BRITONS TAKE ACTION! New Frɑnce Footɑge Spɑrks Migrɑtion Firestorm ɑcross the Chɑnnel  Ｗhen ministers won’t ɑct, the public steps in — ɑnd the drɑmɑtic new clips ɑre igniting ɑ nɑtionwide debɑte overnight.

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.

“SOMEONE FINALLY PUT HER IN HER PLACE.”  Piers Morgan UNLEASHES on ‘Squirming’ This Morning Star LIVE on Air

“It was great to see someone finally put her in her place” – Piers Morgan brands squirming This Morning star a ‘rid:icul0:us victim’ as he reignites feud live on air and slams her for ‘playing the woke violin’

Piers Morgan branded This Morning star Ashley James a ‘ridiculous victim’ as he reignited their feud live on air and slammed her for ‘playing the woke violin’ on Wednesday.

The 60 year old and Ashley, 38, appeared on the ITV show to chat to hosts Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, about the latest headlines.

One topic that came up in conversation was if we are too quick to take offence nowadays – and the matter soon turned personal.

They discussed Nick Clegg recently revealing how he got in trouble as soon as he arrived at tech giant Meta‘s headquarters and upsetting the ‘woke’ staff.

Ashley asked Piers: ‘This idea of woke, what do you think woke means? Woke means being aware of social injustice and other people’s lived experiences. That’s all woke means and it’s been weaponised by people like you!’

An unimpressed Piers replied: ‘Oh Ashley, do me a favour…

Piers Morgan branded This Morning star Ashley James a ‘ridiculous victim’ as he reignited their feud live on air and slammed her for ‘playing the woke violin’ on Wednesday

The 60-year-old and Ashley, 38, appeared on the ITV show to chat to hosts Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, about the latest headlines.

One topic that came up in conversation was if we are too quick to take offence at things nowadays – and this led the pair to both clash over their opinions

‘I’ll give you an example of woke. I mentioned this a little earlier. The last time I appeared with you here, you were a classic wokie that day.

‘We had a robust exchange of views, we disagreed about stuff, it was all pretty respectful and then I watched your Instagram for the next three days, where you just played the most ridiculous, violin-laden victim, posting endless little comments from from your fans about how you survived the monster, how brave and bold you were.’

‘I’ve got to go through it again!’ Ashley shot back.

She continued: ‘I feel like poor Ashley.’

Piers said: ‘But that’s the point, you’re not poor Ashley. You’re a strong woman, independent woman.’

Ashley told him: ‘But being woke doesn’t make you weak! Caring about other people’s lived experiences and back in the day, a lot of people went to work and felt uncomfortable with a lot of the jokes.

‘We see this excuse of banter all the time and we also see how it creates this culture where more serious stuff gets brushed under the carpet.’

Agreeing with her, Piers said: ‘Well that is true.’

Ashley asked Piers: ‘Do you know what do you think woke is? Woke means being aware of social injustice. That’s all woke means and it’s been weaponised by people like you!’

But he continued: ‘But it’s chicken and the egg right…

‘You’re saying it’s people like me fuelling this stuff, this culture war stuff, but actually, what I’m trying to do is preserve what actually this country was built on.

‘Which is that you can have fun, you can have jokes in the workplace, you can have romance in the workplace by the way.

‘Forty per cent of marriages used to start in the workplace. How the hell do you do that now?! No one can even look at each other without being arrested.’

Ashley clapped back: ‘They also had to tolerate their waist being touched, which made them feel uncomfortable.’

She continued: ‘By the way, being woke and being professional in the workplace is for everyone, it’s for women, men and everyone.’

Sadly the pair kept talking over each other, leaving Ben and Cat struggling to regain control of the debate.

Presenter Ben then asked the camera: ‘Just a quick check with the gallery… is Piers hearing you?’

Piers even joked that This Morning ‘had changed Ashley’s hair colour so that he couldn’t tell it was her’ given their bad blood

Cat added: ‘Do we need a bell?’

But Piers continued: ‘We should be allowed to have fun. You don’t want to cross a line…’

‘Of course you can have fun but not if people are telling you they’re uncomfortable, there’s a line,’ Ashley told him.

Piers said: ‘The problem with the woke brigade is they feel uncomfortable about everything. Give them an orange and they’re triggered because it’s not an apple.

‘It’s all got so ridiculous. We’ve got this ridiculous snowflakey thing – stop it!

‘Everyone should just chill, and have a bit of fun.’

Elsewhere on the show the pair locked horns while debating how women were more attracted to men with masculine walks, with Ashley insisting that ‘toxic masculinity’ was to blame for a male loneliness epidemic.

Having none of it, Piers stressed that we need to do a better job of celebrating strength and stoicism, rather than vilifying it.

The pair were last seen on the ITV programme back in September and clashed at the time debating Prince Harry‘s reunion with King Charles.

Speaking about Price Harry, Ashley gushed: ‘He’s done so much for mental health’.

However, razor-sharp Piers was quick to point out the negative impact he’d had on ‘the mental health of his family’.

He told Ashley: ‘You’re painting him as an idyllic picture of this heroic character. He has renounced royal duty, but he’s kept the royal titles so he can continue making money.’

Ashley went on to reply that he stepped back due to ‘relentless media intrusion, your [Piers] mouth being one of those mouth pieces.’

Back in 2017 the pair also clashed over Emma Watson’s topless Vanity Fair shoot, while Piers ruled was ‘flaming hypocrisy’.

Ashley complained: ‘He has a chauvinistic view, it’s like this whole Emma Watson thing.

‘You can be a feminist and still be sexual and I think it’s such a male patriarchic view that feminism isn’t a load of frumpy old women who hate men, that’s not the point of it.

‘Feminism isn’t a scary movement, it’s just about equality.’

This Morning airs on ITV1 weekdays from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX.

BREAKING NEWS THIS MORNING  The entire Australian Parliament Chamber went SILENT when Pauline Hanson abruptly rose to her feet, her voice cutting like a knife and her arm outstretched, POINTING straight at Anthony Albanese. The explosive figure of 97,000 illegal immigrants was hurled like a political grenade, paired with the damning claim that 73% had NEVER passed any security screening. Albanese instantly dismissed it as a dangerous lie. But just as everyone assumed the clash was finished, a high-level cabinet insider quietly dropped 8 CHILLING WORDS, short, devastating, enough to brutally rock the core of canberra’s political world.

BREAKING NEWS THIS MORNING  The entire Australian Parliament Chamber went SILENT when Pauline Hanson abruptly rose to her feet, her voice cutting like a knife and her arm outstretched, POINTING straight at Anthony Albanese. The explosive figure of 97,000 illegal immigrants was hurled like a political grenade, paired with the damning claim that 73% had NEVER passed any security screening. Albanese instantly dismissed it as a dangerous lie. But just as everyone assumed the clash was finished, a high-level cabinet insider quietly dropped 8 CHILLING WORDS, short, devastating, enough to brutally rock the core of canberra’s political world.

The Entire Australian Parliament Chamber Fell Silent When Pauline Hanson Suddenly Rose To Her Feet, Her Voice Sharp And Her Arm Raised, Pointing Directly At Anthony Albanese – “97,000 Illegal Immigrants Let In Under Your Watch, And 73% Never Had Proper Security Checks!” Albanese Shot Back Calling It a “Dangerous Fabrication,” But Then a Senior Cabinet Source Whispered 8 Chilling Words That Have Sent Shockwaves Through Canberra and Could Bring Down the Government!

With fire in her eyes and voice cutting through the air like a blade, she detonated a political bombshell: “Under your government’s watch, 97,000 illegal immigrants have flooded into Australia – and a staggering 73% of them have never undergone any proper security checks!” The accusation, linking Labor’s immigration policies directly to national security risks amid rising concerns over crime and terrorism, caused the entire chamber to fall into a deathly hush.

The PM immediately leapt to his feet, refuting the claims as “dangerous fabrications designed to inflame fear and division.” “These are baseless scare tactics from a party that thrives on misinformation,” Albanese thundered, insisting his government’s border policies remain ironclad under Operation Sovereign Borders and that all arrivals are rigorously vetted.

But Hanson’s explosive figure – allegedly drawn from leaked Home Affairs data – has ignited immediate controversy, with opposition shadows demanding an urgent inquiry.

Insiders say the source, reportedly a high-level advisor close to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, hinted at internal audits showing even higher unchecked entries due to backlog pressures and policy leniencies.

While official stats show near-zero successful boat landings thanks to turnbacks, Hanson blasted the government for “flying in threats” via lax airport screening and humanitarian intakes without full ASIO clearances.

“You’re gambling with Australian lives for votes and cheap labor!” she roared, citing rising street crime and the recent Bondi Beach antisemitic atrocity as “direct consequences of your open-door madness.”

Social media has erupted in the minutes since, with #HansonDropsBomb and #AlbaneseResign trending nationwide.

Viral clips of the chamber’s silence – lasting a full 12 seconds as Hanson’s accusation hung heavy – have millions of views, with everyday Aussies cheering: “Finally someone calls out the invasion!” Others demand proof, but the Cabinet leak has tipped the scales, with even moderate Labor MPs privately panicking over electoral fallout.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton pounced instantly, calling for Albanese’s immediate resignation: “If even his own team admits the numbers are ‘worse,’ how can Australians trust this PM with our safety?” Crossbenchers echoed calls for a royal commission into security vetting failures, warning of potential terror risks from unvetted entrants.

As the nation reels from this fresh parliamentary detonation, questions swirl: Where did Hanson’s 97,000 and 73% figures come from – FOI leaks or whistleblowers? What exactly are the “worse” numbers the source alluded to? And can Albanese survive this latest body blow, with polls showing One Nation at historic highs and public fury over migration at boiling point?

One thing is undeniable: Pauline Hanson’s pointed finger and unyielding assault have stunned Canberra into silence once more, exposing raw fractures in Labor’s border narrative. Those eight whispered words from within could prove the spark that ignites a full-blown government crisis. Australia watches breathlessly as the political earthquake unfolds.

As the nation reels from this fresh parliamentary detonation, questions swirl: Where did Hanson’s 97,000 and 73% figures come from – FOI leaks or whistleblowers? What exactly are the “worse” numbers the source alluded to? And can Albanese survive this latest body blow, with polls showing One Nation at historic highs and public fury over migration at boiling point?

One thing is undeniable: Pauline Hanson’s pointed finger and unyielding assault have stunned Canberra into silence once more, exposing raw fractures in Labor’s border narrative. Those eight whispered words from within could prove the spark that ignites a full-blown government crisis. Australia watches breathlessly as the political earthquake unfolds.

“She Didn’t Think Twice — Even As Her Own Body Was Failing.” Britain Was Left In Floods Of Tears As Sarra Hoy’s Quiet, Extraordinary Act Came To Light During The New BBC Documentary On Sir Chris Hoy’s Terminal Cancer Battle. While viewers braced themselves for Chris’s devastating diagnosis, it was Sarra — herself fighting aggressive MS — who shattered the nation’s heart. Gravely ill, exhausted, and in pain, she still chose to stand front and centre, support her husband, and tell their story with raw honesty. “This isn’t just about Chris,” one viewer sobbed online. “It’s about love that refuses to collapse.” As cameras rolled, Sarra’s strength spoke louder than words — a woman battling her own cruel reality yet refusing to let illness define their final chapters. Social media erupted with emotion, many calling her “the bravest woman in Britain,” others admitting they had “never cried so hard at a documentary.” In a story already drenched in heartbreak, Sarra Hoy became its most powerful truth: even when life is ruthless, love can still stand unbroken.

BBC audiences have been left deeply moved after watching a powerful new documentary charting Sir Chris Hoy’s terminal cancer battle — with many saying it was his wife Sarra Hoy who truly stole their hearts.

The BBC One documentary Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me offers an intimate look into the couple’s lives as the six-time Olympic gold medallist confronts Stage 4 cancer, after being told in 2023 that he had between two and four years to live. Scans revealed his prostate cancer had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, ribs and spine — a moment Chris described as nothing short of “a waking nightmare”.

Yet just weeks after receiving her husband’s devastating prognosis, Sarra was handed her own life-altering diagnosis: an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Despite this, viewers watched in awe as she consistently placed her focus on supporting Chris, describing standing by him through his illness as “the greatest privilege of my life”.

Reflecting on her own diagnosis, Sarra explained that the shock of Chris’s cancer had completely eclipsed everything else. She said the world had been so “upside down” by the news about her husband that her MS diagnosis felt like “just another moment in time”, adding that she preferred it that way because “talking about Chris” mattered more.

Throughout the programme, Sarra’s quiet strength shone through — particularly when she spoke about helping their two children understand what their father was going through. Determined not to let cancer become something frightening or taboo, she wanted it to be part of their everyday lives rather than a single traumatic conversation.

She revealed how the children’s fears surfaced quickly, with unspoken worries about whether their father might die, whether they could catch cancer, or whether they had somehow caused it. To help them cope, Sarra came up with a simple yet profoundly moving idea centred around a cherry blossom tree in their garden.

Realising that Chris’s chemotherapy would end around the time the tree bloomed, the family painted a large bare tree and added pink blossoms to it each day — symbolising Chris regrowing and recovering. Sarra said the ritual was as much for her husband as it was for their children, helping them all believe that even when something is stripped bare, it can grow again.

Chris paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife during the documentary, saying she never seeks attention but deserves every ounce of it. He admitted he could not imagine coping without her, calling Sarra “an amazing person”.

Viewers flooded social media with emotional reactions, praising Sarra’s compassion, resilience and selflessness. Many described the documentary as difficult to watch but deeply inspiring, with one viewer saying that while Chris is a hero on the track, Sarra is “a truly remarkable woman” off it.

Footage Shows English Men Destroying Migrant Boats in France Amid Anger Over Border Policy

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.

“IMMENSE SADNESS…” Tributes POUR IN ɑs ‘Driving Home for Christmɑs’ Singer Chris Reɑ Hɑs Died Aged 74… ɑnd his fɑmily’s heɑrtbreɑking stɑtement leɑves fɑns devɑstɑted.

Tributes pour in as Driving Home For Christmas singer Chris Rea dies aged 74

He died in hospital following a short illness, his family said

The final TV appearance of singer Chris Rea – who sang the iconic festive tune Driving Home For Christmas – has been unearthed, following the news of his death.

His heartbroken family shared a statement today (December 22), revealing he had passed away aged 74.

Singer Chris Rea has died at the age of 74, his family have announced (Credit: Splash News)

Death of Driving Home For Christmas star Chris Rea announced by heartbroken family

In a statement from his wife Joan and their two daughters Josie and Julia, they said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”

Chris had been dogged with serious health issues including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes. In 2017, he revealed: “I’ve had nine major operations in 10 years. A lot of it is to do with something called retroperitoneal fibrosis, where the internal tissues attack each other. No one knew it existed 20 years ago, and it’s completely unpredictable..

“It’s affected the colon, the pancreas, the gallbladder, the liver – and then I get a stroke.”

He appeared on TV five years ago (Credit: BBC)

Chris Rea’s final TV appearance

In 2020, Chris appeared on BBC’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing. The singer went on to reveal what inspired him to write his song Driving Home For Christmas.

He said: “I just thought I’d drive home for Christmas, I was on the dole when I wrote that.

“I’d just been, my manager had just left me, I’d been banned from driving, my now wife Joan, she had to drive down to London, pick me up in the Mini and take me home. And that’s when I wrote it.”

Talking about how he felt hearing his iconic tune, Chris said: “I think of that lovely little holiday in the Maldives.” Making a sad confession, he said: “I’m not a very good pop star I wish I was.”

“I’d like to me, when I look at Sting and people like that, I think ‘I wish I was like him.’”

The singer also said that he “loved Christmas” and always had a big tree for the festive season and also a “fine assortment” of wines.

The legendary singer suffered numerous health issues over the years (Credit: Splash News)

Tributes pour in

Chris is perhaps best loved for his iconic song Driving Home for Christmas. It has made a reappearance on the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007, including making number 10 in 2021.

“Heartbreaking : Chris Rea, the legend behind Driving Home for Christmas, has died aged 74. Rest in peace legend,” said one fan. “Driving Home For Christmas is now a staple of festive music and one of the most played songs in December. It’s mad to think that, on original release, it only got to number 53 in the charts. Rest in Peace Chris Rea,” said a second.

“Thank you Chris Rea for this wonderful song and bringing so much festive cheer to everyone – your legacy will live on,” said a third. “Thank you for the music Chris,” said another. “Chris Rea – noooooo. Right before Xmas,” another added.

Driving Home for Christmas’ – Music Legend Chris Rea D.i.e.s Aged 74, Heartbreaking Cause of D.e.a.t.h Leaves Fans Devastated. He Gave Britain Its Most Emotional Christmas Song — Now Chris Rea’s Final Journey Breaks Millions of Hearts

Legendary singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for the timeless festive classic Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74.

The musician passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday following a short illness, surrounded by his family. The heartbreaking news was confirmed in a statement released by his wife Joan and their daughters, Josie and Julia.

They said it was “with immense sadness” that they announced the death of their “beloved Chris”, adding that he was calm and comfortable in his final moments, with those closest to him by his side.

Chris Rea’s death marks the loss of one of Britain’s most distinctive voices, whose music has become woven into the fabric of British life — particularly during the festive season. Driving Home for Christmas has returned to the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007, peaking at number 10 in 2021 and continuing to resonate with generations of listeners.

Behind the scenes, Rea had endured a long and punishing battle with serious health problems. Over the years, he suffered from peritonitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes, and previously revealed that he was injecting insulin up to seven times a day. In a candid interview, he disclosed that he had undergone nine major operations in a decade due to a rare condition called retroperitoneal fibrosis, which causes internal tissues to attack each other.

Reflecting on his life and career, Rea once admitted that success came at a cost. He spoke openly about how wealth and fame could “dangerously lead you on,” noting that true richness was found not in money, but in health and peace of mind. In one poignant reflection, he remarked that “the richest man in the world is the one who hasn’t got a bad shoulder.”

Born on 4 March 1951 in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, Chris Rea was the son of Italian father Camillo Rea and Irish mother Winifred K. Slee. His unique blend of blues, rock and soulful storytelling earned him a devoted following across the UK and beyond.

As tributes begin to pour in, fans are once again turning up the volume on the song that made him a Christmas icon — a fitting farewell to a man whose music captured longing, warmth and the simple ache of getting home.

BOOED INTO OBLIVION! STARMER’S NAME ALONE TRIGGERS A WAVE OF FURY AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL.

Keir Starmer’s name alone was enough to trigger a wave of boos.

Keir was booed when his name was mentioned during a sketch (Image: Getty)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was met with loud boos from the audience during the Royal Variety Performance after his voice was introduced in a comedy sketch, leaving viewers stunned as the moment aired on ITV. The incident took place during a segment by radio comedy impressionists Dead Ringers, performed by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod and Duncan Wisbey. As the sketch moved through a series of political and celebrity impressions, the mention of Starmer’s voice triggered what one reviewer described as “deeply meant booing” from the packed Royal Albert Hall.

The reaction was impossible to miss. Fans watching at home quickly took to social media to comment on the moment, with one writing: “Ha ha kier starmer getring booed on royal variety quality.” Another added: “Wonderful to see Keir Starmer roundly booed when he was mentioned in the ‘Dead Ringers’ sketch at #royalvariety.”

IT’S OFFICIAL  Bradley Walsh’s ‘Chase’ Replacement SEALED — And Fans Are Saying the SAME Thing

The Chase fans have been left suspecting one BBC icon could replace presenter Bradley Walsh if he ever quits the ITV game show

Could Bradley Walsh be replaced on The Chase? (Image: ITV)

The Chase viewers have been left speculating on Bradley Walsh’s potential replacement if he is ever to quit presenting the ITV game show – with one popular BBC presenter and author coming in as the top choice. Over on Reddit, one fan speculated Bradley could be getting “bored” of the show after hosting it for 16 years.

Bradley began presenting The Chase in 2009, before landing spin-off show Beat the Chasers in 2020. In total, he’s hosted around 1000 episodes of the quizzes – and fans have presumed he might be getting sick of the regular duty. One Redditor said: “Don’t get me wrong, Brad is good at it. He just seems so totally bored and over it. He’s just flat. (Anyone would be surely, after doing it for that many years).

“He so clearly doesn’t care about people’s jobs or what they would do with the money. He just wants to get to the end of the show. He can be really funny when he puts in effort, and his impressions (like the Trump one) are sometimes hilarious.

“He’s clearly got great rapport with the chasers and he’s likeable enough. I just feel like he needs to take coke to get revved up and ready for each new episode!”

Other fans suggested Richard Osman could be a suitable replacement for Brad, though one argued: “I just think if Bradley went the show would end. Or they’d try with someone else and it wouldn’t work. Imagine Richard Osman taking over lol.”

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Some fans suggested Richard Osman could step in (Image: BBC)

Another posted on X: “I’d be interested to see Richard Osman take on the role haha, not sure he’d be any good.”

Other fans insisted nobody could replace Brad, with one penning: “He’s still doing a great job!”

Brad himself has said he has no intention of quitting the show, telling the Daily Mail: “Until people say they’ve had enough and start switching off, I’ll do it. We’ve had such an extraordinary time together. It’s the best job in the world.”

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The wɑit is finɑlly over!  After dɑys of ɑnticipɑtion, the DNA results hɑve been reveɑled, ɑnd they’re more shocking thɑn ɑnyone could’ve imɑgined.  Whɑt did the test reveɑl ɑbout her “pɑrents”? The chilling truth is just ɑ click ɑwɑy. READ MORE

 BREAKING: THE SHOCKING DNA RESULTS ARE IN—THE TRUTH ABOUT HER PARENTS WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

The story of the 21-yeɑr-old Germɑn girl identicɑl to Mɑdeleine McCɑnn: THE DNA RESULTS ARE FINALLY IN. THE WORLD HELD ITS BREATH THE ENVELOPE IS OPEN. THE WORLD WAITS. IS THE GERMAN GIRL FINALLY THE LOST DAUGHTER? THE MOST ANTICIPATED DNA TEST OF THE DECADE IS COMPLETE. AFTER MONTHS OF TEARS, TELEVISION INTERVIEWS, AND TERRIFYING MEMORIES, THE LAB HAS SPOKEN. THE RESULT IS IN THE HANDS OF THE INVESTIGATORS. BY CRIME DESK REPORTERS CALIFORNIA — It wɑs the moment thɑt stopped the internet. Millions of people ɑcross the UK, Germɑny, ɑnd the US tuned in, holding their breɑth.

Heidi W., the 21-yeɑr-old Germɑn womɑn who hɑs dominɑted heɑdlines with her clɑims of being Mɑdeleine McCɑnn, sɑt on the edge of the sofɑ. Her hɑnds were shɑking. Next to her sɑt Dr. Fiɑ Johɑnsson, the privɑte investigɑtor ɑnd medium who whisked her ɑwɑy to ɑ sɑfe house in Americɑ ɑfter ɗeɑтh threɑts begɑn pouring in. For weeks, the evidence hɑs been mounting, convincing even the hɑrshest skeptics. THE EVIDENCE THAT COULD NOT BE IGNORED Why did the world believe her? Becɑuse the coincidences were too chilling to ignore. The Eye: Heidi possesses the exɑct sɑme rɑre Colobomɑ—ɑ defect in the iris—ɑt the exɑct sɑme 7 o’clock position ɑs Mɑdeleine.

Doctors cɑlled it “stɑtisticɑlly impossible” to be ɑ fluke. The Mɑrks: She hɑs identicɑl birthmɑrks on her leg ɑnd fɑce. The Missing Pɑst: Her Germɑn pɑrents could not produce ɑ single photo of her mother pregnɑnt. Her childhood medicɑl records were mysteriously missing. The Memories: Heidi described ɑ “white building” ɑnd ɑ “beɑch” in her nightmɑres, despite living her whole life in lɑndlocked Polɑnd ɑnd Germɑny. She recɑlled ɑ mɑn who touched her—ɑ mɑn whose fɑce looks undeniɑbly like the police sketch of the prime suspect. THE PARENTS’ SILENCE Perhɑps the most dɑmning piece of the puzzle wɑs the behɑvior of her own fɑmily.

When Heidi begged for ɑ DNA test to prove she wɑs their dɑughter, her mother blocked her number. Her fɑther refused to speɑk. They threɑtened to commit her to ɑ mentɑl ɑsylum if she didn’t stop tɑlking. “If I ɑm your dɑughter,” Heidi cried in ɑ virɑl video lɑst week, “why won’t you just give ɑ sɑmple ɑnd prove it? Whɑt ɑre you hiding?” THE THREE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES As the host held the seɑled envelope contɑining the results from ɑ top-tier forensic geneɑlogy lɑb, the ɑtmosphere in the studio wɑs electric. There were only three possibilities: She is Mɑdeleine: A mirɑcle. The investigɑtion ends, ɑnd the McCɑnns ɑre reunited. She is ɑ Stolen Child: She is not Mɑdeleine, but she is ɑ kidnɑpping victim from ɑnother fɑmily, confirming her “pɑrents” ɑre criminɑls. The Delusion: It wɑs ɑll ɑ Ϯɾɑgic coincidence of biology ɑnd trɑumɑ. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH The studio went silent. The seɑl wɑs broken.

The pɑper wɑs unfolded. Dr. Johɑnsson looked ɑt the dɑtɑ. She looked ɑt Heidi , whose eyes were filled with teɑrs of hope. She looked ɑt the cɑmerɑ. “The test compɑred Heidi DNA mɑrkers ɑgɑinst the known profile of Mɑdeleine McCɑnn,” she begɑn, her voice steɑdy. “We ɑlso checked for heritɑge mɑrkers. If she is Mɑdeleine, she will be British.” Heidi closed her eyes. The world leɑned in. THE RESULT “Heidi ,” the doctor sɑid softly. “We hɑve the ɑnswer.” The test results show: 0% MATCH. “You hɑve ɑbsolutely no British or Germɑn ɑncestry.
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You ɑre 100% Polish/Lithuɑniɑn.” She is not Mɑdeleine McCɑnn. The studio gɑsped. Heidi collɑpsed into her hɑnds. The dreɑm is over. But the mystery of why she hɑs no bɑby photos, ɑnd why her pɑrents refused the test, remɑins ɑ dɑrk, unɑnswered question.