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The bubbly Duchess joined her ex-husband and the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham last year – the first time since 1991. And she was clearly excited to be a part of the festivities

Sarah Ferguson’s delight at joining the Royal Family for Christmas at Sandringham last year was clear for everyone to see.

Prince Andrew’s ex wife was invited to the celebrations for the first time since 1991 – and she beamed as she warmly greeted members of the public who lined to walk to Church of St Mary Magdalene. Indeed, Fergie was so excited on the day, she broke royal tradition with a surprising act during Christmas lunch.

As Ephraim Hardcastle noted: “She even live-tweeted from Sandringham after lunch, overwhelmed that she was finally back in the royal fold.” In her message, Sarah told her followers: “We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and season’s greetings to all!”

What a difference a year makes. Rather than heading to Sandringham with the rest of the royals, Sarah will celebrate Christmas alone with Prince Andrew at their shared home, Royal Lodge. Their two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, are believed to have made plans to celebrate with their respective in-laws, and their own children.

Andrew was under pressure to stay away amid the ongoing scandal surrounding his links to an alleged Chinese spy. According to reports, it was Sarah who convinced him to rescind his invitation to Sandringham, and also skip the pre-Christmas royal lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

It’s the latest controversy to engulf the Prince and put him back on the front pages of newspapers. Andrew as forced to step back from public duties following his bombshell interview with the BBC about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which aired in November 2019, just over five years ago.

The late Queen then stripped Andrew of his military titles and patronages in January 2022. And more recently, King Charles reportedly cut Prince Andrew’s allowance off this past summer while encouraging him to move out of Royal Lodge into a smaller residence.

But despite the many scandals involving Andrew, Sarah has remained incredibly loyal to her former husband. In a new interview with the Times , which took part “before recent revelations about Prince Andrew” but published after the event, she gushed about her love for her ex.”I was totally and utterly in love with Andrew. I would do it all over again, 100 per cent. He’s the best, a great man with a great heart, and kind. Our wedding was the best day of my life. But I gave up my anonymity that day. I was able to because love conquers all. It’s still with us today. I won’t let him down. He supports me as much as I support him. He’s supported me through thick and thin, not just marriage or divorce. We agree on the three Cs — communication, compromise, compassion.”

Dianne Buswell has hit back at a Strictly Come Dancing viewer who claimed the only reason Chris McCausland hasn’t been voted out yet is because he’s blind.

The professional dancer, 35, and the comedian, 47, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, are through to the semi-finals after surviving musicals week.

Dianne took issue with one fan of the BBC show who thought Chris was getting the sympathy vote.

In a post on X seen by The Sun, they wrote: He’s only through because he’s blind.’

Responding to the post, she wrote: ‘He absolutely is not!’

On last Saturday’s show, Dianne defended Chris after judge Craig Revel Horwood criticised his posture during their performance.

 

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Dianne Buswell has hit back at a Strictly Come Dancing viewer who claimed the only reason Chris McCausland hasn’t been voted out yet is because he’s blind

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In a post on X seen by The Sun, a viewer wrote: He’s only through because he’s blind.’ Responding to the post, Dianne wrote: ‘He absolutely is not!’

She said: ‘We mustn’t forget that for 20-odd years Chris’s safe space has been down here, so for him to stand up actually makes me quite emotional.

‘It’s a big thing that we’ve overcome, and you’ve done so well.’

Taking to X himself after the public vote, Chris said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support he has received from the public.

He wrote: ‘We’ve only gone and reached the bloody #Strictly semi-final! I am so proud of what we have achieved.

‘We have always challenged ourselves and given 100%. Thank you for all of your votes and support. It’s honestly overwhelming. Lots of love X’.

Meanwhile, former Strictly pro dancer Brendan Cole has also given his thoughts on the judges’ scores ahead of the semi-final.

On last week’s show, Gladiators star Montell Douglas was sent home after she landed in the bottom two alongside Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri.

This was despite Montell getting the same score from the judges as Chris, who was kept safe by the public.

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The professional dancer, 35, and the comedian, 47, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, are through to the semi-finals after surviving musicals week

Taking to X himself after the public vote, Chris said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support he has received from the public

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On last week’s show, Gladiators star Montell Douglas was sent home after she landed in the bottom two alongside Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri

Speaking to The Sun, Brendan said: ‘The nine (that Chris McCausland got) from Anton (Du Beke) was outrageous.

‘He’s supposed to be all about ballroom, but you can easily, as a judge, be swept up in the moment.

‘You can be swept up in the euphoria. Essentially, he’s (Anton) saying, by giving Chris a nine – who was probably the worst on the night in terms of dancing – that he was the same as what everybody else was.

‘It’s not fair in terms of the positioning on the leaderboard. If you’re giving an extra mark because you’ve just got swept up in the euphoria, that could mean somebody else finds themselves in the bottom two, that otherwise wouldn’t be there if they marked it correctly.’

It’s been six years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas, but would you like to see the Sussexes return to the UK for the festivities?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will miss the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham again this year, as they reportedly remain in California for the festive season – but should the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to the UK for the occasion?

The couple are expected to spend the festivities with their children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland. It has been six years since the Sussexes joined the Firm for Christmas, with reports suggesting the pair were snubbed from the invite list this year.

However, their absence from the guest list doesn’t come as a surprise following the Sussexes’ ‘strained’ relationship with the family since stepping down from royal duties in 2020. This reportedly reached ‘breaking point’ after the release of Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare last year, and his ongoing legal fight over security for his family during UK visits.

A royal source told People that Harry is deeply concerned about the safety of his family, as they said: “Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father.” Meanwhile, a Palace source has stated that the idea that Harry’s security is in the King’s hands is “wholly incorrect”, reports GB News.

While the younger prince has made several trips to his home country this year, his last encounter with his father was in February, following Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Speaking to People , a source said: “Nothing would give [Harry] more happiness than being able to rekindle his bond with his father. At the end of the day, you can’t undo bloodlines.”

Meghan shared her first experience of Christmas at Sandringham in their 2022 Netflix documentary, where she said: “I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham. Calling my mom, and she’s like, ‘How’s it going?’ And I said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s amazing.’ It’s just like a big family like I always wanted.”

The King and Queen are set to welcome many members of their family – including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children – to the Norfolk estate next week. Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles is also set to join the Firm this Christmas in a major first for the 49-year-old.

Princess Eugenie is reportedly in a difficult position after being invited to both the Royal Family’s Christmas and celebrations in the US with Meghan and Harry. Following the release of the Sussexes new Christmas card, where they shared a rare photo of their two children, we want to know if you think Harry and Meghan should return to the UK for the festivities. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Questions are being raised about Harry and Meghan’s future with Netflix following the release of Polo – and now an insider has delivered a tough verdict on the Duchess

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s latest Netflix show garnered less than favourable reviews from critics and viewers. Polo, a five-episode series, aimed to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the ‘elite’ and ‘privileged’ sport.

But it was not well received, with many taking issue with the premise of the documentary itself, noting that the polo field is “the playground of the rich”.

In its review, the Telegraph branded the series “tedious”, while the Mail on Sunday dismissed it as a “load of old tosh”. The Guardian stated that “Polo looks destined to fall through the submenus into obscurity at the speed of light. And rightly so”.

Even The Cut, a magazine once favoured by Meghan, turned against the Duchess with a scathing review in an article titled ‘Harry and Meghan’s Projects Can’t Stop Flopping’. Writer Danielle Cohen commented on the couple’s “tortured attempts to launch a successful Stateside endeavour” which, she wrote, “continued this week” with the release of Polo. “Seems like this one is bound for the same fate as Markle’s beleaguered jam company,” she wrote.

The backlash has prompted questions about the couple’s next Netflix project. For almost a year there have been rumours that Meghan is making her own show celebrating ‘the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship’.

But it remains to be seen if and when it will air – with a Netflix insider revealing their dissatisfaction with the Duchess and her work so far, as reported by the Daily Mail.

In a brutal six-word summary, they reportedly stated: “It’s so much work with her.” The insider then added: “Bluntly, the ‘deliverable’ does not seem to be worth it.”

Harry and Meghan signed a five-year agreement with Netflix in 2020, worth an estimated $100million (£80million). It is due to come to an end in autumn next year. So far, they have released just four projects through the streaming giant, all of which are docuseries: Harry & Meghan, following their love story, Heart of Invictus, about Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, Polo, and Live to Lead, highlighting inspiring world leaders.

But whether or not the streaming giant will continue to work with the couple remains to be seen – especially after the Sussexes’ £15million Spotify contract ended early in June last year .

Hollywood executives have stated that any new deal with the couple will amount to nothing like the $100 million they previously received, primarily due to the lack of content Harry and Meghan have actually produced.

Should Meghan’s series be given air time, it is most likely to launch – alongside her brand – in the first quarter of the year. It has not been included in Netflix schedules for January, and therefore might hit screens in late February – after Harry’s Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada – or in March.

The criticism of the couple’s work with Netflix comes just days before they are set to celebrate Christmas at their Montecito mansion with their two children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. It is likely Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland will also join them for the big day.

Reports suggest that the couple did not receive an invitation to spend Christmas with Harry’s royal relatives at Sandringham this year, where 45 members of the Royal Family are set to gather.

‘Kit is growing on me now’

Coronation Street fans have changed their tune about bent copper Kit Green.

Kit rocked up to Weatherfield this year as the long-lost son of Bernie. He’s never quite sat right with fans, with viewers wondering if he’s been keeping secrets from everyone.

But after Kit’s latest move on the ITV soap, fans have declared that he is “growing” on them.

Mason’s brothers are causing plenty of drama (Credit: ITV)

Coronation Street Kit warns Mason’s brothers

In Wednesday’s Coronation Street episode (December 18) David Platt was confronted by Matty and Logan Radcliffe, about the money he stole from Harvey Gaskell.

The brothers quickly threatened David, warning they would go after his family if they didn’t get the cash back.

A startled David then resorted to desperate measures, and used Gail and Jesse’s weddings to pay off some of his debt.

In a bid to make it look like he was mugged though, David got the brothers to beat him up – before reporting it to the police.

Kit threatened Matty (Credit: ITV)

Kit headbutts Matty on Coronation Street

David then told his family that he had been mugged – but wife Shona suspected David was lying. She went and confided in Kit about it and asked him to have words with Matty and Logan.

Despite refusing at first, Shona threatened to report Daisy Midgeley for the hit and run – something Kit helped cover up.

Later on, Kit approached Matty and took things into his own hands. The cop ended up headbutting Matty, possibly breaking his nose.

Kit then warned the youngster that if he didn’t leave David alone, he would get “a nice, long holiday in prison”. Finishing off his threat, Kit then pulled on Matty’s nose before walking off.

Fans were left cheering at Kit (Credit: ITV)

Fans do huge U-turn on Kit

And it’s fair to say Kit’s move went down a storm with Coronation Street fans, with plenty finally getting behind him

“Didn’t like him at first, but he’s playing his role very well and becoming likeable,” said one person on X. Someone else added: “Kit is growing on me now.”

A third chimed in: “I’m not really a fan of Kit but that was brilliant especially twisting his nose.” Another added: “Absolutely loved it! I loved that it was so unexpected too! I didn’t see that Glasgow kiss coming from Kit at all. Fabulous.”

Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.

So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.

Emmerdale tonight once again aired a format-breaking episode as Tom King finally came to an end. And yes, justice was served: he has been sentenced to three years in prison.

The episode went back and forth between evidence being given in court and the jury deliberating their verdict. And once we had reached the conclusion, Tom was taken away and we heard the stories of real women who had been through what Belle had.

Here’s how Emmerdale played out on Thursday December 19.
Belle recounted her abuse in court (Credit: ITV)

Things didn’t look good for Belle in Emmerdale tonight

At the start of the episode, the jury arrived in their room and they were equally split – six for guilty, six for not guilty. So we flashed back to Tom and Belle giving evidence in court.

They each recounted their stories and obviously told a very different tale.  It was very clear in as the jury deliberated Tom had taken some of them in. Denise Welch’s character, Heidi, was not taken in though. She knew Tom was guilty. She just had to convince Karl, the Foreman of the Jury, of the fact.

Back in court, Belle’s past with Gemma was brought up and her mental health called into question. It made some members of the jury think Belle was not a reliable witness – exactly as Tom had planned.

The instances of abuse were recounted as the Dingles sat in the gallery fuming at what they were hearing. But the time Belle assaulted Tom was the only one that had been witnessed.

Credit to Tom, he was putting a sterling performance in court. If we hadn’t been watching all of these months, we might have believed him ourselves. Things were not going well for Belle.

Belle’s case worker Rachel gave testimony too, explaining her own suspicions about Tom’s abuse. However as she had no actual evidence back in the deliberation room, the jury were leaning towards Tom’s side of the tale.

Amelia took to the stand and had to admit Tom wasn’t ever violent to her.

In the jury’s discussion, Heidi continued to fight for Belle, against Karl, who was sure Tom was innocent.
Heidi (Denise Welch) was adamant Tom was guilty (Credit: ITV)

The tide turned against Tom

But soon enough, the tables began to turn against Tom as the tablet and his treatment of Carl Jnr was brought up. Then the prosecution went into detail about Tom’s filming and tracking of Belle and the small cameras he put everywhere, including in the bathroom. Plus the fact he hid it all from the police (by the way, where was DS Foy? A travesty he didn’t appear). Tom squirmed as he clearly didn’t have answers for the evidence in front of him.

And back with the jury, the cameras were a sticking point because even staunch Tom supporter Karl didn’t have an answer this time.

Juror Kenneth had stayed silent pretty much throughout, but then he piped up with a story about an abuser he knew, who had hid it well and was a respected medical professional. Kenneth said he saw the same look in Belle’s eyes as he had seen in the wife of the man he knew and he was firmly on Belle’s side.

This certainly got the jury thinking…
Abuser Tom couldn’t believe the jury had believed Belle in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

Tom was found guilty in Emmerdale tonight

As the Dingles waited outside the court for news, they were in a state of worry. But then they were called back into the court and Belle knew this was judgement day.

Karl the foreman stood up and announced they had found him guilty – on both counts. The Dingles cheered and shivers were sent down our spines.

Tom was then sentenced for his crimes with the judge telling him he has shown no remorse and doesn’t want to change. He has been sent to prison for three years.

As he shared a last, dark look with Belle, she sobbed tears of heartache, pain and relief. And it’s clear her ordeal is far from over – but it’s a start.
Belle attended a support group and we heard the stories of real women (Credit: ITV)

Real stories in Emmerdale tonight

We then flashed back to where Belle had got to the day before. She had been to a support group for women who had suffered like her.

We heard their stories, which were those of real women. It had helped Belle realise none of what she had been through was her fault. It was the most moving part of the episode as we can only scratch the surface of what these people had suffered.

Belle then tearfully told Charity she knew Tom was in the wrong and the blame was all with him. But can she move forward with her life now?

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

Zoe Ball presented her final BBC Radio 2 breakfast show on Friday and shared an emotional message as she signed off for one last time

Friday morning saw the end of an era as Zoe Ball presented her last BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.

The presenter has woke up with the nation for six years, bringing her own style to the airwaves. But now, she has said goodbye to listeners for the last time. In her final sign off, a tearful Zoe said: “I’m full of feels…”

She went on to thank all the staff on the show, saying: “I adore you all. Thanks to all of you who have sent in questions and played along with the quiz… special shoutout to my friend Jo.” She told her to “keep championing” the music.

She continued naming all those who were involved in the show and said: “I love you all and I’m going to miss you loads. Shine on you crazy diamonds.”

Scott Mills is replacing Zoe Ball ( 
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PA)

She went on to proudly say: “Thank you for tuning in, whether as a lone listener, as family, as a work Gang on your morning jogs, dog walks, truck drives, train commutes, or hiding in bed, it’s been a real privilege to keep you company through your morning manoeuvres. You’re just there and I’m just here having a chat with a mate. It’s such a special, intimate relationship.

“It’s never lost on me that we’ve been through life’s little highs and little lows together. I really do hope that we’ve managed to bring some sunshine and light when you’ve most needed it. A daft distraction from the hardest stuff. I’ve been bowled over by your messages, texts, emails, cards and letters across the years. Thank you for sharing with me your stories of love and loss, your baby news, your kids leaving home. Together, listeners, there’s been much laughter, some silliness, a few tears, lots of singing, and there has been dancing. May there always be dancing.

“Dear Scott will look after you in the new year. He’s one of the good ones. You can have a lot of fun together, and I’ll see you in the spring, popping up here on Radio 2 for new adventures, as the song says, You give a little love and it all comes back to you. Well, I’ve most definitely felt that love from your listeners. I feel very lucky to have been here. I sent buckets of love out to you and your dear ones this Christmas. It’s been very special. Take care of yourselves, lovely peeps, my top cats.”

Zoe kicked off her final show today ( 
Image:
@bbcradio2/Instagram)

She and the rest of the team were visibly emotional ( 
Image:
@bbcradio2/Instagram)
Zoe then played her final song on the station – Kim Wilde’s Keeping The Dream Alive.

Moments before, the show aired her ‘best bits’ over the years, including her first words on air, interviews with huge stars and a sweet message from her son, as her emotional production team broke down in tears. She was greeted with cheers and claps and she tearfully said in between sniffles: “Oh my goodness me. And this is for everyone who listened and this whole team in the room and my kids of course. Do I love you? Indeed I do.”

Earlier she had said she was feeling “all the emotions” as she received surprise tributes from fans and famous faces. Among those sharing sweet messages was Kylie Minogue and Oti Mabuse. Introducing the show, she confessed the whole team were back together for her final farewell but said: “We’ve had some tears already. We don’t quite know what to do with ourselves this morning, do we? I’ve come in and I suddenly can’t remember how to press the button.”

Another co-host confessed: “I wasn’t sure which chair to sit in!” before Zoe added: “We’re all pretending we’re going to be OK, that the emotion isn’t getting to us – but it’s definitely getting to us. So hold tight! But Richie, so many nice comments yesterday – made me blub my eyes out!

She promised to return in the Spring“I’ve already had a little cry on Patrick! But we’re going to have lots of fun today. We’re playing some of my favourite records today – both Christmassy and non-Christmassy ones and we’ll get through as many messages from the listeners as we can.”

She later admitted she “couldn’t be happier” to be handing over the reins to Scott Mills in the new year. Scott’s new role was announced after Zoe’s extended absence from the show during the summer following her mother’s death earlier this year.

Zoe also recently candidly opened up about her struggle with pain due to a condition known as TMJ. Zoe shared last month: “I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension and jaw clenching. So grateful to Helen @sculptresslondon for her magic. This is my face after I’ve seen her, check out my face before – yikes – picture 2.”

While Zoe has disclosed her treatment, it is known that Botox can aid in easing tension around the face and jaw and can prevent natural clenching. According to the NHS, Temporomandibular disorder is a condition “affecting the movement of the jaw. It’s not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.” It can result in pain around your ear, jaw and temple, and eating softer foods is advised. Stress can also worsen the condition.

She revealed on air last month that her time on the show was set to come to an end. But she said at the time: “I’m not going to be a stranger, I’m staying in the Radio 2 crew and family because it’s an amazing family.”

Zoe first appeared on the show on January 14, 2019. Throughout her final show, Zoe played back a number of her favourite moments from over the years.

The radio presenter will be replaced by her close friend Scott Mills in the new year. Responding to the news in November, he said: “Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1. She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.

“It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity. It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”

‘It feels like the right thing’

Ant and Dec previously opened up about their decision to end Saturday Night Takeaway.

Since shooting to fame, the Geordie duo have become TV’s go-to presenting duo.

From hosting Britain’s Got Talent to their own Saturday Night Takeaway show, Ant and Dec have kept busy over the years. The lads are bad on screens this weekend too, for the I’m A Celebrity Coming Out show on Saturday (December 14).

But back in 2023, the boys left fans gutted when they confirmed they were taking a break from Saturday Night Takeaway.

The TV stars have taken a break from the ITV show (Credit: ITV)

Ant and Dec on taking a break from SNT

The Geordie duo hosted their final episode of Saturday Night Takeaway in April 2024 after more than two decades on air. Fans were gutted when Ant and Dec announced they would be taking a break from the show after its 20th series.

And it turns out their decision to end things was down to the pair now having families of their own.

Dec is married to Ali Astall and is a dad of two. Ant meanwhile, recently became a dad for the first time with wife Anne-Marie Corbett – who gave birth to their baby boy Wilder in May earlier this year.

The pair previously opened up about ending the show after 20 years (Credit: ITV)

Ant and Dec ‘want to step off the hamster wheel’

Speaking to The Independent in February ahead of their final SNT episode, Ant and Dec opened up on why they stopped the show.

“It was a tough decision to put Takeaway on hiatus, but they were on the same page,” Dec said, before he added: “Twenty series just feels like a natural point to pause. We don’t want to say we’ll never do it again. But we’ve both got families now. Our lives have changed dramatically. We want to step off the hamster wheel, catch our breath and decide what’s next.”

Ant then described it as “bittersweet” but admitted “it feels like the right thing”.

SNT’s final episode

In April 2024, Ant and Dec hosted their final Saturday Night Takeaway show for a while. In an emotional end to the show, Dec tearfully said: “We have truly adored every second making this show.

“But there’s one thing we have never ever forgotten. That’s the fact it’s not our show, it’s your show. So we’d like to say a thank you to you, our audience.”

I’m A Celebrity… Get me Out of Here! Coming Out airs on Saturday (December 14) at 9:35pm on ITV1.

 

Do you miss Saturday Night Takeaway on screens? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page

Emmerdale aired the final scenes for Tom King on Thursday night, as he was sentenced to three years in prison for the abuse and control he put wife Belle Dingle through

Soaps fans were left in floods of tears this evening as Emmerdale broke the fourth wall for a powerful reason.

Justice was finally served on tonight’s instalment of the ITV soap as Tom King was sentenced to a prison term. The villain had been on trial for the coercive control and abuse he subjected his wife, Belle Dingle, to over several months.

Before the end credits began to roll, the final scenes showed Belle in a support group as real-life women shared their harrowing experiences of abuse. Speaking to Charity Dingle, Belle declared “These women, their stories, that is what gave me the strength to stand up in court today and to show there are people out there and they will listen.”

Belle, played by Eden Taylor-Draper, then looks directly at viewers as she breaks the fourth wall and stares down the camera lens. The official Twitter (X) account for Emmerdale sharing the poignant clip, writing: “The people you see in this clip are actors, but the stories they are telling are real life voices of domestic abuse victims and survivors. Advice and support can be found at http://itv.com/advice.”

Emmerdale fans were in tears as the soap broke the fourth wall at the end of the episode ( 
Image:
ITV)

The powerful scene went down well with viewers. “Superb writing and acting tonight! Best episode of the year!#Emmerdale,” one penned in wake of the episode airing, with another tweeting: “Eye contact at the cameras ! Absolutely brilliant @emmerdale.” A third declared: “Got to hand it to #Emmerdale , breaking the fourth wall at the end there was powerful stuff.” A fourth added: “What a f**king episode. Belle looking directly into the camera? Dear god I’m a mess #emmerdale.”

Audiences have followed the storyline that saw Belle endure manipulation, emotional and physical abuse, and harassment. Initially, he convinced her that she was the problem and it was all in her head. However, as Belle found the courage to leave her abusive husband, his tactics escalated. He stalked her, recorded her, taunted her, spread lies about her, and even attempted to murder her.

Belle faced legal issues for attacking Tom in self-defence, and her mental health deteriorated significantly. Eventually, with assistance from DS Foy and others, Belle found the evidence needed to prove Tom’s abusive behaviour. After being arrested while trying to escape the village, he was charged with counts of control and violence. On Thursday night, he took the stand, attempting to proclaim his innocence.

But his act quickly crumbled, and Belle was able to tell her story. With guest appearances, there were some incredibly powerful scenes with the jury, as well as a support group who helped Belle find her voice. The episode concluded with Tom King’s downfall, as he was sentenced to three years in prison.

Emmerdale fans fear Tom could return sooner than we think ( 
Image:
ITV)
The jury found him guilty on both charges, assault and coercive behaviour. Belle broke down in tears as her family erupted in cheers, while Tom was seething with anger. The judge addressed Tom sternly: “Thomas King, the evidence the court has heard today places you in the highest category of culpability for your criminal actions and behaviour. Though you have no prior convictions and are of good standing professionally, it is recognised that one of the factors allowing an abuser to continue unnoticed is the ability of the perpetrator to have both a public and a private face.”

“Your campaign of abuse against your wife went on even beyond the end of your functioning relationship. In fact, it increased in severity. I believe you have demonstrated no remorse for your actions and you have no inclination to change your ways. Therefore I impose a custodial sentence of three years.”

However, Tom wasn’t done yet; in a final spiteful act in the courtroom, he made sure to lock eyes with Belle before being led away, smirking at her maliciously, attempting to undermine the justice she had finally achieved. Furthermore, viewers expressed worry over the brevity of his sentence, with some speculating that he could be released early and potentially return to the village before the end of 2026, having served just two-thirds of his time behind bars. One theory suggested: “Without giving out the sentence – since few criminals serve more than 2/3rd of their time – Tom could be back in the village before the end of 2026.”

James Corden and Ruth Jones’ smash-hit Gavin and Stacey returns to the BBC for one last hurrah on Christmas Day

Oh my Christ! I’ve watched Gavin and Stacey: The Finale and have some very good news – you can all relax. Fans should prepare themselves, because it’s an absolute belter.

The Christmas special is a (Barry Island) rollercoaster ride of emotions that exceeds all expectations over 90 jam-packed minutes and contains many scenes destined to become classics.

In a tightly-packed hotel screening room filled with cast members, crew, BBC bods and over-excited journalists we laughed (and laughed), we cried and, at times, we gasped. It is astonishingly good. When it finished I literally wanted to watch it all over again – and that never happens.

The action starts five years on from Nessa’s cliffhanger pavement proposal – she has started a new business venture as Neil the Baby, now 16, prepares to begin an apprenticeship with his dad.

Also in South Wales, the Wests are planning a trip to Essex with Bryn (Rob Brydon) packing the Picasso; Stacey and Gavin (Joanna Page and Mathew Horne) looking for ways to spice up their 17-year marriage and Gwen (Melanie Walters) behaving most strangely.

Gavin and Stacey returns on Christmas Day ( 
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PA)Over in Billericay the Shipmans are ready to play host with stressed-out Pam’s (Alison Steadman) preparations not helped by newly retired Mick (Larry Lamb) practicing his golf in the living room. And there’s also Pete and Dawn’s latest relationship issues to contend with…

I can’t remember the last time a TV show has been this hotly anticipated. After all, every fan always knew that Ruth and James were never going to leave poor Nessa down on one knee for the rest of eternity.

But good things come to those who wait and now, after five long years, it’s time to find out what has been occurring in both Billericay and Barry since the last time we saw the gang.

This could well be the best Christmas present anyone in the land gets this year, and I’m not even joking. So sit back on Christmas Day and enjoy this total treat of a TV show with your loved ones. You won’t regret it.