A moment that’s breaking hearts across Britain Denise Fergus has promised to face the man responsible for her son James’s death at his upcoming parole hearing. Her resolve, shaped by decades of grief, has sparked an outpouring of love and support nationwide — a powerful reminder that a mother’s fight for justice never ends. 

“FOR MY BOY” Denise Fergus Makes Emotional Vow Ahead Of Jon Venables Parole Hearing

“I’LL BE THERE.” — James Bulger’s Heartbroken Mum VOWS To Face Kill3r Jon Venables At Parole Hearing

-Credit:Julian Hamilton/Daily Miiror

The heartbroken mother of James Bulger has vowed to attend her son’s killer’s upcoming parole hearing — so she can look him in the eye and remind him he’s never been forgiven.

Denise Fergus, whose two-year-old son was abducted and brutally murdered in 1993, says she will fight to be present at the hearing of Jon Venables, one of the two boys convicted of the horrific crime.

Speaking to the Mirror, Denise said: “This is mental torture for me. His parole was rejected just five months ago because he wasn’t considered safe. What’s changed? He’s got a lifelong record of reoffending. When do we ever get a break from this nightmare?”

Denise hopes new laws allowing victims’ families to attend parole hearings will give her the chance to confront Venables directly. “I will do whatever it takes to sit in that room, to let him know we haven’t gone away, we haven’t forgiven, and we will never stop fighting,” she said. “I want the parole board to understand he hasn’t changed — and I believe he will kill again if he’s ever freed.”

James Bulger was killed 30 years ago after being abducted -Credit:Liverpool Echo

The legislation, rolled out across England and Wales, could pave the way for Denise to finally speak at the hearing later this year. She and her husband Stuart recently met with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to raise concerns over Venables’ possible release.

While she was told Venables is still being held as a Category A prisoner due to the threat he poses, Denise said past broken promises have made her cautious. “We’ve been burned before,” she admitted. “But the Justice Secretary seemed to take it seriously and said she’d keep us updated. We expect a formal letter any day now saying the parole process has begun.”

Denise, who lives in Merseyside with her family, said she had only just started enjoying some normality again — before being thrown “back into battle mode.”

“We shouldn’t have to keep going through this,” she said. “He should never be considered for parole, ever.”

James Bulger with his mum Denise Fergus

James Bulger’s murder remains one of the UK’s most disturbing crimes. On February 12, 1993, the toddler was snatched from the Strand shopping centre in Bootle while his mum briefly looked away to pay for meat at the butcher’s.

CCTV captured the moment two ten-year-old boys — Jon Venables and Robert Thompson — walked James out of the centre. They led him over two miles to a railway line, where they tortured and killed him.

The young killers were detained for just eight years before being released on licence in 2001 with new identities. Venables has since been jailed twice for possessing child abuse images, reigniting public anger and Denise’s relentless campaign to keep him locked up.

His most recent parole denial in December 2023 was seen as a small victory for James’ family — but now they face another agonising fight to ensure Venables remains behind bars.

‘She No Longer Recognises Her Son, Nor Me — Her Condition Is Getting Worse…’ Martin Frizell Broke Down As He Shared The Devastating Decline Of Fiona Phillips, Revealing The Cruel Reality Of Her Battle With Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. “Every Day I See Pieces Of The Woman I Love Fade Away,” He Whispered, Tears Rolling Down His Face, “And Yet I Stay By Her Side, Holding Her Hand, Reminding Her Of The Life We Built Together.” Friends Describe Martin’s Endless Devotion: “He Talks To Her, Sings To Her, Holds Her Close — Never Letting Her Face The Fog Alone.” Social Media Has Erupted In Heartfelt Support, With Fans Pouring Out Messages Like, “This Is The Truest Form Of Love I’ve Ever Witnessed,” And, “He’s Her Rock In The Darkest Storm.” The Couple’s Harrowing Journey, Filled With Pain, Tears, And Unbreakable Loyalty, Stuns The Nation, Serving As A Tearful Reminder That Love Sometimes Means Remembering For Both Hearts When One Is Lost.

Fiona Phillips’ husband, Martin Frizell, has opened up about the devastating decline of the former GMTV star as her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s continues to take its toll.

Fiona, now 64, was diagnosed in 2022, and Martin revealed in their memoir Remember When that she no longer recognised their eldest son, Nat, 24. Sharing the book’s success on Instagram—where it remains in the Sunday Times Bestsellers List—Martin included an old photograph of Fiona in her vibrant years, writing that she wanted to thank readers for “lifting her mood” during such a difficult time.

“She’s got bad depression because she wants to work, but she’s not well enough,” Martin told This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. He admitted the memoir began as “a few paragraphs” but turned into 24,000 words, driven by his frustration that Alzheimer’s remains the UK’s biggest killer yet still receives little attention.

“This is a bubbly, smart, fearless woman, a very modern woman—and suddenly it all just stops. I get very angry because no one talks about it. We become invisible with Alzheimer’s,” he said, his voice breaking.

Martin also revealed Fiona suffers from anxiety and secondary health issues that cause her severe pain, compounding her confusion. Yet despite the heartbreak, he continues to honour her legacy, sharing old memories and songs they once loved, hoping to remind the world of the woman who once lit up British television screens.

“Say Whatever You Want?”: Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll opens up about the future of the legendary sitcom — and his hope that his axed chat show could be revived

This Christmas, Brendan O’Carroll has just one festive wish: that the BBC gives him back the freedom he once had on Saturday night TV.

The Irish comic, best known as the creator and star of Mrs Brown’s Boys, has revealed he would “love” to revive his cancelled spin-off All Round To Mrs Brown’s, which ran for four series from 2017 before being shelved during Covid and later quietly axed.

Fronting the chat show in character as Agnes Brown, Brendan found himself in his element — particularly because there were almost no rules. He fondly recalled hosting A-list guests such as Pamela Anderson and Mel B, but it was one interview in particular that summed up the show’s anything-goes spirit.

Ahead of chatting to Caitlyn Jenner, Brendan admitted he went to her dressing room to ask where the boundaries were. According to him, she told him there was “no line” — a response he jokingly described as “a red rag to a bull”.

Once the cameras rolled, he immediately asked a deeply personal question about her anatomy, prompting a sharp “I beg your pardon?” from Caitlyn before the exchange descended into laughter. Brendan insists it “went great”, praising her as “absolutely magnificent”, though he wryly admits it’s the kind of moment that probably wouldn’t survive today’s TV climate.

Despite past controversies — including an apology last year for a “clumsy” joke during rehearsals — Mrs Brown’s Boys remains a festive staple. The sitcom returns on Christmas Day at 10.15pm, with Agnes rediscovering the meaning of family, Buster unveiling another of his famously over-the-top Christmas trees, and Cathy stressing over presents.

There will be no celebrity cameos this time, though Brendan revealed his dream guest would be Ed Sheeran.

And as for the future of Mrs Brown’s Boys beyond the New Year special? Brendan says nothing has been confirmed yet — but if the BBC comes calling, he’s open to it. He admits he loved the creative freedom of writing a shorter run, joking that not having to write a Christmas tree into every episode felt “so freeing”.

Britaiп oп Edge: Joaппa Lυmley Igпites a Political Firestorm

A Shock Intervention That Split the Nation

Britain woke up to political whiplash this morning after Joanna Lumley delivered a blistering, unscripted intervention that tore straight through Westminster’s carefully managed calm.

In a moment that instantly went viral, Lumley accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government of economic mismanagement, empty rhetoric, and governing the country like a “glossy stage show instead of a nation in crisis.”

Household bills are climbing. Insurance premiums are surging. Trains are delayed or cancelled. Public patience, many feel, is gone.

And Lumley—long admired as a cultural icon and humanitarian—did not whisper her concerns. She detonated them.

“This isn’t leadership,” Lumley said, her voice calm but cutting. “It’s performance. Perfect lighting, polished speeches—and zero accountability.”

“Ballroom Politics” and a Country Under Pressure

Lumley’s most stinging line came when she accused Westminster of indulging what she called “ballroom politics.”

“You glide across the floor while families are counting coins at the kitchen table,” she said.

“You rehearse applause lines while commuters sleep on station floors.”

The comment ricocheted across social media within minutes. Supporters hailed her as a truth-teller. Critics accused her of overreach.

But few denied the emotional resonance of her words.

In a brief but tense exchange captured on camera, a government representative attempted to push back.

“With respect,” the spokesperson said, “governing a modern economy requires balance and patience.”

Lumley didn’t hesitate.

“Patience?” she replied. “Tell that to the nurse choosing between heating and eating.

Tell that to the bus driver blamed for delays caused by policy chaos.”

The room fell silent.

Froпtliпe Workers Caυght iп the Crossfire

Perhaps the most powerful section of Lumley’s intervention focused on frontline workers—nurses, transport staff, emergency responders—who, she argued, have become political shields.

“When governments run out of answers, they look for scapegoats,” Lumley said.
“And it is always the people who show up every day who are thrown under the bus.”

A union leader later echoed her sentiment in a televised panel discussion.

“She said what our members feel,” he noted. “We are exhausted, underpaid, and blamed for failures we didn’t create.”

Government officials, meanwhile, insisted reforms are underway. But the damage was already done.

The framing had shifted—from policy debate to moral indictment.

Inside the Starmer Response

Downing Street moved quickly to contain the fallout.

In a statement released hours later, Starmer acknowledged “public frustration” but

rejected Lumley’s characterisation.

“We are taking responsible steps to stabilise the economy and protect working families,” the statement read.

Yet insiders described visible irritation behind the scenes. One senior aide, speaking anonymously, said, “This wasn’t a routine criticism.

This cut through in a way polling never does.”

In a heated off-camera exchange reported by journalists, a senior Labour figure reportedly snapped:

“She’s an actress, not an economist.”

The reply from a rival MP came instantly:

“And yet half the country is listening to her instead of us.”

Social Media Erupts

Online, the reaction was explosive.

“She spoke for us,” one viral post read.
“Stick to acting,” another countered.
A third summed up the moment more starkly: “When celebrities sound more grounded than politicians, something is broken.”

Hashtags trended. Clips racked up millions of views. The debate spilled from phones to pubs, offices, and dinner tables.

This wasn’t just a viral moment. It became a cultural flashpoint.

Hashtags trended. Clips racked up millions of views. The debate spilled from phones to pubs, offices, and dinner tables.

This wasn’t just a viral moment. It became a cultural flashpoint.

More Than Noise—A Signal

Political analysts agree on one thing: Lumley’s intervention struck a nerve because it tapped into something deeper than party politics.

“This wasn’t about left versus right,” said one commentator. “It was about authenticity versus performance.”

Whether Lumley intended to become a political lightning rod is almost irrelevant now. The match has been lit.

Britain is restless. Trust is thin. And the line between celebrity and conscience has never looked more blurred.

As one viewer posted late last night:

“She didn’t run for office. She didn’t ask for votes. She just said what millions are thinking.”

And in today’s Britain, that may be the most dangerous—and powerful—thing of all.

CROWBOROUGH UPRISING: 3,000 STORM THE STREETS! The UK is reaching a boiling point! A quiet town has turned into a total battleground as 3,000 furious residents took to the streets, demanding Keir Starmer RESIGN immediately! They are fighting a desperate battle against the plan to house 600 asylum seekers in their local army camp. Fear has taken over. Residents are now organizing “citizen patrols” to protect their families, wearing haunting numbered badges to make a point. But the biggest shock isn’t the protest itself—it’s the “internal betrayal” happening in Westminster. Even Labour MPs are turning on the PM, and a leaked report reveals the Home Office’s ruthless December deadline. But the residents have one final, drastic plan to stop the buses that involves… See details in the first comment

The UK is reaching a boiling point! A quiet town has turned into a total battleground as 3,000 furious residents took to the streets, demanding Keir Starmer RESIGN immediately! They are fighting a desperate battle against the plan to house 600 asylum seekers in their local army camp.

Chaos erupted in Crowborough as approximately 3,000 protesters took to the streets, demanding the resignation of Labour leader Keir Starmer. The demonstration, driven by fierce opposition to plans for housing 600 asylum seekers in a local army camp, turned the normally tranquil town into a battleground of emotions, rain-soaked placards, and urgent cries for justice.

This is not just a protest; it’s a seismic shift in community sentiment. For three consecutive Sundays, residents have rallied against the government’s controversial decision, with tensions boiling over as they face the prospect of an influx of asylum seekers. The atmosphere is charged, with umbrellas held high amidst the relentless downpour, symbolizing both defiance and determination.

The protest began with two separate processions that converged in the town center, creating a powerful visual of unity against the government’s plans. Participants donned numbered badges representing the exact number of asylum seekers slated for relocation, turning their march into a poignant statement about the perceived betrayal by Westminster.

Community fears have been fueled by alarming reports of criminal activity among asylum seekers in other accommodations, leading to heightened anxieties about public safety. Residents are not just voicing their discontent; they are taking protective measures, conducting informal patrols to safeguard their neighborhoods and families.

As the Home Office, led by Shabana Mahmood, pushes forward with plans to relocate asylum seekers by December, the local council has expressed strong opposition. The government’s decision, perceived as a last-minute fix to soaring hotel bills, has left many feeling abandoned and overwhelmed by the sudden changes imposed upon them.

The political ramifications are significant. Starmer’s government, which promised to overhaul the immigration system, is now facing accusations of betrayal from its own ranks. Labour MPs are voicing their concerns, claiming Mahmood’s reforms are a departure from the party’s core values, igniting a rift that could have lasting consequences.

As the clock ticks down to the proposed relocation date, the situation in Crowborough is becoming increasingly volatile. The residents are not just protesting; they are demanding accountability from a government they feel has turned its back on them, leading to calls for legal challenges against the Home Office’s plans.

The stakes are high, with community leaders rallying support to fight back against what they see as a reckless decision. The sentiment among protesters is clear: they are not against helping those in need but insist that it should not come at the expense of their own community’s safety and stability.

As the winter months approach, the urgency of the situation escalates. Will this protest be the catalyst for broader change, or will it be another chapter in a long saga of political mismanagement? The eyes of the nation are on Crowborough, a small town at the forefront of a significant battle over immigration policy and community rights.

BREAKING NEWS: Joaппa Lυmley Speaks Oυt After Stroke Sυrgery — “I Am Still Fightiпg”

After weeks of silence that left admirers deeply concerned, Joanna Lumley has finally broken her silence — and with it, touched the heart of the cultural world once more.

The beloved British icon has confirmed that she recently underwent surgery following a stroke, marking one of the most serious health battles of her life.

While the procedure was successful, Lumley made it clear that her journey is far from over.

Her message was simple, unfiltered, and powerful:

“I am still fighting.”

Within minutes of the announcement, social media was flooded with messages of love, prayers, and encouragement.

The hashtag #FightWithLumley began trending globally — not driven by gossip or speculation, but by solidarity.

A Sudden Health Crisis Kept Private

According to sources close to Lumley, the stroke occurred unexpectedly, prompting immediate medical intervention.

True to her nature, she chose to keep the details private while focusing entirely on survival and recovery.

“Joanna didn’t want her condition to define her,” an insider shared. “She wanted healing to come first.”

The surgery proceeded quietly and without public attention, described by medical professionals as critical — and ultimately life-saving.

Only now, weeks later, has Lumley felt strong enough to address the public herself.

“The Body Faltered — The Spirit Did Not.”

In a brief but deeply moving statement shared through close associates, Lumley reflected on the experience with characteristic grace.

“The body faltered,” she wrote. “But the spirit did not.”
“I’ve learned that strength isn’t about never falling — it’s about choosing to rise, even when it’s difficult.”

Her words resonated instantly, particularly with those who have followed her decades-long career marked by integrity, courage, and an unwavering moral compass.

An Outpouring of Global Support

The reaction has been overwhelming.

Fellow artists, cultural figures, and admirers across generations united in support — many crediting Lumley as a voice that shaped their understanding of compassion, dignity, and resilience.

From film tributes to humanitarian letters shared online, the response has reflected just how deeply embedded she is in public life — not merely as a performer, but as a humanitarian and moral presence.

“She gave us strength for years,” one supporter wrote. “Now it’s our turn to give it back.”

Recovery, Reflection, and a New Chapter

Sources close to Lumley emphasize that recovery will take time.

Medical rehabilitation is ongoing, requiring both physical therapy and emotional recalibration — something she is approaching with patience and resolve.

“She’s focusing on healing,” an insider revealed.

“But her spirit is unbroken. This will be one of the most meaningful chapters of her life.”

While she has stepped back from public appearances, Lumley is reportedly already reflecting on future creative and humanitarian commitments — carefully, deliberately, and at her own pace.

A Career Defined by Resilience

This moment feels especially poignant when viewed against the backdrop of Lumley’s life and work.

Throughout her career, she has faced challenges with dignity — whether advocating for marginalized communities, enduring loss in political and humanitarian causes, or navigating the pressures of public life without losing her humanity.

She has never hidden her voice.
Never diluted her values.
Never retreated from what she believes in.

And now, even after a stroke — one of the most frightening medical events anyone can face — she remains unmistakably herself.

More Than Survival — A Statement

Joanna Lumley’s decision to speak now is not simply a health update. It is a statement.

A reminder that icons are human.
That strength sometimes looks like rest.
And that recovery is not weakness — it is courage in motion.

As one supporter wrote beneath her message:

“You can knock her down, but you can never silence her.”

And once again, Joanna Lumley has proven that even in her most vulnerable moments, her voice still carries — steady, defiant, and full of grace.

TRAPPED BY A COLLAPSING STAIRCASE — It’s emerged that 34 victims of the Swiss bar inferno diɘd as a renovated escape staircase fell apart while they tried to flee

The majority of the 40 victims of the New Year’s fire in a Swiss bar died as they attempted to flee the burning building via a renovated staircase that ‘fell apart’, it emerged today.

Horrific new details of the basement inferno in Le Constellation, in the ski resort of Crans Montana, were released on Monday, as its owner, 49-year-old Jacques Moretti, prepared to appear in court.

He is in custody and facing a range of charges, including ‘manslaughter by negligence’, along with his wife and co-owner, Jessica Moretti, 40.

Investigators have now established that 34 of those who died in the early hours of January 1 perished on the cramped stairwell that had been narrowed by two-thirds by its owner.

It led up from the basement, where the fire was allegedly triggered by sparklers in champagne bottles that ignited foam soundproof cladding in the ceiling.

‘This amounts to 85 per cent of the dead,’ said one enquiry source. ‘They were trapped on the tiny staircase as everyone fought to get out, but they were unable to escape.

‘Many were forced back into the basement when the stairwell became completely overcrowded and fell apart. It had been significantly reduced in size by the owners.’

Swiss law enforcement officers found numerous bodies at the bottom of the staircase after the wooden steps and handrails collapsed.

The fire was allegedly triggered by sparklers in champagne bottles that ignited foam soundproof cladding in the ceiling

Owners of Le Constellation bar Jacques Moretti (L) and Jessica Moretti (C) arrive for a hearing at the Office of the public prosecutor of the Canton of Valais, in Sion, on January 9, 2026

They could not withstand the pressure of the fleeing crowd, detached from the wall, and plunged into the basement.

Jacques Moretti has admitted to reducing the width of the stairwell from three metres to just one metre.

He carried out the renovations himself when he took over management of the Constellation in 2015, and it is not known whether he had planning permission or not.

According to multiple enquiry sources who have spoken to the media in France and Italy, the modification ‘played a decisive role in the disaster’.

When questioned by prosecutors on Friday, Jacques Moretti did not discuss the stairwell renovation, but he admitted that a ‘ground-floor service door’ was locked from the inside when the fire started.

He said that he forced it open upon arriving at the scene and found victims dying from suffocation behind it.

Mr Moretti said he did not know why the door was locked, and, along with his wife, has denied any civil or criminal wrongdoing.

Read More

Manager of Swiss bar, 40, ‘seen fleeing burning building with till full of cash’ as blaze took hold

He will appear before prosecutors in Sion today, as judges decide whether to extend his custody period.

The sparklers are thought to have lit soundproofing foam in the ceiling, triggering a massive fire in which, beyond the dead, 116 others were also severely burned.

Mr Moretti’s wife is said to have driven herself home within minutes of the fire breaking out, after allegedly escaping as quickly as possible from the bar with the till containing the night’s cash takings.

She has been bailed with an electronic bracelet.

Both Morettis told how they first rented the Costellation in 2015, when they ‘renovated it from A to Z,’ including ‘the flooring, the furniture, and the bar itself,’ including replacing the foam in the ceiling.

‘The fire service carried out two or three fire inspections in ten years of operation, without ever requiring any requests for renovations or modifications to the premises,’ said Mr Moretti, who admitted there was no sprinkler system, or even fire extinguishers.

Asked if employees were trained in fire safety, he replied: ‘No’.

It comes after the couple told how a waitress they viewed as ‘a stepdaughter’ suffocated ‘in a pile of bodies behind a locked door’.

Footage of the tragedy shows flames ripping through the Crans-Montana club as revellers continue singing, dancing and shouting – unaware they are trapped in extreme danger

In video footage, someone can be seen trying desperately to extinguish the fire, but within seconds it takes hold, erupting into a deadly fireball that engulfs the packed bar

The owners of the Swiss bar told how a waitress they viewed as ‘a stepdaughter’ suffocated ‘in a pile of bodies behind a locked door’

Providing their most detailed account of the disaster to date, Jacques and Jessica Moretti said Cyane Panine’s last minutes alive encapsulated the full horror of the evening.

Cyane had been encouraged by Ms Moretti to ‘get the atmosphere going’ at Le Constellation, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

This included getting waitresses to put sparklers in champagne bottles, before some were lifted on the shoulders of waiters in the bar’s basement.

Following the devastating blaze, Mr Moretti eventually broke open the door to the basement from the outside, and found Cyane dying, while surrounded by ‘a pile of bodies’.

On Friday, Mr Moretti told the Vallais public prosecutor’s office in nearby Sion he only became aware the bar’s ‘service door’ was ‘locked from the inside and on a latch’ after the fire.

Recalling how he found Cyane dying, Mr Moretti said: ‘I went out onto the patio [behind the bar]. All the windows were open.

Read More

Swiss inferno bar waitress suffocated ‘in a pile of bodies behind a locked door’, owners say

‘There were a lot of people there. I tried to get inside, but it was impossible. There was far too much smoke.’

Pointing to the ‘service door’ rather than an exit, Mr Moretti said it was ‘closed and locked from the inside with a latch, whereas it usually wasn’t.

‘We forced it open – it finally gave way in a few seconds. When the door opened, several people were lying on the floor, unconscious.

‘My stepdaughter Cyane was one of them. We pulled them all outside and put them in the recovery position.’

Cyane, a French national like the Morettis, died within the hour.

Mr Moretti said he and Cyane’s boyfriend ‘tried to resuscitate her for more than an hour in the street near the bar, until the emergency services told us it was too late’.

The couple, who are both French and from the island of Corsica, are suspected of ‘negligent manslaughter, causing bodily harm negligently, and negligent arson’.

Mr Moretti is an ex-pimp, with a series of convictions and prison spells behind him, while his wife is said to have a clean record with the police.

The investigation into the fire continues.

Storm Over Britain: Holly Valance Poses With Tommy Robinson at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ Rally, Praising His ‘Redemption’ — And Her Surprise Appearance Ignites a Nationwide Debate

Holly Valance poses with Tommy Robinson at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally on Saturday

(L-R) Nick Candy, Donald Trump, Nigel Farage and Holly Valance at Mar-a-Lago in April 2022 (L-R) Nick Candy, Donald Trump, Nigel Farage and Holly Valance at Mar-a-Lago in April 2022

Holly Valance has found herself at the centre of a political firestorm after she was photographed alongside activist Tommy Robinson at the high-profile ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally in London — a mass gathering that drew an estimated crowd of more than 100,000 people and led to multiple arrests across the capital.

Valance (left) and Donald Trump Jr (centre right) at a Trump fundraiser in London in June 2024 Valance (left) and Donald Trump Jr (centre right) at a Trump fundraiser in London in June 2024

The former Neighbours star was seen with her arm around Robinson during the event, where she spoke about what she described as his “personal turnaround”. Wearing a red cap emblazoned with the slogan “Mega” — short for “Make England Great Again” — Valance has in recent years become an increasingly visible supporter of Reform UK and its political platform.

Holly Valance with her estranged husband, billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy, in 2015

The 42-year-old actress and singer joined thousands of demonstrators at the rally, which police confirmed resulted in 24 arrests for alleged public-order offences. Her appearance comes as her estranged husband, billionaire property developer Nick Candy, has taken on a financial role within Reform UK after leaving the Conservative Party.

Valance has previously been pictured with high-profile political figures, including Nick Candy, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage at Mar-a-Lago in April 2022, and later alongside Donald Trump Jr at a London fundraiser in June 2024.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Australia, Valance described the London gathering as “historic” and suggested it reflected a major shift in public sentiment. She praised the crowd’s singing of the hymn Jerusalem and claimed that millions across the country had felt a sense of unity during the weekend’s events.

The rally, held around Parliament Square, featured speeches, a heavy police presence and moments of tension between demonstrators and counter-protesters. Reports estimate between 110,000 and 150,000 people were present across central London, while a separate counter-demonstration advocating equality and anti-discrimination took place nearby.

Tensions rose when officers attempted to prevent marchers from approaching the counter-protest area. Objects were thrown and several confrontations broke out, prompting more than 100 helmeted officers and mounted police to intervene. A number of police officers were injured during the clashes

In the aftermath, Sir Keir Starmer condemned the misuse of the national flag in ways that, he said, deepened division, and criticised the violence directed at police, making clear the Government would not tolerate attacks on officers.

The event also attracted unexpected figures who have gained large international followings online. Among them was Elon Musk, who addressed the crowd before later joining Robinson on stage for an interview touching on political issues, public policy and the future direction of the country. Other international commentators and political figures were also in attendance.

Valance has been a familiar face at political gatherings in both the UK and the US in recent years, including visits to Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and fundraising events in London. She first rose to fame as Felicity “Flick” Scully in Neighbours, later enjoying chart success with several pop singles and reaching the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011.

Her private life has remained under scrutiny after reports earlier this year confirmed she and Nick Candy were separating following 13 years of marriage.

With its huge turnout, charged atmosphere and celebrity involvement, Saturday’s rally has reignited fierce debate about political division in Britain — and Holly Valance’s presence has placed her firmly at the heart of that national conversation.

Good News! Magda Szubanski Shares Emotional Health Update After Thousands Rally to Support Her

In an emotional turn that has lifted spirits across Australia and beyond, beloved comedian, actress, and national treasure Magda Szubanski has broken her recent silence with a powerful update on her ongoing battle with stage four mantle cell lymphoma. The 64-year-old icon, best known for her iconic roles in Kath & Kim as the lovable Sharon Strzelecki and her decades of sketch comedy brilliance, took to social media today to thank the thousands of fans who rallied behind her with donations, messages of love, and even a fan-driven fundraising effort that helped cover additional treatment costs and supportive care.

“I am fighting,” Szubanski said in a candid video posted from her Melbourne hospital room. “But I cannot do it alone. My current health condition is… stable but still very challenging. The chemo continues to hit hard, but the love pouring in from all of you is keeping my spirit alive. Thank you for believing in me when I need it most.”

The announcement comes amid a groundswell of public support that began intensifying late last year. Following her initial diagnosis reveal in May 2025, Szubanski has been open about the aggressive nature of mantle cell lymphoma—a rare blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system and often requires intensive chemotherapy regimens like the Nordic protocol. While no massive public crowdfunding campaign was formally launched by Szubanski herself (she has emphasized relying on Australia’s world-class medical system), fan communities, online groups, and celebrity allies amplified calls for donations to cancer research charities in her name and supported her indirectly through gifts, care packages, and financial contributions to offset out-of-pocket expenses during extended hospital stays.

Thousands responded. Social media erupted with hashtags like #TeamMagda and #StayStrongSharon, as fans shared stories of how her humor had brightened their darkest days. Celebrities including Nigella Lawson, Toni Collette, and close friend David Campbell publicly voiced their admiration and encouragement. In one touching moment, a young fan’s Book Week impression of Sharon Strzelecki brought tears to Szubanski’s eyes during a particularly tough chemo session, leading to her heartfelt hospital-bed thank-you video in August 2025.

The Diagnosis That Shook a Nation

Szubanski first shared her diagnosis on May 29, 2025, in a raw Instagram video. With her head shaved in anticipation of hair loss, she described the cancer as “very rare, very aggressive, very serious.” Discovered incidentally during a routine breast cancer screening that flagged swollen lymph nodes, the mantle cell lymphoma had advanced to stage four by the time of detection. “I’ve been feeling pretty ratshit for ages,” she admitted candidly, urging fans: “Get tested and listen to your body!”

The news hit hard for Australians who have grown up with Szubanski’s infectious laugh—from her early days on Fast Forward and The D-Generation to her Logies Hall of Fame induction in August 2025 (accepted via pre-recorded message due to treatment). Despite the gravity, she maintained her trademark humor: joking about qualifying for “The Bald and the Beautiful” and reserving her “yuman right to be a cranky old moll.”

Treatment began swiftly in Melbourne, where she praised the “incredible doctors” and “world-class care.” The Nordic protocol—a multi-phase combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy—has been grueling, leaving her immunocompromised and requiring long hospital stays. Friends like singer David Campbell and his wife Lisa Hewitt, whose daughter Betty is Szubanski’s goddaughter, shared in late 2025 that the nation’s goodwill was “keeping her going.” Campbell noted on a podcast: “She laughs at us, she laughs at herself, and she made us laugh at the cancer with her. Laughter is the best medicine—it’s kind of true.”

The Fan-Fueled Turning Point

By late 2025, as treatment dragged on and side effects intensified, whispers grew among fans about how to help beyond words. Informal fundraisers popped up—some directed toward lymphoma research organizations like the Leukaemia Foundation, others to support Szubanski’s comfort during isolation. Thousands contributed small amounts, with messages flooding in: “You’ve made us laugh for decades—now let us lift you up.”

Szubanski, ever gracious, addressed the outpouring indirectly in her latest update. “The support hasn’t just been financial—it’s been emotional rocket fuel,” she said. “Packages, cards, prayers, silly memes… every bit reminds me I’m not alone in this fight.”

Her current condition, as described today, reflects cautious optimism. “Stable” means scans show no rapid progression, and side effects are being managed better with adjusted protocols. Yet challenges remain: fatigue, nausea, infection risks, and the emotional toll of prolonged isolation. “Chemo is still smacking me around,” she echoed her earlier words, but added a spark of hope: “We’re tweaking things, and I feel the tide turning slightly. Your love is part of that.”

A Legacy of Laughter and Resilience

Szubanski’s journey has spotlighted mantle cell lymphoma’s realities. This non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype is aggressive, often requiring stem cell transplants or targeted therapies post-chemo. Survival rates vary, but early intervention and strong support networks improve outcomes. Her openness has encouraged screenings and destigmatized discussions around blood cancers.

Throughout, her humor shines. From joking about her shaved head to thanking fans for keeping her spirits high, Szubanski embodies resilience. As one supporter posted: “Magda taught us to laugh through tears—now we’re laughing with her in hope.”

Friends and colleagues continue rallying. Campbell reiterated: “She’s surrounded by incredible doctors and an outpouring of national love.” Industry figures have called for more funding into rare cancers, inspired by her fight.

Looking Ahead: Hope on the Horizon

In her video, Szubanski hinted at future plans—perhaps a return to light work or advocacy—while prioritizing recovery. “I’m not out of the woods, but I’m walking the path with all of you beside me,” she said. “Keep sending the love. It matters more than you know.”

For a nation that adores her, this update is indeed good news—a beacon of progress amid hardship. As Szubanski fights on, supported by fans who turned admiration into action, Australia holds its breath and sends strength.

Magda, we’re with you. Keep fighting. The laughs—and the love—will be waiting when you’re ready.

BBC Laura Kuenssberg viewers furiously ‘switch off’ as show ‘can’t sink any lower’

BBC viewers were in uproar just minutes into Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

BBC politics programme Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg sparked a huge backlash after the host introduced Lord Mandelson onto the show. The former UK’s ambassador to the US addressed his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in his first sit down interview. He said continuing his friendship with the financier was “a most terrible mistake”.

Laura began: “Lord Mandelson has been one of the most influential figures in Labour for decades. But his tenure as ambassador to the Trump White House came to a crashing end when embarrassing emails between him and his friend convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein emerged.

His relationship had not been a secret but Downing Street booted him out when the messages emerged.”

She continued: “He kept his counsel about what happened until now but he has returned to the fray this week to discuss how the UK and their allies should respond to Trump’s  unorthodox diplomacy.”

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg viewers ‘turn off’ as BBC ‘can’t sink any lower’ (Image: BBC)

An X user fumed: “How on earth do you think it is reasonable to give this man airtime @bbclaurak ? Just how low will @bbc sink?.”

Another echoed: “Why the f*** are the BBC giving him ANY airtime?”

“#bbclaurak Only the BBC would ask this [his] opinion on anything,” a third penned.

Lord Mandelson appeared on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (Image: PA)

A fourth added: “Why on Earth is Peter Mandelson on #bbclaurak saying Trump is to be admired when his judgment about Epstein was so, so wrong? Some people should be given no airtime at all. He is one.”

When asked about his relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein, and why he stayed friends with him after his conviction, Mandelson says, “It was a most terrible mistake on my part.”

He went on: “I believed the story he told in 2008 in his first indictment in Florida. I accepted his story and I wish I hadn’t. I gave my support to somebody because I believed what he was telling me and it was misplaced loyalty.”

But he adds: “The crux of this is not me… The crux of this is that so many hundreds of young women were completely trapped, powerless in a system that did not listen to what they had to say.”

Mandelson said he understood why Keir Starmer sacked him but added he had no interest in addressing the issue and is “moving on” from it.