Nation in Tears as Heartbreaking News Is Confirmed About Isla, the Brave 8-Year-Old Who Touched Millions

The nation is holding its breath in sorrow and hope tonight as devastating news emerges about 8-year-old Isla Screaton Kilpatrick — the radiant little girl whose courage and unforgettable smile became a symbol of joy for millions during BBC’s DIY SOS.

Isla, who lives with the extremely rare genetic condition Mandibuloacral Dysplasia (a unique mutation making her the only known person in the UK with this variant), has seen her health deteriorate sharply in recent days. Her single mum, Stacey, has confirmed that Isla’s brittle bones, mobility challenges, and the premature aging effects on her major organs have worsened significantly. She is now seriously ill and currently receiving intensive care in hospital.

The heartbreaking update comes just months after the country fell in love with Isla during the opening episode of the revived DIY SOS series, which aired in October 2025. Stacey had nominated her family for the show in the hope of creating a more accessible home that would give her daughter greater independence despite the daily struggles caused by her condition.

When Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team arrived in Aylestone, Leicester, the response from the public was overwhelming. A near-record 2,000 volunteers applied to help, and around 160 tradespeople worked tirelessly to transform the family home in just days. The bespoke adaptations — lowered light switches, door handles, a downstairs bathroom, wider doorways, and stair access improvements — were designed specifically around Isla’s needs.

The moment of the big reveal will forever be etched in the nation’s memory. As Isla explored her beautifully adapted new home, her face lit up with pure delight. With the biggest smile, she turned to the camera and said the words that melted hearts across the country:

“I love it. I can get around the house more easily…”

Those simple, heartfelt words captured everything: gratitude, triumph, and the quiet courage of a little girl who had spent much of her life crawling or needing help for the smallest tasks. Viewers described breaking down in tears within minutes of the episode, hailing Isla as “a little superstar” and praising the extraordinary kindness of the community that rallied around her.

Stacey later shared how the transformation had exceeded all expectations, giving Isla the freedom to walk up stairs instead of crawling and to reach things on her own for the first time. The new home was meant to be a safe, joyful space for whatever time Isla had ahead.

Doctors had previously warned the family that after the age of seven, the risks of serious complications — including strokes and heart problems — would increase significantly due to the progressive nature of her condition. In recent days, those fears have become reality. Isla’s illness has taken a sudden and severe turn for the worse, and she is now fighting in hospital under close medical supervision.

Tonight, the family released a short, emotional statement asking for continued love and prayers:

“Isla is the strongest, most joyful little girl. She has taught us all to celebrate the smallest victories — like turning on a light switch by herself. Right now she is very unwell in hospital and we are by her side every moment. We are so grateful for the love and support she has received from everyone since DIY SOS. Please keep her in your thoughts.”

Nick Knowles, visibly moved, posted on social media: “Isla’s smile and those words ‘I love it. I can get around the house more easily…’ touched every single one of us. She is the bravest little soul. Sending all our love to Isla, Stacey and the family at this incredibly difficult time. Stay strong, little one.”

Across Britain, tributes are pouring in. Clips of Isla’s DIY SOS moment are being reshared thousands of times, with people writing messages like: “She gave us hope. Now we’re all praying for her.” “That smile… we can’t lose her.” “Britain is crying with you tonight, Stacey.”

Earlier this year, cruel online hoaxes had falsely claimed Isla had passed away shortly after the episode, forcing Stacey to speak out to protect her daughter’s memory. Tonight’s news is real and raw — not a hoax, but a genuine medical crisis that has the whole country holding its breath.

Isla’s story has once again highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, research funding, and support for families living with ultra-rare genetic conditions. The DIY SOS team has reiterated their love and support, promising to stand by the family in any way they can.

As Isla fights in hospital, the nation remembers her not as a tragic statistic, but as the bright, determined little girl who reminded us all what matters most: the joy found in small freedoms, the power of community, and the unbreakable spirit of a child who never stopped smiling.

“I love it. I can get around the house more easily…” Those words, once a celebration of victory, are now being whispered as a prayer for strength across the country.

Please keep Isla in your hearts tonight.

HEARTBREAK : The Chase show was brought to an ABRUPT HALTED when it received HEARTBREAKING NEWS about contestant Debbie – Shaun Wallace and the whole studio was in TEARS when her husband appeared..

 HEARTBREAKING NEWS about contestant Debbie – Shaun Wallace and the whole studio was in TEARS when her husband appeared.

Contestant on The Chase tragically dies a week after the show airs as husband pays tribute

She fought a long battle with cancer

The Chase has been hit with heartbreaking news after contestant Debbie died following her appearance on the show.

Debbie went head-to-head with Chaser Shaun Wallace during her time on on the popular quiz show.

However, a week after her episode aired on ITV, Debbie’s husband revealed that his “beautiful wife” had passed away after being diagnosed with cancer.

Debbie passed away after suffering with breast cancer (Credit: ITV)

The Chase contestant dies a week after episode airs

The Chase contestant Debbie sadly passed away after initially being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her husband confirmed the devastating news in a Facebook group, saying: “Debbie, who was on The Chase on [Wednesday] and who Shaun flirted with sadly lost her 17-year battle with cancer last week.

“She was my beautiful wife and it was tough to see but at the same time lovely to see her how she was.

“It was filmed about three years ago. She was one of the last to be filmed before lockdown.

“She had breast cancer 14 years before this that had been away for a number of years. But about a year after she filmed this it came back in her bones and then in her brain.”

Shaun Wallace flirted with Debbie during her time on The Chase (Credit: ITV)

Debbie was caught flirting with Shaun Wallace on The Chase

Debbie appeared on the quiz show in an episode that was filmed before the coronavirus and that was aired as a repeat last week.

She went up against Shaun Wallace, aka The Dark Destroyer, alongside her teammates Helen and George.

She was my beautiful wife and it was tough to see but at the same time lovely to see her how she was.

But after she won £5,000 for her team in the cash builder, Debbie was caught flirting with the Chaser.

Shaun said: “Hello Debbie”.

But his cheeky remark caused Bradley Walsh to say: “What was that?!”

Debbie then said: “Hello Shaun” before adding: “See I was being flirty was I?”

Bradley then replied: “Well I don’t know about that.”

Unfortunately, Shaun ended up catching Debbie which meant that she sadly didn’t make it through to the final round.

 EXCLUSIVE SHOCKER  The 63-year-old TV star has been spotted getting very close with a mystery man in his early 30s — marking his first intimate public sighting since stepping away from television. Witnesses say the pair looked relaxed, affectionate, and completely at ease, while insiders claim this relationship has actually been quietly unfolding for months. Friends now say Phillip believes the bond is finally “strong enough” to go public — and fans are stunned by what this could mean next…   Everything we know so far about his new boyfriend is below

EXCLUSIVE: Phillip Schofield, 63, spotted getting close with mystery male companion, 30

Phillip Schofield appeared worse for wear after enjoying lunch with a male companion with whom he put on a cosy display in London on Saturday.

The former This Morning presenter, 63, helped prop up his pal, London-based nurse Joshua Luke Sharman, 30, as they emerged from a restaurant where the duo looked to stumble their way out after a seemingly excessive lunch.

Following their departure from the eatery, Phillip and handsome Joshua, whose Instagram shows his celebrity friends including Sally Lindsay and Gok Wan, got up close while sharing a cosy cuddle before nuzzling into one another.

Clad in a blue polo shirt and shorts, Joshua appeared to need his assistance in walking before enjoying a cosy cuddle in the street.

Phillip, who came out as gay in February 2020 on the magazine show, has stepped back from the spotlight after departing This Morning in 2023 in the wake of an affair with a 20-year-old runner, which he branded ‘unwise but not illegal’.

Phillip Schofield appeared worse for wear after enjoying lunch with a male companion with whom he put on a cosy display in London on Saturday

The pair were getting hot and heavy in the street with no regard to who saw their cosy moment

The former This Morning presenter, 63, was supported by his pal, London-based nurse Joshua Luke Sharman, as they emerged from a restaurant where the star looked to stumble on his way out

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Following their departure from the eatery, Phillip and handsome Joshua got up close while sharing a cosy cuddle before nuzzling into one another

The duo appeared to have had a fun-filled lunch

Phillip is not the only star on Joshua’s radar, as he appears to be firm pals with Gok, with whom he is often pictured on Instagram.

The star, who has been married to Stephanie Lowe since 1993, has not publically confirmed any romance since the admission of his affair.

At the time of his departure from This Morning, it was reported that Steph had been left ‘devastated’ by the revelation and angry that her husband had lied to her.

However, it was later revealed she is choosing not to file for divorce because she does not want him to ‘fall any further’ then he already has, and despite everything, ‘the love is still very much there.’

As well as the breakdown of his marriage, Schofield’s relationship with co-host Holly Willoughby faltered in the midst of the scandal, with the pair understood to be at loggerheads.

His daughter Molly is now his publicist after she quit the talent agency that once represented her father.

Phillip; insisted he had not ‘groomed’ his young lover, despite first meeting him when he was 15. He said: ‘Attraction is attraction. It’s no different in the gay world as it is in the heteros3xual world or in the lesbian world.

The duo both clutched vapes as they stumbled out of their lunch

The duo were on a determined walk as they left their lunch in bleary-eyed form

‘There shouldn’t be a difference. This is where homophobia comes in. We did first meet when he was 15, I visited the drama school [he attended].’

He said the fallout from his admission that he lied about his affair with a younger male colleague had been ‘relentless’, revealing he has had suicidal thoughts.

Schofield said: ‘My girls saved my life. They said last week they haven’t left me for a moment. They’ve been by my side every moment because they’re scared to let me out of their sight. What is that like for daughters to have to go with something like that?

‘And they said to me, “Don’t you dare do this on our watch. We’re supposed to be looking after you.” If my girls hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here, because I don’t see my future.’

They got up close and personal after the lunch

Brooklyn Beckham has been left furious by what he sees as “deeply insulting” and “sexist” claims aimed at his wife, Nicola Peltz, as the real reason behind the bombshell legal letter sent to his parents is gradually coming to light

Brooklyn Beckham has reportedly been left furious by what he sees as “deeply insulting” and “misogynistic” claims aimed at his wife, Nicola Peltz, as the real reason behind the bombshell legal letter sent to his parents comes into sharper focus.

The 26-year-old hot sauce enthusiast is said to have instructed lawyers to formally warn his parents, David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, to stop contacting him directly or indirectly. According to sources close to the family rift, the move was made to protect Brooklyn’s mental health after repeated requests for space were allegedly ignored.

The feud is understood to have erupted last May and intensified after Brooklyn and Nicola noticeably skipped Sir David’s 50th birthday celebrations last year. Since then, whispers have circulated suggesting Nicola is “controlling” her husband and somehow responsible for his estrangement from the Beckham clan — claims that have reportedly left Brooklyn seething.

Insiders say Brooklyn feels those narratives unfairly target his wife, painting her as the villain in a situation that was his decision alone. One source described the rumours as “so sexist and misogynistic”, adding that Brooklyn “does not stand for his wife being vilified in this way”. They said the storyline was “as old as time — blame the woman for the man’s actions — and it’s just deeply insulting”.

Meanwhile, David and Victoria are said to be devastated by the legal letter from their firstborn. Friends of the couple insist every attempt at contact or social media post was driven by a desire to heal the rift, not inflame it. “They are desperately sad,” a source claimed, stressing that the Beckhams “love Brooklyn deeply and will always be there for him”.

Tensions reportedly escalated further when Brooklyn blocked both of his parents on social media. He is also said to have been annoyed when Victoria liked one of his Instagram posts and David shared a black-and-white childhood photo of him over Christmas — gestures Brooklyn allegedly interpreted as proof his parents still see him as a child rather than an adult.

Those close to David insist he was simply trying to reach out and resolve the situation, and that the aggressive legal approach blindsided the family. Adding another layer to the drama, it has been noted that Nicola’s father previously hired high-profile lawyer Marty Singer — famously charging £800 an hour — during a legal dispute over Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish 2022 wedding, which was eventually settled.

Despite the ongoing family war, Brooklyn has remained openly devoted to Nicola. When the couple renewed their vows last summer without any of his family present, he publicly gushed that he could “renew my vows every single day with her”, adding that finding the person you want to spend your life with “definitely shapes you as a person”.

Rylan Clark’s mum Linda, 73, was rushed to hospital after a terrifying fall right outside her front door, leaving Rylan deeply worried

Rylan Clark’s mum, Linda Clark, has revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a frightening fall outside her home, after mistaking ice for water while taking out the rubbish.

The 73-year-old, who is well known to viewers from Celebrity Gogglebox, slipped on the icy ground and fractured her shoulder in the fall.

Speaking live on air with her son during his BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday, Linda calmly told listeners: “I just went flying and I hurt my arm again,” before confirming her shoulder was fractured and badly bruised. She admitted her arm had turned “black” from the bruising and was “so sore”.

Rylan didn’t hide his worry as he recalled the moment he got the call. He said it was “a lovely phone call” to receive first thing in the morning, hearing that his mum was on her way to hospital. Trying to stay positive, he added that it could have been far worse, referencing previous falls where Linda had injured multiple limbs.

Despite his concern, Rylan reassured listeners that his mum was being well looked after and urged her to rest and take things easy, joking that she struggles to slow down even when injured. “In all fairness though, it was an accident,” he explained. “She just slipped on some ice.”

The incident comes only months after Linda was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, prompting Rylan to cancel a Radio 2 show at the time. In an emotional Instagram update last summer, he told fans that “Mummy Linda isn’t well,” while thanking hospital staff for taking care of her and promising to keep everyone updated.

Linda’s health has been a longstanding concern for the presenter. Rylan has previously spoken openly about her battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition she has lived with since her 30s, which has required multiple operations and daily medication. She also survived sepsis in 2018 and suffered another serious fall in Marbella in 2023 that required emergency surgery before the pair flew home on a private plane.

Despite everything, Rylan has often described his mum as “a trooper,” and once again reassured fans that she is on the mend and in safe hands as she recovers from her latest injury.

BBC viewers were left in tears by Sarra Hoy’s extraordinary gesture as she faced her own heartbreaking diagnosis. Audiences could not hide their emotion after watching the powerful new documentary about Sir Chris Hoy’s terminal cancer battle — but the person who truly touched the nation’s heart was his wife, Sarra Hoy, who was also dealing with an aggressive MS diagnosis. Gravely ill herself, Chris Hoy’s wife still chose to do this — and the whole of Britain was moved to tears

BBC audiences have been left deeply moved after watching a powerful new documentary charting Sir Chris Hoy’s terminal cancer battle — with many saying it was his wife Sarra Hoy who truly stole their hearts.

The BBC One documentary Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me offers an intimate look into the couple’s lives as the six-time Olympic gold medallist confronts Stage 4 cancer, after being told in 2023 that he had between two and four years to live. Scans revealed his prostate cancer had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, ribs and spine — a moment Chris described as nothing short of “a waking nightmare”.

Yet just weeks after receiving her husband’s devastating prognosis, Sarra was handed her own life-altering diagnosis: an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Despite this, viewers watched in awe as she consistently placed her focus on supporting Chris, describing standing by him through his illness as “the greatest privilege of my life”.

Reflecting on her own diagnosis, Sarra explained that the shock of Chris’s cancer had completely eclipsed everything else. She said the world had been so “upside down” by the news about her husband that her MS diagnosis felt like “just another moment in time”, adding that she preferred it that way because “talking about Chris” mattered more.

Throughout the programme, Sarra’s quiet strength shone through — particularly when she spoke about helping their two children understand what their father was going through. Determined not to let cancer become something frightening or taboo, she wanted it to be part of their everyday lives rather than a single traumatic conversation.

She revealed how the children’s fears surfaced quickly, with unspoken worries about whether their father might die, whether they could catch cancer, or whether they had somehow caused it. To help them cope, Sarra came up with a simple yet profoundly moving idea centred around a cherry blossom tree in their garden.

Realising that Chris’s chemotherapy would end around the time the tree bloomed, the family painted a large bare tree and added pink blossoms to it each day — symbolising Chris regrowing and recovering. Sarra said the ritual was as much for her husband as it was for their children, helping them all believe that even when something is stripped bare, it can grow again.

Chris paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife during the documentary, saying she never seeks attention but deserves every ounce of it. He admitted he could not imagine coping without her, calling Sarra “an amazing person”.

Viewers flooded social media with emotional reactions, praising Sarra’s compassion, resilience and selflessness. Many described the documentary as difficult to watch but deeply inspiring, with one viewer saying that while Chris is a hero on the track, Sarra is “a truly remarkable woman” off it.

UK TV SHOCKER: Kate Garraway’s New Romance Stuns Fans — She’s Dating a Famous Male Co-Star from Her ITV Days But Her Son Is NOT On Board — And His Reason Will Break Your Heart

A bombshell revelation is sending shockwaves through the British television world: Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway is reportedly in a new relationship—and the man at the center of it all is a familiar face that no one saw coming. 

After months of quiet whispers and subtle signs, sources have now confirmed that the beloved ITV presenter is dating someone from her past… and it’s someone who once shared the screen with her.

Yes, Kate’s new partner is said to be a well-known British TV host—someone who has worked closely with her in the past.

And in a twist that’s adding even more fuel to the fire, insiders claim that her son, Billy, isn’t on board with the romance—leaving fans both stunned and deeply curious.

Though the couple has yet to confirm the relationship publicly, rumors have been spreading like wildfire on social media. Kate and the mystery man were allegedly spotted on a low-key getaway just last weekend, and a few eagle-eyed fans claim to have seen them dining together in a discreet London restaurant.

The Name That’s Shocking Everyone

While Kate has always been discreet about her private life—especially after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Derek Draper—this new relationship appears to be serious. And as the mystery man’s identity continues to circulate in TV circles, many fans are left speechless.

“I was floored when I heard who it was,” one fan tweeted. “He was the last person I’d ever expect—but honestly, now it makes sense.”

Reports suggest the man in question is a veteran TV personality, widely recognized across the UK, and once a regular fixture on shows alongside Kate. The connection they shared onscreen, it seems, may have quietly evolved into something more.

A Difficult Chapter, a New Beginning

Kate’s personal journey over the past few years has been marked by immense pain and public admiration. Her late husband Derek’s prolonged battle with long COVID, and his recent passing, deeply moved the nation. Kate’s strength through that ordeal earned her national respect—and a permanent place in viewers’ hearts.

Now, some believe this new relationship might signal a fresh start. “This isn’t about headlines,” one friend said. “It’s about healing—and finding joy again.”

However, sources say not everyone is thrilled about the new development—particularly Kate’s 14-year-old son, Billy.

“He’s been through a lot,” a family insider shared. “And while he wants his mum to be happy, he’s still adjusting to the idea of someone new stepping into their lives.”

What’s Next for the Unexpected Couple?

With no official statement from Kate or her rumored partner, speculation continues to swirl. Some believe a confirmation might come soon—perhaps through a casual interview or even a red carpet appearance.

Others are bracing themselves for a full media frenzy the moment the mystery man’s name is publicly confirmed. One thing is certain: if the rumors are true, this pairing will be one of the most unexpected celebrity couplings in recent UK memory.

Stay tuned—because this story is only just beginning.

The nation is holding its breath in sorrow and hope tonight as devastating news emerges about 8-year-old Isla Screaton Kilpatrick — the radiant little girl whose courage and unforgettable smile became a symbol of joy for millions during BBC’s DIY SOS.

Isla, who lives with the extremely rare genetic condition Mandibuloacral Dysplasia (a unique mutation making her the only known person in the UK with this variant), has seen her health deteriorate sharply in recent days. Her single mum, Stacey, has confirmed that Isla’s brittle bones, mobility challenges, and the premature aging effects on her major organs have worsened significantly. She is now seriously ill and currently receiving intensive care in hospital.

The heartbreaking update comes just months after the country fell in love with Isla during the opening episode of the revived DIY SOS series, which aired in October 2025. Stacey had nominated her family for the show in the hope of creating a more accessible home that would give her daughter greater independence despite the daily struggles caused by her condition.

Online TV streaming services

When Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team arrived in Aylestone, Leicester, the response from the public was overwhelming. A near-record 2,000 volunteers applied to help, and around 160 tradespeople worked tirelessly to transform the family home in just days. The bespoke adaptations — lowered light switches, door handles, a downstairs bathroom, wider doorways, and stair access improvements — were designed specifically around Isla’s needs.

The moment of the big reveal will forever be etched in the nation’s memory. As Isla explored her beautifully adapted new home, her face lit up with pure delight. With the biggest smile, she turned to the camera and said the words that melted hearts across the country:

“I love it. I can get around the house more easily…”

Those simple, heartfelt words captured everything: gratitude, triumph, and the quiet courage of a little girl who had spent much of her life crawling or needing help for the smallest tasks. Viewers described breaking down in tears within minutes of the episode, hailing Isla as “a little superstar” and praising the extraordinary kindness of the community that rallied around her.

Stacey later shared how the transformation had exceeded all expectations, giving Isla the freedom to walk up stairs instead of crawling and to reach things on her own for the first time. The new home was meant to be a safe, joyful space for whatever time Isla had ahead.

Doctors had previously warned the family that after the age of seven, the risks of serious complications — including strokes and heart problems — would increase significantly due to the progressive nature of her condition. In recent days, those fears have become reality. Isla’s illness has taken a sudden and severe turn for the worse, and she is now fighting in hospital under close medical supervision.

Tonight, the family released a short, emotional statement asking for continued love and prayers:

“Isla is the strongest, most joyful little girl. She has taught us all to celebrate the smallest victories — like turning on a light switch by herself. Right now she is very unwell in hospital and we are by her side every moment. We are so grateful for the love and support she has received from everyone since DIY SOS. Please keep her in your thoughts.”

Nick Knowles, visibly moved, posted on social media: “Isla’s smile and those words ‘I love it. I can get around the house more easily…’ touched every single one of us. She is the bravest little soul. Sending all our love to Isla, Stacey and the family at this incredibly difficult time. Stay strong, little one.”

Across Britain, tributes are pouring in. Clips of Isla’s DIY SOS moment are being reshared thousands of times, with people writing messages like: “She gave us hope. Now we’re all praying for her.” “That smile… we can’t lose her.” “Britain is crying with you tonight, Stacey.”

Earlier this year, cruel online hoaxes had falsely claimed Isla had passed away shortly after the episode, forcing Stacey to speak out to protect her daughter’s memory. Tonight’s news is real and raw — not a hoax, but a genuine medical crisis that has the whole country holding its breath.

Isla’s story has once again highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, research funding, and support for families living with ultra-rare genetic conditions. The DIY SOS team has reiterated their love and support, promising to stand by the family in any way they can.

As Isla fights in hospital, the nation remembers her not as a tragic statistic, but as the bright, determined little girl who reminded us all what matters most: the joy found in small freedoms, the power of community, and the unbreakable spirit of a child who never stopped smiling.

 

“I love it. I can get around the house more easily…” Those words, once a celebration of victory, are now being whispered as a prayer for strength across the country.

Please keep Isla in your hearts tonight.

An ITV legend launched a surprise new career after he quit This Morning and left his colleagues in tears.

Martin Frizell stepped down as editor of the daytime programme back in February to take care of his wife Fiona Phillips, who has Alzheimer’s.

Now, he has announced his next career move and revealed on Instagram that he would be working on a new weekly podcast, This Much Is True Crime.

The new venture is set to launch soon, but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

He wrote: ‘Takes a prolific serial killer to knock Adolescence off the No1 Netflix spot. Gone Girls profiles America’s modern day Jack the Ripper and his body count may not be over yet!

‘Coming soon is This Much is True Crime, a new weekly podcast with Britain’s leading criminologist (and serial killer expert) Prof David Wilson and me (Fred West and many other crime reports).

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Producer Martin Frizell (right) stepped down as editor of the daytime programme back in February to take care of his wife Fiona Phillips (left), who has Alzheimer’s

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Now, he has announced his next career move and revealed on Instagram that he would be working on a new weekly podcast, This Much Is True Crime

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It comes after Martin appeared on This Morning in February on his very last day on set. Pictured sharing an emotional farewell with Alison Hammond

‘If it’s in the headlines or the ratings, we’re talking about it. We start with Gone Girls. Not just a whodunnit, but a whydunnit?’

It comes after Martin appeared on This Morning in February on his very last day on set.

Martin had overseen the show’s production for the last decade and at the end of his final episode, he sat on the sofa with Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond.

In a moving segment, the co-presenters told Frizzell how much he meant to them and how much they valued his impact on their careers.

An emotional Hammond said: ‘He’s the one that took a chance on us, transforming mine and Josie’s careers.

‘It’s an incredible opportunity and we just want to say thank you very much. We love you’.

The This Morning presenter continued: ‘On behalf of the team on This Morning we think you are incredible and we are so sad to see you go’.

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Josie Gibson (left) and Alison Hammond (centre) invited This Morning boss Martin Frizzell (right) onto the show’s famous sofa on what was his last day

Gibson echoed Hammond’s words, adding that Frizell believed in her when she didn’t even believe in herself.

‘I just want to say, thank you so much because you believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself and you grew me as a presenter and I just can’t thank you enough’.

Reacting to the pair’s kind words, Frizell replied: ‘If you were rubbish, you wouldn’t be on telly. You’re very good. It has been a great ride and a fantastic time’.

His departure from the show’s production team had been announced earlier on during the broadcast by Gibson and came off the back of his own announcement last November that he would soon be stepping down for personal reasons.

Frizell’s wife Fiona Phillips had received a heartbreaking Alzheimer’s diagnosis back in 2022, with the This Morning boss taking the decision to quit the show in order to spend more time with her.

‘Next year I’m expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them’, the 66-year-old said back in November.

‘I love my team at This Morning and will miss them and the thrill of live telly, but it’s an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment, and I won’t be able to do both.

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Alison Hammond (left) being embraced by show boss Martin Frizzell (right) after breaking down in tears over his departure from This Morning

‘It’s been a privilege to lead truly great presenters and producers, between us we’ve turned out more than six thousand hours of live topical telly, that’s around 20,000 items.

‘Whilst the gongs are always nice, I’m most proud of the change we made to so many lives, even saving a fair few with our campaigns on anti-suicide, menopause, testicular cancer and ‘how-to’ items.

‘This juggernaut is the toughest test for any broadcast journalist’.

In the pre-dawn mist of northern France’s windswept beaches, a new kind of battle is unfolding—one that has ignited outrage, fear, and a firestorm of debate on both sides of the English Channel. British vigilantes, under the banner of groups like Raise the Colours, have been caught on camera slashing inflatable migrant boats, harassing asylum seekers, and even posing as journalists to lure vulnerable people into confrontations. Dubbed “Operation Overlord” and “Operation Stop The Boats,” their brazen actions—filmed for social media clout—have escalated tensions in an already volatile migrant crisis. As France launches criminal investigations and migrant support groups decry government inaction, the UK remains eerily silent, leaving a trail of questions: Who are these vigilantes? What drives their dangerous crusade? And how did a desperate plea to “stop the boats” spiral into a cross-border vigilante movement that threatens lives and international relations? The truth is as shocking as it is complex, revealing a collision of fear, frustration, and unchecked extremism.

The Migrant Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb

The English Channel, a narrow 21-mile stretch separating Britain from France, has become a flashpoint in one of Europe’s most contentious issues: illegal migration. In 2025 alone, over 41,455 migrants—mostly from conflict-torn regions like Syria, Eritrea, and Afghanistan—crossed from northern France to the UK in small, overcrowded boats, a 16% increase from 2024. These perilous journeys, orchestrated by ruthless smuggling gangs, have claimed lives, with drownings and hypothermia all too common. The UK’s Home Office, under pressure to curb arrivals, has deported nearly 50,000 illegal migrants since July 2024, while Labour’s promise to “smash the gangs” remains unfulfilled.

On the French side, beaches near Calais, Dunkirk, and Gravelines are staging grounds for these crossings. Migrants, often living in squalid camps, board flimsy dinghies or “taxi boats” that pick them up just offshore to evade police. French authorities, partly funded by the UK, have intensified efforts, with videos showing police slashing boats in shallow waters or firing tear gas at crowds attempting launches. Yet, the boats keep coming, fueling public anger in Britain, where asylum costs hit £5.4 billion in 2025.

Enter the Vigilantes: Operation Overlord Unleashed

Against this backdrop, a group of British men, led by figures like Daniel Thomas (aka “Danny Tommo”), Ryan Bridge, and Elliott Stanley of Raise the Colours, have taken matters into their own hands. Since summer 2024, they’ve traveled to northern France, targeting migrant boats hidden in dunes and confronting asylum seekers with chilling aggression. Their campaign, dubbed “Operation Overlord”—a provocative nod to the 1944 D-Day invasion—has seen them slash inflatable dinghies, brandish knives, and shout xenophobic insults like “We don’t want them in our country!” at terrified migrants.

Videos posted on social media platforms like X and Instagram, where Raise the Colours boasts 100,000 followers, capture their actions in stark detail. One clip from December 7 shows a masked vigilante waving a knife at a car’s occupants, captioned: “Illegal migrant armed with a knife attempts to attack Raise the Colours patriots.” Another, filmed on a Gravelines beach, shows a destroyed boat as French police confront the group, questioning their lack of press credentials. The footage, designed for maximum virality, has garnered thousands of views, amplifying their message of “stopping the boats” at any cost.

Their tactics have evolved disturbingly. In a new ploy, vigilantes posed as accredited journalists, offering migrants money to speak on camera—only to use the encounters for harassment. In Paris, they targeted black homeless men, shouting “Africa!” and filming confrontations to stoke anti-migrant sentiment. These performative acts, described by scholar Matthijs Gardenier as “highly performative vigilantism,” rely on dramatic patrols and online provocation, often spilling into real-world intimidation.

The Men Behind the Masks: Who Are Raise the Colours?

Raise the Colours began as a flag-waving movement, raising St George’s Crosses across England to protest immigration policies they deemed too lenient. Linked to far-right figure Tommy Robinson, the group has ties to football hooligan firms and a history of anti-migrant protests. Daniel Thomas, a core member, is a vocal agitator with a YouTube presence; Ryan Bridge has been filmed slashing boats; Elliott Stanley discussed recruiting men for cross-Channel shifts in a pub overheard by a concerned citizen.

Their planning is audacious. On November 17, 2025, the trio was recorded plotting to acquire a £35,000 boat and drones to evade police, intending to “misdirect” authorities with diversions. Their rhetoric—invoking WWII and calling for “self-justice”—frames migrants as an “invasion,” a narrative that resonates with a frustrated segment of the British public but alarms human rights advocates.

France’s Response: Criminal Probes and Tear Gas

French authorities are cracking down. On December 5, videos showed vigilantes livestreaming from Dunkirk, confronting Doctors Without Borders (MSF) workers and accusing them of aiding an “invasion.” Police have clashed with both migrants and vigilantes, using tear gas to disperse crowds attempting boat launches near Calais. A criminal investigation into the vigilantes’ actions is underway, with French police questioning their presence and press credentials.

Nine French migrant support groups, including Utopia 56 and MSF, issued a scathing statement on December 11, condemning the UK and French governments for failing to stop “migrant hunters” encouraging “violent and xenophobic practices.” They argue that slashing boats endangers lives, forcing migrants onto even riskier vessels or into confrontations with smugglers.

France’s new policy, following UK pressure, allows maritime police to intercept boats at sea before passengers board, but charities warn this risks lives. Videos of police slashing boats themselves have drawn criticism for their brutality, with one showing officers deflating a dinghy packed with families.

The UK’s Silence: A Political Powder Keg

The UK government’s response has been muted, drawing ire from both sides. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s asylum reforms, announced in November 2025, include 14-year prison terms for smuggling and expanded surveillance, but critics like Reform UK argue it’s too little, too late. A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged “frustration” but insisted vigilante actions are a French matter, issuing warnings against Brits traveling to interfere.

The Church of England, through Bishops Arun Arora and Christopher Chessun, condemned the vigilantes’ use of Christian imagery, like St George’s flags, to justify hate. Meanwhile, public sentiment is polarized. X posts from Raise the Colours, pleading for donations to “stop the boats,” have sparked both support and outrage, with some calling them “patriots” and others “thugs.”

The Human Cost: Migrants Caught in the Crossfire

For migrants, the vigilantes’ actions are a new layer of terror. In camps like Loon-Plage near Dunkirk, asylum seekers already face freezing conditions, police raids, and smuggler violence. Slashing boats forces them onto overcrowded or damaged vessels, increasing drowning risks. One Eritrean migrant, speaking anonymously to Le Monde, described hiding in dunes to avoid “the British men with knives.”

Charities report heightened fear, with aid workers now facing harassment. “These vigilantes are endangering lives and inflaming tensions,” said an MSF spokesperson. The December 21 clash near Calais, where police fired tear gas at 30 migrants attempting a launch, underscores the volatile atmosphere.

A Broader Crisis: The Rise of Vigilantism

The vigilantes’ actions reflect a growing trend of anti-migrant vigilantism, as outlined in Matthijs Gardenier’s book Towards a Vigilant Society. From Calais to Dover, groups exploit public frustration, staging dramatic acts for social media. Their rhetoric—evoking WWII and football hooliganism—taps into a sense of lost control, amplified by political figures like former UKIP leader Henry Bolton, who warned of security threats after 803 migrants crossed on December 20.

Yet, their impact is deadly. By destroying boats, vigilantes push migrants toward more dangerous routes, while their videos fuel xenophobia. France’s criminal probe may lead to arrests, but the cross-border nature complicates justice. The UK’s reluctance to act decisively risks emboldening further vigilantism.

What’s Next: A Call for Humanity

As Christmas approaches, the Channel remains a battleground. On December 21, 803 migrants crossed in 13 boats, a December record, underscoring the crisis’s scale. Raise the Colours’ videos continue to spread, their donation pleas gaining traction among supporters. France’s new interception tactics, including nets and sea patrols, aim to deter crossings, but charities warn of humanitarian costs.

The real story is not just vigilante bravado but the human toll: migrants risking death for safety, communities torn by fear, and governments failing to bridge divides. The bishops’ words ring true: “Christianity cannot justify hate.” As investigations unfold, the world watches, hearts heavy, for a path beyond this escalating conflict.