The UK’s longest-serving prisoner, dubbed Hannibal the Cannibal, is to spend his 51st Christmas behind bars.

Quadruple killer Robert Maudsley, 71, is feared so dangerous he has been given his own special cell and kept apart from other inmates for almost 17,000 days, or 46 years.

Maudsley, born Robert Mawdsley on Merseyside in 1953, was first sent to Broadmoor secure hospital in 1974 after garrotting John Farrell, who had picked him up for sex.

He earned his frightening nickname after killing three men being detained with him: a fellow Broadmoor patient in 1977, followed by two prisoners in 1978 when he went on the rampage at HMP Wakefield, West Yorkshire, after he was transferred there.

One of his victims was found with a blade fashioned from a plastic spoon in his ear, which led to the moniker Hannibal the Cannibal, amid claims – proven false by a postmortem – that Maudsley had eaten his brain. At Wakefield, he was said to have told other inmates that he wanted to kill seven men, and to have informed a guard: “There’ll be two short on the roll call.”

As a lad on Merseyside ( 
Image:
Liverpool Echo WS)
His purpose-built, super-secure cell has been compared to the one housing Dr Hannibal Lecter in the film The Silence of the Lambs.

Maudsley once wrote: “The prison authorities see me as a problem, and their solution has been to put me into solitary confinement and throw away the key, to bury me alive in a concrete coffin. It does not matter to them whether I am mad or bad. They do not know the answer and they do not care just so long as I am kept out of sight and out of mind.”

The murderer made a failed bid to be moved out of solitary in 2000, and sent letters to The Times requesting a cyanide suicide pill.

He is said to have a high IQ and to love ­classical music, poetry and art, and those who have visited him inside describe him as gentle, kind and highly intelligent. Former detective Paul Harrison said in 2018 of Maudsley
after meeting him: “If you didn’t know him and what he’d done, and you saw him, he’s a really intelligent, clever guy, who made you smile.”

US prisoner Albert Woodfox held the world record for solitary confinement at 43 years before his release in 2016.

The Ministry of Justice insisted there was “no such thing as solitary confinement in our prison system”. A Prison Service spokesman said: “Some offenders will be segregated if they pose a risk to others.

“They are allowed time in the open air every day, visits, phone calls, and access to legal advice and medical care like everyone else.” Segregation of prisoners is “reviewed regularly”, the spokesman added.

Quadruple killer Robert Maudsley, 71, is feared so dangerous he has been given his own special cell ( 
Image:
Unknown)
A former prison officer who guarded some of the country’s most notorious criminals for more than a decade has argued that Maudsley should be taken out of his underground cell. Neil Samworth told the Daily Mail: “I think it’s wrong the way he has been treated. He is in total isolation and is not fair. I think his crimes are historic now and he represents no real danger to others. It’s a bit like Charlie Bronson. Yes, he has had lots of fights in the past but he is an old man now.’”

The cell, which reportedly measures 18ft by 15ft – slightly bigger than average – has a concrete slab for a bed. It has large bulletproof windows and a table and chair made of compressed cardboard. The lavatory and sink are also bolted to the floor. Maudsley is passed food through a small slot in the steel door which is encased in thick Perspex.

It is said to bear an uncanny likeness to the cell of cannibal killer Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins in the 1991 film Silence of the Lambs. Maudsley got his ‘Han­­nibal the Cannibal’ nickname amid claims he dug a spoon into the brain of one of his victims – an allegation he always denied.

He is allowed one hour of exercise per day while surrounded by six burly guards and is forbidden from having contact with any other prisoners. In a letter more than two decades ago, he penned: “I am left to stagnate, vegetate and to regress”, adding: “My life in solitary is one long period of unbroken depression.”

Quadruple killer Robert Maudsley, 71, is feared so dangerous he has been given his own special cell ( 
Image:
BBC)Jailed 50 years ago in 1974, he is believed to be Britain’s longest-serving prisoner after Moors murderer Ian Brady, who died in 2017 after serving 51 years. But even life behind bars hasn’t stopped the violent killer from lashing out, and he has murdered another three men since he has been locked up.

Maudsley garrotted Farrel in 1974 after he showed him photographs of children he had sexually abused. The murder was so violent police nicknamed the victim “blue” because of the colour of his face. Maudsley was jailed for life with the recommendation that he should never be released.

He was sent to Broadmoor Hospital, which housed some of the country’s most dangerous prisoners. For several years, Maudsley kept himself out of trouble, but in 1977 he and fellow prisoner, David Cheeseman, barricaded themselves in a cell with convicted child molester, David Francis. For nine hours, they tortured Francis in the most brutal way.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were set for an “unhappy” Christmas thanks to disgraced brother Andrew, before a change in his plans.

The couple were initially planned to be placed with the Duke of York in Sandringham for the festive period, much to their chagrin. However their festive plans took a turn for the better, as far as they were concerned, when Andrew decided not to attend after becoming embroiled in yet another scandal – this time over a Chinese spy.

Prince Edward and Sophie were said to have been “less than pleased” when initially told the plans at being “cheek by jowl with the Yorks”, reported the Sun. Instead, Andrew will spend a lonely Christmas in Royal Lodge, with only ex wife Sarah for company, while the rest of the family enjoy themselves at Sandringham.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were said to have been less than impressed at the original plan ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
This week a Royal expert suggested the Duke of York is likely to be “extremely upset” he won’t be joining the rest of the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas festivities at Sandringham. Speaking to OK! Magazine , former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “Andrew would have had to be living on another planet to be unaware of the furore surrounding his association with an alleged spy.

“Just as the year is set to end on a high for the Royal Family – with the King and Princess of Wales greeting the crowds on Christmas Day – along comes another embarrassing row involving the Duke of York. The King is a kind soul and Andrew is his brother: he would have hated to be put in the position of having to un-invite him or ban him from what promises to be a big family get together.

“It seems quite likely Andrew sat down with Fergie, and possibly his daughters, to discuss the best solution. Thankfully, wise heads have prevailed and he obviously realised that his presence at Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction on a day which – this year of all years – should be all about the King and Catherine.”

Andrew’s decision comes amid links to an alleged Chinese spy. The Duke of York is currently scrutiny over his relationship with the businessman, known as H6, who has been banned from the UK over spying concerns.

Andrew said he “ceased all contact” with the accused businessman when concerns were first raised about him in a statement from his office. Royals are claimed to be furious after he became involved in the fresh scandal.

H6, a 50-year-old businessman is alleged to have used his links with Andrew to secure invites to high-profile events and royal residences . According to The Sunday Times he visited Buckingham Palace twice as the Duke’s guest, as well as attending events at St James’s Palace and Windsor Palace.

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to the nine-year-old boy tragically killed in Friday’s Christmas market massacre.

André Gleißner was murdered after a suspect reported to be a Saudi exile rammed a black BMW rental car into a crowd of people at Magdeburg Christmas market shortly after 7pm Friday night. As well as Andre, another four women aged between 45 and 75 were killed, with more than 200 injured.

His devastated mother Désirée took to Facebook to express her grief after losing her “little teddy bear”. She wrote: “Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again. André didn’t do anything to anybody. He was only with us on earth for nine years. Why you? Just why?

“I don’t understand. Now you are with grandma and grandpa in heaven. They missed you very much, as much as we miss you here now. You will always live in our hearts. I promise you that.”

The post has already been liked more than 150,000 times, and racked up 185,000 shares in the hours after it was posted.

The Magdeburg attacker seen outside court ( 
Image:
BILD Fotoservice)
A family friend said: “It’s incomprehensible. André was just a little angel to everyone. He has enriched so many people in his short life with his kind nature and so much zest for life.

“My deepest sympathy to his wonderful family I wish you all a lot of strength and togetherness. I’m thinking about you guys.”

Other victims of the Christmas Market atrocity have spoken of their horror at being caught up in the attack. Their disturbing accounts began to emerge on Sunday morning after suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen was formally remanded in custody by a German court.

Taleb is accused of slamming a black BMW into a crowd of hundreds of revellers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday ( 
Image:
@Mick_O_Keeffe/X)

An image has been released showing Taleb al-Abdulmohsen before he left his native Saudi Arabia ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
The 50-year-old was brought before a judge on Saturday night and told he faces charges of murdering a nine-year-old boy and four women, aged 45, 52, 67 and 75. He also faces multiple counts of attempted murder and of dangerous bodily harm.

Marco Forciniti, 39, was among 205 people were hurt, including 41 seriously, when a BMW sped through crowds in the city of Magdeburg on Friday evening. He is in hospital with two broken legs and ankles.

Television series ‘with perfect ending’ based on ‘underrated’ film now streaming in full

What We Do In The Shadows has now concluded with its sixth season and the show’s final episode has been adored by critics and fans alike

The entire series of a show that treated fans to the ‘perfect ending’ and is based on an ‘underrated’ comedy film is now available for streaming’.

The cult classic What We Do In The Shadows, which originated as a mockumentary-style movie from New Zealand in 2014, has soared to indie fame with a stellar 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Its success catapulted actor, writer, and director Taika Waititi into the limelight, paving his way to direct Marvel’s Thor Ragnarok.

Taika Waititi crafted the original cinematic gem alongside Jermaine Clement, one half of the comedic duo Flight of the Conchords. Both feature as stars in the film.

It humorously chronicles the lives of a group of vampires through the lens of a documentary crew in Wellington. Fans have taken to the internet to praise the film, with one review celebrating it as an “underrated brilliant comedy.”

Although there were whispers of a sequel centred on the werewolves depicted in the movie, it never materialised. Instead, a television adaptation was created, maintaining the mockumentary format but relocating the vampire household to a borough in New York, reports the Daily Record.

Taika Waititi helmed the pilot episode of the hit series with Jemaine Clement’s expert script-writing skills. The quirky show followed the hilariously antiquated lives of vampires Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja, alongside their unusual housemate Colin Robinsonan energy vampireall based in Staten Island and looked after by Nandor’s dedicated familiar, Guillermo.

They repeatedly find themselves at odds with modern society, otherworldly entities, one another, as well as having frequent run-ins with the authoritative vampire council. All the while, Guillermo navigates his conflicting loyalty to Nandor against his own vampiric aspirations, a situation made increasingly complex as he uncovers startling revelations about his lineage.

What We Do In The Shadows follows vampires Nandor, Colin Robinson, Nadja and Laszlo (Image: FX)

In a bittersweet farewell, What We Do in the Shadows has concluded with a banging sixth season, now fully available on Disney+, allowing fans to binge-watch the entirety of its supernatural charm. The show boasts a stellar performance on Rotten Tomatoes, with scores soaring from 90% up to an impeccable 100% for its third and fourth series.

Critics have warmly embraced the finale, which left fans poignantly touched as they said their goodbyes. Rolling Stone lauded it saying: “In the End, What We Do in the Shadows is an ode to friendship. One of TV’s silliest, funniest shows of all time comes to a surprisingly poignant conclusion.”

AV Club praised the swan song, declaring: “What We Do In The Shadows ends on its own glorious terms. ‘The Finale’ pays tribute to the sitcom’s history, while thumbing its nose at any deeper meaning.” Consequence also adored it, offering the simple yet powerful review: “What We Do in the Shadows delivered a perfect series finale.”

Fans have been heaping praise on the series finale, with one taking to social media to express their delight: “The series finale really staked the landing. Good surprises, great call backs, funny and moving. The closing minutes were gold. Although the story of these undead may be over, the joy the show has brought so many is eternal.” Another fan enthused: “Chalk up #WhatWeDointheShadows as one of the series with a perfect ending. Kudos.”

Disney+ is offering an extra treat with an alternate ending for the finale. To access it, simply go to the show on the app, select ‘extras’, and it should be there. For those not ready to jump into the final season, there’s good news as the first four seasons are available for free on BBC iPlayer. However, patience is required as the service will take some time to add the last two series. If you’re keen on watching the original film that inspired the series, it’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

BBC Breakfast host Nina Warhurst made a rare admission about her life off-screen while presenting Sunday’s edition of the programme (December 22), leaving her co-host stunned.

The anchor shared hosting duties with Roger Johnson today, with the pair discussing the Strictly Come Dancing special episode, titled Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, that aired last night.

The show featured tributes to the show’s late host, Bruce Forsyth as well as ex-contestant Caroline Flack, plus interviews with judges, dancers and contestants and plenty of behind-the-scenes footage. It was all in celebration of the show reaching the major milestone of 20 years on television screens.

“Looks like a gorgeous episode,” said Nina after a snippet of the programme was played, before confessing: “Another one that I missed last night because… I was out socialising for once.”

The revelation left her co-anchor Roger stunned as he replied, “Were you?”, as Nina continued: “In to bed early obviously, but it’s on my list for the Christmas telly binge.”

With a cheeky smile, Roger then made a confession of his own. “Yes, I was out as well,” he admitted as Nina swiftly turned around, beaming at him.

“I went to bed early though. Got to,” he added before quickly turning the attention to the weather forecast.

Nina famously likes to keep her life off-screen private. She previously gave viewers a glimpse into her personal life back in October this year, again while co-hosting an episode of BBC Breakfast with Roger.

Nina surprised her co-host Roger with the revelation (Image: BBC)

With a cheeky smile, Roger then made a confession of his own. “Yes, I was out as well,” he admitted as Nina swiftly turned around, beaming at him.

“I went to bed early though. Got to,” he added before quickly turning the attention to the weather forecast.

Nina famously likes to keep her life off-screen private. She previously gave viewers a glimpse into her personal life back in October this year, again while co-hosting an episode of BBC Breakfast with Roger.

DON’T MISS

Netflix has unveiled a stirring drama that pays tribute to the immense contributions of African-American women during World War Two.

The Six Triple Eight, featuring Kerry Washington, tells the story of the USA’s first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of colour, which was stationed in Europe during the war.

Known as the 6888th, this unit comprised 855 predominantly Black women who were assigned the daunting task of sorting through a three-year backlog of mail, as army officers feared that morale on the US front lines was dwindling due to servicemen not receiving news from home.

The formation of this unit came after civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, portrayed by Oprah Winfrey, voiced concerns to the White House about the lack of meaningful democratic roles for Black women.

Her organisation, the National Council for Negro Women, played an instrumental role in securing pivotal roles for women of colour in the Women’s Army Corps. Washington plays Major Charity Adams, who made history as the first Black woman to command an overseas battalion for the US army.

Adams’ leadership skills truly shone when the unit travelled to the UK in February 1945 and were stationed at King Edward’s School, in Birmingham. They were given six months to sift through 17 million letters, many of which were addressed to nicknames or had been destroyed by rats, after languishing in warehouses for years.

Major Adams workforce diligently toiled in three eight-hour shifts, employing a meticulous filing system to complete their monumental task. Remarkably, they achieved their objective in a mere 90 days, outpacing their initial deadline by half, reports the Mirror.

Throughout their arduous endeavour, the thoughtful major ensured her team’s wellbeing by establishing a hospitable environment, complete with a refreshment bar and hair salon.

An incredible true story inspired the drama (Image: Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix)

Guided by their self-coined mantra, “No mail, low morale”, the battalion diligently fulfilled their obligation, demonstrating unwavering dedication. Their exceptional performance did not go unnoticed and soon, the Six Triple Eight was tasked with organising mail in France, first in Rouen and then in Paris.

Following her military service, Major Adams embarked on an educational career and in 1996, reflected on her tenure at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum stating: “When I talk to students they say, ‘How did it feel to know you were making history?’ But you don’t know you’re making history when it’s happening.

“I just wanted to do my job.”

Major Adams passed away in 2002 at 83 years old. Her legendary battalion was posthumously recognised with the unveiling of a commemorative monument in 2018 at the Buffalo Soldier Military Park in Kansas.

Moreover, Adams continued to blaze trails even in death, as she became the first African American woman in U.S. history to have an army fort bestowed with her name – Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia – a perpetual testament to her remarkable achievements.

Phil Collins has faced a decline in mobility over the past decade due to a severe neck injury that resulted in significant nerve damage. He now relies on a cane for support and, at times, uses a wheelchair.

In the new documentary, Phil Collins: Drummer First, the Genesis star discusses how years of drumming has affected his hands, legs, and overall physical health.

The 73-year-old, who previously confessed to difficulties in playing the instrument he once mastered, poignantly shares with viewers: “If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack of it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles. It’s still kind of sinking in a bit.

“I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock. If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything.”

He states: “I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums; I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit,” reports the Mirror.

In the same episode, Phil’s son Nic, who now performs with Genesis as Phil is unable to, shared that his father needed “big surgery on his neck that stemmed from all those years playing drums and bad posture”.

He also disclosed that Phil suffers from drop-foot, a condition where one of his feet has lost sensation.

Phil bid his fans farewell at his final gig with Genesis at London’s O2 Arena in March 2022. Despite appearing frail and needing to sit for the performance, he humorously told the crowd he will now have to get a “real job”.

The tour was Genesis’s first series of live performances in 14 years. Phil opened up to The Guardian about the adjustments they had to make due to his declining mobility, saying: “Of course, my health does change things, doing the show seated changes things.

“But I actually found on my recent solo tours, it didn’t get in the way; the audience were still listening and responding. It’s not the way I would have written it, but it’s the way that it is.”

In an honest reflection shared on the official Genesis website, Phil delved deeper into his ongoing health battle, revealing: “Somehow, during the last Genesis tour, I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands.

“After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can’t function normally. Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano.”

Collins also bravely disclosed his past struggles with alcohol, which nearly spiralled out of control, culminating in acute pancreatitis. Recounting this dark period during a 2016 press conference, he confessed: “Within months you’re drinking vodka from the fridge in the morning and falling over in front of the kids, you know.”

He further remarked: “It was something I lived through, and I was lucky to live through it and get through it. I was very close to dying.”

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes still talking through lawyers despite star’s olive branch

Despite seemingly offering reconciliation on social media, reports suggest Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have continued to communicate through lawyers.

This comes after the broadcaster publicly displayed support for Ruth when she paid an emotional visit to her sick mother Joan in hospital earlier this week.

Taking to Instagram, she uploaded a photo of her mum’s hands from a hospital bed alongside a newspaper displaying a half-finished crossword.

In the caption, Ruth informed fans that “She’ll be in hospital for a bit longer yet, but she’s in pretty good spirits considering, and I hope she’ll be home for Christmas.”

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes still talking through lawyers despite star’s olive branch

Despite seemingly offering reconciliation on social media, reports suggest Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have continued to communicate through lawyers.

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have continued to communicate through lawyers even though the Loose Woman star seemingly offered an olive branch to her estranged husband.

The 64-year-old appeared to accept Eamonn’s peace offering and returned a like on a post of him and his GB News co-host Isabel Webster.

This comes after the broadcaster publicly displayed support for Ruth when she paid an emotional visit to her sick mother Joan in hospital earlier this week.

Taking to Instagram, she uploaded a photo of her mum’s hands from a hospital bed alongside a newspaper displaying a half-finished crossword.

In the caption, Ruth informed fans that “She’ll be in hospital for a bit longer yet, but she’s in pretty good spirits considering, and I hope she’ll be home for Christmas.”

“They both need space but particularly Ruth who feels hurt by everything that has happened over the past few months

“Eamonn was trying to keep his relationship with Katie for as long as possible so it didn’t hurt Ruth but now the cat is out the bag and it’s painful.”

The insider added: “Everything is still very raw. Her friends have rallied around her which has helped a lot but she can definitely give the NTAs a miss for one year.”

The former couple announced the end of their 14-year marriage in June and it’s understood that they’re hoping to settle the divorce after the festive period.

Among the well-wishes from her followers and celebrity pals, there was also a simple like from Eamonn.

Although Ruth returned the favour in celebration of the hosts wrapping up their final show of the year, the estranged couple are said to still have strained communication.

According to the MailOnline Ruth and Eamonn are still talking through their respective lawyers.

A source close to the duo previously told Express.co.uk: “At the moment Eamonn and Ruth are not in contact with each other.

 

It has been 12 years since any new episodes of BBC’s The Royle Family last aired. The much-loved sitcom ran for three series from 1998 to 2000, with specials from 2006 to 2012.

But since then fans have been desperate to see more from the show. Now, they have been shocked to see some of the programme’s much-loved characters come together once more for a snap that provided a nostalgic hit with viewers.

A picture of four of the main cast members has been doing rounds on social media. It features Ricky Tomlinson who took on the role of Jim, Sue Johnston, who played Barb, Craig Cash who portrayed Dave and Ralf Little who played the part of Anthony.

The actors had aged from their time in the sitcom back in the 90s, making it appear as though the picture had been captured recently – much to the delight of fans.

Commenting on the image, many social media users made the same demand as they begged for the show to return once more. One fan wrote: “Shame we didn’t get Xmas special. I know Caroline passed away but she would love them to carry on with Xmas specials.”

Another suggested: “I’d love them to do an episode dealing with living without Denise and saying she’d died of cancer. Craig and Phil should do that because for everyone life goes on for those left and they have to get on with it and I think they’d make it both poignant and funny.”

“Bring back one more series please,” someone else wrote with praying hands emojis.

However, one person disagreed as they wrote: “Wouldn’t have been the same. They’d either mention her character had died or ‘Stuck in another country’. Best to leave it as it was.”

Others noted how heartbreaking it was to see the cast together without Caroline. Someone wrote: “Love it, but one person missing, bless her.”

Another added: “Bittersweet without Caroline Aherne and Liz Smith,” while a third penned: “I watched an old xmas episode where Denise goes into labour. What a loss of the brilliant Caroline and Liz.”

The BBC show followed the Royle family, with almost all of the episodes taking place in their working-class home all centred around communal family TV viewing. Veteran actor Ricky Tomlinson stars as Jim Royle, the family patriarch and eternal complainer.

Sue Johnston playing Barbara, Tomlinson’s long-suffering wife, with the rest of central cast being made up by Caroline Aherne as Jim’s perhaps not-so-bright but loving daughter Denise, Craig Cash as her easy-going other half Dave, and Ralf Little as youngest son and eternal dogsbody Anthony.

The programme was ended once and for all when writer and actress Caroline became ill when she was diagnosed with cancer. On the morning of 2 July 2016 she died, aged 52.

Following her death Ricky Tomlinson said: “I’m so bloody shocked. She was absolutely wonderful and amazing to work for. Kind, funny, witty.”

Joanna Page, who plays Stacey West in Gavin and Stacey, has worked with James Corden since the BBC series first launched in 2007, before the writer and actor rocketed to fame in the US while fronting The Late Late Show, from 2015 until 2023.

However, the Love Actually actress has insisted in a new interview that James hasn’t changed at all, despite “becoming massively famous”.

Responding to allegations of “diva behaviour” aimed at the Smithy star in recent years, Joanna simply stated “he’s still the same person”.

Speaking to The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine ahead of Gavin and Stacey’s highly anticipated return to our screens on Christmas Day, Joanna shared: “James has become massively famous. But he’s still the same person. He’s just James.

“When we started, I was only 29 and now I’m 47. All of us have got married and had children. So many things have happened, but when we got together it was like going back to the first series.”

It comes after James issued an apology for his conduct during an episode of The Late Late Show in 2022, when it emerged that the TV host was banned from New York City restaurant Balthazar over his alleged treatment of the staff.

The drama began when James’ wife Julia ordered an off-the-menu omelette consisting of only yolk, as she is “severely allergic” to egg whites.

However, the British star admitted he became irritated and “made a sarcastic, rude comment about cooking it myself” after the dish arrived to the couple’s table containing whites multiple times.

“My wife explained that she has a serious food allergy,” James told viewers on his CBS show in October 2022.