Strictly Fans ‘Sobbing’ as George Clarke Breaks Down Ahead of Final — and Admits ‘This Is Awful’ as He Fights to Make His Mum Proud During Her Breast Cancer Battle

Strictly Come Dancing finalist George Clarke left viewers in tears as he struggled to contain his emotions during a moving interview on It Takes Two, just hours before the grand final tonight (Saturday, December 20).

George and Alexis discussed the final (Credit: BBC)
 
Fans were in tears too (Credit: BBC)
 

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George Clarke and dance partner Alexis Warr (pictured) are hoping to emerge victorious in Saturday’s finale of Strictly Come Dancing
 
YouTuber George Clarke has become the people’s favourite in this year’s Strictly for both his impassioned dancefloor performance and the way he dedicated his routine as a ‘love letter’ to his family, specifically his adored mother Nicky – who is currently fighting breast cancer

The 26-year-old TikTok sensation, joined by pro partner Alexis Warr, was overcome when shown heartfelt messages of support from his family during the show on Friday evening. Unable to continue, George wiped away tears and apologised, admitting: “Sorry… this is awful of me,” as he reflected on the journey that has brought him to the verge of the Glitterball Trophy.

It’s all too easy to see why Strictly bosses hope that privately-educated George’s popularity with savvy online youngsters may revitalise what has become an increasingly toxic and tired television brand

George explained that he’d tried not to think about the final in order to stay present, saying the experience has already given him “imposter syndrome,” but also acknowledging how difficult the aftermath of the competition may feel once the whirlwind ends.

Fans watching at home were visibly moved, taking to social media to share their own tears and praise his humility and vulnerability. Messages poured in: “I’m emotional for George,” “Don’t cry, you’ll set me off,” and “He is so loved.”

Despite being a strong favourite among the public, bookmakers currently place him behind Karen Carney in the odds. But George’s journey has resonated far deeper than scores or rankings — driven not by fame, but by love and a desperate desire to make his mother proud.

In week eight, his emotional rhumba dedicated to his mum Nicky — who is bravely battling breast cancer — earned widespread admiration. The routine, described as a “love letter,” left both George and his family in tears and marked the moment when the wider Strictly audience embraced him.

George spoke candidly about his mother’s diagnosis, admitting that she has endured more than most: “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her.” Her illness now dominates family life, and George has been open about how the news has affected him.

The YouTuber, known for his massive online following — 2.4 million TikTok fans, nearly a million across Instagram and YouTube — has captured attention beyond his digital audience. Strictly bosses reportedly hope his popularity with younger viewers may breathe new life into the long-running show.

Unlike his rivals, George has no professional dance background. Friends say the only dancing he ever did before Strictly was at university socials, making his progress even more remarkable. Meanwhile, fellow finalists Amber Davies and Karen Carney have sparked debate due to their extensive dance experience.

George’s journey is also tied to a quieter family story. His mother’s resilience isn’t new — she previously battled encephalitis when he was 16, leaving George traumatised after witnessing her seizure. Yet he describes her as selfless and strong, apologising to the family even after her recovery.

Supporting him from the audience is his girlfriend, model Yasmin Bennett, credited by George as believing in him “more than I did.” His upbringing in Bristol, private education, and university degree paint a picture of a grounded young man who chose effort over shortcuts — despite his father’s senior role at Aardman Animations.

Amber Davies, meanwhile, has faced backlash from viewers because of her stage background and will not participate in the Strictly tour due to prior commitments to the musical Legally Blonde.

George’s growing public profile, however, seems set to extend beyond Strictly, with new  TV opportunities reportedly emerging. Insiders say he may be on the verge of becoming a breakout star — not just online, but across mainstream media.

And should he lift the Glitterball Trophy tonight, no supporter will be cheering louder than his mother — the woman whose courage inspired his every step on the Strictly dancefloor.

Inside The Osbournes’ first family Christmas without Ozzy as son Jack missing from celebrations

Kelly has revealed their plans

The Osbourne family are about to spend their first Christmas without the iconic Ozzy, after his devastating death earlier this year.

Back in July, the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne was announced, leaving fans and celebrities heartbroken. But nobody was just as heartbroken as his own family were.

In the months that followed, Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, alongside two of their children, Jack and Kelly, began speaking about his death, and the impact it has had on them.

But now, five months later, the Osbourne family face their first Christmas without him. Kelly spoke to The Sun, and has given an insight to what that will look like. And why her brother won’t be with them.

 

The family will have Christmas at Sharon and Ozzy’s home (Credit: Lumeimages / SplashNews.com)

Where will the Osbourne family spend Christmas?

This year, 14 members of the Osbourne clan will celebrate Christmas at Sharon and Ozzy’s Buckinghamshire house.

Kelly, who also has a sister, Aimee, admitted that the family will have a “proper English Christmas” which she “loves” as it’s very different to the holiday’s in LA. The meal with be cooked by Ozzy’s eldest son Louis, who he shared with ex-wife Thelma Riley.

After their huge feast, the family will “have crackers and all watch the King’s speech”. And it seems Kelly is forcing everyone to get into the festive spirit by ordering everyone “matching pyjamas” so they can all sit “in front of the telly”.

Jack won’t be with the family (Credit: YouTube)

Will Jack Osbourne be in the UK for Christmas?

However, one person who is set to miss out on the Osbourne family Christmas is Kelly’s brother Jack.

Just a few weeks ago, Jack left the I’m A Celebrity jungle. When he got out, he and his wife announced they were expecting another baby.

So, instead of coming back to the UK, Jack will be spending his time in LA with his own little family. However, Kelly insisted that doesn’t mean he will be left out of the occasion.

She said: “But he will be on FaceTime. Then Mum is leaving two days after Christmas to be with him.”

So, it appears Jack won’t be away from his family for too long!

Sharon will be getting a new puppy (Credit: YouTube)

Kelly reveals special gift for mum Sharon

As it’s the very first Christmas without Ozzy Osbourne, it’s only natural for Kelly to want her mum to feel the love from everyone else. Ozzy wasn’t the only loss the family faced this year, as they also said goodbye to their dog, Elvis, in October.

And now, Kelly has revealed she has got Sharon a new little puppy to cheer her up – along with a bunch of other gifts.

She revealed: “I’m getting her a new puppy because this year we lost Elvis, which is really hard. It’s a Pomapoo.” A Pomapoo is a mix of Pomeranian and miniature Poodle.

Kelly continued: “She knows she is getting the dog, so it’s not going to ruin the surprise.”

Other items Kelly has bought for Sharon are a selection of “bespoke” gifts. This includes special moth bags, gardening equipment and a huge new chocolate jar.

Kelly has struggled with her grief (Credit: YouTube)

How is Kelly feeling about Christmas?

Kelly spoke about the Osbourne family Christmas while she was at Juliet Sear’s baking range launch at Fortnum and Mason.

She admitted that she “just wants to get through Christmas without crying” and that she has been doing “a lot of charity work” to keep her “busy” in the lead-up to the day.

But as she looks towards 2026, Kelly confirmed she has no plans to move away as she “wouldn’t leave” her dad behind.

Kelly explained: “Grief is a hard thing. You never know when it’s going to take you out. It is the hardest thing you will ever go through in life. I will never ever be the girl I was before.”

In the volatile landscape of New York City’s drill scene, the OY crew (the “O’s”) has long been a dominant, albeit tragic, force. Known for their high-energy tracks and even higher-stakes street wars, the group has finally met its match not in a rival set, but in the relentless machinery of the legal system. In December 2025, the New York City District Attorney’s office dropped a bombshell: a massive RICO indictment charging at least 13 members of the Bronx-based crew with 66 different crimes.

The indictment paints a grim picture of a group that allegedly “tore up the streets” throughout 2024, engaging in everything from retaliatory shootings to a vicious fatal beating. This isn’t just a story about music; it’s a sobering look at how the “crash out” culture of modern drill has led to the systematic dismantling of one of the city’s most visible crews.

The Fatal Encounter on West 148th Street

The most severe charge at the heart of the RICO case stems from an October 2024 incident that resulted in the death of Tawn Clemens. According to the District Attorney, members of the OY crew spotted Clemens on West 148th Street and “pressed” him about his affiliations. In a terrifying display of street “justice,” the crew allegedly robbed him before AJ Watts, a prominent OY affiliate, delivered a punch so powerful it knocked Clemens unconscious.

Clemens never woke up. He struck his head on the pavement, fell into a coma, and died in the hospital weeks later. While some street sources claimed Clemens had ties to rival sets, the police have maintained he was an innocent man caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. The cold-blooded nature of the attack—and the subsequent text messages between crew members joking about him being on life support—forms the emotional and legal backbone of the prosecution’s case.

Audacity in the Courthouse: The Scalpel Attack

The indictment also reveals a shocking level of brazenness, detailing an incident where OY members allegedly brought the violence directly into the halls of justice. Rosco Banger and an affiliate known as “Bloody” are accused of smuggling two scalpels through security at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse.

The target? Rival “ops” who were inside the building for unrelated matters. The OY members reportedly waited for their targets to exit the building before jumping them with the smuggled blades. Only the swift intervention of court officers and police prevented a double homicide inside one of the city’s most secure environments. This incident, perhaps more than any other, illustrated to authorities that the OY crew felt entirely untouchable by the law.

Self-Snitching and the Digital Paper Trail

In a pattern that has become all too common in the drill era, the very tools used to build the OY brand—social media and text messaging—are now being used to destroy it. The indictment is filled with digital evidence that prosecutors say proves the crew’s criminal intent.

In one instance, after a shooting in May 2024, a member named JB Ratty reportedly texted his associates, “Look what we did last night,” despite the fact that no one was actually hit in the exchange. Later, JB accidentally shot himself while attempting another “hit” on rivals. Prosecutors also have logs of members warning each other to stay off their phones because “people were already ratting.”

Perhaps most damaging are the rumors of a “blacked-out” name in the indictment paperwork. In the world of RICO cases, a redacted name often indicates a cooperator. Rumors are currently flying through the Bronx that a high-ranking member has turned informant, providing the feds with a roadmap to the crew’s inner workings, including where weapons were stashed—sometimes in places as mundane as cereal boxes in the back of neighborhood delis.

A Legacy of Loss: From Notti to DD Osama

The fall of the OY crew is inseparable from the personal tragedies that have defined the group. The crew saw a massive surge in popularity following the meteoric rise of Notti Osama and his brother DD Osama. However, that rise was cut short in 2022 when 14-year-old Notti was fatally stabbed in a Manhattan subway station—an event that sparked a wave of “Notti Bopping” and retaliatory diss tracks that only served to increase the heat from law enforcement.

While DD Osama has managed to maintain a mainstream career and has allegedly tried to “stay out of the way,” the indictment suggests the police are looking closely at how rap money might be funding the crew’s activities. Lyrics from recent tracks, where members boast about “buying chops (guns) for the gang,” are being scrutinized as admissions of criminal conduct rather than mere artistic expression.

The End of an Era?

The OY RICO case arrives at a time when the New York drill scene is already in a state of decline. With major crews like DOA and the Drillies already dismantled by similar indictments, the “O’s” were one of the last standing major factions.

The prosecution’s strategy is clear: by charging the crew for 66 specific acts of violence and conspiracy committed in 2024, they aim to prove that the OY crew is not just a musical collective, but a criminal enterprise. As the case moves toward trial, the future of the remaining members hangs in the balance. If the rumors of an internal informant are true, the “O’s” may have finally been taken down by the very thing they prized most: their own circle.

The streets of the Bronx are quieter today, but the shadow of the RICO indictment looms large over anyone still repping the set. In the world of New York drill, it seems the music has finally stopped, and the reckoning has begun.

In the annals of hip-hop history, few eras are as storied or as volatile as the early 2000s dominance of G-Unit. While fans saw the platinum plaques and the global tours, the reality behind the scenes was often a high-stakes game of survival. In a recent, heavy-hitting appearance on the Joe and Jada show, hosted by legends Fat Joe and Jadakiss, G-Unit stalwart Tony Yayo pulled back the curtain on the “Golden Era,” describing a landscape where the line between the recording studio and the street was non-existent.

Yayo’s testimony serves as a stark reminder that for 50 Cent and his crew, success didn’t just bring wealth—it brought “inherited” wars that frequently turned physical.

The Inheritance of Conflict

One of the most compelling aspects of Yayo’s account is the concept of “inherited beef.” During the interview, Yayo explained that many of the most dangerous situations G-Unit found themselves in were products of their associations. He pointed to the late Chris Lighty’s office as a hub of both industry power and street tension. With Jimmy Henchman’s office located just down the block, the proximity of rival factions created a powder keg.

“Every beef that we had, nobody got hurt off that to me was inherited,” Yayo reflected. He described a world where 50 Cent was often blamed for the animosity, but the roots of the conflict frequently lay in behind-the-scenes power struggles that the public never saw. Yayo recounted stories of legendary figures like Henchman and others clashing in private spaces, creating a climate where violence felt inevitable.

The Mixtape Awards: Walking into the Lion’s Den

The climax of Yayo’s storytelling centered on a fateful night at a Mixtape Award show—an event he expected to be a celebration of G-Unit’s street dominance but quickly realized was something far more sinister. Having recently been released from prison, Yayo admitted he was “reckless” and perhaps didn’t fully grasp the gravity of the tensions brewing in the city.

“I didn’t know the Apollo was going to be Rikers Island,” Yayo said, describing the atmosphere. He painted a vivid picture of an environment devoid of the usual industry glamour, replaced instead by “nothing but gangsters” and an energy that mirrored the yard of a maximum-security prison. It was here that Yayo came face-to-face with Jimmy Henchman, a man he described as a “grimy” street legend.

In a display of the loyalty that Fat Joe and Jadakiss praised throughout the episode, Yayo refused to play the diplomatic game. When Henchman reached out for a handshake, Yayo declined, sticking to his principles: “If I don’t fuck with you, I don’t fuck with you.” That rejection served as the spark for a night of violence that would see the streets of Harlem turn into a battlefield.

The Night the Bentley Was “Lit Up”

The consequences of the Apollo confrontation were immediate and terrifying. Yayo recounted how the tension spilled out of the venue and onto the streets. He described a scene where “hammers” (guns) were pulled out and the threat of death was palpable.

As Yayo retreated to his Bentley, the situation escalated. “Nigga came walk by and lit the Bentley up in Harlem,” Yayo recalled. The luxury vehicle, a symbol of his newfound success, was riddled with bullets. It wasn’t an isolated incident; Yayo spoke of his associates’ homes being shot up and vehicles being set on fire, illustrating a level of retaliation that went far beyond typical rap industry posturing.

Fat Joe and Jadakiss, both veterans of their own high-profile feuds, listened in near-disbelief as Yayo detailed the sheer scale of the G-Unit/Henchman/The Game conflict. Fat Joe noted that while his own past beefs were intense, Yayo’s experiences were on a different level of lethality.

A Survivor’s Perspective

Despite the chaos, Yayo spoke with a sense of appreciation for the experiences he survived. He balanced the tales of shootouts with moments of genuine “fan-boy” wonder—being in the studio with Dr. Dre, seeing Eminem, or spotting Wesley Snipes at a party and thinking of New Jack City.

This duality is what makes Yayo’s story so captivating. He was a man who could be “tweaking” over seeing Jim Carrey one moment and ducking bullets in Harlem the next. His loyalty to 50 Cent was the anchor of his career, a trait that Jadakiss noted was rare in an industry known for “snakes” and shifting alliances.

“I was fucking with 50 since 1998,” Yayo said, emphasizing that his bond with the G-Unit mogul preceded the fame, the shooting of 50 Cent, and the global superstardom. It was a brotherhood forged in the trenches of Queens and Brooklyn, and it was a brotherhood Yayo was willing to die for.

The Legacy of the Beef

Today, the G-Unit era is remembered for its unparalleled run of hits and its transformation of the music business. However, interviews like this provide the necessary context for that success. The music was fueled by a reality that was often grim and dangerous. Tony Yayo’s “crazy stories” aren’t just entertainment; they are a historical record of a time when the stakes of hip hop were life and death.

As the interview concluded, the room was left with a profound sense of how much the industry has changed—and how lucky the survivors are to be here to tell the tale. Yayo’s reflections on his best friend, “Tom Montana,” and the internal struggles of loyalty versus safety, highlighted the human cost of the street life.

In the end, Tony Yayo stands as one of the most resilient figures in the culture. He lived through the “World War” of G-Unit’s peak and emerged with his loyalty intact and his story more compelling than ever. For those who wonder why the Golden Era feels so different from today’s landscape, Yayo’s words offer the answer: it was real, it was raw, and it was dangerous.

EXCLUSIVE: Scarlett Moffatt reveals adorable Christmas tradition ahead of Strictly debut

EXCLUSIVE: Telly legend Scarlett Moffatt has revealed her adorable Christmas tradition with her son Jude and how she’ll be making her family watch her Strictly Come Dancing debut on the big day

Scarlett Moffatt has an adorable Christmas tradition with her son Jude, which she picked up from a film. As the nation prepares to celebrate the Big Day, the former Gogglebox legend admits that while she’s excited, she’s currently juggling a lot of work commitments on top of her organisation.

 

This year, Scarlett is starring as the Spirit of the Ring in Norwich’s Christmas pantomime, as well as gearing up to make her debut on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. “Scarlett: “I just think you have to not stress and just remember that what a privileged position and a joy it is to have so many people to buy for or to have, you know, people around you,” she said of her hectic schedule.

 

But now she’s a mum to little Jude, she’s started her own Christmas traditions, as well as the ones she grew up with. Speaking to OK! Magazine, Scarlett said: “I saw it in a movie, I can’t remember which movie, but I remember being pregnant and going ‘We need to do this!’

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Scarlett has opened up about her own Christmas traditions with her son, Jude(Image: scarlettmoffatt/Instagram)

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“We basically just wrap the door in wrapping paper, so he has to like burst through it. The first two years, we helped him, but last Christmas, he burst through it. Then we keep a little swatch of the paper next to a picture of him by the Christmas tree. Every year, we can flick through. Very sentimental.”

On Christmas Day, telly is an absolute “staple” for the Moffatt family. Scarlett said: “We sort of plan our Christmas around what’s on the telly, we do lots of games and stuff. Since I was a kid, which is quite fancy, we’ve always done Bucks Fizz and croissants for breakfast. Then we sit down and watch the King’s speech.”

 

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Each year, Scarlett creates lasting memories with her little son(Image: scarlettmoffatt/Instagram)

However, preparing for Christmas is a “sense of achievement” for Scarlett, who “loves a list”. She added: “I think you just can’t put pressure on yourself. I’ve said it to my mum, she’ll go ‘It looks like there’s hardly any presents,’ it doesn’t matter. Especially as you get older.”

Her partner, Scott, will often ask Scarlett for a “list” of things she wants, but she admits that she adds items to it for the sake of it. “There’s nothing really that I need,” she said, adding: “I’ve got to that age now, I prefer memories to stuff. I’m like ‘Can I have a spa day with you, or can we all go out for food?’”

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This Christmas, Scarlett will be appearing on the Strictly Come Dancing special(Image: PA)

This year will be different, though, for Scarlett, who’ll be dancing with Vito Coppola on the Strictly special. “Obviously we watch it every year,” she said, adding: “But Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will be a bit extra special this year ’cause I’m in it, which is fun. I’m so excited.”

And while some may find the rehearsals for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final show gruelling, Scarlett is having the most fun. “I really wanted Vito. I couldn’t believe my luck when I got paired with him,” she gushed. She added: “I did keep mentioning that Vito would be my favourite.

 

“We just have such a laugh, it feels like I’ve known him for a decade. It’s the best. I’m having the best time, and that’s all that matters is that I’m enjoying myself.” Scarlett, who has experience having danced as a child, says she’s “so grateful” for the chance to appear on the show. She said: “I danced as a little girl, Vito, the whole experience – I’m so grateful to the show for giving us a chance to be a small part in a big institution.

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The TV star praised this year’s I’m A Celeb winner, Angryginge(Image: ITV)

“It’s reignited the fire inside that I love dance, it’s reminded me of why I love dance so much, and it’s definitely going to be something that I continue to do, even after Strictly. It brings me so much joy.” However, Scarlett will not be telling her family about her experience on the show, and instead, they will have to tune in on Christmas Day to find out where she placed.

 

“I already feel like a winner anyway,” she said, adding: “I don’t want to give anything away, but I think it’ll be fun!” This year, Scarlett has teamed up with Three Mobile for their Give a little S’more campaign – giving back to people who go above and beyond for Christmas.

“WE wanted to celebrate all the do-ers of Christmas, we like to call them Chief Christmas Officers, which I am, in my whole family, creates the whole magic of Christmas. I do all the decorating, all the hosting, all the fun stuff – I’m like a Christmas elf. We wanted to give something back to the people who don’t stop during the festive period. I like a campaign where you feel like you’re giving back to folk.”

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She praised Ginge for being authentic and a good role model to young men(Image: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

 

As the nation prepares to gather with families and loved ones, it’s also a special time for Scarlett, who each day vows to make a difference to another person. “It can literally make a difference just smiling at someone on the street, or saying hello,” she said, adding: “Everyone gets caught up in what they’re doing and what they have to do. Sometimes, it’s just nice to look around and acknowledge that other people are there, but that’s why Samaritans are so good at this time of year – they really make a difference.”

And while social media is often criticised, Scarlett admits it can be a beneficial tool for people who feel alone. “It keeps people connected,” she said before adding: “It helped me when I first had Jude – most of my friends don’t have children, so I felt a bit like ‘I don’t know who I can speak to.’”

Scarlett’s friends had older children, some who are teens, so she relied on “mum-fluencers” on social media and has since created a small community, with whom she still keeps in touch on a regular basis.” Having won I’m A Celebrity in 2016, Scarlett heaped praise on this year’s champion, Angryginge.

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Scarlett has teamed up with Three UK for their Give a little S’more campaign(Image: ©Nic Serpell-Rand 2024)

“I think he’s such a good role model for young kids,” she said, adding: “In the world of Andrew Tate and toxic masculinity, Angryginge is what we need. I really look forward to seeing more of him on the telly, I think this is going to catapult him and I can’t wait to watch. ” Having Ginge, a Twitch streamer, on the show also allowed families to come together to watch TV again.

Scarlett explained: “A lot of my memories as a kid are of being in front of the telly. This is what I love about shows like I’m A Celeb, Strictly and The Traitors, telly you’re all watching, where you feel part of something, where you get excited about messaging your friends or meeting up and going ‘Did you watch last night?’ It’s like a sense of community, and I think telly is on the rise again.

Introducing the HELLO! Royal Yearbook – the ultimate gift for royal fans everywhere

Emily Nash, HELLO!’s Royal Editor, introduces the latest special edition – your exclusive guide to royal milestones, xmas traditions and the biggest events of 2026.

I’m delighted to present The HELLO! Royal Yearbook 2025-2026 – the ultimate gift for royal fans everywhere. Whether you’re reading it in the glow of the Christmas season or picking it up as a keepsake for the year ahead, this beautifully produced special edition captures the magic, milestones and memorable moments of royal life.

Inside, we revisit the standout royal stories of the year – from the Princess of Wales’s emotional return to public life, carried out very much in her own way, to the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary and the secret of their enduring happiness. You’ll also find the Princess Royal at her candid best as she celebrates her 75th birthday, with a collection of her sharpest and most memorable quotes.

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Alongside these standout features, the annual takes you inside treasured family traditions and offers rare glimpses behind palace gates, accompanied by exquisite photography and exclusive insights found only in HELLO!.

Looking ahead, we bring you a guide to the unmissable royal events of 2026 – a year set to deliver pomp, pageantry and important personal milestones, from major anniversaries to Prince George reaching his teenage years. And for a touch of festive fun, we’ve included puzzles and quizzes that celebrate the royals in true HELLO! style.

More than a seasonal read, The HELLO! Royal Yearbook 2025-2026 is a keepsake to treasure all year round – a perfect stocking filler, gift or treat for yourself.

On sale from 18 November at all premium UK retailers, priced at £12, and online – get your copy here.

Princess Anne isn’t the hardest-working royal of 2025 – here’s who beat her

The Princess Royal, who carried out 478 engagements this year, was beaten by another family member for the hardest-working title

The King has knocked the Princess Royal off the top spot as the hardest working royal of the year, despite still undergoing cancer treatment.

Charles, 77, clocked up a total of 532 engagements over the last 12 months, 50 more than his sister, Princess Anne, who often takes the hardest-working title, according to research conducted by royal expert Patricia Treble for The Mirror, which included engagements up until 18 December.

As well as engagements across the UK, the King has also travelled abroad to Poland, Canada, Italy and Vatican City.

While Anne, 75, took second place with 478 engagements, the Duke of Edinburgh, 61, was third with 313 and his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, with 235.

 

The King’s siblings have travelled all around the world this year, with the Princess Royal visiting South Africa, Ukraine where she met President Zelensky, Australia where she celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals as its Colonel-in-Chief and Singapore to mark to 60 years of relations with the UK.

© Alamy Stock Photo
Princess Anne with President Zelensky

Among their many solo trips, Prince Edward and Sophie have visited Nepal and Japan together.

Queen Camilla, 78, is the fifth hardest-working royal with 228 engagements, followed by the late Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, 81, who has notched up 212.

According to the research, the Prince of Wales, 43, carried out 202 engagements in 2025, with the future King visiting troops in Estonia in March and travelling to Vatican City for Pope Francis’ funeral in April.

© Getty Images
Prince William at Christ the Redeemer in Brazil

In June, Prince William flew to Monaco to attend the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, and in July, he attended the Lionesses’ matches during the Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, with the royal accompanied by his ten-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, for the final against Spain.

William’s final overseas visit of the year was to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for his annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, which aims to find solutions to repair the planet.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Gloucester, 79, carried out 113 engagements this year, followed by the Duke of Kent, 90, who racked up 77, and finally, the Princess of Wales, 43, with 69 engagements.

© Getty Images
The Prince and Princess of Wales at the US state banquet

Kate announced at the beginning of the year that she is in remission from cancer and has made a gradual return to her public duties. While she has not travelled overseas this year, she has played major roles at all three state visits for the French, US and German Presidents.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were deployed to greet each of the three leaders first during their respective state visits, showcasing their growing responsibilities on the world stage.

King Charles’s nod to daughter-in-law Princess Kate as location revealed for Christmas message

Buckingham Palace has shared the location for the monarch’s fourth festive message of his reign – and it’s not a royal residence

The King’s Christmas broadcast features a subtle nod to his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, as the location of his fourth festive message of his reign has been revealed.

For the second-year running, Charles, 77, has chosen to record his speech outside a royal residence, speaking from the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey in London.

In the background of the broadcast are twinkling Christmas trees that have been repurposed from Kate’s Together at Christmas carol concert, staged at the Abbey earlier in December before the King’s message was filmed.

A number of the trees used at the service have been repurposed or donated to charities, including The Passage homelessness organisation and the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton.

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The Abbey’s Lady Chapel is the location for Charles’ broadcast, a late medieval construction built for Henry VII and the burial place of 15 kings and queens, including Charles II, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, and it is also the official chapel of the Order of the Bath.

Out of view above the King’s head are the colourful banners of the chivalry order’s knights, hanging beneath the chapel’s spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling.

© PA
Christmas trees from Princess Kate’s carol service can be seen in the background

It is understood the monarch asked for a filming location away from a royal setting and suggestions were made by the BBC, which produced the broadcast this year, and the royal household.

Westminster Abbey has a long history as a site of pilgrimage for those paying homage at the tomb of Edward the Confessor, whose shrine lies at the heart of the Abbey built in the King’s honour.

© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
The Wales family during Kate’s fifth carol service at Westminster Abbey

Edward, who reigned for 24 years before dying in 1066, was said to be a monk-like monarch believed to have the power to heal and was canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1161 – with his tomb attracting pilgrims over the centuries.

It comes after Charles recorded his message at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, a former sacred space of the demolished Middlesex Hospital where Diana, Princess of Wales opened London’s first dedicated Aids ward. It has seen a surge in visitor numbers for exhibitions and open days since the broadcast on Christmas Day 2024.

What time can you watch the King’s speech?

The King’s message is one of the rare occasions when he does not turn to the Government for advice and is able to voice his own views.

Written by the monarch, it usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and sometimes draws on their own experiences.

The message will be transmitted on both television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day.

Tess Daly is swept off her feet by Aljaž Škorjanec as a ‘goodbye gift’ from the judges on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special – and Claudia Winkleman is left floored by grand gesture from show legend

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are both left amazed by their parting gifts while bowing out of the BBC show for good.

The pair – who announced their joint exit earlier this year – grace the ballroom one last time in the pre-recorded Christmas special.

It sees the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke and Motsi Mabuse – give Tess, 56, a special Christmas gift.

The presenter, who has been with Strictly since day one, is treated to an Argentine Tango with pro Aljaž Škorjanec – who sweeps her off her feet.

Meanwhile, Claudia, 53, is given a grand goodbye by the show’s musical director Dave Arch.

The pair have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’, with Dave bidding farewell to Claudia in the style of beloved romcom Love Actually.

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Tess Daly is swept off her feet by Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec in the show’s upcoming Christmas special

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Claudia receives a special Love Actually-inspired parting gift from the show’s musical director Dave Arch

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Strictly Come Dancing previously unveiled a first look at Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s farewell during the Christmas Special

Dave, 63, holds up hand-written cue cards reminiscent of the famous scene featuring Andrew Lincoln and Keira Knightley.

In a first-look at the upcoming festive special, Tess and Claudia turned heads as they posed together beneath the glitterball.

Tess looked incredible in a white suit adorned with silver sequins on the blazer, while Claudia wowed in a flowing blush maxi dress.

During the pair’s last-ever live final, former Lioness Karen Carney won the series alongside pro partner Carlos Gu. 

However, the momentous episode also featured a message to Tess and Claudia from a very notable fan.

The tribute, delivered by Craig Revel Horwood, was from none other than Queen consort Camilla.

Long-standing judge Craig read out: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.

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Tess – who has been with Strictly since day one – receives an Argentine Tango with Aljaž as a Christmas gift from the judges

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Strictly Come Dancing viewers know Claudia and Dave have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’

‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.

‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.

‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’

Tess and Claudia were overwhelmed by the tribute as they struggled to contain their emotion after the heartfelt letter.

Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: ‘I can’t speak now. What an honour.

‘Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.’

Claudia replied: ‘That is amazing, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.

‘We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.’