Author: bang5

Kai Widdrington reunited with his axed Strictly Come Dancing co-star Giovanni Pernice as the pair continue to work with each other following the Italian dancer’s scandal

Giovanni Pernice has teamed up with a Strictly Come Dancing star

Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington has reunited with his axed co-star Giovanni Pernice, in a move he labelled “dangerous”. The professional dancers are back working together on a new project, months after Giovanni’s sudden departure.

He was caught up in scandal following his 2023 stint with actress Amanda Abbington, who made a series of claims about bullying behaviour. Giovanni decided to take a break from the public eye following the scandal.

However, he recently won the Italian version of Strictly and has returned to the UK for a series of dance projects. His passion is clearly still alive as he performed a sold-out show at the London Palladium as part of his Last Dance tour.

Kai shared a snap of him at work with Giovanni(Image: Instagram/kaiwidd)

Now, Giovanni has teamed up with Kai, who is about to head out on his own tour. Gioavnni shared a snap of Kai on the dancefloor as he gushed: “Just watched a full run of his brand new show lead by @kaiwidd…

“…and let me tell you!! They are super ready.” He then added a link urging fans to buy tickets. Kai also shared his own post as he reunited with Giovanni.

The pair sat next to each other in a dance studio as Kai wrote: “The team,” while tagging Giovanni. He decided to add the Michael Jackson track Dangerous over the photo.

Back in January, Giovanni revealed he was working with Kai as he returned to British soil. Kai shared a video from a London rehearsal studio about his upcoming 2025 tour.

In the clip, he said: “Hello everyone, it’s Kai Widdrington here from Strictly Come Dancing. I’m here in London getting ready for my tour – Evolution – in 2025 and I would like to introduce you to one of the creative producers from my tour. He’s very shy but you may know who he is.”

His mate Giovanni popped into the frame adding: “I am very shy. I can’t help myself. I can’t help myself.” He rounded off with a cheerful statement: “Ladies and gents, we’re back together and it feels good!”

The video was paired with a caption hyping up fans which read: “Introducing one of the creative producers of the EVOLUTION team. A familiar face I think you may know.”

The dancers started working together in January (Image: Kai Widdrington Instagram)

However, things haven’t been so easy for the pair since Giovanni’s Strictly drama. Last summer, Kai pulled out of a scheduled dance class with Giovanni, which set fans back £100 per class. It was reported a scheduling clash was the reason for the cancellation.

Kai isn’t the only Strictly star to be showing their support to Giovanni, however. Head judge Shirley Ballas has continued to stand by the star and had a sweet reunion this week.

Shirley made sure to support Giovanni as she watched from the audience and made sure to catch up with him backstage afterwards on the final night of his tour.

Sharing photos from the reunion, Shirley said: “Amazing and beyond the stars… Gio set the night on fire last night @giovannipernice.

“Congratulations on a superb closing show to if last night is anything to go by a remarkable last dance tour. So many fabulous numbers, dancers, singers to which all were revived with standing ovations.

“You entertain, you inspire and you bring the house down. I only hope when I do my one night at the Palladium that I could wish for a reception like that. Truly amazing.”

She added: “Congratulations and well done my friend @giovannipernice I’m beyond proud of you x.”

Prince Harry made an appearance in Las Vegas as he launched a new youth initiative for the Diana Award – his first public outing since giving a bombshell interview to the BBC after losing his UK security appeal

Prince Harry has been seen for the first time since his controversial interview in which he claimed his father, the King, is not speaking to him. The Duke of Sussex appeared at an event in Las Vegas yesterday, where he launched a new youth initiative with the Diana Award—which was set up in his late mother’s honour.

He took part in a conversation with two young people who are holders of The Legacy Award on the same day his son Archie turned six. His trip to Vegas came just days after he caused ructions with his lengthy interview on Friday in response to losing a Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in the UK.

Harry with Dr Tessy Ojo, Sikander ‘Sonny’ Khan and Christina Williams at the Diana Award event ( 
Image:
The Diana Award  )

The duke, who appeared emotional and close to tears during much of the sit-down chat, described his court defeat as a “good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up” and expressed hopes of a reconciliation with his family.

But Harry’s decision to speak out appears to have worsened the chances of an end to his estrangement, amid suggestions the King, who is still being treated for cancer, and the Prince of Wales will fear more than ever that any conversation with the duke would end up in the public domain.

Las Vegas is famously the destination of a raucous road trip Harry took in 2012, with the escapade ending with photos of the naked prince, who was frolicking with a woman in his hotel room after a game of strip billiards, being splashed on front pages of newspapers around the world and on celebrity gossip websites.

However, last night he helped launch the Pledge To Invest drive, which aims to put a spotlight on the future of youth leadership and how forward-thinking businesses can support it. He chatted with Sikander ‘Sonny’ Khan, from Michigan in the US, and Christina Williams, from Jamaica, as well as Paul Fipps, of Service Now, at the Knowledge 2025 event.

Harry helped launch the Diana Award’s Pledge To Invest drive ( 
Image:
The Diana Award  )
During the event, Harry asked young leaders about the experiences in the workplace. He told the audience: “Through The Diana Award, I’ve had the privilege of meeting young people who have turned adversity into action. That’s not just inspiring—it’s the kind of untapped potential we can’t afford to overlook. Far too many young people are locked out of leadership pipelines because we’ve failed to build truly inclusive and accessible pathways.”

He also added: “We’re in an era now where we are looking for more companies to be serving the greater good – the majority, not the minority. Every single young person has potential. It’s just about unlocking that in those individuals. And through The Diana Award, we can join those dots and make that connection.

“From a younger generation standpoint, in an apathetic world, there’s more empathy in this generation than I’ve ever seen before. And I’ve spent most of my years spending as much time as I can with young people. It’s the empathy, the authenticity, the truth, the honesty and the fearlessness as well. When they stand up for themselves, and stand up in their communities. And that is what we need. We need fearless leadership. So I tip my hat to both of you and what you represent.”

According to the Harry’s website Sussex.com, his participation in yesterday’s event “underscores his continued commitment to redefining how we invest in the future”. It also adds that Harry “continues the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana, whose unwavering belief in the power of young people remains at the heart of this mission”.

Harry says he continues to carry on the legacy of his late mother Princess Diana ( 
Image:
The Diana Award  )Harry’s appearance comes just after he lost his Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in the UK and said in the TV interview he “can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK”.

He failed in his appeal against the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office, over the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of protection when in the UK. “But 2020, when that decision happened, I couldn’t believe it. I actually couldn’t believe it,” said Harry.

He added: “I thought, with all the disagreements and all of the chaos that’s happening, the one thing that I could rely on is my family keeping me safe. And not only did they decide to remove my security in the UK, but they also signalled to every single government around the world not to protect us.”

He also told the BBC: “Everybody knew that they were putting us at risk in 2020 and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back.”

The duke said the protection given members of the monarchy was a form of “control”, saying: “I think what really worries me more than anything else about today’s decision, depending on what happens next, it set a new precedent that security can be used to control members of the family. And effectively what it does is imprison other members of the family from being able to choose a different life.”

Prince Harry has been seen for the first time since his interview, where he claimed his father, King Charles, won’t speak to him, and one expert believes the comments he made at his latest event were ‘quite telling’

Prince Harry at an event for the Diana Award(Image: The Diana Award  )

Prince Harry’s remarks during his first public outing since his outburst against King Charles were “quite telling”, according to an expert.

Last night, the Duke of Sussex praised the empathy, truth, honesty and fearlessness of the younger generation amid “an apathetic world” as he travelled to Las Vegas for an onstage discussion to launch a new initiative for The Diana Award.

There, he heralded young leaders for standing up for themselves, just days after speaking out about his relationship with his father, the King. Also at the launch of the Pledge To Invest yesterday, he described how young people have an openness about mental health “that previous generations struggled to express”.

Harry with Dr Tessy Ojo, Sikander ‘Sonny’ Khan and Christina Williams at the Diana Award event (Image: The Diana Award  )

The appearance came just days after he lost a Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements in the UK. The duke gave a sit-down interview in which he said the King will not “speak to him”, and he does “not know how much longer his father has left”, who is being treated for cancer.

He expressed hopes of a reconciliation with his family and told the BBC his court defeat was a “good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up” and that he could not see how he could bring his wife and children safely back to the UK.

And royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror how Harry’s words at the event were interesting. The former BBC royal correspondent said: “I’m sure he will continue to work hard on causes that were close to his mother’s heart. And the Diana Award is obviously one of them.

“Some of his remarks at the event were quite telling: he praised young people for their refusal to accept the status quo, for being fearless and determined to stand up for themselves. And that seems pretty much Harry‘s own philosophy – for better or worse.”

Harry helped launch the Diana Award’s Pledge To Invest drive(Image: The Diana Award  )

Harry’s trip to Vegas came as his oldest son, Prince Archie, celebrated his sixth birthday. On Friday, he said in the TV interview he “can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK”.

He also said the protection given to members of the monarchy was a form of “control”, saying: “I think what really worries me more than anything else about today’s decision, depending on what happens next, it set a new precedent that security can be used to control members of the family. And effectively, what it does is imprison other members of the family from being able to choose a different life.”

Harry in his bombshell interivew with the BBC last week (Image: Pixel8000)

And Jennie added: “I suspect that Harry said more than he had perhaps intended because he was consumed with anger that the court decision had gone against him. When the court ruling went the opposite way, he was, in his own words, ‘ gutted and devastated’. And he was clearly seething with fury. And that is rarely the best time to air your thoughts.

“I think he might now realise that he went too far in talking about his father’s health. That was a clear invasion of the privacy that Harry himself so covets. And he might also realise that he has, in my opinion, now lost the support of the vast majority of the British public.”

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz, were a no-show at David Beckham’s 50th celebrations on the weekend amid reports of a fierce feud within the family

David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, have been accused of ‘shocking’ behaviour following the fallout with Brooklyn and wife, Nicola Peltz(Image: Instagram)

David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, have been accused of “shocking” behaviour following the fallout with Brooklyn and wife, Nicola Peltz. The young couple, who recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary, were a no-show at David’s 50th birthday celebrations on the weekend after reportedly asking if they could celebrate with the England star in private.

Amid rumours of a feud between Brooklyn and brother, Romeo, who is dating Kim Turnbull, who Brooklyn reportedly had a brief relationship with, Victoria and David are said to have told their eldest son and Nicola that they needed to come to the big family gathering after ‘refusing’ to celebrate with them privately.

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz, were a no-show at David Beckham’s 50th celebrations(Image: Instagram)

Billionaire heiress, Nicola, who flew to London with her husband on the weekend, has been accused of ‘controlling’ Brooklyn, with reports suggesting David and Victoria are ‘done’ with their daughter-in-law.

However, a source told the Mirror that Nicola is actually the peacekeeper, saying: “Nicola encourages Brooklyn to see his family and is usually the reason Brooklyn does see his family. They are both devastated. 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.”

They added: “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 allegedly didn’t want to go to the big knees-up in London and the Cotswolds at the weekend because of Romeo’s girlfriend, Kim. The wannabe chef is said to have questioned the DJ’s motives with his brother even though Cruz denied Brooklyn used to date Kim.

Romeo, Kim, Cruz and Harper all attended the birthday bash as Victoria shared snaps of her three kids and tagged them all – except Brooklyn.

Usually the mum-of-four will tell her firstborn that he was ‘missed’ if he can’t attend a family function, but made no mention of him at the weekend, leading fans to ask the fashion designer what was going on.

Nicola is yet to speak out on the drama. However, after she took to social media flogging sun cream on Monday, fans had their say about the fallout. Responding to her video in which she looks seductively into the camera, holding a bottle of Isdin sunscreen while explaining that “May is melanoma awareness month”, one of the actress’ fans replied: “Why don’t you like your in-laws? Don’t you go to any of their events?”

Another wrote: “You should have gone to your father-in-law’s birthday party. It’s rude of you not to attend and cause an issue.” Meanwhile, another fumed: “You should both be ashamed! His father has just turned 50. Shocking!”

The Mirror has approached representatives for David, Victoria, Brooklyn and Nicola for comment.

Katie Price has sparked alarm bells amongst her online followers after sharing a new image of her riding a horse but some noticed something rather unsettling

Katie Price has sparked concern amongst her online fans

Katie Price has sparked alarm amongst animal lovers in a new snap she has shared to her social media channel. The former model has never shied away from sharing her love of animals and has had dozens of pets in recent years.

Famously, horses have a soft spot in Katie’s heart, and she has previously competed at the Horse of the Year show on her horse, Jordan’s Glamour Girl. But in a new update, Katie, 46, has taken to social media to share an image of her out riding her horse, Wallis, who she has had since he was eight-years-old, as the temperatures across the country continued to rise ahead of summer.

Sharing the snap with her 2.7 million followers on Meta’s Instagram platform, Katie beamed as she proudly sat on the stunning black horse in the sunshine. The telly star looked every inch the equestrian expert as she donned a pair of black jodhpurs, black riding boots and a premium horse riding helmet.

Katie’s latest snap with her horse has sparked concern(Image: katieprice/Instagram)

Captioning her upload, Katie penned: “Everyday routine out riding. My happy place.” Her post which has been liked thousands of times was soon flooded with mixed responses. Some animal lovers noticed that the bit in the horses mouth, used for the reins appeared to be too tight.

One follower penned: “His bit is way too tight! Come on Katie, this is basic know how for horses.” A second added: “Jesus loosen the bit ffs.” “Ouch! What have you done to the mouth – needs bigger bit and loosen the rein,” commented another. A fourth concerned fan added: “Noseband and bit both too high, nice horse though.”

The former model has owned Wallis since he was eight(Image: instagram.com/katieprice)

But some leapt to Katie’s defence, with one writing: “Horses are soul medicine of the best kind.” A second went on to say: “I don’t care where Katie got the horse from it’s a lovely photo and why do people have a problem with anyone having a happy place move on and stop b****ing about her them without sin cast the first stone.”

Another typed: “Lovely pic so what if she is riding someone elses horse she can ride. Why do the Karen’s of the world have to be picky and mean. Just because you’re not happy with your life don’t be b***y about others u mite just get good karma back.” But over the years, there has been concern for Katie’s animals.

In 2020, a petition was made to put a ban in place to stop her from owning animals. The petition launched on change.org has since had over 37,000 signatures following some heartbreaking revelations about Katie’s pets.

Katie, a known lover of horses has previously competed at the Horse of the Year Show(Image: Getty Images)

Her beloved German Shepherd dog was killed on the A24 close to her home, seven months after another of her dogs was killed on the same road.

Her horse was also killed on the same road after breaking free from Katie’s fields. In 2020, her French Bulldog puppy Rolo suffocated after becoming trapped under a chair.

Katie has previously described Wallis as her “sidekick through thick and thin.” She has previously shown appreciation to her horse with a loving post saying in August, saying: “I’ve been riding horses since I was 7 and I’ve had Wallis since he was 8, he is now nearly 22, horses are my life and passion.”

Brooklyn Beckham’s wife Nicola Peltz have proved that she’s not going to let the critics get her down in her latest Instagram offering

Nicola Peltz shares defiant comeback amid Beckham feud as fans ‘stand with her’(Image: @nicolaannepeltzbeckham/Instagram)

Nicola Peltz has defiantly returned to Instagram with a series of stunning photographs after she was blasted by fans of The Beckham family over her and Brooklyn’s reported feud with his parents David and Victoria.

Earlier this week, the actress, 30, was bombarded with cruel comments when she posted an advert on her account. Nicola, who tied the knot with Posh and Becks’ eldest son Brooklyn, 26, in 2022, was called ‘shameless’ and ‘selfish’ and ‘rude’ by furious Beckham family fans who have weighed in on the rumours of a family feud.

However, it’s clear that Nicola is not backing down and has stood her ground as she took to Instagram once again on Wednesday to share three stunning selfies. The pictures in question see the model pose up a storm for the camera while wearing a stylish black halterneck dress.

Brooklyn’s wife oozes elegance in her latest offering as she wears her brunette locks in a half-up, half-down style. Meanwhile, her makeup is styled to perfection as she opted for a heavily bronzed look with lots of pink blush on her cheeks and a cherry lipstick.

While most of the comments were positive, with fans calling Nicola a “ten out of ten” and “stunning”, others weren’t so kind. One particular Instagram user wrote: “I feel sorry for Brooklyn’s dad.” Another further weighed in on the Beckham family feud as they commented: “We stand with you and Brooklyn!!! It’s sad that you are getting iced out of the family.”

Someone else wrote: “Keep shining Nicola take no notice of anyone.” While another fan encouraged: “Everything happens for a reason.”

It comes after Brooklyn broke his social media silence following the reported fallout with his famous family. The amatuer chef, 26, and wife, Nicola, failed to turn up for David Beckham’s 50th birthday party on the weekend following reports the former footballer’s firstborn is feuding with brother Romeo over his girlfriend, Kim Turnbull, who Brooklyn reportedly dated in 2016.

Actress, Nicola, is at the centre of the drama, with a source close to the Beckhams claiming Victoria and David are “done” with their daughter-in-law, who has been accused of ‘controlling’ her husband. However, taking to Instagram for the first time since his dad’s birthday, Brooklyn had only good things to say about her.

Nicola and Brooklyn are reportedly being ignored by David and Victoria(Image: FilmMagic)

Praising the billionaire heiress for inspiring him to make his new hot sauce, he mused: “I was having a bottle of wine with my wife and she said: ‘You like hot sauce, you like design. Why don’t you make a hot sauce’.

Conceding he “didn’t really think much about it” until he watched a quick video”, he added: “I didn’t really think much about it and then I ordered a bunch of stuff and I watched a quick video on how to make a hot sauce. I then made the jalapeno one and I really liked it and I thought: ‘I really want to do something with this’.”

Brooklyn’s comments about his wife come after Nicola has been villainised by many following the couple’s no-show at David’s milestone. Her Instagram post in which she flogs sun cream was hijacked on Tuesday, with several telling her she should be ashamed of herself for missing David’s big day.

However, a source tells the Mirror that the Transformers actress is actually the peacekeeper between Brooklyn and his family, saying: “Nicola encourages Brooklyn to see his family and is usually the reason Brooklyn does see his family. They are both devastated.”

Brooklyn has not yet commented on the rumours of a feud(Image: Instagram)

Brooklyn allegedly didn’t want to go to the big knees-up in London and the Cotswolds at the weekend because of Romeo’s girlfriend, Kim.

Romeo, Kim, Cruz and Harper all attended the birthday bash as Victoria shared snaps of her three kids and tagged them all – except Brooklyn. Usually the mum-of-four will tell her firstborn that he was ‘missed’ if he can’t attend a family function, but made no mention of him at the weekend, leading fans to ask the artist formerly known as Posh Spice what was going on.

The Mirror has contacted Nicola’s representatives for comment on this story.

Friends of Victoria and David Beckham rally around the couple saying they went to great efforts to support their daughter-in-law

Victoria Beckham supports her daughter-in-law at her movie premiere(Image: FilmMagic)

David and Victoria Beckham are “deeply sad” about the rift which has emerged between them and their daughter-in-law as pals insisted they “pulled out all the stops” to make it work.

Sources close to son Brooklyn’s wife Nicola Peltz have suggested that her in-laws have not been supportive of her career, and have been unwelcoming.

But friends close to the couple say they have backed Nicola “at every opportunity” and that there was “no anger but just a deep sense of sorrow about how things have turned out.”

The source added: “They have gone above and beyond to help Nicola with her endeavours.”

Victoria, 51, attended the premiere of Nicola’s film Lola in Los Angeles last year and posed on the red carpet arm in arm with her. She was also at the London screening to promote the film, along with the rest of the family: David, 50, Harper, 13, Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20.

“Victoria was even on crutches after injuring her foot but wouldn’t miss it for the world as she knew how important it was for Nicola, and her son,” a friend says.

Victoria Beckham and the family support Nicola at her film premiere(Image: FilmMagic)

After the LA premiere, Victoria wrote: “We could not be more proud of you. Congratulations on your incredible film……kisses.” In another post, she said: “We’re so proud of you and all your hard work.”

David was equally supportive of his daughter-in-law on social media to help promote his daughter-in-law’s film, friends said.

A pal said: “Lets not forget that David has 88million Instagram followers, and he was repeatedly promoting Nicola’s film, and expressing his love for her and the project. Privately, too, he was of course very supportive as well.”

David even sent his love to Nicola when her dog died and shared a post written by Nicola talking about her heartache.

The friend said: “Again, does this strike you as someone who is uncaring and not accepting of Nicola into the family.”

David Beckham posts his support towards Nicola

The Mirror told this week how a rift had opened up after Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 30 snubbed David’s 50th bash at the swanky Core restaurant in London’s Notting Hill. Sources close to Nicola insist that the reason for the no-show was because Romeo’s girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 25, and Brooklyn once had a “brief romantic connection” and didn’t approve of her. They claim the Beckhams instead “chose Romeo’s girlfriend over family.”

But a friend of the Beckhams said: “Kim and Brooklyn did not date and she has nothing to do with any of this. In any case, why did Brooklyn not go to the Cotswolds party where Kim wasn’t there…or the Scottish fishing trip with his dad and other brothers. It doesn’t make sense.”

One source connected to the family said earlier this week of the Brooklyn no-show: “It was a real blow to David. Brooklyn was close with his dad growing up but he is married now…things have escalated in recent months and there is a very obvious rift that David and Victoria would love to heal.”

Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola shared a supportive message to his pal and former BBC dancer, Graziano Di Prima, on his birthday

Strictly’s Vito Coppola shares support to ‘fantastic human’ Graziano Di Prima after axe(Image: grazianodiprima/Instagram)

Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola shared a supportive message to his pal and former BBC dancer, Graziano Di Prima, on his birthday. The professional dancer was sacked by BBC bosses in the summer amid claims he “hit, spat at and kicked” his celebrity dance partner Zara McDermott.

Graziano, 31, fled the UK to return to his native Italy with his wife Giada, where it was reported he was working on a vineyard. However, Graziano recently made a comeback to the country. In December, he returned to Instagram for the first time since last July as he announced his return to dancing after a “period of reflection” and said that he felt “stronger than ever”.

Vito wished him a happy birthday(Image: Facebook)

And now, on his birthday, his Strictly co-star and close friend Vito took to his Facebook page to send a supportive message to the axed dancer.

Vito wrote alongside a photo of the two at the beach: “Happy birthday to my dear friend, my brother. You are a fantastic human and that’s why you are so much well-loved. Love and miss you so much.”

He shared a similar message on his Instagram Stories, writing: “Happy birthday to this special human “Ti saro per sempre amico!” Love you so so much my brother and I miss you so so much!” The Italian translates to: “I will always be your friend!”

Earlier this year, Graziano revealed to fans he would be running a dance class in London and asked the to sign up. He said at the time: “Ciao everyone.

“I’ve finally got beautiful news. April 27, I will be in London at the Dance Attic teaching you two incredible classes.

“I cannot wait to see you all and most of all to dance with you all – we’re going to have fun!”

Last year, Graziano’s Strictly sparkle was washed off to uncover an alleged abusive underside. He was forced to admit he had kicked his celebrity partner Zara while they were working together on Strictly in 2023 and he then dropped out of the show in shame.

At the end of the year, Vito shared his unwavering support for the dancer following Graziano’s dismissal from the long-running BBC programme.

Earlier in the evening, the two were seen enjoying a coffee together, with Vito sharing a heartfelt message on social media: “Amico mio ti voglio bene,” which translates to “My friend, I love you.”

The photo, posted on Graziano’s Instagram originally, had a lengthy caption from Graziano himself. About his co-star, Grazian penned: “How wonderful it was to hug you again, my friend!

“Our friendship is stronger than anything, remember you’re a special person, with a big heart!! Love you and wish you all the best in everything you do.”

Broadcasting regular Ofcom has assured that it is ‘not a censor’ amid criticism over guidance around offensive language that a broadcaster has said affects their output

There are concerns about the future of ‘classic comedies’ like the Carry On films(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Broadcast regulator Ofcom has faced calls to provide exemptions from language “restrictions” for “classic comedies”. The news comes amid concern that the likes of the Carry On! films could end up lost to history in the future.

Ofcom provides guidance on how acceptable TV viewers consider particular “offensive” words and uses research, including surveys on language, to inform its decisions. The regulator – which has the power to issue sanctions – has previously assured that there is no list of “banned” words.

The Telegraph reports this week that critics argue that the evolving nature of language and social norms means that TV channels are being held to a constantly changing set of standards. The outlet suggests that words like “t**ser,” “sl**” and “t**t” have previously been taken out of Carry On Laughing, Please Sir!, Whose Line is it Anyway? and On The Buses, for example

Jonathan Moore, who runs Rewind TV, told the outlet: “I think people have a thicker skin than maybe Ofcom gives them credit for. It’s the nanny state, isn’t it, really?” He suggested that it’s “arbitrary” and that offensive is subjective.

Talking Pictures TV’s Sarah Cronin-Stanley however said that her channel has “happy medium” to stay within Ofcom’s codes. She said that any edits to programmes sparks a backlash from viewers though.

There are concerns that ‘classic comedies’ like the Carry On films could be lost to history in the future amid censorship fears(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Jonathan argues that the regulator’s approach means that ‘classic programming’ is at risk of being edited beyond recognition as broadcasters self-censor. He warns that this could ultimately lead to some films becoming ‘extinct’.

He said the “last thing” broadcasters want is a fine because they have “let something slip”. Jonathan added that as a result he’s “very nervous” and that his channel potentially goes “further” than it should because of “that fear”.

According to the Telegraph, campaigners are now calling on Ofcom to grant an exemption for “classic comedies”. The idea has been compared to how cars can be exempt from MOTs and road tax if they are over 40 years old.

It’s been suggested that this would mean “old-school programmes” can avoid “language restrictions” on the condition that viewers are given adequate warning over the content in advance. Comedy historian Robert Ross told the outlet that trigger warnings are a ‘small price to pay’ to preserve content from British history.

Broadcast regulator Ofcom has however assured that it isn’t a censor and that there is editorial freedom for broadcasters in terms of content(Image: Getty Images)

An Ofcom spokesperson told the Mirror: “Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules which do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. There is editorial freedom for each broadcaster to decide how it covers any issue, topic or programme type.

“In our research, audiences recognise offensive language can play an important role on TV and radio. But viewers and listeners still want broadcasters to take care with potentially offensive terms, particularly so children are protected, and especially when discriminatory language is used. Our rules and research help broadcasters to strike the right balance.”

They added: “We’ve explored people’s views on the acceptability of outdated or discriminatory content being broadcast in older programmes. Our research reflects that viewers welcome being warned about this kind content at the start of programmes whilst still being given the opportunity to watch and enjoy older material.”

David Hasselhoff was spotted being wheeled through Cancun airport in Mexico on Monday in a wheelchair following the tragic suicide of his ex-wife, Pamela Bach

David Hasselhoff is ‘living on borrowed time’ according to a source close to the Baywatch star(Image: Getty Images)

David Hasselhoff is “living on borrowed time” according to a source said to be close to the Baywatch star. The 72-year-old, who shot to fame as Mitch Buchannon in the NBC show in 1989, was spotted on Monday in a wheelchair at Cancun airport in Mexico before limping through LAX in California alongside his wife, Hayley, 45.

Sporting a stiped shirt, black baseball cap and slacks, David gave a thumbs up as he could be seen leaning heavily on his Welsh wife, who he has been married for seven years as the couple flew home after holidaying in Mexico. The photos were taken weeks after David’s ex, Pamela Bach, tragically died by suicide, which reportedly left the Knight Rider star and his family “deeply saddened”.

David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife, Pamela Bach, tragically died by suicide(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)

Speaking about David following the tragedy, a source close to the dad-of-two told the Mail that the star’s health has been declining over the years, saying: “David is living on borrowed time and has lived hard.

“He had a life that people could only dream of but he also spent decades self-medicating through alcohol and other substances, which he does regret.”

The source added that while sober now, David’s health “has been declining for some time,” as a result of “decades of alcoholism”.

They also pointed out his age as well as his major operations, including having a defibrillator fitted to prevent a heart attack, concluding: “He knows that every surgery could be the last.”

However, when contacted by the Mirror, David’s rep told us he was “fine” and awaiting knee surgery, which is why he was in the wheelchair, saying: “He’s doing fine and actually they were returning from a great vacation in Cancun.

“He is scheduled to have knee surgery next week, hence the wheelchair.”

He is now married to Welsh wife, Hayley Roberts(Image: Getty)

David’s battle with alcohol reportedly played a role in the breakdown of his marriage to Pamela, who tragically took her own life aged 61 in her Hollywood Hills home on March 5.

Paramedics were called to the mum-of-two’s home and discovered she had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. David, who shares two daughters with the actress, said through a spokesperson that his family was ‘deeply saddened’ by her passing.

Pamela previously claimed that alcohol played a central role in her split from David, claiming the “drink was taking over his life”.

Describing her husband as a man whose battle with alcohol had begun to take a devastating toll, she told the Mail: “To me, he was the man who fell over on the bedroom floor. “He has a disease, just like cancer. And just like cancer, it ate away at our family from the inside.”

Despite her deep love for David, Pamela confessed: “I always believed in happy Hollywood endings, but our story doesn’t have one.

The couple met on the set of David’s sci-fi series Knight Rider in 1986. At the time, he was married to his first wife and co-star Catherine Hickland, while Pamela was dating a comedian.

In 1989, David and Catherine divorced. He met Pamela again that year on the set of Baywatch, where she had bagged a small role. After nine months of dating, Pamela was pregnant – and they expedited their wedding before calling it quits in 2006.