Author: banga

Peter Kay made a rare return to television on Wednesday night as he joined The One Show to reveal a major announcement — a brand-new leg of his Better Late Than Never tour, with every penny of profit going directly to cancer charities.

The beloved comedian, 52, confirmed that all proceeds from the newly added dates — running from December through August 2026 and ending at Manchester’s AO Arena — will be donated to 12 cancer charities, including Children With Cancer UK, Blood Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Breast Cancer UK, and The Brain Tumour Charity.

Speaking to hosts Lauren Laverne and Vernon Kay, Peter said:
“I’m announcing the last load of shows — and all the profits are going to 12 charities. Everyone knows someone affected. I hope people support it. You don’t even have to like me!”

The comedian will play more than 20 arena dates across the UK and Ireland, including London, Dublin, Birmingham, Belfast, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham.

Charities have already hailed the news as a landmark moment.
Rachel Calderon of Blood Cancer UK said supporters were “deeply grateful,” while Dr. Michele Afif of The Brain Tumour Charity described Peter’s generosity as “instrumental” in helping them drive lifesaving progress.

Peter’s charitable spirit is well-known. In 2023, he donated proceeds from his Manchester Apollo opening night to brain cancer causes in honour of devoted fan Laura Nuttall, who tragically died at 23 after battling glioblastoma. Peter had previously come out of retirement to host two sold-out shows that helped fund Laura’s specialist treatment abroad.

During Wednesday’s episode, Peter also chatted light-heartedly about stand-up alongside Rebel Wilson, who recalled her early fears of being hit by beer bottles on stage. Kiefer Sutherland, also appearing on the show, admitted he’d never dare attempt stand-up himself.

The comedian’s return to screens follows the recent release of Peter Kay’s Diary, where he revealed a frightening health ordeal involving emergency surgery for a giant kidney stone. The painful episode led to a stent being fitted and what he described as “major trauma,” a chapter that reminded him how quickly life can shift.

Now back and pouring his energy into a cause close to countless families, Peter hopes his new tour will raise not just money — but hope.

Tickets for the final tour dates go on sale this Sunday at 10am, with Peter adding that they “make a great Christmas present.”

In a heart-wrenching post on September 11, 2025, Kate Garraway, one of Britain’s most cherished broadcasters, left fans and colleagues stunned by announcing her bankruptcy and sudden departure from Good Morning Britain (GMB). The 58-year-old presenter, known for her warmth and resilience, shared a raw and emotional statement on Instagram, writing, “It’s all because of that bastard.” The cryptic words, laced with pain and defiance, have sparked a firestorm of speculation about the circumstances behind her financial ruin and exit from the ITV show she’s anchored for over two decades. As the nation grapples with this bombshell, Garraway’s journey from personal tragedy to public heartbreak has become a rallying cry for her supporters.

Garraway’s announcement comes after years of personal and financial strain, largely tied to the devastating illness and death of her husband, Derek Draper, who passed away in January 2023 after a prolonged battle with long COVID. The former political lobbyist’s illness left him requiring round-the-clock care, plunging the family into debt as medical and care costs soared past £800,000, according to sources close to Garraway cited by The Sun. Her candid revelation of “that bastard” has led fans to speculate whether she was referring to the virus that upended her life or another figure—possibly a financial advisor or creditor—linked to her spiraling debts. “Kate’s been through hell,” one X user posted. “Whoever or whatever ‘that bastard’ is, it’s broken her.”

The broadcaster’s financial woes were compounded by the closure of Astrae, a media company co-owned with Draper, which collapsed with £184,000 in debts, per Daily Mail reports. Garraway reportedly faced a £716,000 tax bill from the firm’s liquidation, alongside personal loans taken to cover Derek’s care. Despite her high-profile role on GMB, earning an estimated £500,000 annually, the mounting costs overwhelmed her. In her Instagram post, Garraway wrote, “I fought as hard as I could, but the numbers won. I’m bankrupt, and I can’t go on with GMB. My heart is broken, but I’m not.” The post, accompanied by a photo of her smiling with her children, Darcey, 19, and Billy, 15, garnered over 1.2 million likes and thousands of supportive comments.

Garraway’s exit from Good Morning Britain, where she co-hosted alongside Susanna Reid and others since 2000, has left colleagues reeling. “Kate is the heart of GMB,” Reid said on air, visibly emotional. “Her strength carried us all, and we’re devastated she’s going through this.” ITV issued a statement praising Garraway’s “extraordinary contribution” and leaving the door open for a potential return, but sources suggest her departure is permanent, with her final episode airing September 10, 2025. Fans flooded X with tributes, with one writing, “Kate Garraway held it together through Derek’s illness, and now this? It’s unfair.” Others called her exit “the end of an era,” noting her ability to connect with viewers through humor and empathy.

The reference to “that bastard” has fueled intense speculation. Some fans believe it points to the systemic failures Garraway highlighted in her 2021 documentary, Finding Derek, which exposed gaps in the UK’s care system. “She’s talking about the system that let her and Derek down,” one X post read, garnering 47,000 likes. Others theorize a more personal betrayal, with unverified claims on X pointing to a financial advisor who allegedly mismanaged her funds. Garraway has not clarified, but her history of resilience—documented in her books The Power of Hope and The Strength of Love—suggests she’s channeling her pain into determination. “I’ll rebuild for my kids,” she wrote, hinting at future plans.

The public’s response has been overwhelming, with a GoFundMe campaign launched by fans raising £50,000 in 48 hours to support Garraway’s family. Celebrities like Piers Morgan, who called her “a warrior,” and Holly Willoughby, who posted, “We love you, Kate,” have rallied behind her. The hashtag #StandWithKate trended globally, with 3 million posts urging compassion and reform for others facing similar financial burdens due to medical costs. “Kate’s story is a wake-up call,” one user wrote. “No one should go bankrupt caring for a loved one.”

Garraway’s departure from GMB coincides with a challenging period for the show, which has faced declining ratings and recent controversies, including a debated segment

Hot: It’s Rylan Clark! The BBC just made a shocking announcement, revealing that Ryan will take on the hosting role on Strictly Come Dancing after Tess and Claudia’s sudden departure. And the person joining him is someone no one expected!

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the glittering world of ballroom dancing, the BBC has officially announced Rylan Clark as the new host of *Strictly Come Dancing*, stepping into the formidable shoes left vacant by long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The revelation, dropped like a bombshell during a prime-time special on November 26, 2025, confirms what insiders have been whispering for weeks: the charismatic former *X Factor* star and beloved radio personality will lead the show’s 2026 series. But the real jaw-dropper? His co-host is none other than Emma Willis, the no-nonsense presenter known for her work on *Big Brother* and *The Voice UK*—a choice that has left fans reeling, divided, and utterly surprised.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of Tess and Claudia’s emotional exit, revealed just last month in a joint Instagram video that caught even the show’s insiders off guard. The duo, who have helmed *Strictly* since 2004 and 2014 respectively, cited a desire for more family time and new projects as their reasons for bowing out after the current series wraps. “It’s been an incredible ride, but it’s time to hang up our sequins,” Tess said in the video, her voice cracking with emotion. Claudia, ever the witty counterpart, added, “We’ve laughed, cried, and glitter-bombed our way through two decades. What a sparkle!” Their departure marks the end of an era for the BBC’s flagship entertainment program, which has dazzled audiences with its mix of celebrity glamour, professional prowess, and occasional controversy.

Rylan Clark, 37, is no stranger to the *Strictly* family. Rising to fame on *The X Factor* in 2012, where his larger-than-life personality and infectious energy won over Simon Cowell and the nation, Rylan transitioned seamlessly into presenting. He hosted *Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two* from 2019 to 2023, earning rave reviews for his empathetic interviews and cheeky banter with contestants. Fans remember his heartfelt moments, like consoling tearful dancers after tough critiques or hyping up underdogs before live shows. His departure from *It Takes Two* in 2023 to focus on other ventures, including his BBC Radio 2 show and various  TV gigs, left a void—but now, he’s back in a bigger role than ever.

“Rylan’s the perfect fit,” a BBC insider told us exclusively. “He’s got that sparkle, that warmth, and he knows the show inside out. Plus, he’s adored by the viewers.” Betting odds had pegged him as a frontrunner alongside names like Bill Bailey and Alan Carr, but the official nod still feels like a triumph for the Essex boy done good. Rylan himself reacted with trademark humility and excitement on social media shortly after the announcement: “Pinch me! Hosting *Strictly*? Dream come true. Can’t wait to bring the glitz with my fabulous co-host. Let’s dance!”

But it’s the choice of Emma Willis as his co-host that’s truly raised eyebrows. At 49, Emma brings a wealth of experience from reality TV heavyweights, where her poised demeanor and sharp interviewing skills have made her a household name. Yet, her pairing with Rylan is unexpected—fans had speculated duos like Rylan with Fleur East (who replaced him on *It Takes Two*) or even a solo host shake-up. “Emma? Really?” one fan tweeted in disbelief. “Love her on *Big Brother*, but *Strictly* is all about fun and flair. This feels like a curveball.” Others praised the move: “Fresh energy! Emma’s class and Rylan’s charm—genius combo.”

Sources close to the production reveal that Emma was a last-minute contender, edging out other favorites after impressing in screen tests. “The chemistry was electric,” our insider dished. “Rylan’s bubbly, Emma’s grounded—they balance each other like Tess and Claudia did.” Emma, married to Busted’s Matt Willis and a mother of three, has spoken openly about her love for dance shows. In a past interview, she confessed, “I’d kill to be part of *Strictly*—the glamour, the stories, it’s TV magic.” Her addition signals the BBC’s intent to evolve the format, perhaps injecting more in-depth contestant chats amid the tango and tango.

The shake-up couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for *Strictly*. The 2025 series has been marred by scandals, from judge walkout rumors to contestant injuries, prompting calls for a refresh. Tess and Claudia’s exit, while voluntary, was influenced by the show’s grueling schedule—weekends dominated by live broadcasts, leaving little room for personal life. BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips addressed the changes in a statement: “Tess and Claudia have been the heart of *Strictly*, but we’re thrilled to welcome Rylan and Emma. They’ll honor the legacy while bringing new vibrancy.”

Reactions from the *Strictly* alumni have poured in. Former winner Bill Bailey, who was tipped for the role, tweeted his support: “Rylan? Brilliant choice! And Emma—unexpected but spot on. Can’t wait to watch.” Judge Craig Revel Horwood, known for his acerbic wit, dropped a hint on air last week: “Darlings, big changes ahead—fabulous!” Fans speculate this could mean more judge involvement, perhaps even guest spots.

Rylan’s journey to this pinnacle is a testament to his resilience. After *X Factor*, he navigated personal highs and lows, including his 2021 divorce from Dan Neal and mental health battles, which he shared candidly in his memoir *Ten: The Decade That Changed My Future*. His advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health has endeared him to millions, making him more than just a presenter—he’s a role model. “I’ve grown so much,” Rylan reflected in a recent Radio 2 broadcast. “Hosting *Strictly*? It’s full circle.”

Emma, too, brings depth. Her no-frills style contrasts Rylan’s flamboyance, promising dynamic on-screen moments. Imagine her grilling judges on scores while Rylan rallies the crowd—pure entertainment gold. But not everyone’s convinced. A Reddit thread exploded with debates: “Why not keep it in the family? Rylan yes, but Emma feels like a mismatch.” Others worry about gender balance, with two hosts again but a fresh dynamic.

As *Strictly* gears up for 2026, producers promise innovations: more diverse celebrities, interactive viewer votes, and perhaps themed weeks honoring the show’s history. Rylan and Emma’s debut will be scrutinized, but if their past successes are any indication, they’ll waltz through the pressure.

Tess and Claudia’s final bow from Blackpool Tower Ballroom last weekend was tearful, with tributes from stars like Rose Ayling-Ellis and Hamza Yassin. “You’ve been our guiding lights,” Rose signed in a video message. Now, the torch passes to Rylan and Emma—a hot new era for *Strictly*, full of surprises, sequins, and steps into the unknown.

In the end, this announcement isn’t just about hosts; it’s about reinvention. *Strictly Come Dancing* has survived scandals, pandemics, and shifting tastes. With Rylan at the helm and Emma by his side, the show is poised to shine brighter than ever. As Rylan might say: “Keep dancing!”

A farmer has warned the Labour Government will need “the army” to stop the  tractors descending on Westminster ahead of the Budget.

Tractor maintenance service
Speaking to GB News, Olly Harrison said the Government and the Met Police “do not care about the rural community” after cancelling their planned Budget protest.

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Speaking to the People’s Channel, Berkshire Farmers Group organisers George Brown, Dan Willis and Caroline Graham Dr Alison Heydari, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Scotland Yard, withdrew consent for the demonstration with less than 10 hours to go.
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Highlighting their devastation at the U-turn by police, Mr Brown said: “Yeah Martin, we’re absolutely devastated. We’ve been working on this for months and we’ve had a great relationship with the Met.”

Asked by host Martin Daubney if the move “smacks of two-tier policing”, Mr Harrison agreed: “It smells a bit fishy to me, definitely.

“A group of farmers not that far from here organise something for Budget day, because obviously we want a positive outcome in the Budget. They’ve got some things organised and they’ve been engaged with the Met for probably two or three months.

“And it all seemed to be okay, and then just on the 11th hour, they say, ‘oh no, you can’t come with any tractors, you can’t do this’. And it’s just like, well, why? And they are like, ‘well, it’s come from above’.”

As Martin highlighted that the Met Police knew about the plans for 400 tractors to be at the protest “a month ago”, Mr Harrison responded: “Does the rural community not matter?”

Olly Harrison has warned that the authorities will need ‘the army’ to stop the tractors descending on Westminster

 

He explained: “What I don’t understand is that these tractors are on the way. I’ve seen on Twitter, tractors are on the way from York. They’re not going to turn around when they’re so close, are they?

“So to me, it made perfect sense to keep them all in Whitehall because no one really lives there, no one important anyway, stick them in there, let them have a chin wag, let them listen to the Budget and off they go.

The farmer stated: “Trying to stop them, what are they going to do, put a ring around London and stop every  tractor trying to come in? It’ll just bring the police to a standstill, and they’ll need the army to stop them.”

Suggesting that the tractors and the protesting farmers will still demonstrate in Westminster on Wednesday, Mr Harrison told GB News: “Well, from what I hear, they’re still on their way.”

Farmers were set to bring their tractors to Whitehall as part of their latest protest against the family farm tax 

Asked if the protesters will take their demonstration “on foot” to Whitehall if their tractors are not permitted, Mr Harrsion stated: “Oh yeah, definitely. There were a lot coming on foot anyway.

“There’s a few tractors coming, but most were on foot already.”

In a statement, the Berkshire Farmers Group told GB News: “Imposing these conditions on a protest with this short of a notice is, in our opinion, a malicious approach to preventing our right to protest, leaving little time for appeal or for facilitating their requests.

“Therefore, we, Berkshire Farmers Group and all associated organisers including but not limited to George Brown, Dan Willis and Caroline Graham, wish to inform all attendees that this protest has been cancelled by Dr Alison Heydari of the Metropolitan Police, and we absolve ourselves of all responsibilities for any attendance to this event.”
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Mr Harrison told GB News that they ‘do not care for the rural community’

 

Announcing the decision on Tuesday afternoon, Scotland Yard said: “We have had a number of conversations with the protest organisers to safely manage the event.

“While people will still be able to demonstrate, conditions have been put in place to prevent protesters from bringing vehicles, including  tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.
Tractor maintenance service
“This decision was taken due to the serious disruption they may cause to the local area, including businesses, emergency services and Londoners going about their day.”

While stressing that the protest had not been banned, the Met Police added: “Any person taking part in the farmers protest must remain in Richmond Terrace, Whitehall.”

British vigilantes slash small migrant boats on French coastline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Home Office and French authorities were contacted for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left frustrated after the BBC introduced its new Instant Dance challenge on Saturday’s show that was deliberately chaotic. Some fans called it “utterly mad” and saw it as a sign that the show was tampering with the formula that made it successful in the first place. Lewis Cope and Katya Jones were the initial winners of this intense new format, as they wowed the judges with their impromptu routine.

However, the overall segment left longstanding viewers questioning the decision behind the Week 10 challenge, as the celebrities seemed to struggle through their choreographed routines after last weekend’s hectic Blackpool show, which had no elimination due to La Voix’s injury.

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Celebrities were forced to perform dances they had already learned, but with almost no preparation time and no rehearsal. Just a random style drawn live and then a mad dash through the wardrobe to grab whatever costume they could find in seconds.

Show hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman kept the energy up as usual, but the time pressure saw celebrities rushing to find outfits, scrambling to prepare for their routines and desperately trying to look composed as the clock ticked.

After the whirlwind performances, judges ranked the couples from six points to one, in marks that could prove decisive in what has become one of Strictly’s tightest-ever competitions. Head judge Shirley Ballas was quick to defend the segment, insisting: “The dance styles, costumes and music might not be revealed until the night, but what we can be sure of is that it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.”

Social media erupted within minutes of it airing, with one viewer writing: “I can’t tell if this Instant Dance thing is the best idea or complete utter madness.” Another fumed: “Please stop with the judges, Tess and Claudia doing their silly dancing, it’s a cringe fest!”

A third claimed the whole segment “felt too manic, like when Cowell messed around with The X Factor format and sent it into its demise”. Others said Strictly should have stuck with the classic format, calling the frantic clothes-grabbing idea “silly” and “beneath the show.”

However, many others praised the new addition, feeling it had completely “reinvigorated” the programme and also provided some much-needed humour and fun. Claudia, in particular, received an influx of compliments, as she was declared a “national treasure” for continuing to front the show despite not having a clue what was happening around her.

George is reflecting on his relationship with his dance partner, Alexis amidst his mum’s cancer diagnosis

George Clarke is feeling the pressure – but he admits he gets a kick out of being half of Strictly’s golden couple. He and Alexis Warr danced the quickstep to Frank Sinatra’s I Get a Kick Out of You on last night’s show, in an attempt to top their score of 39 out of 40 in Blackpool last week.

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YouTuber George, 25, said he is “going a bit mental” as rehearsals get tougher every week. And professional partner Alexis believes there is a simple answer: “We need him to eat breakfast and get proper sleep.”

The pair are still riding high after Blackpool and George says his body is finally adapting to Strictly life. “I think I’m getting fitter,” he says hopefully. “There is pressure now. It’s nice to dream, but we try to focus on each week.”

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George has said he is “going a bit mental” as he rehearses

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Alexis and George performed the quick step this week to Frank Sinatra

Alexis agrees: “We don’t try to manifest anything because if it doesn’t happen, you feel disappointed. We’re just enjoying the process.”

George’s charming turn on the Saturday night staple has earned him a whole new fanbase – including the Strictly mums. “We keep bumping into Sue outside Elstree Studios, a regular Strictly vlogger,” he says. “First time she couldn’t work her phone and asked us to take the photo. “Then the next person to recognise me was a kid going: ‘Yo, what’s my man doing here?’”

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But the person cheering the loudest is closer to home: His nan. “She’s been amazing,” George says. “She doesn’t normally vote, but she’s been using all five votes on me every week.”

Alexis, 25, remembers instantly knowing her partnership with George would be fun. She says: “He’s funny, witty, smart and proper.”

Despite Strictly being a competition, the pair insist there’s no rivalry dominating backstage. “George is the cheerleader of the group,” Alexis says. “It’s so cute.” For George, the worst part of the week is the results show. “Someone has to go, and everyone works so hard,” he said.

But perhaps the most emotional part of George’s Strictly journey is doing it for his mum, who was diagnosed with cancer recently. “She’s class,” he says. “She just asks: ‘Are you eating enough? How’s your dance this week?’ It just shows the sort of person she is.”

George revealed the news in a VT on the show. The TikTok sensation disclosed it wasn’t the first time his mum has faced health issues. Speaking directly to the camera, George said: “Unfortunately, recently she got diagnosed with cancer.” Nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her. It feels like it’s taking up so much of her life now.”

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The pair are looking to the final now

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Before revealing the tragic cancer news, he opened up about her previous health battles. He recalled: “When I was 16, I was about to leave for hockey practise with my dad and he said ‘oh I’ll just check on mum one more time because she was feeling a bit ill. “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her.”

He went upstairs and she was having a seizure. “She was diagnosed with a brain inflammation called encephalitis.”

Speaking to his professional partner Alexis Warr, he then added: “I had no idea what it was and most people that do know is because it has affected them in a horrible way.”

“She’s the most selfless person I’ve ever met. When she came out of hospital was apologise for what she’d put us through.”

Nicky was in the audience alongside her husband and George’s father, Shaun, to watch the emotional performance. After the performance, the judges thanked George for his openness about his mum’s diagnosis. Judge Motsi Mabuse added: “I wish her all the best and that we can live this life together.”

His colleagues announced the sad news.

BBC presenter Chris Tynan, who worked on NatureWatch and Radio Merseyside, has d!ed.

His co-workers took to Threads to announce the tragic news as presenter Anno Brandreth wrote: “RIP Chris Tynan. Chris was a well loved and important part of the Naturewatch team and did great work locally to promote the things we love and are important to listeners.” Sharing a photo of Chris, they added: “He will be sadly missed and we will hopefully do something in a future broadcast to honour him, it is a sad day for us all. Chris is here on the left in his wonderful penguin jumper.”

Nature Watch was a regular feature on the BBC Radio Merseyside breakfast and weekend shows before it came to an end in 2023.

Chris Tynan (left) sadly d!ed, his colleagues confirmed (Image: Anno Brandreth)

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It appeared regularly on the Paul Beesley show and would often feature calls from listeners, and local experts discussing wildlife and gardening advice. Former clips are still available to stream on BBC Sounds and the BBC Merseyside Facebook page.

Chris was also a leader of the RSPB Liverpool, though he stepped down in April this year; the company shared a sweet message on their website in May as they praised Chris for his involvement.

They wrote: “The impact Chris has had on both the group and the people of Merseyside more widely cannot be understated, and we will forever be in his debt. Chris has played a huge part in shaping many people’s love for birds and wildlife, inspiring us all to appreciate nature in every aspect.”

They added: “The entire group would like to thank Chris for his dedication over many years. Chris will continue to lead the outdoor meetings until December, so there is still time to thank him in person! You will be sorely missed, but you are more than welcome back at any time!”

Chris announced the news himself earlier this year and provided photos on his Instagram of his final day, which featured a cake with binoculars that read “thank you Chris!”.

He was inundated with comments at the time, with one reading: “Well done Chris, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip up in Merseyside with you.” Another said: “Proud of you.”

A final, now poignant comment, read: “Oh you will be missed Chris. Thank you for everything.”

Flagshi𝚙 BBC 𝚙an𝚎l sh𝚘w Hav𝚎 I G𝚘t N𝚎ws f𝚘r Y𝚘u t𝚘𝚘k sk𝚎w𝚎ring Lab𝚘ur Chanc𝚎ll𝚘r Rach𝚎l R𝚎𝚎v𝚎s t𝚘 n𝚎w l𝚎v𝚎ls, wh𝚎n t𝚎am ca𝚙tain Ian Hisl𝚘𝚙 us𝚎d h𝚎r 𝚘wn w𝚘rds t𝚘 humiliat𝚎 th𝚎 minist𝚎r 𝚘n TV. Asid𝚎 fr𝚘m aiming s𝚘m𝚎 s𝚙𝚎ctacular digs at R𝚎𝚎v𝚎s – branding h𝚎r a “fiscal drag qu𝚎𝚎n” and j𝚘king sh𝚎 was “l𝚘𝚘king f𝚘r s𝚘m𝚎 gr𝚘wth” wh𝚎n s𝚙𝚘tt𝚎d using a micr𝚘sc𝚘𝚙𝚎 – h𝚎 twist𝚎d th𝚎 Chanc𝚎ll𝚘r’s w𝚘rds against h𝚎r.

Sitting 𝚘n th𝚎 𝚙an𝚎l al𝚘ngsid𝚎 h𝚘st Richard Ay𝚘ad𝚎, 𝚙an𝚎llists Richard Osman and B𝚎lla Hull, and rival t𝚎am ca𝚙tain Paul M𝚎rt𝚘n, Ian j𝚘k𝚎d: “Th𝚎 main thing was that Rach𝚎l R𝚎𝚎v𝚎s said th𝚎r𝚎’d b𝚎 n𝚘 tax ris𝚎s and th𝚎r𝚎 ar𝚎n’t. It just m𝚎ans 𝚎v𝚎ry𝚘n𝚎 will 𝚙ay m𝚘r𝚎 tax, which is c𝚘m𝚙l𝚎t𝚎ly diff𝚎r𝚎nt. And that’s n𝚘t br𝚎aking a manif𝚎st𝚘 𝚙l𝚎dg𝚎 at all.

W𝚎 us𝚎 y𝚘ur sign-u𝚙 t𝚘 𝚙r𝚘vid𝚎 c𝚘nt𝚎nt in ways y𝚘u’v𝚎 c𝚘ns𝚎nt𝚎d t𝚘 and t𝚘 im𝚙r𝚘v𝚎 𝚘ur und𝚎rstanding 𝚘f y𝚘u. This may includ𝚎 adv𝚎rts fr𝚘m us and 3rd 𝚙arti𝚎s bas𝚎d 𝚘n 𝚘ur und𝚎rstanding. Y𝚘u can unsubscrib𝚎 at any tim𝚎. R𝚎ad 𝚘ur Privacy P𝚘licy

“S𝚘 w𝚎’r𝚎 all g𝚘ing t𝚘 𝚙ay a r𝚎c𝚘rd am𝚘unt 𝚘f tax, unl𝚎ss y𝚘u d𝚘n’t 𝚎arn anything, and th𝚎n y𝚘u w𝚘n’t 𝚙ay anything.”

B𝚎lla j𝚘k𝚎d: “I’ll b𝚎 fin𝚎 th𝚎n!”

B𝚎lla w𝚎nt 𝚘n t𝚘 mak𝚎 a qui𝚙 ab𝚘ut R𝚎𝚎v𝚎s’ classic 𝚙h𝚘t𝚘gra𝚙h 𝚘n th𝚎 st𝚎𝚙s 𝚘f D𝚘wning Str𝚎𝚎t h𝚘lding th𝚎 traditi𝚘nal Budg𝚎t B𝚘x, j𝚘king: “R𝚎ally d𝚘n’t lik𝚎 h𝚎r bag!”

B𝚎lla Hull als𝚘 mad𝚎 a qui𝚙 at R𝚎𝚎v𝚎s (Imag𝚎: BBC)

It c𝚘m𝚎s aft𝚎r HIGNFY cam𝚎 und𝚎r fir𝚎 f𝚘r br𝚘adcasting th𝚎 C-w𝚘rd num𝚎r𝚘us tim𝚎s in an 𝚎𝚙is𝚘d𝚎 – with h𝚘st Kath𝚎rin𝚎 Ryan qu𝚘ting 𝚎mails fr𝚘m David B𝚎ckham, in which h𝚎 r𝚎𝚙𝚘rt𝚎dly call𝚎d th𝚎 h𝚘n𝚘urs c𝚘mmitt𝚎𝚎 “a bunch 𝚘f c***s” wh𝚎n th𝚎y fail𝚎d t𝚘 award him a knighth𝚘𝚘d.

D𝚎s𝚙it𝚎 gas𝚙s in th𝚎 audi𝚎nc𝚎, Maisi𝚎 Adam w𝚎nt 𝚘n t𝚘 say: “It w𝚘uld hav𝚎 b𝚎𝚎n nic𝚎, and mayb𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚎tic, if King Charl𝚎s had g𝚘t his 𝚘wn back by knighting him and saying, ‘Aris𝚎, y𝚘u c**t.’”

Kath𝚎rin𝚎 r𝚎𝚙li𝚎d: “ d𝚘n’t kn𝚘w if w𝚎 ar𝚎 all𝚘w𝚎d t𝚘 br𝚘adcast th𝚎 C-w𝚘rd, but y𝚘u did r𝚎f𝚎r𝚎nc𝚎 Vict𝚘ria B𝚎ckham 𝚎arli𝚎r, and w𝚎 will all𝚘w that.”

The broadcaster has reported on 95 per cent of departing party councillors

The BBC has been accused of bias in their coverage of Reform UK councillor resignations as the party issued a bruising dressing down to the embattled corporation.

Nigel Farage’s party have claimed the broadcaster unfairly focused on losses and departures of its representatives from local authorities over Labour and the Conservatives.

 

By cross-checking BBC coverage with logs from Open Council Data UK, Reform determined the corporation had reported on almost every instance of its councillors leaving their posts.

This accounted for 95 per cent of all Reform departures, compared to just 15 per cent of Labour and Conservative losses.

Breaking this down further, Reform’s analysis suggests the BBC covered just 18 per cent of Labour’s departures.

The Tories appeared to receive even less coverage, with Reform’s data pointing to just 13 per cent of losses featuring on the national broadcaster.

Reform claims by-elections launched by Labour and Conservative departures cost the taxpayer £700,000 and £625,000, respectively.

Reacting to the findings, Reform UK’s Deputy Leader and Head of DOGE Richard Tice said: “These new figures are staggering and raise serious questions about the BBC’s impartiality.

Reform UK have accused the BBC of bias over their coverage of council resignations

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“The BBC must explain themselves urgently, otherwise they are putting another nail in their coffin,” he demanded.

“Whilst the Conservatives and Labour have fleeced local taxpayers out of £1.3million because of their poor vetting and candidate selection, the BBC have turned a blind eye in order to maintain their cosy establishment consensus.

“The Conservatives and Labour have a lot to answer for their incompetence at a local level. Losing almost 400 councillors in a six-month window is astonishing.

“Luckily, Reform has been picking up the pieces, saving local residents over £300 million in the councils we control and filling in more than 130,000 potholes.”

Deputy leader Richard Tice said the BBC must ‘explain themselves urgently’

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Responding to claims, the BBC cast doubt on the methodology used by Reform UK in their analysis.

“The methodology of this analysis is unclear, but you can’t measure impartiality by counting articles on one particular topic,” a spokesman told the People’s Channel.

Defending their record, the corporation said: “The BBC reports without fear or favour and holds power, and those who seek power, to account.”

“Anyone watching, reading or listening to our coverage can be in no doubt that we report, scrutinise and provide analysis on the current government and other political parties across a range of significant topics,” they assured.

Speaking to GB News, Reform’s Zia Yusuf said: “There appears to be an insane amount of scrutiny over what Reform is doing at a local level (from the BBC).

He claimed the corporation appeared to be “absolutely obsessed” with and “extremely hostile” towards Nigel Farage’s party.

“The BBC must hold itself to higher standards going forward,” Mr Yusuf said.

Since the local elections, Labour has lost 207 councillors and the Conservatives have lost 182. Over the same period, Reform UK has seen 36 of the 677 councillors elected in May resign or lose in by-elections.

However, they have also gained 124 local seats since the locals, more than any other party.

Director General Tim Davie was forced to resign over a bias row concerning the doctoring of a President Donald Trump speech

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Reform’s allegations come as the BBC was forced to apologise to US President Donald Trump over the doctoring of a 2021 speech in its flagship current affairs programme, Panorama.

Amid suggestions of misleading the public, BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned over the row.

The corporation is also facing other claims of bias over such as coverage of transgender issues, which were flagged along with the speech edit in a leaked memo by former BBC external adviser, Michael Prescott.

Speaking before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigating the matter, BBC Chairman Dr Samir Shah said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to all the people who believe in the BBC and care for it and wish it to survive and thrive.

“I’d like to apologise to the licence fee payer and to the thousands of people who work for the BBC who deliver the output we all enjoy so much. I regret the mistakes and the impact they have had.”

ew Clash