Blog

An American citizen has been sentenced to prison in Russia for “espionage”.

Gene Spektor, a businessman who was born and raised in Russia before moving to the US and becoming a citizen, was already serving a prison sentence on a bribery conviction when he was arrested on an espionage charge last year.

RIA Novosti reports Moscow City Court has now sentenced him to 15 years behind bars. Giving the verdict, the judge said: “To sentence Spektor to 13 years’ imprisonment… together (with the previous sentence) to finally sentence him to 15 years’ imprisonment in a maximum security penal colony.”

The court also upheld a fine of 14million rubles (£111,000) from the previous verdict. All of the hearings, apart from the verdict, were held behind closed doors.

Moscow City Court (file) ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

In 2021, Spektor pleaded guilty to mediating a bribe for an aide to a Russian deputy prime minister while he was chairman of the board of the Medpolimerprom group of companies in Russia. Spektor was accused of mediating a bribe in the form of two holiday packages to Thailand and the Dominican Republic worth 4million rubles (£32,000) in 2015 and 2016

He was initially sentenced to four years in prison, but was retried on a technicality and received a new sentence of three-and-a-half years behind bars in September 2022.

Spektor was bon in Leningrad. He is reportedly married to a Russian woman and had lived in St Petersburg for five years prior to his initial arrest.

RIA Novosti previously reported he had complained to a human rights activist about being held in cold conditions at a pre-trial detention centre following his arrest. But Alexey Melnikov, executive secretary of the public monitoring commission of Moscow, refuted this at the time.

He said: “He has board games, a TV, a refrigerator, a kettle. He prefers financial literature and books about new technologies.”

Spektor told his lawyer that he considered his arrest politically motivated and illegal.

A man dressed in military uniform with a ginger beard and smile on his face stood out to royal family fans as he arrived at the Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol concert.

Many viewers would be forgiven for thinking Prince William and Prince Harry reunited for the occasion at Westminster Abbey. Kate hosted the festive event earlier this month and invited 1,600 people to the celebration. Her annual Together At Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey followed her difficult year of health battles and preventative chemotherapy treatment.

She was joined by her husband Prince William as well as their three children – George, Charlotte and Louis. The Princess has been slowly returning to royal duties and made sure to carry on her Christmas tradition. Ahead of the concert airing on TV, a trailer showed a doppelganger of Prince Harry.

The man, who was dressed in a RAF ceremonial uniform of the British Army, looked uncannily like the Prince as he appeared 35 seconds into the clip. However, it wasn’t the real Prince Harry as he has chosen to spend the festive period in California with wife Meghan Markle and their two children – Archie and Lilibet.

King Charles has reportedly shared his sad wish about not seeing his grandchildren over Christmas. He has only seen Archie in person a handful of times and Lilibet just once after she was born. A source recently told the Mirror US: “King Charles has expressed his wishes to see his grandchildren – and there’s no better time than the festive period to bring families together.

The lookalike confused some viewers

Prince Harry is spending Christmas in California ( 
Image:
AFP/Getty Images)
“There is no feeling like being a grandparent and it is a role King Charles relishes. It is his hope for his family to be reunited and there’s no better way than spending quality time with his grandchildren at Christmas. It would be truly special. There’s nothing King Charles wants more than to see see his family united, and for his sons to put the past behind them and move forward. These are his twilight years and he wants to enjoy them with his grandchildren making special memories.”

Ahead of the concert airing on TV, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a new clip from the evening. Kate also included a personal message from herself as she said: “Across the United Kingdom, there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. This carol service is a heartfelt celebration of everyone of you and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.”

Alongside the video, the post read: “Join us on @ITVand @ITVX for the Together at Christmas Carol Service at 7.30pm this evening. This service reflects upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this year’s celebrations.”

Kensington Palace said Kate wanted the theme of this year’s carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy.

Among the nation’s favourite Christmas films are classics such as Home Alone, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and A Christmas Carol – but it would seem that Queen Elizabeth’s favourite festive flick was far from traditional.

It was revealed by one of the lead actors himself that the monarch used to sit down every year with her grandchildren to watch the film. You may have assumed that the late Queen’s Christmas movie of choice would have been something incredibly traditional, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. And while the monarch had an unconventional favourite, her grandson, Prince William, has a soft spot for a Christmas classic.

According to a very well-placed source, the late Queen’s favourite festive film was… Flash Gordon. And while the movie wouldn’t typically fall into the category of Christmas films that the nation return to year in, year out, the Prince of Wales’ choice is far more traditional.

The 1980s sci-fi adventure film which stars Sam Jones and Brian Blessed is about football player Flash and his friends who travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting against Ming the Merciless to save Earth.

The Queen’s favourite was certainly an unconventional choice ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The surprising revelation came directly from 88-year-old Brian Blessed who took on the role of Prince Vultan in the movie. Speaking a few years ago, Blessed said: “The Queen, it’s her favourite film, she watches it with her grandchildren every Christmas.”

He then added, impersonating the late monarch, saying: “You know, we watch Flash Gordon all the time, me and the grandchildren. And if you don’t mind, I’ve got the grandchildren here, would you mind saying ‘Gordon’s alive’?”

Unlike his grandmother, Prince William’s top Christmas movie is the 2003 hit Elf starring Will Ferrell.

During a Christmas interview with young children for the Royal Marsden Hospital radio station, William revealed: “I would have to say, probably Elf. It’s very funny and I keep watching it every Christmas and it still makes me laugh.”

Elsewhere in the interview, the Prince – who has been the President of The Royal Marsden since 2007 – was asked what his favourite Christmas song is.

Speaking to host Barry Alston, Prince William said: “For this particular chat with you Barry, I’m gonna say ‘Feliz Navidad’ is my favourite Christmas song because it’s a bit different. I could say Mariah Carey, who I love dearly as well. That’s a good one and obviously there are many others, but I think I’ll probably go with ‘Feliz Navidad.’ It’s a bit more jolly.”

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.”