Leonardo DiCaprio has recalled ‘screaming’ in Hollywood icon Robert De Niro’s face just minutes after they first met over three decades ago, praising the actor for ‘changing his life’
Leonardo DiCaprio has recalled how he ‘screamed’ at Robert De Niro as a young actor trying to stand out to the legendary star, in a move which proved successful.
The Titanic star, 50, presented his mentor and longtime friend Robert with the honorary Palme d’Or award at Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony on Tuesday, and took a trip down memory lane while doing so.
Stepping out in front of the ceremony’s audience – which included the likes of Eva Longoria and Bella Hadid – Leonardo described Robert as an ‘inspiration’.
“I was one of the many very lucky kids who had the incredible opportunity to audition for and ultimately work with him early in my career on This Boy’s Life. The audition process was a tough one, there was lots of competition. Nervous who would get the part, at 15 or 16 years old, I did the only think I could think to stand out, I screamed at him at the top of my lungs. The room burst into laughter,” recalled Leonardo.
Leonardo presented Robert with the honorary Palme d’Or award at Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Continuing that his quick thinking ended up getting him the job, Leonardo said, “Later that day, as the story goes, Bob was getting on his plane with his producer Art Linson, who asked, ‘Who do you want to play the part?’. And in classic De Niro fashion, he replied, ‘second kid from the last’, luckily, that second kid was me. And that moment changed my life forever.”
Praising Robert’s mentorship and acting skills, Leonardo then welcomed the star to the stage to present him with the coveted gong – which has previously been awarded to Meryl Streep and Woody Allen, amongst many others.
Amid a two-minute standing ovation from the crowd, which left Robert with a tear in his eye, he and Leonardo shared a hug on stage as the latter proudly handed over the award.
After showing his appreciation to the film festival and Leonardo, Robert turned to politics and asked the star-filled room to take action against Donald Trump.
Leonardo shared how Robert ‘changed his life’ as an aspiring actor(Image: Getty Images)
Slamming the US president as a ‘fascist’, the New York-born actor said, “In my country we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. And that affects all of us,” said Robert, who told the crowd “this is not just America’s problem”.
“America’s philistine president, who has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions, he has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education. And now he announced a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the US. Let that sink in for a minute. You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it,” he said.
Robert ended his speech by urging the industry to ‘take action’ and ‘fight’ against the ‘unacceptable’ rulings of President Trump.
Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne both shared cryptic posts to their social media pages as speculation about their eight-year marriage continues
Dan Osborne and Jacqueline Jossa(Image: Instagram)
Jacqueline Jossa took to Instagram hours after husband Dan Osborne said he is ‘close to dropping everything’. The EastEnders star took to the social media platform to share her own cryptic message as the pair’s marriage continues to be speculated.
The 32-year-old actress and former TOWIE star, 33, tied the knot in 2017. However, they were thought to have gone their separate ways last month after announcing their split. They jetted off for a “make or break” family holiday in Mexico last month, though, and appeared to be getting on.
However, they have both now took to social media to hint things could be hitting the rocks again. On his own Instagram, Dan wrote: “This close to dropping everything & moving to Dubai,” alongside a picture of an okay hand emoji.
Jacqueline had also admitted to missing the “little bubble of happiness” she found on her recent holiday. Sharing to her Stories she uploaded snaps from the luxury trip.
She wrote: “Give anything to be back here, with the same people and just be at peace.” She continued: “I’ve always been one to love a holibobs, but honestly since being back at work full time I cherish the time off so much more.
“The only time I can properly unwind and switch off. Miss the sound of the sea and the quiet that’s not actually quiet but you hear the kids in the pool as you lay there. Bliss. Miss the little bubble of happiness that nothing effects.”
The star added: “I don’t even miss the sun like I used to (used to love to sunbath_ now I can’t sit in t too long. It’s the time, time is so important.”
It’s not known if the images and words were regarding the family’s latest trip.
Jacqueline Jossa posted to Instagram(Image: Instagram/jacjossa)
Last month sources said the pair were focusing on their two children, daughters Ella, 10, and Mia, six, as their priority and they were finding their split “hard to navigate.” But Jacqueline later hinted that she was preparing for a major chapter in her life.
Sharing a snaps herself overlooking the ocean during sunset, she said: “Can’t wait for more mornings like this.” She added: “One day I will live abroad somewhere with a beautiful view.”
Jacqueline continued: “Well needed couple of weeks rest (as much as you can with kids),” alongside a laughing emoji.
During their getaway, the had looked every inch the in love couple as they were spotted relaxing around the swimming pool soaking up the Central American sunshine and scorching temperatures.
Speaking to the Mirror, a source said the pair were “trying to fall back in love with each other again.”
They explained: “They’ve had a rocky, up and down relationship so now they’re trying to do things differently and give each other more space at home, while enjoying this holiday. Jacqueline and Dan want to be together for their children and do want to be a family, but now it’s a case of remembering why they were together in the first place. It’s been a tough road and they know things need to change to make this work.”
It has been claimed not all was as it first appeared during Brooklyn Beckham and wife Nicola Peltz’s unexpected meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid family fallout
Brooklyn Beckham and wife Nicola Peltz rubbed shoulders with Harry and Meghan
Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz dealt his famous parents another blow by cosying up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid their bitter feud. The Beckhams have been rocked by the fractious relationship with their eldest son.
He failed to join in David’s 50th birthday celebrations, in a move that left the former footballer “devastated” and solidified a rift. Now, even more strain has been put on their relationship as Brooklyn decided to meet up with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Montecito, California.
Amid the fallout, Brooklyn and Nicola were compared to the royal couple and now have officially rubbed shoulders with each other. It was claimed Harry, who is also at loggerheads with his father, King Charles and brother Prince William, was reportedly able to offer his support to Brooklyn.
Victoria and David were once close to Harry and Meghan as they attended their wedding(Image: Getty Images)
They were reportedly invited to Prince Harry and Meghan’s mansion in Montecito last week, just days after David’s birthday celebrations. The meeting is even more sour for David and Victoria, who were once close to Harry and Meghan.
Posh and Becks were even on the guest list for the royal wedding in 2018 and Victoria supported Meghan as she adjusted to life in the UK. She reportedly gave the royal her “little black book” of contacts while Harry had David join his Invictus Games.
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Yet when they moved to the US, David was left furious when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex accused he and Victoria of leaking stories about them to the press. Brooklyn was well aware of David and Victoria’s hurt, and have been blindsided by him meeting up with the couple.
However, it has been said David and Victoria could find some comfort in the fact the soiree was not as cosy as first reported. There were many other guests in attendance, according to sources.
The gathering was instead hosted by CEO of television company Paramount and Nickelodeon Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy, who are Harry and Meghan’s neighbours.
Source have claimed Harry and Meghan did not invite the couple(Image: Getty Images for Global Citizen)
According to the Daily Mail, there were over 20 people at the party that was actually held at Robbins’ $17m villa. Harry and Meghan were flown into the bash in a private jet courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
There has been plenty of speculation as to how Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 30, landed themselves on the guestlist. Reports claim it all boils down to David, who is starring in football chat show Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+.
The publication claims Brooklyn was invited by Robbins because he is David’s son and that he had no idea about the very public rift.
“David’s production company sold the show to Paramount and it is something that Brian would have been very hands-on with,” a source said.
“Brooklyn lives in Los Angeles, just down the highway, so perhaps Brian thought it would be a nice thing to invite him and Nicola. Nicola is also an actress so mixing in such circles will not do her career any harm.”
The family has been rocked by rift rumours(Image: @victoriabeckham/Instagram)
Another claimed the invitation was sent out way ahead of the feud becoming public knowledge, yet Brooklyn and Nicola were well aware of what it would look like to hang out with Meghan and Harry.
They said it is a “kick in the teeth or a total screw you” depending on “what side you are on.”
It seemed Harry and Meghan wanted to set the record straight on the meeting with Brooklyn and Nicola as a source insisted they did not invite them directly.
“While it was an intimate gathering, there were several additional guests, including VIPs and film executives. Brooklyn and Nicola had a wonderful time and found Harry and Meghan to be particularly kind, caring and generous,” a source told PEOPLE.
A source told the Mirror recently that there is “distance” between Brooklyn and his parents. They said: “Brooklyn not turning up was a real blow to David. Brooklyn was close with his dad growing up, but he is married now.
“His wife Nicola is older and confident in her own right, and so there is distance between Brooklyn and his parents.”
They added: “It has become a problem and not something they can keep private because of the way the family uses social media. Things have escalated in recent months, and there is a very obvious rift that David and Victoria would love to heal.”
The Mirror has contacted Brooklyn and Nicola’s representatives for comment.
The Beckhams and the Sussexes were once the pinnacle of a tight-knit celebrity friendship yet things became irreparable between them following a very bitter fallout
Victoria and David Beckham cut ties with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Image: WireImage)
Victoria and David Beckham’s friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seemed like the dream celebrity power couple bond. The Spice Girl and fashion designer welcomed Meghan will open arms as she gave up her life in Toronto for UK royalty.
She is said to have made a real effort with the royal, due to the Beckhams’ existing connection to Prince William and Harry. Victoria felt close enough to Meghan to open up her little black book of contacts including the best facials and hairdressers in town.
The Beckhams and Sussexes became close, with the royals depending on Posh and Becks as they battled with their royal spotlight. Harry and Meghan are said to have even borrowed David and Victoria’s LA mansion to hide away in three years before shunning the UK for good.
Prince Harry and Meghan were once close with Posh and Becks
It all seemed perfect, yet tension was clearly brewing under the surface and things eventually came to blows. Their friendship soon turned sour thanks to a series of blows dealt the Beckhams’ way.
Tom Bower claimed in his book, The House of Beckham: “As a seasoned operator, Meghan deluded herself that her status in the Royal Family placed her above Victoria in the social pecking order.
“She was irritated to discover that the Beckhams had considerably more wealth than herself. They owned five homes, had constant access to private jets, invitations to sail on yachts and much more money.”
Meghan started to distrust Victoria and even accused her of leaking stories to the press. When details of the Beckhams’ generosity was published in various newspapers, the Sussexes were said to be furious and blamed the Beckhams for leaking stories, despite the couple firmly denying they had anything to do with it.
Bower claimed a series of petty “punishments” tore the once-close couples apart once and for all.
The sportsman and Victoria were invited the Harry and Meghan’s star-studded wedding in 2018, but in a blow the Beckhams missed out on an invitation to the reception.
David and Victoria attended Harry and Meghan’s wedding but didn’t get a reception invite(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Their friendship deteriorated further when David, at the request of Prince Harry, flew to Australia to join him for the Invictus Games. However, when the ex-footballer arrived Down Under, he was snubbed by Harry, who reportedly refused to see him or take pictures with him, as Meghan feared David would “overshadow” her husband.
“She wanted no competition in the media from David. It seemed she was not prepared to tolerate anything flattering regarding the Beckhams and the Games to appear in the media,” biographer Tom Bower wrote in his book Revenge.
Insiders have claimed that the Beckhams haven’t tried to stay in touch with the Sussexes, especially after their bitter fallout. “Both David and Victoria put great importance on family and would never, ever turn on their relations the way that Harry and Meghan did,” a source told the Daily Mail.
“The truth is that Victoria never really liked Meghan much. She was friendly and welcoming to her but is not bothered about staying in touch.”
Their fallout has resurfaced once again as David and Victoria were said to be blindsided their eldest son Brooklyn was invited to an intimate dinner with Harry and Meghan.
It comes amid the Beckhams’ own family rift as Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz failed to attend any of David’s 50th birthday celebrations.
Katie Price has reflected on having competed in Making Your Mind Up to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, with her runner-up to Javine Hylton at the time
Katie Price has reflected on her attempt to represent the UK at Eurovision back in 2005(Image: PA)
Former Eurovision Song Contest hopeful Katie Price has reflected on competing to represent the UK amid the 20th anniversary of her performance. The reality TV star was runner-up in the Making Your Mind Up selection contest.
Katie, now 46, was among the five finalists on the BBC show in 2005, which was used to decide who would represent the UK at Eurovision in Ukraine that year. She ended up placing second behind Javine Hylton, who went on to perform her song Touch My Fire in the international competition.
Podcast host Katie, who was pregnant with her son Junior Andre at the time, competed in Making Your Mind Up with the song Not Just Anybody. Her performance is said to have earned her a combined score of 101 points, which wasn’t enough to beat Javine, who had instead amassed 116 points.
She’s reflected on the experience ahead of watching the final of this year’s Eurovision in Switzerland on Saturday. She spoke about the contest on the latest episode of her podcast, the Katie Price Show, which was released today.
Katie Price (centre) competed to represent the UK in Eurovision with the song Not Just Anybody back in 2005(Image: PA)
Katie told her sister Sophie Price: “For years and years, I always remember us always watching Eurovision and then I was up to do it.” She added that she will livestream herself watching the final with her partner JJ Slater and some pals.
Katie added: “I can’t wait for the Eurovision. I haven’t got any memories of Eurovision apart from when I was gonna represent the UK [in 2005] and they weren’t good memories.”
Sophie then asked her: “What was your song?” Singing part of the song that she had competed with, Katie replied: “I’m not just anybody …” Her sister reacted: “Oh god, that song!”
Javine Hylton was however chosen to represent the UK that year with the song Touch My Fire(Image: SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP/Getty Images)
Katie continued by saying that although she “can sing,” she “couldn’t” sing Not Just Anybody back then or now. She said: “The thing is I couldn’t even sing the song then and I couldn’t sing it now, yet I can sing. But I still can’t sing that song.
“I hated it! The whole b***s*** about ‘oh you’re gonna get a Sony album but you have to do this song’ and then they found out I was pregnant and then I lost by one per cent.”
Katie went on to share that she “regrets” taking part in Making Your Mind Up two decades ago. She said on the newly-released episode: “It’s just all political stuff, as usual – but anyway, that’s always a regret of mine doing that.”
The I’m A Celebrity winner added in the discussion about the contest: “If there’s any regret of any job, it was me doing Eurovision in the pink rubber catsuit being seven months pregnant. Trying to hide the fact that I was pregnant.”
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 final will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Saturday night. The Katie Price Show is available on podcast platforms.
BBC News presenter Nina Warhurst has hit back at a viewer’s unsolicited critique regarding her accent and wardrobe choices after she was named as cover for Naga Munchetty
Nina Warhurst hits back as trolls criticise her appearance (Image: BBC)
BBC News presenter Nina Warhurst has clapped back at a viewer’s unasked-for critique of her accent and wardrobe. Recently stepping up to present BBC’s News at One and occasionally appearing on BBC Breakfast, Nina responded to a harsh comment that emerged online.
Nina shared the viewer’s message on Instagram. The comment read: “Just wondering if @NinaWarhurst has an opinion on what constitutes TOO short a skirt for a 44-year-old. Anyway, it’s pleasing there’s a very positive move towards ‘received’ pronunciation.”
However, the broadcaster didn’t let the comment go unanswered. Alongside denouncing the viewer’s words, Nina also posted her own retort.
Nina hit back at trolls(Image: BBC)
In her response, she wrote: “When you briefly check back in with Twitter/X because surely it can’t be the stream of uninvited feedback from men that you remember… oh hi there. (Translation: if you’re gonna look like an old trout, it’s more acceptable if you don’t sound Mancunian. Noted.)”
This incident comes after Nina’s significant career shift from BBC Breakfast to the BBC News at One, although she still makes guest appearances on the morning show. The mother-of-three has been a key part of the Breakfast team for seven years, becoming a familiar face on the iconic red sofa and reporting from various locations, reports Leicestershire Live.
Upon announcing her new role in March, she stated: “I’ll be hanging up the high-viz and hairnet for a wee while as I join the BBC’s News at One.”
Nina didn’t hold back as she responded to trolls(Image: Twitter)
The presenter took a moment to reflect with her followers, recounting her initial emotions: “I was heavily pregnant, very nervous, and unbelievably excited to be offered a few shifts on the national broadcast treasure that is @bbcbreakfast. The job was made permanent as we came out of a lockdown and began looking around and wondering how we might pick up the pieces to heal and live again.”
She went on to express her gratitude: “It’s been a privilege to help support our audiences through this tumultuous time. I am always amazed by those who invite us in to share their stories.”
Recently, the host admitted she was in tears as she said farewell to BBC Breakfast. The journalist presented her last ever segment on the show , and couldn’t help getting emotional at the end of an era after joining in 2018.
German reality TV star Nadja Abd el Farrag, who is best known by her stage name Naddel, has died at the age of 60 – with the star’s fans paying emotional trfbutes
Big Brother star Naddel has died(Image: (Image: Getty))
German singer and actress Naddel, whose real name was Nadja Abd el Farrag, has died aged 60 from organ failure. The TV star was best known for her appearances on the German versions of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Big Brother.
Naddel died at a Hamburg clinic on May 9 and mourners have since taken to social media to pay their respects. One fan wrote: “Rest in peace, Nadja #naddel #RIP In my youth, you dominated the daily news about high society. Then came a rapid rollercoaster ride with ups and downs. Passing away at 60 is a truly tragic thing! She had to go through a lot in her much too short life – R.I.P. ‘Naddel’.”
Naddel with her ex Dieter Bohlen(Image: (Image: Getty))
“#NadjaAbdelFarrag You were fun, but it (life) wasn’t all easy. #RIP #Nadja,” another stated in tribute.
A third follower reflected: “Nadja Abd el Farrag died at the age of 60. Far too early. #RIP #Naddel,” reports the Express.
And finally, a fourth said: “Nadja Abd el Farrag has died. Also known as Naddel. Another former Jungle Camp participant is no more. #ibes #naddel #RIP,” noting her reality TV past.
Famed not only for her extensive career but for her high-profile relationship with music legend Dieter Bohlen, one half of the iconic pop duo Modern Talking, she had shared her life with him from 1989 to 1996 and then again from 1997 to 2001. An emotional Bohlen marked her death by posting a video of the two onstage with a simple yet profound caption: “I am very sad. Rest in peace Nadja”.
Naddel hailed from Hamburg, born to a Sudanese father, Ibrahim, and a German mother, Uta. Through various interviews, she’s shared that her father was quite strict, leading to their estrangement for the last 15 years preceding his passing.
Before stepping into the limelight, she completed an apprenticeship as a chemist’s assistant and worked in retail.
Her life took a turn in 1989 when she crossed paths with Dieter and joined his Blue System project as a background singer. She managed to balance her music commitments with a part-time job in a hospice during this period.
Nadja made waves in 1999 with two photoshoots for Playboy, and in the 2000s she gained fame as presenter of the RTL2 show Peep and as a contestant on the first series of the German I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here in 2004.
The subsequent 15 years for Nadja were marred by health crises and financial struggles. In 2018 she disclosed in her autobiography Achterbahn that she had been battling cirrhosis of the liver, attributable not only to her substance misuse but also to medication for ADHD.
Despite stark medical advice, quitting alcohol proved too challenging for Nadja. “I only half-heartedly accepted the doctor’s advice and reduced my consumption to one or two glasses of wine a week,” she conceded in her memoir.
Just before reaching her 60th milestone on March 5, this year, she opened up about the shaky state of her finances: “I only receive a pension of €200,” she confessed. Despite seeking guidance from a debt advisor, she achieved only modest success in bettering her situation.
In an act of goodwill, Hamburg businessman Andreas Ellermann planned a performance at Schlagermove for May 2024 as a means to support her recovery. This event was destined to become her final public engagement. Subsequent to this, she withdrew from the limelight.
Princess Diana’s brother Earl Charles Spencer has made a heartbreaking admission about her death during a special episode of Loose Men
Earl Charles Spencer has candidly opened up about the loss of his sister Princess Diana almost 30 years on. The Earl made his debut as a panellist on Loose Men today, as the panel were talking about their close bonds with their siblings.
Explaining how it felt to lose a sibling, Earl Spencer said it’s like an “amputation.” He later revealed that for years after his sister’s tragic death, he thought he had to “ring her to tell her something” – before realising he couldn’t anymore.
The 60-year old then went on to speak about his close relationship with his sister, describing how they both shared the same sense of humour.
Earl Charles Spencer opened up about the loss of his sister Princess Diana almost 30 years after her tragic death(Image: ITV)
Opening up about the loss of a sibling, Charles began: “It’s like an amputation. You grow up with these people, they’re your flesh and blood, they’re with you forever.
“And then they’re gone. You expect grandparents and parents to go first, but siblings, it really is an extraordinary pain.”
It’s been almost thirty years since Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris at the age of 36. Her younger brother Earl Spencer was just 32 years old at the time, while their sister Sarah and Jane were 42 and 40 years old.
The siblings shared an extremely close bond (Image: PA)
Speaking about his relationship with his two sisters Sarah and Jane, Earl Charles explained: “They’re quite a bit older than me, so I don’t share my childhood with anyone anymore and that’s a great loss that you can never really put right.”
During the segment, fellow hosts Craig Doyle, Dr Amir Khan and Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson were speaking about their close relationships with their siblings.
Sam in particular was talking about his close relationship with his sister, former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson. Sam currently lives next door to his sister in a house that he used to share with his ex, Zara McDermott.
Despite it being his debut on the panel, Earl Spencer is a regular guest on Loose Women, and has opened up about a range of hard hitting topics, including his harrowing experiences at boarding school.
At eight years old, Charles was sent to boarding school where he says he suffered incredibly cruel abuse at the hands of his teachers. His experiences have been documented in his book ‘A Very Private School’.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded the Tories a ‘dead party walking’ and slammed leader Kemi Badenoch’s criticism of the Government’s recent trade deals with India and the US
Keir Starmer came out fiercely on the attack during a brutal set of exchanges during PMQs.
The PM branded the Tories a “dead party walking” and accused a Plaid MP of talking “rubbish”. He hit out at Kemi Badenoch’s criticism of the Government’s recent trade deals and said the Conservatives were a “once great political party” but are now “sliding into oblivion”.
Mr Starmer and Ms Badenoch descended into a blistering row after the Tory leader called the UK-US agreement a “tiny tariff deal”. A furious Mr Starmer hit back and said she needs to get out and speak to workers across the country whose jobs were at risk from Donald Trump’s tariffs.
In a landmark moment, Mr Starmer agreed a UK-US trade deal with Mr Trump over the phone last week. No10 said the new deal will mean US tariffs on steel and aluminium will be reduced from 25% to zero in a boost for the struggling industry. Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% for a quota of 100,000 UK cars. Ministers said it would save thousands of jobs that were at risk because of the tariffs.
Elsewhere during PMQs, Mr Starmer said suspected arson attacks against him and his family are “an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for”. The PM made the remark after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “horrified” to learn of the fires.
Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into three fires which has led to a 21-year-old being arrested. The attack on his family home in North London came less than 24 hours after an attack on another address linked to the PM. A car is also believed to have been set alight the previous week.
Follow live updates below…
Sophie Huskisson
PM repeats Tory climate attack
Mr Starmer calls the Tories “climate defeatists, anti-jobs, anti-growth and anti-business and anti-investment”.
KEY EVENT
PM calls Farage choice ‘extraordinary’
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says his party “very much enjoyed” the PM’s immigration speech on Monday, in a veiled mocking of the fact it has been compared to Reform UK-style. But he asks the PM to “go further on national security”.
Mr Starmer says the borders bill is “the first bill to give terrorism-like powers for law enforcement” to defend Britina’s borders. He adds: “That’s why it is extraordinary that he of all people voted against it.”
Sophie Huskisson
PM accuses MP of talking ‘rubbish’
The PM is confronted about saying the UK is at risk of becoming an “island of strangers” in an immigration speech earlier this week.
Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP, asks the PM “is there any belief he holds that survives a week in Downing Street”, accusing him of changing his mind on his migration stance.
In a brutal comeback, Mr Starmer says: “Yes the belief that she talks rubbish”.
He adds: “I want to lead a country where we pull together and walk into the future as neighbours and as communities, not as strangers. But the loss of control of migration by the last government put all of that on risk.”
Sophie Huskisson
Gaza situation ‘intolerable’
Sir Ed Davey begins his moment by comdeming the “appalling arson attacks” against the PM and his family.
The Lib Dem leader raises Israeli forces locking out food, water and medicine from Gaza and Netanyahu’s plan to cease Gaza indefinitely. He calls on the PM to recognise Palestine and to work with Trump to get aid into Gaza.
The Prime Minister says the situation in Gaza is “intolerable and getting worse”. He said he is working with other leaders to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is “desperately needed”. He also called for the release of hostages and to get back to a ceasefire.
He added that a two-state solution is the “only way for settled and lasting peace in the Middle East”.
KEY EVENT
PM says Tories are ‘dead party walking’
The PM brands Tories “dead party walking”. He hits out at Mr Badenoch’s criticism of the Government’s recent trade deals and says the Conservatives were once a true political party but are now “sliding into oblivion”.
Ms Badenoch called the UK-US a “tiny tariff deal” and asked the PM to promise unemployment will go down by this time next year.
A furious Mr Starmer hits back and says he needs to get out and speak to workers across the country whose jobs were at risk from Trump’s tariffs.
He said: “What does she say she’ll do with the India deal? She wants to rip it up. The US deal that saves thousands upon thousands of jobs, what does she want to do? She wants to rip it up. The EU deal, good for our economy. She’s not even going to wait to see what it says.
“It is so unserious. She was even reduced last week to calling the Indian government and accusing them of fake news, no wonder she did so badly as a trade secretary. Mr Speaker, the project for them is over, they’re sliding into oblivion, they’re a dead party walking.”
KEY EVENT
PM says fires ‘an attack on all of us’
Kemi Badenoch raises the fires in the PM’s homes. She says: “It is completely unacceptable, and can I speak for the whole house when I say that this wasn’t just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy.”
The Prime Minister said: “I thank her for her words about the attacks on me and my family and the kind messages from many others in the last few days. And she did actually message me pretty well straight away, and I really do appreciate that, and she’s absolutely right that this is an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for.”
Sophie Huskisson
Tensions high in Reform UK camp
Tensions are high in Reform UK’s camp. Just before PMQs, news broke that ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe will face no criminal charges.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had conducted a detailed review – but found there is “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction”.The police looked into Mr Lowe after allegations of “verbal threats”. A huge row broke out between Nigel Farage and Mr Lowe at the time.
Responding to the CPS’s decision, Mr Lowe branded Mr Farage a “coward and a viper”. He added: “Please listen when I say this: For the good of our country, Nigel Farage must never be Prime Minister. To the millions of decent Reform supporters – you must do what you believe is right. I, personally, could not remain in an organisation led by such men.”
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Image: PA)
Sophie Huskisson
Fire at PM’s home this week
Mr Starmer has faced a difficult week personally. Counter-terrorism police are looking into three fires connected to the PM, one being at his house in north London.
The Metropolitan Police yesterday said a 21-year-old was arrested in the early hours of the morning in connection with the three alleged attacks. It follows fires at two properties linked to the Prime Minister as well as a nearby vehicle.
Sophie Huskisson
Sir Ed Davey may pick up on Trump criticism
Sir Ed Davey often uses his PMQs moment to go on the attack on Donald Trump. He may pick up on Canada PM Mark Carney’s comments criticising the UK over its cosy treatment of the US President.
The Lib Dem leader might choose to follow up after Mr Carney said Canadians “weren’t impressed” when the King invited Mr Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK.
Keir Starmer handed the US President a letter from King Charles offering him a state visit when he visited the Oval Office in February. It came amid Mr Trump frequently saying he wants to take over Canada and make it the 51st state of the US.
Canada, which is a Commonwealth country, is fiercely against the wild plan.
Sir Ed Davey sounded a warning about Donald Trump’s actions
Sophie Huskisson
PM faces pressure over cuts
The PM is facing continued pressure to U-turn on his cuts to winter fuel payments and disability benefits.
Mr Starmer faces the biggest revolt of his premiership so far with MPs set to vote on welfare reforms next month. A group of 42 MPs warned the PM last week that the plans were “impossible to support”.
Sophie Huskisson
Kemi Badenoch may raise trade deals
Keir Starmer will face a grilling from Kemi Badenoch at PMQs
The Prime Minister will field questions from the Tory leader, who has been on the attack over the Government’s immigration plans and its trade deals with the US and India.
She claimed the UK was “shafted” by the agreement it secured with Donald Trump, despite it being the first nation in the world to get a deal over the line.
Mr Starmer agreed a UK-US trade deal with Mr Trump over the phone last week. No10 said the new deal will mean US tariffs on steel and aluminium will be reduced from 25% to zero in a boost for the struggling industry. Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% for a quota of 100,000 UK cars.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington has revealed he’s the ‘happiest he’s ever been’ as he gushed over his new girlfriend during an appearance on Lorraine
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington was all smiles on Wednesday’s Lorraine as he gushed over his new girlfriend in a chat with host Christine Lampard.
Kai, 29, revealed he was the “happiest he’s ever been,” explaining it was largely down to his other half. The dancer recently went Instagram official with his new girlfriend Chloe Wells just nine months after he and Nadiya Bychkova, 35, decided to call time on their romance last summer.
Speaking to Christine about hopefully being given a partner on this year’s Strictly, Kai said: “You can either be sad about it, or ask what you can change and improve in your life.”
Kai went Instagram official with Chloe last month(
Image: Instagram/kaiwidd)
Revealing he made some changes in his life, Kai continued: “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and I’m in the best psychical shape I’ve ever been in since I was 17 and I’m looking forward to my tour. I’m really excited and I’m in a really good place.”
Christine then responded: “That’s probably because you found a gorgeous girl, and that’s all part of it as well.”
Kai, who has called his new tour Evolution, said: “I’m feeling really good. I’ve started a new chapter in my life. Things come at the perfect time. I’m very very happy and it’s largely down to my other half.”
The BBC star reportedly met Chloe at a pub near his West London home, and have been keeping things very private. However, last month the star took to Instagram to share a loved up snap of the two looking into each other’s eyes.
Kai and Nadiya split last year(
Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
In the caption, Kai penned: “Happiness is underrated,” alongside a black heart emoji, as he tagged Chloe in the post. Chloe then commented on the post with a red love heart emoji.
Kai announced his split with Strictly co-star Nadiya last year, citing the pressure that comes with working and touring as the main reason for going their separate ways.
Speaking to the Mirror at the Pride of Britain awards in October on where their relationship stood, Nadiya said: “We work together but we are not friends and that’s okay. One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I’m a professional.”
