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EXCLUSIVE: James Bulger’s Mum Breaks Silence — Calls Jon Venables’ Parole Denial “The Best Thing to Happen in 30 Years”

Murdered James Bulger’s mum has told of her “pure relief and elation” after killer Jon Venables had his freedom bid rejected by parole chiefs yesterday – hailing the decision as “the best thing that has happened to me in 30 years”.

Triumphant Denise Fergus, who has tirelessly campaigned for justice for her son for three decades, revealed how she was “finally vindicated” after a parole board yesterday agreed evil Jon Venables, now 41, remained a danger to kids and could not be trusted back on the streets.

Yesterday a parole board panel said they were concerned Venables – just ten when he tortured and murdered tiny James in 1993 – has “continuing issues of sexual preoccupation” and were “not satisfied” the public would be safe if he was released.

Today Denise said she was delighted Venables could now be in jail indefinitely if new Government laws to never release dangerous reoffending, sexual attackers were introduced – saying: “I feel we have finally been listened to and the whole nation is safe from the most dangerous, murdering sexual predator”.

In her first interview since yesterday’s landmark news, Denise, 54, said: “I have fought for justice for James and to keep his killer behind bars for years so the decision to not let him walk free is the best thing that has happened to me for 30 years. It’s a huge day for us. I could barely sleep for the dread and fear, one of the most evil men on the planet could be back on our streets. I had braced myself for his release.

“So when I was told the news Venables’ parole had been rejected I was just shellshocked, it’s the first time ever something has gone my way. I just felt so relieved. It feels like the decision is vindication for all the times I have told people he is a danger to society and that he would harm again. I’m so pleased the parole board have agreed with that.

“I just hope Venables now gets to feel a bit of the anguish I have felt for all these years because I’ve been to hell and back but it’s him that has lost.”

She added: “I don’t think he should ever see the light of day again. I have never said that before but now I mean it. What he did to James and his reoffending actions after show he can’t be rehabilitated. This man has no remorse, no sympathy, no pity, no apology for us so he should be kept in.”

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror told how she had been wracked with nerves and unable to sleep ahead of the decision but felt a “wave of shock and then relief” on hearing the news.

She also told of her happiness that Venables, who initially served less than eight years in a young offenders institute for James’ murder, will now “get the time in adult jail he should’ve in the first place”.

Tiny James was murdered by Venables and Robert Thompson – both aged 10 – in February 1993. They grabbed the boy from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, after his mum let go of his hand for a second.

The killers dragged him two miles to a rail line where they tortured and battered him to death. They were convicted of murder in November 1993 and ordered to be detained indefinitely – but were released aged 18 in 2001 with new identities after less than eight years. Thompson, also 41, has not reoffended.

But Venables, now 41, was sent back to jail in 2010 and 2017 after being caught with child sex abuse images on his computer. He was turned down for parole in 2020 having served his minimum 40 months sentence but last month was given an unprecedented two-day hearing.

It was set to be held in private after Venables argued it would harm his “mental health” if it was made public. But despite this, he shunned the hearing, which led to chiefs delaying the decision by two weeks to allow him “one last chance” to make a written submission in which he is reported to have said he was “completely rehabilitated”.

But yesterday the parole board announced their decision – deeming him unfit to be released.

Denise said: “When the parole board made concessions for him by making his hearing closed to protect his mental health or delaying it by two weeks to give him more time to make a statement I thought ‘here we go again, it’s going to go his way’. I had a sense of dread. People would be talking to me in the lead up and I’d struggle to take it in. My mind has been consumed with the parole board outcome. It means so much in our fight for justice for James.

“The not knowing has been agony. I started putting my Christmas decorations up weeks ago but they are still not finished. That shows how distracted I’ve been. I couldn’t get my head around it. My sleep has been affected too and has been at its worst this week. I was in and out of sleep and it has done me in to be honest.

“There is nothing I can do to bring James back. I started dozing off and my mind took over and feeling dread, the worst case scenario and reminding me that something was going to happen. It was horrendous. It was torture.”

But at 10.30am yesterday, Denise, who lives in Merseyside with husband Stuart, got the news she had been praying for.

Denise added: “When I took the call, I was just in shock when our liaison officer told me the news and then this wave of relief came. I’ve never felt this way. I couldn’t even think straight. I was like, ‘has this really happened’ or is it a dream. But it is real and thank god he didn’t get his way and I got mine.”

Stuart added: “I looked at her face, it wasn’t a smile but it was the relief that just flowed out. It was wonderful to see.” She added: “One thing that popped into my mind was that I would love to know was what his thoughts are and I hope he is feeling just a little bit of what I’ve been feeling for the last 30 years.”

The parole board also released a three-page summary of the panel’s decision.

It read: “After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and on licence, and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

“It noted the risks as set out above, doubted Mr Venables’ ability to be open and honest with professionals, and concluded that there remained a need for him to address outstanding levels of risk, and to develop his relationship with his probation officer.”

It said the killer had completed a “considerable amount of work” in prison to address his offending but the panel remained “concerned by continuing issues of sexual preoccupation”.

Denise said: “I’m so happy that they said this. I have been convinced by this for years and know it is the case. It is reassuring to know that the parole board are convinced of the same too.”

The summary added: “The panel considered that there were future risks of Mr Venables again viewing indecent images of children/child sexual abuse images, and also of Mr Venables progressing to offences where he might have contact with children, and both of these present a risk of causing serious harm to others.

“It accordingly determined that there would be a risk to others at this time if Mr Venables were to be released.”

Denise added: “I’m also really pleased this was noted too. I really hope that the families of the kids in images, who were victims of his most recent offences, feel some justice too. It is true that he has not changed a bit and couldn’t be further away from being rehabilitated.

“I have known for a fact for 30 years, after he killed James, that we would end up with another victim like him at the hands of him. I couldn’t let that happen and I’m so pleased that the parole board aren’t allowing that.”

Venables now has 21 days to appeal the decision.

Denise added: “We are obviously aware that you can never say never but if the decision was overturned there would be outcry. The detail of his current state and how far he is from rehabilitation is so damning, it would be a disaster politically if he was released.”

Now Denise said she is looking forward to a Christmas together with the family safe in the knowledge that Venables’ chance appeal will not come around again for another two years – and, if new laws are passed, ever again.

Penny Lancaster became overwhelmed with emotion as she looked back on her and Rod Stewart’s remarkable 25-year romance during the new festive episode of My Life At Christmas with Anita Rani. The 54-year-old model repeatedly broke down while reflecting on the long, winding road that brought her and the 80-year-old music legend together — and even Rod wiped away a tear by the end.

The couple first crossed paths in 1999, when Penny was still a photography student at Barking College and Rod was performing following his split from Rachel Hunter. Penny recalled how they exchanged numbers that night, but she heard nothing for months — completely unaware that Rod’s band leader Carmine Appice had intentionally held on to her number until he felt the singer was emotionally ready. Rod laughed that he “should have fired him, but couldn’t,” because Carmine was simply trying to protect him.

Penny admitted she assumed their brief encounter was over. She remembered developing the concert photos she had taken of Rod and thinking it would remain a “lovely memory.” But once Rod finally reached out nine months later, their relationship quickly grew serious, and Penny soon found herself welcomed into his large blended family.

Opening up about the early years, Penny couldn’t hold back tears as she described the challenge of stepping gently into a household with children aged five to twenty-one from multiple mothers. She said she “tiptoed lightly,” wanting to stay present but not intrusive. After years of patience, she said she reached a closeness with Rod’s children that she “never thought I would get.”

Rod, too, grew emotional as he praised Penny’s role in his family, saying his children “adore her now” and look to her for guidance.

One of the most moving moments of the interview came when Penny recalled the couple’s 2018 meeting with Pope Francis, an encounter won through a charity auction. She struggled through tears as she described the Pope placing both their hands together and blessing them, saying the moment “cemented all the wishes Rod and I had quietly prayed for.”

But it was Rod who broke down at the end, revealing the secret to their long-lasting relationship. He said the age gap had its challenges but created a balance: he brought maturity, while Penny taught him honesty. Rod added that they never go to bed angry, never argue after wine, and resolve disagreements quickly. Fighting back tears, he said he tries to teach all his children that “real men say sorry — that’s what they do,” before adding that he hopes the “wonderful honesty” between him and Penny lasts forever.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the glittering world of ballroom dancing, the BBC has officially announced Rylan Clark as the new host of *Strictly Come Dancing*, stepping into the formidable shoes left vacant by long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The revelation, dropped like a bombshell during a prime-time special on November 26, 2025, confirms what insiders have been whispering for weeks: the charismatic former *X Factor* star and beloved radio personality will lead the show’s 2026 series. But the real jaw-dropper? His co-host is none other than Emma Willis, the no-nonsense presenter known for her work on *Big Brother* and *The Voice UK*—a choice that has left fans reeling, divided, and utterly surprised.
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The announcement comes hot on the heels of Tess and Claudia’s emotional exit, revealed just last month in a joint Instagram video that caught even the show’s insiders off guard. The duo, who have helmed *Strictly* since 2004 and 2014 respectively, cited a desire for more family time and new projects as their reasons for bowing out after the current series wraps. “It’s been an incredible ride, but it’s time to hang up our sequins,” Tess said in the video, her voice cracking with emotion. Claudia, ever the witty counterpart, added, “We’ve laughed, cried, and glitter-bombed our way through two decades. What a sparkle!” Their departure marks the end of an era for the BBC’s flagship entertainment program, which has dazzled audiences with its mix of  celebrity glamour, professional prowess, and occasional controversy.

Rylan Clark, 37, is no stranger to the *Strictly* family. Rising to fame on *The X Factor* in 2012, where his larger-than-life personality and infectious energy won over Simon Cowell and the nation, Rylan transitioned seamlessly into presenting. He hosted *Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two* from 2019 to 2023, earning rave reviews for his empathetic interviews and cheeky banter with contestants. Fans remember his heartfelt moments, like consoling tearful dancers after tough critiques or hyping up underdogs before live shows. His departure from *It Takes Two* in 2023 to focus on other ventures, including his BBC Radio 2 show and various   TV gigs, left a void—but now, he’s back in a bigger role than ever.

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“Rylan’s the perfect fit,” a BBC insider told us exclusively. “He’s got that sparkle, that warmth, and he knows the show inside out. Plus, he’s adored by the viewers.” Betting odds had pegged him as a frontrunner alongside names like Bill Bailey and Alan Carr, but the official nod still feels like a triumph for the Essex boy done good. Rylan himself reacted with trademark humility and excitement on social media shortly after the announcement: “Pinch me! Hosting *Strictly*? Dream come true. Can’t wait to bring the glitz with my fabulous co-host. Let’s dance!”

But it’s the choice of Emma Willis as his co-host that’s truly raised eyebrows. At 49, Emma brings a wealth of experience from reality TV heavyweights, where her poised demeanor and sharp interviewing skills have made her a household name. Yet, her pairing with Rylan is unexpected—fans had speculated duos like Rylan with Fleur East (who replaced him on *It Takes Two*) or even a solo host shake-up. “Emma? Really?” one fan tweeted in disbelief. “Love her on *Big Brother*, but *Strictly* is all about fun and flair. This feels like a curveball.” Others praised the move: “Fresh energy! Emma’s class and Rylan’s charm—genius combo.”

Sources close to the production reveal that Emma was a last-minute contender, edging out other favorites after impressing in screen tests. “The chemistry was electric,” our insider dished. “Rylan’s bubbly, Emma’s grounded—they balance each other like Tess and Claudia did.” Emma, married to Busted’s Matt Willis and a mother of three, has spoken openly about her love for dance shows. In a past interview, she confessed, “I’d kill to be part of *Strictly*—the glamour, the stories, it’s TV magic.” Her addition signals the BBC’s intent to evolve the format, perhaps injecting more in-depth contestant chats amid the tango and tango.
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The shake-up couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for *Strictly*. The 2025 series has been marred by scandals, from judge walkout rumors to contestant injuries, prompting calls for a refresh. Tess and Claudia’s exit, while voluntary, was influenced by the show’s grueling schedule—weekends dominated by live broadcasts, leaving little room for personal life. BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips addressed the changes in a statement: “Tess and Claudia have been the heart of *Strictly*, but we’re thrilled to welcome Rylan and Emma. They’ll honor the legacy while bringing new vibrancy.”

Reactions from the *Strictly* alumni have poured in. Former winner Bill Bailey, who was tipped for the role, tweeted his support: “Rylan? Brilliant choice! And Emma—unexpected but spot on. Can’t wait to watch.” Judge Craig Revel Horwood, known for his acerbic wit, dropped a hint on air last week: “Darlings, big changes ahead—fabulous!” Fans speculate this could mean more judge involvement, perhaps even guest spots.

Rylan’s journey to this pinnacle is a testament to his resilience. After *X Factor*, he navigated personal highs and lows, including his 2021 divorce from Dan Neal and mental health battles, which he shared candidly in his memoir *Ten: The Decade That Changed My Future*. His advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health has endeared him to millions, making him more than just a presenter—he’s a role model. “I’ve grown so much,” Rylan reflected in a recent Radio 2 broadcast. “Hosting *Strictly*? It’s full circle.”

Emma, too, brings depth. Her no-frills style contrasts Rylan’s flamboyance, promising dynamic on-screen moments. Imagine her grilling judges on scores while Rylan rallies the crowd—pure entertainment gold. But not everyone’s convinced. A Reddit thread exploded with debates: “Why not keep it in the family? Rylan yes, but Emma feels like a mismatch.” Others worry about gender balance, with two hosts again but a fresh dynamic.
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As *Strictly* gears up for 2026, producers promise innovations: more diverse celebrities, interactive viewer votes, and perhaps themed weeks honoring the show’s history. Rylan and Emma’s debut will be scrutinized, but if their past successes are any indication, they’ll waltz through the pressure.

Tess and Claudia’s final bow from Blackpool Tower Ballroom last weekend was tearful, with tributes from stars like Rose Ayling-Ellis and Hamza Yassin. “You’ve been our guiding lights,” Rose signed in a video message. Now, the torch passes to Rylan and Emma—a hot new era for *Strictly*, full of surprises, sequins, and steps into the unknown.

In the end, this announcement isn’t just about hosts; it’s about reinvention. *Strictly Come Dancing* has survived scandals, pandemics, and shifting tastes. With Rylan at the helm and Emma by his side, the show is poised to shine brighter than ever. As Rylan might say: “Keep dancing!”

Jungle Queen in the Making

With the I’m a Celebrity final just days away, Lisa Riley has emerged as a true fan favorite — and her Emmerdale castmates are making sure she feels the love from back home.

Swapping Mandy Dingle’s fierce leopard print for jungle boots and trials, Lisa has been winning hearts Down Under. Not only has she survived the first four eliminations, but she also smashed her first solo Bushtucker Trial, returning with eight stars for camp.

Rallying From the Woolpack

In a heartwarming show of support, Lisa’s Emmerdale co-stars gathered at the Woolpack to send her a message straight from the Dales. Emma Atkins, Tony Audenshaw, William Ash, Ned Porteous, Beth Cordingly, Chris Chittell, James Hooton, and James Moore all took part in the chant:

“Come on Lisa!”

Their plea to fans was loud and clear: “Lisa, you’re doing brilliant in the jungle. Please, everybody — vote for Lisa Riley!”

The video was shared on Emmerdale’s official Instagram, and fans were quick to share their love in the comments.

Support From Her On-Screen Husband

Lisa’s on-screen husband, Dominic Brunt, also spoke out during a Loose Women appearance, revealing the emotional rollercoaster of watching her from home.

“At first, she was quiet — not the Lisa we all know,” he admitted. “But after a few days, she came out of her shell. Now she’s just making us all so proud.”

His words echoed what many viewers feel: Lisa’s journey has been one of real growth and heart, filled with charm, resilience, and that unmistakable Dingle spirit

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The Final Countdown

As the finale approaches, Lisa’s name continues to trend, with fans calling for her to take the crown. With strong support from campmates, the public, and her Emmerdale family, she’s a serious contender to be crowned Queen of the Jungle.

One thing’s for sure: Lisa Riley has already won over the nation — and with just a few more days of voting, she could go all the way.

Sir Chris Hoy, one of Britain’s greatest Olympic heroes with six gold medals to his name, is now fighting the toughest battle of his life — a terminal cancer diagnosis that arrived two years ago and changed everything.

He first noticed pain in his shoulder and ribs, assuming it was simply “too much time in the gym”. But a scan revealed the unthinkable: a tumour. Hoy later told the BBC he felt absolute horror and shock upon hearing the news. Things worsened when follow-up scans in 2024 showed the cancer had already spread, with doctors giving him “two to four years to live”.

The disease had become so aggressive that tumours had “burrowed” into his spine, fracturing a vertebra. Hoy recalled: “When I had the first diagnosis and scans, some of the secondary tumours in my spine had actually burrowed into the bone so badly it had fractured.”

Despite everything, Hoy has found a surprising shift in his outlook. Speaking to the BBC this week, he revealed: “It’s changed my life without question, but I think in some ways it’s improved my life. I’m not as bothered by small things… I try to focus on the here and the now, enjoying the moment, making the most of today, and trying to find something positive in any situation.”

He added that surrounding himself with positivity has become essential: “Even at the very least, trying just to reject negativity, because it brings you down. If you can, in any situation, look for the positives and surround yourself with people that are the same.”

Hoy says he is still managing to do the things he loves and treasures time with his family. “I’m doing well… and I hope to be around for a lot longer yet.”

In an interview with The Times, Hoy criticised the lack of automatic prostate cancer screening in the UK. “There isn’t a national screening process,” he said. “It shouldn’t be up to people like myself to have to raise awareness, but we do have to… When you turn 45, you should get some sort of information, a letter or an email, to let you know that every man needs to know their individual risk.”

He highlighted how dangerous assumptions can be: “It’s seen as an older man’s disease… I was 47 when I was diagnosed, and by that point it was too late.”

Since his devastating diagnosis, Hoy has channelled his energy into advocacy, using his platform to push for awareness. His charity cycling challenge, Tour de 4, raised over £3 million — more than triple its original target — a testament to both his determination and the lives he hopes to save.

Rylan Clark, one of the UK’s most recognizable  TV personalities, has refused to stay silent after being let go by ITV in a dramatic turn of events that has left fans and industry insiders stunned.

The incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a routine filming day. Sources report that Rylan, visibly tense and emotional, took the microphone and delivered a line that instantly froze the studio.

“I’m done pretending. I’m done being polite. If telling the truth ends my career… then so be it.”

That single sentence sparked chaos. Producers reportedly tried to intervene, while colleagues stood in shock as Rylan walked off set, tearful but resolute. Within hours, ITV confirmed his departure — but fans quickly rallied behind him, celebrating his courage to speak honestly.

The controversy isn’t simply about a single line or slip of the tongue. Insiders suggest Rylan’s on-air confession was the culmination of months of frustration and silence, where he felt pushed into corners behind the scenes, expected to maintain a facade that didn’t align with his values.

“He looked heartbroken. Completely heartbroken. He kept repeating, ‘I can’t lie anymore… I just can’t.’”

This emotional outburst has ignited debates across social media. Fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with messages of support, many urging ITV to reconsider its decision. Hashtags like #StandWithRylan and #TruthOverRatings have been trending as viewers praise his bravery in prioritizing honesty over career security.

But what exactly was the “truth” that triggered this fallout? While Rylan has not disclosed the exact details publicly, those close to the situation hint it involved internal practices and pressures behind the scenes that he could no longer condone, reflecting a growing tension between networks and talent over authenticity in broadcasting.

Rylan’s statement following the incident was unequivocal:

“If a network can’t handle honesty, they can live without me.”

The message is clear — he is unafraid to sacrifice professional stability for integrity. And in doing so, he has become a symbol for anyone who feels constrained by institutional expectations, inspiring conversations about the balance between personal values and professional obligations.

Industry experts predict that while Rylan’s departure may be controversial, it could also mark the beginning of a new chapter — one where his voice, unfiltered and genuine, resonates even more strongly with audiences.

For now, the nation watches, fans rally, and ITV faces the scrutiny of a public that has always adored the star who dared to speak his truth — no matter the cost.

“PULLED OUT IMMEDIATELY” – I’m A Celebrity Star Forced to QUIT the Jungle on the Spot as Camp Tensions EXPLODE and SHOCKWAVES Rip Through the Show

I’m A Celebrity’s Ant and Dec have revealed the next star who has been axed from the ITV hit reality show.

During Wednesday’s (December 3) episode, the Geordie duo returned to camp and confirmed that it was Ruby Wax who would be forced to leave the Australian jungle immediately after receiving the least votes from fans.

The actress’s time on the show has come to end after landing in the bottom two alongside Emmerdale star Lisa Riley. Just before heading off, the star was flooded with support from their fellow campmates, who were shocked and upset that she got the boot.

Ruby is the fifth person to leave I’m A Celeb after Alex Scott, Eddie Kadi, Vogue Williams and Kelly Brook. After saying her goodbyes she headed over to speak to Ant and Dec about their experience down under.

During her exit interview, Ruby said she managed to “totally forget” the outside world, calling her campmates her “family”.

Ant and Dec announced the latest star to be voted out of the jungle (Image: ITV)

Earlier in the show, viewers finally got to see the camp’s reaction after Kelly Brook dropped a bombshell just before she left camp, revealing the truth about ‘sweet gate’.

The former model caused chaos as she used her final moments to rat out her fellow sweet thieves Aitch and Angry Ginge. Just as she left, she decided to finally come clean about secretly eating half of the sweets from a challenge days prior.

“There were more than 10 milk bottles, bye,” she trilled as she walked out. The realisation dawned on Jack Osbourne’s face as well as their fellow campmates, who where far from impressed.

Ruby is the latest star to leave the I’m A Celebrity jungle (Image: ITV)

Ginge quickly covered up by saying there were 13 sweets, and Kelly ate the first of the extra three, suggesting that he and Aitch only ate one extra sweet each.

However viewers all know that the trio split 10 sweets between them and it was Aitch’s idea. Shona looked enraged as she said to the camera: “Remember when I ate the butter? Do you remember how many people were coming for me? Do you remember Kelly coming for me?”

Jack then told the other campmates about the “thievery” in the camp. Aitch doubled down on the lie, with Ginge saying “Kelly’s to blame for that”.

As Ant and Dec informed Ruby of the truth about the sweets in her exit interview, she was left surprised by Aitch and Ginge’s behaviour. She later vowed to “punish” the pair when she saw them again.

ITV has officially confirmed its Christmas 2025 schedule—and Emmerdale fans are in for a festive season unlike any other. As the nation prepares for mince pies, family rows, and the comforting glow of holiday television, the Dales are gearing up for an explosive run of episodes that promise to shake the village to its very foundations. With extended episodes, shifting time slots, and storylines that have been simmering all year finally heading toward a boiling point, Emmerdale’s Christmas 2025 looks set to deliver drama with a capital D.

A Festive Shuffle With High Stakes

As every soap fan knows, the holidays usher in a delightful dose of chaos. Seasonal specials, award shows, and packed prime-time lineups push the schedules into a festive free-for-all, forcing our most beloved programmes to dance around the increasingly tight ITV calendar. This year is no different, and as Emmerdale shifts across the week of December 22nd, viewers can expect an unusual—but thrilling—rhythm to their nightly visits to the Dales.

Under normal circumstances, Emmerdale airs each weeknight at 7:30 p.m. on ITV1, with an extended episode on Thursdays. But Christmas week throws tradition aside. The soap will occupy special slots throughout the holiday period, culminating in an extended festive episode—a tradition that has become synonymous with heightened emotion, lavish storytelling, and the kind of simmering tension that makes Christmas in the Dales unforgettable.

And if ever there were a year to unleash a supersized episode, it’s this one.

Celia Daniel’s Reign of Terror Nears Breaking Point

If the schedule is chaotic, the village itself is a powder keg ready to erupt. At the heart of the turbulence is Celia Daniel—a villain whose cold, calculated cruelty has seeped into almost every corner of Emmerdale over the past months. Her modern slavery operation remains one of the most harrowing storylines the soap has tackled in years, and with Bearwolf still trapped in her brutal network, the pressure has been building with every passing episode.

Christmas, it seems, may be the moment everything snaps.

Rumours and hints have been circulating that Bearwolf’s captivity is nearing a decisive turning point, and viewers are braced for a Christmas episode that could deliver the long-awaited uprising. The extended runtime suggests a story arc so intense it simply can’t be contained within a standard installment. Whether it’s a daring escape, a village-wide confrontation, or Celia’s empire finally beginning to crumble, the festive episode is poised to push this storyline into explosive territory.

Charity Dingle’s Secret Comes to a Head

While Celia’s shadow looms over the Dales, another ticking time bomb threatens to detonate: Charity Dingle’s baby secret. For months, the storyline has flickered in and out of the narrative like a warning light—always present, always threatening to flare into crisis.

The emotional weight behind Charity’s secret has been steadily tightening, and for longtime fans, it evokes that familiar dread: Charity’s life has never been simple, and when her truths finally surface, they tend to topple everything around her.

Christmas Day, with all its heightened emotions, forced confrontations, and fragile peace, seems primed for a revelation that could blow apart relationships, test loyalties, and leave the Dingle family once again in emotional disarray. Charity’s secrets have a way of leaving scars—and this time the fallout could extend far beyond her own household.

Kim Tate: Wounded, Dangerous, and Unpredictable

And then there’s Kim Tate—a woman who has weathered more storms than most of the village combined. Headed into the holidays battered and bruised, still recovering from injuries sustained in next week’s episodes, Kim is not entering Christmas quietly.

Historically, a wounded Kim Tate is a volatile Kim Tate. Whenever she walks into a festive episode carrying physical pain or emotional turmoil, the result is fireworks. Her resilience is legendary, but so is her wrath. As she prepares to claw back power and reclaim control, viewers can expect sharp confrontations and decisive moves that could have lasting consequences well into 2026.

Kim rarely lets those who hurt her walk away unscathed—and Christmas may be no exception.

A Village on the Edge

What makes this year’s holiday run particularly intriguing is how the shifting schedule mirrors the atmosphere within the show itself. Beyond the standalone storylines, there’s a palpable sense of impending collision—a feeling that the various tensions simmering across the Dales are heading toward a singular, dramatic convergence.

Every character seems to be carrying something volatile. Secrets. Injuries. Traumas. Loyalties stretched to their limit. The village feels like a pressure cooker ready to blow, and the extended Christmas episode is clearly positioned as the catalyst.

Adding to this atmosphere is the looming crossover with Coronation Street planned for the new year. While details remain tightly under wraps, hints suggest that events during the Christmas period will lay the groundwork for the ambitious storyline. The crossover itself has already sparked massive fan speculation, and the festive episodes may plant the first seeds of connection between Weatherfield and the Dales.

What the Extended Episode Means for Fans

The extended festive episode has become an Emmerdale staple, often delivering the show’s most emotional, daring, or shocking moments of the year. From surprise returns to dramatic exits, from elaborate stunts to devastating confessions, the Christmas special carries hefty narrative weight.

This year, it promises even more.

With several storylines hurtling toward crisis points—Celia’s reign of terror, Charity’s spiraling secret, Kim’s volatile recovery—the additional screen time will allow for deeper character exploration, bigger set pieces, and more intricate emotional payoffs. Expect the tension to build slowly, the drama to erupt spectacularly, and the final scenes to leave viewers stunned as they look toward the new year.

Emmerdale has always excelled at Christmas storytelling, balancing heartbreak with warmth, danger with sentiment, and tradition with bold twists. But 2025 feels bigger, darker, and more unpredictable. It’s a Christmas where the stakes are sky-high, and where every minute of that extended runtime will matter.

A Holiday Season to Remember

As the village shifts around ITV’s festive lineup, one thing is certain: no matter when Emmerdale airs, fans will be glued to their screens. Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be one of the soap’s most dramatic holiday seasons in years, filled with danger, revelations, and emotional upheaval that will ripple through the Dales long after the last bauble is packed away.

If the schedule is chaotic, it’s only because the storylines demand it. Emmerdale is heading into Christmas with explosive intent—and viewers are in for an unforgettable ride.

Now, fans have lashed out at the judges, who they claim ‘manipulated’ the result.

As well as sparking fan fury, an ex-Strictly pro has also waded in, declaring: “I just wish the judges did their jobs. They’re paid the big bucks to sit there and judge.”
Lewis scored 35 points on Saturday (Credit: BBC)

Judges criticise Strictly star Lewis Cope

On Saturday night’s show (December 6), Lewis danced a salsa to The Dance at the Gym from West Side Story with Katya Jones. However, their performance didn’t go as well as many of theirs have in recent weeks. They picked up 35 points for it, their lowest score in weeks.

This meant they were tied for second place with Balvinder and Julian and George and Alexis on the leaderboard. Amber topped it, while Karen was at the bottom.

“It wasn’t your best dance for me by far,” Shirley Ballas said. Anton, meanwhile, told the duo that the partnering part of their dance needed to be more “subtle”, with the routine suffering because of it.

Craig Revel Horwood also had some criticism, branding the salsa a “little bit square”. “Things weren’t finished in this, bizarrely,” he also said.
Lewis and Katya are out (Credit: BBC)

Lewis and Katya eliminated

Last night saw Lewis and Katya land in the bottom two, alongside Amber Davies. After performing their routines again, the judges opted to save Amber, sending Lewis and Katya home the week before the semi-finals.

Fans were stunned and furious. “Strictly used to be a dancing competition, but the best dancer hasn’t won since Jay McGuiness in 2015, and this is the biggest robbery in Strictly history for me. I’ve watched every ep of every series of this show but I’m done for this series. Devastated, honestly,” one fan tweeted.

“One of the biggest shocks in Strictly’s 21-year history. I am gobsmacked!!” another said.  “Wildest dance-off in the history of dance-offs,” a third fumed.

Strictly fans blame judges for Lewis Cope’s elimination

Now, fans have blamed the judges for Lewis’ elimination, arguing that their comments are what led to the star being in the dance-off.

“I also think their needs to be a shakeup on the judging panel next year – the judges obviously attempted to manipulate the voting by scoring 3 of the couples the same score and despite this not being Lewis’s best dance he may have still got though if it weren’t for that,” one fan tweeted.

“Was tonight or Saturday night’s the result which will end Strictly? Weeks of Shirley putting Lewis down then saying it “wasn’t his best dance” – giving him same score as Karen and George… it’s on the judges heads that he went. Public would have thought he was safe,” another said.

“The judges on #Strictly are just as much to blame for tonight’s result as the public. Their all over the place scoring is the reason we’ve ended up with that dance off. If they marked contestants consistently that corresponded with the comments they make then it would be better,” a third wrote.

“Bring back Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli. The #Strictly judges stitched up #Lewis. Terrible show,” another fumed.
Fans have lashed out at the judges (Credit: BBC)

Ola Jordan wades in following Lewis’ exit

Former Strictly pro Ola Jordan has also hit out at the judges today. And, although she stopped short of calling Lewis’ elimination a fix, she did declare: “I wouldn’t call it a fix. But I just wish the judges did their job and marked accordingly. They’re getting paid big bucks to sit there and judge. You’ve got to score it.

“You can’t just go: ‘Oh yeah, all those three were the same, whatever they want.’ Let’s not do that. Let’s score them correctly and put them in the right place on the leaderboard. And then fair enough, if someone goes out who is really good, people didn’t vote,” she added to Mecca Bingo.

She added: “Or if there are ties, they can rank them. If they’re tied on the leaderboard, make them rank them. Get Shirley, the top judge, to rank them, get her to write 1-2-3, this one was better, to make the last decision of where they should be on the leaderboard.

“If there are ties on the leaderboard, I think that’s what should be done. I don’t think they should have ties again because it’s not fair. This is exactly what happened – if Lewis wasn’t tied with other people, he wouldn’t have gone. I’m convinced of that.”

She continued: “In proper dance competitions, you don’t have people tying. You’ve got six couples on the floor, you’ve got 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. You’ve got to mark them first, second, third, fourth. You don’t go: ‘Oh, well, they were similar. You don’t. You’ve got to go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, so if they tie, especially this late in the competition, mark them. Mark them accordingly.”

In the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1, precision is everything. We often imagine the driver as a machine-like operator, turning the wheel with geometric perfection to slice through corners. But if you look closely—really closely—at the onboard footage of a driver attacking a high-speed corner like Copse at Silverstone, you might spot something bizarre. Something that seems to defy the very logic of racing.

Just fractions of a second before throwing the car into the right-hander, the driver steers slightly to the left.

It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, a tiny input that points the nose away from the apex. To the untrained eye, it looks like a correction, a mistake, or a moment of hesitation. But it is none of those things. This counter-intuitive technique is a deliberate, calculated maneuver used by virtually every driver on the grid. It is the secret sauce that separates a good lap from a great one. But why on earth would you steer away from the corner you are desperate to conquer?

The answer lies in a fascinating blend of simple geometry and complex vehicle dynamics. It turns out that to go fast, sometimes you have to go the long way around.

The Geometry of Speed

At its most basic level, this technique is about making the track wider than it actually is. In racing, the “racing line” is holy scripture: you enter wide, clip the apex, and exit wide. The goal is to maximize the radius of the turn.

Physics dictates that the tighter the corner (the smaller the radius), the more you must slow down to navigate it. Conversely, if you can make the corner wider, you can carry more speed. By steering away from the corner momentarily before turning in, the driver effectively positions the car even further to the outside edge of the track than normally possible.

You are trading a tiny fraction of extra distance for a significant gain in minimum corner speed. By “opening up” the entry, the driver softens the angle of the turn. It’s a geometric hack that allows the car to maintain momentum. However, while geometry explains the “what,” it doesn’t fully explain the “how.” For that, we have to dive into the violent, invisible forces acting on the car’s suspension and tires.

The Art of Preloading

Imagine running full speed and suddenly trying to turn 90 degrees. Your ankles would scream, your shoes might slip, and you’d likely tumble. The same applies to a Formula 1 car.

When a driver approaches a corner, they need to transition the car from traveling straight to turning at high G-forces. If they were to turn the wheel from zero to ten degrees instantly, it would create a violent “spike” in load. The suspension would be shocked, and the tires would be overwhelmed.

This is where the “reverse steer” shines. By turning away first, the driver creates a running start for the steering input. Instead of snapping the wheel from center to right, they flow from left, through the center, and into the right. This increases the time duration of the steering input. It turns a violent spike into a progressive curve.

This technique is all about “preloading” the suspension. It acts as a polite introduction, telling the car, “Hey, we’re about to turn.” This 50 to 100-millisecond window allows the suspension springs and dampers to compress gradually. It settles the platform of the car before the maximum lateral load is applied. If you rush this phase, the car feels unsettled, twitchy, and unpredictable. By smoothing it out, the car feels planted, giving the driver the confidence to push harder.

The Science of Grip: Why 1+1 Doesn’t Equal 2

To truly understand why this makes a car faster, we have to look at the tires. Tire grip is not linear. This is a fundamental rule of vehicle dynamics known as “tire load sensitivity.”

If you double the weight pushing down on a tire, you do not get double the grip. You get slightly less. As the load increases, the tire becomes less efficient.

When a car corners hard, weight transfers from the inside wheels to the outside wheels. If a driver jerks the wheel, this transfer happens violently. The outside tire gets crushed with a massive load, while the inside tire goes light. Because of the non-linear nature of grip, the grip you gain on the loaded outside tire is less than the grip you lose on the unloaded inside tire. The result? Less total grip available to hold the car on the track.

By using the “reverse steer” method to smooth out the transition, the driver keeps the weight distributed more evenly for just a fraction of a second longer. It prevents the outside tire from being instantly overloaded. The data suggests this smoother transfer can unlock around 4% more total grip. In a sport measured in thousandths of a second, 4% is an eternity. It is the difference between pole position and the midfield.

The Contact Patch and Thermal Spikes

The benefits extend all the way down to the rubber meeting the road. An F1 tire is not a solid object; it is a flexible, balloon-like structure. For it to generate maximum turning force, the rubber needs to distort and deform. The contact patch—the footprint of the tire on the track—needs to expand.

If a driver turns in too aggressively, the tire doesn’t have time to deform uniformly. The load gets concentrated in specific spots, usually the shoulders or the center of the tire. This causes “micro-sliding,” where tiny parts of the tire surface tear across the asphalt because they’ve exceeded their grip limit.

This micro-sliding creates friction, which creates heat. A sudden steering input causes a “thermal spike,” essentially cooking specific parts of the tire surface. In modern F1, where tire management is critical, these thermal spikes are disastrous. They degrade the rubber and shorten the tire’s life.

By steering the “wrong way” first, the driver allows the slip angle (the difference between where the wheel points and where the car travels) to build up progressively to the optimal 3-4 degrees. The heat is generated evenly across the whole tire, keeping the rubber in its happy window for longer.

The Human Element

Beyond the physics and the math, there is the feeling. A car that is “shocked” into a corner feels nervous. It snaps. It threatens to break loose. A car that is “introduced” to a corner feels stable.

When the car settles predictably, the driver can commit. They can get back on the throttle earlier and harder. This technique allows the driver to lean into the limit of grip rather than smashing through it. It transforms the violent act of cornering into a fluid dance.

So, the next time you watch an onboard lap and see the driver twitch the wheel left before diving right, you’ll know it’s not a mistake. It’s a masterclass in physics, a subtle manipulation of geometry and load transfer that defines the art of elite racing. They are steering wrong to go right, and in doing so, they are finding speed where the rest of us would only find a barrier.