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Andi Oliver says MasterChef host’s ‘antics’ were an ‘open secret’ and real change needs to be implemented

Andi Oliver says she isn’t interested in ‘thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter’ Credit: Getty Images/Jim Dyson

The outrage over the Gregg Wallace sexual misconduct allegations was “fake”, Andi Oliver, a TV chef, said.

Oliver, host of the BBC’s Great British Menu, claimed there are “tonnes of others who go around behaving badly” in the industry.

Last month it emerged that Wallace is to step away from MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by Banijay UK, the show’s producer.

Oliver told the Guardian she was “not surprised” by the allegations being made about Wallace, which include making “inappropriate sexual jokes” and sexual harassment.

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Wallace’s lawyers previously told the BBC “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”.

Oliver added: “There’s a certain culture that allows it to happen. Somebody should have nipped that s–t in the bud a long time ago. It’s not like nobody knew it was happening. I heard stuff. Everyone did. And there are tonnes of others who go around behaving badly.”

Oliver, who was first a judge and later became the host of Great British Menu, added: “But culture will only change if we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change.

“Thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter doesn’t interest me.

“What does is whether we remember this in six months, or will there be more fake shock and outrage when it happens all over again with the next person whose antics were an open secret?”

Gregg Wallace has stepped down from presenting MasterChef while sexual misconduct allegations are investigated  Credit: Getty Images/David M. Benett

Oliver revealed people have been asking her if she is going to join the MasterChef team to which she replied: “I can’t talk about that.”

It was announced earlier this month that restaurant critic Grace Dent will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.

Author and podcaster Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.

BBC bosses previously said the corporation will not “tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect” and will continue to champion “a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful”.

A memo sent to staff by Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, and Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, said the corporation would be supporting MasterChef producer Banijay UK in its investigation.

Earlier this month, Banijay UK said in a statement: “It is important to note that MasterChef welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols to support both crew and contributors.

“These include multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. HR contact details are promoted and contributors are assigned a point of contact on set available to discuss any issues or concerns.”

Gavin and Stacey supporting artiste Scott McGlynn has revealed details of a deleted scene that didn’t make the final cut of the Christmas Day finale episode

Gavin and Stacey extra Scott McGlynn has detailed a scene that didn’t make the final cut in the show’s finale.

The long-awaited last-ever episode aired on Christmas Day with fans breaking viewership records as they flocked to see the final instalment of the hit BBC comedy series. The actor featured in the special as part of James Corden’s character Smithy’s stag do and has been busy sharing a series of behind-the-scenes insights with his followers in recent days.

Now he has revealed details of a deleted scene between Dawn and Chinese Alan that ended up not being featured in the finale. He said: “Alright guys so I’ve got another little insight for you here and this happened at the wedding between Dawn and Chinese which did not make the final cut and I’m gonna tell you what happened because I was right there, right behind them and I saw it all happen.”

The supporting artiste has been revealing behind-the-scenes secrets ( 
Image:
TikTok/scottmcglynnofficial)

Scott is seen in several Gavin and Stacey scenes
Scott then explained the scene adding: “I watched it again and I thought where is this scene? It didn’t make it. But this is what happened. When Dawn and Peter arrive they go in and sit down. The boys then sit down just after them, then Chinese whispered into Dawn’s ear and said: ‘Did someone order a Chinese?’ and then she just went ‘F off.’

“The amazing Julia Davis who plays Dawn there, she is amazing, so sweet, smiling and waving. I don’t know why that did not make the final cut because I thought it was so funny. I was behind laughing, and don’t forget they do so many takes so I was behind watching it and every time I was laughing just behind Chinese and it was so funny I wish they kept it in honestly.”

Scott then concluded his video saying: “But, that was a deleted scene that no one would have known about unless you were there. That’s a little insight on Gavin and Stacey for you. More coming soon.” He then captioned the video writing: “Gavin and Stacey a scene that didn’t make the final cut, by me (smithy’s stag). If you have any questions comment below.”

Scott, 37, featured in various scenes over the course of the 90 minute last ever episode – including helping show creator James’ character Smithy, celebrate his stag do. He was directed by co-creator Ruth Jones, who also plays Nessa, and seemingly found the need to keep the secrets of the last ever episode a challenge.

Fans of the long-running BBC sitcom, which has been on the air since 2007, watched the last ever episode on Christmas Day and were left overjoyed when Nessa and Smithy finally acknowledged their love for each other and decided to get married.

Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton had a falling out prior to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding, with various claims made after the disagreement became public. Prince Harry gave his account of the incident in his bestselling memoir, Spare.

Tabloid reports suggested that Meghan allegedly made Kate cry over a dispute about Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress before the Sussexes’ wedding. However, during their landmark interview with Oprah Winfrey in early 2021, Meghan claimed that “the reverse happened”, and it was actually Kate who made her cry before the wedding.

In Spare, Harry wrote that Kate contacted Meghan four days before the wedding to say the dresses needed to be remade. He explained that Meghan couldn’t respond to Kate’s text immediately due to the numerous wedding-related texts and the “chaos” surrounding her father, Thomas Markle, who had to undergo heart surgery before the big day.

Princess Kate and Meghan Markle were embroiled in an upset over bridesmaids dresses ( 
Image:
Getty)
According to Harry, Kate complained that Charlotte’s dress was “too big, too long, too baggy” and that Charlotte “cried when she tried it on [at] home”.

Meghan reportedly clashed with Kate over bridesmaid dresses, as revealed in Prince Harry’s memoir. Meghan is said to have insisted that Princess Charlotte’s dress could be altered by the tailor, Ajay Mirpui, who was on standby at Kensington Palace, texting Kate: “Can you take Charlotte to have it altered, as the other mums are doing?” Kate’s alleged response was: “No, all the dresses need to be remade.”, reports the Express. The Duke explained:”So the next morning she (Meghan) texted Kate that our tailor was standing by. That wasn’t sufficient.”

Princess Charlotte’s dress was too big and too baggy ( 
Image:
Getty)
When Meghan questioned if Kate understood the stress she was under with her father’s situation, Kate acknowledged she did, but highlighted the wedding was in just four days from then.

Meghan’s purported retort was: “Yes, Kate, I know.”

She then urged Kate to visit the tailor, saying: “I’m not sure what else to say. If the dress doesn’t fit then please take Charlotte to see Ajay. He’s been waiting all day”. Kate’s reported answer was a simple: “Fine.”

Princess Kate apologised, according to Prince Harry’s account ( 
Image:
Getty)
The Duke of Sussex describes returning home to find Meghan distraught and even “sobbing on the floor”. Later, Kate extended an olive branch with flowers and an apology card for the supposed misunderstanding. Harry reflects on the high tensions, noting: “Emotions were running high, of course, after the stress of the last week, the last month, the last day. It was intolerable – but temporary. Kate hadn’t meant any harm, I told her.”

Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have remained silent on the allegations made by the Sussexes in the book Spare, their interviews, and the Netflix series Harry & Meghan.

In a world where the intersection of celebrity and philanthropy often garners intense scrutiny, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have found themselves at the center of a controversy that has sent shockwaves through both media and public opinion.

The recent IRS leak, which has exposed what many are calling a fraudulent scheme involving their charitable organization, has raised serious questions about the integrity of their philanthropic efforts. This revelation has not only tarnished their public image but has also ignited a fiery debate about the responsibilities of public figures in managing charitable endeavors.The tale begins with the formation of the couple’s charity, which was heralded as a beacon of hope and generosity aimed at making a significant impact on social issues ranging from mental health to gender equality.

 

In the wake of their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry positioned themselves as champions of change, leveraging their fame to attract funding and support for their causes. However, as the IRS documents reveal, the reality behind their operations paints a starkly different picture. The leaked information suggests that a substantial portion of the funds raised may have been misallocated, diverted from their intended purposes, and potentially misrepresented to donors.

As we delve into the timeline of events leading up to the leak, we explore the couple’s high-profile public engagements and the criticism they faced for their lavish lifestyle. Every aspect paints a portrait of two individuals caught in a web of contradictions. Their commitment to charity has been overshadowed by allegations of self-serving behavior, raising the question: Can one truly champion the cause of the underprivileged while living a life of luxury?

The implications of the IRS leak extend far beyond the couple themselves. Various charities and nonprofit organizations are now grappling with the fallout as public trust in philanthropy wavers.

Donors are left questioning the transparency and accountability of the organizations they support, leading to a broader discourse on the role of celebrities in philanthropy and the ethical considerations that accompany it. This scandal serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for reforms within the charitable sector to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and ethically.

The media coverage surrounding this story has been relentless, with tabloids and news outlets dissecting every detail and speculating on the future of the couple’s charitable endeavors. How will Meghan and Harry respond to these allegations? Will they be able to salvage their reputation, or has this scandal irreparably damaged their standing in the public eye?

The timeline of events leading to the IRS leak surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s charity is a complex narrative intertwining their personal lives, public engagements, and the evolution of their philanthropic efforts.

This saga begins in early 2020, shortly after the couple’s highly publicized exit from royal duties—a decision branded as “Megxit.” This marked a significant turning point not only for their personal lives but also for their professional trajectories as they sought to redefine their roles outside the constraints of the monarchy.

In the months that followed, Meghan and Harry launched their charity, Archewell, an initiative aimed at addressing various social issues, including mental health awareness, gender equality, and community support.

The announcement was met with a flurry of media attention as the couple sought to establish themselves as influential advocates for change. Their high-profile engagements, including collaborations with other organizations and public speaking events, painted an image of commitment and sincerity to their causes.

However, as the couple began to enjoy their newfound freedom, they also faced increasing scrutiny from both the media and the public. Critics questioned the authenticity of their philanthropic efforts, suggesting that their celebrity status was being leveraged more for personal gain than for altruistic purposes.

This skepticism was compounded by the couple’s lavish lifestyle, which included a multimillion-dollar mansion in California and expensive vacations. Many began to wonder how their royal commitments to charity could coexist with such opulence.

As they navigated this tumultuous phase, the couple continued to raise funds for Archewell, securing donations from high-profile individuals and corporations. Yet whispers of irregularities began to surface.

Concerns grew regarding the allocation of funds, with some critics alleging that a significant portion of the donations were not being channeled into the programs they had promised. These claims were initially anecdotal but set the stage for a deeper investigation into the inner workings of their charity.

Fast forward to the summer of 2021, when the first hints of trouble began to emerge. Investigative journalists started digging into Archewell’s financial records, seeking to uncover the truth behind the couple’s philanthropic claims.

As media scrutiny intensified, it became apparent that the couple was under increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability. Public sentiment began to shift as critics launched campaigns to hold them accountable for their alleged mismanagement of funds.

The turning point came in early 2022 when a whistleblower—reportedly a former employee of Archewell—came forward with alarming information. This individual provided documentation suggesting potential misallocation of funds and discrepancies in the reporting of financial activities.

The whistleblower’s revelations quickly caught the attention of regulatory bodies, including the IRS, leading to an investigation into the charity’s operations.

By mid-2022, the investigation had escalated, and the IRS leak became inevitable. Documents detailing the financial activities of Archewell emerged, revealing a troubling picture of how donations were being utilized.

The leaked information indicated that a significant portion of the funds raised were not being directed toward the charitable programs that had been advertised but rather toward administrative costs and personal expenses. This revelation was explosive, as it contradicted the couple’s public narrative of altruism and commitment to social change.

As news of the IRS leak broke, the couple faced an avalanche of criticism from both the media and the public.

The fallout was immediate and severe, with many calling for greater scrutiny of celebrity charities and the ethical obligations of public figures. Meghan and Harry, once seen as champions of philanthropic causes, were now portrayed as figures of controversy, struggling to reconcile their public image with the realities of their charitable practices.

In response to mounting pressure, the couple issued statements defending their actions and vowing to cooperate fully with the investigation.

However, the damage was done. Trust in their charity was severely eroded, and the public began to question not only the integrity of Archewell but also the couple’s motives for entering the philanthropic space in the first place.

While the real Royals — William, Catherine, Charles, and Camilla — were sipping mulled wine at Sandringham and enjoying a traditional royal Christmas, Harry’s holiday was quite different. Where was he? Not in California or Sandringham, but reportedly at Althorp, seemingly lost in his own version of royal hide-and-seek.

To begin with, Harry and Meghan didn’t even get an invite to Sandringham. Meghan apparently spent Christmas at home, possibly rehearsing for her next Oscar-worthy monologue about how their family is just like any other. She likely quipped, “Oh, we’re just like every other family! We eat, we play games, someone strums a guitar — totally low-key.” Sure, Meghan. Because nothing says “relatable” like having feminist icon Gloria Steinem crash your Thanksgiving.Imagine little Archie and Lilibet setting out carrots for Santa’s reindeer while Meghan plots her next Netflix docuseries. But here’s where things take a twist: rumors suggest Harry ditched the California festivities to spend Christmas at Althorp, his mother’s childhood home and final resting place. If true, Harry left Meghan and the kids behind for some soul-searching time with his uncle, Charles Spencer.

 

Speculation is rife that Uncle Charles may be imparting some royal wisdom—perhaps even the “Royal Divorce Playbook” on how to sever ties without losing titles. If Harry did sneak off to Althorp, one big question remains: did Meghan even know? Let’s be real, if she did, we’d have already seen a People Magazine exclusive titled “Harry Visits Beloved Althorp, Missing His Beautiful Wife Meghan.” But no such headline exists.

Could it be that Harry’s finally realized Meghan might be the “family leaker”? Perhaps he chose not to tell her to keep his plans out of the tabloids. Naturally, the internet has exploded with commentary. One popular take reads: “Harry’s case for needing security is toast. He’s perfectly safe when Meghan doesn’t know his whereabouts.” Others speculated that Uncle Charles might be teaching Harry the art of quiet divorces.

Criticism abounds. Some ask, “What kind of father abandons his kids on Christmas?” Poor Archie and Lilibet, reportedly stuck with “Migraine Meghan” and Doria. Ouch. It’s not exactly the picture of holiday cheer.

On one hand, it’s understandable that Harry feels a deep connection to his mother’s memory. Visiting Althorp on Christmas could be his way of honoring Diana. But at what cost? Skipping Christmas with his own family doesn’t exactly bolster his image as a devoted dad. And let’s not forget, this fuels the ever-present divorce rumors.

Oh, and remember when Harry vehemently denied living apart from Meghan? This little Althorp escapade doesn’t do much to support that claim. In the end, Harry’s Christmas mystery feels like a Hallmark movie gone off the rails. Is he mourning his mother? Escaping family drama? Plotting his next publicity stunt? Who knows.

What we do know is that the Royals at Sandringham probably had a good laugh about it over their Christmas pudding. As for Harry, wherever he spent Christmas, one thing is certain: the Sussex circus isn’t folding its tent anytime soon. Merry Christmas, Harry, wherever you are.

 

As you’ve likely seen, the royal family united this Christmas, with our beloved Princess Catherine, Prince William, and the other working royals absolutely glowing with dignity and purpose. It just reinforces what we’ve been saying for years: there is a massive difference between true royalty and someone just playing dress-up.

Now, let me share something fascinating that has just come to light. Meghan Markle, our favorite former Z-list actress turned royal troublemaker, is essentially being erased from royal history.Remember when Meghan first appeared on the scene, promising to modernize the monarchy and be this great humanitarian? Well, look where we are now. While Catherine is out there showing what true royal dignity looks like, meeting with people and supporting real causes, Meghan is desperately trying to stay relevant in Hollywood while her American fantasy falls flat.

 

What really gets me is the sheer audacity of someone who spent less than 18 months as a working royal thinking they could rewrite centuries of tradition. But here’s the irony—while Meghan is busy trying to erase her royal connections when it suits her, the monarchy just keeps moving forward without her. And honestly, isn’t that perfect?

Let’s talk about what real royal work looks like. Take Princess Catherine, for example. Even during her recovery, she’s shown more grace, dignity, and genuine connection with the public than Meghan ever did in her short time as a royal. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: one is a natural royal who understands service, duty, and dignity, while the other… well, we all remember the infamous tongue-sticking incident, don’t we? A grown woman acting like a rebellious teenager at a royal event.

And poor Harry—though honestly, “poor” might be too sympathetic at this point. Here’s a man who had everything: respect, purpose, a loving family—and threw it all away for what? To become a professional whiner in Montecito, watching his wife desperately try to build a Hollywood career while his family moves on without him.

The real story here, dear viewers, isn’t just Meghan’s gradual removal from royal narratives. It’s the natural consequence of her own actions. When you try to tear down an institution that’s lasted over a thousand years, don’t be surprised when that institution just carries on without you.

Now, let’s look at the timing. While the working royals are dealing with real challenges with grace and dignity, what are Harry and Meghan doing? Still trying to play the victim card and stay relevant through controversy rather than contribution. The contrast is stark.

You know what really shows the difference? Watch any video of Catherine interacting with the public. There’s genuine warmth, real connection. Now compare that to Meghan’s brief stint as a royal—always looking for the cameras, always performing, never truly connecting. The British public saw through it then, and history is vindicating that judgment now.

The way Catherine carries herself, how she supports William and the institution, and how she’s raising their children to understand duty and service—that’s what real royalty looks like. Meanwhile, Meghan’s busy trying to trademark everything she can and playing at being a lifestyle guru. Talk about missing the point entirely.

And let’s talk about Meghan’s treatment of staff. While Catherine is beloved by palace staff, known for her kindness and consideration, we all remember the bullying allegations against Meghan, don’t we? Funny how those who claim to be victims often turn out to be the bullies themselves.

The real tragedy in all of this is what it’s done to Harry. Remember the old Harry? The one who could make anyone laugh, who created the Invictus Games, who had such a close relationship with William? Now look at him—reduced to making occasional appearances in Netflix documentaries, looking more and more lost. Talk about a fall from grace.

But you know what? The monarchy is stronger for having weathered this storm. King Charles has shown remarkable leadership, Queen Camilla has proven to be an incredible support, and William and Catherine continue to demonstrate what the future of the monarchy looks like. And it looks bright, my friends. Very bright indeed.

The thing about the royal family is that it’s not just about individuals—it’s about an institution that represents something greater than any one person. Meghan never understood that. She saw it as a platform for her own ambitions—a stepping stone to whatever she thought came next. But the monarchy isn’t about individual stardom. It’s about service, duty, and tradition.

Looking at recent events, it’s becoming clearer than ever that the monarchy is moving forward, focused on the future rather than dwelling on past drama. The working royals are unified, purposeful, and more popular than ever, while the Sussex brand continues to fade into irrelevance, reduced to desperate attempts at staying relevant through leaked stories and vague promises of future projects.

You know what’s really telling? The way the public has responded to all of this. The outpouring of support for Catherine, the continued admiration for William, the respect shown to King Charles and Queen Camilla—it shows that people can spot authenticity. They know the difference between genuine service and self-service.

And let’s talk about legacy. While Catherine is building a meaningful legacy through her work with early childhood development, her support of mental health initiatives, and her dedication to the crown, what’s Meghan’s legacy going to be? A failed Spotify podcast? A Netflix documentary that was essentially just six hours of complaints? A lifestyle brand that’s perpetually “coming soon”? The irony is, Meghan could’ve had it all—the platform, the respect, the ability to make real change. Instead, she chose the path of constant drama and self-promotion, and now she’s gradually being written out of royal history.

It’s hard not to see it as a fitting conclusion to this whole saga. But here’s what really matters, my dear viewers: the monarchy endures. It adapts, it evolves, but it maintains its core values of service, duty, and dignity. The fact that Meghan’s brief royal career is quietly being footnoted in history isn’t about erasing her—it’s about the institution naturally focusing on those who actually understand and uphold these values.

The contrast between Catherine and Meghan has never been clearer. One represents everything that’s right about the monarchy—grace, dignity, service, and genuine connection with the people. The other? Well, history will remember who truly served the crown and who tried to use it for their own purposes.

And what about those children—Archie and Lilibet? It breaks my heart to think about them, isolated from their royal cousins, their heritage, their birthright, while George, Charlotte, and Louis are being raised with an understanding of duty and service, learning what it means to be part of this incredible institution. What are Archie and Lilibet learning in Montecito?

The truth is, my friends, this gradual erasure of Meghan from royal history isn’t some kind of punishment. It’s simply the natural consequence of her own choices. When you choose to attack the institution, to try to undermine it for your own gain, don’t be surprised when that institution moves forward without you.

Is It Over? King Charles Officially Replaces Prince Harry with Prince George at Royal Christmas Reunion

Picture this: It’s Christmas morning, snow is gently falling, and the royal family gathers for their annual holiday reunion. But wait—this year something feels different. Prince Harry, the once beloved royal, has been replaced by none other than young Prince George.

The internet is buzzing, and royal watchers are in a frenzy. How did we get here, and what does this mean for the future of the monarchy? Buckle up as we unravel this royal saga full of twists, turns, and perhaps a sprinkle of holiday magic.Imagine you could peek into the Royal Family’s Christmas gathering. Would it be filled with laughter, intrigue, and perhaps a little drama? Spoiler alert: It definitely is! As King Charles makes this bold move, one can’t help but wonder what’s next for the royal family.

 

The British royal family is a fascinating mix of tradition, duty, and drama. While they live in palaces and wear crowns, they face the same family dynamics that many of us do—sibling rivalries, generational gaps, and sometimes outright betrayal.

Once hailed as the charming Prince, Harry’s journey took a dramatic turn when he and Meghan Markle decided to step back from royal duties. The couple’s candid revelations about their struggles and experiences with the royal family created a media frenzy. The question on everyone’s mind: Could Harry ever truly return?

Can you relate to feeling caught between family expectations and personal desires? Let’s delve deeper into this royal family tree. Harry’s departure left a gaping hole in the royal family. King Charles found himself in a precarious position, balancing his love for his son with the expectations of the monarchy.

The media had a field day speculating on the state of affairs within the royal walls. Enter Prince George, the young heir, who has been growing up in the spotlight. As Harry stepped away, George became a more central figure in royal events. Is this Charles’ way of signaling a new era—one where the next generation takes the reins? What does this shift mean for the future of the monarchy? Let’s explore the implications.

Every year, the royal family’s Christmas reunion is a highly anticipated event. But this year, the stakes feel higher with the absence of Harry. How would this gathering unfold? Would it be filled with tension, or would the holiday spirit prevail?

Imagine the scene: the grand halls of Sandringham adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, the scent of roasted turkey filling the air as family members gather around the table. But where is Harry? What conversations might be taking place behind those closed doors?

Let’s peek into the festivities. When King Charles decided to replace Harry with George for the Christmas reunion, it sent shockwaves through the media. Was this a calculated move to solidify George’s position as the future king? Or was it a way to distance the family from Harry’s controversial choices?

In royal circles, actions often speak louder than words. By choosing George, Charles may have been sending a message about loyalty and duty. But what does this mean for family ties? Could this decision create a rift that might never heal?

Let’s consider the potential fallout. Social media erupted with reactions ranging from shock to support. Some fans celebrated George’s new role, while others lamented the loss of Harry’s presence. Memes, tweets, and think pieces flooded the internet, showcasing the public’s divided opinion.

Who doesn’t love a good meme? As the news spread, social media users jumped at the chance to create hilarious content—from comparing George to a mini version of Charles to imagining Harry’s reaction. The online world had a field day. What’s your favorite royal meme? Let’s share some laughs before we dive back into the drama.

As we reflect on this year’s Christmas reunion, it’s clear that the royal family is at a crossroads. With George stepping into a more prominent role, what does the future hold for him?

And how will Harry fit into this new narrative? Prince George represents a new wave of royalty—one that may be more relatable and in tune with modern values. Will he break away from traditional norms, or will he uphold the legacy of the monarchy? How do you envision the future of the royal family? Let’s dream big together.

While the royal family lives in a bubble of privilege, their struggles resonate with many of us. The challenges of familial relationships, the pressure of expectations, and the desire for independence are universal themes. Navigating family dynamics can be tricky.

Video footage has captured the horrifying moment a Jeju Air flight skidded onto a South Korean runway before smashing into a wall and bursting into flames.

Video taken from Muan International Airport, in southern South Korea, show the aircraft landing without its wheels down on the runway before skidding several hundred yards. The plane was heard screeching on the tarmac as it hurtled toward a wall at the end of the runway.

Just seconds later, the front of the plane crashed into the wall leading to a massive explosion. The clip, shared by South Korean networks showed the plane suffered extensive damage in the crash which has killed at least 177 people.

Follow our live blog here for all the latest updates.

The plane appeared to have landed without it wheels down ( 
Image:
MOC News)

South Korea’s national fire agency confirmed the plane landed without its wheels down and said at least 167 people were killed in the crash. The National Fire Agency said 71 of the bodies pulled from the crash site have been identified as male and 71 as female, with agencies still confirming the genders of nine.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 arrived from Bangkok with an estimated 181 people on board. Two survivors have been pulled from the wreckage, both believed to be flight crew. It made the attempted landing at about 9am local time (12am UK time). The disaster is believed to be the deadliest plane crash involving a South Korean airliner in the past three decades.

The plane was seen skidding down the runway on Sunday morning ( 
Image:
MOC News)
A man and woman, believed to be crew members, were rescued from the rear section of the plane as it was engulfed in flames. Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun said the fire was extinguished by about 1pm.

He added: “Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise.” Jeju Air has since expressed its “deep apology” over the crash and said it would do its “utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident.”

Mortuary vehicles were seeing lining up near the plane to take bodies away with a temporary morgue having been set up. Investigators are looking into whether weather conditions and bird strikes had an affect on the flight.

The plane burst into flames after it smashed into a wall at the end of the runway ( 
Image:
MOC News)
Jeju Air’s president Kim E-bae deeply bowed in a televised news conference as he apologised to bereaved families. The president said he took “full responsibility” over the incident.

Boeing, who manufacutred the 737-800 aircraft said in a statement posted on X/Twitter: “We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend out deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a statement shared to the social media platform: “I would like to express my condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. I have ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently investigate whether there are any Thai passengers on this plane and what the current situation is.

“I have ordered immediate assistance. If there are Thai passengers, please contact their families to inform them of the progress and have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs report the situation at all times.”

Photos from the scene show police forensic teams searching through the debris as emergency services continue to pull people from the wreckage. People wearing white suits, which appear to be forensic suits, have been seen combing through the grass. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed, though it’s believed a bird strike was involved.

Bodies were taken to a temporary morgue following the disaster ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Transport Ministry officials said their early assessment of communication records show the airport control tower issued a bird strike warning to the plane shortly before it intended to land and gave its pilot permission to land in a different area. The pilot sent out a distress signal shortly before the plane went past the runway and skidded across a buffer zone before hitting the wall, the officials said.

Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan said workers have retrieved the flight data recorder from the plane’s black box and are still looking for the cockpit voice recording device. He earlier said that government investigators arrived at the site to investigate the cause of the crash and fire. Emergency officials in Muan said the plane’s landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned.

A passenger aboard the doomed Jeju Air plane that erupted into a fireball when it smashed into a wall as it landed in South Korea made a heartbreaking five-word message to a relative before the disaster.

At least 177 people died in the disaster at Muan International Airport, in southern South Korea, on Sunday morning. Jeju Air flight 7C2216 arrived from Bangkok with an estimated 181 people in board. Two survivors have been saved from the wreckage, both reported to be airline crew.

Local media reported that a passenger on board the plane texted a loved one with a heartbreaking message just before the crash. The recipient of the text, who was referred to by South Korean media as Mr A, told reporters he had been waiting with his family at the airport at the time of the crash.

Follow our live blog here for all the latest updates.

Two people have been rescued alive from the crash site ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

“I have not been able to contact them since my family contacted me saying there was a problem with the plane,” he told reporters. Then, heartbreakingly, he revealed the relative asked in their last message: “Should I make a will?”

The passenger also reportedly said that a bird had got “caught on the wing and we couldn’t land.” The News1 agency reported another passenger texted a relative with a final message saying: “Should I say my last words?”

The National Fire Agency of South Korea said 71 of the bodies that were pulled from the aircraft were identified as male with 71 being identified as female. It is still waiting to confirm the genders of at least nine other passengers.

The plane crashed into a wall at the end of the runway ( 
Image:
MOC News)
Only two flight attendants are understood to have been successfully rescued from the aircraft following the crash. They have been taken to hospitals and are said to have suffered medium to severe injuries.

According to the Straits Times, a local fire official told families at a briefing: “Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the wall, leaving little chance of survival. The plane is almost completely destroyed, and identifying the deceased is proving difficult. The process is taking time as we locate and recover the remains.”

Dozens of passengers died in the crash this morning ( 
Image:
Getty Images)All flights to and from Muan Airport have been cancelled. The South Korean Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The National Fire Agency said it is believed the aircraft experienced an issue with its landing gear due to a bird strike. The term refers to a collision between a bird and a plane that is in flight, on take off or during a landing.

The disaster is the deadliest plane crash on involving a South Korean airline since 1997 where a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam killing 200 people. The worst crash on South Korean soil was an Air China crash in April, 2002, where 129 people died.

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would be leaving the UK to settle in the United States, they cited a desire to provide their children with more privacy as one of the main reasons. With this in mind, many viewers of the couple’s 2024 Christmas card believe that the faces of their children—5-year-old Archie and 3-year-old Lilibet—were intentionally obscured to maintain that privacy.

Apparently, however, there’s more to this decision than just privacy. According to one royal insider, the choice stems from much darker concerns.  For those unfamiliar, the Sussexes’ latest family photo was included in a collage sent to subscribers of updates from their Archewell Foundation. The couple’s Christmas card, shared via email, read:

 

> “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year.”

It’s the image of Harry and Meghan’s children that has caused a stir online. Some viewers have accused the photo of being computer-generated, pointing out perceived inconsistencies. One Twitter user claimed:

> “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released a fraudulent Christmas photo. Archie hasn’t grown in two years and is the same size as his younger sister, who’s dressed like Princess Charlotte!”

Others were equally puzzled. One commenter asked:

> “So, in Harry and Meghan’s new Christmas card, how is Lilibet as tall as Archie? Where is the hair Lilibet can almost sit on? Who thought this obviously staged scene was a good idea?”

As questions about the photo circulated, many people began to wonder why a high-profile couple like Harry and Meghan would go to such lengths to conceal their children’s faces.