her husband and teenage daughter Harper.

Keir Starmer’s name alone was enough to trigger a wave of boos.

Keir was booed when his name was mentioned during a sketch (Image: Getty)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was met with loud boos from the audience during the Royal Variety Performance after his voice was introduced in a comedy sketch, leaving viewers stunned as the moment aired on ITV. The incident took place during a segment by radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers, performed by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey. As the sketch moved through a series of political and celebrity impressions, the mention of Starmer’s voice triggered what one reviewer described as “deeply meant booing” from the packed Royal Albert Hall.

The reaction was impossible to miss. Fans watching at home quickly took to social media to comment on the moment, with one writing: “Ha ha kier starmer getring booed on royal variety quality.” Another added: “Wonderful to see Keir Starmer roundly booed when he was mentioned in the ‘Dead Ringers’ sketch at #royalvariety.”

In a Fiery Clash Over Freedom and Fear, Susan Hall Unleashes a Scathing Takedown of Sadiq Khan: “Your Time Is Up!” — As Pro-Palestinian Protests Ignite Tensions and Accusations of Antisemitism Spiral, Hall Challenges the Mayor’s Leadership Amid Growing Unrest in London, Demanding Urgent Action to Protect Vulnerable Communities and Restore Trust in a City on Edge. Will Khan Rise to the Occasion or Face the Consequences of His Inaction?

Susan Hall has launched a blistering attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, declaring, “Your days are over” amid escalating tensions over pro-Palestinian protests and alleged rising antisemitism in the city. Her fierce criticism erupted during a fiery Assembly debate, spotlighting Khan’s handling of community safety and freedom of expression.

The confrontation unfolded as Hall addressed deeply divisive protests coinciding with the holiest Jewish day and a recent terror attack in Manchester. She condemned the pro-Palestinian demonstrators who gathered near Whitehall and Liverpool Street, chanting inflammatory slogans and waving signs that many saw as provocative and insensitive.

 

Hall blasted the protests for being tone-deaf and deeply hurtful, accusing participants of fanfare on a day shadowed by violence and mourning. “Protesters chanting ‘from the river to the sea’—a phrase charged with antisemitic meaning—on a day when Jewish communities grieve, is not just inappropriate; it’s dangerous,” she asserted emphatically.

 

The mayor’s response drew swift rebuke. Khan contended that while the protests’ timing was unfortunate, the right to peaceful demonstration remained sacrosanct. He insisted that context mattered and trailed a nuanced defense, distinguishing between lawful protest and hateful rhetoric.

 

Yet Hall sharply challenged Khan’s stance, accusing him of inconsistency. She pointed to his unequivocal condemnation of far-right marches while defending pro-Palestinian demonstrations that frequently feature slogans she labels antisemitic. Her direct questioning forced Khan into a defensive posture, undercutting his narrative of balanced leadership.

 

Further escalating tensions, Hall spotlighted the palpable fear gripping London’s Jewish community. She cited harrowing examples—children locked in schools for safety, communities hesitant to enter public spaces—highlighting a stark reality of intimidation and hostility that demands urgent mayoral intervention.

 

Khan responded with expressions of concern and reiterated efforts to reassure Jewish Londoners post the October 7 attacks. However, his words failed to quell the mounting criticism. Hall retorted that these reassurances rang hollow against the backdrop of ongoing unrest and apparent official silence on antisemitic actions during the protests.

The debate 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 deep fractures over London’s handling of freedom of expression, public safety, and community cohesion. Hall’s indictment of Khan’s leadership culminated in her forceful declaration that his time as mayor is coming to an end. “Pack your bags, Mayor!” she declared in a crescendo of outrage.

 

As London grapples with rising social tensions amid global conflict reverberations, this high-stakes exchange underscores urgent calls for leadership that protects vulnerable communities without compromising democratic rights. The mayor faces intensified scrutiny to navigate these stormy waters with clarity and courage.

 

This explosive Assembly encounter signals that the city’s political fault lines are hardening, with Jewish and Palestinian issues at the core. With protests, fears, and demands escalating, Khan’s administration stands at a crossroads fraught with peril and profound significance.

 

Observers warn that unresolved grievances threaten to inflame division further, risking London’s long-held reputation as a safe, inclusive metropolis. Hall’s uncompromising voice amplifies these warnings, challenging the mayor to act decisively before tensions spiral beyond control.

 

The confrontation also reignites debate over the boundaries between legitimate political expression and hate speech, especially regarding incendiary chants and symbolism. The question of when protest crosses into intimidation remains fiercely contested in council chambers and communities alike.

Londoners watch closely as their leaders wrestle with these challenges. The stakes are high—not only for social harmony but for the trust that vital institutions must sustain across all of the city’s diverse populations.

 

In the coming days, the spotlight will intensify on Khan’s next steps. His handling of these contentious protests and the fears voiced by influential figures like Susan Hall may shape his political fate and the city’s stability.

 

This confrontation marks a critical moment in London’s ongoing struggle to balance free speech with protection against hate. The mayor’s ability to mediate this volatile landscape could define his legacy and London’s future.

 

As outrage bubbles and community voices clash, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer tenable. Strong, unequivocal leadership is demanded to restore calm and confidence to a city on edge.

 

Susan Hall’s blistering critique is a clarion call for change, reflecting widespread frustration with perceived leadership failures. The days ahead will test whether London can bridge divides that threaten to unravel its social fabric.

The mayor’s reply will be scrutinized not only by politicians but by the diverse citizens whose lives are impacted by these tensions. The challenge to protect all communities fairly and firmly has never been more urgent.

 

With public safety and social cohesion at stake, debates like these spotlight the profound complexities facing London amid international conflict echoes and domestic unrest.

 

The Assembly’s heated exchange punctuates a broader narrative of anxiety and division, demanding immediate attention and action from all levels of government.

 

As the city confronts these contentious issues head-on, every statement and decision by its leaders will resonate deeply across London’s neighborhoods, communities, and beyond.

 

For now, the political battle lines are drawn sharply. The question remains: can Mayor Khan respond decisively to these accusations and fears, or will his leadership continue to be challenged by figures like Susan Hall?

 

This defining moment in London’s political landscape has implications far beyond protests and slogans. It touches the very core of coexistence, safety, and rights in one of the world’s great capitals.

 

Keir Starmer’s name alone was enough to trigger a wave of boos.

Keir was booed when his name was mentioned during a sketch (Image: Getty)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was met with loud boos from the audience during the Royal Variety Performance after his voice was introduced in a comedy sketch, leaving viewers stunned as the moment aired on ITV. The incident took place during a segment by radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers, performed by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey. As the sketch moved through a series of political and celebrity impressions, the mention of Starmer’s voice triggered what one reviewer described as “deeply meant booing” from the packed Royal Albert Hall.

The reaction was impossible to miss. Fans watching at home quickly took to social media to comment on the moment, with one writing: “Ha ha kier starmer getring booed on royal variety quality.” Another added: “Wonderful to see Keir Starmer roundly booed when he was mentioned in the ‘Dead Ringers’ sketch at #royalvariety.”

radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers did an impression of the PM (Image: ITV)

A third mocked: “ooooooooooooooooooooh ALL THE BOO’S, LOOK WHAT U DID KIER STARMER…EVERYONE LOVES U, NOT.”

One viewer even joked about the royal box, asking: “Wonder if the Prince and Princess of Wales started the booing of Keir Starmer or did they only join in halfway through?”

The moment came as part of an otherwise star-studded night at the annual charity event, which was filmed in November and has now been broadcast on ITV.

This year’s Royal Variety Performance was hosted by Jason Manford, whose opening monologue sparked mixed reactions of its own.

Jason joked about class differences between himself and his children, quipping: “I’ve created monsters,” as he described his kids turning their noses up at “smashed avocado” — before revealing it was actually mushy peas.

The gag drew laughter in the hall, including from the Prince of Wales, but viewers at home were divided.

One critic complained: “Can’t believe Jason Manford is rehashing all this stuff about his brother and class. Been doing it for years #royalvariety.”

Another wrote: “Nice enough bloke but he ain’t that funny.” Others were more positive, with one saying: “I like Jason Manford. He’s a good host,” and another adding: “@JasonManford absolutely smashing hosting duties .. best man for the job !!”

The event was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, with proceeds supporting the Royal Variety Charity.

Viewers also saw a wide range of performances, including Westlife singing World Of Our Own, while ad breaks left some fans irritated. One wrote: “2 ad breaks in 27 minutes #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”

Elsewhere, Stephen Fry appeared as Lady Bracknell, delivering a knowing joke about being “voted out” of Traitors, while Jessie J moved viewers with an emotional performance.

Sir Keir Starmer was not in attendance at the Royal Variety Performance, which aired on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist George Clarke left viewers in tears as he struggled to contain his emotions during a moving interview on It Takes Two, just hours before the grand final tonight (Saturday, December 20).

George and Alexis discussed the final (Credit: BBC)
 
Fans were in tears too (Credit: BBC)
 
George Clarke and dance partner Alexis Warr (pictured) are hoping to emerge victorious in Saturday’s finale of Strictly Come Dancing
 
YouTuber George Clarke has become the people’s favourite in this year’s Strictly for both his impassioned dancefloor performance and the way he dedicated his routine as a ‘love letter’ to his family, specifically his adored mother Nicky – who is currently fighting breast cancer

The 26-year-old TikTok sensation, joined by pro partner Alexis Warr, was overcome when shown heartfelt messages of support from his family during the show on Friday evening. Unable to continue, George wiped away tears and apologised, admitting: “Sorry… this is awful of me,” as he reflected on the journey that has brought him to the verge of the Glitterball Trophy.

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It’s all too easy to see why Strictly bosses hope that privately-educated George’s popularity with savvy online youngsters may revitalise what has become an increasingly toxic and tired television brand

George explained that he’d tried not to think about the final in order to stay present, saying the experience has already given him “imposter syndrome,” but also acknowledging how difficult the aftermath of the competition may feel once the whirlwind ends.

Fans watching at home were visibly moved, taking to social media to share their own tears and praise his humility and vulnerability. Messages poured in: “I’m emotional for George,” “Don’t cry, you’ll set me off,” and “He is so loved.”

Despite being a strong favourite among the public, bookmakers currently place him behind Karen Carney in the odds. But George’s journey has resonated far deeper than scores or rankings — driven not by fame, but by love and a desperate desire to make his mother proud.

In week eight, his emotional rhumba dedicated to his mum Nicky — who is bravely battling breast cancer — earned widespread admiration. The routine, described as a “love letter,” left both George and his family in tears and marked the moment when the wider Strictly audience embraced him.

George spoke candidly about his mother’s diagnosis, admitting that she has endured more than most: “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her.” Her illness now dominates family life, and George has been open about how the news has affected him.

The YouTuber, known for his massive online following — 2.4 million TikTok fans, nearly a million across Instagram and YouTube — has captured attention beyond his digital audience. Strictly bosses reportedly hope his popularity with younger viewers may breathe new life into the long-running show.

Unlike his rivals, George has no professional dance background. Friends say the only dancing he ever did before Strictly was at university socials, making his progress even more remarkable. Meanwhile, fellow finalists Amber Davies and Karen Carney have sparked debate due to their extensive dance experience.

George’s journey is also tied to a quieter family story. His mother’s resilience isn’t new — she previously battled encephalitis when he was 16, leaving George traumatised after witnessing her seizure. Yet he describes her as selfless and strong, apologising to the family even after her recovery.

Supporting him from the audience is his girlfriend, model Yasmin Bennett, credited by George as believing in him “more than I did.” His upbringing in Bristol, private education, and university degree paint a picture of a grounded young man who chose effort over shortcuts — despite his father’s senior role at Aardman Animations.

Amber Davies, meanwhile, has faced backlash from viewers because of her stage background and will not participate in the Strictly tour due to prior commitments to the musical Legally Blonde.

George’s growing public profile, however, seems set to extend beyond Strictly, with new  TV opportunities reportedly emerging. Insiders say he may be on the verge of becoming a breakout star — not just online, but across mainstream media.

And should he lift the Glitterball Trophy tonight, no supporter will be cheering louder than his mother — the woman whose courage inspired his every step on the Strictly dancefloor.

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Hamza Yassin has long been admired for his calm presence, gentle wisdom and deep connection to the natural world. But in a rare and honest new interview, the much-loved wildlife presenter has revealed a more personal side — opening up about love, loneliness and what he hopes for the future.

Speaking candidly, Hamza admitted that he is currently single and has been for some time. Having lived alone since his university days, he says he has grown comfortable with solitude and independence. Yet behind that quiet contentment lies a simple, human longing.

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“I’ve learned how to be happy on my own,” he explained, “but I would love to share my life with someone one day.”

It’s a confession that struck a chord with fans — a reminder that even those who seem most at peace can still hope for connection. Hamza made it clear that he isn’t searching desperately, but remains open to love when the time feels right.

Finding Healing Beyond Romance

While his personal life remains private, Hamza’s public work continues to reflect what brings him peace: nature.

Alongside his television projects, Hamza is now working closely with the National Trust and other conservation organisations, encouraging people to reconnect with the natural world — particularly during the quieter, darker months of autumn and winter.

The campaign focuses on the idea of seasonal “wild connection”, showing how small moments outdoors — a frosty morning walk, birdsong in bare trees, or the stillness of winter landscapes — can offer comfort, grounding and improved mental wellbeing.

Hamza has spoken passionately about how nature supported him through difficult periods of his own life, helping him slow down, reflect and find balance.

“Nature doesn’t rush you,” he has said. “It meets you where you are.”

A Gentle Voice for a Noisy World

For many, Hamza Yassin represents something rare in modern television: softness, sincerity and emotional honesty. Whether he’s talking about wildlife, mental health, or the hope of finding love, his words resonate because they are unforced — and real.

Gift baskets

As he continues to inspire viewers to look up, step outside and reconnect with the world around them, Hamza’s story feels quietly powerful.

Not a headline-grabbing romance.
Not a dramatic confession.
Just a man, honest about who he is — and hopeful about what might still be ahead.

British vigilantes slash small migrant boats on French coastline

Britons have been filming themselves travelling to beaches in France and ‘destroying’ small  boats – gaining thousands of views in the process

Sanya Burgess is an award-winning journalist whose investigations have included revealing Deliveroo was not paying the living wage to all riders, despite the company’s pledge to do so. She has also tracked disinformation and far right hate speech in the UK during the Southport riots, conspiracy theories about the attempted shooting of Donald Trump and revealed that Elon Musk was paying some of Tommy Robinson’s legal fees. She has also worked on issues relating to Big Tech and underage gambling, as well as uncovering war crimes and human rights abuses in Iran, Myanmar and the UAE – including the ‘hostage’ tapes of the detained Dubai Princess Latifa.

British vigilantes who spearheaded efforts to fly England flags across the country have launched a new anti-migrant protest – attempting to block illegal Channel crossings.

Using the term “Operation Stop The Boats”, members of the group have been filming themselves slashing small boats before they are used by migrants to cross the English Channel from France.

Posts on social media show members calling for other British men to join them in France, including making a direct appeal to football hooligans, saying “we need to make a stand”.

In one video message shared this week by a member of the Raise the Colours group – the grassroots movement that has seen flags fixed to lampposts, motorway bridges and roundabouts across England – two men are seen evoking military language and the spirit of the British fight against the Nazis in the Second World War.

Claiming to be recording from the northern French coast, one said: “Just like in the 1940s, we must take a stand, and it starts with the men of England and Britain.”

Making an appeal to “firms” – a phrase that refers to football hooligan groups – the other man added: “Our country is doing nothing. Weak government, weaker borders.

“They are doing nothing, so we need to make a stand, boys. Get the lads together, get your firms together, get the lads in the pub, get the lads down the bars, if you’re talking about it and you agree with what we are doing, give us a hand.”
The Government is under pressure to act after more than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/Instagram)
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The Government is under pressure to tackle the issue of migration amid a record number of asylum applications, surging small  boat crossings and protests at hotels housing asylum seekers.

On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out a package of reforms to asylum policies aimed at tackling illegal migration, telling MPs the current situation is “out of control and unfair”.

The latest videos shared by those linked to the Raise the Colours group have separately been referred to as “Operation Overlord”.

Earlier clips showed two men saying they were taking matters of illegal migration into their own hands and filming themselves stamping on and smashing a small boat’s engine.

In the clips, they refer to themselves as “patriots” and make a number of claims without evidence, such as that they are stopping “rapists and murderers” from “coming to a town near you”.
One video shared by the group (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/nstagram)
The flag-raising group, who have a combined 100,000 followers on X and Instagram, also posted a plea on X for donations last week, writing that they are: “STOPPING The  Boats, whether the migrants or government like it or not!”

Two videos from the group have recently been shared to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The far-right figure and former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has previously been accused of mobilising football hooligan firms in an attempt to launch anti-Muslim rallies across the country.

Separately, French media reports that the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into “aggravated violence” against migrants by suspected British far-right figures.

One of the details being examined by the French prosecutor is the claim that in September, four men waving British and UK flags verbally and physically attacked migrants on the French coast. It is alleged that they told the migrants they were not welcome in England and proceeded to steal some of their belongings.

The men are not the first anti-migrant figures to travel to France in a bid to take matters into their own hands.

In September, Ukip, Nigel Farage’s former political party, posted a video to their X account showing what appeared to be sleeping migrants in France being woken by people flashing strobe lights in their faces and shouting at them.

Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leader, also posted a video captioned: “In Calais hunting for illegal invaders trying to cross into Britain.”

The Home Office and French authorities were contacted for comment.