King Charles and Queen Camilla have revealed they sent David Beckham a rather lavish gift for his recent 50th birthday after their two sons found ‘common ground’
Beckham has a close bond with senior members of The Royal Family(Image: Getty Images)
David Beckham thanked King Charles and Queen Camilla for their rather surprising birthday present. The former Manchester United legend celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this month amidst an ongoing family feud. While David’s famous family pulled together for the occasion, his eldest son, Brooklyn, failed to attend any of the three celebrations.
It was recently claimed that Brooklyn, 26, and his wife, Nicola Peltz, 30, met with Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, at their home in Montecito, California, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex offering their support to the Peltz-Beckhams following the family fall-out. But while the Beckham’s and the royals have had a long-standing friendship, it appears that the King and Queen are showing their support to David.
The 50-year-old attended the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday alongside the likes of Alan Titchmarsh. While attending the regal event, Beckham was seen sporting a rose as a buttonhole, and it has since emerged that the flower has a very royal connection.
King Charles was overheard asking David if he had received his birthday gift(Image: Getty Images)
The King, 76, was heard asking David if he had received the recent gift for his birthday after they met on an official line-up. “You got it, didn’t you?” the Monarch asked. David responded: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
Just moments later, Queen Camilla met Beckham and commented: “Nice to see you again, glad you got the roses.” The footballer told Her Majesty that he had a “perfect” but “busy weekend,” adding it was “a lot of fun.” Beckham’s rose, a King’s Rose was named in honour of the King who has never shied away from discussing his love for horticulture.
The meeting comes after the King’s second son, Prince Harry, offered David and Victoria Beckham’s eldest son his “unwavering support” following the Beckham feud. It’s reported Nicola and former Suits actress Meghan found “common ground” over allegations of their apparently similar story of allegedly helping to split famous families.
Queen Camilla noted that the gift appeared to be roses(Image: PA)
A source told Mail Online: “Brooklyn knows how hurt David and Victoria were when Harry and Meghan accused them of briefing stories about them. David, who is very mild-mannered, was absolutely furious.”
They added: “Brooklyn was very much around and spending a lot of time with his parents when this all happened. It was over five years ago but the upset and dislike is still very much there.
“Victoria was especially good to Meghan in the beginning, and it all got thrown back in her face.” David and Victoria are believed to have fallen out with Meghan and Harry in the past, despite once appearing close with the footballer and former Spice Girl even attending their wedding seven years ago.
It comes after Brooklyn and his wife Nicola allegedly spent time with Harry and Meghan at their home in Montecito
The Sun, however, claims that Peltz-Beckham and Sussex’s dinner had been arranged prior to Brooklyn’s fall-out with his family. A source told the outlet that it was an “unexpected invite” for Brooklyn and Nicola, who were described as feeling “pretty battle-wounded,” but was “gratefully received”. The source said that Prince Harry and Meghan were “very kind” and “empathetic” to their guests.
The source added: “Harry was fully aware of the situation and offered Brooklyn his unwavering support as someone who has been through similar.” They added: “Nicola and Meghan also had a bit of a ‘deep [and] meaningful’ [chat] as obviously both women have been positioned in the media as home-wreckers – the women to tear apart their husbands’ families.”
Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry are reportedly keen to build on the friendship they share with Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz amid their feud with the Beckhams
Harry and Meghan have a new set of friends(Image: WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle is reportedly keen to build on her friendship with Nicola Peltz. The Duchess of Sussex and her husband Prince Harry are said to be keen to develop a ‘US Fab Four’ with Nicola and her husband Brooklyn Beckham.
Brooklyn and Nicola have hit the headlines recently amid a feud with his parents David and Victoria Beckham. Sources claimed to The Mirror that Nicola and Brooklyn were “devastated” not to see his parents on a recent trip to London.
“Nicola encourages Brooklyn to see his family and is usually the reason Brooklyn does see his family. They are both devastated,” a source said, “They cannot believe that Victoria & David refused to see them privately after they travelled all the way to London specifically to try to repair the relationship. As parents, it’s shocking that Victoria & David are behaving this way… instead of privately discussing the issue. Victoria and David (appear to) have no interest in finding a solution that works for everyone.”
Brooklyn Beckham and wife Nicola Peltz are keen to maintain their friendship with Harry and Meghan
However, now, Meghan and Nicola are reportedly keen to create a new “power alliance”.
A source told Closer magazine of the pair’s new bond: “The Sussexes are looking to really build on this friendship, and all of them see huge potential for it to evolve into a ‘US Fab Four’.
“Creating this new power alliance is a big slap in the face for David, Victoria and the royals – but the four have zero qualms or regrets about that because they all feel like they’ve been so badly wronged.”
The source added of the pair’s plans: “As far as they’re all concerned, teaming up and finding solidarity in adversity is a no-brainer. And if they can get a sense of revenge in the process, then that’s all the better.”
Things are said to not be great between David and Prince Harry, with the Duke of Sussex said to have asked David to be an ambassador for the Invictus Games. However, it was claimed that Harry didn’t see David at the event in Sydney in 2018 and it had been claimed that Harry was keeping his friend at arms’ length because Meghan feared Victoria was leaking stories about her
It was later reported that Brooklyn and his wife Nicola attended a dinner party at Meghan and Harry’s Montecito mansion just days after Brooklyn missed his dad David’s 50th birthday celebrations in London.
Sources claimed the invite was an “unexpected” but they gratefully received it after feeling “battle-wounded” by the family feud between the Beckhams, whilst Victoria and David are said to have “shuddered in horror” over the “new friendship”.
Meghan and Harry’s reps declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.
Ruth Langsford made a major step in public to move on from her marriage to Eamonn Holmes almost a year after the duo shocked fans by announcing they had ended their marriage of 14 years
Ruth Langsford ditched her wedding ring(Image: Copyright (c) 2025 Shutterstock Editorial. No use without permission.)
Ruth Langsford has finally ditched her wedding ring almost a year after her shock split from husband Eamonn Holmes. The pair, who had been married for 14 years, stunned fans last year when they announced they had called it quits.
And while Eamonn, 65, quickly moved on with his new partner, Katie Alexander, 43, Ruth, 65, seemed to be taking things slower. She previously revealed she was still wearing the band “because I am still married”.
But it appears that now, nearly a year since their May 25, 2024 split announcement, she has decided the time is right the remove the ring. Fans noticed her bare ring finger on Monday’s edition of Loose Women on ITV.
Ruth wasn’t wearing her ring on Loose Women(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
It comes as the presenter has been enjoying quality time with her pals and is said to be realising there is “life after Eamonn Holmes”. It’s claimed she has now vowed to have fun in life a year since the decision.
A source told OK!: “Ruth has had a tough year – but actually, she’s realised a lot of unexpected positives have come out of it. She’s really coming into her own now and is putting the heartache behind her.”
They added: “She’s learnt how to let her hair down and about the power of friendship – you learn who your friends are when you have a year from hell, and she has people around her who love and support her.
“It’s not what she would have wanted, of course it’s not. Divorce wasn’t in her grand life plan. But she’s realising that there’s a brilliant, exciting life after Eamonn. She’s really put the work in on herself, and she is looking amazing after her glow-up! It’s been heartbreaking, but now she’s excited about the future.”
Ruth and Eamonn announced their split last year(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Earlier this month, Eamonn was rushed to hospital after suffering a fall. He took to social media to share the image of him in the back of an emergency vehicle.
The GB News presenter has been open about his health woes in recent years and took to Instagram to share the incident. The image saw Eamonn wearing a pair of black Croc-style shoes with a blanket over his legs as he’s strapped to a gurney inside the emergency vehicle.
He said in the caption of the upload: “An unexpected journey this morning ….. bit of a fall on the bathroom floor. Gosh it hurts . Thank you Ambulance crew.” He also added four clapping emojis to his comment.
Eamonn has previously been seen using a wheelchair or on crutches due to suffering chronic back pain, which was caused by a dislocated pelvis. Eamonn also has two slipped disc and later underwent surgery.
However, he suffered a setback when he fell down the stairs while recovering, which led to a broken shoulder. Eamonn also had a spine and neck procedure in 2023, but revealed he still suffers from pain which sometimes leaves him having sleepless nights.
The actress is a devoted grandmother to her two granddaughters, but has admitted she has ‘struggled’ with a particular issue as she’s asked for help
Linda spoke about the generational divide with her teen granddaughter
Linda Robson has opened up on the Loose Women podcast about the important role grandparents have in caring for grandchildren. The 67-year-old actress didn’t hold back her feelings.
She said: “I love having my grandchildren more than anything else in the world, I love them more than my children.” After being away for work, Linda added: “I really, really missed them. So as soon as we got back, that was the first people that I went to see. After the dog, obviously, because Dolly Parton needs me.”
The Loose Women panelist also spoke about the generational divide with her teen granddaughter. She said: “Lila in particular, because she’s 13 now, so she’s got a phone, and now there’s no sort of conversation with her anymore.”
Linda observed how technology has changed their interactions during sleepovers when Lila stayed over. “I had them, they stayed overnight, and at one o’clock in the morning, her Snapchat was still going”, reports Yorkshire Live.
Linda opened up on the Loose Women podcast about her family(Image: ITV1)
Linda has opened up about the evolving relationship with her granddaughters, noting how their interests have diverged over time: “When they were younger, the pair of them, we could do lots of things together, go to the cinema and everything. Now Lila’s got her own little group of friends, so she wants to be out with them all the time. So I’ve struggled with that really.”
However, Linda’s experience is quite different with her other granddaughter. She said: “Betsy’s happy to be with me 24 hours a day.” She admits to being more relaxed than their mother Lauren when it comes to technology use, finding it hard to enforce strict rules on phone and laptop usage.
Sunday night’s Britain’s Got Talent semi final saw a surprise appearance from Davina McCall, accusations of satanism, and conversation turned political
The Britain’s Got Talent judges slammed politicians for failing the Post Office subpostmasters that were wrongfully penalised after faulty technology was introduced to track and monitor books. On Sunday night, the Hear Our Voice choir, made up of people affected by the Post Office scandal, took to the stage.
The group performed to huge cheers from the live studio audience, and impressed judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden. Following the emotional performance, the judges hit out at politicians both from the past and present day for failing the subpostmasters.
The scandal centred around the Horizon computer system that the Tony Blair Labour government introduced to be used at the Post Office, leading many subpostmasters to be penalised and given criminal records after the faulty technology wrongfully recorded financial records for Post Office outlets.
Tragically, some subpostmasters even took their lives as the pressure of being wrongfully accused of theft became too much. The scandal was dramatised in the award-winning ITV miniseries Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Bruno addressed the Hear Our Voice choir and said: “It comes from my heart, the ordeal, the injustice you’ve been subjected to is unimaginable. The power that be, whoever they are, make it right, right now, it cannot go on forever, it’s totally ridiculous.”
The Britain’s Got Talent judges slammed politicians for failing Post Office workers over the Horizon scandal(Image: ITV)
Alesha called for Bruno to be made Prime Minister following his comments and added she was “thrilled” that the group had one another for support. While Amanda said: “You turn something so awful, such a traumatic experience, into something so joyful. If Keir Starmer wants to do something and make a difference as a Prime Minister, do it now!”
Head judge Cowell then shared his own anger over the scandal – and suggested politicians of the past have a lot to answer for. He said: “I’m not being political here. I think the people (in power) at the time were disgusting to you. And the fact is, this is still an ongoing story, and I really hope that this performance reminds people that there are still thousands of people out there who need justice.
Amanda went on to issue a direct plea to Prime Minister Keir Starmer(Image: ITV/Britains Got Talent)
“And actually, seriously, they should watch the drama, which I did again, because this story is horrendous, and I have so much admiration for all of you, every one of you, for coming out here and turning something genuinely miserable into something, I suppose, positive, and is keeping your story alive, which is really, really important.”
The group were then voted through to the live final following votes from the public – with the group leaping for joy on stage as the result was revealed. One member of the group told host Ant McPartlin: “Thank you judges. Thank you to the families. And thank you to the public.”
Comedian Joseph Charm was awarded the latest Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer(Image: ITV)
During Sunday night’s show, Joseph Charm certainly charmed Alesha – as he was rewarded with her golden buzzer. A change of rules for the 2025 season of ITV’s long-running talent show has seen semi final shows aired once per week instead of every night in the lead up to a grand final.
And the four judges have been granted a golden buzzer to send one semi final hopeful straight to the live final. On Sunday, Alesha has the power to send someone straight through – and she picked out 32-year-old comedian Joseph.
After cracking amusing jokes about shopping at the supermarket amid the cost of living crisis, Alesha brought his mum on stage and had her help bash the golden buzzer. As uplifting music and golden glitter erupted over the stage, Joseph clutched his face in disbelief.
He told the crowd: “It’s been exactly a year today since I left my job to pursue this dream. So here I am. Thank you, God. Thank you, everyone.”
Earlier in the show, Davina McCall paid tribute to Amanda for being a true friend and caring for her following her brain surgery last year. Magic act TK took to the stage roughly halfway through the show to perform for the judges. As part of his performance, he asked Amanda to pick a random number out of 10 that related to a list of mystery celebrities.
She picked number six, and Davina was discovered as the star face behind the number. TK then asked Amanda to FaceTime Davina to include her in his act. The elaborate card trick saw Davina pick a six of diamonds from a deck – and TK then revealed he had given audience members large boards before the show began.
Ordering the audience to life up the cards, it showed a photo of Davina alongside a six of diamonds card. After taking part in the trick, hosts Ant and Dec thanked Davina for taking part – but before she hung up, she issued an emotional statement about her friend Amanda.
With Amanda’s phone held above a microphone, the My Mum, Your Dad host said: “I just very quickly say thank you to Amanda Holden who, after my operation, made the schlep all the way down the country to come to see me. And I really, really appreciate you. Thank you so much.”
Joseph’s mum helped Alesha Dixon hit the golden buzzer(Image: ITV)
Last year, Davina was taken to hospital after a tumour was found growing on her brain. She underwent surgery in November 2024 for the benign tumour- which was specifically a colloid cyst.
Elsewhere in the show, BGT fans accused the show of encouraging satanism after dance group IDOLLS left some viewers scared out of their wits.
With the show airing on a Sunday, some viewers were alarmed to see a haunting performance. Japanese dance troupe IDOLLS wore victorian era outfits and painted their faces deathly white as they showed off their dance skills in front of judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden.
With zombie-esque moves and ice-cold contact lenses on their eyes, the performance had a creepy edge to it. Taking to X, one viewer hit out at the performance, writing: “Some genuine satanism on #BGT, the devil is not hiding his face anymore. Gross and creepy.”
Amanda Holden called Davina McCall during the penultimate BGT semi final show of 2025(Image: ITV)
Another viewer simply wrote: “I’m scared #BGT.” While a conflicted viewer wrote: “They are good but the IDOLLS freak me out…”
Other viewers loved the dance routine – even the scary parts. One typed on X: “The jump scare was a brilliant bit of choreo. Dance acts are so frequent on this show, but none like them #BGT” – alongside clapping hands emojis.
Another wrote: “An actual entertaining dance act for a change #bgt #britainsgottalent.” And another satisfied viewer typed: “Loved that from Idolls – very refreshing and totally different. I love this kind of thing very creepy and hauntingly brilliant #BGT.”
Japanese dancers IDOLLS thrilled and chilled viewers on Britain’s Got Talent(Image: ITV)
Head judge Simon Cowell was thrilled by the performance and gushed: “I’ve always wanted dancing vampires to win this show” – before adding that the act stood with a chance after wowing the judges and live studio audience.
Similarly, Amanda Holden also urged viewers to vote for the act as she agreed she wanted to see them in the final. She gushed: “It was eerie. They are dolls. I believed them, Simon. It was sort of murderous and chaotic and eerie and absolutely brilliant. And you are on first, as Alesha said, a great opener. I hope people don’t forget about you by the end of the show. They need to vote.”
After TK performed his magic trick that included an unexpected FaceTime call involving Davina McCall, many viewers took to X to slam the ITV show for having a performance that many felt was a “fix”. Viewers were unconvinced that Davina was not pre-warned that Amanda would call her during the course of the show.
The judges were stunned by the performance(Image: ITV)
And there were also suspicions that the cards being picked could also have been decided in advance. One unconvinced viewer wrote on X: “#BGT That was set up we aren’t idiots.” Another unimpressed viewer wrote: “Dreadful. So uncomfortable watching him. Obvs staged that Davina would pick up. Shame Davina’s picture went wrong with her teeth in the wrong slot. #bgt.”
Another baffled fan picked up on a strange comment Simon made during the live show, typing: “Why did Simon say ‘It’s not live’ to Davina? If it was a joke to Davina, it’s one that reflects badly on the act as you know you’ll get ‘pre-recorded fix’ accusations from that. #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”
Others were impressed with the act, with one writing: “I never really watch Britain’s Got Talent. This is probably the first time I’ve seen it in years. HOWEVER – that magician on just now – TK – may well have just performed one of the greatest tricks I’ve ever seen on live tv. Wow!! #BGT.”
Others wished TK had asked Simon to call a friend, rather than Amanda, with one writing: “#BGT #BritainsGotTalent I wouldn’t have picked Davina McCall. I’d have picked Margot Robbie, or Sandra Bullock… Let’s see Cowell pay for that Facetime call.”
Some fans thought a sketch involving Davina McCall was ‘fixed’(Image: ITV)
And another teased: “I would have asked Simon to FaceTime David Walliams #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”
Sunday marked the penultimate semi-final show of the 2025 season of Britain’s Got Talent, with six acts already through to the grand final. Singer Vinnie McKee was the first to be voted by the public to make to the final – while dancers The Blackouts were the first golden buzzer group to make it to the final.
Singer Stacey Leadbeatter and tabel tennis themed dancers Ping Pong Pang have also been voted to the final by viewers. While guitar playing child singer Olly Pearson and opera singing drag queen Jasmine Rice also received golden buzzers to go to the final.
Child magician Teddy Magic was due to perform during the first semi-final of the season – but withdrew seconds before he was due on stage. He later withdrew from the competition altogether – with his parents hopeful the eight-year-old can return for a future season of the show.
There are concerns for Britain’s Got Talent’s future, however, as the show has been losing viewers for the second year in a row. Viewing figures have revealed the show has dropped to less than 6 million viewers per episode – however, the series has pulled in a larger audience compared to some BBC shows it has gone up against.
Former Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts, who won the show in 2007, has exclusively opened up about his time on the show and what life was like in the contestant’s hotel
ITV Britain’s Got Talent winner reveals what really happens in the contestants’ hotel(Image: ITV)
Britain’s Got Talent sensation Paul Potts has dished the dirt on what life was like behind the scenes at the contestant’s hotel. The opera singer, who wowed audiences and judges alike in 2007, opened up about his experience on the talent show and the camaraderie among contestants.
The BGT icon shared: “There were quite a few really strong acts like Damon Scott, who brought a lot of fun to the show. We actually had a real sense of community among us. The hotel we stayed in helped with that. It was a nice place to unwind, and we were lucky to have a good setup where we could relax after performing.”
Paul Potts has dished the dirt on what life was like behind the scenes (Image: ITV)
Paul also revealed how the contestants would “support each other” throughout their time on the show, creating a supportive atmosphere within the hotel, reports the Daily Star.
Potts remarked: “There’s usually a really strong sense of camaraderie, because everyone’s in the same boat. For us, we were all staying at a hotel in North London, and we’d sit together watching the audition rounds and supporting each other.
“I’m sure that kind of bond still happens now. You might get one or two acts who are a bit more competitive and keep to themselves, but honestly, if you do that, you miss out on so much.”
He previously won the talent competition(Image: ITV)
Since clinching the title on the inaugural series of Britain’s Got Talent with his stunning performance of Nessun Dorma, Paul has become well-versed in the world of hotels during his subsequent tours.
In one instance, a pre-show mishap left him without an outfit due to a hotel mix-up: “I was really fortunate [when I was on the show] because they actually sent me to a West End tailor, and they made me a tuxedo.
“Unfortunately, it ended up getting shrunk by a hotel dry cleaner in New Zealand, not ideal! Buying off the peg has always been a bit awkward for me, not just because of my size, but because I’ve got quite short arms and leg so I usually have to get sleeves altered or I look like I’ve borrowed someone else’s suit.”
Paul recently blasted the Golden Buzzer rules on Britain’s Got Talent and called for them to be changed to make the competition fairer.
The famous Golden Buzzer can be pressed by a judge or host when they want a particular act to go straight through to the live shows, meaning they skip past the boot camp stage of the competition, automatically giving them a head start.
Saying it “takes the shine off the show”, the 53-year-old shared: “The more they put through on the Golden Buzzer, the less spots available in the semi-final, so it does take the shine off the Golden Buzzer a little bit..”
He continued in an interview with Sky Bingo: “It’s awkward for the judges because of course they haven’t seen all the acts, so they have to decide, do I use it now? Or do they end up giving it to someone who may not have deserved it as much. If it ends up being left to the last show, they might end up giving it to someone who may not have deserved it as much as someone else.
Strictly Come Dancing competitor Saffron Barker has shared her horror road trip to Las Vegas after her rental car was targeted by ‘armed’ thieves who stole all her possessions
Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker has shared her horror road trip to Las Vegas after her rental car was broken into and all of her possessions were stolen. It came shortly after the star was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.
Saffron set off on the road trip with her boyfriend, model Josh Miln, however things took a turn for the worst when the couple decided to stop off. Upon returning to their vehicle, they found it “smashed up” and completely empty.
Terrifyingly, the couple were later told by police that two of the culprits were armed, as they told fans they were “grateful to be alive.”
Taking to her TikTok, the 24-year-old explained the terrifying events to her followers. In the video, Saffron was doing her make-up as she began: “Get ready with me while I tell you why I can’t leave the US and everything I had with me is completely stolen.”
Saffron opened up about the terrifying road trip with her followers(Image: @saffronbarker/TikTok)
The star then told her followers that the trip hadn’t gone to plan, and before the ordeal she “suffered the worst pain I’ve ever suffered in my life.” The star then held back tears as she revealed she’d just received “the sweetest message” while recording this.
Getting into the horrific story, Saffron explained how she went on a road trip with her boyfriend, model Josh Miln. However, things took a turn two hours in when the couple stopped off at a diner. However, when they returned to their rented Jeep – they found the car had been “completely smashed up.”
Everything they had with them inside the car was taken, including their passports and Saffron’s medication. Josh then appeared in the back of the video, telling his girlfriend’s followers that their “hearts sunk” when they realised what had happened. “We were both just devastated,” he said.
Saffron then continued by saying they were “so grateful” they hadn’t gone out there at the time. “They have guns and stuff in America; something worse could have happened.”
Saffron and Josh set off on a road trip which turned into a disaster(Image: @saffronbarker/TikTok)
“Our parents keep saying ‘you should be grateful you guys are still alive,’” Josh chimed in.
Things got even worse for the couple as the influencer claimed the “hotel didn’t care less” and the couple were “left to feel like criminals” as they weren’t allowed to check into the hotel without physical ID.
Josh then revealed: “The house got robbed recently as well,” as his girlfriend added: “I wasn’t going to mention that part, but yeah.”
Updating fans on their current situation, the YouTuber said: “We’re currently waiting to get emergency passports, we have to drive back to LA, but then our flights are out of Vegas so we have to drive back again. But we absolutely won’t be stopping!”
The star shared a terrifying update after filming the video, as she penned in the caption: “Update- since filming, Police have told us two of them were armed. So grateful to have you by my side though @Josh Miln the most important thing.”
The couple were flooded with support in the comments, as one fan penned: “Someone’s got an evil eye on you girl. I’m so sorry you’ve gone through this,” as a second penned: “I’m so sorry this has all happened to you but hopefully it means great things are round the corner. Keep your head up!!!”
Saffron Barker began her career on YouTube in 2015 and has amassed over 2 million followers since. She rose to mainstream prominence in 2019 when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing.
The star was partnered with professional dancer AJ Pritchard, with the couple finishing in 10th place.
Austrian singer JJ took the Eurovision crown after a night of protest as the UK’s entry Remember Monday came 19th
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest winner has finally been confirmed as Austria’s JJ! The singer was in tears as he beat Israel and Estonia after a tense vote.
He said: “I want to thank my entire family, my entire team, thank you so much for making my dreams come true. And especially to you Europe, thank you for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world, let’s spread more love. Thank you so much.”
The UK’s entry, Remember Monday, gave it their best shot, following the likes of Ukraine, Israel and Norway and performing in the eighth slot just before 9pm but sadly placed 19th in the competition.
Meanwhile there was chaos off stage as a Eurovision crew member was hit with paint during a disrupted protest against the Israeli entry and the EBU was forced to issue a statement about fixing allegations.
Outside the contest venue in Basel, pro-Palestine demonstrators were seen protesting against Israel’s entry in the city’s Barfüsserplatz .If you want to take your viewing experience to the next level, you can rate the best and worst songs from the show with the Mirror’s interactive tool.
Rose Hill
The UK’s Remember Monday break silence on nul points
Girl group Remember Monday are not admitting defeat after receiving zero points from the public on Saturday evening.
Instead, they have vowed that it is “just the beginning”.
They said in a statement: “WOW – what a ride! Three best mates walked onto the world’s biggest music stage and came out with a Top 10 Jury score, massive streaming numbers, and memories that will last a lifetime.
“Performing at Eurovision was one of the most surreal and emotional moments of our lives. The love we’ve felt from fans, our incredible team, and everyone who streamed, voted, and believed in us has been overwhelming.
“This is just the beginning for Remember Monday. We’ve got new music coming your way, a UK & Ireland headline tour this year, a summer packed with festivals, and we’ll be hitting the stage at Wembley Stadium for the Summertime Ball… no big deal!
“We’re so grateful for the platform, the media support, and every single new fan who’s joined us on this wild journey. Eurovision? Completed it. Let’s go! Charlotte, Holly and Lauren x.”
Read more here.
British group Remember Monday representing the United Kingdom with the song “What The Hell Just Happened?”
Rose Hill
What The Hell Just Happened to the UK’s points?
Another year, another null points. We should be used to it by now, but Sam Ryder’s 2022 performance gave us a dash of hope we’d never dare dream of.
If you’re waking up this morning and missed the whole of Eurovision last night – or downed a few too many Tequila shots and fell asleep – the UK received a grand total of zero from the public. I know, a truly jaw-dropping moment.
We did, however, receive some love from the juries around the world and managed to rise the ranks to 19 out of 26.
Here’s how every country’s jury voted for Remember Monday:
Sweden – nul points
Azerbaijan – nul points
Malta – nul points
Netherlands – nul points
Armenia – nul points
Slovenia – nul points
Luxembourg – six points
Ukraine – 10 points
San Marino – two points
Norway – seven points
France – nul points
Austria – seven points
Italy – 12 points
Denmark – four points
Portugal – two points
Croatia – nul points
Ireland – two points
Latvia – nul points
Poland – one point
Greece – nul points
Montenegro – nul points
Serbia – nul points
Spain – six points
Czechia – 10 points
Finland – five points
Germany – nul points
Australia – nul points
Belgium – nul points
Albania – nul points
Israel – nul points
Lithuania – nul points
Georgia – nul points
Iceland – five points
Cyprus – nul points
Switzerland – four points
Estonia – five points
Rose Hill
Belgium in Eurovision Israel boycott U-turn
Belgium’s broadcaster VRT appeared to make a U-turn during Saturday evening’s Eurovision final after their choice to air an anti-Israel, pro-Palestine VT during the semi-finals.
It had been suggested by Belgian media that VRT may ignore the EBU’s warning against reference’s to Israel’s war on Gaza and show a black screen during the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who survived the 7 October 2023 attacks. However, the broadcaster ultimately decided to air the performance and their semi-final message condemning Israel appeared to have not stopped the Belgian public from voting in favour of Israel.
In fact, the Belgian public opted to gift the top 12 points to Israel, followed by 10 to Poland and eight to France.
The message shown during the first semi-final had read, translated from Dutch: “This is industrial action. We condemn the violations of human rights by the State of Israel. Furthermore, the State of Israel is destroying freedom of the press. That’s why we interrupt the picture for a moment. #CeasefireNow #StopGenocide.”
Read more here.
Michael D. Carroll
Spanish broadcaster threatened with fines for Israel reference
Al Jazeera is reporting via its X account “The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has threatened Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE with punitive fines if its commentators repeat references to Israel’s devastating war on Gaza during the Eurovision final.”
Michael D. Carroll
Israel backers share their support for Yuval Raphael
CNN anchor Barak Ravid said via a post on his X account: “Congratulations to @YuvalRaphael_IL for winning the 2nd place in the @Eurovision song contest and winning the 1st place (!!!) from the audience with 297 points”
Human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovskyposted via his X account: “That Israel won the public vote in the Eurovision Song Contest for the second year straight, is incredibly telling.”
Journalist Emily Schrader said via her X account “During Yuval’s performance at #Eurovision, two attempts to break into the stage were thwarted, one involving an attack on security guards. Outside the show protesters burned American and Israeli flags.”
Michael D. Carroll
Israel issues travel warning for its nationals leaving the contest
The government of Israel has issued an official travel warning to its citizens attempting to leave the contest in Basil, Switzerland, with the intention of avoiding possible disorder from pro-Palestinian protestors.
The advice states:
a. The Eurovision Song Contest events will take place in Switzerland from May 5th to 18th.
b. International events of this type are a prime target for threats and attacks by various terrorist groups, given the potential for widespread media coverage in the event of a terrorist attack or violent protests during the event.
c. In recent years and especially following the Swords of Iron War, various terrorist groups (global jihadist groups, Hamas, Shiite terror organizations, Iran and Hezbollah) are actively working to carry out attacks on Israelis and Jews in Israel and abroad. Since the beginning of the war, dozens of attempted terrorist attacks against Israelis around the world have been thwarted.
d. Over the past year, there have been 360 protests and anti-Israeli demonstrations in Switzerland. These are expected to continue during the Eurovision song contest, directed at Israelis or the Israeli delegation.
e. It is recommended to stay away from these centers of friction and demonstrations, which may escalate into violence. There is also concern that supporters of terrorism or individual terrorists will try to blend in a demonstration in order to carry out a planned or spontaneous attack.
f. For Israelis visiting Switzerland during the Eurovision, be better prepared by downloading the Home Front Command app to stay updated quickly and in real time with NSC announcements on updates or events that the public should be aware of.
Daniel Bird
JJ’s tearful response
After being crowned the winner, a tearful JJ said: “I want to thank my entire family, my entire team, thank you so much for making my dreams come true. And especially to you Europe, thank you for making my dreams come true.
“Love is the strongest force in the world, let’s spread more love. Thank you so much.”
He then performed ‘Wasted Love’ again. After the jury vote, which saw Austria take a 44-point lead over second-placed Switzerland – who ultimately plummeted to 10th after receiving nothing from the public – JJ was visibly nervous.
He held up his shaking hands and said: “This is insane, thank you so, so much to the entirety of Europe for letting us be the jury winners.”
KEY EVENT
AUSTRIA TAKES THE CROWN
Austria’s star JJ has taken the crown following a tense battle with Israel. JJ burst into tears when it was announced that Wasted Love was the winning song.
Austria has taken the crown (
Image: AP)
Daniel Bird
Spain could be in trouble
Broadcasters in Spain have risked breaking a major rule!
The country entered singer-songwriter and dancer Melody into the competition with an upbeat tune. However, despite the song being enjoyed by viewers across Europe, Spanish broadcasters ignored warnings from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). They displayed a statement ahead of the final, showing a black screen with white text in both Spanish and an English translation.
The message read: “When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. Peace and Justice for Palestine.” The statement stayed on screen for 16 seconds.
Daniel Bird
Nil pois!
It’s bad news for Remember Monday… We got nil pios in the audience vote!
Daniel Bird
Jury votes are in
The winner should be announced soon, but the final votes from the jury have been tallied up and Austria are currently in the lead… It’s going to be tense!
KEY EVENT
Remember Monday’s fate sealed
What The Hell Just Happened?! Remember Monday won’t be going home with nil pois this year.
Daniel Bird
Graham Norton left fuming
Graham isn’t happy – and rightly so. Throughout the night, the broadcaster has been sharing his hopes of Celine Dion taking to the stage.
However, as the scores have started coming in, the chances of us seeing Celine are very slim, sadly. Fans have predicted that Graham will be left enraged by this.
Zoe Delaney
Eurovision boss shares major update as Vatican City now eligible to take part
Conclave hive assemble. Eurovision bosses are eager for Vatican City to throw its hat into the ring for next year’s musical showdown. They reckon the Pontiff’s involvement would be a smash with fans.
Pope Leo has only been in the job a few days so he might have bigger issues to consider but we could see it happening. First American pope AND first to do Eurovision? Someone let Pope Crave know ASAP!
Zoe Delaney
Where is Celine?!
Graham may still believe Celine will still show up but she’s cutting it fine if she is planning to make a not-so-surprise appearance. Instead, we have these interval performances – aka the perfect time to nip to top up your drink!
Brb, just going to find out who started the rumour and ask them why they got our hopes up!
Zoe Delaney
How to vote for your favourite
If you’ve not been listening to Graham spend the last ten minutes explaining how to vote, we’ve got you.
Eurovision 2025 final: How to vote for your favourite act and how voting system works
Fans can vote over the phone, text or via the Eurovision app. Each person can vote up to 20 times but you will be unable to select your own country.
Voting is open for another 35 minutes so if you care, get that app downloaded NOW!
Another British icon lookalike has hit the Eurovision stage
And that’s a wrap! Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike was the final of the 26 acts to take to the stage to perform the trippy ‘Zjerm’.
We had a Sharon from EastEnders lookalike with Denmark and we have another to round off the show. “Albania is Jessie J and her dad True fact #Eurovision #EurovisionSongContest,” @chris_facey_uk wrote on Twitter.
Graham is still clinging on to hopes of a Celine cameo, telling BBC viewers he still in his “heart of hearts” believes she will be making an appearance before the results are announced.
22:11Zoe Delaney
Sweden giving Big Scout Energy
Sweden’s KAJ are giving it their all with their very Eurovision rendition of Bara Bada Bastu. Look, it’s not going to win (or it might – what do we know?) but it’s camp, silly and ridiculous so it’s a hit with us.
“It is like we’ve gone into a Eurovision time machine but maybe that’s what people want, nonsense” – yes Graham, we want all the nonsense.
Serving camp around the camp fire (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
22:07Zoe Delaney
Sharon from EastEnders alert
“Did anyone think Sharon from EastEnders has moved to Denmark to become a singer?”
We can’t beat Graham’s commentary on Denmark’s Sissal performance of Hallucination, so we won’t try!
Zoe Delaney
Serving kant Geri Halliwell style
The act that caused all the controversy a few weeks ago regarding lyrics being lost in translation is up – Malta’s Miriana Conte with ‘Serving’.
As you can hear, overly zealous Eurovision bosses won and Miriana has been reined in. Booo. She still served though, coming out of a pair of legs reminiscent of Geri Halliwell’s performance at the 2000 Brit Awards.
For readers too young to remember, the artist formerly known as Ginger Spice emerged from a giant, inflatable model of her legs ahead of belting out Bag It Up to mark her rebirth post Spice Girls.
Iconic tbh (
Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Two Eurovision Song Contest favourites perform
Lets return to what is happening on the stage. Bookies favourites Dutch singer Claude Kiambe and Finland’s Erika Vikman have both performed and it’s not hard to see why the odds are in their favour.
Congolese-born Kiambe, 21, sang C’est La Vie, inspired by his mother’s advice of understanding that there are good and bad moments in life, while dancing in unison with his dancers, and being surrounded by violins.
He finished, breaking down in tears, and thanking the audience.
Opting for a different tack was black leather-clad Vikman, who rose to fame in Finland as a tango singer, with the tongue-in-cheek Ich Komme – which caused a stir in the Eurovision media centre, and a dancing circle.
The German-Finnish song finished with her taking off on a giant microphone with sparks flying.
KEY EVENT
Eurovision crew member hit with paint!
Eurovision bosses have been trying their best to keep politics out of the contest amid controversy surrounding Israel’s conclusion but protests and demonstrations are overshadowing the performances this evening.
A Eurovision Song Contest crew member has been hit with paint, after two people tried to rush on stage to disrupt Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance, organisers have said.
A spokesman for SRG SSR said: “At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage.
“They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.”
Zoe Delaney
‘Interesting’ backstage video
So Graham introduced this as “quite interesting backstage footage” before this behind-the-scenes montage of the build up to tonight’s final began.
“Quite interesting” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in our opinion – stick it on the official YouTube channel for superfans to watch tomorrow and let’s get on with the rest of the performances! Some of us want to get to bed before midnight!
Daniel Bird
Charli XCX is that you?!
Germany have taken to the stage with an electro-mix and it’s going down a storm with social media users.
The lead singer looks very much like Charli xcx and has very similar vibes. “Germany sent Charli xcx,” said one social media user. A second added: “I love Germany #eurovision2025 charli xcx vibe.”
“German Charli xcx looks great,” commented a third. The Mirror’s Daniel Bird said: “Not usually a fan of Eurovision but Germany are changing my mind!”
Fans likened Germany’s participant to Charli XCX (
Image: AP)
Zoe Delaney
Eurovision fans in stitches at Estonia’s ‘joke act’
(
Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Right, 12 acts have performed so far (full list below of who sung so far) so lets look back at the one getting the most attention online as we didn’t give it any love at the time (sorry!)
Estonia’s contender, Tommy Cash, delivered the peculiar track Espresso Macchiato, sparking an uproarious response on Twitter, where fans claimed it sounded “’like a joke that went too far”.
Given the controversy surrounding this year’s contest, a joke – even one that goes too far – is what the show needs in our opinion. What would Eurovision be without one or two acts making you question if you’re having a fever dream?
Norway
| Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
Luxembourg
| Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son
Estonia
| Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
Israel
| Yuval Raphael – New Day Will Rise
Lithuania
| Katarsis – Tavo Akys
Spain
| Melody – ESA DIVA
Ukraine
| Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
United Kingdom
| Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened?
Austria
| JJ – Wasted Love
Iceland
| VÆB – RÓA
Latvia
| Tautumeitas – Bur Man Laimi
Netherlands
| Claude – C’est La Vie
The EBU speaks out over ‘favouritism’ row
We have had a response from Eurovision bosses over claims boos were drowned out with fake applause during Israel’s performance earlier this evening!
The statement reads: “For the Eurovision Song Contest, the host broadcaster SRG SSR is working with the “audio sweetening” method, which is common practice for major international productions.
“This process helps to harmonise the sound of the transitions between moderations, video clips and the individual acts and to create a consistent soundscape for the TV audience. It is used exclusively for the technical rounding off of the programme.
“This process is used equally and identically for all acts. The competition and its results are not affected in any way.”
KEY EVENT
What The Hell Just Happened?
What The Hell Just Happened? Well, Remember Monday finally performed – and just before 9pm so we didn’t lie when we said they’d perform in the first hour!
The BBC Eurovision team of Graham, Rylan and Scott Mills have been hyping the trio up for weeks but what do the general public think of Britain’s 2025 offering?
“We couldn’t have asked for more,” Graham just said. We beg to differ. The Mirror Online group chat is split. “This is the cringiest thing I’ve seen. It’s a mixture of West End attempting pop music while copying Little Mix’s looks,” said Daniel Bird. However, some are arguing “it’s actually quite good” and “vocals are at least spot on”.
‘It’s giving Little Mix does West End’ (
Image: AP)
Over on Twitter, viewers are also picking up on the West End vibes the girls gave off. “Say all you want about this song being just a random West End number, you cannot deny that Remember Monday’s chemistry together on stage is immaculate,” one writes. “They really look like they’re having the time of their lives on the #eurovision stage!”
Another adds: “Every vocal & every harmony was flawless, their energy was electric and they SMASHED it. West End is one of our main exports, and our entry representing that is so FUN.”
And to conclude on a negative note, here’s a less complimentary tweet – “Remember Monday – “What the Hell Just Happened?” – Look, I respect the vocal and the energy but the lack of staging and the overdone ‘dumb girl’ energy at times just kinda made it still have that ‘off West End’ feeling, as cute as it is in a way #Eurovision2025”
The trio, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, sang their song What The Hell Just Happened?, dressed in colourful Bridgerton-style outfits. 12 points for fashion choices at the very least?
Zoe Delaney
Apologies!
So remember earlier in the blog when we said Remember Monday would likely perform within the first hour? Yeah, sorry about that – we forgot to account for the hosts enjoying a little sing-song and giving us a little show themselves (and doing some awful impressions of a British accent).
However, it’s almost time… the first girlband to represent the UK since 1999!
20:39Zoe Delaney
Graham Norton appears to confirm favouritism row
Following Israel’s Yuval Raphael performing her power ballard, Graham seemingly confirmed the EBU has employed fake applause to drown out any boos during her time on stage.
“Not sure what you’re hearing at home but a mixed response from hear Basel,” the Irish host commented as Yuval wrapped things up – a nod to the reports Eurovision bosses are meddling with what makes it to TV screens across Europe.
The October 7 survivor, 24, sang her entry New Day Will Rise, and saw cheers and boos, Graham added.
Yuval Raphael from Israel performs the song New Day Will Rise during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (
Image:
AP)
20:30Zoe Delaney
‘When you have Eurovision at 8 but a medieval re-enactment at 9’
Kyle Alessandro from Norway drew the short straw and had to be the first to perform with his song Lighter. Dressed in chainmail, as someone on Twitter said, it was a bit ‘when you have Eurovision at 8 but a medieval re-enactment at 9’. Nice fire stunts on the stage though.
As Graham just said, no song that has gone second has ever won Eurovision, so bad news for Luxembourg, as Laura Thorn is currently belting out La Poupée Monte Le Son in the jinxed running-order position.
It’s giving Games of Thrones (
Image:
AP)
20:23Zoe Delaney
Voting is open!
No-one has performed yet but that doesn’t matter, voting is now open! If you’re planning to vote politically and don’t care about the performances, go ahead and cast your vote!
You can vote via phone up to 20 times but it does cost 15p a vote so save yourself a few quid and vote online through the app and via www.esc.vote
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20:14Zoe Delaney
Graham add fuel to the fire
Did we just hear Graham tease an appearance from the icon that is Celine Dion? Earlier in the flag parade (what feels like three hours ago), our Graham mentioned the fact the My Heart Will Go On singer is watching backstage but didn’t rule out a little performance from the Eurovision legend.
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20:10KEY EVENT
Eurovision bosses ‘cover sound of audience booing’ Israel with ‘fake applause’
We have a bit longer of this Eurovision foreplay to go before the acts take to the stage, but we should see Israel perform within the next hour judging by the running order – but those watching on TV hear what those in the live audience hear?
The Eurovision Song Contest has come under fire after allegedly masking the audience’s boos during Israeli entrant Yuval Raphael’s performance with artificial applause. It’s claimed that the show’s bosses drowned out the booing when she performed ‘New Day Will Rise’ during a rehearsal on Friday night.
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20:07Zoe Delaney
Nemo returns
Last year’s winner has returned to open the show, after a random pre-recorded montage.
The Swiss singer, who triumphed with The Code, has performed their new song Unexplainable and kicked off the show in style.
Nemo returned to the Eurovision style in unforgettable style (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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20:01Zoe Delaney
And we’re off…
… kinda.
The live coverage on BBC One and BBC iPlayer is now beginning – get ready for Graham’s cheeky comments!
The first three acts to perform are:
Norway
| Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
Luxembourg
| Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son
Estonia
| Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
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19:52Zoe Delaney
Eurovision host forced to follow strict rules after joining cult
We know all about the UK Eurovision team like Rylan Clark, Scott Mills and Graham Norton, but what about lesser-known stars to us from across the rest of Europe?
Well, Michelle Hunzikel, who will join Hazel Brugger and Sandra Struder as they host the show shortly, has quite the packed Wikipedia page.
Writing in her 2018 memoir, she revealed she had been part of a cult during her first marriage! Read more here.
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19:25KEY EVENT
Eurovision fans with ‘blood’ on their faces march on contest in protest at Israel’s entry
Pro-Palestine demonstrators were seen with fake blood on their faces as they descended on the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland.
It’s almost time for the show to begin but protests have broken out in Barfüsserplatz over Israel’s participation in the grand final of the contest.
Throngs of Palestinian supporters are gathered in the centre of the Swiss city with anti-Israel placards.
An activist from BDS holds a mock body of a baby in front of riot Police officers during the demonstration (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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18:51Zoe Delaney
Past UK acts issue warnings to 2025 contestants
Olly Alexander is seemingly trying to distance himself from the contest after representing the UK in Malmo last year.
While Sam Ryder may be happy to be Mr Eurovision thanks to revitalising the UK’s interest in the competition back in 2022, Olly doesn’t seem to have the same love for the annual event.
Speaking about his experience competing in the contest on The Graham Norton Show in January, the host asked Olly: ‘Do you have any words of wisdom, don’t say don’t do it, any encouraging words of wisdom?’
“Maybe, just get yourself a really good therapist,” Olly replied, as the guests and audience erupted in laughter. “Yeah, good therapy as you will have a lot to talk about for years.”
Ahead of Remember Monday performing tonight, Olly, who placed 18th in the 2024 final, is yet to post a message for his successors Remember Monday on social media.
Mae Muller, was second to last the previous year in Liverpool, is another UK act with regrets. The singer said earlier this week that she was “fed to the lions” when it came to her production for her performance of I Wrote A Song in Liverpool.
The 27-year-old has also led over 70 previous Eurovision participants calling on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel’s public broadcaster KAN from the song contest.
Remember Monday seem happy enough so far but lets circle back in a few months to see how they feel about Eurovision once the fun is over.
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18:35Zoe Delaney
Bad vibes…
If you’re positive vibes only, stop reading now.
UK entry Remember Monday have been dealt a huge blow just hours before the final kicks off.
Has everyone got their crystals charged and sage lit? We’re going to need all the help we can get.
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17:56Zoe Delaney
All Rise for a look back on Blue’s Eurovision stint
Lets continue our trip down memory lane (because not much is going on right now while we wait for the pre-show drama to kick off). Did anyone else forget Blue represented the UK at Eurovision or are we alone in blocking that from our memories?
The boys already had a bumper back catalogue of bangers – including a duet with Sir Elton John – before gracing the stage in Düsseldorf, so surely people had high hopes for them and their track ‘I Can’’.
Well, their former manager was more in the ‘Can you not?’ camp – calling Blue’s decision to do Eurovision “reckless insanity”.
“It is the equivalent of Lewis Hamilton entering a go-kart race – he will be the strong favourite but there is also the possibility he could lose. So why risk it?” Daniel Glatman, who helped form the group in 2000, randomly said at the time.
You can read the bonkers story of how Blue became the first British entry to be picked internally by the BBC and how they fared at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 here.
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17:33Zoe Delaney
Flying The Flag (For Flop Eras)
It seems like a lifetime ago since UK acts were almost guaranteed to end up at the bottom of the leaderboard at Eurovision. Thanks to Sam Ryder almost clinching victory in 2022, it’s now not too insane to imagine a Brit act lifting the coveted glass microphone trophy for the first time since Katrina and the Waves in 1997.
But, because it’s more fun to be bitchy and negative, let’s look back at the dark days when the UK was in its flop era. Who can forget Scooch trying to fly the flag for us back in 2007, only to end up joint 22nd with a measly 19 points? Here’s what they’ve been up to since donning their flight crew attire as part of their quest for Euro victory.
Justice for Scooch, to be quite honest – they deserved better.
Icons not appreciated in their own time! (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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17:11Zoe Delaney
The Doctor won’t see you now
Many Eurovision fans, like last year, are boycotting this year’s contest. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a nonviolent Palestinian-led movement that promotes sanctions against Israel, have asked people not to watch the final this evening due to Israel being allowed to compete amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Some think the organised boycott is due to the reason Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa pulled out from his presenting duties at the last minute. Ncuti, who often uses his social media accounts to advocate for Palestinian people and promote charities providing aid in Gaza, was due to be the UK spokesperson but has been replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor following his mysterious exit.
The BBC claim the old “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason for Ncuti’s decision to time-travel back on his decision to present, but Twitter sleuths think they know the real reason…
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16:58Zoe Delaney
‘Drink every time Graham Norton says something snarky’
If you fancy playing a game of bingo as a way to keep track of all the cliches that will likely take place this evening, BBC Somerset has you covered!
We do suggest you think carefully about whether to add alcohol to mix and take a shot each time something happens. With ‘Graham Norton is sarcastic about the hosts’ one of the grids on the card, you’ll probably need your stomach pumped by 9pm (or at the very least, run out of tequila).
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16:31Zoe Delaney
Gay Christmas
Eurovision is obviously Christmas for many girls, gays and theys, meaning we’re in for a treat when it comes memes this evening! No offence to everyone else but the LGBTQ+ community really leads the way when it comes to hilarious social media commentary.
Twitter (sorry Elon Musk but we’re always going to keep deadname it and ignore the fact it’s now called X) is embracing the camp spirit of the competition’s big final.
No lies detected (Image: X/Kristine/@__kristine_h)
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16:17Zoe Delaney
Key times
Hardcore Eurovision fans will be locked in and ready to watch every single second of tonight’s shenanigans, prepping for watch parties as you read this, but this blog entry is exclusively for the part-timers.
If you have a social life and plans to go out this evening, or just don’t think you can endure hours of Europop, here are the key times you need to know if you’re dipping in and out of tonight’s show.
Eurovision 2025 final running order, schedule and full song list for all 26 countries
If you want to see the UK perform then switch off, you’re best tuning in from around 8.20pm onwards. Remember Monday will be the eighth act to take to the stage in Switzerland tonight, meaning their final rendition of What The Hell Just Happened? Will take place pretty early on.
Just want to tune in for the results and to check if the UK avoids getting the dreaded nul points? You’re in for a long night as the winner is usually revealed between 11.15pm and midnight, following the conclusion of voting and the interval acts.
*SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT* Of course, if you’re unable to watch on TV, you can always keep up to date with everything that happens via this live blog!
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15:24KEY EVENT
Celine’s Coming Back to Eurovision Now?
Amid all the off-stage drama and conflict, could the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest final in Switzerland be pulling out the big guns?
Thanks to her private jet being spotted in the area, Eurovison – and general – legend Celine Dion is rumoured to be involved in tonight’s show in some way.
Celine, who won for the Swiss in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, could take to the St Jakobshalle stage, amid her stepping back from touring due to health issues. The It’s All Coming Back To Me hitmaker is no stranger to making surprise appearances at big cultural events – famously popping up on top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Olympics last year.
Celine Dion in a video message shown in the first Eurovision 2025 semi-final. (Image: BBC/Eurovision)
She did appear during the first semi-final on Tuesday, where she sent a video message saying she wants “nothing more” than to be in Basel, and recalling her triumph as a “life-changing moment”. Switzerland had not seen a winner until Nemo last year.
At a press briefing on Saturday, Eurovision director Martin Green, from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), commented on Celine, saying: “My answer was going to be, Father Christmas exists, you’ll have to wait and see.”
Bit of a nothing answer from Martin there but we’ll have to do what he says and wait and see!
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15:15Zoe Delaney
Remember to vote!
The Remember Monday girls are giving fans a reminder that they need to get voting this evening!
Ahead of tonight’s performance, the group – who are set to perform their tune What The Hell Just Happened – shared their excitement for the show as they wrote a post on Instagram, which read: “Hey everyone, if you’re reading this, firstly, thank you for supporting us on this crazy journey.
Remember Monday are hoping people remember to vote for them this evening (Image: AP)
“We’ve come from singing silly little songs in carparks during lockdown to the craziness that is the Eurovision Song Contest and we wouldn’t be here without all your support and encouragement. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“WE DO NEED YOUR HELP THOUGH! If you can spare 2 minutes, head to esc.vote and vote#08 for the UK and our song “What The Hell Just Happened”. You can vote up to 20 times each so tell your friends and family to help us if you can! See you tonight! Aaaaaaaa!!!”
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15:15Zoe Delaney
Not so ‘United By Music’
The Eurovision Song Contest famously claims to be apolitical, citing its slogan ‘United By Music’ but the annual event has been unable to distance itself from global events over recent years.
In May 2022, the EBU made the decision to kick Russia out of the competition due its invasion of neighbouring country Ukraine. On this basis, many have called Israel to also be banned due to its ongoing actions in Palestine.
Last year saw multiple protests from activists take place, amid calls for music fans to boycott and refrain from watching the contest, and it looks like this year’s final will be hit with similar demonstrations.
A small group were ejected from the arena after Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s rehearsal on Thursday was disrupted by what appeared to be pro-Palestinian demonstrators with “oversized flags and whistles”, and the EBU confirmed it has received a complaint from Israeli broadcaster Kan over another incident.
This year, there is no ban on types of flags brought in by fans, unlike acts, but there are restrictions on their sizes, as Palestinian symbols have been seen inside the arena this week.
There were pro-Palestinian protests in Basel on Sunday and Wednesday, which were attended by no more than 150 people, police said, a significant drop from Malmo 2024, which saw thousands of marchers demonstrating against Israel’s inclusion.
On Thursday, a protest was held against antisemitism by around 150 people, which went without incident.
Christine and Paddy McGuinness first announced they were going their separate ways back in 2022 as they shocked the nation with their split
Paddy has a new project(Image: BBC)
Paddy McGuinness has reportedly got a new money making project up his sleeve as he cashes in after going through an expensive divorce. Christine and Paddy split back in 2022 but it seems that the TV star now has a new job to make some money after the divorce.
It was reported in October 2024 that Paddy would be keeping the pair’s £2.5million mansion after the divorce was finalised. It was also said that Christine is in the midst of paying off the £300,000 split.
However, Paddy is now focusing on work as he tries to top up his bank balance. The Top Gear presenter is expected to go on a comedy tour for his latest project.
Paddy and Christine split in 2022(Image: mirror.co.uk)
A source told The Sun: “It’s no secret that Paddy’s comedy tour, over the past year, has been a huge success. “It was expected to do well but it was a long tour that went extremely well sales wise night after night… every venue was rocking.
“Most venues had waiting lists of people who wanted to come but couldn’t get in which is very rare in the industry at the moment. Obviously the tour promoter did very well out of it so everyone their side is very keen for Paddy to replicate that again perhaps as soon as possible. There aren’t many comedy acts that can sell venues as fast as that so when a hit comes along the industry is keen to pounce on it and get more shows booked in.
“Importantly, Paddy also had a blast writing and performing the show although whatever tour comes in the future, as with the last one, it needs to work around his schedule with his kids which is why he drove straight home after a lot of the gigs. Everyone is hoping he’ll sign up again and rival tour promoters are banging down his door to try and get involved.”
Christine and Paddy share three children together – Leo and Penelope and daughter Felicity. The family live in their seven-bedroom house in Cheshire which features a gym and swimming pool.
Christine and Paddy have three children together(Image: (Image: Getty))
It was reported that Christine has been reluctant to move house as she wants stability for her children, all of who have been diagnosed with autism. Christine has been open in recent years about her children’s diagnosis with autism, as well as her own.
She was diagnosed in 2021 alongside her three children, and has since become an advocate for neurodiversity. She has shared how her diagnosis has changed her life and how it has helped her understand herself and her children better.
The Mirror have contacted Paddy and Christine’s reps for comment.
Kerry Katona has given her honest thoughts on her best pal Katie Price’s recent relationship woes after the glamour model spoke out on Paul C Brunson’s podcast
Kerry has giving her verdict on good friend Katie Price’s boyfriend JJ Slater
Kerry Katona is giving her honest opinion on her bestfriend Katie Price’s podcast appearance where she detailed her upbringing, life in the spotlight, her marriage and split from Peter Andre and her relationship with JJ Slater.
Katie recently broken her silence on claims she’s split with her boyfriend, JJ Slater. The glamour icon, 46 and Married At First Sight star, 31, have been dating for more than a year, however fans thought the couple may have secretly called it a day after noticing the pair had not appeared on each other’s Instagram for a while as well as not spending Christmas together.
Speaking exclusively in her OK! column, Kerry said of Katie and JJ: “I haven’t heard it yet, but we did panto together and they always come to mine at Christmas. JJ’s a lovely guy — he’s really sweet.”
Katie Price appeared on Paul Brunson’s podcast opening up about her relationship
And I’ll always have Katie’s back. She’s been through a lot. I think what’s sad is that women don’t support women enough. We should be straightening each other’s crowns. It would be so easy for Katie to give up, but she doesn’t. She keeps going. She keeps fighting and that needs to be applauded.”
Last week, Katie’s rep told the Mirror the couple were very much together and “continuing as normal”. However, on Married At First Sight guru Paul C.Brunson’s latest podcast, the Pricey made a cryptic comment about her relationship.
When told by Paul she should feel “free” and “happy” with a partner, she said: “I’ve never had that in any relationship. Never had any of them.
“And JJ, he’s the most kind, genuine, easygoing, chilled person. But do I feel my happiest and do I feel free? No. It’s not a reflection on him, maybe that’s what I need to change for myself.”
Paul, who is one of the experts on Married At First Sight UK, told her: “You need some time to yourself because you have to experience what freedom feels like.”
Katie explained: “Freedom to me is like when I took my kids to Thailand for a month, just me and them. We felt free. Just little life experiences, seeing things, taking them to little adventures.”
The OnlyFans star, who has been married three times, then added: “I just don’t want to answer to anyone, I want them to fit in with me.”
Speaking of her concerns for her relationship with JJ, she continued: “When you meet someone, it’s natural to want to be with them all the time. Then the mistakes I’ve made in the past are then you’re with them all the time. It becomes literally 24/7 because I’ve never been out with someone who’s had a nine to five job.”
Kerry is supporting Katie after her podcast appearance(Image: katieprice/Instagram)
She went on: “They’ve always had a job where, I suppose it’s adaptable that they come with me. So in the beginning, that’s all nice, but then you get into the habit of they’re about too much, to the point you start not seeing your friends, because you’re with them all the time, and then you get into this situation where they’re so used to being with you all the time that then when you do say, ‘I’m gonna go and see a friend,’ it doesn’t seem normal because you haven’t done it. So I’m a bit worried that I’ve got like that with JJ.”
Despite her misgivings about spending too much time with JJ, in her recent podcast with her sister, Sophie, Katie admitted that the reality star was “The One”.
It hasn’t always been easy for the couple, though, as the former Married at First Sight contestant got a rough ride from his future brother-in-law. Harry Brooks, who is married to Katie’s sister Sophie.
When JJ, who shacked up with Ella Morgan, on Married At First Sight, after failing to click with his telly bride, Bianca, into the family group chat, Harry mused: “What… another one?”
