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Former US president Bill Clinton is now on the road to recovery after a health scare landed him in hospital with a severe fever earlier this week. The political heavyweight was whisked off to Georgetown University Medical Center on Monday afternoon for tests and observation following the onset of a fever, as his ex-deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, broke the concerning news across social media platforms.

An anonymous insider informed NBC News at the time that the situation was “not urgent” and that Clinton was recuperating in the Washington D. C. hospital, adding: “The former president will be fine. He developed a fever and wanted to be checked out. He is awake and alert.”

In a turn for the better, it seems their prognosis was spot on, with Clinton being released from hospital just in time to enjoy the festive season at home.

Former US President Bill Clinton has now been released from hospital ( 
Image:
(Image: Getty))
Ureña once again took to the digital sphere to spread the positive update, stating: “President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu,” and expressing gratitude for the top-notch care received at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, as well as the outpouring of supportive messages and well wishes. He conveyed Clinton’s heartfelt wishes for a merry and healthy holiday period to everyone.

The 78 year old, a veteran political heavyweight who threw his weight behind Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency last November, has weathered a spate of health issues since his tenure. He’s had quite the medical journey with a quadruple bypass in 2004 following persistent chest pains and breathlessness, a battle with a partially collapsed lung in 2005, and even had two stents fitted into a coronary artery in 2010.

The veteran US politician served two terms between 1993 and 2001 ( 
Image:
(Image: Getty))
Most recently, Clinton raised eyebrows with his frail appearance and feeble tone at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer, leaving pundits to remark that “his voice [has] weakened” and he “does not sound good”. Post-presidency, the ex-POTUS has turned to veganism, shedding pounds and reportedly feeling better for it.

In 2021, he was back in the hospital—this time in California for an infection, though it was said to be unrelated to COVID-19. An insider to the 42nd President explained that while he faced a urological infection that swept through his bloodstream, he avoided septic shock and didn’t need intensive care.

A passenger plane thought to be carrying more than 100 people has crashed on Christmas Day.

The doomed Azerbaijan Airlines jet hit the ground and burst into a fireball in Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Embraer E190AR with registration number 4K-AZ65 had sent a distress signal following a collision with a bird as it had intended to reach Grozny in Russia.

Several people are feared dead, Kazakhstan Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova said. There are at least 28 survivors, though seven of these are said to be in critical conditions. Two of these are children, believed to be girls aged 11 and 16. Mr Alnazarova said 23 ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

Kazaeronavigatsiya, the Kazakhstan air navigation service, said: “An Embraer 190 AHY8243 aircraft travelling on the Baku-Grozny route declared an emergency situation due to collision with a bird and violation of steering control. The aircraft was carrying 105 passengers and five crew members.” Aktau residents have been asked to donate blood for the survivors.

The plane declared the emergency situation at an altitude of 2,125 feet over the Caspian Sea. It hit a bird – or several birds – and then came plummeting down, smashing to the ground at speed. An oxygen tank exploded onboard, it is reported.

The plane crashed in Kazakhstan ( 
Image:
X)
It is understood heavy fog further impacted the plane’s emergency landing. Of those on board the plane, around 60 are believed to be Russians. The nationalities of the other tourists remain unclear at this stage. Aktau airport is open and operating normally, authorities said. The Mirror has contacted Azerbaijan Airlines for comment.

Grozny – the planned destination – is the capital of the Chechnya republic, a Russian region controlled by Vladimir Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov which regularly sends troops to fight in the war against Ukraine.

The tragedy follows the death of a man in his 50s this week after a light aircraft in which he was travelling crashed near Fife Airport in Scotland. Emergency services srambled to the crash at about 11.40am on Monday, after the plane plummeted shortly after taking off from the airport’s runway. Members of the public were urged to avoid the area as police locked the site down to carry out their enquiries.

Police Scotland later confirmed a man, thought to have been the pilot, died at the scene. Fife Airport is located three miles west of Glenrothes and offers light aircraft travel and skydives. The airfield is also used by Tayside Aviation to train pilots. Its runway sits just under 30 miles north of Edinburgh.

The Money Saving Expert and founder of the money saving website, has announced that he’s stepping away for a period of time as he signed off from social media with a ‘difficult’ message

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has decided to take a well-deserved break from the limelight, announcing his temporary departure from social media and work commitments as he shared a heartfelt Christmas message with his followers.

The financial guru, who has become a household name for his savvy saving tips, reached out to his 3.1 million fans on X to share his festive wishes and reveal his plans for a career hiatus that will extend into the New Year.

In his touching post, Martin expressed: “I’m signing off social media and work for the festive break now. I would like to wish all who celebrate a joyous, peaceful, and warm-hearted Christmas and a very happy New Year. Thank you all for your continued support.”

He also promised a return in 2025, full of energy and ready to help people save money, saying: “I’ll see you back in 2025 fit and raring to go, and hopefully I’ll save you some money next year too.”

Martin Lewis has issued a difficult message this Christmas ( 
Image:
David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Acknowledging that not everyone has a merry Christmas, Martin added a special note for those facing challenges during the holiday season: “For those who find this time of year difficult, or grief filled or lonely, may your passage through it be easy with more smiles than you’re expecting.”

Martin also highlighted important contact numbers for anyone in need of support over the festive period, reminding them that help is available every day of the year, including Christmas Day: “Age UK (England) 0800 678 1602. ageuk.org.uk. Age Cymru (Wales) 0300 303 44 98.

“Beat. 0808 801 0677 (England). Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) 0800 58 58 58. Combat Stress. 0800 1381 619. The Compassionate Friends. 0345 123 2304. Cruse Bereavement Support. 0808 808 1677, and the Samaritans: 116 123.

The Samaritans have put out a vital message, noting: “No matter how or if you celebrate, it is normal that this time of year can affect your mental health. You may be feeling like you aren’t enjoying the things you usually do this time of year. You may be worried about friends and family or other things happening in the world. You are not alone. There are all sorts of reasons you might find this time of year difficult and that’s OK.”

The charity adds: “At Samaritans, we’re committed to helping you, however we can. If you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, our volunteers are here for you. Call free, day or night, on 116 123 or email [email protected].”

Ruth Langsford has shared a heartfelt update on her 93-year-old mother, Joan, who is recovering in hospital after a fall that fractured her pelvis. Ruth’s ex husband, Eamonn Holmes, joined fans and friends in sending well-wishes during this challenging time.

Ruth Langsford, 64, has provided an update on her mother, Joan, who is currently in the hospital after a serious fall.

The 93-year-old fractured her pelvis in the accident, which has disrupted their Christmas plans. Ruth, who is best known for her role as a presenter on Loose Women, had previously shared the news of her mother’s injury with fans, expressing concern over the impact it would have on their holiday celebrations.

In an Instagram post today, Ruth updated fans with a video of Joan in her hospital bed, watching films on an iPad. Ruth captioned the post: “Hospital visiting.” She added: “She chose Dad’s Army again today.”

Earlier this month, Ruth shared footage of her mother’s agonising injuries after her fall. Ruth has been giving regular updates on the condition of her 94-year-old mother, Joan, who fractured her pelvis after losing her footing. Ruth has been at her mother’s side as she continues to receive treatment – and has been doing her best to aid her recovery herself.

Ruth Langsford has shared a heartfelt update on her 93-year-old mother, Joan, who is recovering in hospital after a fall that fractured her pelvis ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Taking to Instagram Stories over the weekend, Ruth gave fans a close look at some of the injuries Joan sustained – uploading a video of her rubbing some cream onto a large purple bruise that is on her head. She wrote in an accompanying caption: “Mum’s got a right shiner after her fall! Trying to soothe it with Arnica cream.”

But looking for some positivity among the misery, Ruth pointed out that Joan has an impressive natural colour of hair despite being in her ninth decade of life. The TV star commented: “94 yrs old and hardly a grey hair… I’m hoping I’ve inherited the gene!”

Last weekend, Ruth revealed that the tragic fall – has put their Christmas plans on hold. She revealed in a social media post: “No dancing in my kitchen peeling the veg for my darling Mum this Christmas…. She’s had a fall and fractured her pelvis! She’s ok…ish, no surgery required thank goodness but she needs rest and time to heal now. She’s in hospital at the moment but I’m hoping to get her home soon.

Ruth’s mum seems to be in brighter spirits as she enjoyed watching films on an iPad from her hospital bed

Ruth previously gave fans a close look at some of the injuries Joan sustained
“This time last year she fell and broke her hip but recovered well…she’s a very strong woman so I’m sure she’ll recover from this too. Put’s life and what’s important into perspective eh? Happy Christmas!” Fans, followers and celebrity friends were quick to rally around Ruth to share support. Lizzie Cundy was among the first to express her support at the time, writing: “Sending you so much love . Hoping Mum will be back dancing very soon .Sending huge hugs my darling.”Upon hearing the news, ex Eamonn Holmes has extended an olive branch. Eamonn, 65, who is now in a new relationship and rumoured to be planning a wedding with his new younger partner, joined thousands of others in liking his ex’s Instagram update. Stars like Cat Deeley and Loose Women’s Nadia Sawalha joined Eamonn in wishing his former mother-in-law a quick recovery.

Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford has opened up on how she is marking her first Christmas without her husband Stephen Way, who passed away in August after a long illness

TV legend Gloria Hunniford is lighting up her home like “Blackpool Illuminations” this Christmas, the first without her beloved husband Stephen Way. The Loose Women star, who recently took a break from the show following Stephen’s passing in August after a long illness, has found comfort in festive decorations.

Speaking to Best magazine, she revealed: “My house is already like Blackpool Illuminations. There is a gardener at Hever Castle called Michael, who came round to help me. It’s all done and up. ” She also expressed her determination, saying, “I’m glad that I did it. I’m the first in the road to do it.”

The 84 year old presenter fondly recalled past Christmases, including those since losing her daughter Caron Keating, the former Blue Peter host, to breast cancer in 2004 at just 41. One year, they even had “six trees” in their home.

Now, her son Michael Keating is organising “three days of celebrating” to unite the family, including Caron’s sons Gabriel and Charlie. Looking back on her time with Stephen, Gloria reflected on the “Thirty Christmases with Stevie.”

Gloria has found solace in her family’s presence, sharing, “He always stayed with me. You can imagine what a difference it will be but my son Michael has organised three days of celebrating, and both of Caron’s boys will be with me – when a door closes, a window opens. I saw them being born. Caron asked me – that is very special.”

Gloria will continue to celebrate Christmas with her two sons
The TV presenter also spoke about continuing life amidst grief, reminiscing about the “joyous” celebrations of Charlie’s wedding that occurred ten days after her husband’s death: “I was determined it would be a joyous day. I loved that day, so that is a lesson. I must remember I can go to events and be happy.”

Gloria had been married to her husband since 1998, and his death has left a profound gap in their lives. She touched upon this loss by saying, “Stephen was a gentleman and a giant of a man, who will leave the most enormous void not only in my life but our entire family. “.

Reflecting on the kind-hearted nature of her late husband, she lovingly recalled: “He was an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man, with a delightfully quirky sense of humour, which remained till the end.”

Gloria says a ‘light has dimmed’ since Stephen’s passing earlier this year

Gloria treasured the memories of their 25-year marriage, stating: “We had a tremendously happy 25-year marriage and did so many beautiful and exciting things together that I will always cherish.” She expressed her deep sorrow, saying: “It’s a great shock and words cannot express my sadness at this time. A bright shining light has dimmed, and he shall be missed at every turn.”

Kaye Adams has opened up on ITV’s Loose Women about ‘sleep walking’ through her first Christmas after losing her dad and how she has had to ‘reinvent’ the festive period to cope

Loose Women panelist Kaye Adams has spoken about having to “reinvent” Christmas after her parents passed away. During an emotional moment on ITV’s Loose Women, which she co-hosts with celebs Frankie Bridge, Kelly Brook, and Kéllé Bryan, the discussion turned towards managing grief during the festive period.

In the episode aired on Wednesday (December 4), Kaye, 61, revealed she felt like she was “sleep walking” through her first Christmas following her father’s death. She explained: “I think you kind of have to reinvent it. Like similar to you, I’ve lost both my mum and my dad, and Christmas was always, always at their house. The first one after my dad died, we just kind of slept walked through it.”

Kaye Adams opened up about losing her dad on Loose Women earlier this month ( 
Image:
ITV)
Kaye confided more deeply, saying: “We went through the motions. We were kind of anaesthetised to the whole thing. You did it, because it felt like a big thing to ignore it, but like I say, we were sleep walking. But in the years since, you’ve just got to reinvent it. Because it was so much associated with them. For us, we just had to have a different thing.”

To lighten the mood after the touching discourse, the Loose Women welcomed the ever-entertaining Gino D’Acampo onto the set. The charming TV chef added some spice with lively banter about his latest cookbook and even dropped an ‘awkward’ comment on the ‘kiss rules’ for on-air, capturing the attention of Mirror reporters.

Gino D’Acampo left quite the impression during his recent stint on the panel, defying advice to forgo the cheek kisses, and joked, “They told me ‘please don’t kiss the ladies on the table’ but what kind of Italian would come on the show without kissing the ladies. The rules are rubbish.” Tackling the situation with humour, Kelly even hinted that Gino’s on-screen smooches could have cost him his job, prompting a bewildered comeback from the Italian chef: “What, for a kiss?”

Kaye Adams admitted that she has been “sleepwalking” through her first Christmas since the death of her father ( 
Image:
ITV)
Social media lit up post-show, with one viewer pointing out on X (previously Twitter): “That was very awkward…. #loosewomen Frankie looked uncomfortable.” Others chipped in on Gino’s tactful handling of any double entendres: “#loosewomen Gino being so careful with his innuendo today.”

Whilst some fans expressed worry over potential backlash at Gino with tweets like: “Careful Gino they’ll be wanting to cancel you. #loosewomen,” there were those that raised eyebrows at the claim of a no-kissing guideline, “Do you really think they told him not to kiss them? #Loosewomen.”

Danny Jones won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! credit:Bang Showbiz

Danny Jones “never thought” he would be so open about himself on ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’

The 38-year-old pop star emerged as the winner of this year’s edition of the ITV1 jungle reality survival show and upon arriving back from Australia, admitted that he was “so thankful” to the public for crowning him as champion after he showcased his natural self.

Speaking on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, he said: “It was amazing, everyone was so lovely. they had good hearts and were good people. When you were down, they comforted you, and everyone was up for a laugh as well. I had that guitar in there, because I play guitar every day, and that was the highlight for me just seeing people’s reactions.

“For people to vote for me, probably hungry and tired, I am so thankful because you’ve got no perspective of how you’re doing in there. It’s really real in there, we talk about deep stuff.

“You have the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, and I never thought that it would be like that. I was vulnerable.

“As men, we say we’re going for a pint and we go ‘Good man, yeah!’ talk about the football or the rugby or whatever but we don’t get that quality time to go down to a deeper level.

“And that’s what we did in the jungle because we had no distraction of phones or anything. It was just a beautiful stream, an amazing jungle, campmates to talk to, And you get deep.”

Danny is best known as part of McFly alongside Tom Fletcher, Harry Judd, and Dougie Poynter – who was crowned King of the Jungle himself in 2011 – and admitted that he is “so humbled” that viewers accepted him for himself away from the band.

He said: “I didn’t have the band to hide behind, I didn’t have the voice to hide behind. They were voting for just me, and that’s a different thing. Just me being me. And I am so thankful for that, because I’m normally hiding behind the guitar and all of that. Even 21 years later, to have that, I feel so humbled.”

Gregg Wallace stepped back from his role on MasterChef following allegations of misconduct

The BBC received several complaints after they confirmed it would air the final of MasterChef: The Professionals, despite growing calls to pull the broadcast following the Gregg Wallace scandal.

The broadcaster decided to air the rest of MasterChef, which concluded on December 12, and the two Christmas editions, while they await the conclusion of the investigation into Wallace by production company Banijay.

He is facing claims from at least 13 women who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour and making jokes of a sexual nature. Wallace has denied the allegations.

The BBC came under mounting pressure to consider pausing the show while Wallace is investigated and the broadcaster has since responsded to the complaints about airing MasterChef: The Professionals while allegations of historical misconduct are being investigated.

In a statement released on December 18, a BBC spokesperson said: “MasterChef: The Professionals continued as planned, as this show is life-changing for the chefs.

BBC flooded with complaints after airing MasterChef: The Professionals (Image: ITV)

“We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.”

Earlier this month, it was believed that two festive specials of MasterChef would air on the BBC.

However, in a change of position, bosses revealed that the Christmas specials will now no longer be aired.

It comes after Wallace apologised for suggesting allegations against him came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.

The TV host had said there had been “13 complaints” from “over 4,000 contestants” he had worked with in 20 years on the BBC cookery show.

His comments caused a backlash, with a Downing Street spokesperson describing them as “inappropriate and misogynistic”.

In another video Wallace said: “I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday, and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people.

“I wasn’t in a good head space when I posted it. I’ve been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it.”

He concluded: “It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology.”

Radio icon Zoe Ball was over the moon to be spending time with son Woody and daughter Nelly in New York City for Christmas

Zoe Ball was beaming with joy as she shared a glimpse of her ‘fairytale’ Christmas in New York City with her daughter Nelly and son Woody.

The Strictly Come Dancing alum put her all into her final show last week, and immediately jetted off to see her son in America. Zoe shares two children with her ex-husband Fatboy Slim – real name Norman Cook – Woody, 24, and Nelly, 14. Grown up Woody lives in the United States, and Zoe flew over with Nelly to join him overseas, with Zoe arriving only hours after she said goodbye to her fans on live radio.

In pictures shared on her social media page, Zoe had a ball as she went ice skating with her two children in Central Park. She also posted snaps of the kids in a restaurants smiling for the camera. Zoe wrapped up warm in black trousers, a cream-coloured sweat, a thick overcoat and a green scarf. She completed the cosy look with a beanie.

She captioned the post: “Fairytale of New York.” Fans rushed to the comment section to compliment the star, with many revealing they miss her being on the radio. One user said: “Already missing morning commute listening to you,” and another posted: “Enjoy every minute. Especially tomorrow when you don’t have to do anything work related.”

Zoe and her daughter quickly jetted off to New York City ( 
Image:
instagram.com/zoetheball)

“Aww enjoy the time with the family. You got me through the morning commute, especially Mondays.. miss you already, but don’t blame you one bit, for realising family and yourself come first. Peace and love,” one fan commented as they wished her a Merry Christmas.

In her leaving speech on radio last week, Zoe hinted that while she’s stepping back from her daily duties, she’ll still make appearances on Radio 2. “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,” she said.

The star looked over the moon to be spending time with her family ( 
Image:
instagram.com/zoetheball)
“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.”

Zoe then teased: “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. I’ll see you in the spring, popping up here on Radio 2 for new adventures.” By Scott, Zoe was referring to her replacement, Scott Mills. She added: “Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the Breakfast Show.

“Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run.”

Carol Kirkwood was left gobsmacked – as well as lip-smacked – as a man leapt in front of the cameras to plant a kiss on her while broadcasting live from central London

BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood was left gasping when she was unexpectedly kissed while live on air.

The 62-year-old weather expert has offered her insights and expertise on low pressure, sunny spells, et all on BBC Breakfast since 1997, and has a warm rapport with the various hosts that helm the show. On Christmas Eve, the married star was left in shock when one of her colleagues planted a kiss, smack on her lips.

Carol was providing a weather update live from London’s Covent Garden where she was standing underneath falling fake snow. Impressing hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, the weather expert explained that the fake flakes were harmless and gave a playful illusion of a festive weather storm.

She told the stars back in the studio: “It’s fab – and non-toxic as well, so you can stand under it like this, quite easily.” She then pointed to a small sprig of mistletoe that she had attached to the front of her coat and complained: “But my mistletoe has not really done the trick, this morning, has it?”

Carol giggled after the sudden kiss ( 
Image:
BBC)

A man suddenly burst into the screen and grabbed Carol in his arms, bending her backwards, and kissing her passionately in front of the camera. As he pulled away, and dashed back off-screen, Carol struggled to compose herself as she giggled and laughed like a schoolgirl.

In the wake of stunned silence from Jon and Sally in the studio, she explained: “Oh, I say! That’s Tim, who’s our sound engineer. We’re good friends. I wasn’t expecting that!” And she continued to smile and laugh.

Carol has been happily married to police officer Steve Randall since December 2023 – with their first anniversary due on Friday. The couple met in 2017 at a work function, and it appeared to be love at first sight – with the romance beginning almost a decade after Carol’s first marriage to property developer Jimmy Kirkwood collapsed in 2008 after 18 years.

Earlier this year, Carol shared an insight into the romantic home life that she shares with Steve. She told The Sunday Times in August: “I get up at 2.45am. Steve, who’s a police officer, gets up too and makes me a cup of tea. I get to Broadcasting House, which is the headquarters of BBC in London, by 4am.”

And back in July, Carol reflected on the chance encounter with Steve that she had in 2017 that set them on their path towards marriage. She told The Daily Mail’s You Magazine: “I met Steve at a work function about seven years ago. I was drinking an espresso martini, and Steve very sensibly wasn’t drinking because he’s a policeman and had work the next day.

“We went on our first lunch date shortly after and had sandwiches and tea. It’s strange to think that neither of us had planned on going to the function, but we changed our minds at the last minute, and if one of us hadn’t, we’d never have met. It was a real sliding doors moment.”