Martin Frizell has offered a deeply moving update on the health of his wife, beloved broadcaster Fiona Phillips, revealing that the realities of her dementia diagnosis have left the couple navigating days that are “no longer good or bad — only bad or wretched.”

Speaking candidly on Newsnight during an interview with Victoria Derbyshire, the former This Morning editor described how Fiona’s condition has continued to worsen, particularly her short-term memory, which now fades almost instantly.

“Good days and bad days are gone”

Frizell admitted that the language he once used to track Fiona’s progress no longer applies

“I used to say we had good days and bad days,” he reflected. “Now I say bad days or wretched days. That’s where we are.”

The comment captured the painful emotional toll the couple has experienced since Fiona — a widely respected journalist and TV host — was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2022 at the age of 61.

In new excerpts from their joint memoir, Fiona Phillips and husband Martin Frizell get candid about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis (Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

72 repeated questions in 35 minutes

Frizell recounted one particularly stark moment: a short taxi ride to a medical appointment that revealed the extent of Fiona’s memory loss.

In the span of just 35 minutes, Fiona asked him 72 times where they were going.

“It’s most days now,” he said quietly. “Her short-term memory is shot. Completely gone.”

He explained that Fiona often becomes confused or anxious when trying to process simple information, describing a version of his wife who is still loving, warm and present, but increasingly disconnected from reality as moments slip away faster than he can reassure her.

A couple trying to adapt — and grieving in real time

Fiona Phillips has been open in the past about her fear of dementia, which runs in her family. Both her mother and father died after battles with Alzheimer’s, and she once admitted that she worried she might follow the same path. That fear became reality in 2022 when doctors confirmed her diagnosis.

Frizell said the couple now live in a world measured minute-by-minute — one where Fiona’s vibrant career, sharp wit and tireless work ethic feel agonisingly distant.

“She was someone who thrived on work. Someone who never stopped,” he said. “To see her now, confused, frightened, asking the same question again and again… it’s heartbreaking.”

A reminder of a national crisis

Beyond his personal grief, Frizell used the interview to highlight the challenges families across the UK face in accessing support for dementia patients — calling the system “overwhelmed, underfunded, and nowhere near prepared.”

He stressed that hundreds of thousands of families are quietly fighting the same battle, often without adequate resources.

Fiona is “still here” — but changed forever

Despite the grim outlook, Frizell emphasised that Fiona’s personality still shines through in moments of clarity: her humour, her warmth, and flashes of the journalist Britain came to love.

“She’s still with us. She’s still Fiona,” he said. “But the Fiona who could hold a conversation, remember details, organise a day… she slips away a little more each week.”

As the interview closed, Frizell’s voice wavered — a man grieving the loss of the woman he loves while she is still physically beside him.

Lisa Riley Reveals 20lb Jungle Weight Loss After Gruelling I’m A Celebrity Journey: “It’s Not Just Rice and Beans”

Lisa Riley has opened up about her dramatic 20-pound weight loss after surviving the brutal conditions of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! jungle.

The Emmerdale star, 49, became the eighth celebrity to be voted out on Friday night in a shock double eviction alongside Jack Osbourne. And stepping back into the real world, Lisa looked radiant as she proudly revealed just how much her body had changed.

But speaking after her exit, Lisa insisted the transformation wasn’t simply down to the infamous rice-and-beans diet — it was the relentless pace of jungle life that truly reshaped her.

“People think it’s just the beans and rice,” she explained.
“Yes, that’s what you eat — but it’s really about portion control and constant movement. You never stop.”

She described the physical toll of everyday life in camp:
“When you walk up to the Telegraph, it’s steps after steps. When you go to a trial, you’re always on the move. It’s not just sitting around a campfire laughing all day. By the time you finally eat at night, you’ve already burned it all off.”

“I Was Hungry — But Never Starving”

Lisa was also keen to clarify that despite moments of hunger, she was never pushed beyond her limits.

“I’ve never been starving,” she said honestly.
“Yes, there were moments when I was really hungry — but after a challenge, the food basket comes down and you start cooking. Because I’m vegetarian, my meals were always bulked out with extra rice anyway. But do I ever want to see rice again? Absolutely not. Rice and me are finished!”

While other campmates tackled crocodile and eel, Lisa was given Quorn alternatives, including chicken-style strips, mince, tempeh and tofu.

“At first, I was boiling everything — terrible mistake!” she laughed.
“When Martin started pan-frying my tofu, suddenly it was delicious. When I cooked it… it was awful!”

“I Was Just Being Me — From Start to Finish”

Looking back on her time in the jungle, Lisa admitted the experience exceeded every expectation.

“It was everything I hoped for — and so much more,” she said.
“Even watching back a few clips now, I can see I was just completely myself. I created laughter, fun, and I was allowed to truly be me from beginning to end.”

Lisa’s Playful Confession About Ant — and Why Her Partner Isn’t Worried

Lisa also delighted fans by speaking openly about her playful flirtation with co-host Ant McPartlin — while making it clear her real-life relationship is rock solid.

“I’m a flirt. That’s who I am,” she laughed.
“I flirt with everybody — but I know exactly who I go home to and who I love.”

Joking about the difference between the two hosts, she said:
“Dec would tuck you in with a hot drink. Ant? He’s juicy. Any red-blooded woman would say that!”

Despite the cheeky comments, Lisa reassured fans:
“I am in a very, very happy relationship. You can look at the shelves in the shop — you don’t have to buy anything!”

“I Became the Jungle Mum — And I Loved It”

After her emotional exit, Lisa also reflected on the powerful role she played in camp.

“I’ve never been lucky enough to be a mum in real life,” she said,
“So being the jungle mum? I embraced it.”

She added warmly:
“We’ve all been through things in life. If I could be mumma bear in that camp, I was more than happy to do it. Aitch and Ginge became my naughty little brothers — and they let me be the real me.”

Jσɑnnɑ Lumley hɑs never been σne tσ stɑy silent — but her lɑtest cσmments hɑve ignited σne σf the mσst explσsive nɑtiσnɑl debɑtes σf the yeɑr. The belσved ɑctress ɑnd nɑtiσnɑl treɑsure, knσwn fσr her elegɑnce ɑnd strɑight-tɑlking wit, is ɑt the center σf ɑ grσwing pσliticɑl stσrm ɑfter declɑring thɑt “σur smɑll nɑtiσn cɑnnσt feed milliσns σf peσple” during ɑ recent interview ɑbσut migrɑtiσn ɑnd the pressures fɑcing mσdern Britɑin.

The remɑrk — delivered in Lumley’s trɑdemɑrk cɑlm yet cutting tσne — instɑntly went virɑl. Suppσrters hɑiled her ɑs “brɑvely hσnest” fσr vσicing cσncerns mɑny feel pσliticiɑns ɑvσid, while critics slɑmmed her fσr “crσssing the line” ɑnd fueling divisiσn ɑt ɑ time when cσmpɑssiσn ɑnd unity ɑre needed mσst.In her full stɑtement, Lumley expressed sympɑthy fσr migrɑnts fleeing hɑrdship but wɑrned thɑt the UK is “reɑching ɑ breɑking pσint” in terms σf hσusing, fσσd prices, ɑnd heɑlthcɑre cɑpɑcity. “I believe in kindness ɑnd refuge,” she sɑid, “but there must ɑlsσ be reɑlism. We ɑre ɑ smɑll islɑnd — we cɑnnσt tɑke in everyσne whσ wishes tσ cσme. Thɑt’s nσt cruelty; it’s cσmmσn sense.”

Her wσrds — thσugh meɑsured — struck ɑ rɑw nerve. Within hσurs, hɑshtɑgs like #JσɑnnɑLumley ɑnd #MigrɑtiσnDebɑte were trending nɑtiσnwide. Sσme prɑised her fσr sɑying whɑt σthers “ɑre tσσ ɑfrɑid tσ ɑdmit,” with σne cσmmenter writing, “She’s nσt being cruel — she’s being prɑcticɑl. We’re ɑll feeling the strɑin.” Others ɑccused her σf lɑcking empɑthy, ɑrguing thɑt her cσmments “ignσre the mσrɑl duty σf ɑ weɑlthy nɑtiσn tσ help thσse in need.”

Pσliticɑl figures quickly weighed in. A gσvernment spσkespersσn declined tσ cσmment directly σn Lumley’s stɑtement but nσted thɑt “migrɑtiσn pressures remɑin σne σf the mσst cσmplex issues fɑcing the cσuntry.” Meɑnwhile, σppσsitiσn MPs criticized the reɑctiσn σnline, sɑying, “Public figures must be cɑreful nσt tσ reduce ɑ humɑnitɑriɑn crisis tσ ɑ sσundbite.”

Pσliticɑl sɑtire prσducts

Fσr Lumley, whσ hɑs spent decɑdes chɑmpiσning humɑnitɑriɑn cɑuses — frσm Gurkhɑ veterɑns’ rights tσ glσbɑl refugee relief — the bɑcklɑsh mɑy cσme ɑs ɑ shσck. Yet thσse clσse tσ her insist her wσrds were “tɑken σut σf cσntext” ɑnd thɑt she remɑins deeply cσmmitted tσ helping thσse in need. “Jσɑnnɑ’s cσmpɑssiσn hɑs never been in dσubt,” sɑid σne lσngtime friend. “She’s just speɑking frσm ɑ plɑce σf frustrɑtiσn — wɑtching Britɑin struggle under pressures nσ σne seems willing tσ ɑddress.”

The debɑte shσws nσ sign σf cσσling. Tɑlk shσws, sσciɑl mediɑ, ɑnd pσliticɑl pɑnels hɑve ɑll seized σn Lumley’s cσmments ɑs ɑ reflectiσn σf Britɑin’s wider divide — between empɑthy ɑnd exhɑustiσn, σpen ɑrms ɑnd ecσnσmic reɑlity.

Online TV streɑming services

Whether yσu see her ɑs cσurɑgeσusly cɑndid σr dɑngerσusly blunt, σne thing is cleɑr: Jσɑnnɑ Lumley hɑs fσrced Britɑin tσ cσnfrσnt ɑ questiσn thɑt hɑs nσ eɑsy ɑnswers.

And σnce ɑgɑin, she’s prσved thɑt even in her seventies, she’s still cɑpɑble σf cσmmɑnding ɑ nɑtiσnɑl cσnversɑtiσn — nσt with glɑmσur σr nσstɑlgiɑ, but with wσrds thɑt strike strɑight ɑt the heɑrt σf whσ we ɑre, ɑnd whɑt kind σf cσuntry we wɑnt tσ be

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Aitch’s Shock Exit Leaves Fans Reeling — But His Reunion with Sister Gracie Stole Every Heart

Aitch’s unexpected exit from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! left fans across the country stunned, with many convinced he was destined for the final. Missing out by the slimmest of margins, the 25-year-old rapper walked out of the jungle amid an outpouring of heartbreak — but what followed was a moment that truly moved the nation.

The most emotional scene didn’t unfold in camp… it happened at the hotel in Australia, when Aitch was finally reunited with his beloved sister Gracie.

Sixteen-year-old Gracie was seen gently guiding her brother as they arrived, barely able to hide her emotions after days apart. Speaking about the moment, she admitted:

“He was really upset to leave. We honestly thought he’d at least make the top three.”

For viewers watching from home, the reunion felt especially powerful after one unforgettable scene inside the jungle — when Gracie, who has Down syndrome, sweetly asked Aitch if he would take her to Greggs once he came out. The simple, innocent request broke hearts across the UK and perfectly captured just how deeply she had missed him.

Despite the disappointment of his early departure, Aitch’s joy at being back with his family was impossible to miss. Reunited with both twins — Gracie and Hattie — the rapper wrapped his arms around his sisters as the trio posed for photos, sharing quiet smiles after an intense emotional ride.

Online, fans struggled to accept his exit.
“Aitch not in the top three? This can’t be real,” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “It should have been Aitch and Ginge in the final — no question!”

But even without a crown, Aitch’s jungle journey has already left a lasting legacy. From the start, he made it clear that one of his biggest motivations was to raise awareness for Down syndrome — using his platform to shine a light on his sister and on families like his own. Since leaving the show, he has vowed to keep supporting his community and using his voice for positive change.

Reflecting on the experience in his exit interview, Aitch said:

“It’s been a mega experience for me and my sisters. They’ll always be able to look back and say, ‘We were part of that.’ Being away from distractions and just focusing on the moment — it was special.”

And the jungle may only be the beginning of his next chapter. With reports already suggesting he is in talks over a £1 million clothing deal with BoohooMAN, fans are now watching closely to see what comes next for the star who may not have reached the final… but who undoubtedly won millions of hearts.

Sources close to the legendary crooner confirm that Sir Tom Jones is preparing to walk down the aisle once more, decades after the death of his beloved wife, Melinda Rose Woodward, in 2016. But it’s not just the wedding that has everyone talking — it’s the woman at the center of it.

While Jones has kept the relationship tightly under wraps, the world is now buzzing after recent photos emerged of the pair enjoying a quiet moment on the terrace of his West Sussex estate — champagne in hand, her head resting gently on his shoulder.

Who Is She?
So far, Sir Tom hasn’t confirmed her name publicly, but industry insiders say she’s not a fellow celebrity — which only adds to the intrigue. Described as elegant, sharp, and “completely unbothered by fame,” the mystery woman is reportedly a former art historian, originally from Florence, who met Jones at a private gala two years ago.

“She doesn’t chase the spotlight — and that’s probably exactly why he fell for her,” said a source close to the singer.

From Grief to Grace
Tom Jones was famously devoted to his wife of 59 years, Melinda, and has spoken openly about the “deep grief” that followed her passing. For years, he insisted he couldn’t imagine loving again. But those who know him say this relationship has brought a quiet joy back into his life.

“It’s not about replacing anyone,” a family friend said. “It’s about moving forward without forgetting.”

The Engagement That Stunned Fans
When fans spotted a subtle band on his left hand earlier this month during an interview, rumors exploded. Now, with confirmation of an upcoming “intimate but elegant” wedding at his countryside home, the world is eager for a glimpse of the woman who’s captured the heart of one of Britain’s most cherished voices.

A New Chapter at 84
Jones, still performing, still sharp-witted, and still selling out shows, seems to be embracing a quieter, more personal phase of his life. “Love at this stage isn’t about fireworks,” he recently said in a rare personal remark. “It’s about peace. About knowing who you are — and finding someone who lets you be that.”

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From Welsh ballrooms to global fame, Sir Tom Jones has lived a life few can imagine. And now, in his ninth decade, he’s proving that the music doesn’t stop — it simply changes tempo. Whether you call it a second chance, a late-in-life love story, or simply a beautiful surprise, one thing is clear: the world is once again watching Tom Jones — and this time, it’s not for the song, but for the heart behind it.

Rylan Clark poked fun at the backlash over his controversial comments on illegal immigration while performing in his Christmas pantomime on Sunday night.

The TV presenter, 37, is currently starring as the Fairy Godfather in Cinderella at Southend Cliffs Pavilion, alongside Strictly Come Dancing star Ross King, who plays Buttons.

During an on-stage exchange that involved a tongue-twister, Rylan accidentally swore in front of the sold-out audience, which included many children.

Reacting to the slip, the former X Factor contestant joked that he might be ‘cancelled for the second time in a year,’ referencing the criticism he faced earlier in 2025 after sharing his views on illegal immigration while filling in on This Morning.

Rylan, who also sings and dances throughout the show, performs a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow as part of the production.

The Radio 2 host previously sparked 702 Ofcom complaints in August following comments he made about the illegal immigration crisis while co-hosting This Morning with Josie Gibson, standing in for Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.

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Rylan Clark poked fun at the backlash over his controversial comments on illegal immigration while performing in his Christmas pantomime on Sunday night

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During an on-stage exchange that involved a tongue-twister, Rylan accidentally swore in front of the sold-out audience, which included many children

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The former X Factor contestant joked he might be ‘cancelled for the second time in a year,’ referencing the criticism he faced after sharing his views on illegal immigration on live TV

Rylan sparked debate after discussing immigration while chatting with Camilla Tominey and Tim Campbell about current news headlines.

He acknowledged the positive impact of legal immigration, saying: ‘This country is built on immigration. Legal immigration – a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.’

However, he expressed concern about people risking their lives to cross the Channel illegally, suggesting that the government’s approach appeared overly accommodating.

He continued: ‘How can it be that if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I’ve got to stand at that airport and won’t be let in. But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?’

His comments provoked a strong online reaction, prompting Rylan to clarify on Instagram that one can be ‘pro-immigration and against illegal routes’ while supporting other social causes, urging people to engage in conversation rather than ‘shouting on Twitter.’

Despite the backlash, some commentators praised Rylan for his ‘honest’ assessment, saying he ‘summed up the mood of the nation.’

Rylan also received public backing from Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid, who defended him after Kevin Maguire criticised him for ‘regurgitating terrible myths.’

She said: ‘He pointed out that this country is built on immigration and he was grateful to all of the migrants who have come to the NHS for helping support his mum. He was actually concerned, though, that we’ve got a sort of welcome to the UK, and we don’t know who all of these people are.’

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The TV presenter is currently starring as the Fairy Godfather in Cinderella at Southend Cliffs Pavilion, alongside Strictly Come Dancing star Ross King, who plays Buttons

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Despite the backlash, some commentators praised Rylan for his ‘honest’ assessment, saying he ‘summed up the mood of the nation’

She added that Rylan’s comments were not anti-migration but reflected a concern about border control.

Since the controversy, Rylan has focused on his broadcasting career. He remains in contention to join the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting team and continues to host his Saturday afternoon show on Radio 2.

Meanwhile, Rylan is headlining his second consecutive Southend Cliffs Pavilion pantomime.

This year he stars as the Fairy Godfather in Cinderella, alongside Strictly star Ross as Buttons.

During Sunday night’s performance, Rylan accidentally swore in front of the audience but joked about being ‘cancelled for the second time in a year.’

He also performed a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and paid tribute to Ross, saying he ‘loved’ him but ‘hated’ him for constantly changing the script.

In an explosive session that sent shockwaves through the political landscape, David Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, was ruthlessly dismantled during a fiery debate in the House of Commons. With tensions running high and tempers flaring, Lammy found himself under siege as government MPs unleashed a barrage of criticism against a backdrop of fierce partisan rivalry.

The atmosphere in the Commons was electric as Lammy rose to speak, aiming to bolster the Labour Party’s stance on international affairs amidst ongoing geopolitical turmoil. However, as he attempted to project authority and command the room, he was met with pointed interruptions and incisive remarks that quickly escalated the exchange into a full-blown confrontation.

Leading the charge was Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, whose sharp retorts and thorough questioning laid bare the vulnerabilities in Lammy’s arguments. Cleverly, armed with a wealth of statistics and a focused narrative, highlighted what he described as “flawed judgments and misguided foreign policies” propagated by Lammy and his party—accusations that elicited gasps and murmurs from the packed chamber.

As Lammy struggled to maintain his composure, it became evident that he was grappling not only with the intensity of the opposition but with the weight of expectations upon him as a key figure in the Labour movement. The stakes were high; the government’s credibility on foreign relations was under scrutiny, and Lammy was expected to deliver a compelling counter-narrative. Instead, however, he appeared caught off guard, struggling to provide satisfactory responses to the barrage of questions aimed at exposing the inadequacies of his own party’s foreign policy proposals.

The confrontation reached a boiling point when Cleverly challenged Lammy on his stance regarding national security amidst rising threats from abroad. “You can’t lead without a clear vision, Mr. Lammy! What are your plans to protect British interests on the global stage?” Cleverly’s words echoed through the chamber, leaving Lammy momentarily speechless and drawing sympathetic glances from his fellow Labour MPs seated behind him.

With parliamentary decorum rapidly melting away, Lammy attempted to regain the upper hand, diverting the conversation towards domestic challenges. However, the shifting focus did little to mitigate the onslaught he was enduring. “Your record speaks for itself, and people are not buying your distractions!” Cleverly retorted, driving home the point that Lammy’s evasive strategies wouldn’t suffice under the bright lights of accountability that demanded clarity and direction.

The urgency of the moment was palpable. Political analysts and commentators alike noted that this confrontation could have far-reaching implications for Lammy’s political future and the Labour Party’s overall strategy heading into the next general election. If Lammy is perceived as weak or indecisive in the face of serious scrutiny, it could jeopardize Labour’s prospects and hand an advantage to the ruling Conservative party, which has long been accused of mismanaging international relations.

As the session progressed, opposition MPs weighed in, some seizing the opportunity to join the fray and further dismantle Lammy’s credibility. Each attack was punctuated by raucous laughter and jeers from the Conservative benches, amplifying the feeling that the Labour leader was being thoroughly and publicly dismantled. One prominent Tory MP quipped, “If you want to see chaos on the world stage, just look at Labour’s blueprint for foreign affairs!” This remark was met with uproarious approval, underscoring the growing effectiveness of Cleverly’s strategy.

For Lammy, the day began as an opportunity to project strength but unfolded into a cautionary tale about the perils of political warfare. With each passing moment, the pressure mounted. The fixed cameras captured the flicker of defeat in his eyes as he contended with a chorus of detractors, realizing that he was not just defending a position but navigating the treacherous waters of political survival.

BRUSSELS ON FIRE: “THEY ARE KILLING OUR FARMERS!” STARMER SILENT AS EU CAPITALS BURN!

WATCH: Farmers clash with police during protests in Brussels
Brussels Travel Guide
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European farmers fear the scheme is threatening their livelihoods

The European Union has delayed the signing of a divisive trade agreement with South American nations amid intense farmers’ protests in Brussels.
Farming Equipment Supplies

Both France and Italy have requested additional time to win over their agricultural sectors, seeing the bloc postpone the inking of the deal until the new year.

This postponement has once again scuppered the EU’s plans to finalise the long-stalled Mercosur free trade accord.

The agreement, which has been under negotiation for a quarter of a century, would establish the world’s largest free-trade zone encompassing between 700 and 780 million people.

Under its terms, Mercosur nations Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay would reduce tariffs on European exports, whilst the EU would expand food import quotas and lower duties.

However, farmers across the continent have argued that increased imports of beef, chicken and cereals from the South American market would threaten their livelihoods.

To protest the planned sealing of the agreement, 10,000 farmers from across all 27 EU member states descended on Brussels.

More than 1,000 tractors rolled through the streets of the Belgian capital as part of the mostly peaceful demonstrations that occasionally spilt over into chaotic scenes.

The EU has delayed a divisive trade deal after fiery protests from farmers in Brussels

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Protesters were seen hurling potatoes and eggs at police while blocking roads and igniting fireworks.
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Some also brought down the Christmas tree standing outside the European Parliament, replacing it with a blazing pile of tyres and debris.

Police deployed water cannons and tear gas to manage the crowds, with black smoke engulfing surrounding streets.

Windows at the parliament building were smashed by troublemakers on the fringes of the demonstration, prompting officials to email staff, warning them to keep away from the windows.

As many as 10,000 farmers from across all 27 EU member states protested the plans outside the European Parliment
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In the shadow of what some called the century’s largest mobilisation of European farmers, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on X: “We have reached out to our Mercosur partners and agreed to postpone slightly the signature.”

A Commission spokesman also confirmed: “The European Commission proposed that it be postponed to early January to further discuss with countries that still need a little bit more time.”

The delay follows a telephone conversation on Thursday between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“Meloni explained that she is not against the agreement, she is simply experiencing some political embarrassment because of the Italian farmers, but that she is certain she is capable of convincing them to accept the agreement,” President Lula said.

“She asked me that if we have patience for a week, 10 days, at most a month, Italy will join the agreement,” he added.

Ms Meloni’s office stated on Thursday evening: “The Italian government is ready to sign the agreement as soon as the necessary responses are provided to farmers, which depend on the decisions of the European Commission and can be finalised quickly.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also called for a delay, making clear upon arriving in Brussels that Paris would not back the agreement without enhanced protections for its agricultural sector.
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“I want to tell our farmers, who have been making France’s position clear all along: we consider that we are not there yet, and the deal cannot be signed” as it stands, President Macron told reporters.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni requested a delay in the agreement

He pledged that France would resist any “attempt to force this through”.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a contrasting view, pressing for rapid progress on the accord.

“If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, then decisions must be made now,” Chancellor Merz stated in Brussels on Thursday.

Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries remain strong advocates for the pact, keen to boost exports amid Chinese competition and potential American tariffs.

The soap star, 47, wasn’t the only one to grow emotional, with fans of the programme also getting a bit teary-eyed following her routine.
Balvinder’s performance went down a treat (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Balvinder Sopal’s performance

Tonight saw Balvinder and her pro dance partner, Julian Caillon, perform a Viennese waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.

After the dance, the judges were full of praise for the tearful star, who has now survived five dance-offs.

Anton Du Beke told Balvinder that she had “swept across the floor”, branding the star “magnificent”.

Craig started his remarks off by criticising some of Balvinder’s technique. However, he did offer some praise too, describing Balvinder as a “fighter”.

“I’m so proud of you,” Motsi told the star as they hugged.
Motsi gave Balvinder a hug (Credit: BBC)

Balvinder joint-second in the leadedboard

“Whatever you’ve wanted to say for the last few weeks came out through that dance,” Motsi gushed.

“It must be really demoralising, what you have been through in this competition,” she continued.

It proved too much for Balvinder, who broke down in tears. Motsi then rushed out from behind the desk to hug the star.

“I’m so proud of you,” Motsi told the star as they hugged.

Shirley Ballas was equally as complimentary, saying that “long after the competition, you’ll be a hero for me.”

“Going through what you go through and coming back to dance that kind of performance…I had chills.”

The judges then awarded Balvinder and Julian a score of 35, placing them joint-second in the leaderboard.
Balvinder and Julian got 35 points (Credit: BBC)

Fans in tears over Balvinder’s routine

Fans of the show were left in tears after watching Balvinder’s routine, and how emotional she got afterward.

“Balvinder & Julian I loved that performance, tears falling now. What a come back.. When the dance , the music and the dress are perfect. Thank you,” one fan said.

“Balvinder had me in tears, that was an incredible performance, undermarked as usual, she should’ve got at least 2 10s, judges are so mean!!!” another wrote.

A third fan then gushed: “Balvinder’s Viennese waltz was so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes.”

“Balvinder and Julian moved me to tears,” another added.

“I am in tears. That was beautiful from our amazing woman Balvinder and Julien. Honestly, her strength to come back week after week and then give us that performance – nothing short of magical. I adore her!” a fifth said.

“Balvinder, the queen that you are. Such a beautiful woman with so much fight! I hope you all voted and backed this absolute warrior queen!” another tweeted.

Reality star Pete Wicks has once again proven he’s more than just a familiar face on screen — he’s got a heart of gold.

In a deeply emotional episode of ITV’s For Dogs’ Sake, Pete was seen wiping away tears as he met a rescue dog in critical condition. The dog, a neglected mix-breed suffering from severe illness, had racked up a vet bill that her shelter simply couldn’t afford.

Without hesitation, Pete looked into her eyes, turned to the rescue team, and said:

 “She Deserves a Chance…”

The moment stunned viewers, many of whom took to social media in tears. One fan posted:

“I didn’t expect to cry tonight but Pete Wicks broke me. What a beautiful soul.”

Pete’s willingness to step in — not for the cameras, but because he truly cares — was praised by fans, animal lovers, and fellow celebrities alike.

Known for his tattoos, tough image, and no-nonsense banter on TOWIE and Celebs Go Dating, Pete has found a new purpose in animal welfare. Through For Dogs’ Sake, he’s helped highlight neglected pets across the UK and used his platform to drive real impact.

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 “Some Things Matter More Than Money”

Pete later explained in a behind-the-scenes clip:

“It’s not about money. It’s about giving a life the second chance it never had.”