Author: bang1

  • Craig David says Bo’ Selecta WAS racist as he blasts ‘bully’ Leigh Francis’ apology

    Craig David says Bo’ Selecta WAS racist as he blasts ‘bully’ Leigh Francis’ apology

    Music star and Garage icon Craig David has spoken out against the comic caricature of him on Channel 4’s Bo’ Selecta in the early 2000s

    Craig David has slammed the former comedy show Bo’ Selecta! and called out its “racist” impression of him by comedian Leigh Francis.

    Bo’ Selecta! ran on Channel 4 from 2002 to 2009. Fronted by Leigh Francis, it was a hit series based on celebrity caricature with deliberately ridiculous impressions all voiced by Francis. Craig David was one of the many sketches alongside Mel B, David Beckham and chat show host Trisha Goddard.

    Channel 4 has since removed the programmes from its archives.

    In an interview with The Times, the hit pop star has called out Francis and his comedy as “bullying”. He said: “[Leigh] was highlighting characteristics he felt would trigger us personally. Every sketch felt personal.

    Craig David performing on stage in 2022.
    Craig David became a huge hit with his first album Born To Do It. 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    “It felt like a vendetta and when it got a following, it became something that affected me. People would shout at me on the street and I felt the same feeling I had when I was bullied at school. Leigh Francis had normalised bullying by making it comedy.”

    When David first heard of the show, he was intrigued. But when he sat down to watch with his mum, Tina, he felt confused. Francis wore a daft head of David’s vague likeness and portrayed him as an idiot with a colostomy bag. David was 21.

    He slammed the programme further, calling out Francis’ dressing up and ‘blackface’ makeup as “racist”. “It was bullying across the board for everyone,” said David. “When he put blackface on, that was being racist.”

    When Black Lives Matter protests took hold in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, Francis apologised for his previous behaviour including the black masks he wore on the show.

    Leigh Francis at the "Amsterdam" premiere.
    Comedian Leigh Francis has since apologised for his ‘racist’ black face impressions on Bo’ Selecta! 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    Craig David in London
    Craig David’s response to Leigh Francis’ apology was it didn’t appear sincere 
    Image:
    Getty Images for Bauer Media)
    However David doubts the apology was sincere. He said: “We can all apologise when on the back foot. The moment of expressing his apology seemed very coincidentally timed. Has he reached out to any of the people he did on his show? He hasn’t reached out to me. Has he gone to communities to talk about bullying? Racism? And to be educated? You can only ask him.

    “All I’ve seen since his apology is people still tweeting him thinking Bo’ Selecta! is fun and the tone of his response being very much still, ‘I’m the funny guy here’. That he still plays it like a joke after his apology tells me everything.”

    In 2014, David was said to have spoken to Francis at Fearne Cotton’s wedding, and resolved their differences. However, after suffering depression and negative thoughts, David realised the pain of Francis’ impressions went deeper.

    In 2009, the music star moved to Miami and began a focus on exercise and healthy living in a bid to get away from the caricature of an unhealthy David on Bo’ Selecta! However, Davis’ strict workout became an unhealthy obsession and in 2018 a severe back injury forced him to take a break.

    Whilst resting, David reflected on the comedy of Bo’ Selecta and its bullying. He explained to The Times : “I used to lean into an idea that [Bo’ Selecta!] was all funny. I’d laugh it off, or run from it.

    “When you’re younger, you think you can ride through this but it chips away until . . . you’re in a really dark place. I knew things weren’t right. I was humiliated but had to appear all shiny and positive. I wasn’t ready to confront what that show had done to me.

    “A lot of victims of bullying make excuses for the person bullying them but I don’t want to make excuses for him. He’s moved on. He has to put food on the table. He’s got family. But you know what? I’m not here to take anything away from him. I’m just showing that you, Leigh, need to be accountable for what you have done in a way that is more than just crying on social media.”

  • This Morning wins NTA fifth year in a row despite Holly and Phil Queue-gate drama

    This Morning wins NTA fifth year in a row despite Holly and Phil Queue-gate drama

    ITV’s This Morning had been up against Loose Women, The Chase and The Repair Shop for Best Daytime Show at the National Television Awards

    This Morning won an NTA for Best Daytime Show for the fifth year in a row despite hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield’s Queue-gate drama.

    The hit ITV show had been up against Loose Women, The Chase and The Repair Shop in the category.

    Addressing the crowd, Phil said: “Please don’t ever feel like we get complacent.”

    “Thank you so much for everything,” Holly said as she addressed the public at home. “You make our show for us, you really do.”

    They then pushed Alison Hammond forward to say a few words.

    “We’re all so grateful for this award,” Alison said. “I should have won one of these as well – you know what? Bradley Walsh, Graham Norton and the legends that are Ant and Dec are great, but I should have got one!”

    This Morning won an NTA this evening
    This Morning won an NTA this evening 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Earlier, host Holly walked down the red carpet alone at Wembley’s OVO Arena, with Phil later making an appearance with daughter Molly.

    It comes after a tough few weeks for Holly and Phil after the pair were falsely accused of jumping the queue to see the Queen lying-in-state.

    It comes after a tough few weeks for the show
    It comes after a tough few weeks for the show 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Holly and Phil released a pre-recorded statement on This Morning the following Tuesday insisting they would ‘never jump a queue’ and explained they had media accreditation.

    Despite that, public anger continued to mount and a petition calling for them to be sacked from ITV has reached over 76,000 signatures.

    Holly Willoughby appeared without Phil on the red carpet
    Holly Willoughby appeared without Phil on the red carpet 
    Image:
    Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

    Phil later arrived with daughter Molly
    Phil later arrived with daughter Molly 
    IThe hosts were said to be keen to attend tonight’s awards, but bosses were believed to be worried that they could be subjected to booing crowds.

    It came after Holly and Phil were subjected to a torrent of online abuse after the accusations of queue-jumping, prompting “serious concerns” about their well-being.

    Holly and Phil were mistakenly accused of jumping the queue at Westminster Hall to see the Queen lying in state
    Holly and Phil were mistakenly accused of jumping the queue to see the Queen lying in state

    Despite reports that ITV are aware that the NTAs could pose “risks” for the hosts and that there will be “measures” put in place, a source has told the Mirror: “They are coming as they do each year. No extra personnel.”

    While their colleague Alison Hammond was nominated in the best presenter category, neither Holly nor Phil received a nod.

  • Question Time fury as MPs urged to give up heating payments to help struggling pensioners

    Question Time fury as MPs urged to give up heating payments to help struggling pensioners

    BBC Question Time MP’s were urged to give up their £3500 winter fuel allowance, as thousands of pensioners face missing out on critical £300 payment this winter

    Labour MP Lucy Powell
    Labour MP Lucy Powell was grilled about her party’s decision to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment (Image: BBC) Express Premium Banner

    Shocking figures reveal 1.2m pensioners in poverty to be hit by fuel cuts

    The world’s top five strongest currencies – the UK pound doesn’t top the list

    Bear Approaches Woman At Bus Stop And Follows Her – Watch What Happened!Happy in Shape

    ‘World’s best pasta sauce’ recipe has just 3 ingredients says Italian chef

    James Martin shares the one ‘lifestyle change’ that helped him lose three stone

      
    by Taboola 
     

    Question Time fury as MPs urged to give up heating payments to help struggling pensioners

    BBC Question Time MP’s were urged to give up their £3500 winter fuel allowance, as thousands of pensioners face missing out on critical £300 payment this winter

    By Phoebe Tonks

    266

    Labour MP Lucy Powell

    Labour MP Lucy Powell was grilled about her party’s decision to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment (Image: BBC)

    Question Time viewers were quick to share their ire towards the government’s decision to cut the winter fuel payment for all but the poorest pensioners, as the show headed to Ashton-under-Lyne for the latest episode of the popular BBC political show.

    During the episode, one member of the audience was quick to draw attention to the plight of thousands of pensioners, who will now miss out on the £300 benefit each Winter to help combat the rising cost of heating their homes, by pointing out that over 570 MP’s themselves are entitled to claim a £3500 heating allowance each year.

    According to the viewer, if those MP’s, who themselves will typically receive a salary of £91,346, plus expenses each year, didn’t claim the allowance, then over 6,700 pensioners could be given the winter fuel benefit instead.

    This prompted them to ask: “How do you justify withdrawing the payment from pensioners?”

    First to respond was Leader of the House of Commons, Labour MP Lucy Powell, who started off by explaining it had been far from an easy decision for the government to make.

    Express Premium Banner

    Shocking figures reveal 1.2m pensioners in poverty to be hit by fuel cuts

    The world’s top five strongest currencies – the UK pound doesn’t top the list

    Bear Approaches Woman At Bus Stop And Follows Her – Watch What Happened!Happy in Shape

    ‘World’s best pasta sauce’ recipe has just 3 ingredients says Italian chef

    James Martin shares the one ‘lifestyle change’ that helped him lose three stone

      
    by Taboola 
     

    Question Time fury as MPs urged to give up heating payments to help struggling pensioners

    BBC Question Time MP’s were urged to give up their £3500 winter fuel allowance, as thousands of pensioners face missing out on critical £300 payment this winter

    By Phoebe Tonks

    266

    Labour MP Lucy Powell

    Labour MP Lucy Powell was grilled about her party’s decision to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment (Image: BBC)

    Question Time viewers were quick to share their ire towards the government’s decision to cut the winter fuel payment for all but the poorest pensioners, as the show headed to Ashton-under-Lyne for the latest episode of the popular BBC political show.

    During the episode, one member of the audience was quick to draw attention to the plight of thousands of pensioners, who will now miss out on the £300 benefit each Winter to help combat the rising cost of heating their homes, by pointing out that over 570 MP’s themselves are entitled to claim a £3500 heating allowance each year.

    by Taboola
    Sponsored Link

    IQ above average? This game will challenge youHistory Strategy Game

    According to the viewer, if those MP’s, who themselves will typically receive a salary of £91,346, plus expenses each year, didn’t claim the allowance, then over 6,700 pensioners could be given the winter fuel benefit instead.

    This prompted them to ask: “How do you justify withdrawing the payment from pensioners?”

    First to respond was Leader of the House of Commons, Labour MP Lucy Powell, who started off by explaining it had been far from an easy decision for the government to make.

    Sponsored

    Koreadates

    Looking for a soulmate!

    by Taboola

    Get the latest politics news straight to your phoneJoin us on WhatsApp

    Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

    Conservative MP Graham Stuart,

    Conservative MP Graham Stuart took a far more critical view of Labour’s approach (Image: BBC)

    She said: “Obviously we pay heating in our homes like everybody else, and we’ve seen those costs going up and up and up in recent years with inflation and energy costs going up. There’s no denying this is a very difficult thing to do and it will be difficult for people. It’s not something we came into government wanting to do at all.”

    Describing the deficit inherited by the previous government as “bigger than expected” Lucy went on to say: “There is this big black hole, it is significant. For this financial year, that’s the challenge.”

    Yet rather than shoot down the proposal for MP’s to turn down the heating allowance, instead Ms. Powell reiterated Labour’s stance on the blanket withdrawal of the winter fuel payment, by pointing out that the poorest pensioners shouldn’t be missing out, as she encouraged them to apply for pension credit instead, which would see the benefit reinstated.

    This wasn’t good enough for Conservative MP Graham Stuart, a former government minister who condemned Labour’s decision by arguing: “It’s taking £300 away from the very poorest pensioners.”

    He then went on to add: “The very poorest pensioners are not the pensioners on pension credit, very low income though they’ve got, it’s the people that are eligible for it – but that for one reason or another, don’t claim!” Express Premium Banner

    Shocking figures reveal 1.2m pensioners in poverty to be hit by fuel cuts

    The world’s top five strongest currencies – the UK pound doesn’t top the list

    Bear Approaches Woman At Bus Stop And Follows Her – Watch What Happened!Happy in Shape

    ‘World’s best pasta sauce’ recipe has just 3 ingredients says Italian chef

    James Martin shares the one ‘lifestyle change’ that helped him lose three stone

      
    by Taboola 
     

    Question Time fury as MPs urged to give up heating payments to help struggling pensioners

    BBC Question Time MP’s were urged to give up their £3500 winter fuel allowance, as thousands of pensioners face missing out on critical £300 payment this winter

    By Phoebe Tonks

    266

    Labour MP Lucy Powell

    Labour MP Lucy Powell was grilled about her party’s decision to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment (Image: BBC)

    Question Time viewers were quick to share their ire towards the government’s decision to cut the winter fuel payment for all but the poorest pensioners, as the show headed to Ashton-under-Lyne for the latest episode of the popular BBC political show.

    During the episode, one member of the audience was quick to draw attention to the plight of thousands of pensioners, who will now miss out on the £300 benefit each Winter to help combat the rising cost of heating their homes, by pointing out that over 570 MP’s themselves are entitled to claim a £3500 heating allowance each year.

    by Taboola
    Sponsored Link

    IQ above average? This game will challenge youHistory Strategy Game

    According to the viewer, if those MP’s, who themselves will typically receive a salary of £91,346, plus expenses each year, didn’t claim the allowance, then over 6,700 pensioners could be given the winter fuel benefit instead.

    This prompted them to ask: “How do you justify withdrawing the payment from pensioners?”

    First to respond was Leader of the House of Commons, Labour MP Lucy Powell, who started off by explaining it had been far from an easy decision for the government to make.

    Sponsored

    Koreadates

    Looking for a soulmate!

    by Taboola

    Get the latest politics news straight to your phoneJoin us on WhatsApp

    Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

    Conservative MP Graham Stuart,

    Conservative MP Graham Stuart took a far more critical view of Labour’s approach (Image: BBC)

    She said: “Obviously we pay heating in our homes like everybody else, and we’ve seen those costs going up and up and up in recent years with inflation and energy costs going up. There’s no denying this is a very difficult thing to do and it will be difficult for people. It’s not something we came into government wanting to do at all.”

    Describing the deficit inherited by the previous government as “bigger than expected” Lucy went on to say: “There is this big black hole, it is significant. For this financial year, that’s the challenge.”

    Yet rather than shoot down the proposal for MP’s to turn down the heating allowance, instead Ms. Powell reiterated Labour’s stance on the blanket withdrawal of the winter fuel payment, by pointing out that the poorest pensioners shouldn’t be missing out, as she encouraged them to apply for pension credit instead, which would see the benefit reinstated.

    This wasn’t good enough for Conservative MP Graham Stuart, a former government minister who condemned Labour’s decision by arguing: “It’s taking £300 away from the very poorest pensioners.”

    He then went on to add: “The very poorest pensioners are not the pensioners on pension credit, very low income though they’ve got, it’s the people that are eligible for it – but that for one reason or another, don’t claim!”

    Lib Dem MP Tim Farron,

    Lib Dem MP Tim Farron was also critical as he echoed concerns about pensioners missing out (Image: BBC)

    Meanwhile Lib Dem MP Tim Farron, also weighed in on the situation by pointing out one of the fatal flaws in Labour’s plan, which would see several pensioners struggling to heat their homes this winter, by earning too much money to qualify for pension credit, due to an extremely low earning threshold.

    “The problem is to get pension credit, there’s a really low threshold, or rather to miss out, is a really low threshold. So you can be on £12,800 a year – and you’re earning too much to get pension credit. So you’re on barely just over half the national minimum wage, and yet you’re deemed to be well off enough to cope without it. That is outrageous!”

    In a particularly poignant moment, Tim also made reference to some of his own constituents, as he said “Some of them will have to choose between heating and eating, and in some cases, they won’t be able to afford to do either.”

  • Loose Women co-star says Ruth has handled split with ‘dignity and pride’

    Loose Women co-star says Ruth has handled split with ‘dignity and pride’

    Coleen Nolan told of her admiration for the 64-year-old star who returned to the ITV daytime show in July after taking time off after split with husband.

    Ruth Langsford and Eamonn HolmesRuth Langsford has dealt with her split from husband Eamonn Holmes with ‘dignity and pride’, (Image: Getty)

    Ruth Langsford has dealt with her split from husband Eamonn Holmes with “dignity and pride”, says her LooseWomen co-star Coleen Nolan.

    Coleen told of her admiration for Ruth, 64, who returned to the ITV daytime show in July after taking time off amid the end of her 14-year marriage to Eamonn, also 64.

    The former Nolan Sisters star, 59, said: “Ruth and I keep in touch all the time. She’s back at work now, which is great because I really missed her.

    “I don’t want to say too much because it’s not my business to say Ruth’s life, but what I will say from a friend’s point of view is I’ve never met anyone that has handled something with so much dignity and pride.

    “She’s just such a lady, more of a lady than I’ll ever be. She’s been abso- lutely amazing, she really has.” Coleen said Ruth was doing well and had stayed “strong” during the split, refusing to speak out about it.

    Asked if she had given Ruth any advice, Coleen told Woman magazine: “I’ve given her advice but she doesn’t listen to me [laughs].

    “I’m going, ‘How can you not say anything?’ But I don’t need to give her advice. We send each other lovely memes and I’ll send her messages about staying strong and I’ll always send her a text asking how is she today or how she is doing.

    “I just love her and I’m in awe of how she’s handled everything. She’s so elegant and fabulous.”

    Ruth was left devastated last month after learning Eamonn is being consoled through the split by a younger woman.

    Relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, 42, has been on a number of dates with the GB News presenter in the past 12 months as well as being pictured at his home. The pair have more recently been on holiday together too.

    It is thought Eamonn and Ruth would like a divorce finalised in the coming months but there is understood to be a long way to go. Speaking at the TRIC awards in June, Eamonn said: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.”

    When asked about whether he and Ruth will continue to have a relationship of any kind, Eamonn added: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”

    Eamonn and Ruth met in 1997 when they were introduced by mutual friends and they then dated for over a decade before they wed in 2010.

    Before the split they had not been photographed together for two years.

  • Secret reason Kate Middleton takes her own photos of the Cambridge kids George, Charlotte and Louis

    Secret reason Kate Middleton takes her own photos of the Cambridge kids George, Charlotte and Louis

     

    Secret reason Kate Middleton takes her own photos of the Cambridge kids George, Charlotte and Louis

    When Princess Kate shared a heartwarming new photo of her eldest son Prince George to mark his birthday, the image received a flurry of praise from fans everywhere

    Princess Kate usually takes her own photographs of her family – including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – to help keep the paparazzi at a distance, an expert said.

    Princess of Wales, 42, has over the years snapped images of her children to mark milestones, such as birthdays, and ffans have praised her work. She has a keen interest in photography anyway but royal commentators believe Kate deliberately often does her family’s imagery.

    Camilla Tominey, the Telegraph’s Royal editor, has previously said: “The paparazzi – there’s no market anymore because the Duchess comes out with her own family photos and they’re far more valuable to the press than images taken at a long lense.

    “That’s how The Cambridges (as they were then known) are going to strike the balance, they’re going to give in order to receive a degree of privacy back.

    Kate Garraway chats at the NTAs 2024

    “Why would any newspapers or magazines want to run grainy long-lens images of the royals in private when they themselves are willing to serve up crystal clear Instagram-style shots?”

    Prince George, Charlotte and Louis
    Social media users say Prince Louis ‘looks like his father’ in this cute snap 
    Image:
    (Image: Kensington Palace))

    Prince George, Charlotte and Louis:
    Kate took this poignant image of her family several years ago 
    Image:
    (Image: GETTY))
    According to the Express, she continued: “Of course there still is, and always will be, a place for experienced lensmen and women to capture the big royal moments. However, it has always been these more candid camera shots that the public has craved.

    “When it comes to seeing the ‘real’ royals behind their public personas, the Duchess is fast becoming the monarchy’s leading chronicler of modern royal life.”

    Kate took an adorable snap of Prince George perched on a Land Rover back in 2021, which was seen as a touching tribute to his late great-grandfather Prince Philip who had a fondness for the vehicle.

    Kate shared heartfelt snaps for Charlotte and Louis’s birthdays in April and May respectively that same year. One picture captured Louis looking lively as he sat on a red children’s bike poised for his first day at nursery school.

    A photograph of young George stirred up a wave of adoration on social media, with numerous fans noting his growing resemblance to his father, Prince William.

    A fan exclaimed: “Happy birthday Prince George, looks more and more like his dad…delighted the Duke and Duchess released this beautiful photo despite the nasty trolling after the Euro Final, remember there is much more love than hate in the world x.”

    Another admirer effused: “I love how he is becoming his own self. He resembles his father more in this photo but has his mother’s eyes. He is such a blessing.”

    Joining in, another contributor remarked: “Awww Looks handsome and like his father.” Light-heartedly, another quipped: “Will dat u? ” attaching two photos comparing a young Prince William’s cheerful grin to George’s.

     

  • Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards rushed to help Sex Education star ‘kicked to the ground by police’

    Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards rushed to help Sex Education star ‘kicked to the ground by police’

    Loose Women star Brenda Edwards raced to help Sex Education star Reece Richards after he was allegedly kicked and pepper-sprayed by police officers

    Brenda Edwards rushed to West London to help Sex Education’s Reece Richards after he was allegedly kicked by officers in a heartbreaking incident.

    Reece, who stars as Eugene in the hit Netflix series, claims he was the “victim of an unlawful arrest and police misconduct” after he returned home from appearing in Hairspray the Musical on the West End. The incident, which took place in Fulham, West London, near the actor’s home in the early hours of September 4.

    The actor explained his mum, who watched the horrifying incident take place, phoned presenter Brenda for help. Brenda rushed to the scene and arrived 20 minutes later, at which point the police officer’s “attitude” allegedly “shifted”.

    On Instagram, Reece explained: “I had just finished performing in Hairspray the Musical when a car crashed near me. Two men – one White and one Asian – jumped out; one started running in one direction, and the other ran toward me where I stood with my suitcase. Realising the police were chasing them, I shouted: “He ran down there, officer,” and pointed out the direction they fled. Despite hearing me, the officer shouted that I was under arrest and demanded I get on the ground. I was confused, unable to understand why I was suddenly being treated like a criminal. Calmly, I explained that I was a performer returning from a show, but one officer yelled, ‘Get to the floor or I’ll pepper spray you.’”

    Reece Richards, who portrayed Eugene on Netflix's Sex Education, claims he was the "victim of an unlawful arrest and police misconduct" in Fulham, West London, on September 4
    Reece starred in Sex Education and You on Netflix

    Reece continued: “Moments later, three more officers ran at me. They pepper-sprayed me, kicked my legs out from under me, threw me to the round and handcuffed me. In a flash, I was face-down on the pavement with multiple officers holding me down, forcing my head into the ground. I was already injured from the show, but having four officers on top of me worsened my injuries to my back, ribs and stomach.

    “I couldn’t see anything, but I could hear my mum nearby, screaming and crying, begging them to let me go. Although I couldn’t see her, her distress was clear, so I asked her to call Brenda Edwards, the director of Hairspray, a family friend and well-known daytime TV host. Brenda arrived around 20 minutes later, and immediately the officers’ attitude shifted. After reviewing body cam footage, they agreed to release me.

    “That feeling of helplessness will never leave me. I’ve been stopped and searched before, but never have I been arrested or treated like this. Witnesses have told me that the culprits were also handcuffed but were not pepper-sprayed.”

    The actor explained he was “on FaceTime with some of my cast from Hairspray” at the time and found the whole experience “embarrassing, deeply upsetting and exhausting”. He also revealed he has lodged formal complaints with the IPOC and the Met Police.

    Hairspray UK shared their support of Reece on Instagram in a statement, which read: “We stand in full support and solidarity with Reece Richards, a valued member of our cast who was wrongfully targeted by the MET Police whilst making his way home after a performance of Hairspray The Musical. We strongly condemn any form of racism and discrimination. We are in close contact with Reece and are offering him our full support during this difficult time.”

    A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media of a man being detained in the Fulham area. Officers often find themselves in dynamic, challenging situations and have to make split-second judgements on which course of action to take. Officers had been pursuing three men who had run out of a car that had crashed in Fulham Palace Road after it failed to stop for police.

    “It is clear the man shown in the footage was an innocent bystander and he was dearrested as soon as this was established by officers at the scene. All officers know any use of force must be proportionate and reasonable and they understand their actions will be scrutinised. A complaint has been received in relation to his arrest.

    “This is currently being assessed by officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), along with other material including the officers’ body-worn video footage. None of the officers involved are subject to restrictions at this time.”

  • Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan fumes ‘don’t care’ as Huw Edwards called ‘vulnerable’ by co-star

    Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan fumes ‘don’t care’ as Huw Edwards called ‘vulnerable’ by co-star

    During the latest instalment of ITV daytime show Loose Women, the panel discussed Huw Edwards’ sentencing and TV star Coleen Nolan shared her honest thoughts on the disgraced BBC presenter

    BBC star Huw Edwards was given a six-month suspended prison sentence earlier this week after admitting to accessing indecent images of children.

    The 63-year-old former News At Ten presenter was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday (September 16) where the court heard how he paid up to £1,500 to a paedophile for the 41 illegal photos.
    He was handed a six-month suspended sentence after previously admitting three charges of “making” indecent photographs.

    Chief Magistrate Paul ­Goldspring also put the disgraced broadcaster on the sex offender register for seven years and he was ordered to attend a sex offender treatment scheme.

    Following the news that Edwards has avoided prison, people have been left outraged. Speaking about the verdict on Loose Women on Tuesday (September 17), panelist Coleen Nolan confessed that she was deeply shocked.

    Huw Edwards was given a six-month suspended prison sentence
    Huw Edwards was given a six-month suspended prison sentenceShe commented: “I was so shocked when it all came out, then the sentence that he got yesterday was just, I was absolutely speechless about it. I thought, well if they can’t use someone, and it was such a high profile case, I thought this is the perfect time now to make an example of this will not be tolerated at all. What message is that putting out to any child abuser or paedophile? It’s absolutely shocking.”

    Sharing her thoughts, TV star Janet Street-Porter highlighted that Huw Edwards’ mental health was shaky.

    Coleen confessed she was shocked over the verdict
    Coleen confessed she was shocked over the verdict
    Although she agreed with what Coleen had said, Janet added: “At the same time, it’s this idea of making an example of someone. What we’ve seen in the last few weeks is the government quickly changed the law so that the rioters, the people who went mad on our streets in August, were quickly dealt with.

    “Some of them received custodial sentences for what previously would’ve been a slap on the wrist, a big fine or public service, hundreds of them have received custodial sentences. I’m weighing that against this and I’m thinking at the end of the day, what would be gained by putting Huw Edwards in jail?”

    Janet's comments didn't go down well with her co-stars
    Janet’s comments didn’t go down well with her co-starsCutting in host Ruth Langsford told Janet it would bring justice to the victims. Janet added: “Justice for the victims but he would be very vulnerable.”

    However, it seemed her comments did not go down well with her co-stars as Coleen shouted: “Don’t care! Don’t care, good.”

    Co-star Brenda Edwards added: “Sorry, but I can’t. The word vulnerable, there are vulnerable children, seven years old being taken advantage of, he’s an adult who a lot of people trusted.”

  • Loose Women’s GK Barry details off-air moment with co-star and admits she was ‘nervous’

    Loose Women’s GK Barry details off-air moment with co-star and admits she was ‘nervous’

    Loose Women star GK Barry has opened up about her time on the ITV chat show and revealed she was left “nervous” before she made her debut on the panel

    GK Barry has spilled the beans on a touching behind-the-scenes moment with her Loose Women colleague before her first appearance.

    The TikTok sensation, better known as Grace Keeling, made a splashy entrance onto the ITV stage last month, quickly winning over viewers with her charm. Despite her seemingly effortless demeanour while discussing hot topics with the other panellists, Grace was actually battling nerves before stepping into the spotlight.

    She has revealed what it’s really like to be part of the popular daytime programme. She enthused about her experience, saying: “I have absolutely loved doing Loose Women.”

    Grace admitted to feeling jittery initially but praised the warmth and support from everyone on set. She shared a special mention for Denise, who she knew beforehand, saying: “Denise has been amazing as I knew her before. So, she was really lovely,” reports the Daily Star.

    GK Barry
    Coleen Nolan helped ease her nerves 
    Image:
    GK Barry/Instagram)

    GK Barry
    The blonde bombshell admitted she was “nervous” before she walked on stage 
    Image:
    Kate Green/Getty Images)
    She also recounted how Coleen played a part in easing her anxiety: “Everyone I have met on the show has been great. I was sat next to Coleen for the first show, and I said to her that I was nervous.”

    Coleen’s reassuring conversation was just what Grace needed to settle her nerves: “She had this lovely chat with me, and it really helped calm my nerves.”

    The celebrity explained that producers encouraged her to showcase her lively personality on the show, even if it meant speaking her mind without restraint. When questioned about the guidance she received prior to filming, she shared: “I was just told to be myself from the first episode and that’s what I have done.”

    She also mentioned that she hasn’t received any reprimands yet and is scheduled to make another appearance on the ITV show later this month.

    The TV personality expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the show, stating: “I really enjoyed doing the show and I’m back on later this month.” This news coincides with her collaboration with Tequila Rose for their upcoming Pink Gala event.

    Tequila Rose Brand Manager Sophie McLeay expressed her excitement, saying: “We are super excited to be painting Manchester pink and throwing our first ever Tequila Rose Pink Gala. Grace is the perfect host to wrap up our endless pink summer, with a night of elegance, glamour and of course THE PINK DRINK.

    “To honour our brand fans, we have released an exclusive competition to give members of the public a chance to win tickets to the pinkest event of the year.”

  • Isla Fisher wows Loose Women viewers with youthful looks as they can’t believe her age

    Isla Fisher wows Loose Women viewers with youthful looks as they can’t believe her age

    Viewers of ITV’s Loose Women joked the Hollywood actress hasn’t changed since the 90s and her Home and Away debut

    Hollywood actress Isla Fisher wowed viewers of Loose Women after appearing not to have aged a day since she began her acting career in the 90s.

    The 46-year-old actress, who is known for her roles in films like Wedding Crashers and Confessions of a Shopaholic, stunned as she appeared alongside ITV panellists Charlene White, Brenda Edwards, Judi Love and Kelle Bryan on Thursday’s show.

    Isla appeared on the programme to discuss her new children’s book, Mazy Movie Star and was asked about ageing in the entertainment industry and Hollywood pressures, but the star quickly joked not to call her ‘old’.

    Isla Fisher
    Actress Isla Fisher stunned viewers with her ‘ageless’ appearance on Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)
    As she took her place on the panel, Isla also revealed she is a huge fan of the show. She explained: “I love all the debate and strong women, I just love it!”

    Whilst Isla spoke on TV, viewers at home all had the same thought about the redheaded actress.

    They couldn’t get over her age, and were shocked to find out she’s 46.

    Isla Fisher on Loose Women
    Isla Fisher joked with panellists not to call her ‘old’ 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    One viewer tweeted: “Isla Fisher is 46!!! #LooseWomen She looks 15 years younger!”

    Another agreed, as they wrote: “Isla Fisher does not age!”

    “Isla Fisher still absolutely beautiful,” said a third.

    The star has been married to comedic actor Sacha Baron Cohen since 2010, and the couple share three children.

    Husband Sacha was the reason Isla turned away from small roles in romantic films and series, which were proving tricky to pin down, and instead turned her hand to comedy.

    Isla Fisher in Home and Away
    Actress Isla Fisher made her acting debut in Home and Away in the 1990s at 18 years old 
    Image:
    ITV)Isla revealed to the panel: “I was an unsuccessful actor in Hollywood and I was auditioning for a lot of dramatic roles and he was the one who said ‘You’re so funny. You should be doing comedy.’

    “So I told my agent and and I went for Wedding Crashers and it opened so many doors for me.”

  • Linda Robson stuns as she admits she’s never undressed in front of husband in 33 years

    Linda Robson stuns as she admits she’s never undressed in front of husband in 33 years

    Loose Women star Linda Robson shocked her fellow panellists today as she admitted she has never undressed in front of her husband in over three decades

    Linda Robson has never been undressed in front of her husband of three decades.

    The Loose Women star, 64, stunned her fellow panellists – Janet Street Porter, Jane Moore and Coleen Nolan today – as she admitted she had never stripped off in front of her husband Mark Dunford in the thirty years they’ve been together.

    Linda married Mark in 1990 and together they share Louis, 30, and Robert, 26.

    Linda – who also has daughter Lauren, 39, with her long time partner Tony Tyler – was chatting about intimacy in later life with Coleen also on hand to discuss sex in later life too.

    Linda admitted she had never undressed in front of her husband of 30 plus years
    Linda admitted she had never undressed in front of her husband of 30 plus years 
    Image:
    ITV)

    As the group spoke candidly about their love lives in the bedroom, Linda admitted: “I’ve never undressed in front of my husband. My mum is Catholic and we never saw her undressed – I go in the bathroom.

    “My kids have seen me undressed but my husband hasn’t.”

    Coleen also chatted about her sex life, explaining how she “missed the intimacy” when she was single for a number of years and never thought she’d be intimate with someone again as she was “too embarrassed” to be naked in front of someone.

    Linda has been married to Mark for over 30 years
    Linda has been married to Mark for over 30 years 
    Image:
    WireImage)

    Linda made the admission on Loose Women today
    Linda made the admission on Loose Women today 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    “After spending four or five years on my own I never thought I’d have sex again. I missed the intimacy, but I’ve always had low self esteem when it comes to my body, it was too embarrassing to be naked in front of someone. Then I did and it was fabulous. I’ve got a different mindset, I go ‘this is it, take it or leave it’ – luckily they’re taking it… and leaving it sometimes!” she recalled.

    Meanwhile, Linda previously opened up about how her social media addiction nearly ended her marriage.

    Speaking in 2021, she said: “It is really addictive. I was addicted to social media, do you remember? I wouldn’t go anywhere without my phone. I’d wake up in the middle of the night and be looking at social media.

    Linda with Janet Street-Porter and Kerry Katona on Loose Women today
    Linda with Janet Street-Porter and Kerry Katona on Loose Women today 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

    “I mean, it nearly ended my marriage because we’d be sitting watching a film and I’d be on my phone. He would be like, ‘Are you going to watch with me or not?’ and then he’d go out.”

    During another frank chat about technology, Linda admitted someone else now handles her social media as she felt like she needed to reply to everyone, whilst the other person only replies where its important to do so.

    “I’ve done that, I’ve actually given my daughter Bobbie the role of taking on my social media. She doesn’t feel like she has to answer everybody where I feel like I have to answer every single person,” she said.