HOLLYWOOD ON THE SOFA!  Kieran Culkin & Josh Hartnett Lead Celebrity Gogglebox Stand Up To Cancer Line-Up

Celebrity Gogglebox is gearing up for its annual Stand Up to Cancer takeover this week. And Channel 4 has managed to bag two seriously exciting additions. Succession favourite Kieran Culkin and Hollywood star Josh Hartnett have officially signed on for the Celebrity Gogglebox 2025 special, and fans are already buzzing.

Every year, a fresh batch of famous faces jump onto some of Channel 4’s biggest shows to raise cash and awareness for Stand Up to Cancer. We’ve already seen Roman Kemp and The Celebrity Traitors icon Kate Garraway don their aprons for The Great Celebrity Bake Off. While Claudia Winkleman is set to lead a chaotic Taskmaster-style sketch during The Last Leg on Friday.

But this time, the spotlight is firmly on the sofa. Kieran Culkin and Josh Hartnett have joined the ever-growing roster of Celebrity Gogglebox’s armchair critics – a cosy corner of telly fandom that’s become a bit of a rite of passage for the A-list.

Kieran Culkin and Jazz Charton were the first to join this year’s Celebrity Gogglebox line-up (Credit: Channel 4)

Celebrity Gogglebox 2025 line-up so far

Two duos have been confirmed for the Celebrity Gogglebox 2025 Stand Up to Cancer special: Kieran Culkin and his wife Jazz Charton, and Josh Hartnett and his wife Tamsin Egerton.

The show’s official Instagram account announced the news today (December 10), sharing the first photos of the couples on the sofa together.

“Meet Kieran and his wife… just a regular Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA winner watching this week’s TV with us,” it wrote. “Some more Hollywood help,” the account wrote in its caption for Hartnett and Egerton.

It has sparked unanimous excitement, with BBC broadcaster Greg James commenting: “This is the best booking on anything ever.”

Fans agreed, with one Instagram user commenting: “This is incredible. Can’t wait to see Kieran Culkin watching Corrie!”

Another echoed: “I’ve never been so excited.”

Kieran Culkin is a huge Gogglebox fan

Culkin is best known for playing Roman Roy, the twisted, youngest sibling in Succession, a role that saw him win an Emmy in 2023.

He also earned worldwide acclaim and a slew of awards for his performance in A Real Pain, including his first Oscar and a BAFTA.

However, did you know that he loves Gogglebox?

In an interview with Ally & G last year, Culkin revealed he’d been trying to explain Gogglebox to his co-star, Jesse Eisenberg.

“The pitch for it may sound [bleep] but it’s one of the best shows ever,” he said, comparing it to Beavis and Butthead.

“It’s great… I don’t watch a lot of TV so it gives me a sense of what’s happening in the world of television. Great show, it really is.”

Josh Hartnett has loved Gogglebox ‘for years’

Josh Hartnett is a world-famous actor, known for his roles in Trap, Pearl Harbour, and The Faculty.

Speaking about taking part in Gogglebox, he revealed it was his wife Tamsin who introduced him to the show “many years ago… and [he’s] been a fan ever since”.

“Having the chance to sit with her, share a few laughs and inevitably say something that embarrasses us both, all while helping raise awareness for the worthiest of charities, is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” he said.

“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of it, and to support Stand up to Cancer.”

Egerton also said: “We first started watching Gogglebox during lockdown in 2020, I found it so comforting watching other families around the country watching TV ‘with’ us.

“It’s such a great cross-section of the UK. Ever since then, Josh and I have tried to watch it together whenever we can. I can’t wait to snuggle up on the sofa with him for such an important cause as Stand up to Cancer.”

Fans are over the moon with Harnett joining the Celebrity Gogglebox line-up.

One penned: “Oh my inner teen is having a meltdown.”

Another said: “Oh my freaking God, this episode is off the scale. I cannot wait!”

When is the Celebrity Gogglebox 2025 Stand Up to Cancer special?

The Celebrity Gogglebox 2025 Stand Up to Cancer special lands at 9pm on Friday, December 12 on Channel 4, sitting right at the heart of the charity night’s packed schedule.

Adam Hills and Hannah Fry kick things off at 7.30pm with a live launch show before Davina McCall steps in to front Cancer Clinic Live. Then it’s over to our celebrity armchair critics for their one-off Gogglebox outing, packed with all the laughs and unexpected reactions we’ve come to expect.

Once the celebs have had their say, the evening wraps up with a supersized edition of The Last Leg, bringing the annual Stand Up to Cancer marathon to a close.

Read more: Gogglebox star Shaun Malone left with brain damage after devastating ‘collapse’ at home

Celebrity Gogglebox airs on Friday, December 12, at 9pm on Channel 4.

COUNTRYSIDE ERUPTS: Police Move to CANCEL Farmers’ March — But 10,000 TRACTORS ROLL ON LONDON ANYWAY

COUNTRYSIDE DETONATES: Police Ban Farmers’ Protest – Then 10,000 Tractors Storm London in Fury! Starmer’s Final Warning Shot Just Blew Up in His Face!

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

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

Speaking to the People’s Channel, Berkshire Farmers Group organisers George Brown, Dan Willis and Caroline Graham Dr Alison Heydari, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Scotland Yard, withdrew consent for the demonstration with less than 10 hours to go.

Highlighting their devastation at the U-turn by police, Mr Brown said: “Yeah Martin, we’re absolutely devastated. We’ve been working on this for months and we’ve had a great relationship with the Met.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“While people will still be able to demonstrate, conditions have been put in place to prevent protesters from bringing vehicles, including tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.

“This decision was taken due to the serious disruption they may cause to the local area, including businesses, emergency services and Londoners going about their day.”

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

“I LOST PEGGY…”  Pete Wicks Shares Heartbreaking Loss as Beloved French Bulldog Dies Just Weeks After Health Battle Update

Pete Wicks has opened up about a deeply personal loss, revealing that his much-loved French bulldog Peggy has died, just weeks after he told fans she was facing months of treatment.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 37, shared the heartbreaking news during a recent episode of his podcast Staying Relevant, explaining that Peggy actually passed away around a month ago. Pete said he hadn’t spoken publicly about it before, but decided to address it after listeners began wondering why only his other dog, Eric, was with him in the studio.

On the podcast, Pete told listeners that on a sad note, and knowing people would ask, the reason Peggy wasn’t there was because he had lost her recently. He explained that Eric had come into the office because he’d been lonely, adding quietly that Peggy died about a month ago.

Pete had first alarmed fans back in July when he revealed he had “nearly lost” Peggy, sharing that she was about to begin months of treatment. At the time, he posted a photo of the pair cuddling and admitted it had been a tough week, saying Peggy had been through the wars but never gave up. He told followers he was simply happy to have her back home and remained hopeful despite the long road ahead.

Earlier this month, while promoting his U series For Dogs’ Sake, Pete admitted 2025 had been a heavy year emotionally. He revealed he was planning to spend Christmas Day alone with Eric, joking that he’d likely sit at home with a Pot Noodle. Pete said he usually spends Christmas on his own with his dogs, and this year felt no different.

After spending weeks filming at Dogs Trust’s rehoming centre in Basildon, Pete also spoke about the possibility of adopting another dog one day, but stressed he wouldn’t rush the decision. He explained that while he wants every dog, he has to practise what he preaches, given his unusual lifestyle. He added that Eric, now 12, also gets a say, saying it’s important to find the right companion for him and to get it right, as he always has.

Peggy had been part of Pete’s life since 2018, when he rescued her through French Bulldog Saviours. He has often spoken about his bond with dogs, previously admitting he prefers them to people and that he couldn’t stop crying while filming his emotional animal-focused series.

Pete’s love for dogs began in childhood, when he and his mum adopted their first pet, Arnie, when he was just 10 years old. In 2016, he went on to rescue Eric from Dogs Trust Basildon — the loyal companion who is now helping him through the loss of Peggy.

Patrick Kielty — once married to Cat Deeley — has gone public with his new partner, and yes, she’s a familiar face

Patrick Kielty — Cat Deeley’s Ex-Husband — Has Revealed the Identity of His New Partner in a Recent Post, and It’s Someone You All Know!

Patrick Kielty, the well-known comedian and television presenter, has recently made headlines by unveiling the identity of his new partner. Fans of both Patrick and Cat Deeley, his famous ex-wife, have been eagerly following updates about their personal lives. Now, Patrick has shared a heartfelt post introducing his new significant other — and the surprise is that it’s someone many people already recognize!

Patrick Kielty’s New Partner: A Familiar Face to Many

After his separation from Cat Deeley, who is a beloved television presenter and model, Patrick Kielty has kept his personal life relatively private. However, in a recent social media update, he broke the silence by revealing that he is in a new relationship. What makes this announcement particularly intriguing is that his new partner is not a stranger to the public eye. In fact, she is someone many fans will instantly recognize.

This revelation has sparked excitement and curiosity among followers, as they try to piece together how this new relationship came to be. Patrick’s post was warm and genuine, reflecting a new chapter in his life filled with happiness and companionship. The identity of his partner has been met with positive reactions, showing support for his fresh start.

How Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley’s Past Shapes Their Present

Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley were once one of the most admired couples in the entertainment industry. Their relationship, which lasted several years, was often in the spotlight due to their individual successes and charming personalities. Although they eventually parted ways, both have continued to thrive professionally and personally.

Patrick’s announcement about his new partner highlights how life moves forward after a significant relationship ends. It also demonstrates the importance of finding happiness and connection, regardless of past experiences. Fans who have followed Patrick and Cat Deeley’s journey will appreciate this update as a sign of growth and positivity.

Moreover, Patrick’s openness about his new relationship serves as an inspiration to many who may be navigating similar transitions. It’s a reminder that new beginnings are always possible, and that love can be found again in unexpected places.

What This Means for Patrick Kielty’s Future

With the introduction of his new partner, Patrick Kielty seems ready to embrace the next phase of his life. This fresh relationship could bring new opportunities for personal happiness and perhaps even influence his professional endeavors. As a public figure, Patrick’s life often intertwines with his career, and fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.

The positive response to his announcement also suggests that his audience supports his choices and wishes him well. This encouragement can be a powerful motivator for Patrick as he continues to balance his public persona with his private life.

For those interested in following Patrick Kielty’s journey, staying updated on his social media and public appearances will provide more insights into how his relationship develops. It’s clear that this new partnership marks an exciting and hopeful period for him.

Conclusion

Patrick Kielty’s recent revelation about his new partner, a familiar face to many, marks an exciting new chapter in his life following his separation from Cat Deeley. This update not only satisfies fans’ curiosity but also highlights the importance of moving forward and embracing new opportunities for happiness. If you want to stay informed about Patrick Kielty’s evolving love life and other updates, be sure to follow his official channels and keep an eye out for future announcements. Don’t miss out on the latest news—subscribe now and join the conversation!

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Courtroom Showdown Erupts in Crowborough as Furious Residents Sue the Government Over Explosive Migrant Housing Plans, Triggering a National Political Storm

A legal battle has been launched in the high court over Government plans to move hundreds of asylum seekers into a military camp in east Sussex.

Crowborough Shield, a community-led campaign group, has lodged an application for a full judicial review of the decision to place more than 500 asylum seekers at the camp.

The Government says the camp will help in its pledge to stop using hotels to house asylum seekers.

But Crowborough Shield says there has been a lack of transparency surrounding the decision and have raised serious concerns about staffing at the camp, police provision and the impact on health services.

It comes as police had to arrest a man over ‘violent disorder’ outside the local barracks on Tuesday.

In a statement the campaign group, which has raised almost £70,000 to pay legal fees, said: ‘We can confirm that, on behalf of the people of Crowborough, we have issued proceedings against the Home Secretary in respect of her decision to house migrants at Crowborough Camp.

‘We are seeking judicial review to overturn the decision. Our position is that the government’s actions breach the community’s common law rights to justice and procedural fairness.

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Patrol group members are distinguishable by their red baseball caps and high-vis jackets

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The Crowborough Training Camp previously housed Afghan refugees

‘We rely on Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects our right to a fair hearing. Our position is that residents have been denied the opportunity to understand, scrutinise, or challenge the decision-making process.’

Kim Bailey, director of the group, said: ‘There is huge frustration in the community that a decision with such a fundamental impact on our town has been made without consultation or engagement.

‘It feels as though the government doesn’t think we matter. The barracks site is unsuitable for housing asylum seekers – many of whom will have fled conflict and trauma – and its location beside the Ashdown Forest risks significant environmental harm. In the absence of any clear information, fear and uncertainty are growing across the town.’

Polly Glynn, a solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn who is representing Crowborough Shield, said the case would test the limits of government power over community’s right to be heard over decisions.

On Tuesday night several police cars raced to the scene after an alleged confrontation between a protester and a worker attempting to leave ended in a report of assault.

Sussex Police issue a temporary section 34 dispersal notice giving officers powers to order people to leave roads surrounding the barracks.

Chief Supt Nick Dias said a 44-year-old man from Heathfield was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

‘Investigations are continuing into several reported assaults and threats of violence during the incident.’

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Around 1,500 residents marched through the streets to protest against the Home Office plans yesterday

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The Crowborough Patrol will wander the town centre day and night wearing hi-vis jackets and red baseball caps

He said he knew the proposed use of the training camp had ’caused concern within the community’.

‘We recognise the public’s right to peacefully protest and express their views. The vast majority of those who have taken part in recent demonstrations have done so lawfully and respectfully.

‘However, when the actions of a small minority stray into criminality, we will take appropriate action.’

Last week a group of residents were branded ‘vigilantes’ after they set up a patrol to tackle anti-social behaviour after the arrival of the migrant in the town.

The Crowborough Patrol will wander the town centre day and night wearing hi-viz jackets and red baseball caps.

Patrol members joined thousands of residents in the market town who have marched through the streets against the move.

One resident criticised the move saying the launch of the patrol only added to tensions in the 22,000-resident town.

He said: ‘A bunch of vigilantes with too much time on their hands is the last thing this town needs.

‘It is already a powder keg situation and what we don’t need is for a self-appointed gang ready to put a flame to it. It’s a provocation and should be stopped by the police.’

Work has already started on making the army cadet training camp fit to house 540 asylum seekers with accommodation, toilet blocks and security fencing being erected.

A group of protesters staged a picket at the entrance into the camp in an attempt to challenge workers carrying out construction at at the camp.

On Monday the 37-acre site officially ceased to be a Ministry of Defence base with the Home Office becoming the new landlord.

As well as legal action launched by Crowborough Shield, Weald District Council says it is taking the advice of senior barristers to explore what legal channels may be open to them should the Government press ahead with the plans.

The camp itself has a proud history going back to the war, when it was used by Canadian forces preparing for D-Day.

Residents, especially those that live on their own, say they are installing panic alarms in their homes over safety fears.

The Home Office has apologised for its handling of its plans to use the the Crowborough camp to house asylum seekers but says it is determined to stamp out the use of hotels to house migrants.

‘Panicked’: Fans shocked by Todd Woodbridge’s surprise career announcement – as host pens special message online

Wheп sportiпg legeпd Todd Woodbridge took oп the role to host Tippiпg Poiпt Aυstralia iп 2024, he пever imagiпed he’d be celebratiпg aп iпcredible 450 episodes.

Bυt almost two years aпd a Logie Award later, the teппis champioп peппed a special message to mark the milestoпe – that left oпe faп jυmpiпg the gυп.

“Ep 450 of tippiпg poiпt for me today! Caп’t believe how mυch I’ve eпjoyed doiпg this show!” Todd aппoυпced iп a post oп Iпstagram.

“Oυr crew are seпsatioпal aпd we all love doiпg oυr job aпd hopefυlly it shows….”

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As the host got seпtimeпtal, the loyal faп jυmped to the commeпts feariпg the worst aboυt their favoυrite game show.

Watch the пew seasoп of Tippiпg Poiпt Aυstralia for free oп 9Now.

“I jυst paпicked… I thoυght this was a post aboυt the show beiпg axed…” oпe of Todd’s 38,000 followers qυickly commeпted.
Todd holdiпg his silver Logie for Best Preseпter. (Getty Images for  TV WEEK Logie A)
“Todd I doп’t thiпk yoυ realise how iпcredible yoυ are… the highlight of the show is yoυr iпteractioп with the people  ,” they weпt oп.

Aпd it’s clear Todd’s hυge faпbase agree as they collectively sighed iп relief aboυt the post.

”It shows !  ,” reassυred aпother faп. “We love it aпd yoυ all make it a fab experieпce. Coпgrats aпd well doпe to yoυ aпd the team ! .”

“Yoυ’re the best preseпter cυrreпtly oп Aυstraliaп TV! So professioпal aпd who geпυiпely cares aboυt people,” wrote a third.

Safe to say, Todd isп’t goiпg aпywhere sooп!

Aloпgside the post, Todd shared a behiпd-the-sceпes look iпto makiпg the beloved game show.

“Come aпd see the magic beiпg made oп Tippiпg Poiпt,” he wrote, revealiпg he had foυr more weeks of filmiпg before the seasoп was doпe.

WATCH: Bear makes toυgh coпfessioп iп dramatic sпeak peek at graпd fiпale of The Goldeп Bachelor

While certaiпly aп excitiпg career milestoпe, Todd earlier admitted that wheп the opportυпity to be the host of Tippiпg Poiпt came aboυt, maпy doυbted if he coυld do it at all.

“At the begiппiпg of the show, I really felt like I had to prove to a lot of people that I coυld pυll the show off aпd that I was actυally deserviпg of gettiпg that opportυпity,” Todd revealed exclυsively to 9Eпtertaiпmeпt.
Todd however did kпow that a career iп media was a great fit for him. (Iпstagram @woodbridge.todd)
“That’s where my competitive sportiпg spirit really kicked iп. It was like, ‘OK, I’m goiпg to work hard, I’m goiпg to show everybody I caп do this.’

“It’s really importaпt to me aпd to the team that have doпe it. Becaυse it’s пot jυst for me, it’s for everybody that’s made Tippiпg Poiпt work.”

He proved that to everybody wheп he woп the Logie for the Bert Newtoп Award for Most Popυlar Preseпter iп 2025.

Aпd jυdgiпg by his faпs’ commeпts, this is oпly the start of his preseпtiпg career. Aп iпcredible 450 episodes aпd hopefυlly maпy more to come!

Watch the пew seasoп of Tippiпg Poiпt Aυstralia for free oп 9Now.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest пews from yoυr favoυrite shows via oυr WhatsApp chaппel. No commeпts, пo algorithm aпd пobody caп see yoυr private details.

“Undercover on the Frontline” — British Vigilantes Masquerade as Journalists in a Chilling New Campaign to Hunt Down Migrants

Men who have filmed themselves slashing migrant boats are posing as accredited journalists to encourage asylum seekers to speak to them on camera

Daniel Thomas, right, and Ryan Bridge, have been offering migrants money to speak to them, with Bridge also pretending he is a journalist (Photo: Raise the Colours)

Sanya Burgess
Investigations Correspondent

December 10, 2025 6:00 am (Updated 4:04 pm)
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British vigilantes have been posing as journalists in a new tactic designed to confront Channel migrants in France.

Migrants have been shown fake press cards and offered money by members of the group, as part of their efforts to film content for their anti-migrant social media pages.

These vigilantes’ actions have escalated from raising St George’s flags on English streets to travelling to France where they have been harassing migrants and slashing small boats used in Channel crossings.

The i Paper previously revealed how the vigilantes discussed a secret plot to misdirect police and send groups of British men to join their efforts in France but were rumbled when they were overheard in the pub.

Fake journalists offering real money

A new tactic used by the men is to pose as accredited journalists. It appears they are doing this to encourage migrants they encounter in France to speak to them on camera.

In a video posted last month, the men are confronted by French police as they film a destroyed migrant boat on the beach. The officer asks whether the group have a press card. The footage suggests the men do not.

The following week, they uploaded a video of their return to France but this time one of the men is brandishing what appears to be a homemade press card printed out on white paper. Real press cards are plastic with identifying details about the journalist and a hologram printed onto a blue background.

Ryan Bridge, who is one of the leaders of the flag-raising Raise the Colours movement, is filmed holding what appears to be a DIY card out to a number of migrants.
Ryan Bridge holds what appears to be a homemade press card (Photo: Raise the Colours)
In one such video, Bridge also asks a migrant if he would be interviewed, falsely telling the man he is “from the press association”, which is similar to the name of one of the UK’s leading news agencies.

It’s unclear if Bridge is actually claiming to be from this organisation, as later in the same clip he amends his introduction to say he is from “a press association called Raise the Colours”.

Blitz spirit vigilantes out of puff

Self-styled as a citizen’s army, the group of men dub their exploits as mock military campaigns, such as “Operation Overlord” – the codename for the Allies’ invasion of occupied Europe during the Second World War, beginning on D-Day, 6 June, 1944.

Bridge, along with Daniel Thomas, an associate of far-right leader Tommy Robinson, are positioned as the two main leaders. The pair shared a photo of themselves dressed in pseudo security forces outfits and boast of purchasing new equipment for themselves using donations, including stab-proof vests.

They are now attempting to sign up large numbers of English men to take direct action against migrants in France.

Their recruitment tactics involve pumping out a high volume of videos filmed in France of their confrontations with those in the Calais camps, with one recent video capturing a vigilante asking a potential migrant: “Do you want to speak to us for money? Do you want some money? Do you want some euro?”
Ryan Bridge, left, with Daniel Thomas. Their use of Christianity to justify their actions has been criticised by the Church of England (Photo: Danny Thomas)
They film their “operations” in France, with a recent social media clip showing the vigilantes shouting abuse at migrants in a camp. It concludes with Bridge panting and out of breath having run a short distance to a waiting getaway car after a water bottle is thrown at them on camera.

The group claims more than 5,500 men signed up within 24 hours of their recruitment site going live. This is despite there not being a large amount of traction online around their chosen hashtag “#OperationOverlord”.

This hashtag reached a daily peak of around 4,800 mentions on 28 November, the day the mission was launched. This dropped to only 100 posts featuring the hashtag on 1 December, according to figures collected by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue using social media monitoring tool Brandwatch.

Bishops warn vigilantes to stop co-opting Christianity

The men also attempt to pull on support by positioning their activities as the actions of English Christians protecting the Christian faith.

Two leading bishops have spoken out in response to the group’s use of religion to justify their behaviour. They warn that “any attempt to co-opt Christianity to particular political agendas or ideologies should be viewed with deep suspicion”.

In a bid to boost sign-ups, the vigilantes have continually highlighted their Christian faith and called on other Christians to join them. Thomas refers to himself as a “warrior of faith”.

The vigilantes share images featuring Christian symbols of the cross and crucifix as well as pictures suggesting they are religious soldiers.

“Christianity is at the forefront of everything we do,” said Thomas at the start of one recent video.

This use of Christianity is alarming the Church of England, with two leading bishops speaking out against this misappropriation of their faith.

“Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable, and I am gravely concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to apparently justify racism, violence and anti-migrant behaviours,” said the Bishop of Southwark, the Right Rev Christopher Chessun.

He added: “I understand that there are many who may be swept up in movements like this who don’t necessarily buy-in wholesale to what is being said.

“I would encourage them to think again, to consider what kind of world they want to be a part of – and to choose compassion and understanding over hostility and violence.”
The Right Rev Arun Arora, left, and Christopher Chessun, right. The two Bishops reflected concerns shared by the Church of England regarding the use of Christianity to justify anti-migrant vigilantism (Photo: Diocese of Leeds/Getty)
The Christian leader highlighted that the men’s behaviour is coinciding with preparations to celebrate Christmas, which is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, who was a Middle Eastern child “who, with his parents, became a refugee, fleeing those who would do them harm”.

The Bishop of Kirkstall, who is also the Church of England’s co-lead Bishop on Racial Justice, added: “Christ’s call to love your neighbour is a hallmark and authenticator for all of those who would seek to follow his teachings or act in His name.

“It is a non-negotiable teaching which is glaringly absent in the actions of these men,” the Right Rev Arun Arora said.

He continued: “Any attempt to co-opt Christianity to particular political agendas or ideologies should be viewed with deep suspicion. The far right has often sought to wrap itself in flags or symbols which belong to us all.”

A Mother’s Fight, a Son’s Promise: Pauline Quirke’s Son Charlie Completes a Powerful Five-Day Charity Journey, Moving the Nation as He Raises an Extraordinary Sum for Alzheimer’s Research UK in a Heart-Wrenching Show of Love, Strength, and Hope.

Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has raised an eye-watering sum for Alzheimer’s Research UK after completing a deeply personal five-day charity challenge inspired by his mother’s life.

Charlie crossed the finish line of his Trek For A Cure in Buckinghamshire on Friday, having retraced the journey of his mum’s life following her dementia diagnosis in 2021. The fundraising total has now passed £177,000, with donations continuing to pour in.

Earlier this year, Pauline, 66 — best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the much-loved BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather — stepped back “from all professional and commercial duties” as her family shared news of her condition.

Family games

Over the course of five days, Charlie walked through places rich with meaning, from former schools and theatres to the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, where he was visibly overcome with emotion on arrival.

Reflecting on the experience, Charlie said he was humbled by the response, explaining that he “couldn’t thank people enough” for the love and support shown by those who joined him, sent messages or even stopped him in the street to express their gratitude. He admitted he was blown away by how much had been raised, adding that the trek was driven by a simple but powerful hope — to help find a cure and to thank everyone who stood behind his family.

The journey began in Chigwell, Essex — the setting of Birds Of A Feather — on December 8, with Linda Robson and Ray Winstone among those there to see him off. From there, Charlie travelled through east London, Surrey and Berkshire, stopping at significant locations from his mother’s life, including West Ham United’s training ground at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a club close to the family’s heart.

Family games

Throughout the trek, Charlie was joined by a number of familiar faces, including actors Mathew Baynton and Perry Benson, while television favourite Lorraine Kelly walked alongside him for the final stretch.

Charlie’s father, Steve Sheen, said the support went far beyond their own family, stressing that if nothing changes, “one in two will be directly affected by dementia,” whether through diagnosis, caring responsibilities or both — a reality he said society can no longer accept.

Alzheimer’s Research UK director Jessica Taylor-Khan praised Charlie’s efforts, saying the funds raised would make a real difference in accelerating progress towards a cure. She added that, just as importantly, Charlie had helped raise awareness and given a voice to countless families living with the devastation of dementia.

“I NEVER KNEW ONE MOMENT COULD HIT THIS HARD.” That’s what Jamie Laing reportedly whispered as the streets froze, cameras clicked, and Sophie Habboo stepped out for the very first time with baby Ziggy — their debut family stroll unfolding under a soft London drizzle that somehow made everything even more cinematic. Witnesses say Jamie looked “absolutely wrecked with emotion,” clutching the pram like he was holding the whole world. Sophie, glowing and teary, murmured, “This is our beginning… I still can’t believe he’s ours.” And in that tiny grey moment, the couple who once lived their life on TV suddenly felt real, quiet, present. Jamie later admitted to friends, voice shaking: “I’ve filmed a lot of things… but nothing prepares you for seeing your family in one frame.” And as the drizzle turned to mist and Ziggy let out his first tiny public squeak, Sophie sealed the moment with a line that fans are already calling iconic: “Let them watch — we’re not performing anymore. This is real life, and it’s finally ours.”

Jamie Laing could barely contain his joy as he documented every second of his new family’s very first outing — proudly snapping photos of wife Sophie Habboo and their newborn son, Ziggy, on a drizzly London morning.

The Made In Chelsea couple were spotted near their home on Tuesday, pushing Ziggy’s pram through the grey weather. Sophie, wrapped up in a rain coat and black sweats, kept close to the pram while Jamie — ever the excited new dad — trailed beside her in shorts and a Candy Kittens cap, grinning ear to ear as he captured the moment on his phone.

Sophie later shared a picture from their walk on Instagram, thanking followers for “your wonderful messages” and admitting she’d been reading them while “nap trapped”. She added that they “couldn’t be more in love with Ziggy.”

Despite the drizzle, baby Ziggy appeared perfectly snug under a blanket, with the couple stopping often to check on him. At one point, Sophie laughed as Jamie showed her the photos he’d just taken — a snapshot of two parents fully absorbed in their new chapter.

Their family stroll comes just days after the pair announced they had welcomed their first child. The journey — from pregnancy to birth — will be featured in their upcoming Disney+ docuseries, which promises a candid look at life as new parents, juggling careers, moving into their first family home, and managing both support and unsolicited advice.

Jamie had already shared an emotional tribute the day after Ziggy’s arrival, posting a photo from Sophie’s private hospital suite. He described the birth as “a wild, incredible experience,” saying he was “exhausted, full of love and in awe” of Sophie. He added that he always knew she was “10/10,” but witnessing her give birth proved that “level could go even higher.”

Sophie echoed the sentiment in her own post-birth photos published on Tuesday, simply saying that “it all makes sense” now.

Celebrity friends didn’t hold back with their congratulations. Jessie J wrote, “You did it mama,” Rylan Clark sent, “Congrats you two xxx,” and Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova and Stacey Solomon also shared warm wishes. Former Big Brother star Kate Lawler praised their son’s name, calling Ziggy “very cool.”

The couple, who married in a lavish Spanish wedding in 2023, once declined filming offers for a Made In Chelsea wedding special — with Jamie explaining that reality TV can be “tough on the soul” and that relationships “have a better chance of surviving away from the cameras.” But the pair eventually shifted course, signing a Disney+ deal that allows them to tell their story on their own terms.

“For nearly a decade, we’ve brought audiences along the highs and lows of our personal and professional lives,” the couple said when announcing the project. “Now, navigating life with a baby has opened up a whole new stage of our relationship — and we can’t wait to give you a front-row seat.”

“TWENTY POUNDS GONE — AND I DIDN’T STARVE FOR A SECOND.” Lisa Riley has finally broken her silence, unleashing a jaw-dropping confession about her dramatic weight loss in the I’m A Celebrity jungle — and it’s far tougher than the rice-and-beans narrative everyone assumed. She didn’t mince words: “People think I wasted away on rations — no. The jungle WORKED me.” From climbing endless steps to racing between challenges, hauling gear, and barely stopping long enough to warm by the campfire, Lisa revealed she was burning calories faster than she could swallow them. “By the time I sat down, those beans were already gone,” she said with a laugh that barely concealed how brutal the days really were. Insiders say her discipline stunned producers, calling her “one of the hardest-moving contestants the show’s ever seen.” And Lisa ended with a line that hit like a punch: “I didn’t lose weight — I fought it off. And the jungle never stood a chance.”

Lisa Riley has revealed she shed an incredible twenty pounds during her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle — and insists it wasn’t just down to the classic rice-and-beans diet.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lisa explained that the secret wasn’t deprivation, but the relentless routine of jungle life. She said it all came down to portion control, adding that people always assume the diet is the sole reason: everyone says it’s beans and rice, and yes, it is — but it’s more about what you actually consume.

She revealed the camp’s “geography” and constant movement played a huge part. Climbing steps to the Telegraph, trekking to challenges, and never really sitting still meant she burned off most of her evening beans before she’d even settled by the fire. “It’s endless. It’s not just sat around a campfire having loads of giggles,” she said. “By the time you’ve eaten your beans at night, you’ve probably burned it off.”

Although she admitted there were moments of hunger, she insisted she was never starving. “I’ve never ever been in Ethiopia; I was not starving,” she clarified. Being vegetarian meant her meals were “padded out with more rice anyway,” but she laughed that she doesn’t want to see rice ever again: “Rice and me are game over.”

While other campmates tucked into crocodile or eel, Lisa was given Quorn, tempeh and tofu — though she joked that her early attempts at cooking tofu were “s**t” until Martin stepped in to pan-fry it properly.

Despite the challenges, Lisa said the entire experience exceeded her hopes. “I’ve created so much fun and laughter, and I’ve been allowed to be myself,” she reflected after leaving camp.

She also cheekily admitted to having a long-running crush on host Ant McPartlin. “I’m a flirt. I flirt with everybody — that’s who I am. I’m not going to stop,” she said, noting that she is completely secure in her relationship with partner Al. She laughed that Dec is the type who would tuck you in with a hot chocolate, while Ant — in her words — is “juicy.” She added: “Any red-blooded woman would say Ant is juicy. He looks gorgeous.”

But she emphasised that Al has nothing to worry about: “I’m in a very, very, very happy relationship. You can go to Waitrose — you don’t have to buy anything.”

Reflecting on her jungle journey, Lisa said she embraced the role of camp mother. “I’ve not been lucky enough to be a mother in life, and if I was the jungle mum, bring it on.” She adored supporting younger campmates, adding that Aitch and Ginge were like her “naughty little brothers” who allowed her to show her true self.