Princess Kate and Prince William take George, Charlotte and Louis to King Charles’ Christmas lunch

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Buckingham Palace to enjoy a festive lunch with members of the royal family

he Prince and Princess of Wales were among the guests to head to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday afternoon where they enjoyed a festive meal with King Charles ahead of Christmas. The royal couple were seen joined by two of their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Other royals who were seen heading to the event included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, the Duke of Kent, Lady Sarah Chatto and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who were seen smiling as they arrived in their car.

Eugenie and Beatrice had both been absent from Kate’s carol concert, which was hosted on 5 December. Although their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been stripped of his royal titles due to his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, it’s believed that the King isn’t seeking to punish the royal ladies for their father’s actions.

The King typically hosts a meal for his family ahead of going to Sandringham, where the royals like to spend Christmas Day. The monarch will no doubt be delighted by William and Kate’s attendance, with the pair and their children absent from last year’s proceedings.

HELLO! understood at the time that the Prince and Princess of Wales were already in Norfolk when the King held last year’s meal. The couple were spending time with their children after they had broken up from school.

The monarch has continued the tradition that was started by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted her family before she headed down to Sandringham for her official Christmas break. The event is usually attended by wider members of the royal family who don’t traditionally travel down to Sandringham to celebrate with the King.

Scroll down to see the best photos from the event…

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The young royal looked forward to the event

Prince William and Charlotte

Prince William was in charge of driving his family to the event, with Charlotte sitting at the front at one point. She was joined by brothers Louis and George, and their nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.

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The pair were seen smiling

Beatrice and Eugenie arrive

Beatrice and Eugenie were also among the royals on the guest list, and the sisters were seen arriving together.

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The royal was glad to be there!

Beatrice’s smile

Beatrice was seen grinning from ear to ear as she pulled in.

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Sophie always looks amazing

Duchess Sophie

The Duchess of Edinburgh was seen arriving alongside her husband, Prince Edward, and their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor. The royal looked so elegant in an emerald dress.

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Edward arrived with Sophie and Lady Louise

Prince Edward

The Duke of Edinburgh was seen arriving alongside his wife and daughter for the festive gathering.

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The King has a close relationship with his sister

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence

The Princess Royal was also seen attending the event alongside her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

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Eugenie’s husband also attended the gathering

Jack Brooksbank

The royal sisters weren’t alone when they arrived at the event, as Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, was seen alongside his wife.

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The Duke of Kent joined his wider family

Duke of Kent

The King made sure that the Duke of Kent was in attendance after the royal lost his wife, the late Duchess of Kent in September.

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Lady Sarah was joined by her husband and one of her sons

Lady Sarah Chatto

The King’s cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, was seen arriving alongside her husband, Daniel, and their eldest son, Samuel Chatto.

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David arrived in style!

David Armstrong-Jones

While many of the royals arrived in cars and black cabs, the King’s cousin, David Armstrong-Jones instead opted to bike to Buckingham Palace. The 64-year-old wore a bright orange ho-vis jacket to keep himself safe while cycling in the low light.

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Lady Helen wrapped up warm

Lady Helen Taylor

Also among the royal guests were Lady Helen Taylor, the daughter of the Duke and late Duchess of Kent. The royal wrapped up warm for the event with a gorgeous scarf.

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Alexandra waved to crowds waiting outside

Princess Alexandra

The late Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra, was also in attendance at the event. The 88-year-old royal waved at crowds as she arrived.

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Flora is currently 61st in line to the throne

Flora and Timothy Vesterberg

Many members of the King’s extended family also arrived. Flora Vesterberg, the granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, and her husband, Timothy, were seen arriving together.

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Sophie’s daughter smiled for the camera

Sophie Winkleman

Sophie Winkleman was seen heading to the event with her husband, Lord Frederick Windsor. One of their daughters was seen smiling for the camera as their car pulled in.

The history of Formula 1 is littered with tales of fierce rivalries on the track, but rarely does the drama reach the level of the civil war that tore apart the dominant Red Bull Racing empire. For years, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko were the undisputed “power duo”—the charismatic team principal and the ruthless motorsport advisor who forged a winning dynasty first with Sebastian Vettel and then with Max Verstappen. Họ là kiến trúc sư của kỷ nguyên vàng của Red Bull, là đội đua phải bị đánh bại, là chuẩn mực của sự xuất sắc. Yet, behind the triumphant veneer, a bitter and toxic power struggle was brewing, one that involved cold calculation, alleged fabrication, and ultimately, a betrayal that may have cost Max Verstappen a world championship.

Now, for the first time, Helmut Marko has pulled back the curtain on this explosive internal conflict. In a bombshell interview with the Dutch newspaper Dindberger, Marko has exposed the full, unvarnished story of Christian Horner’s downfall, painting a picture of a team consumed by infighting, led by a man who would stop at nothing to consolidate his personal power. The revelations are staggering, sending shockwaves through the F1 paddock and suggesting that the final, critical two-point deficit that separated Verstappen from the championship title was not the result of poor engineering or bad luck, but of a poisonous atmosphere fueled by political ambition.

The Cold Calculation: Positioning for the Power Vacuum

The seeds of the power struggle were sown, rooted in the tragic decline in health of Red Bull founder and visionary, Dietrich Mateschitz. Mateschitz was the figurehead, the risk-taker, and the man who established the entire Red Bull empire and its Formula 1 machine. His looming absence created a massive power vacuum, and according to Marko, Christian Horner began positioning himself for this void with shocking calculation.

Marko recounts a moment at a party before the Austrian Grand Prix where Horner allegedly remarked of Mateschitz, “He won’t make it to the end of the year.” Marko describes this as a “cold calculated assessment” that exposed where Horner’s mind was truly focused: on the future of power, not the health of the founder. From that moment forward, Horner allegedly began to cozy up to Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai co-founder of Red Bull, in a concerted effort to shift the balance of power.

When Mateschitz passed away, Horner made his definitive move. With the backing of Yoovidhya, he attempted to seize complete control of the team, seeking to reorient the power base from the traditional Austrian headquarters to Thailand. It was a bold and audacious play. If successful, Horner would have become the undisputed boss of Red Bull Racing, wielding complete control over its direction, its substantial budget, and its future. For Marko, who had founded the team with Mateschitz and had always been the one to make the big decisions, this was an existential threat. It was a fight for the very “soul of Red Bull Racing,” a desperate battle to preserve the original vision against an aggressive corporate takeover.

The Era of “Dirty Games” and Fabrication

The conflict quickly devolved from a corporate political battle into a clash of values and personalities. Marko, the “old school racer,” was driven by performance, while Horner, the “polished corporate operator,” was allegedly more interested in PR and politics. As tensions mounted, the atmosphere within the team became undeniably toxic. Marko claims that Horner’s campaign against him escalated dramatically, involving “dirty games and lies about all sorts of things” in a blatant attempt to force him out.

The allegations leveled by Marko are nothing short of stunning. He claims Horner’s camp fabricated a story that Marko had made racist comments about Sergio Perez, suggesting “Mexicans were less focused than Dutch or German people.” Marko vehemently denies ever uttering such a remark. It was, he asserts, a deliberate, malicious effort to damage his reputation and make him appear unfit for his role. Had the story gained traction, it could have easily led to his swift dismissal.

But the dirty tricks didn’t end there. Marko also alleges that Horner tried to have him suspended by spreading a false rumor that Marko had leaked confidential information about Red Bull’s engine development being behind schedule and that the team would subsequently lose Ford as a partner. Leaking confidential information is a cardinal, sackable offense in Formula 1. Marko calls this a “serious allegation,” another “fabrication,” and another “dirty trick” designed to ensure his exit.

The Driver’s Intervention: Max Verstappen Saves His Mentor

The plot to oust Marko was thwarted not by internal HR intervention or boardroom politics, but by the ultimate power player in the team: Max Verstappen. Marko says that the only reason the suspension did not occur was because the reigning World Champion stepped in to support him.

In Jeddah, Verstappen made it abundantly clear to the management that if his long-time mentor, Marko, was suspended, there would be “consequences.” It was a public, unwavering show of loyalty from the driver to the man who had guided his career, a testament to the strength of their bond. In a move that underscored the driver’s immense influence, Verstappen’s decisive stance saved Marko’s job, at least temporarily. These allegations, if true, reveal a team principal willing to cross ethical and professional lines to win a political war off the track, a stark contrast to the charming public image Horner cultivated.

The Ultimate Price: A Lost Championship

The ultimate and most tragic consequence of this internal chaos, according to Marko, was the team’s declining performance. After years of unprecedented dominance, Red Bull found itself struggling to keep pace with McLaren. The car’s development direction was flawed, upgrades failed to deliver, and the pervasive internal strife directly impacted on-track performance.

Marko is certain that the toxic environment created by Horner’s power struggle was a critical factor in the team’s failure to secure the title. “We had to do something because performance on the track was lagging,” Marko stated, before making the stunning declaration: “Had we done that earlier by the way we would have gotten it on track faster and Max would have become world champion, I’m absolutely convinced of that.”

The two-point deficit to Lando Norris, the margin that denied Verstappen another title, was not merely a racing metric; it was, in Marko’s eyes, the direct cost of distraction, lies, and internal politics.

The Fall of the King

Eventually, the weight of the allegations proved too heavy for even Christian Horner’s political maneuvering. Marko managed to prove to Yoovidhya that Horner had been “lying more and more often,” fabricating stories and twisting the truth. Once the Thai co-founder was presented with the evidence and realized the extent of the deception, he fundamentally changed his position and agreed to dismiss Horner.

The decision was finalized after the British Grand Prix. Horner, who had been an integral part of the team for over two decades, was out. The king was dead. Yet, Marko did not celebrate. He views the entire episode not as a victory, but as a “necessary evil,” the only viable path to saving the structure and integrity of Red Bull Racing.

An Uncertain Future: The Beginning of the End?

The drama, however, did not conclude with Horner’s exit. Just a few short months after the dismissal, Marko himself announced his departure from Red Bull. The architects of Red Bull’s success are now both gone, leaving behind a profound power vacuum and a palpable sense of instability.

Red Bull faces a colossal challenge moving forward, particularly with the critical new engine project reportedly behind schedule and struggling with new technology. The new corporate leadership under Oliver Minslaf, who lacks the “racing DNA” and “ruthless edge” of his predecessors, steps into a volatile environment. Without the operational brilliance of Horner and the hard-nosed enforcement of Marko, the team is vulnerable.

The most crucial question hangs over Max Verstappen. The reigning champion is contracted, but his deal is believed to contain performance clauses. If the new, unstable Red Bull cannot deliver a championship-winning car, Verstappen will undoubtedly be looking for an exit, with giants like Mercedes and Aston Martin waiting hungrily in the wings.

The dirty laundry has been aired, the truth has been told, and the consequences of the Red Bull civil war will be felt for years to come. This is no longer just a story of a dominant F1 team; it is a captivating, dramatic study in corporate ambition, betrayal, and the shocking price of unchecked power. The future of Red Bull Racing is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the most fascinating chapter of its history is just beginning.

Marvel fans left frustrated by latest Avengers: Doomsday teaser: “What am I even looking at?”

“These kinds of posts DO NOT make me excited for these movies.”

Marvel fans have been left feeling frustrated following the release of the latest Avengers: Doomsday teaser. Back in October, the Russo brothers shared a mysterious picture to social media, urging fans to “look hard” at the image of an unidentified figure.

Following on from that post, which had fans feeling both excited and angry, the brothers have shared yet another cryptic post, which has proved even more divisive than the first.

As we patiently wait for the first Doomsday trailer to drop, the duo at the helm of the upcoming MCU offering took to Instagram to share a baffling black and white image.

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Along with the unidentifiable and blurry image, the Russo’s simply shared the caption: “#AvengersDoomsday.”

Over on Reddit, frustrated Marvel fans discussed the post, with one fan questioning: “What am I even looking at?”

Jesse Grant//Getty Images

 

“These kinds of posts DO NOT make me excited for these movies,” penned another, while one person added: “This makes me want to tune out any marketing about the movie even regardless of spoilers.”

One fan said: “Russo bros needs to let the marketing team to do their job of hyping the movie alone coz Russo bros are not good at making anyone excited.”

On Instagram, fans tried to figure out what the image was, with some questioning whether it was an upside down outline of Robert Downey Jr as villain Dr Doom.

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“Flip it upside down. Doom silhouette between the heads of whoever are leading the teams,” one fan theorised, with another adding: “Wait… IT’S A SILHOUETTE OF DOOM?! If we tilt the photo upside down.”

With the release of the film’s highly-anticipated first trailer imminent, there has been some suggestion that it will be attached to the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash in cinemas on 19 December, though it could drop online before that.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Avengers: Doomsday could receive four different teaser trailers in cinemas, with the site speculating that each trailer would play for one week before moving on to the next.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released on 18 December 2026. Secret Wars is set for the year after. All four current Avengers movies are streaming on Disney+.

I’m a Celebrity’s Angry Ginge forced to return prize and won’t get any cash

The social media personality beat Tom Read Wilson and Shona McGarty to be crowned King of the Jungle

TV’s I’m a Celebrity winner was finally crowned last night after three rollercoaster weeks of laughter and tears. Angry Ginge walked away as King of the Jungle on Sunday, December 7.

The TikTok star beat Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson and former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, who came in second and third place respectively, as the last camp mate standing.

Angry Ginge took over from reigning champion McFly’s Danny Jones. Similar to the musician, Angry Ginge, who has millions of social media followers, will have to return his floral crown and wooden sceptre before even leaving Australia and heading back to the UK.

Sam Thompson, who won the show prior to Danny, also revealed how he had to hand back the items, with “nothing to show” for his victory.

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I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Angry Ginge

Speaking about it on This Morning at the time, he said: “I didn’t get to keep anything. They wouldn’t let me keep anything.”

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As the winner of the show, Angry Ginge received a flower crown and a wooden sceptre.

However, the last campmate standing does not receive a cash prize for winning the competition itself, and that is because there is a pre-arranged appearance fee, which can range from tens of thousands to over a million pounds, depending on their level of fame.

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The final three campmates enjoying the last dinner(Image: 2025 Shutterstock)

All contestants receive this fee as long as they stay in the jungle for a minimum of 72 hours, regardless of where they finish in the public vote.

Shona is estimated to earn around £95,000 for the show, Tom is in the region of £60,000 to £80,000 and Angry Ginge is believed to be pocketing £100,000 for his appearance.

Angry Ginge said: “I didn’t do it to become King. I did it for the experience.” His sister, Tasha Burtwistle, said for him to be on a show was a bucket-list moment.

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Shona McGarty finished third in this year’s show

She told the BBC: “I knew it was on his bucket list, something he never thought he’d actually get to do, so I was just really happy for him.”

Tasha, who got to briefly visit her brother in the jungle along with their mum, said he was “smashing it” and she was “proud of how far he’s come”.

Donald Trump’s administration will urge Sir Keir Starmer to address Britain’s mass migration crisis, GB News can exclusively reveal.

An official American communique, seen by The People’s Channel, will be issued to governments across Europe and the West, stating: “We encourage your government to ensure that policies protect your citizens from the negative social impacts of mass migration, including displacement, sexual assault, and the breakdown of law and order.

The US State Department issued the memo to American Embassies in Europe, including Britain, telling officials to “urge governments to positively respond to their citizens’ growing discontent related to unmitigated migration”.

The memo also cited “organised rape gangs in the United Kingdom” as an example of how mass migration has damaged European nations.

Responding to the bombshell document, ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman told GB News: “It speaks volumes when Washington has to remind our own government of its basic duty to protect the British public. Trump is right to call out Starmer’s disastrous record on mass migration.”

“Britain must follow our US allies with unapologetically firm border control: decisive deportations for anyone who has no legal right to be here, a zero-tolerance approach to foreign nationals who break our laws, and a system that finally puts British people first.”

“Until more people are leaving than arriving, we cannot pretend our borders are secure.”

US officials are now required to report on “violent crimes and human rights abuses perpetrated by migrant populations,” and note “policies that unduly favour migrants at the expense of local populations, such as by leniency in punishment of migrant crimes, or displacement of local populations from housing to accommodate migrants”.

Rotherham grooming gang leader admits to raping girl aged 13 | NCA

The new State Department policy will put pressure on governments across Europe to tackle issues related to mass migration, including national security, public safety, and human rights.

The memo takes aim at Britain specifically over the rape gang scandal, and criticises “two-tiered systems that provide disproportionately lenient punishments to migrants for their crimes”, an accusation that has dogged Sir Keir throughout his premiership.

The Trump administration also highlighted the issue of migrants displacing local populations, and raised concerns around “legal consequences for criticizing mass migration”.

The memo comes after Lucy Connolly served nine months in prison for an online post calling for mass deportations and to “set fire to all the f**king hotels full of the b******s for all I care, while you’re at it take the treacherous government politicians with them”.

Former President Donald Trump, flanked by former first lady Melania Trump | Reuters

State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott said: “Mass migration has resulted in waves of violent crime and terror attacks, the proliferation of sex trafficking gangs, and the destabilisation of communities.”

“The United States calls on Western governments to productively respond to their citizens’ concerns and stands ready to assist in addressing this crisis. We are ending the era of mass migration.”

Robert Bates, research director for the Centre for Migration Control (CMC), also said: “The Trump administration is right to point out that mass migration represents a threat to the British public.”

“It is a permanent shame on Labour and Tory governments that they have tarnished Britain’s international reputation through scandals like the rape gangs.

“The UK has seen large-scale abuse of British women and girls by certain migrant populations.”

“Whether it’s the Pakistani rape gangs or the fact a quarter of sexual assault convictions are of foreign nationals, our political class have unforgivably allowed for a proliferation of terror and misery of Britain’s streets.”

Research from the CMC shows that foreign nationals accounted for around a quarter of all rape convictions last year, despite only accounting for just 10.9 per cent of the British population.

The American communique also states that “numerous countries impacted by mass migration have seen a troubling increase in sexual assaults and related violent crimes by people of a migration background, including against children.”

The Trump administration has been proactive in criticising European governments over issues like freedom of speech and mass migration.

Vice President JD Vance told a security conference in Munich last year that freedom of speech is “in retreat” across Britain and Europe, and told continental leaders that there is “nothing more urgent than mass migration”.

The US cable affirmed that the Trump administration “stands ready, willing, and able to assist countries in solving the global mass migration crisis”.

Rebecca Wilcox shared a heartbreaking update about her mother’s health. Picture: Alamy/Getty

Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter has issued a heartbreaking update, revealing that the beloved broadcaster is no longer responding to treatment for her terminal illness.

Rebecca Wilcox, the middle child of the iconic 84-year-old TV presenter and Childline founder, shared the emotional news during a candid interview with 5 News. The veteran broadcaster, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023 after discovering a lump under her arm, had been placed on a promising new medication to slow the disease’s progression — but tragically, it has now stopped working.

Medical supply delivery

“I really wish that was true but I don’t think that’s the case anymore,” Rebecca admitted, when asked if the drug was still helping her mother’s condition.

Dame Esther Rantzen is battling terminal lung cancer. Picture: Alamy

“I just wish people understood that all the Assisted Dying Bill is… is a choice. A choice for those who want it,” she said. “It’s not about forcing anyone, it’s about giving people like my mum some control, some peace of mind — and that peace of mind is everything right now.”

The veteran broadcaster has spoken out in favour of assisted dying. Picture: Alamy

Rebecca described the harrowing emotional toll the uncertainty has taken on their family.

“I’m a witness to the trauma. The trauma of uncertainty. Of not knowing what her final days will look like — the pain, the exhaustion, the symptoms to come,” she said. “She’s someone who’s spent her whole life fighting for others, and now she has no control at all.”

Dame Esther, who famously hosted That’s Life! for over two decades on the BBC, had previously considered an assisted death at Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic. But as Rebecca revealed, even that option is now out of reach.

“Frankly, Dignitas is out of the window for us as well,” she said. “You have to be relatively well to travel and go through with it. If she had gone, she would’ve had to leave months ago — long before her natural passing would occur here.”

In a separate interview with The Today Podcast on BBC Sounds, Dame Esther said that if the UK were to legalise assisted dying, it would allow her to face death “with confidence” and “without fear.”

“The only way to ensure a pain-free death right now is to go to Dignitas without your family — because if they go with you, they could be investigated by police for murder or coercion,” she said bluntly.

Now, as the cancer progresses and options narrow, the family continues to advocate for change — even as they face the most painful chapter of their lives.

“If you don’t give up, life has a way of surprising you.” Hamza Yassin just revealed the unbelievable truth behind his nine months living in a car — and how the toughest chapter of his life led to his biggest triumphs.

For millions of Countryfile viewers, Hamza Yassin is the gentle, brilliant cameraman who brings Britain’s wildest landscapes to life. But behind the calm smile and breathtaking footage lies a story few ever imagined — a story he kept hidden for years.

In a deeply revealing interview, the 35-year-old Strictly Come Dancing champion confessed that, long before fame found him, he spent nine months living out of his car, completely alone, and surviving on determination, dyslexia-driven creativity… and hope.

“I Woke Up in That Car Every Morning Pretending I Belonged Somewhere.”

Hamza recalled a routine that would break most people.

“I’d wake up at 8am pretending I was catching the ferry,” he told The Times, explaining how he created believable patterns so no one would question why he was parked in the same place every night.

“They didn’t ask questions,” he said. “They were curious, not suspicious.”

He showered at campsites.
He had no fridge.
He lived day to day.

From that makeshift life, he built the career he has today — 17 years in the Scottish Highlands, eventually buying the tiny Hebrides-style cottage he now calls home.

 THE DREAM NO ONE THOUGHT WOULD LAST

Hamza’s move to the countryside seemed like a phase to his family.

“They thought I’d be back in two weeks,” he said with a laugh.
His father believed hunger, cold, and dirty clothes would send him running home.

But that “phase” became eleven years, a life, and eventually a national platform.

When he joined Countryfile in 2021, he quickly became one of its most beloved presenters — then skyrocketed to nationwide fame after winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 with partner Jowita Przystał.

 THE MOMENT THAT BROUGHT HIM TO TEARS

This week, Hamza hit another milestone — one so emotional he could barely speak.

In Sunday’s Countryfile episode, he helped conservation teams release three wildcats— one of Britain’s rarest predators — back into the wild.

Being the first person outside the project staff to do so left him stunned.

“That’s a real honour,” he said softly as one wildcat slipped out of its enclosure and into the forest.

For a man who once slept in a car with nothing but a dream of filming wildlife, it was a full-circle moment few could appreciate more deeply.

 BUT COUNTRYFILE ISN’T ALL BEAUTY AND WILDLIFE THIS SEASON

This year has brought some of the show’s darkest, most emotional moments.

Viewers were shaken earlier this month when a guest broke down on camera, confessing he had battled suicidal thoughts amid rising pressure on farmers — especially in light of the Government’s drastic inheritance tax changes introduced last year.

Farmer Charles Rees, diagnosed with cancer in February, revealed his son could face a £1 million inheritance tax bill due to new rules taxing agricultural assets that were once exempt.

Lying in a hospital bed, Charles admitted:

“Sometimes I think, what’s the point?
If nothing changes by next April… I’d probably top myself.”

His words shocked presenter Charlotte Smith.

Overwhelmed, Charles excused himself and left the table in tears.
His wife Ruth followed soon after, visibly shaken as she explained the crushing emotional and financial weight their family had been carrying.

Thankfully, since filming, Charles has undergone surgery and is now recovering.

A STORY OF SURVIVAL — IN EVERY SENSE

While Countryfile covers Britain’s landscapes, wildlife, and farming communities, this season has revealed the stories that live behind the scenes:

A beloved presenter who lived in a car for nearly a year

A conservation mission giving a species a second chance

Farmers fighting for their land, their families, and their lives

Hamza Yassin’s journey — from sleeping in a vehicle to releasing wildcats on national television — is a reminder that even the calmest faces often hide the hardest battles.

Tom Read Wilson revealed the surprising way his parents metCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

I’m A Celebrity favourite Tom Read Wilson once left his co-stars stunned after revealing the extraordinary – and controversial – way his parents first met.

Tom’s dad was a teacher and inspired his love of literatureCredit: Instagram

The Celebs Go Dating personality has long spoken about his passion for language and literature, crediting his father, a dedicated English teacher, for shaping his eloquence and love of words.

But what many didn’t expect was the surprising twist in his family’s history: Wilson Sr first knew Tom’s mother, Juliette, through his job at Bradfield College, Berks, where their connection began.

Tom’s mum Juliette was 18 when she began dating his dad, who was 34 at the timeCredit: Instagram

Tom shared the story on an episode of 8 Out Of 10 Cats last year, explaining: “My maternal grandfather taught at the same school and sometimes the eldest girls of the faculty would date the youngest teachers.”

Comedian Rob Beckett immediately jumped in: “So your dad was a teacher there — and your mum was a child there?”

Host Jimmy Carr added bluntly: “He was 34 and she was 18.”

Tom insisted the age gap never fazed him. “Yes. I never really thought about it,” he shrugged.

Although his parents later separated, it is Tom’s mother who has flown to Australia to support him during his jungle journey.
Proud of her son’s quick wit and poetic speech, Juliette laughed that sometimes even she struggles to follow his dazzling vocabulary.

“He’s very articulate. He was born with a dictionary in his mouth,” she told The Sun after arriving in Brisbane.
“His father is an English teacher — that’s where he gets it from.
Sometimes I don’t understand what he says! But it’s good.”

While Tom is best known for his polished charm on reality TV, he is also a published author with three books:
Every Word Tells A Story,
On The Tip of My Tongue: The Perfect Word For Every Life Moment,
and Wonderful Words That Tell A Tale.

Juliette said watching her son in camp has been emotional:
“He’s surpassed all my expectations. I’ve enjoyed seeing his personality come through — people are finally seeing the real Tom.”

She admitted she was especially shocked by his courage when he faced a terrifying snake challenge.
“That thing with the snakes — that was just very brave. I did deep down know he was courageous,” she added.

Tom’s unconventional family story has only added to the fascination surrounding him — and his mother’s unwavering presence in Brisbane shows just how tightly bonded they remain.

Alex Jones was left emotional on Friday night when her husband Charlie Thomson made a surprise live appearance on The One Show to celebrate her remarkable 15 years as host.

The 48-year-old Welsh presenter thought she was simply wrapping up the special anniversary episode when co-hosts Roman Kemp and Richard Osman stunned her by inviting Charlie – her husband of 10 years – onto the iconic green sofa.

Charlie, carrying a bouquet of flowers, walked in to warm applause. Alex, visibly shocked, rose to embrace him, the pair sharing a kiss before sitting together. “It’s very weird,” Alex admitted when asked how it felt to see him on the sofa. “You’re usually in the garden, building the treehouse now.”

Charlie, 46, spoke proudly about her achievements: “I’m extremely proud, not just of what she’s done here, but also how she balances everything at home. Covid times, tough times – she’s always been there.”

Holding back tears, Alex said: “I couldn’t do it without this man at home, who keeps everything running, sorts the children and bedtime when I’m here. And my family, friends, and all our viewers – thank you for putting up with me for 15 years.”

Earlier this week, Alex reflected on her journey with the show: “It doesn’t feel like 15 years. I started as a young girl and have grown up with our viewers. They’ve been with me through everything – engagement, marriage, children. They’re like extended family.”

The couple, married in 2015, share three children – Edward, Kit, and Annie. Alex has previously spoken about a “rough period” in their marriage when Charlie battled Lyme disease and viral meningitis, which deeply affected his mental health. She now says he’s in a “much better place.”

Strictly Come Dancing star arrested on suspicion of rape

A Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of rape.

A man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken into custody over an alleged incident said to have occurred after a BBC event in 2024.

The alleged victim was not a contestant or professional dancer, The Sun reported.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police, who confirmed the arrest, said: “A man was released on police bail under investigation having been arrested in London on Monday 13 October on suspicion of rape.

“The allegations relate to an incident which happened in Hertfordshire during 2024.

“Meanwhile, inquiries by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Public Protection team will continue.

“Given the nature of the allegations, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”

The report arrives after another anonymous male who once worked on the BBC competition was arrested on suspicion of rape.

The BBC said ‘it would not be appropriate to comment’ on the investigation (BBC)

The unnamed male, who is in his thirties, was questioned by police “over allegations of non-consensual intimate image abuse”.

A Met spokesperson told The Independent: “On Friday, 22 August officers arrested a man in his thirties in East London on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.

The series has been hit with repeated scandals and controversies in the past few years.

Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was investigated for his behaviour towards one of the show’s celebrity contestants, Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, after she said she accused him of “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” in September 2023.

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A BBC review found no evidence of physical aggression, but upheld accusations of swearing and giving negative feedback.

In July 2024, pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was also dropped from the show after allegations about his behaviour towards Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Last year’s series was thrown into controversy due to the conduct of opera singer Wynne Evans, who apologised for “inappropriate and unacceptable” remarks made during the Strictly live tour.

Months later, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was suspended from the BBC after he was accused of using an offensive term towards people with disabilities during his time on the programme. He apologised and said the terminology was “entirely unacceptable”.

Strictly implemented new rules in an effort to prevent further issues, including adopting chaperones during training sessions. Welfare producers were also added to the team, and training was provided for dancers, the production team, and crew.