“NOWHERE LEFT TO HIDE!” Patrick Christys’ On-Air Attack ROCKS 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳

𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 HUMILIATED AT PMQs AS HE FAILS TO ANSWER BASIC QUESTIONS — AND EVEN HIS OWN PARTY NOW CALL HIM A ‘CARETAKER PM’

Sir 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 endured one of his bleakest Prime Minister’s Questions to date as he repeatedly failed to answer the most basic questions on energy bills, teachers, police numbers and the NHS — prompting fresh claims that he has already lost control of his party.

In a bruising Commons showdown, Kemi Badenoch mocked the Prime Minister as a “caretaker”, forcing him to be told — on the floor of the House — what the label actually meant: a leader so weakened that everyone else is already plotting his replacement.

And as the session unravelled, it became painfully clear that Starmer could not give a straight answer to almost anything.

Energy bills were first. Labour had promised to cut household costs by £300. Badenoch asked the obvious question: how much have bills fallen since the election?

Starmer claimed families were £150 better off.

They are not.

In fact, energy bills have risen by £187 — a point Badenoch coolly corrected as the Prime Minister floundered. As Patrick Christys later put it on GB News, “He could power the national grid with the amount of hot air he produced today.”

Education was no safer ground. Labour pledged to recruit 6,500 more teachers. Starmer insisted there were “loads more”.

Again, wrong.

There are now 400 fewer teachers than when Labour took office — a figure published on the Department for Education’s own website. “Does she not check it once in a while?” Badenoch asked, as Starmer stared down at his despatch box.

Police numbers followed. Labour promised 13,000 more officers. The reality? There are 1,300 fewer police officers than at the election.

The NHS question proved even more damaging. Asked how many appointments had been lost to strike action since July, Starmer refused to answer — instead boasting about extra appointments delivered.

But the figure he avoided was stark: 93,000 appointments lost since doctors were handed a major pay rise.

By the end of the exchange, the picture was grim. Jobs down. Bills up. Fewer police. Fewer teachers. And a Prime Minister apparently unaware — or unwilling to admit — what is happening on his watch.

“Everything is getting worse under Labour,” Badenoch concluded. “Isn’t it time the Prime Minister admits it?”

Patrick Christys was even more blunt. “This is a Prime Minister who can’t even lie straight in bed,” he said. “He doesn’t know what’s happening in energy, education, policing or the NHS. And now even his Chancellor has stitched him up.”

Because just hours earlier, Rachel Reeves appeared to confirm that Starmer personally signed off every tax rise in the Budget — tying his political fate firmly to hers.

As one panellist observed, Reeves’ message was clear: if she goes, he goes too.

The final humiliation? Labour now insisting that simply asserting success makes it real. “They just claim there are more teachers and police,” Christys said, “as if saying it out loud will magically make it true.”

Once, PMQs was the one place Starmer looked comfortable. That illusion is gone.

With his own MPs whispering, his Chancellor locking him in, and his opponents landing blow after blow, the Prime Minister is running out of places to hide.

And increasingly, the question is no longer if 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 leadership is failing — but how long it can last.

EXCLUSIVE Gɑrdɑi hɑve reveɑled SH0CKING new detɑils in the investigɑtion into the Offɑly ɑɾsσn thɑt clɑimed the lives of 4-yeɑr-old Tɑdhg Fɑrrell ɑnd his grɑndɑunt, following ɑ rɑid cɑrried out in the ɗeɑɗ of night.

SUSPECT HUNT

Dawn raids on Midlands crime gang associates suspected of double murder of boy & grandaunt amid 4 attack arrests

Tadgh’s mother led an emotional tribute to the four-year-old at his funeral today

GARDAI went on the offensive as they launched dawn raids on associates of a Midlands organised crime gang suspected of carrying out a double murder of a child and his grandaunt.

Detectives also arrested four men linked with the rival side of the dispute as the major investigation into the petrol bomb that claimed the lives of Tadhg Farrell, four, and Mary Holt, 60, continues.

8
Tadgh was remembered at a funeral service today after his shock deathCredit: Family Handout/PA Wire
8
Tadgh’s grandaunt Mary Holt also died in the deliberate blazeCredit: RIP COLLECT
8
Gardai have stressed they are committed to finding those responsible for the two deathsCredit: Collins Dublin
However, Gardai confirmed on Friday night the four had been released without charge.

Tadhg’s granny Pauline suffered serious injuries after she tried to get to the pair but was unable to as the blaze was too strong.

The investigation into the case is following multiple strands but cops are focusing on the one major gang.

Ahead of little Tadhg’s funeral in Edenderry, Co Offaly, this morning, gardai launched searches of two properties in Kildare linked to two young thugs who are suspects in the case.

The Irish Sun has learned that one of the criminals, aged in his mid 20s, is closely linked to the one-time leader of the Midlands gang who died a number of years ago.

A source told us: “He’s one of the group’s young guns willing to carry out attacks for the more senior members.

“These younger members of the gangs are often far more reckless.”

The third home raided was in Co Offaly, with all three coming on foot of the District Court granting search warrants.

No arrests were made in the operation as investigators continue to work on gathering evidence.

Cops believe that both Mary and Pauline were innocent, but the dispute relates to a man known to them.

A line of inquiry being investigated is that this man ordered an attack on a rival on Saturday.

The victim is linked to the gang who are suspected of carrying out the petrol bomb attack.

Gardai arrested four men who carried out the attack and questioned them over who put them up to it.

It is being treated as a separate probe which intersects with the double murder investigation.

A source told The Irish Sun: “The attack is one element that fed into the wider dispute between the man known to the deceased and the man linked to the rival gang in the Midlands who was attacked on Saturday.

“The attack was quite minor, there was an injury to the face but nothing major.

“It is a separate investigation but it clearly overlaps too.”

8
Huge crowds gathered to pay their respects to little TadghCredit: News group Newspapers
8
Dirtbikes led the procession in a nod to tragic Tadgh’s ‘passion’Credit: News group Newspapers
8
Grieving mother Shannon penned an emotional tribute for the massCredit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The funeral of young Tadhg took place in Offaly today, with thousands lining the streets as the procession made its way to St Mary’s Church in Edenderry.

Dirtbikes, which the funeral heard were Tadgh’s “passion”, led the hearse to the church as mourners, including Tadgh’s heartbroken mum Shannon and his siblings, escorted the coffin.

In a heartbreaking tribute read by Fr Gregory Corcoran on behalf of Tadgh’s mum Shannon, she told how her little boy had a “smile that could light up any room”.

TRAGIC TRIBUTE

Her message said: “My sweet Tadgh, you were only four years old, but you filled a lifetime’s worth of love into those years.

“You had a smile that could light up any room, a laugh that made even the heaviest days feel lighter, and a spirit so bright that everyone who met you felt it.

“You taught us what joy really was, you taught us how precious every moment can be. I love you, Tadgh.

“Rest gently, my sweet little boy, my only boy. I will find you in every bit of sunshine. Your mother, your loving mother, Shannon.”

A candle on the altar was lit on behalf of the entire Edenderry community to remember Tadgh and his grandaunt Mary during the mass, with Tadgh’s small white coffin in front.

ONGOING PROBE

CCTV of the attack, released by gardai, captured the two thugs entering the garden of a home in Castleview Park.

One smashed the front window with a metal bar, before the other yob ignited the missile and fired it on top of Tadhg and Mary who were in the front room at the time.

The pair, who have yet to be identified, then fled in a Kia car from the scene, as revealed by The Irish Sun this week.

One of the unidentified suspects may have suffered burns to his hands.

Hospital patients who present with burn injuries are being flagged with gardai probing the case but no suspects have been uncovered from it.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan said: “I want to reassure the community here in Edenderry and throughout Laois and Offaly Division that I will ensure that An Garda Siochana is here to support you through this traumatic event, but also that An Garda Siochana is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadhg and Mary and bring them before the courts.

“I appeal directly to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardai.

“The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 0579327600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800666111 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.”

8
CCTV of the attack captured two thugs entering the garden to carry out the attackCredit: Aisling Hyland/PA Wire
8
Gardai released the shocking CCTV footage in a bid to help catch those responsibleCredit: Gardai

BBC BREAKS SILENCE  10 Presenters ‘NAMED’ in Strictly Host Showdown — Chemistry Testing Day Sparks Frenzied Speculation

The BBC will host a “chemistry test” day next month to decide the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing, it’s been reported.

As Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman host their penultimate live show tonight (December 13), reports claim the BBC has drawn up a shortlist of Britain’s brightest presenting talent. And, next month, they’ll be paired up and put through their paces as part of a chemistry testing day.

Holly Willoughby is said to be on the ‘Golden 10’ shortlist (Credit: Splash News)

BBC to host ‘chemistry test’ day for potential Strictly presenters

According to The Sun, the names on the shortlist are: Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark, Alan Carr, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Bradley Walsh, Angela Scanlon and Alex Jones.

The “Golden 10” be put through their paces at a top-secret chemistry test next month, it’s claimed.

Three of the stars – Alex Jones, Alan Carr and Bradley Walsh – are reportedly frontrunners for the presenting jobs. However, all 10 stars will get the chance to work with one another on screen in a bid to decide the perfect partnership.

Rylan Clark is also in the running (Credit: Splash News)

‘They will choose whoever has the best chemistry’

A source alleged: “Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task. But the BBC have whittled down the talent to 1o people. They will go to a studio and be put into different pairs to see who works together best. It could be two women or two men paired, or a mix. They will ultimately choose whoever has the best chemistry in each partnership.”

The source also pointed to the “great chemistry” some of the presenters already have. Rylan and Rob present a travel­ogue series together and Amanda and Alan present their home renovations series.

However, the source added: “Strictly bosses want to mix things up and see if there is a partnership within the 10 that hasn’t been tried out before and is perfect. Ultimately, no one is bigger than the show. So whichever lucky pair land the jobs will be the ones who the BBC think will be the perfect accompaniment to the series.”

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host their penultimate live show tonight (Credit: BBC)

Could Alan Carr become the new Claudia Winkleman?

Apparently, BBC bosses are “frothing at the mouth” at the prospect of Alan Carr replacing Claudia Winkleman upstairs in the Clauditorium. However, fans have shared concerns that his 2027 comedy tour would clash with that year’s series.

“The idea of Alan in the Claudiatorium is getting the BBC top brass frothing at the mouth. They think he would be perfect. The tour isn’t an issue as they know that if Alan did get the job, and accepted it, he could easily move the dates,” the source continued.

The BBC refused to comment on the story and told us: “We don’t comment on speculation.”

Read more: Anton Du Beke addresses Strictly exit as he declares: ‘We messed up’

Strictly airs tonight (December 13) at 6.35pm on BBC One.

“I’M PREPARING FOR THE END…” Miriam Margolyes’ Emotional Health Admission Leaves Fans in Tears

Miriam Margolyes previously opened up about her plans with her partner to prepare for their “last days”.The legendary actress, 84, has been a staple on screens for years, and has appeared in the likes of Harry Potter and Doctor Who. Away from the sets though, Miriam is loved-up with Heather Sutherland.

But over the years, Miriam – who is on TV today (December 13) for Miriam’s Dickensian Christmas – has had her fair share of health issues. And last year, Miriam revealed the plans she had for her “last days”.

She’s been open about her health over the years (Credit: ITV)

Miriam Margolyes on planning for ‘last days’

Speaking in 2024, Miriam said that she and partner Heather wanted to live their “last days” in Italy. However, because of “Brexit and all that nonsense” the couple are unable to.
“So, our plans for our ending together, to be together until we both stop, then we can’t do that and that is really irritating,” Miriam told podcast host Adam Buxton.She added: “So, we’re working out now, or trying to work out what we do with our last days, because death is the last big thing as I say, and I think we need to prepare for it.”

She revealed her plans for her ‘last days’ (Credit: BBC)

Miriam’s heart surgery

In 2023, Miriam underwent heart surgery and revealed she had been fitted with a cow’s aortic valve: “I’ve got a cow’s heart now. Well, not the whole heart. I’ve had an aortic valve replaced by a cow’s aortic valve,” she said on the Table Manners podcast.

Miriam added: “I don’t know how common it is. I’d never heard of that operation. But it saves you from having open heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive.”

Meanwhile more recently, Miriam estimated that she will “die within the next five or six years”.

She told The Telegraph in 2024: “When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before, I’m loath to leave behind performing. It’s such a joy.

“I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”

Watch Miriam on Miriam’s Dickensian Christmas on Saturday (December 13) at 9:05pm on Channel 4.

Read more: Miriam Margolyes slammed by viewers over ‘vile’ behaviour on This Morning: ‘Can’t stand this woman’

STRICTLY SHAKE-UP BBC ‘Golden Ten’ Host Test Sparks Panic — Rylan Clark Emerges as Fan Favourite

On the hunt! BBC bosses ‘line up Golden Ten’ to replace Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly – with contenders facing ‘partner-swap chemistry tests’

BBC bosses have reportedly drawn up a ‘Golden Ten’ shortlist of presenters as they search for replacements for Strictly Come Dancing’s long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Claudia, 53, and Tess, 56, will bow out of the glitzy ballroom at the end of this year’s series – but the stars hoping to step into their glittering shoes won’t have it easy.

According to reports, contenders will be put through a series of partner-swap chemistry tests, with BBC executives keen to find the perfect on-screen pairing.

Three names are said to be emerging as frontrunners, including Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr – with Alan, 49, said to be firmly at the top of the list.

However, all ten shortlisted stars will reportedly work with one another on screen in a bid to decide which partnership works best.

A source told The Sun: ‘Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task but the BBC have whittled down the talent to ten people.

BBC bosses have reportedly drawn up a ‘Golden Ten’ shortlist of presenters as they search for replacements for Strictly Come Dancing’s long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly (pictured this month)

Claudia, 53, and Tess, 56, will bow out of the glitzy ballroom at the end of this year’s series – but the stars hoping to step into their glittering shoes won’t have it easy (L-R Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke)

‘As well as Bradley, Alex and Alan, Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, and Holly Willoughby will be at the chemistry day.

‘Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond, and Angela Scanlon have made the cut too.’

The insider added that the stars will be brought into a studio and placed into different pairings to see who has the strongest on-screen connection.

They explained that pairings could consist of two women, two men, or a mixed partnership, as Strictly bosses look to ‘mix things up’ and find a combination that hasn’t been tried before.

Fresh from his win on Celebrity Traitors last month, Alan is believed to be in pole position.

However, his nationwide 2027 comedy tour could clash with that year’s Strictly schedule, potentially throwing a spanner in the works.

Despite this, insiders have reportedly claimed that Alan would be unlikely to turn down the presenting role if he made the final cut following the chemistry tests.

Daily Mail has contacted BBC for comment.

According to reports, contenders will be put through a series of partner-swap chemistry tests, with BBC executives keen to find the perfect on-screen pairing (pictured: this year’s contestants and pro dancers)

Fresh from his win on Celebrity Traitors last month, Alan is believed to be in pole position. However, his nationwide 2027 comedy tour could clash with that year’s Strictly schedule (pictured on the show)

The Chase host Bradley Walsh is also reportedly a front-runner in the ‘Golden Ten’ shortlist (pictured January)

Welsh TV show host Alex Jones is also said to be one of the three frontrunners (pictured November)

The news comes as Tess and Claudia are planning their Strictly farewell in style – with insiders suggesting the duo may even take to the dancefloor.

They will be stepping down as hosts after more than 20 years on the show, with the final on December being their last live show.

And while the pair make a running joke about their two left feet and lack of rhythm, it looks like fans could finally see them perform.

A TV insider told the Daily Mail talks are still in the works about an epic group dance with the professional dancers.

The judges will have their work cut out teaching Claudia who messed up their Blackpool routine two years ago.

She previously joked: ‘I’m not very good at standing, let alone dancing.’

Tess, meanwhile, has performed once before when she danced with Anton Du Beke for a Children In Need special.

‘Both hosts are the first to admit they’re not natural movers, certainly not compared to the pros they’re surrounded by every week,’ a source added to The Sun.

TV favourite Alison Hammond could bring her fun-loving personality and top-notch presenting skills to the role of a new Strictly host (pictured October)

Meanwhile, Holly Willoughby could make her TV comeback as she is also reportedly in the running (pictured March)

Angela Scanlon has also reportedly been lined up as one of the ‘Golden Ten’ (pictured November)

Meanwhile, Zoe Ball is also said to be on the BBC’s radar (pictured May)

This Morning host Rylan Clark has also been placed in the lineup (pictured with Josie Gibson in August)

Meanwhile, the BBC are reportedly keeping tabs on Rob Rinder too (pictured June 2024)

‘But they know this is a special occasion and this special routine is as much an opportunity for everyone on the show to say goodbye to Tess and Claudia as it is for the viewers at home.

‘What better way to bid farewell to Britain’s biggest dance show than with a good dance? Bosses are keeping the details of the ‘last dance’ a closely kept secret though they’re expecting it to be fun and celebratory in tone.’

Daily Mail has contacted Strictly for comment.

The hosts spoke about their imminent exit as they appeared on It Takes Two on Tuesday.

Asked by Fleur East if the reality of their departure has sunk in, Tess replied: ‘The short answer is no.

‘I genuinely haven’t had time to think about it, because we’ve been so into this series, so absorbed by it – it’s such a brilliant series that all of our focus is on that, really.

‘So I think it’d be a bit of a shock on the 20th. I might get emotional.’

Claudia added: ‘I think we will be emotional, but of course, it won’t be about us. It’ll be about the winners.’

‘So we’re not allowed to cry,’ Tess said.

Tess presented the series since it first launched in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia fronted its weekday companion show, It Takes Two.

Claudia eventually moved on to host the Sunday night results show alongside Daly and joined the main show every Saturday from 2014, after Sir Bruce stepped down.

The pair picked up the entertainment programme gong at the BAFTA TV Awards in 2024 and were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting.

The news comes as Tess and Claudia are planning their Strictly farewell in style – with insiders suggesting the duo may even take to the dancefloor (pictured September)

While the pair make a running joke about their two left feet and lack of rhythm, it looks like fans could finally see them perform

During Sunday night’s results show, the judges decided to save West End star Amber Davies and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin after they found themselves in the bottom two alongside former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and professional dancer Katya Jones.

Amber joins EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, internet star George Clarke and former Lioness and sports broadcaster Karen Carney as semi-finalists.

The couples will perform during this weekend’s semi-final, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6.35pm on Saturday, with the results show at 7.45pm on Sunday.

Each couple will perform two new routines and there will be performances from Australian singer Kylie Minogue and boyband Five.

“THIS IS BLATANT BIAS!” BBC Question Time ERUPTS After Fiona Bruce Remark — Furious Viewers Demand She’s AXED

The latest episode was filmed in a studio in Paisley in Scotland.

Fiona Bruce speaking at the latest episode of Question Time in Paisley (Image: BBC)BBC viewers have complained about this week’s episode of Question Time on social media, with some describing the show as “unwatchable rubbish”. In the most recent episode, which aired this week, the BBC debate was filmed in Paisley in Scotland. The panel comprised Stephen Flynn, Anas Sarwar, Russell Findlay, Angela Haggerty and Lord Offord. It was the last show of 2025, confirmed host Fiona Bruce. She said: “We’re back on January 22 in Macclesfield. So if you live in or around Macclesfield and you would like to come and be part of the audience, apply (on) our website, and hopefully we will see you there on the 22nd of January.”

During the programme, Fiona remarked that it was “hard work” as she “struggled to get a word in edgeways” with the panel. Following the episode’s airing, some viewers have called for the BBC show to “end” and claimed that Fiona Bruce is “biased” in her role as moderator.

The latest politics news – straight from our team in Westminster Invalid email
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 PolicyOne person tweeted on the night: “No Fiona Bruce, it’s you that’s hard work. You had the whole hour last week on immigration and here you are again pandering to Reform. @Ofcom#bbcqt.”

Another person argued on X after the show ended: “Scrap BBC Question Time. This utter drivel, with it’s heavily biased left-wing audience and abomination of a moderator Fiona Bruce, needs to end. UNWATCHABLE RUBBISH.”

Another user replied saying: “Stopped watching three or four years ago, switched on now and then but switched off after a few minutes… unbearable now!”
A third chimed in: “I can’t even watch it. So biased. Where do they get the audience from.” A fourth also called for the show to end, saying: “Programmes had its day!”One person left a positive comment and said: “#bbcqt well, that was exciting! Good night all x,” as a second also chimed in: “Well done Fiona.”

During the programme, users on social media lashed out at Fiona after the debate turned to immigration. Some viewers at home criticised the programme for having another Reform representative on the panel.

Audience members and guests also discussed recent reports that one in three primary school children in Glasgow cannot speak fluent English.

“HE MADE US FEEL IT AGAIN…” Tom Read Wilson Compared to Paul O’Grady in Emotional TV Moment That Broke Hearts

The Jungle Didn’t Expect This: Tom Read Wilson Becomes the Emotional Heir to Paul O’Grady — And Britain Is Feeling It

No one tuned into I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2025 expecting a moment like this.

Among the heat, hunger, clashes of ego and headline-grabbing trials, the jungle usually rewards volume — the loudest laughs, the biggest breakdowns, the boldest bravado. But this year, something quietly seismic happened. A different kind of star emerged. And by the final days, campmates and viewers alike were whispering the same name.

Paul O’Grady.

Not because of drag, fame, or career trajectory — but because of heart.

A Presence That Didn’t Shout — It Stayed

Tom Read Wilson entered the jungle as a curiosity at best. The 38-year-old Celebs Go Dating receptionist, armed with florid language, old-world manners and a vocabulary that felt wildly out of place in the bush, was tipped as a 50/1 outsider. Few expected him to last. Fewer still expected him to matter.

Yet while others battled for airtime, Tom did something far more powerful: he paid attention.

Night after night, he quietly checked on campmates’ wellbeing — what they jokingly dubbed his “granny rounds.” He brewed tea. He listened. He quoted Latin not to show off, but to soothe nerves. And when emotions cracked open, Tom didn’t rush to fill the silence. He sat in it.

When Jack Osbourne struggled with grief over Ozzy, Tom didn’t offer words — he offered his hand. When Ruby Wax spiraled, he didn’t fix — he stayed. One campmate described it simply: “Tom felt like safety.”

“He Made You Laugh While Your Heart Was Breaking”

By the time Tom finished as runner-up to AngryGinge, the votes almost felt irrelevant. His true victory had already happened — in the hearts of the camp.

“It wasn’t about fame or career,” Aitch said after the finale. “It was about soul. Tom’s got that same soft, caring heart that made Paul O’Grady feel like family to everyone.”

Shona McGarty echoed the sentiment inside the Bush Telegraph: “Tom’s like a hug in human form.”

The comparison hit its emotional peak during the Letters from Home episode. As Tom read a note from his mother, his composure fell away. Tears came freely. Vulnerably. The moment stopped viewers cold — instantly reminding many of Paul O’Grady’s raw tenderness on For the Love of Dogs.

Different men. Different lives. Same emotional truth.

Not An Imitation — A Shared Gift

Paul O’Grady, who died suddenly in March 2023 aged 67, was never just an entertainer. From the razor-sharp Lily Savage to his tireless work with Battersea Dogs Home, he possessed a rare gift: he made people feel seen.

Friends say Tom carries that same instinct — not learned, not copied, but innate.

“Paul cared without judgement,” Julian Clary once said of O’Grady. “That’s incredibly rare. And Tom has it too. Quietly. Kindly. With humour that comes from the soul.”

Social media felt it instantly. The hashtag #TomLikePaul surged past 800,000 posts, with fans stitching clips of Tom’s gentle jungle moments alongside O’Grady’s most tender television scenes.

One viral post read: “Tom isn’t replacing Paul. He’s reminding us of what we miss.”
Another simply said: “Heart of gold. Britain needs this again.”

More Than A Contestant — A Symbol

Tom’s background tells the same story. A former choirboy turned television receptionist, he’s long championed kindness — supporting Mind, animal rescue charities, and mental health awareness long before the jungle amplified his voice.

His familiar catchphrases — “darling,” “fabulous” — carry echoes of O’Grady’s camp warmth. But it’s his depth that’s landed hardest.

“The jungle showed me people’s raw beauty,” Tom reflected after leaving camp. “It reminded me of icons like Paul — people who lived with open hearts.”

Why This Moment Matters

As 2025 draws to a close, Tom Read Wilson’s rise isn’t about trophies or titles. It’s about timing.

In a fractured, exhausted world craving connection, his quiet decency landed like a balm. Britain didn’t just discover a finalist — it rediscovered a feeling.

The jungle may be over. The crown may belong to someone else.
But Tom Read Wilson walked out carrying something far rarer.

A reminder of Paul O’Grady’s magic.
And proof that gentleness still has power.

Forever felt. Never forgotten.

Joke Sir Timothy Laurence made about wife Princess Anne’s first marriage as they celebrate wedding anniversary

Sir Timothy Laurence and Princess Anne celebrate 33 years of marriage today, having had their wedding back in 1992.

In 2020, Sir Timothy spoke of his relationship with the Princess Royal, in which he made a joke about her ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
Timothy Laurence and Princess Anne have been married over 30 years (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Sir Timothy Laurence on Princess Anne and the royal family

Speaking in an ITV documentary that was broadcast in 2020 ahead of Anne’s 70th birthday, Sir Timothy spoke of the “humour” and “laughter” in the royal family.

“One of the great surprises for me, when I first went to Balmoral and to Sandringham and Windsor, was that these places are full of laughter,” he said.

‘The similarities with her [Princess Anne’s] father are much talked about, but what is less spoken about is the similarities with her mother, the Queen… the common theme is humour, fun.”

In the interview, Sir Timothy spoke of the similarities between himself and Anne.

“We are both map and chart people. We like to know where we are and see where we are going. We both follow, with great enthusiasm, the Scottish rugby team… as you may have noticed they don’t always win,” he said.

“She grew up with horses, horses have been part of her life, it’s not something I share with her. Sadly I’ve never been bitten by the horse bug.”

Sir Timothy spoke about Anne in an interview (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Sir Timothy Laurence jokes about Anne’s first husband

The interview also saw Sir Timothy make a joke about Anne’s first husband, Captain Mark Phillips.

Captain Phillips had been a Second Lieutenant in the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1971. By the time of his wedding to Anne in 1973, he was acting as Captain. He was promoted to Personal aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II in 1974, and promoted to Captain in 1975. He retired from the army in 1978.

Anne and Mark welcomed two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall. They announced their separation in 1989 before divorcing in 1992.

So there must be something about the military that attracts her.

Speaking in the documentary, Sir Timothy said: “It’s quite amusing that she married first an army officer and then a naval officer. So there must be something about the military that attracts her.”

Peter and Zara also appeared in the documentary, praising Sir Timothy.

“They both have an understanding of what being a part of the wider family means and what is required,” Peter said.

“He’s been a very strong support for [my mother].”
Anne and Timothy released their Christmas card (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Key detail of Anne and Timothy’s Christmas card

Earlier this week, Anne and Timothy released their annual Christmas card.

The card featured a picture of the couple riding a carriage during their visit to Sark as the Channel Islands marked Liberation Day in May.

It was taken by Aaron Chown. You can see it here.

The message inside the card reads: “With Best Wishes for a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year from Anne and Tim.”

Fans have praised how Anne didn’t use her royal title in the card.

“No need to blow the trumpet with the princess title and yet impactful. I like it!” one said on X.

“Beautiful card. Such a lovely photo of them both. Love that Tim’s name is also on the card,” another said.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Anne needs no one to blow a trumpet for her. The informal photograph of her and her husband in a delightfully bucolic setting sets the tone for the simple greetings from ‘Anne’ and ‘Tim’.”

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.”

Get the breaking showbiz news first, sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

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.”

Invalid email

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

“THIS IS A FIX!”  Farage Claims Starmer Is Blocking Reform From the Lords. Denied any nominations despite strong polling, he says the establishment is “terrified of real opposition.” I

Nigel Farage says Keir Starmer ‘determined to crush dissent’ over Reform’s House of Lords snub

Nigel Farage responds to House of Lords snub |

Check out all of today’s political coverage from GB News below

Nigel Farage identified Keir Starmer as “part of a political establishment determined to crush dissent and free speech” in a volcanic new broadside.

The Reform UK leader’s furious comments came after his party was frozen out of making nominations to the House of Lords yesterday, while the Prime Minister put forward 25 new peers to bolster Labour’s control of the Upper Chamber.

Among those nominated were several Labour allies, including Sir Keir’s former communications head, Matthew Doyle, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s chief of staff, Katie Martin, leading to accusations of “cronyism”.

“Normal communication between parties doesn’t exist when it comes to Reform,” Mr Farage declared.

Referring to Sir Keir, he said: “I used to think he was a decent bloke, maybe a bit wishy-washy. I now think he is part of a political establishment determined to crush dissent, determined to crush free speech and make sure Reform does not get a far crack of the whip.”

“This makes me even more determined to do in the establishment and win the next General Election,” Mr Farage pledged.

This Liveblog has now been closed.

‘We deserve more peers!’ Lib Dem leader hits out at Nigel Farage and Reform over Lords sub

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has hit out at Nigel Farage after Reform UK was frozen out of appointing peers to the House of Lords.

Amid Labour stuffing the upper chamber with 25 allies, the Lib Dems were also able to appoint five of their own, including the party’s CEO.

However, Reform was not invited to select any peers despite having five MPs in Parliment and dominating the other parties in opinion polling.

“Well Liberal Democrats have got a great result at the last election we got 72 MPs, I don’t know many MPs there are for Reform it’s 4 or 5, they keep changing because people keep being sacked or resigning, but we’ve got many more MPs than Nigel Farage and that’s obviously why we deserve more peers,” Sir Ed told GB News.

When asked if he had done a deal with Sir Keir Starmer, the Lib Dem leader rubbished the notion.

“We deserve to have more Peers we’ve had our best result at a General Election for over 100 years, and the last Conservative government I’m afraid, didn’t allow us to have very many peers at all, so It’s absolutely right,” he told The People’s Channel.

MPs warned over Russia-linked WhatsApp messages

MPs have been warned about Russian-linked WhatsApp as a potential security threat.

Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle wrote to lawmakers to warn them about Russian-linked attempts to target them on WhatsApp and other messaging apps, it is understood.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the warning was a matter for the Commons Speaker, but added: “I think we have been very clear, as have the various security agencies… this country about the threat posed by hostile state interference from Russia, and we’ve set that out explicitly many times.”

Sir Lindsay’s warning came as Nato chief Mark Rutte gravely advised European allies must ‘prepare for war with Russia now’

Nigel Farage responds to House of Lords snub

Nigel Farage responds to House of Lords snub

Nigel Farage unveils ex-Tory MP as Reform UK’s cost-cutting tsar as defection deluge continues

Reform UK has appointed ex-Tory MP Ben Bradley as its new local government action tsar.

Mr Bradley, who served as the MP for Mansfield between 2017 and 2024, will support Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice in his Doge operation.

The 35-year-old said: “I’m delighted to be joining Reform UK at a really important time, and to be part of delivering the real change that is desperately needed.

“Successive governments have failed to deliver for so many people, and have demonstrated that they’re unwilling to actually deliver on key promises to voters.

“They have talked about being tough on crime, reducing immigration, about helping working people, whilst in practice they’ve failed to act and have delivered the opposite. The trust in those parties has gone, and it’s not coming back.”

Mr Tice added: “I’m pleased to announce that Ben Bradley has joined Reform UK as Head of Local Government Action.

“Ben brings a wealth of experience as a former Local Authority Leader and MP for Mansfield. His expertise will help us provide strong leadership and deliver real results for councils across the country.”

Mr Bradley joins more than 20 top Tories who have joined Reform UK, including ex-Red Wall MPs Jonathan Gullis and Marco Longhi.

Keir Starmer stopped from recreating iconic Love Actually moment

Keir Starmer has been blocked from recreating an iconic scene from Love Actually, which was to be posted to his new TikTok account.

In the inaugural post, the Prime Minister was filmed walking through Downing Street with his wife, Victoria Starmer, to a Christmas light switch-on outside, inviting viewers to “follow me”.

Accompanying the video was Santa’s Coming Home (For Christmas) by Niklas Gabrielsson Lind & OTE.

However, aides had initially hoped to set the video to “Jump” by The Pointer Sisters.

This pop classic has long been associated with a classic scene from the 2003 rom-com, where Hugh Grant, playing the Prime Minister, dances around No. 10 to the tune.

In the end, the idea was abandoned for fears it would breach copyright rules, per PoliticsHome.

Balaclava-clad protesters pelt councillors with eggs while debating ‘sanctuary for asylum seekers’

Councillors in Kent were “violently intimidated” and “pelted with eggs” by people wearing balaclavas while holding a debate about asylum seekers.

Swale Borough Council was debating making the area a “District of Sanctuary” for asylum seekers in the meeting on Wednesday evening when the alleged attack took place.

Toilets at the council offices in Sittingbourne were also “flooded” and lifts were “destroyed”, Labour MP Kevin McKenna said.

Mr McKenna, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey which includes Swale Borough, branded the incident an “attack on democracy itself” as he told the House of Commons of his horror at the “violent scenes”.

“I’m horrified to report to you and to the House as a whole that last night in Swale Borough Council there were violent scenes as people wearing balaclavas in the public gallery itself violently intimidated councillors,” he told MPs.

“They were threatening them, pelting them with eggs and missiles from the gallery.”

Keir Starmer faces fresh attack from leadership rival just hours after PM received ’12 month warning’

Sir Keir Starmer leaving No10 on his way to PMQs

Sir Keir Starmer has been hit with a fresh attack from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Mr Burnham, who was accused of jumping the gun by talking up his leadership ambitions at the Labour Party Conference, criticised the Prime Minister’s record on homelessness.

He said: “What I am saying is homelessness is fixable – it requires something more radical if you really want to fix it.

“If you go for that ‘housing first’ approach – ‘everyone in’, ‘a bed every night’, those type of approaches – in the end, in my view, you save money.

“And that’s what I would encourage them to do. So I’m not saying they haven’t done lots of good things. They have done lots of really important things. But from here, let’s get into a more radical approach.”

Mr Burnham’s intervention came just hours after Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey warned Sir Keir might only have 12 more months in Downing Street.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Ed asked: “Does the Prime Minister fear if he keeps opposing a customs union, in 12 months’ time he will not be standing there?”

Sir Keir replied: “We have got a closer relationship with the EU, through our reset earlier this year. And, yes, I do want a closer relationship to the one we’ve got at the moment, we are moving towards that.

“We do have manifesto commitments on issues such as single market, customs union and freedom of movement.”

The exchange came after the Prime Minister was rocked by a 13-strong Brexit revolt over a Ten Minute Rule Bill to drag Britain back into the EU’s customs union.