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Exclusive: Strictly’s shock budget cut confirmed by BBC as fans complain over ‘secret’ axe of one key thing

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been moaning that an entire part of the live shows has been secretly scrapped – and the BBC has now confirmed exactly what has happened

Fans have all had the same complaint about the Strictly live shows (
Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are up in arms, having spotted a crucial element missing during the live broadcasts, labelling it “a shame”, “sad” and suggesting it’s part of “a war.” The viewers aired their grievances on social media earlier this week concerning the absence of the brass section from the regular Strictly band led by Dave Arch. One disgruntled fan posted: “What has happened to the wonderful band? Only a few playing now, no brass at all, such a shame!” The band sets the tone for the contestants and their professional dance partners throughout their performances.

The BBC has now revealed to OK! that due to financial constraints, the brass section will be less frequently heard in the shows. A spokesperson for the BBC explained: “We are proud to be one of the last remaining shows to still use a live band and singers and remain committed to doing so. We have increased the use of the Strictly Come Dancing House Band’s brass section in the current series for three live shows covering themed weeks such as movies and musicals and one other show to be confirmed – in addition to the annual visit to Blackpool – where classic song choices require more frequent use of these instruments. For editorial reasons, and to ensure the best value for money for audiences, we are unable to support a brass section for the entire series as we did pre-Covid.”

Dave Arch leads the Strictly band ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)

Devoted fans of Strictly are far from dazzled by the show’s recent changes, with one viewer expressing their disappointment: “The musicians appear to be playing with pre-recorded rhythm section, no brass players. Previous full band were amazing. At least the singers appear to be live. Sad demise. Not doing it for me this series.” Agreement wasn’t far behind as another chimed in: “I noticed, not the same,” and yet another lamented: “hope we don’t lose the band like the US version!”

The speculation among the audience is that the reduced band size could be a result of tight purse strings. A forthright fan speculated about the financial aspects of the show’s production: “It’s always a war between cost and budget,” mentioning, “perhaps they shouldn’t pay the celebs so much and keep an excellent band.” Meanwhile, another viewer claimed to have the inside scoop: “They haven’t had a full band since before the pandemic. It was promised that it would return but due to budget cuts that hasn’t happened. They will have a full band for the theme nights, Blackpool and the final (I think). The music is recorded in advance by the band though and played as a backing track.”

The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing dancers

In response to the concerns, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the background on the band adjustments: The last full series of Strictly to feature a brass section throughout was indeed back in 2019, however, every week there is still a fully live 12-piece band gracing the studio.

The next live episode of Strictly is set for Saturday, marking the first themed night of the series, Movie Night, complete with a full live band in the studio. The dance routines have been unveiled and include Toyah Willcox and partner Neil Jones performing the Samba to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell rocking out to the theme from Wayne’s World, and Pete Wicks and Jowitza Przystal also showcasing the Samba, to the George of the Jungle theme.

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk won’t be performing during Movie Week as Nick has been injured ( 
Image:
No credit)Don’t Miss
In addition, Paul Merson and Karen Hauer will be Cha Cha Cha-ing to The Magnificent Seven theme, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones will be grooving to Mrs Doubtfire’s Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, and there will be Viennese Waltzes from Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola to Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter films, and Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu to the melody of If I Can Dream from Elvis.

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe are set to Tango to One Night Only from Dreamgirls, while Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez will be dancing the couples’ choice to Bole Chudiyan from Bollywood blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Meanwhile, Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin will be performing the Paso Doble to Elevation from Tomb Raider, with Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec taking on the Rumba to What Was I Made For from Barbie.

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas are quickstepping to I’m Still Standing from the Elton John biopic Rocketman, and JB Gill and Amy Dowden will be dancing the American Smooth to Pure Imagination from Wonka. Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtick were scheduled to dance the Charleston to Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2, but due to an injury, Nick will be absent from the competition this week.

Nick Knowles is on crutches with a second “painful” Strictly injury – and could be out of the competition despite vowing to dance on crutches if he has to.

The DIY SOS star, 61, said he was “gutted” to pull out of this weekend’s show with a knee injury. It comes just a week after he was only just passed fit to take part because of shoulder problems.

Speaking on BBC TV show It Takes Two, Nick said: “During our rehearsal today… Unfortunately I damaged my knee and it’s quite painful. So the physios have decided I need to go for a MRI (scan).”

His professional partner, Luba Mushtuk added: “Unfortunately we will not be dancing tomorrow but we really, really hope that the knee will be better for next week and we’ll be back on the dancefloor. Fingers crossed, we really hope that we’ll be back and see you guys very soon.”

Nick Knowles has been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk ( 
Image:
No credit)

Trying to put a brave face on things, Nick added: “Even if we have to glitter up the crutches, I am determined to get back and try and dance for you next week.”

The TV star previously revealed he had sustained an arm and shoulder injury, but received medical clearance to perform on the show last weekend. However, this week he was not so lucky after falling on his knee.

A post to Strictly’s Instagram page said: “Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend. As per the rules of the competition, Nick and Luba (Mushtuk) will receive a bye through to next week when he is hopefully able to dance again. Everyone at Strictly Come Dancing wishes Nick a speedy recovery.”

The 20th anniversary series of Strictly only kicked off a few weeks ago but this is already Nick’s second injury! The DIY guru was seen with his arm in a sling last week, having injured it while changing a car tyre and leaving him with only a few hours to prepare for his dance routine at the weekend.

It’s the second time Nick has been injured ( 
Image:
BBC)
Speaking on BBC’s Morning Live this Tuesday, Nick confirmed that although the injury was still troubling him, there was daily improvement. He optimistically shared, “I’m a lot better. The arm’s getting stronger every day and I’m feeling better. The strength is getting better each day. We’ll need to build this dance a little but around it, but anyway, it’s not an excuse this week I’m either good enough or I’m not.”

Determined to compete, Nick revealed, “We were offered the chance of a bye but I felt like that would be cheating and we really should try and go for it. I spoke to the physios and once that was decided, you just throw yourself into it. The harder you work, the more confidence you gain.”

He concluded with high praise for his dance partner, sayin: “I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Luba as my teacher, shaping me like a finely-tailored suit which I then make look like I’ve slept in it overnight.”

Nick Knowles has broken his silence after it was revealed he has been forced to drop out of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

The 62-year-old DIY SOS icon has been a fan favourite for the 2024 season of the BBC’s long-running dance competition – but was struck with injury at the beginning of the series’s run. Nick, who has built a career out of getting stuck into manual labour, injured his shoulder while fixing a car tyre after the opening episodes of the current 22nd season of Strictly.

There were fears he could not perform last weekend, but medics gave him the all clear hours before the second live show of the year. But now it seems the rigours of training have set the TV star back – and he now won’t be competing in the live show this weekend.

Fans may be especially disappointed to know that it is Movie Week this weekend on the BBC show – and Nick and his dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, 34, had been scheduled to dance the Charleston to the sound of Rain on the Roof; the iconic song from the Stephen Sondheim production Follies which was incorporated into the soundtrack of Paddington 2. Now viewers can only imagine what such a performance would have looked like.

Nick is partnered with Luba Mushtuk on the BBC show ( 
Image:
BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Nick injured his shoulder after the 2024 launch show and rehearsals seem to have aggravated the condition ( 
Image:
Instagram)

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Breaking his silence after his absence was announced Nick wrote on X: “I’m absolutely gutted and feeling very very sad,” alongside a sad face emoji.

Earlier, he took to X and Instagram, to share a post by Strictly which confirmed he would be missing out this weekend. The post stated: “Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend. As per the rules of the competition, Nick and Luba will receive a bye through to next week when he is hopefully able to dance again. Everyone at Strictly Come Dancing wishes Nick a speedy recovery.”

Fans were quick to wish Nick a speedy recovery, with one on X writing: “Hope you’re on the mend soon. What a shame you’re missing out on movie week.” Another typed: “So sorry to hear that! I hope you are ok! #Strictly.” And a further fan commented: “Take Care Lovely, See you back next week.”

Just hours before news broke that he wouldn’t be competing this weekend, Nick had shared his hope that he would be able to win enough points from the judges to carry him through to the next week. Interacting with fans on X, one follower messaged the star to write: “Let’s hope you get through over the weekend fingers crossed.” And Nick himself replied with a string of fingers crossed emojis.

Former The One Show presenter Jermaine Jenas has broken his online silence amid speculation about Gary Lineker’s future at the BBC.

The BBC said on Thursday night that it has not yet agreed a contract renewal with Match of the Day host Lineker The corporation denied an announcement was pending regarding its highest-paid star, who it said is under contract until the end of the football season.

Prior to his dismissal from the BBC following an internal investigation into his workplace conduct, Jenas had been one of the favourites to replace Lineker on the Match of the Day couch when the time comes. However, Jenas was let go from his BBC gigs in August following complaints of inappropriate messages to female co-workers.

Lineker has spoken out on the recent scandal involving Jenas, dismissing claims from a story that suggested he had “taken a real interest” amid speculation he might be replaced by Jenas on Match of the Day. Venting on The Rest is Football podcast, the Leicester City icon criticised a newspaper for its front-page narrative.

“There was one last week,” he said. “That was totally ridiculous… a front page story about Jermaine Jenas, who has obviously had his issues of late, the front page story was saying, ‘I’d taken a real interest’ in this story because possibly Jermaine might take my place.” Lineker outrightly dismissed the ‘absurd’ story, stating: “It was so absurd, and I think it’s so absurd that you wouldn’t take it seriously.”

And now, as rumours swirl about Lineker’s future on the show, Jenas has broken his online silence. The dad-of-four, who some think could be set for a BBC return should Lineker quit Match of the Day, took to his Instagram Stories on Friday morning as he enjoyed a wholesome day out at a farm with one of his sons.

“If you rob the bag me and you are going to have a problem,” Jenas tells a goat in one of the clips shared with his 201,000 followers. The goat didn’t listen to Jenas’ warning and proceeded to nab all the feed. “Yo I can see you,” Jenas fumed as the hungry animal pulled the bag from his hands. “These little chiefs. He’s a greedy one. I’m not giving him anymore.”

Jermaine Jenas was a popular figure with BBC Sport bosses ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Gary Lineker is yet to confirm his future on Match of the Day beyond the 24/25 season ( 
Image:
WireImage)
MailOnline reported earlier this week that it had seen an email purportedly from BBC bosses preparing to announce the 63-year-old Lineker’s departure from the broadcaster after 25 years. The website said it had been unable to verify the authenticity of the email. “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract,” a spokesperson for the BBC said. “He is under contract until the end of the season.” The football season will end after the Champions League final at the end of May next year.

Match Of The Day is one of the BBC’s longest-running shows, having been on air since 1964. Former England footballer Lineker took over the flagship football highlights show in 1999 after predecessor Des Lynam joined ITV. Lineker has been the BBC’s highest paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years and the only star to earn more than £1 million in the year 2023/24 according to the corporation’s annual report published in July.

He was taken off air by the BBC last year having compared the language used to launch a government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany. The incident sparked a backlash and resulted in a number of his fellow pundits, including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, boycotting Match Of The Day over his absence from the show. Lineker later returned to the programme but new BBC social media rules have since banned flagship presenters from making attacks on political parties.

Coronation Street airs a sinister twist next week, as the data from missing Joel Deering’s laptop reveals a dark murder plot.

It could end badly for DS Swain for a number of reasons, as the discovery is linked to her and her daughter Betsy Swain. Viewers know Betsy blackmailed Joel for money weeks ago, and soon she got caught up in his crimes.

Betsy confessed to her mother and the police recently that he got her to call up a health clinic and pretend she needed abortion pills. He later used these pills to try and kill Lauren Bolton’s baby son Frankie, with Frankie born prematurely and left unwell.

Joel went missing this week after his crimes came to light with him headed for court. The police found his car abandoned and a note, with him also leaving ex Dee-Dee Bailey a message on her phone.

The police think Joel has taken his own life, but viewers are convinced he isn’t dead or that if he is, someone has killed him. Amid Dee-Dee speculating he’s on the run, a discovery by Kit Green next week leaves him and Swain reeling.

Lisa is called into the office by colleague Kit who says the data from Joel’s laptop they obtained has been retrieved, and sent over to him. Something he has found on the laptop has worried him, and soon Lisa is left gasping and on the verge of tears over what she sees.

Coronation Street airs a sinister twist next week, as the data from missing Joel Deering’s laptop reveals a dark murder twist ( 
Image:
ITV)
In a preview clip for Monday’s episode, Kit tells Swain she has to see what he’s found and that it’s linked to Betsy. There are text messages discovered, with a thread between Joel and Swain’s daughter.

Swain is visibly reeling as she reads them, and it reveals Joel threatened to murder her daughter. He tells Betsy he will kill her for her betrayal, after she told the police about the pills.

Betsy tells him she isn’t scared and that her mum is a police officer. It’s then that Joel warns: “She can’t help you if you’re dead,” sending teen Betsy death threats – threats that she never told her mum.

Swain lets out a gasp, horrified about the messages and the fact if Joel had done as he had threatened to, she could have lost her daughter. It’s surely not going to end well if Joel is alive – could he come after Betsy or even Lisa?

Dead or not, could the messages lead to Swain being at risk on the case now that she’s heavily linked to it? Might she be thrown off it? Also there’s the fact that fans think she may have killed Joel after she was shown in pain this week, so could she already have known about the texts, and might this be her motive?

When Nick Knowles bowed out of Movie Week on Strictly Come Dancing following an injury to his shoulder, fans had high hopes that he would bounce back to continue the competition.

But now, Strictly bosses are in fear that he could pull out of the show entirely after he has now injured his knee. The DIY SOS star, 62, fell and hurt himself, during rehearsals with his professional partner Luba Mushtuk. And within hours after the fall, he revealed he was using crutches and awaiting an MRI.

Speaking of his injury on It Takes Two, he said: “During our first rehearsal, our dress rehearsal today on the stage. Unfortunately I damaged my knee and it’s quite painful, so the physios have decided I need to go for a MRI.” And Luba added: “Unfortunately we will not be dancing tomorrow but we really, really hope that the knee will be better for next week and we’ll be back on the dancefloor.”

Adding a touch of humour to the dire situation, he continued: “Even if we have to glitter up the crutches, I am determined to get back and try and dance for you next week.” A source told the Mirror: “The fact he is getting scans shows just how serious this is. There is only so much time they can give him to recover. Nick is a popular guy and losing him so early in the competition would be a blow to the show’s ratings too. It doesn’t look great at the moment so everyone is just hoping the outlook is better after the weekend.”

Strictly bosses fear Nick Knowles could be out of the competition for good following a further injury ( 
Image:
No credit)

Elsewhere on the show, the internal investigation into Amanda Abbington’s claims was recently concluded and the broadcaster apologised to the Sherlock actress. The BBC acknowledged six of the 17 allegations made against her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice. During an interview on Newsnight earlier this week, she made a further claim against the professional dancer. She claimed over the last eight months, the number of threats she has received has “gone into the hundreds.”

She told host Victoria Derbyshire: “I had a credible death threat sent to my place of work, a theatre that I was working at, which was credible and the police had to be called. I had a bomb threat sent to my place of work, threatening to blow the building up because I was pursuing this.”

She added: “I’ve had death threats sent to me, my family. I’ve had rape threats sent to my 15-year-old daughter, saying ‘I’m just laughing at the moment thinking about you having to watch your daughter get raped for what you’ve done to Giovanni Pernice.” Emotional as she recalled the threats, Amanda continued: “They were every day I’d be getting those and I have screenshots that have been handed over to the Met Police.”

Remaining defiant, Amanda said she has no regrets over making claims against Giovanni. The star explained: “The death threats and the rape threats and the abuse I get are horrible and soul-destroying and heart-breaking. But I do get women coming up to me in the street saying ‘you’re paving the way for my daughter to work in a safe environment and not feel threatened or in any way feel that they can’t speak out’.”

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are up in arms, having spotted a crucial element missing during the live broadcasts, labelling it “a shame”, “sad” and suggesting it’s part of “a war.” The viewers aired their grievances on social media earlier this week concerning the absence of the brass section from the regular Strictly band led by Dave Arch. One disgruntled fan posted: “What has happened to the wonderful band? Only a few playing now, no brass at all, such a shame!” The band sets the tone for the contestants and their professional dance partners throughout their performances.

The BBC has now revealed to OK! that due to financial constraints, the brass section will be less frequently heard in the shows. A spokesperson for the BBC explained: “We are proud to be one of the last remaining shows to still use a live band and singers and remain committed to doing so. We have increased the use of the Strictly Come Dancing House Band’s brass section in the current series for three live shows covering themed weeks such as movies and musicals and one other show to be confirmed – in addition to the annual visit to Blackpool – where classic song choices require more frequent use of these instruments. For editorial reasons, and to ensure the best value for money for audiences, we are unable to support a brass section for the entire series as we did pre-Covid.”

Dave Arch leads the Strictly band ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)

Devoted fans of Strictly are far from dazzled by the show’s recent changes, with one viewer expressing their disappointment: “The musicians appear to be playing with pre-recorded rhythm section, no brass players. Previous full band were amazing. At least the singers appear to be live. Sad demise. Not doing it for me this series.” Agreement wasn’t far behind as another chimed in: “I noticed, not the same,” and yet another lamented: “hope we don’t lose the band like the US version!”

The speculation among the audience is that the reduced band size could be a result of tight purse strings. A forthright fan speculated about the financial aspects of the show’s production: “It’s always a war between cost and budget,” mentioning, “perhaps they shouldn’t pay the celebs so much and keep an excellent band.” Meanwhile, another viewer claimed to have the inside scoop: “They haven’t had a full band since before the pandemic. It was promised that it would return but due to budget cuts that hasn’t happened. They will have a full band for the theme nights, Blackpool and the final (I think). The music is recorded in advance by the band though and played as a backing track.”

The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing dancers

In response to the concerns, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the background on the band adjustments: The last full series of Strictly to feature a brass section throughout was indeed back in 2019, however, every week there is still a fully live 12-piece band gracing the studio.

The next live episode of Strictly is set for Saturday, marking the first themed night of the series, Movie Night, complete with a full live band in the studio. The dance routines have been unveiled and include Toyah Willcox and partner Neil Jones performing the Samba to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell rocking out to the theme from Wayne’s World, and Pete Wicks and Jowitza Przystal also showcasing the Samba, to the George of the Jungle theme.

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk won’t be performing during Movie Week as Nick has been injured ( 
Image:
No credit)Don’t Miss
In addition, Paul Merson and Karen Hauer will be Cha Cha Cha-ing to The Magnificent Seven theme, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones will be grooving to Mrs Doubtfire’s Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, and there will be Viennese Waltzes from Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola to Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter films, and Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu to the melody of If I Can Dream from Elvis.

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe are set to Tango to One Night Only from Dreamgirls, while Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez will be dancing the couples’ choice to Bole Chudiyan from Bollywood blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Meanwhile, Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin will be performing the Paso Doble to Elevation from Tomb Raider, with Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec taking on the Rumba to What Was I Made For from Barbie.

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas are quickstepping to I’m Still Standing from the Elton John biopic Rocketman, and JB Gill and Amy Dowden will be dancing the American Smooth to Pure Imagination from Wonka. Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtick were scheduled to dance the Charleston to Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2, but due to an injury, Nick will be absent from the competition this week.

Fans ‘want their money back’ after watching ‘awful’ Joker 2 after sequel releases with 39% on Rotten Tomatoes

“That’s life… You’re riding high in Joker, shot down in the sequel”

Joker fans were left disappointed and wanting their money back after going to watch Folie à Deux in the cinemas.

There’s that old adage which goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ and it’s one that those behind Joker 2, aka Joker: Folie a Deux, should’ve taken into consideration when agreeing to make the film.

2019’s Joker was met with huge critical and commercial acclaim, with Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix taking peeling back the comic-book villain and exploring the tortured loner that is Arthur Fleck. It was a bold direction to take the character in and one which paid off massively, with Phoenix winning an Oscar for his work.

But unfortunately the film couldn’t be left as a standalone masterpiece with and five years later, Joker: Folie a Deux was born.

Joker: Folie a Deux is in cinemas now (Warner Brothers)

Granted it’s still early days for the film, having premiered in cinemas yesterday (4 October), however the first reactions are damning.

At the time of writing, Folie a Deux currently sits at a mere 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics branding the film a ‘pathologically unnecessary movie’ and ‘a sequel we didn’t need’.

Fans have also been equally damning about the movie, with their being no shortage of complaints across social media.

“Why is joker 2 so bad , I’ve never wanted my money back from a film,” one person wrote on X, while a second added: “What makes Joker 2 so bad is that it refuses to commit to ANYTHING. There’s no theme at all, the court scenes are boring and the shock value ending is worse than I expected. Even the musical elements feel tacked on and interrupt the pacing. A total waste of time, never cook again.”

Viewers were also put out by the decision to take the movie in a musical direction, which saw the Joker and Lady Gaga’s Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel randomly burst out into song every now and again.

“Joker 2 was awful. 0/10 imo. The storyline could’ve been better and the music was just irritating,” a third person wrote.

Gaga and Pheonix’s give tremendous performances as the Joker and Lee, but strong acting unfortunately doesn’t save a screenplay which feels like 2 hours and 18 minutes of skits created from a brief titled ‘What do we all think would happen in a Joker sequel movie’.

However not everyone has been completely scathing about the movie, with some people wondering if Folie a Deux being unlikeable is actually the entire point of the film.

“I thought Joker 2 was bad… but the fact that so many chuds who thought Arthur was their people’s champion in the first movie have to face that Joker 2 frames him as actually just a nobody loser with main character syndrome is a pretty funny silver lining tbh lol,” one user summarised on X.

If you’re looking to see how the clown prince of crime went on to become Batman’s arch villain don’t waste your time, as Folie a Deux is instead a character study into Arthur Fleck’s mental state and his relationship with the Joker persona.

Ah well, that’s life.

Sisters of missing Victoria Taylor ‘feel sick and distraught’ as they issue public message

Victoria Taylor went missing from her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on Monday and a number of her personal possessions have been found close to the River Derwent

Victoria Taylor (left) and her brother Joe (right) (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

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The family of missing Victoria Taylor have issued a statement as the hunt for the 34-year-old continues.

Ms Taylor vanished from her place of residence in Malton, North Yorkshire, on Monday, and since then, several of her belongings have been found in proximity to the River Derwent.

North Yorkshire Police said they have conducted extensive searches, with drone surveillance and divers also deployed. The force released a CCTV image capturing her at a local garage on the morning of her disappearance.

On Friday, Victoria’s sisters Emma and Heidi said in a statement shared with police: “We currently feel sick, distraught and lost following the disappearance of Vixx, but we are trying to focus on the children in the family to maintain a sense of routine at this difficult time.

“We would like to thank all the emergency services and volunteers who have assisted in the search for Vixx so far. The wider local community has also rallied around, and we are eternally grateful for the support that they have given to us, Vixx’s family.

“The police have told us that searches will continue over the weekend for which we are grateful. The water is challenging at the moment due to the recent weather so if people are out searching for Vixx, then please do not put yourself at risk.”

Victoria Taylor, who went missing from her home in Malton, North Yorkshire (Image: North Yorkshire Police)
Ms Taylor was reportedly last seen at her Malton home on Monday at 9am, the force said. She is described as a white female, around 5ft 6 inches tall.

When last seen, Ms Taylor was wearing blue jeans, a black Adidas puffer jacket with white stripes on the sleeves, and a grey Jack Wills hooded jumper, carrying a pink Vans backpack.

Police released a CCTV image on Thursday, showing Ms Taylor at a BP garage in the Norton area of Malton at 11.35am on Monday.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have travelled almost 83,000 miles by plane so far this year.

The couple, who stood down as senior working royals in 2020, continue to promote a number of causes through their organisation, Archewell, and have travelled across the world promoting these issues.

Express.co.uk has totalled up the number of air miles the couple has taken – either on individual or joint work trips – so far this year and the numbers are eye-opening.

In total, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have travelled 82,908 miles by plane for work events. The figure does not include internal flights on their visits to Nigeria and Colombia, nor private holidays.

This equates to more than three trips around the world – as the circumference of the earth is 24,901 miles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have jetted round the globe this year (Image: Getty)

The whopping number of air miles also totals 33,357kg of carbon dioxide emissions – with 972 trees needed to offset the flight carbon, according to Saving Nature.

The website explains that flight carbon dioxide emissions are based on 90kg of CO2 per passenger each hour, an 80 percent flight occupancy rate, and a radiative forcing factor of two.

The 82,908 miles is a combination of both Harry and Meghan’s travel from January 2024 to October 2024 – and doesn’t include the Duke’s return flight from South Africa to LA as he’s yet to fly home.

When comparing the couple’s individual totals, it’s the duke who has racked up the most air miles with 45,852 miles due to his numerous solo trips this year.

Harry has flown back to the UK four times this year, and also undertaken visits to New York, Lesotho and Johannesburg in recent weeks. He’s also undertaken several work trips in the USA, travelling to Las Vegas, Texas and San Francisco for summits and award ceremonies.

Meghan meanwhile has undertaken no solo trips this year.

The remaining air miles – 37,056 – were when the couple travelled together.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s flights are shown on the map (Image: DX)

In January they travelled to Jamaica for the premier of Bob Marley: One Love, then visited Vancouver for the Invictus Games countdown a month later.

Other joint trips include a trip to Vegas where Meghan spoke on a keynote panel for this year’s South by Southwest and their visits to Nigeria and Colombia.

The bulk of the Duke’s trips this year are understood to have been commercial trips.

Harry has been outspoken about the environment for years, launching Travalyst in 2019 to create a “bold global initiative to change the impact of travel, for good.”

As a result, he has often come under criticism for using private jets.

But he’s defended his use of them in the past, stating that he uses them rarely, for safety reasons, and takes steps to offset his carbon footprint.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their trip to Nigeria earlier this year (Image: Getty)

Carbon offset programmes help travellers compensate for the carbon dioxide emissions they cause by paying a fee that goes to reducing CO2 by a similar amount, usually by planting trees.

In 2019, Harry explained that 99 percent of the time he flies commercially but there are “unique circumstances” in which he feels he has to fly privately to ensure the safety of his family.

He said: “Occasionally, there needs to be an opportunity [to fly on private planes] based on a unique circumstance to ensure that my family are safe – it’s as simple as that.”

“For me, it’s about balance. It’s not a decision I would want to take, but if I have to do that, I will ensure that I balance out the impact that I have,” he added.

 

Prince Harry attended the WellChild Awards in London earlier this week (Image: Getty)

The Royal Family regularly use air travel for their day-to-day engagements, something the Palace say is necessary due to the reduced travel time, flexibility and easier access to remote areas

The 2023-2024 Sovereign Grant Report, published in July, revealed that 170 helicopter journeys were taken and 44 charter flights.

But the Palace are taking steps to become greener, with two existing State Bentleys due to undergo refurbishment to enable them to run on biofuel and purchasing two new helicopters will will be able to run partially on sustainable fuel.

The duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesman have been approached for comment.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s travel in full

January

Harry and Meghan: LA to Kingston, Jamaica from the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love = 5,582 miles (return trip)

Total = 5,582

February

Harry: LA to Heathrow to see King Charles following his cancer diagnosis = 10,912 miles (return trip)
Harry: LA to Las Vegas to present the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award = 472 miles (return trip)
Harry and Meghan: LA to Vancouver for the Invictus Games one year to go countdown event = 2,162 miles (return trip)

Total = 13,546

March

Harry and Meghan: LA to Texas to celebrate International Women’s Day at South By Southwest = 2,470 miles (return trip)
Harry: LA to San Francisco for the BetterUP Uplift Summit = 674 miles (return trip)

Total = 3,144 miles

April

Harry and Meghan: LA to Florida for the Royal Salute Polo Challenge = 4,436 miles (return trip)

Total = 4,436 miles

May

Harry: LA to Heathrow for the Invictus Games thanksgiving service at St Paul’s and an event with Scotty’s Little Soldiers = 10,912 miles (return trip)
Harry and Meghan: LA to Nigeria to support the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and to promote mental health for young people = 15,450 miles (return trip)

Total = 26,362 miles

August

Harry and Meghan: LA to Colombia to highlight internet safety and showcase the country’s cultural heritage = 6,956 miles
Harry: LA to Heathrow for the funeral of his uncle Lorde Fellowes = 10,912 miles (return trip)

Total = 17,868 miles

September

Harry LA to New York for Climate Week and to promote his philanthropic causes = 2469 miles (single trip)
Harry: New York to Heathrow to attend the WellChild Awards in London = 3451 miles (single trip)

Total = 5,920 miles

October

Harry: Heathrow to Lesotho to visit the Sentebale charity he co-founded in 2006 = 5826 miles (single trip)
Harry: Lesotho to Johannesburg for more charity work = 224 miles (single trip)

Total = 6,050 miles