Blog

 

Christmas in Montecito: Harry and Meghan’s Holiday Drama Unveiled

Christmas in Montecito should be a time of joy and festive cheer. But for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, it seems like a recipe for disaster. Once seen as a modern fairytale romance—a prince and an American actress in a storybook love affair—their relationship has spiraled into public arguments, physical altercations, and emotional turmoil.

Remember when Harry described his relationship with his father as “space”? At first, it seemed like a mild royal understatement. Now, after years of public feuds, “space” feels like a massive understatement. The once-beloved love story that captured the world’s imagination has turned into an ongoing public drama, one that even a fairytale godmother couldn’t fix.  In the early days, Harry was cautioned by his family, friends, and likely even strangers to take things slow with Meghan. But Meghan, determined and ambitious, had other plans. She jumped in headfirst, determined to make her mark, while Harry appeared too enchanted to realize the storm brewing ahead.

 

Insiders suggest that Meghan had a calculated approach from the beginning. From her quick embrace of royal life to claims of secrecy about her past, Meghan appeared focused on creating her path. But soon, their marriage transformed from a whirlwind romance into a series of public spats and emotional outbursts.

Allegedly, Meghan has been seen slapping Harry in public during heated arguments. One witness, Paula M., reportedly observed these altercations, which were followed by loud shouting matches. These explosive arguments haven’t been confined to private spaces either—the couple has reportedly been asked to leave restaurants due to their loud disputes.

As tensions mount, Meghan has reportedly painted herself as the victim, blaming Harry and his “racist family” for much of their troubles. However, insiders claim that Meghan is now urging Harry to repair his fractured relationships with King Charles and Prince William. In fact, reconciliation with the royal family appears to top Meghan’s Christmas wish list this year.

But it’s not just family drama affecting the couple. Meghan was said to be devastated by a parody on the animated show *Family Guy*. The satirical sketch mocked the couple for profiting off Netflix and social media deals, which reportedly sent Meghan into a panic. Ironically, the parody reflected the very foundation of their post-royal brand.

 

The situation has escalated quickly, sparking debates and discussions across social media and news outlets alike. At the heart of this controversy is the accusation that Prince Harry has betrayed his family for what some have called “30 pieces of silver”—a modern twist on the biblical story of betrayal for financial gain. This article delves into the unfolding drama, examining the roots of the feud, its impact on the individuals involved, and the larger narrative of loyalty and betrayal in the public eye.

The story begins with Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul and beloved talk show host known for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with grace. However, her relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has added a layer of complexity to her public image. After their explosive interview with Oprah in March 2021, where the couple shared shocking details about their experiences within the royal family, many viewed Oprah as an ally and protector of the Sussexes. Since then, her relationship with the couple has evolved, and Oprah has seemingly found herself caught in the middle of the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family.As the drama unfolds, whispers of discontent begin to spread. Critics of Harry and Meghan argue that their decision to sign lucrative deals with platforms like Netflix and Spotify is a betrayal of their royal duties. The phrase “30 pieces of silver” emerges as a metaphor for this perceived betrayal, drawing a parallel to the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, who famously betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This phrase is echoed by various commentators and royal experts, suggesting that the couple’s financial pursuits have come at the expense of their family ties and royal responsibilities.

 

The situation intensifies when reports surface that Oprah has expressed disappointment in Harry and Meghan’s recent actions. Sources close to the media icon reveal that while she supports their right to financial independence, she also questions whether their choices undermine the very foundation of their royal heritage. This internal conflict becomes public fodder, as tabloids and online commentators dissect Oprah’s statements, suggesting a potential rift between the talk show queen and her royal friends.

Amid this growing tension, Prince Harry finds himself at a crossroads. Having distanced himself from royal duties to start a new life in the United States, he must now contend with backlash from both the media and the royal family. Critics argue that his involvement in multi-million-dollar deals with Netflix contradicts the values of service and duty that the monarchy has long upheld. As Harry’s public persona shifts from that of a beloved prince to a figure perceived as prioritizing financial gain over family loyalty, the scrutiny intensifies.

As the feud takes shape, social media becomes a battleground for public opinion. Hashtags like #BetrayedByHarry and #OprahVsHarry trend as fans and detractors alike weigh in on the unfolding drama. Many royal watchers express disappointment in Harry’s choices, suggesting that he has abandoned the royal family for the allure of Hollywood wealth. On the other hand, supporters argue that Harry and Meghan’s pursuit of financial independence is a necessary step in redefining their identities outside the constraints of royal life.

The media frenzy reaches a fever pitch when Oprah addresses the controversy in a candid interview on her own network. With her characteristic poise, she acknowledges the complexities of her relationship with the Sussexes, emphasizing her support for their right to carve out their own paths. However, Oprah also hints at concerns about the impact of their choices on their family legacy. Her nuanced stance only fuels further speculation about the state of her friendship with Harry and Meghan.

While public opinion continues to fluctuate, the royal family remains largely silent on the matter. Palace insiders report a sense of unease among royal aides, who are concerned about the potential fallout from the ongoing feud. The absence of a public response from the royals allows speculation and rumor to flourish, giving the narrative a life of its own. Commentators wonder whether the royal family will eventually address the situation directly or continue their strategy of silence in hopes that the controversy will fade.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry grapples with the weight of public perception. In an exclusive interview with a prominent publication, he reflects on the challenges of navigating his dual identity as both a royal and a private citizen. Harry expresses his desire to honor his family’s legacy while also seeking to create a new narrative for himself and his family. His candid remarks resonate with many, highlighting the struggles of balancing duty with personal aspirations in an age where public figures are under constant scrutiny.

As the feud continues, the dynamics between the parties involved become increasingly complex. Oprah’s relationship with Harry and Meghan is tested by their respective choices, leaving room for misunderstandings and miscommunications. This tension is exacerbated by the media’s relentless pursuit of sensational stories, leading to a cycle of speculation and rumors that complicates the situation further.

In a surprising turn, Prince Harry makes a public appearance at a charity event where he addresses the ongoing controversy with candor and vulnerability. He acknowledges the difficulties of recent months and emphasizes his commitment to his family—both immediate and extended. Harry’s heartfelt remarks resonate with attendees and viewers, prompting many to reconsider their preconceived notions about his choices and motivations.

As the dust begins to settle, the narrative surrounding the feud takes on a new dimension. Public opinion starts to shift, with some viewers expressing empathy for Harry’s struggle to forge a path that honors both his heritage and his desire for independence. This newfound understanding highlights the complexities of modern celebrity culture and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crosshairs of public scrutiny.

In the aftermath of the feud, Oprah’s role as a mediator and supporter of Harry and Meghan becomes increasingly prominent. She uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of familial bonds, urging her audience to approach the situation with compassion and understanding. Oprah’s ability to navigate complex relationships while remaining a staunch advocate for her friends positions her as a pivotal figure in the ongoing narrative.

You’re not going to believe this one! It looks like King Charles has officially taken over Prince Harry’s former role as the royal family’s jokester at Christmas.

Remember when Harry used to be the life and soul of royal Christmas celebrations? Well, those days are long gone, my friends. Now, King Charles has stepped up to fill that void, and he’s doing it magnificently.

What’s fascinating about this situation is that it’s not just about the joke presents or the silly moments. It’s about how completely Harry has written himself out of his own family’s traditions. He’s gone from being the cherished younger son who brought laughter to Sandringham to becoming the absent relative no one misses anymore. Talk about a fall from grace!Let’s rewind for a moment and think about what Harry has actually given up here. This wasn’t just about exchanging gag gifts; it was his special role in the family. This was his thing. And now? He’s sitting in Montecito while his father, King Charles, brings the laughs at Christmas. If that’s not a metaphor for how far he’s fallen, I don’t know what is.

 

Now, let’s talk about timing. While Harry’s busy trying to convince the world he’s some sort of profound voice for mental health and whatever cause Meghan cares about this week, his father is actually connecting with the family and bringing joy to these precious moments. The contrast couldn’t be starker.

Think about it. King Charles, our monarch— the man carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders— is taking the time to pick out silly presents and make his family laugh. Meanwhile, Harry’s what? Making Netflix shows that nobody watches and writing books full of complaints? It really shows you where the true heart of the family lies.

What gets me is how perfectly this illustrates everything that’s gone wrong for Harry since he fell under Meghan’s influence. Here was a man who was beloved for his sense of humor, his ability to bring lightness to formal occasions, his knack for making everyone—including his late grandmother, the Queen— laugh with his cheeky presents. And what has he done? Thrown it all away for a life of complaints in California.

Remember that shower cap he gave the Queen with “Ain’t Life a Crap” written on it? That was classic Harry—the Harry we all knew and loved. The Harry who understood his role in the family perfectly. He could get away with giving the monarch something like that because everyone knew it came from a place of love and respect. Now? Look at him. Writing books accusing that same family of all sorts of horrible things.

And let’s talk about Katherine’s legendary “Grow Your Own Girlfriend” gift to Harry before Meghan came along. Wasn’t that just perfect? The family could joke about these things, tease each other, and have fun. But now? Everything’s an offense, everything’s a slight, and everything’s material for the next Netflix documentary or tell-all interview.

The thing that really strikes me about this whole situation is how King Charles has risen to the occasion. Here’s a man who’s dealing with being the new monarch, managing a challenging transition period, and facing health issues, and yet he still makes time to maintain these precious family traditions. That’s what real leadership looks like. That’s what real family values look like.

Meanwhile, where’s Harry? Sitting in his Montecito mansion, probably planning his next attack on the institution that gave him everything. The contrast between father and son couldn’t be more stark. One is stepping up, taking on new roles, bringing joy to family gatherings, while the other… Well, what exactly is Harry doing these days besides complaining?

What’s particularly poignant about all this is that the Christmas Eve gift exchange tradition dates back to Queen Victoria. It’s such a beautiful piece of royal history, this Germanic tradition that’s become so thoroughly British. And Harry? He’s just walked away from it. He’s walked away from centuries of tradition, from his place in this historic institution, all for what? To be Meghan’s puppet in California.

The timing of Princess Anne being described as the “naughty auntie” is just perfect too, isn’t it? While Harry’s off trying to reinvent himself as some kind of global humanitarian, his aunt just gets on with it, bringing her own brand of humor to family gatherings while never forgetting her duty. She’s always been the no-nonsense royal who gets the job done. And now, she’s helping keep family traditions alive while her nephew throws tantrums from across the pond.

Let’s talk about what this Christmas gift exchange really represents. It’s not just about the presents. It’s about family bonds, about letting your guard down, and about being able to laugh together, even when you carry the weight of the crown. King Charles understands this, and stepping into Harry’s former role shows just how well he gets it. He knows these moments matter.

And what must William and Catherine think about all this? They’re watching the King embrace this playful role while maintaining all the dignity of his position. Meanwhile, their children are growing up experiencing these precious family traditions, understanding the balance between duty and joy that Harry seems to have completely forgotten.

You know what really gets me? The fact that Harry’s children will never know these traditions. They’ll never experience the magic of Christmas Eve at Sandringham. They’ll never know the joy of watching the entire royal family collapse into giggles over silly presents, all because their parents decided that Hollywood fame was more important than family bonds.

And let’s talk about the White Drawing Room at Sandringham. What a setting for these family moments! It’s absolutely beautiful, steeped in history, and the perfect backdrop for these precious traditions. But Harry? He chose to exchange all of that for what? A California mansion and a Netflix deal that’s producing nothing but flops.

The royal butler, Grant Harrold, commented about this being a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria. That’s what makes all of this so much more significant. This isn’t just some casual family custom; it’s part of the fabric of royal life. Harry hasn’t just walked away from his family; he’s walked away from his heritage, from centuries of tradition. And while King Charles is making everyone laugh at Sandringham, what’s Harry doing? Probably sitting in his Montecito mansion watching his wife plan their next publicity stunt.

The man who once gave the Queen that hilarious shower cap is now reduced to being a footnote in Hollywood, desperately trying to stay relevant while his family moves on without him. You know what’s really telling? The fact that no one seems to be missing Harry’s presence at these gatherings anymore. The family has adapted and found new ways to keep traditions alive, and honestly, it seems like they’re doing just fine without him.

King Charles stepping into that jokester role isn’t just about maintaining tradition. It’s about healing, about moving forward. And let’s talk about timing for a moment. While Harry’s out there trying to convince the world that the royal family is some kind of cold, unfeeling institution, here they are, exchanging silly presents, laughing together, and maintaining these wonderfully human traditions. It really shows you who’s telling the truth here, doesn’t it?

Think about what Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are experiencing now. They’re growing up with these wonderful Christmas traditions, watching their grandfather, the King, make everyone laugh with silly presents. Meanwhile, their cousins Archie and Lilibet, if they even exist, are missing out on all this rich family history.

Gail Platt has left Coronation Street after 50 years and actress Helen Worth has broken her silence after the emotional exit

Coronation Street has officially said goodbye to Gail Platt/Rodwell after 50 years – and ITV viewers are divided.

Helen Worth exited the soap in an emotional Christmas Day episode that saw Gail finally get her happy ending, as she married Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson) and said goodbye to her family and friends.

After she had a nightmare in which her late serial killer ex-husband Richard Hillman tried to stop her marrying Jesse, Gail decided she wanted nothing more than to be Mrs Chadwick and to swap Weatherfield for a new life in France.

But Gail’s happily ever after left a few viewers wanting another chapter. “@itvcorrie pretty poor show today,” one soap fan fumed on Twitter (X) today. “Felt like Gail was a background character in her own exit storyline. Pairing her off with that a gormless extra she shared no chemistry with was a disgrace to a character of 50 years #corrie.”

Gail finally got her happy ending and bid farewell to Coronation Street

“They’ve messed up this Gail exit storyline so bad…Helen Worth is “worth” so much more after 50 years… #corrie @itvcorrie,” another raged, with a third adding: “Watching Gail’s last episode of Corrie and it was a joke minus Richard Hillmans cameo. It was the equivalent of leaving a Job and them not bothering getting you a gift. Surely it needs revamped? #Coronationstreet #Corrie.”

However, some looked Gail’s farewell and felt it was a fitting end for the much-loved soap legend. “A brilliant Christmas episode of #Corrie tonight,” one penned. “A really good mix of comedy, Drama Catfight and emotion. Goodbye Gail and a huge congratulations to Helen Worth on 50 years of Coronation Street.”

The episode was available to view on ITVX from 7am this morning before being shown like at 7pm on ITV1. One viewer who opted to watch early told their followers on Twitter this morning: “Watched todays episode of #Corrie and you will need tissues as its Gail’s final episode. Helen Worth has been incredible to watch as Gail Platt.”

Helen thanked viewers for “coming on the journey with me” as she said farewell to her Coronation Street character Gail after 50 years on the cobbles. The tears from her on-screen family were real as she was driven away down the cobbles, ITV said. In a pre-recorded message, which showed the actress sitting in her family living room on set, the 73-year-old said: “Hello, all of you. It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to say, ‘ta ta!’.

“It’s been a fabulous 50 years, and I just wanted to thank all of you, some of you who may have been watching for 50 years. Is there anybody? And those of you who’ve been watching for a few years. Thank you. Thanks for coming on the journey with me. I‘ve had a wonderful time. I’ve loved it all.

“All the stories, and of course, working with the wonderful Platts, which, for me, is what it’s all about. And there’ll be more Platt stories, and I hope you’ll be watching. Lots of love and thanks from me. Bye.” It marks the end of half a century of playing the much-loved – and often married – Gail.

Tricky Ricky made a cameo during Gail’s final episodes
Gail married her first husband Brian Tilsley, played by Christopher Quinten, in 1979 and they welcomed their first child, a son Nick, in 1980. But their lives together became strained, with Gail divorcing him after having an affair with Brian’s cousin Ian Latimer. They later remarried when their daughter Sarah was born in 1987, but just a year later Brian was stabbed to death by a group of teenagers outside a nightclub.

Following Brian’s death, Gail found herself in a relationship with Martin Platt, portrayed by Sean Wilson, who was 10 years her junior. They welcomed their son David in 1990 and married the following year before moving into the famous No 8 house with their children. After a decade together, the marriage fell apart in 2000 when Martin confessed to having an affair with Rebecca Hopkins, with the couple divorcing a year later.

During the summer, Helen’s exit storyline was thrown into uncertainty after Sean returned to the show briefly but later left for “personal reasons”. The actor, who had starred in the soap for more than two decades, later claimed he was axed when a historic assault allegation emerged – which he denies.

Meanwhile, Gail’s next marriage turned out to be her most tumultuous as husband Richard Hillman – played by Brian Capron – was a con artist and serial killer. After confessing his crimes to Gail, he attempted to murder Gail and her children by tying them up in the family car and driving them into the canal.

The Platts were rescued from the water but Richard drowned, bringing his homicidal days to an end in 2003. Gail waited a while before diving into another marriage but she found herself in a secret relationship with Joe McIntyre, the father of Tina, who was dating Gail’s son David.

Their relationship was discovered and the couple married in 2010 after Joe, played by Reece Dinsdale, sought help for his painkiller addiction issues. Their relationship also came to a dramatic end after Joe tried to fake his death to claim life insurance money, but drowned in the process.

Michael Rodwell ( Les Dennis ) was Gail’s fifth husband – they first met when he attempted to burgle her house. They married in 2015, but split after a dispute over Michael’s son. Not long after, Michael died from a heart attack in 2016.

Having joined the cobbles in July 1974, Helen’s character has been a prominent figure in a number of explosive storylines gripping the soap over the years, with her ill-fated love life coming to define the character. In 2014, ITV honoured the long-serving actress with a documentary celebrating her 40 years on the soap with a one-off special titled Gail & Me.

Sheriff of the Hamilton County police department in Tennessee expressed his fury over a deputy of his who was arrested last week for allegedly soliciting and ‘sexually exploiting’ a 13-year-old girl.

The pre-teen’s father apparently discovered text messages between the victim and 25-year-old Johnathan Allen, a corrections deputy who graduated from a “basic law enforcement academy” just last month. The messages were ‘sexual in nature.’

Sheriff Austin Garrett said in a Dec. 5 statement: “I am furious over the alleged actions … and the disgusting nature of these charges. The HCSO holds our personnel to the highest of standards and this type of alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”

Deputy Johnathan Allen is now on leave pending a disciplinary hearing
Allen has been placed on Administrative Leave pending a pre-disciplinary hearing, which will be held immediately per Civil Service rules. According to the sheriff’s department, an HCSO internal affairs investigation has also been initiated in addition to the ongoing criminal investigation.

Police charged Allen with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of criminal solicitation of a minor.

According to NBC affiliate WRCB, Allen met the girl on Reddit, telling her his name was ‘Josh.’ After a short conversation, he asked for her number and began texting back and forth with her. Police said they aren’t sure if he was planning to meet up with the teen. He did, however, ask for photos and videos of the minor.

The messages showed that they had spoken and at some point the girl questioned Allen’s age, as his ‘voice sounded mature.’ But he told the girl that he had just ‘gone through puberty.’

Police first received the report at the York County Sheriff’s Office, eventually tracing it back to Allen in Tennessee. Officers got an arrest warrant from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and searched Allen’s electronic devices on Thursday, December 5.

Another big case was opened in Pennsylvania last week when a Cumberland County pastor came under investigation for allegedly paying for sex acts after he visited a massage parlor in Pennsylvania that was recently shut down after it was accused of trafficking humans.

Stephen R. Melton was charged with at least two offenses after police claimed that the pastor paid for the sexual acts at least 68 times.

According to the Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Melton has been a priest since October 31, 2022. The investigation began when two massage parlors in Carlisle — Li’s Asian Massage and GL Massage — were shut down as a part of a nationwide crackdown in combatting human trafficking, reported Penn Live.

Colin Jost didn’t expect a joke on the Weekend Update portion of Saturday Night Live to get the reaction it did.

The comedian started the segment, which he hosts alongside Michael Che, with a joke about the suspected killer of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Luigi Mangione. Brian Thompson was gunned down in New York City leading to a manhunt for the killer, which ended up with Luigi being arrested in a McDonalds in Pennsylvania.

All Colin had to do was mutter the words “Luigi Mangione” before he was cut off by cheers in the crowd. The excitement lasted a few seconds as Colin stared at the audience in shock and darted his eyes around awkwardly.

All Colin had to do was mutter the words “Luigi Mangione” before he was cut off by cheers in the crowd. The excitement lasted a few seconds as Colin stared at the audience in shock and darted his eyes around awkwardly.

“I love the cheers when Colin said Luigi’s name. The audience understood the assignment,” another said. Meanwhile, others didn’t react as positively to it.

One user penned: “SNL Weekend Update mentioning Luigi Mangione and the whole audience screaming with applause. Weird and unsettling.”

Luigi is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York, the main federal prison in the state. Also being held there as he awaits trial is Sean “Diddy” Combs, as previously mentioned in Michael’s joke.

But being in the same prison isn’t the only similarity between Diddy and Luigi, their attorneys are married to each other as well.

Gavin and Stacey fans were stunned to see Ruth Jones’s character Nessa seemingly flouting BBC rules for a scene in the last ever episode of the long-running sitcom

Gavin and Stacey fans were left howling over a visual joke that showed Ruth Jones’s character Nessa smoking and vaping at the same time.

Christmas Day saw the long-running BBC sitcom reach a conclusion – ending 14 years of laughs and tears. The last ever episode revealed that James Cordon’s Smithy had failed to accept Nessa’s proposal from the 2019 Christmas special and he was instead set to marry his girlfriend Sonia, played by Laura Aikman.

The last ever episode began with Smithy preparing to celebrate his stag do before he went down the aisle to swap vows with Sonia. The celebration brought all the main characters together for a knees – but Nessa struggled with her emotions as the countdown to the wedding progressed.

Scenes showed her smoking both a cigarette and a vape as she processed her stress outside. And the scene drew attention from TV fans – who are aware that the BBC is generally against showing smoking on screens. Many took to X to share their shock, surprise, and amusement over the scene.

The last ever episode delighted fans on Christmas Day ( 
Image:
BBC)

One fan wrote: “Gavin and Stacey fans were stunned Not me wondering if they’d sensor Nessa’s smoking in the big old year of 2024, only for them to have her swinging between a vape AND a cigarette #GavinAndStacey.” Another typed: “PLEASE Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time she’s literally just a girl #GavinAndStacey.”

Another laughed: “Nessa was always going to be smoking a cig and vape at the same time #GavinAndStacey.” While another fan remarked that they felt Ruth’s character had become iconic for her behaviour. One wrote: “Nessa vaping and smoking at the same time. my queen forever. #GavinAndStacey.”

Elsewhere in the episode, fans were also shocked to see John Lewis heavily featured in opening scenes. Traditionally, BBC shows do not heavily feature brands due to strict rules about product placement. The scenes showed Smithy racing through a store in order to find his fiancée, Sonia. One fan wrote on X: “Lot of talk about John Lewis wedding list plug on #gavinandstaceythefinale. There was a time when beeb would have imploded. In fairness some good lines in the big festive watch.”

Nessa and Smithy finally made it down the aisle
While another fan seemed desperate to know which branch of the department store was featured. The fan asked: “Folks, where is that John Lewis?I think it’s Chelmsford? #GavinAndStacey” only for a fellow X user to declare: “That was Cardiff JL.”

Fans were devastated when the final episode began to show Smithy was planning to continue to marry Sonia instead of nessa. Fans stormed X with comments, with one writing: “Everyone watching Gavin & Stacey now knowing smithy did not say yes to nessa. #GavinAndStacey.” Another typed: “Nooooo #GavinAndStacey #Gavin&Stacey.” And a further fan wailed: “Gavin and Stacey ruined , why arnt nessa and smithy together?”

Towards the end of the episode, fans were stunned and delighted to see Pam Ferris and Sheridan Smith return to the series – reprising their roles as Cath Smith and Ruth ‘Rudi’ Smith respectively. The characters returned to watch Smithy walk down the aisle on his wedding day – with many feeling the cameos stole the show.

Fans loved seeing Smithy’s sister return for his wedding ( 
Image:
BBC)Viewers were delighted to see Sheridan looking radiant in her role. One fan wrote on X: “They even got Sheridan Smith back, this is perfect, I’m so happy #GavinAndStacey.” And another typed: “The best thing so far about Gavin & Stacey is that Sheridan Smith got the appearance in the finale she deserved! So happy to see her!!” While another fans commented that Sheridan owed her success to the show, commenting: “Sheridan Smith blew up not long after #GavinAndStacey aired for the first time.”

While others were just as excited to see Pam – who famously played Miss Agatha Trunchbull in the 1996 film Matilda. One fan wrote on X: “PAM FERRIS! Now we’re talking #GavinAndStacey.” And another wrote: “The ICON that is Pam Ferris!! Soo glad they brought her back #GavinAndStacey.”

The man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, according to a prosecutor at his arraignment on murder charges on Tuesday.

Prosecutors today alleged that the suspect, Sebastian Zapeta, 33, approached the woman, who may have been sleeping on the train, and set her clothing on fire with a lighter.

Zapeta then fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her in fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg stated in court on Tuesday.

After the attack, Zapeta reportedly sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched, Rottenberg added. The victim’s identification is still pending.

Sebastian Zapeta, 2nd left, accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train, appears in court ( 
Image:
Unknown)
Zapeta faces two counts of murder, accusing him of intentionally killing the woman and killing her while committing arson. He also faces one count of arson.

The top charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the attack as a “gruesome and senseless act of violence” and vowed it would be “met with the most serious consequences.”

The seemingly random attack took place Sunday morning on an F train stopped at the Coney Island station.

According to Rottenberg, Zapeta told detectives that he didn’t know what happened but identified himself in images of the attack. Zapeta’s lawyer, public defender Andrew Friedman, did not speak to reporters after the arraignment.

A message seeking comment was left for him. Video on social media appears to show some people looking on from the platform and at least one police officer walking by while the woman is on fire inside the train.

NYPD Transit Chief Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers.”

Officers on patrol on that station’s upper level smelled and saw smoke and went to investigate. What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

They eventually put the fire out, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Tisch said, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after teenagers recognized him from images circulated by the police.

A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Federal immigration officials said Zapeta was deported in 2018 but later reentered the U.S. illegally.

The crime has fed into a growing sense of unease among New Yorkers regarding subway safety, further stirred by the chilling video circulating on social media. “It creeped me out real bad,” Deandre Nelson, 22, admitted after witnessing the attack.

While that’s the sentiment for some, others haven’t let it disrupt their daily commutes. “I don’t think it gave me pause,” said Collin Burroughs, 24, “I think it mostly just made me sad.”

Despite unsettling incidents, statistics show major felonies in the transit system have actually seen a 6% decrease from January to November compared to previous year figures, as per data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

However, there’s been a rise in more severe crimes, with homicides increasing to nine this year through November, up from five over the same span last year. High-profile events have also shaken public confidence, such as a September incident when police accidentally shot two bystanders and an officer while responding to a man wielding a knife at a station.

Earlier this month, attention was captured when a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny, an ex-Marine, involved in the fatal chokehold of an erratic subway commuter, sparking debates concerning safety, homelessness, and mental health within the subway system. Policing New York’s subway presents unique challenges due to its immense scale, incorporating trains running through 472 stations with countless entry points, spanning multiple floors and platforms.

Multiple people have been injured, including a child, after a taxi plowed into several pedestrians in New York City’s bustling Herald Square.

The horror unfolded at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, right outside the iconic multistory Macy’s department store.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the crash was intentional or a simple accident nor how many people were hit, just that several people were taken to local hospitals, all in stable condition.

5-year-old boy sole survivor of horror crash that killed father and grandparents
Texas daycare teacher killed and five children injured as vehicle crashes into school at holiday pickup

Herald Square is a busy hub that features many stores, including the iconic multistory Macy’s
Dean Moses, a reporter for AMNewYork, a local free newspaper, shot videos of the scene, which show first responders gathered around a taxi with its hood popped.

Reports from the Citizen app, which allows residents to report what they witness in real time, indicate that six people, including a child, were injured, which Moses confirmed with local first responders.

The severity of those injuries is yet in question, however — one Citizen report indicates that three sustained minor injuries while three others were seriously hurt. None of the injuries were described as life-threatening, however.

Those injuries were later confirmed by the police, who told ABC7 New York that one individual was taken to Bellevue Hospital and two to Cornell in serious condition. Those taken to Cornell were a 9-year-old boy and 41-year-old woman, presumably a mother-son duo, while a 49-year-old woman was taken to Bellevue.

The other three people injured — the ones not taken to the two aforementioned hospitals — were described as stable. They are ages 19, 37 and 49.

Moses reported that the taxi jumped a curb, which is when it struck the individuals who were injured. The crash happened just after 4 p.m. The police confirmed to CBS News that the taxi jumped the curb.

The police confirmed to ABC7 New York that the driver experienced a medical episode, which caused him to veer off the road. Not much is known beyond that, just that he is a 58-year-old man.

A heavy police presence following the incident led to road closures and severe traffic delays, including for some public transportation modes, including buses. Subway lines didn’t appear to be delayed as a result of the Herald Square incident.

Herald Square attracts thousands of people daily for its shopping, including at the massive Macy’s, which often sees Christmas Day influxes of customers.

A teenager has been charged with murdering his 17-year-old brother and blasting his father in the head.

Jarrell Lariscy Jr., 15, allegedly took the life of Johnny Lariscy and wounded Jarrell Lariscy Sr., 35, with a shotgun just outside their home in the Nevils area of Bulloch County, Georgia. The tragedy unfolded at around 10.50am on Saturday when police responded to reports of a shooting near the Waters Cemetery Road/Highway 46 area, according to WSAV.com.

Johnny sadly died after he was brought to a hospital in nearby Statesboro. But Jarrell Sr survived the harrowing incident and is being treated in Memorial Hospital in Savannah. A GoFundMe page set up for the dad revealed he had suffered ‘a gunshot wound to the head’.

Boy, 7, undergoes open heart surgery after being hit by falling drone at Orlando Christmas light show
Luigi Mangione’s sparks major comparison to Menendez Brothers in court appearance

Jarrell Lariscy Sr, 35, suffered gun shot wounds to the head in the incident where Johnny Lariscy, 17 sadly died ( 
Image:
Gofundme)
Police told reporters at a press conference that both victims had been hit with ‘pellets from a shotgun’, according to Statesboro Herald. Speaking about the case Captain Todd Hutchens, from The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, said: “Basically, the 15-year-old shot his brother and shot his father, just in this unfortunate circumstance.”

Police said Jarrell Jr. was arrested at the scene and has subsequently been charged with one count each of felony murder and malice murder, two counts of aggravated assault and four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Authorities have confirmed that under Georgia’s “Seven Deadly Sins” law, Lairscy Jr. will face charges as an adult. This law permits the prosecution of juveniles as adults for specific violent offenses, such as murder and aggravated assault.

Speaking at the press conference Captain Hutchens said, according to Statesboro Herald: “We want to be very compassionate to this family. We want to extend our condolences to this family. It’s an unfortunate situation and circumstance, and we just want to extend out our prayers to them, as they have to deal with this situation, not only just to themselves, but also here during the holiday season.”

Johnny, who sadly died, was described as a ‘typical southern teenager’ ( 
Image:
Gofundme)
The GoFundMe page that was set up for Jarrell Sr. by a family friend to help with his medical bills revealed he works at a towing company and owns his own lawn care business. A description on the page, which has so far raised over $4,000, reads: “Jarrell Lariscy (Jay) has a very long road ahead of him. He is in Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head. He is being monitored at memorial hospital at this time. He has also experienced the tragic loss of his 17-year-old son Johnny.

“Jarrell (Jay) is an upstanding guy and an important part of the Nevils Community. Over the weekend he unfortunately experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Jarrell (Jay) and his 17-year-old son Johnny were involved in a shooting that tragically took Johnnies life.”

The donation page also has a touching tribute to Johnny, who was described as a ‘typical southern teenager’. It goes on: “He loved to fish, hunt, and ride four wheelers. He was always willing to help anyone and everyone just like his dad. They were inseparable always doing things together all while a father taught his son the ins and outs of life. I can’t imagine what my friend is experiencing as I am a father myself, no father should ever have to bury his son. I pray for him and his family as they go through these difficult times in the coming weeks.”