“IT WAS A TEᖇᖇIᗷᒪE MISTAKE.”  A survivor of the Christmɑs Dɑy seɑ swim believed to be linked to two trɑgic deɑths hɑs spoken out — describing entering the wɑter ɑs ɑ fɑtɑl error ɑmid the “worst conditions he’d ever seen.”

A survivor of the Christmas Day swim that is believed to have led to the deaths of two people has described going into the sea as a ‘mistake’ after he was rescued from the ‘worst ever’ water conditions.

Mike Brown, one of the swimmers who was pulled from the water by brave rescuers, told how the conditions were among the worst he had ever encountered and said he regretted entering the water.

Two people are believed to have been killed after disaster struck during the annual event off the coast of Budleigh Salterton in Devon on Thursday.

Antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, is feared to have lost his life after taking a festive dip alongside a man in his 40s. Both currently remain missing.

Speaking to the BBC this morning, survivor Mr Brown said: ‘It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in. With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.’

Mr Brown described how two local men saw him struggling amid the six-foot waves and put themselves at risk to pull him out.

He said that the men entered the sea before one was knocked over by the force of a wave. They tried a second time and managed to reach Mr Brown as he was struggling to stand.

Mr Brown added: ‘They took an arm each and dragged me to safety and as quick as it had started, it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.’

Mike Brown described how he had to be pulled from the sea by passersby amid the ‘worst ever’ conditions he had encountered as a swimmer

Two men went missing after tragedy struck off the coast at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, on Christmas Day morning

Matthew Upham, 63, went missing alongside a younger man in his 40s, who has not been named

While the swimmer hopes to now find and thank the two men who saved him, the small town is still dealing with the effects of the tragedy after the coastguard called off efforts to find the two missing swimmers.

It is thought that the man in his 40s, who has not yet been named, may have entered the sea to try and come to Mr Upham’s aid, after he was seen being dragged along the beach by the waves.

Video footage shows how conditions at Budleigh Salterton were rough on Christmas Day morning, with the local coastguard describing them as ‘atrocious’.

Waves were described as being consistently five to six feet tall, with some larger swells said to be up to ten feet.

Mr Upham’s family took to social media last night to pay tribute to him, and to thank the emergency services for their efforts.

In a statement posted to his antique shop Instagram account, they wrote: ‘Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.

‘Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

‘We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.

A second man, in his 40s, is feared to have drowned trying to save Mr Upham as he was swept out to sea on Christmas Day

A tribute was posted to Matthew Upham’s Instagram page by his family last night

‘We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.

‘As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected. We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness, and condolences.’

Friends of Mr Upham and countless customers from his former shop in London also took to social media to pay touching tributes to him.

Mr Upham now runs the Matthew Upham Antiques business in Budleigh Salterton. A single yellow rose has been left on the doorstep of the store.

He was by friends described as a ‘very fit’ man who swims almost everyday and knows the local waters. They added he is ‘one of a kind’ and ‘such a nice, cheerful man’.

His nieces also shared their gratitude online for the efforts of the RNLI and emergency services.

Freccia Upham said: ‘I would like to offer my wholehearted thanks to all of you who were out searching for my uncle yesterday, I will be forever grateful for your efforts’.

His second niece, Emma, added: ‘I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your selfless efforts to help find our uncle’.

Meanwhile it emerged yesterday that sea swimmers may have mistakenly believed the RNLI were ‘on hand’ before the two men went missing.

An RNLI service boat was spotted offshore at Budleigh Salterton beach and could be seen in video footage taken by attendees.

Some participants are said to have believed it was there to support the Christmas Day swim, and felt reassured to enter the water.

Exmouth and Beer Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter were deployed to search for the men, who remain missing

Moments after this photograph was taken on Christmas Day swimmers ran into difficulty and two men disappeared into the waves at Budleigh Salterton in Devon

Emergency services arrived at Budleigh Salterton beach in Devon on Christmas Day, but the coastguard search was called off after 5pm

But it is understood that the RNLI lifeboat was out on an exercise, and was not there to protect swimmers participating in the Christmas Day swim, which had no central organiser.

The lifeboat and crew responded immediately when people got into trouble, with the alarm raised at around 10.25am.

Other crews rushed to the scene alongside emergency services and the coastguard. Exmouth and Beer Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter were deployed.

In a statement, Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team described the sea conditions as ‘atrocious’ and praised the swift response of teams in preventing a wider tragedy.

It read: ‘The incident reflected the commitment and dedication across agencies especially our friends and colleagues RNLI Exmouth who put to sea without hesitation in an atrocious sea state.

‘Coastguard rescue Officers were deployed from 1015-1700 searching the shoreline repeatedly in the face of big waves and wind at times.

‘Whilst searching we also had to deal with getting folk off the beach in a safe and timely manner, liaising with the helicopters in securing a landing zone if needed and ensuring assets were deployed appropriately.’

The statement added: ‘We are aware of lots of commentary elsewhere on the rights or wrongs of Christmas Day swims and we don’t intend to comment on this.’

As emergency services responded, witnesses described how swimmers were knocked over by massive waves, while others were unable to get out of the foam.

Some swimmers were reportedly taken to the hospital after being helped back to shore due to rough conditions.

Festive swimmers were asked not to attend other local beaches to take part in traditional Christmas Day events due to concerns over the weather conditions. Locals and visitors to Devon and Cornwall were also advised by police not to enter the water on Boxing Day following the incident.

In the aftermath, devastated residents have questioned why Budleigh Salterton’s traditional swim was ‘allowed’ to go ahead despite the stormy conditions. But as with similar festive events around the country, there is not believed to be one person or organisation in charge who could have called it off.

Businesses in the town have organised collections for the RNLI amid the Christmas Day tragedy, and floral tributes were left at the beach for the two men who went missing.

One tribute read: ‘To the two special souls who were tragically lost at sea yesterday. One of you we knew so well and loved. Prayers and love’.

Residents living in communities near to the tragedy have expressed their concern for the families of the missing men – but have also questioned why public officials could not shut the event down if conditions were deemed too dangerous to swim.

Others highlighted the risks placed on emergency services sent out to help in the search. One RNLI crew abandoned their vessel due to the ‘extremely difficult’ conditions on Christmas Day, with the boat only recovered yesterday.

 HAPPILY MARRIED… BUT AT A C0ST  Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay stepped out of the church hand in hand as newlyweds — smiles wide, cameras flashing. But behind the joyful exit lies a painful truth: A wedding that reportedly tore his family apart. A perfect ending… or the start of a deeper divide?

Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay emerged as husband and wife from Bath Abbey today, smiling for the cameras as cheers rang out from the crowds — a picture-perfect ending to a wedding that has been anything but peaceful behind the scenes.

The Olympic swimmer, 31, and his 25-year-old bride beamed as they made their grand exit from the historic church, intertwining arms and pausing to acknowledge onlookers before heading off to the lavish Georgian country retreat, Kin House, where celebrations continued.

On the surface, it was a fairytale moment. Yet the ceremony followed weeks of bitter family turmoil that has left Adam’s side of the family deeply fractured and, most painfully, absent.

Proud father Gordon Ramsay was seen lingering outside the Abbey, personally thanking guests as they departed — including close family friends the Beckhams, who led the all-star guest list at the ceremony. But the build-up to the Christmas wedding had been dominated by what insiders have described as a toxic family rift, resulting in Adam’s relatives being frozen out of the celebrations entirely.

Earlier in the day, there were few signs of the storm surrounding the couple as Holly arrived glowing, guided into the Abbey by her father. The bride kept her dress hidden beneath an embroidered lace cloak, revealing only fleeting glimpses of a scalloped skirt and long train as crowds strained to see more.

As she stepped from the car, Holly shared a tender moment with Gordon, planting a kiss on his cheek before he led her through the tightly packed onlookers. Security staff pushed through the crowds to clear a path, with Gordon cheerfully waving and wishing people a “Merry Christmas” amid the chaos.

Bridesmaids followed shortly after, led by Holly’s mother Tana Ramsay and younger sister Tilly, dressed in festive red and green gowns that nodded to the seasonal theme of the day.

Inside, around 200 guests filled the Abbey, including Sir David Beckham and wife Victoria, alongside their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper. The Beckhams and Ramsays have been close for more than two decades, their friendship dating back to the early 2000s when both families spent time living in the US.

Yet even among the A-list support, family tensions lingered in the background. The Beckhams themselves are navigating their own highly publicised rift with eldest son Brooklyn — a reminder that even the most glamorous weddings can’t escape complicated family realities.

By the time Adam and Holly stepped back into the winter daylight as newlyweds, the smiles were wide and the applause loud. But for those watching closely, the joy was tinged with the knowledge that the day’s happiness came at a heavy emotional price.

ICON GONE  𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐃.𝐄.𝐀.𝐃 AT 91  France’s original “𝙨.𝙚.𝙭 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣”, Brigitte Bardot, who stunned the world in And God Created Woman, has passed away aged 91.

Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and singer who became an international sex symbol before turning to animal rights activism, has passed away aged 91.

Bardot had been ill in hospital in Toulon, according to local media. The star’s animal rights charity announced her passing on Sunday morning with a statement.

‘The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,’ it said.

The organisation did not specify the time or place where Bardot died.

Known as the original ‘Sex Kitten’, Bardot shot to international notoriety with her role in 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was directed by her first husband Roger Vadim.

That turn as a voluptuous, hedonistic orphan made her an object of edgy fascination for millions, even though the film itself got a mixed reaction from critics.

Described by Time magazine as France‘s ‘most ogled export’, Bardot’s sex appeal was further fuelled by her outings as a model.

The star, who married and divorced three times before settling with her fourth husband Bernard d’Ormale in 1992, retired from acting in 1973 to focus on her passionate animal rights activism.

Brigitte Bardot has passed away aged 91. Above: The star in 2023, one of the last times she was pictured out and about

Known as the original ‘Sex Kitten’, Bardot shot to international notoriety with her role in 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was directed by her first husband Roger Vadim

But she drew controversy with her engagement in far-right politics, which saw her endorse National Rally leader Marine Le Pen and be fined six times for inciting racial hatred.

The star was reclusive in her final years, instead preferring to remain out of the spotlight at her secluded and very private property in Saint Tropez.

Born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, Bardot initially trained as a ballet dancer at the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance.

At 15, she had already appeared on the front cover of France’s Elle magazine and began to establish herself as a model.

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Her acting career began in 1952 when she starred in a series of small roles, but she soon began to turn heads at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953 when she frolicked on the beach in a skimpy bikini.

Brardot said: ‘Yes, I knew I was ugly as a child. I said to myself: “Well, I am ugly, so I must at least be bright and funny and have other things to compensate.”

‘I knew I had to be the best at something, otherwise I would be nothing. I knew I wanted the world to know about Brigitte Bardot.’

And the world certainly did.

Over the course of her career she starred in 47 films and recorded more than 70 songs.

Bardot’s willingness to be part of steamy on-screen scenes made her controversial.  And her personal life was no different.

Brigitte Bardot leaves the Elysee Palace on crutches after meeting Brigitte Macron, July 2018

In 1992 Bardot married her husband Bernard d’Ormale, a former adviser to Jean-Marie Le Pen of the Front National

Pictured: Playboy Roger Vadim with Bardot on set. After meeting the model, the French film producer helped her become a star

Bardot’s parents did not initially approve of her union with Vadim but agreed to her marriage after she attempted suicide. Above: Being walked down the aisle by her father, December 19, 1952

Brigitte with her second husband, Jacques Charrier, with whom she had a son, Nicolas

Bardot had little to do with her son Nicolas during his childhood after she gave Charrier custody of him when they divorced

Bardot’s third husband was German industrialist Gunter Sachs. The couple were married between 1966 and 1969

Despite her parents’ fierce opposition, she married Vadim in 1952. The couple’s relationship lasted just five years.

After their divorce in 1957, Bardot became ensconced with actor Jacques Charrier.

By the time they married in 1959, she was already heavily pregnant with her first and only child.

Nicolas-Jacques Charrier was born on January 11, 1960. Bardot would later say: ‘I’m not made to be a mother.

‘I don’t know why I think this because I adore animals and I adore children, but I’m not adult enough – I know it’s horrible to have to admit that, but I’m not adult enough to take care of a child.

‘I need somebody to take care of me. I’m sad to have had that baby. What will be his life? People who are making babies and families now are mad. It is such a bad world.’

In 1962, Bardot’s union with Charrier ended in divorce.

She went on to marry German millionaire playboy Gunter Sachs in 1966. But that relationship was similarly short-lived. By 1969, they had divorced.

Brigitte was born into a wealthy family in Paris and began ballet lessons from a young age after her mother enrolled her for classes

A very young Bardot (pictured in 1951) began her modelling career sporting relatively conservative fashion

Brigitte, pictured in 1955, began modelling before her film career took off when she met her first husband, Roger Vadim

Brigitte Bardot pictured smoking a cigarette after arriving in London, April 1959

Brigitte Bardot on the beach in Saint Tropez, 1984

Brigitte Bardot and James Bond star Sean Connery pose for a publicity shot during their first meeting in France before filming Shalako, 1968

Bardot pictured in 1970 at her home, La Madrague, in Saint Tropez

Bardot became known for her beehive hair, statement fringe – and for having a cigarette in her hand

Brigitte Bardot and French Academician Marcel Achard flanked by photographers attend the French artists Union Gala event at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris on March 9, 1962

Brigitte Bardot in a scene from the film Les Femmes, 1969

La Madrague, the Saint Tropez home of Brigitte Bardot

Although she went on to have a string of other relationships, Bardot did not marry again until 1992, when she tied the knot with businessman Bernard d’Ormale, who had advised the far-right Front National.

Through the course of her life she attempted suicide four different times, including once at just 16.

At the peak of her fame, and after another suicide attempt, fans broke into her property to claim bloodstained curtains and bathroom tiles as mementoes.

After quitting acting in 1973, Bardot took her life in a different direction.

She said: ‘I gave my youth and my beauty to men, I am now giving and my experience, the best of myself, to animals.’

Setting up the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, she was a dedicated vegetarian and regularly campaigned for the rights of animals.

In 2013 she threatened to request Russian citizenship and leave France after a pair of 42-year-old elephants were refused treatment for tuberculosis in a Lyon zoo.

She referred to France as a ‘graveyard for animals’ but ultimately won the case and saved the two former circus animals.

Bardot became an animal rights activist. Above: Attending the international feline exhibition in Saint-Tropex, France, June 1977

Bardot visiting her dog refuge in Paris, 2001

In 2001 she also donated $140,000 over two years to sterilise and adopt 300,000 of Bucharest’s stray dogs.

Not all of her activism work since quitting acting was quite so well received.

In 2004 she was convicted by a French court and fined £4,000 for ‘inciting racial hatred’ in her book A Scream in the Silence.

She was a keen supporter of the far-right Marine Le Pen. At the 2017 French elections, she told people not to vote for Emmanuel Macron because he had a ‘coldness’ in his ‘steel eyes’.

She lived out the final years of her life in a secluded property in Saint Tropez, a vacation hotspot she allegedly made famous, with her husband.

Bardot will live on through her style and her modelling years.

Never one for tradition, she posed for a nude spread in Playboy to celebrate her 40th birthday.

She created the Bardot pose, where she sat with her legs crossed in just a pair of black stockings, and the Bardot neckline was named after her because she made the style famous.

Her bouffant hair routinely makes a comeback, and her effortless style will continue to draw in fans, long after her death.

 HAPPILY MARRIED — BUT THE FEUD L00MS  Adɑm Peɑty ɑnd Holly Rɑmsɑy emerged smiling from Bɑth Abbey ɑs newlyweds — with his sister ɑs bridesmɑid ɑnd the Beckhɑms wɑtching on. A fɑirytɑle setting… overshɑdowed by ɑ deep fɑmily feud fɑns cɑn’t ignore

Newlyweds Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay have left Bath Abbey after their lavish wedding sparked a bitter feud and tore the Olympian’s family apart.

The Olympian swimmer, 31, and his blushing bride, 25, beamed as they made their grand exit from the historic 7th century building following their ceremony today.

They smiled as they made their way through an adoring crowd, keen to catch the loved-up couple, before they headed to the opulent Georgian manor, Kin House.

Meanwhile, Holly’s proud celebrity chef father, Gordon Ramsay, 59, was seen thanking members of the star-studded guest list, including the Beckhams, as they left the service.

But, the run-up to the wedding has been anything but plain sailing, sparking a toxic family row that captured the nation and left Peaty’s family disinvited to the celebrations.

Despite, the feud the gold medalist’s sister, Bethany Peaty, was among Holly’s bridesmaids, which included her mother, Tana Ramsay, 51, and her sisters, Tilly, 24 and Megan, 27.

Elsewhere, the swimmer’s other family members fueled further speculation of a rift by flying a Union Jack flag upside down while hundreds of miles away in Staffordshire.

However it would have been hard to spot bubbling’s of a spat this morning, as Holly glowed making her way into Bath Abbey, guided by the proud Hell’s Kitchen host father, Gordon.

Holly Ramsay and husband Adam Peaty are seen leaving their wedding at Bath Abbey

The Olympian swimmer, 31, and his blushing bride, 25, beamed as they made their grand exit from the historic building following their ceremony today

They gleefully smiled as they made their way through an adoring crowd, keen to catch the loved-up couple, before they headed to the opulent Georgian manor, Kin House

The recently married couple intertwine arms as they head to the car

The beaming newlyweds make their way through the crowds

Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay outside of Bath Abbey today

The newlyweds were all smiles as they left Bath Abbey today

The two walk towards a car which will take them to their reception at Kin House

Peaty and his new bride enter a car to leave Bath Abbey this afternoon

The couple making their way to the car as hordes of people try to catch a snap of the newlyweds

A brief glimpse of a scalloped skirt underneath Holly Ramsay’s long train

Footballing legend Sir David Beckham, 50, leaves Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay’s wedding at Bath Abbey

Victoria Beckham and Romeo both follow suit and leave after the ceremony concludes

Victoria, Romeo and David Beckham make their way into a car following the wedding ceremony

Gordon Ramsay says goodbye to guests as they leave Bath Abbey where Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay were married

The bride kept her Christmas wedding dress firmly under wraps, covering it with an embroidered lace cloak as hordes of onlookers were eager to catch a glimpse.

She shivered as she emerged from the car into the near zero freezing wintry temperatures despite clutching an ivory hooded satin cloak around her traditional ivory lace voluminous wedding dress.

The bride looked visibly nervous as she paused for a moment in the icy wind while an attendant helped to ease her dress and its train from the Rolls Royce.

Her father, as if sensing her hesitation, moved round to face her and whispered a few words into her ear.

Then, in a touching moment between the two of them, they smiled tenderly at each other and he kissed her on the cheek before they moved forwards.

Security guards holding umbrellas to the side to fend off unwanted attention flanked Gordon and his daughter, as the chef waved and said ‘Merry Christmas’.

She kept her eyes cast downwards as if unprepared for the large and noisy crowds that had gathered to the front and sides of the abbey awaiting her arrival.

Holly chose a dewy make-up look, coupled with an understated updo and veil, only giving crowds a short glimpse of a scalloped skirt underneath her long train.

Holly Ramsey stuns as she arrives in a white gown with her father Gordon Ramsay ahead of her wedding

Blushing bride Holly Ramsay arrives at her wedding to Olympian Adam Peaty

The beaming bride makes her way out of the car with the help of her father, Gordon

Holly gives onlookers a glimpse of her dress which appears to have been hidden beneath a long white silk cloak

Holly and Gordon exchange a kiss on the cheek before walking to the Abbey

The father and daughter share a loving glance at one another ahead of the ceremony at Bath Abbey

Staff help iron out the bride’s dress before she makes her way to the ceremony to wed Olympian, Adam Peaty, today

Celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, guides his daughter amid the crowds outside of Bath Abbey

Gordon and Holly Ramsay arrive for her wedding to Adam Peaty at Bath Abbey

Holly clings on to her father Gordon’s hand as she prepares to wed Olympian, Adam Peaty

The 25-year-old bride smiles as she makes her way to Bath Abbey draped in a white cloak

Security guards make a path for bride Holly Ramsay to pass as she arrives at her wedding at Bath Abbey

And while the big day hasn’t been short of family drama, the Ramsay’s A-list close friends, The Beckhams, arrived showing their support to the couple.

Her bridesmaids were shortly ahead and stunned in red and green column-style dresses with short puffed sleeves and simple black sandals, each carrying a single white Arum lily tied with a white ribbon – in keeping with the Yuletide theme.

It is believed the couple chose Bath Abbey, where the cost of a wedding can be around £2,500, because the groom Olympic trains at nearby Bath University.

Among the star-studded guest list which includes 200 attendees, was Sir David, 50, his wife, Victoria Beckham, 51, as well as their children, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14.

The Beckhams and the Ramsays have been close family friends since the early 2000s, with the two clan striking a bond when they both relocated to the USA.

However, the famous brood aren’t short of their own family dramas either, with eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, 26, having his own reported rift between with his father.

It comes as sources claim the family believe Brooklyn has blocked them in a move that appears to be a sign of his ‘complete estrangement’ from his family.

And the eldest Beckham son was notably absent at today’s wedding.

Holly Ramsay’s sister Tilly leaves Bath Abbey following the wedding

Holly Ramsay and husband Adam Peaty are seen leaving their wedding at Bath Abbey.

Holly’s other bridesmaids, Adam Peaty’s sister Bethany (pictured in front) attempt to make their way through the hordes of onlookers this afternoon

Bethany Peat departs the wedding of Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay at Bath Abbey

(Pictured left to right) Megan Ramsay, Tilly Ramsay and Bethany Peaty arrive for the wedding of Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay

Tana Ramsay, 51, leads the bridesmaids through the crowds to Bath Abbey today

The bride’s mother, Tana Ramsay, (Pictured: Dressed in green)can be seen leading the bridesmaids into the ceremony

Holly’s younger sister Tilly  (pictured in front) leads the bridesmaids today

The two other bridesmaids, also wearing red, follow shortly behind at Bath Abbey today

The bridesmaids begin to make their way into the Abbey dressed in all red with white flowers

The three women (Pictured in the front, Holly’s sister, Tilly)  make are pictured by adoring members of the public as they wait for bride

The admiring public, keen to catch a glimpse of the bride ahead of her wedding to Peaty

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Sources familiar with the nuptials say Brooklyn, as someone who was once a central part of the Ramsay/Beckham gatherings, ‘will of course be missed’.

Despite being best friends since they were toddlers, the Daily Mail revealed that his relationship with Gordon and Tana’s eldest son Jack – now in the Marines – had also fizzled out.

It is believed that they have not spoken for some time, and according to friends of both families, their bond began to unravel when Brooklyn began dating Nicola.

Much like Brooklyn’s parents, there was no sign of Jack at Brooklyn and Nicola’s service to renew their wedding vows in the summer.

It is not known if Brooklyn was invited to Holly’s wedding and declined or if he didn’t make the guest list.

However other insiders have suggested it would be unlike Holly to have snubbed Brooklyn because the Ramsays are thought to take ‘the door is always open’ view when it comes to the 26-year-old.

And they allegedly feel it is a ‘huge shame’ he isn’t going as he and Holly were once very close – he and Jack even closer.

Today, both fashion designer Victoria and her daughter Harper stunned in glamorous floor-length gowns.

Victoria and David Beckham arrive in Bath ahead of the star-studded wedding

Victoria and David Beckham arrive at Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty’s wedding at Bath Abbey today

Victoria stunned in a dark blue blue floor length dress as she arrived to the wedding this morning

Harper Beckham, 14, arrives at the ceremony in a stunning floor length gown coupled with a fluffy black cropped jacket

David and his son Romeo make their way into the Abbey ahead of the nuptials

Cruz Beckham sports a grey long coat as he makes his way to Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty’s wedding ceremony

Sarah Davies and Dan Walker make their way out of Bath Abbey following Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty’s wedding

Marcus Wareing and wife Jane are also all smiles as they leave Bath Abbey this afternoon

Two guests leave the Yuletide wedding wearing in glamorous gowns

Hordes of guests spill out of the historic building, where the cost of  a wedding can be around £2,500

The 14-year-old coupled her black dress with a cropped black fluffy jacket and a matching clutch.

Meanwhile, the Spice Girl put on a chic display sporting large sunglasses and a hard silver purse to complete her glamorous outfit for the big day.

Elsewhere, the Beckham men all cut a dapper figure sporting smart black suits topped off with bow ties and lengthy coats in grey and various shades of brown.

Dragon’ Den star, Sarah Davies, sports journalist Dan Walker as well as Capital radio host Will Manning and his girlfriend Georgia Haldenby were also among the attendees.

Masterchef: The Professionals presenter, Marcus Wareing, his wife Jane and celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth were also present.

Fellow Olympic swimmers Duncan Scott and Matt Richards were in attendance at today’s nuptials.

The newlyweds, who got engaged 15 months ago, asked the celebrity-packed guest list to avoid taking snaps on the big day ‘to help maintain [it’s] intimacy.’

Harper and her mother Victoria stun today as they arrive in floor-length gowns at the celebrations

The Beckham men (Pictured: David and Romeo) all cut a dapper figure sporting smart black suits topped off with bow ties and lengthy coats in grey and various shades of brown

Sports journalist Dan Walker and his wife Sarah are pictured arriving at the wedding in Bath today

Cruz Beckham followed closely behind his family at today’s celebrations in Bath today

Adam Peaty has arrived at his wedding to Holly Ramsay today as the lavish nuptials have been at the epicentre of a bitter family feud which has torn the Olympian’s family apart

Olympian, Peaty, 31, poses with his five-year-old son George ahead of the ceremony

Peaty wearing a smart black suit with a bow tie, arriving at Bath Abbey ahead of his wedding to Holly Ramsay today

And on their gift wish-list is an £800 chair and footstool, a £450 log storage bin and a £995 mahogany table, The Sun reported.

They have also included a £365 mirror, a £430 outdoor heater as well as less expensive items such as an £18 bowl on their list.

‘It’s very traditional and they’ve made the gifting totally optional but, given the wealth of some of the people invited, they’re bound to do well,’ a source said.

Earlier, proud father Gordon shared a a heartwarming tribute to his daughter as she prepared to tie the knot with her fiancé.

The TV chef shared a sweet snap of him and Holly as he gushed over how ‘proud’ he is and how much he is looking forward to officially welcoming the sportsman to the family.

He penned: ‘I’m truly so lucky being able to walk this beautiful bride down the aisle and gaining an incredible son in law @adam_peaty!

‘I love you so much @hollyramsayy and couldn’t be a prouder Dad xxx’.

The gold medalist arrived ahead of the ceremony this morning, appearing calm, cool and collected, wearing a smart black suit as he clung on to his five-year-old son George’s hand

Adam Peaty counted down the hours until his wedding to Holly Ramsay as he shared a sunrise snap on the morning of his nuptials to Instagram on Saturday amid family feud

Gordon penned: ‘I’m truly so lucky being able to walk this beautiful bride down the aisle and gaining an incredible son in law @adam_peaty!’

The bride Holly Ramsay has departed Kin House and is making her way over to Bath Abbey

Holly makes her way over in a black car to the Abbey for the ceremony this morning

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Happily married! Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay leave Bath Abbey after getting wed in front of Beckhams

Beforehand, he appeared to be counting down the hours to the wedding, sharing a snap of his surroundings – a pool in the backdrop of a countryside sunrise with the caption, ‘Morning of our wedding.’

It appears Peaty, who has six gold medals to his name, may have been planning a quick dip to calm his nerves ahead of the lavish celebrations.

Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated wedding has been at the centre of a toxic family row that has captured the nation, and has left the Olympian’s family disinvited to the celebrations.

And at, Kin House, the Wiltshire manor where the married couple’s reception is set to take place, security guards and dogs were spotted patrolling the grounds of the Georgian manor.

The Georgian manor is located near the pretty town of Chippenham, a 40-minute drive from the centre of Bath.

The sought-after wedding venue can accommodate 200 guests on site, with 12 bedrooms suitable for up to 24 guests.

The starting price for a full weekend wedding is £32,750, with bespoke menus for different clients.

But 120 miles away, in Staffordshire, his mother Caroline, father Mark and wider family are sat at home ‘heartbroken’ as they will not be among the guests after they were reportedly barred from the wedding by the happy couple.

Sarah Davies arrives at Bath Abbey sporting a black and blue floral floor-length gown

Celebrity chef Marcus Wareing arrives with his wife Jane at Bath Abbey today

Olympic swimmers Duncan Scott and Matt Richards arrive at the wedding

Radio host Will Manning and his girlfriend Georgia Haldenby attend the wedding of Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay

Celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth at the wedding of Gordon Ramsay’s daughter, Holly

Hordes of guests begin to descend on Bath Abbey ahead of today’s highly anticipated wedding

More guests dressed to the nines make their way into the Abbey this morning

Two attendees arrive wearing all black, with the woman wearing a fluffy shawl while holding a gold plated bag

Guests seen smiling and holding up a peace sign outside the Abbey this morning

More guests make their way into Bath Abbey as the crowds patiently wait to catch a glimpse of the blushing bride

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Gordon Ramsay gushes over how ‘proud’ he is of daughter Holly in heartwarming tribute

Caroline had reportedly planned to crash the wedding but has since decided against it explaining ‘It would be too sad’ and ‘ don’t want to spoil his big day.’

Her change of heart came after she’d previously insisted: ‘I will be there, and I will watch from the street.’

However, her husband Mark dissuaded her from crashing the wedding, telling her it would be ‘too upsetting’ to be there.

Instead, the Peatys remain at their home in Uttoxeter – the same home from which Caroline used to ferry her son to and from his countless training sessions and competitions, all those years ago.

Earlier, wedding organisers were seen putting the finishing touches on the two brilliant rose flower arrangements outside Abbey where her son married the love of his life and perhaps sealed the point of no return for her relationship with him.

Hours before guests were even set to arrive at the ancient landmark, a handful of spectators gathered by the blue rope that has been erected to catch the wedding of the year.

Six weeks ago, Caroline revealed her hurt and bewilderment in the wake of an extraordinary family bust-up that had exploded into the public arena after Holly’s very glossy hen-do, to which she was not invited.

Photographs of the glamorous gathering, posted on Instagram, notably included the bride-to-be, her family and friends, Victoria Beckham, Adam’s sister Bethany, but not Caroline.

Pictured: A security guard and a menacing patrol dog at the entrance of Kin House in Wiltshire ahead of the wedding reception

The patrol dog jumping up at the entrance of the Georgian Manor this morning

The security guard and the dog appear to be standing near a structure by the entrance of Kin House

The gates to the lavish Georgian manor appear to be slightly ajar as the fierce patrol dog and the security guard stand guard

Two vans arrive at Kiln House this morning ahead of the couple’s lavish wedding celebration

It seemed the turmoil of the fall out with his parents was far from Adam’s mind as he took to Instagram nice and early to share a picture of the countryside sunrise ahead of the ceremony

More security personnel stand outside Bath Abbey ahead of today’s ceremony

Meanwhile the flowers were seen being placed outside Bath Abbey ahead of the celebrations later today

A sign outside Bath Abbey saying how the visiting and services are closed until December 28

Decorations arriving at Bath Abbey ahead of today’s ceremony between Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay

Bath Abbey Bath Abbey on December 27 – the historic venue where the couple are set to wed

Caroline has been barred from the service following an increasingly toxic and inconveniently public row that began in November

Earlier this week Adam shared a loved-up snap of him and Holly holding hands as he wished his followers a ‘Merry Christmas’

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Adam Peaty prepares for today’s wedding to Holly Ramsay as security guards patrol with dogs

She was at home, looking after Adam’s son, George, five, from his previous relationship with Eirianedd Munro.

Meanwhile, at Kin House in Wiltshire, the opulent wedding reception is expected to go on until midnight.

Guests will arrive at the lavish venue after being shipped from the Abbey following the ceremony’s conclusion.

Their evening will begin with a prawn cocktail or Jerusalem artichoke starter at 4pm, followed by a beef wellington, pan-roasted wild halibut or crispy mushroom and chestnut pithivier.

In keeping with tradition, the wedding cake is set to be cut at 8pm with the newlyweds opting for a classic tatin for dessert.

Peaty is said to have met his now wife via her sister Tilly, while they both participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.

On September 12, 2024, Holly announced their engagement, writing: ‘I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now.’

In a another post, Peaty said: ‘I can’t believe you’re going to be my wife. I’m truly the luckiest man on earth to have such a gentle, caring and beautiful woman by my side.’

BBC risks bɑcklɑsh ɑfter ɑiring Boxing Dɑy episode of Would I Lie To You? feɑturing Dɑvid Wɑlliɑms ɑs he fɑces ɑllegɑtions of inɑppropriɑte behɑviour

The BBC has risked a fresh backlash by broadcasting a Boxing Day episode of a long-running comedy panel show featuring David Walliams.

BBC One aired a festive edition of Would I Lie To You? on which Walliams appeared as a panellist, in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled against him.

The comedian and prolific children’s book author, 54, has been dropped by publisher Harper Collins after being accused of harassing junior female members of staff.

Walliams, who denies the allegations, appeared on the episode which was broadcast at 7pm on Friday but filmed over the summer.

Last week the BBC said that it would not remove the episode from its schedule.

It did say that it had ‘no future projects directly involving David Walliams’, who has also been removed as an ambassador of charity The Children’s Trust, and dropped from the line-up of Waterstones’ Children’s Book Festival.

Walliams appeared as a guest on the show alongside Call The Midwife actress Helen George, BBC radio DJ Swarzy Shire and Jools Holland, with team captains David Mitchell, and Lee Mack and host Rob Brydon.

The BBC has risked a fresh backlash by broadcasting a Boxing Day episode of a long-running comedy panel show featuring David Walliams

Walliams (left) appeared as a guest on the show alongside Call The Midwife actress Helen George (right) and Lee Mack (centre)

Walliams caused controversy at the filming of the episode in June when audience members spotted him twice making a Nazi salute as part of a joke during one segment.

The BBC apologised for the incident, which occurred during one of Ms George’s stories about injuring her wrist while waving, deeming it ‘completely unacceptable’.

His fellow panellists were said to be shocked by the incident during filming at Pinewood Studios.

“I’VE BEEN SILENT LONG ENOUGH — AND I’M DONE PROTECTING OTHER PEOPLE’S FAIRYTALES.” At Christmas, when the world was meant to be quiet and forgiving, Rebecca Loos detonated a truth bomb that ripped straight through the Beckham narrative, breaking her silence after Victoria Beckham’s glossy documentary dragged her name back into the spotlight and reopened wounds she says never healed. Fighting emotion but visibly furious, Rebecca shot back with brutal honesty: “They get to rewrite history with cameras and soft lighting — I get to live with the scars,” adding that she has “nothing left to lose by telling the truth.” Insiders say her decision to speak now wasn’t strategic — it was survival. “I watched them profit from pain while pretending it never existed,” she reportedly told friends. The timing alone felt deliberate, the message unmistakable: some stories don’t disappear just because powerful people want them buried. As social media explodes and sides harden, one chilling line is echoing louder than any festive cheer: “You don’t get closure when someone else controls the narrative — you get angry.” And this time, Rebecca isn’t backing down.

Rebecca Loos has publicly thanked fans for their support after unexpectedly finding herself thrust back into the spotlight following the release of Victoria Beckham.

The former personal assistant to David Beckham, now 48, took to Instagram on Christmas Day to share a serene festive snap alongside her dog, posing in front of a lavishly decorated tree. Dressed in a glamorous green-and-white gown, Rebecca appeared calm and composed — a striking contrast to the media storm that has resurfaced around her name.

In a simple but pointed message, she wrote that she was grateful for all the love and support, wishing her followers health and happiness over Christmas — a quiet acknowledgment of the renewed attention following Victoria’s highly watched documentary.

Rebecca, who lives a far more private life in Norway with her husband and children, was famously at the centre of headlines in 2004 after claiming she had an affair with David while he was married. The subject resurfaced again after David addressed the allegations in his own Netflix documentary in 2023, describing the period as one of the most difficult of his life.

More recently, Victoria herself was asked about the rumours during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper, where she reflected that everything she and David have endured has only strengthened their marriage over time.

Rebecca’s festive message comes amid a turbulent Christmas for the Beckham family. Their eldest son Brooklyn Beckham sparked fresh headlines after declaring wife Nicola Peltz-Beckham his “everything” in a loved-up Instagram post, shared just days after blocking his parents and siblings on social media.

Brooklyn, celebrating Christmas in Miami with Nicola’s billionaire parents, also raised eyebrows earlier this week with a cryptic TikTok video set to Telephone, highlighting the lyric “sorry I cannot hear you, I’m kinda busy” — a move many fans interpreted as a thinly veiled message to his estranged family.

While David and Victoria have continued festivities in the UK with their younger children, sources close to the couple insist they remain heartbroken over the estrangement but unwavering in their love for Brooklyn.

Against this backdrop of family fractures and revived controversies, Rebecca Loos’ quiet Christmas post stood out — not as a defence or denial, but as a subtle reminder that some chapters never fully close, no matter how much time has passed.

 THE WEDDING THAT SPLIT TWO WORLDS  Holly Rɑmsɑy ɑrrived smiling on her big dɑy with ɑdɑm Peɑty — but his fɑmily wɑtched from home

Holly Ramsay has arrived for her highly anticipated wedding to Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty — a lavish Christmas ceremony that has unfolded against the backdrop of one of the most painful family rifts in recent celebrity memory.

The 25-year-old bride beamed as she stepped out of her car at Bath Abbey, guided lovingly by her father, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, 59. Holly kept her wedding dress a closely guarded secret, concealing it beneath an elegant embroidered lace cloak as crowds gathered, desperate for a glimpse of the moment.

As she made her way through the throng of onlookers, Holly paused to plant a tender kiss on her father’s cheek before he escorted her towards the Abbey doors — a quietly emotional scene that contrasted sharply with the turmoil surrounding the groom’s family.

Bridesmaids, including Holly’s mother Tana Ramsay and her younger sister Tilly, preceded her into the ceremony, dressed in festive red and green gowns that echoed the Christmas theme of the day.

Despite weeks of controversy and heartbreak, the Ramsay family were bolstered by the presence of their A-list inner circle. Leading the VIP guest list were David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, who arrived alongside their children Romeo, Cruz and 14-year-old Harper.

Victoria and Harper turned heads in glamorous floor-length gowns, while David and his sons cut sharp figures in tailored black suits with bow ties and long winter coats — a clear show of solidarity on a day marred by division.

Earlier, Adam Peaty arrived at the Abbey appearing calm and composed, holding the hand of his five-year-old son George. Hours before the ceremony, the gold medallist shared a serene sunrise image on Instagram, captioned simply: “Morning of our wedding,” with a swimming pool in the background — prompting speculation he had taken an early dip to steady his nerves.

Security was tight at Kin House, the Wiltshire manor hosting the reception, where guards and dogs patrolled the grounds. Yet more than 120 miles away in Staffordshire, Adam’s parents and extended family remained at home, “heartbroken” after being excluded from the celebrations.

His mother, Caroline Peaty, had reportedly considered turning up despite the ban but ultimately decided against it, admitting it would be “too sad” and that she did not want to “spoil his big day” — a devastating footnote to a wedding that should have been purely joyful.

“THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP — AND AUSTRALIANS ARE PAYING THE PRICE.” Pauline Hanson detonated a political firestorm as the nation reeled from reports of special forces police intercepting a vehicle near Bondi, arresting seven men and allegedly discovering a firearm, with claims emerging that the returnees were never properly checked before re-entering Australia, prompting Hanson to roar, “How many warnings do we need before someone gets killed?” as she accused Labor and Anthony Albanese of “playing roulette with public safety,” adding, “You don’t gamble with borders, you don’t gamble with terror, and you don’t gamble with innocent lives,” while insiders described Canberra as being in panic mode, furious Australians flooding social media with fear and rage, and critics warning this could become the defining betrayal of the government’s watch — a moment that leaves one brutal question hanging in the air: if this was really preventable, who will be held accountable when the consequences finally hit?

BREAKING NEWS Pauline Hanson Furious as She Blasts Labor Party and Anthony Albanese After Australian Media Reports Special Forces Police Intercepted a Vehicle Near Bondi Beach, Arresting Seven Men and Possibly Discovering a Gun.

In a stunning escalation of political tension, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has unleashed a blistering attack on the Labor Party and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following reports of a high-stakes police operation near Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

Australian media outlets revealed that special forces police intercepted a suspicious vehicle, leading to the arrest of seven men and the potential discovery of a firearm.

Hanson, never one to mince words, accused the government of endangering Australian lives for political gain, questioning, “How much money did he take to do this? A bunch of bastards pushing the people down the path to death!”

This incident, unfolding on December 18, 2025, has reignited fierce debates over immigration policies, national security, and the competence of the Albanese administration. As details emerge, critics argue that this near-miss exposes the perilous flaws in Labor’s approach to repatriation amid global conflicts.

Albanese’s government has been under fire for facilitating the return of Australians from war-torn regions, including the Middle East, without stringent background checks. Proponents claim it’s a humanitarian effort, but detractors like Hanson see it as a reckless gamble with public safety.

The operation began when elite tactical units from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales Police Force received intelligence about a vehicle exhibiting erratic behavior near Bondi Beach. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the  car speeding along the coastal road before being boxed in by unmarked vehicles.

Bodycam footage, leaked to select media, shows officers swarming the scene, detaining seven men of Middle Eastern appearance. Initial reports suggest a handgun was found concealed in the vehicle’s trunk, though authorities have yet to confirm if it was loaded or linked to any planned attack.

The arrests were swift and without incident, but the implications are profound.

What elevates this from a routine bust to a national scandal is the background of the detainees. Sources within the Department of Home Affairs confirm that at least four of the seven were repatriated Australians who had been stranded in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Albanese’s government, in a bid to appear compassionate on the international stage, expedited their return in late 2024 without the mandatory security screenings typically required for individuals from high-risk zones. This decision, critics say, bypassed protocols established post-9/11 to prevent radicalized elements from infiltrating the country.

Pauline Hanson, speaking from her Brisbane office, didn’t hold back in her condemnation. In a fiery press conference streamed live on social media, she lambasted Albanese personally: “This is what happens when you put virtue-signaling ahead of Australian lives.

Anthony Albanese has blood on his hands if this had gone further.

These blokes waltz back in without a single check— no ASIO vetting, no interviews, nothing! And now they’re caught with a gun near one of our busiest beaches? How much money did he take to do this? Is it kickbacks from foreign lobbies or just sheer incompetence? A bunch of bastards in Canberra pushing everyday Aussies down the path to death while they sip lattes in their ivory towers.”

Hanson’s rhetoric, while inflammatory, resonates with a segment of the population frustrated by what they perceive as lax border controls. Her One Nation party has long advocated for stricter immigration measures, arguing that unchecked repatriation invites terrorism.

This incident comes on the heels of similar controversies, including the 2024 release of detainees from immigration detention centers following a High Court ruling, which led to several high-profile crimes. Albanese defended that move as upholding human rights, but opponents point to it as evidence of systemic failure.

To understand the depth of this criticism, one must delve into the policy framework under Albanese. Since taking office in 2022, the Labor government has prioritized humanitarian repatriation, particularly for dual citizens caught in overseas conflicts.

In the case of Gaza evacuees, over 200 individuals were flown back on chartered flights funded by taxpayers. While many were innocent families fleeing violence, intelligence reports—leaked by whistleblowers—suggested that some had ties to militant groups.
Family games
Yet, due to diplomatic pressures and a desire to align with international allies like the United States, security checks were waived or fast-tracked.

Experts in counter-terrorism have weighed in, amplifying the chorus of disapproval. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a security analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, stated, “This is a textbook case of policy over prudence. Repatriating individuals from conflict zones without thorough vetting is like playing Russian roulette with national security.

Albanese’s administration has prioritized optics—looking good on the world stage—over the safety of Australians. If a gun was indeed found, we narrowly avoided another tragedy like the Lindt Café siege.”

The Lindt Café reference is apt. In 2014, a lone gunman with a history of extremism held hostages in Sydney’s CBD, resulting in deaths. That event prompted a overhaul of anti-terror laws, including enhanced monitoring of repatriated citizens.

Under Albanese, however, funding for ASIO and AFP has been criticized as insufficient, with budget cuts redirecting resources to climate initiatives and social welfare. Hanson seized on this: “While Albanese is busy hugging trees and handing out welfare cheques, our cops are outgunned and under-resourced.

These repatriated radicals know it too—they’re exploiting the weaknesses he’s created.”

Public reaction has been polarized. Social media erupted with hashtags like #AlbaneseFail and #SecureOurBorders trending nationwide. A poll conducted by YouGov immediately after the arrests showed 58% of respondents believing the government bears responsibility for the incident.

In contrast, Labor supporters argue that Hanson is fear-mongering, pointing out that no attack occurred and that the arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of current intelligence operations.

Yet, the timing couldn’t be worse for Albanese. With federal elections looming in 2026, this scandal threatens to erode his already fragile approval ratings, which have dipped below 40% amid economic woes and housing crises.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has echoed Hanson’s sentiments, calling for an independent inquiry into the repatriation program. “Australians deserve answers,” Dutton said in Parliament. “How many more potential threats has this government let slip through the net?”

Delving deeper, the repatriation policy’s origins trace back to Albanese’s 2023 commitment at the United Nations to assist in global humanitarian efforts. In partnership with the Biden administration, Australia agreed to accept evacuees from Gaza, Syria, and Afghanistan. While noble in intent, implementation has been marred by bureaucratic shortcuts.

Internal memos, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, reveal that Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil overruled security advisors on multiple occasions to expedite processes, citing “urgent humanitarian needs.”

Critics argue this reflects a broader pattern of Albanese’s leadership: prioritizing progressive ideals over pragmatic governance. From the Voice to Parliament referendum’s failure to mishandled COVID-19 border closures, his tenure has been dogged by accusations of naivety.

Hanson, positioning herself as the voice of the “forgotten Australians,” has capitalized on this discontent. Her party’s support has surged in regional areas, where fears of urban terrorism loom large.

The Bondi incident also raises questions about community safety in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Bondi Beach, a tourist hotspot, has seen increased patrols since the 2024 stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, which claimed six lives.

Locals are now demanding answers: Why were these men not monitored upon arrival? What intelligence led to the interception? And crucially, was this part of a larger plot?

In response, Albanese’s office issued a statement emphasizing that “all repatriations are conducted with the utmost care for national security.” The PM himself addressed the nation in a press briefing: “We will not let isolated incidents divide us.

Our agencies acted decisively, preventing any harm.” But such platitudes ring hollow to many, especially as Hanson counters with, “Isolated? This is the tip of the iceberg. Albanese’s open-door policy is inviting disaster.”

As investigations continue, the AFP has charged the seven men with possession of a prohibited weapon and conspiracy-related offenses. Their court appearances are scheduled for next week, where more details may emerge. Meanwhile, calls for Albanese’s resignation grow louder from conservative quarters.

This episode underscores a fundamental divide in Australian politics: compassion versus caution. While Albanese champions inclusivity, critics like Hanson argue it’s at the expense of safety.

As one voter in Bondi told me, “We want to help people, but not if it means risking our own families.” Whether this incident marks a turning point remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anthony Albanese’s leadership is under siege, and Pauline Hanson’s unfiltered fury has struck a nerve.
Family games
In the end, Australians must ask themselves: How much longer can we afford a government that gambles with our security? Hanson’s words may be harsh, but in the wake of this near-catastrophe, they demand reflection.

The path to death, as she puts it, is paved with good intentions—and perhaps, as she alleges, a few illicit incentives.

“HE WENT TOO FAR…” Britain is 𝙁𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙊𝙐𝙎 after Patrick Christys branded King Charles III’ Christmas speech “𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙇𝙀𝙎𝙎”

Patrick Christys sparked the ire of GB News fans as he branded King Charles’ speech a “meaningless word salad”.

Patrick Christys risked the ire of GB News fans (Image: GB News)

GB News fans were up in arms as anchor Patrick Christys took aim at King Charles after his Christmas Day speech. The star – who is married to fellow GB News host Emily Carver – took to X yesterday (December 25) but risked the ire of his regular supporters as he hit out at the monarch’s “meaningless word salad”.

Christys wrote: “Bit of a meaningless word salad from King Charles there. Liked the bit about remembering veterans, but found the rest of his Christmas message a bit pointless. What do you think?” His fellow GB News colleague Adam Brooks seemed to agree, writing: “Didn’t watch the King’s speech, I’m really not a fan tbh.

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“And I definitely didn’t watch the loony Green Party leader call for MORE asylum seekers either. I’ve had a nice day without politics or watching/reading those that seek to destroy our country.”

Fans weren’t happy, however, as one fumed in the replies section: “Despite his best efforts, poor Patrick can’t find anything specific in the speech to cry about, so ‘a bit pointless’ will have to do.”

Someone else said: “Nothing says Merry Christmas like going on Twitter to slag off the annual speech from our monarch.”

King Charles made his annual Christmas speech (Image: Getty)

“Bloke fighting cancer tries to give a message of hope, unity and belief to his divided and unhappy country and you chose to come to Twitter to slag him off, rather than spend time with your child on their very first Christmas. Stay classy Christys,” another snapped.

However, others seemed to agree with Christys, as one said: “Pointless is correct… time for William and Kate to lead the Royal Family.”

Another said: “I miss Queen Elizabeth II.”

“Much ado about nothing. No message really,” a third echoed.

“We’ve Got NOTHING to Be Sorry For.” — David and Victoria Beckham have finally drawn a fierce, immovable line as the family rift with Brooklyn explodes into full public view, insiders revealing the couple are heartbroken but done backing down, with one source saying David snapped, “I will not apologise for being a father,” while Victoria, shaken yet steely, reportedly told friends, “I’ve spent my life protecting my family — I won’t start begging now,” as tensions harden and the silence between them grows louder by the day; those close to the Beckhams say the message to Brooklyn is brutal in its simplicity — the door isn’t locked, but it won’t be grovelled open — and as fans watch in stunned disbelief, one painful truth hangs in the air like a crack in glass: this isn’t a spat, it’s a standoff, and if no one blinks soon, the fracture could become permanent.

Victoria Beckham and David Beckham appeared to send a pointed and unmistakable message to their estranged son Brooklyn Beckham on Boxing Day, as the Beckham family feud showed no sign of easing over Christmas.

The famous couple shared a video of themselves dancing together at their Cotswolds home to Guilty by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb — a song whose lyrics, “We’ve got nothing to be sorry for,” immediately caught the attention of fans and critics alike. For many, it felt far from coincidental.

The post landed just days after reports claimed Brooklyn wants his parents to apologise to him and his wife, Nicola Peltz, following weeks of tension that have spilled publicly across social media. But the mood from David and Victoria’s festive post suggested reconciliation may not be imminent.

Despite Brooklyn remaining in the US with Nicola and her family, Victoria and David shared a series of smiling family moments from Christmas, presenting a united front with their other children. One image showed David tenderly embracing daughter Harper, while another featured Victoria posing with son Cruz. The couple were also joined by close family members, including Victoria’s parents Jackie and Anthony and David’s mother Sandra.

Victoria captioned the now-viral dancing clip with playful confidence, writing that she and David were giving their “very best Barry and Barbra” on Christmas Day, signing off with kisses from them both.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Brooklyn marked the festive period in a very different way. He spent Christmas in the US with Nicola’s family, sharing posts that underlined where his loyalties currently lie. On Christmas Eve, he described Nicola as “my everything” in a loved-up Instagram post — a move many saw as another subtle but deliberate message to his parents after blocking them on the platform.

Brooklyn also shared glimpses of his Christmas Day activities, including playing tennis with American pro Reilly Opelka and Nicola’s brother Bradley, basking in the Californian sunshine while his family gathered back in the UK.

The rift appears deeper than ever. Earlier this week, Cruz Beckham revealed that Brooklyn had blocked the entire family on Instagram, including his parents and even his younger sister Harper. Cruz insisted that David and Victoria would never unfollow their son, explaining instead that they all woke up to find themselves blocked.

Sources close to the situation have claimed Brooklyn believes his parents owe him and Nicola an apology, with tensions reportedly fuelled by what was described as a sustained period of negative briefings aimed at his wife. According to those claims, repairing the relationship would require acknowledgment of the pain caused — something that, so far, has not happened.

While David and Victoria continue to put on a brave and united front at home, those close to the family say the ongoing feud has taken a particular emotional toll on the grandparents, who are said to be heartbroken at the prospect of not seeing Brooklyn over Christmas.

As the festive season draws to a close, the dancing video — light-hearted on the surface — has come to symbolise something far heavier: a family stalemate, played out to a soundtrack that leaves little room for compromise.