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What If Max Verstappen Gets Banned? Red Bull’s Backup Plan Revealed

As the 2025 Formula 1 season enters a critical stage, all eyes are on Max Verstappen—and not for the reasons Red Bull Racing would prefer. The Dutch driver, three-time World Champion and centerpiece of Red Bull’s title ambitions, is sitting on a knife’s edge. With 11 penalty points on his FIA Super Licence—just one short of the 12-point threshold for an automatic one-race ban—his future hangs in the balance.

And the timing couldn’t be worse.

This weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal is followed by the Austrian Grand Prix: Red Bull’s home race, a critical sponsorship and marketing focal point. One more infraction, one more incident in Montreal, and Verstappen could be forced to watch from the paddock instead of racing in front of his home crowd. That’s why Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner’s recent comments are more than PR spin—they’re a strategic warning and a sign of growing concern inside the Milton Keynes-based team.

The Red Line: Why 12 Points Matter

For those unfamiliar with the FIA penalty point system, drivers accumulate points for infractions ranging from impeding in qualifying to causing avoidable collisions. If a driver collects 12 points in any 12-month period, they automatically receive a one-race suspension.

Verstappen’s troubles escalated two weeks ago at the Spanish Grand Prix when he collided with George Russell, earning three more penalty points. That brought his total to 12—the dreaded red line.

Team insiders suggest that Red Bull has already begun intense lobbying with the FIA, hoping to avoid any further points in Montreal through legal nuances or clarification of racing incidents. But governing bodies have shown little flexibility in such matters in recent seasons, particularly where precedent and safety are involved.

Red Bull’s Contingency Pool: Five Candidates, One Seat

During an interview with Sky Sports F1, Horner acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and revealed the shortlist of potential replacements should Verstappen be sidelined. The names included:

Esteban Ocon – The experienced Alpine driver (and former Mercedes reserve) brings solid F1 credentials. However, contractual and loyalty complications could arise.

Oliver Bearman – A promising Red Bull junior, Bearman has only had limited FP1 outings and shows inconsistency under pressure.

Liam Lawson – A known entity within the team, Lawson previously filled in during the 2023 season but struggled with braking issues and RB’s setup.

Isack Hadjar – Unbeaten in F2 this season and highly rated within the Red Bull development pipeline. However, his current team views him as too critical to lose mid-season.

Arvid Lindblad – The youngest name on the list. At just 17, he recently earned a super licence, but Red Bull is cautious about throwing him into the fire so early.

Each candidate has strengths, but none offer what Verstappen brings to the table: experience, technical feedback, and unwavering race-day composure. Even Horner admitted, “We desperately want to avoid Max missing a race. But should it happen, we’ve got options.”

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Beyond the Track

Missing Verstappen for even one race isn’t just a performance issue. It’s a strategic and commercial nightmare. Red Bull’s RB21 has already shown unexpected vulnerabilities—brake balance issues, corner exit instability, and setup inconsistencies have made every race a battle. Removing their top driver at a time when Ferrari and McLaren are inching closer in the championship fight could trigger a momentum collapse.

Let’s not forget the commercial side. The Austrian Grand Prix is Red Bull’s marketing tentpole. It’s more than a race—it’s a corporate festival of sponsorship activations, hospitality, branding, and global broadcasts. Red Bull Energy Drink, Infiniti Mobile, and other major partners plan their visibility strategies around Verstappen’s home appearance. His absence would undercut ROI, raise uncomfortable questions in boardrooms, and potentially affect future partnerships.

As one insider put it, “This isn’t just a sporting plan—it’s a corporate backup.”

Who’s Most Likely to Step In?

Among the shortlisted names, Ocon stands out for experience, but integrating a driver with minimal Red Bull car knowledge on short notice could create friction. Lawson, while familiar with Red Bull operations, has struggled to adapt to the RB21’s unique characteristics in simulator sessions.

Bearman’s simulator laps at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya showed inconsistencies, particularly in Turn 2 corner entry. While engineers praise his composure, the leap from F2 to a high-pressure F1 weekend is massive.

Isack Hadjar is arguably the strongest prospect in terms of raw pace. His F2 dominance this season hasn’t gone unnoticed, but team insiders worry that pulling him out mid-campaign could hurt both his trajectory and Red Bull’s long-term junior strategy.

Lindblad? His pace is real, and the super licence is in hand. But simulator logs from a virtual Austrian GP run showed two unsafe lock-ups—earning a virtual red flag. Risking him at the real Austrian GP may be too much, too soon.

Behind the Scenes: Red Bull’s Real Calculations

Red Bull’s technical team is already preparing for contingencies. Engineers have been running simulations with multiple drivers to understand performance drop-offs, adaptation curves, and telemetry compatibility. FP3 in Montreal may become one of the most scrutinized sessions of the year, as any infractions there could seal Verstappen’s fate.

Meanwhile, observers have spotted alternate helmets being prepped in the Red Bull garage, an indication that a stand-in may not be far-fetched.

Even Red Bull’s rivals are paying attention. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff stated this week, “Max is a one-off, but F1 has always had backups. Some are better than others.” Ferrari’s team principal remained tight-lipped but acknowledged that contingency moves affect the competitive landscape.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Penalty

Whether or not Verstappen picks up that 12th point in Montreal, the situation exposes deeper issues: Red Bull’s over-reliance on a single superstar, vulnerabilities in the RB21, and the immense pressure that top-tier teams face in the era of hyper-commercialized Formula 1.

For now, Verstappen remains the man in the cockpit. But the threat is real, and the consequences far-reaching. If a one-race ban becomes reality, it won’t just be a story of who replaces Max. It will be a story of how Red Bull responds to crisis under the brightest lights—and how the rest of the grid smells opportunity.

Full Video:

Ferrari in Crisis: Canadian GP Meltdown Exposes Internal Chaos and Shattered Trust

The Canadian Grand Prix was meant to mark Ferrari’s return to form—a comeback showcase to silence critics, prove the SF-25’s competitiveness, and present a united front behind the superstar duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Instead, Montreal became a public implosion. It was a weekend not just defined by poor performance, but by a catastrophic unraveling of communication and leadership, now painfully evident through leaked team radio messages.

These transmissions—raw, frustrated, and at times almost desperate—have pulled the curtain back on a Ferrari team in turmoil. They didn’t just hint at miscommunication; they confirmed a complete breakdown in operational coherence, and worse, in trust between drivers and the pit wall.

Chaos Unleashed

From the moment lights went out at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, things spiraled. The chaos wasn’t confined to poor lap times or strategic gambles gone wrong—it was systemic, audible, and disturbingly public.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s high-profile acquisition and seven-time world champion, found himself lost in a fog of confusion. “Why is this car so slow?” he asked over team radio—a cry that sounded less like a tactical check and more like a plea for answers. Moments later came the more alarming, “Out of power, out of pace, boys,” followed by the exasperated, “Where have I lost 25 seconds?”

These were not rhetorical flourishes or dramatic exaggerations—they were signs of a driver completely in the dark, questioning not just performance but the very decisions guiding his race.

Even more telling was his physical struggle with the car. “I’ve got no rear,” he reported. “Brake pedal is getting low—I can’t stop the car.” These are not standard concerns in a top-tier F1 team’s vocabulary. Yet what came back over the radio was surreal: “It’s quite balanced.” That response wasn’t just inaccurate—it showed a terrifying disconnect between what Hamilton was experiencing and what the engineers believed.

Leclerc’s Strategic Spiral

If Hamilton’s race was a mechanical nightmare, Leclerc’s was a tactical farce.

The Monegasque driver has long been Ferrari’s golden child, praised for his composure and fierce loyalty through years of heartbreak. But even Leclerc reached his limit in Montreal.

After receiving an instruction to switch to “Plan B,” Leclerc immediately questioned it. “I think Plan C,” he shot back—his tone tight, controlled, but clearly annoyed. Then came the breaking point. After being pulled into the pits prematurely, he radioed, “Why have we boxed?”

The response? “We’re on Plan B.”

It was like watching two people have a conversation in different languages. Leclerc had just informed the team his tires were still strong. Yet, they had already committed to a change he didn’t ask for. “Yeah, but I was just telling you tires were fine,” he replied—calm, but cutting. Later, he dropped the line now echoing through F1 circles: “I don’t understand this choice.”

Six words. Simple, damning, and devastating. Not just a critique of one decision, but of a broader pattern that has defined Ferrari’s strategy for years—uncoordinated, reactionary, and disconnected from the realities of the track.

A Team in Freefall

What emerged in Montreal wasn’t just disappointment—it was collapse. The drivers weren’t lashing out with blind emotion; they were methodically dissecting the failures around them. That’s what makes this crisis different. This wasn’t a fluke, or the result of bad luck. It was systemic. Strategic errors, confused messaging, a car visibly out of sync with driver expectations, and a pit wall unable—or unwilling—to adapt.

And now, thanks to the leaked radio, everyone has heard it.

From fans to pundits to rival teams and—most critically—the Ferrari boardroom, the full extent of the dysfunction has been broadcast to the world. It’s impossible to dismiss or deflect when two of the best drivers on the grid are questioning the team’s competence in real-time, live on air.

The Human Fallout

The emotional aftermath was just as telling as the race itself. Hamilton, typically poised in public, left the paddock with the look of a man wondering why he ever left Mercedes. No fury, just quiet resignation. Leclerc, meanwhile, sat silently, eyes unfocused, seemingly replaying every decision that turned his race into a disaster.

They weren’t just angry—they were disillusioned.

Hamilton came to Ferrari not just for another title run, but to be part of a legacy-defining revival. Leclerc stayed with the hope that patience and loyalty would eventually be rewarded. Now both seem dangerously close to losing faith—not in each other, but in the system around them.

What Now?

This isn’t a one-off problem. It’s a glaring sign that Ferrari’s internal structure is still not functioning at the elite level required to compete for a championship. When your drivers are openly questioning strategy mid-race and expressing fundamental disbelief in decisions made on the pit wall, the issue isn’t speed—it’s leadership.

And unless this is addressed immediately, Ferrari risks losing not just races, but the confidence and commitment of the very stars they’ve built this season around.

The Bigger Picture

Montreal was supposed to be the beginning of a red resurgence. Instead, it’s become a cautionary tale—a warning shot across the bow that something is deeply, structurally wrong.

Ferrari fans have seen this movie before. Glimmers of hope snuffed out by indecision, strategy misfires, and an organization that often seems caught between tradition and progress. But this time, the stakes are even higher. This time, the team isn’t just letting down young promise—they’re squandering greatness.

Conclusion

The leaked radio messages from Montreal aren’t just viral F1 moments—they’re symptoms of a deeper illness. They reveal a Ferrari not just struggling, but fractured. A team so desperate for answers that it’s now answering the wrong questions, at the wrong time, in the worst possible way.

If Ferrari doesn’t get its house in order—and quickly—this won’t just be another failed title run. It will be the unraveling of what could have been a historic super team.

For fans of the Prancing Horse, the message from Canada was clear: this isn’t a slump—it’s a full-blown crisis. And if something doesn’t change before the next lights go out, Ferrari may find itself not just outpaced, but out of time.

Full Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX-6NRPthBY

Photo: © IMAGO

McLaren F1 team-mates and title rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have crashed at the Canadian Grand Prix, initiating a dramatic finale in Montreal.

Norris’ front wing touched the rear of Piastri’s tyre as the pair battled for fourth place, and the British driver found himself in the barrier.

The incident brought out a safety car and Norris was forced to retire from the race, with Piastri’s McLaren also receiving damage.

However, the Aussie did not lose position under the safety car conditions and remains behind Kimi Antonelli in fourth.

McLaren team-mates collide at Canadian Grand Prix

Norris was apologetic to McLaren over team radio, and admitted fault for the incident to his race engineer Will Joseph.

“I’m sorry. All my bad. All my fault,” he said.

“Stupid from me.”

The McLaren team have frequently stated that their two drivers are free to race in 2025, but must now face the consequences of both of their drivers being in the title fight.

As McLaren suffered, George Russell emerged victorious in Canada and the race finished under the safety car following Norris’ crash.

He hosted the iconic show for years…

This Morning favourite Dermot O’Leary previously revealed why he was forced to confront Simon Cowell during their X Factor days.

TV presenter Dermot hosted the iconic ITV singing competition for eight years. He ended up leaving in 2015 and was replaced by Olly Murs and the late Caroline Flack.

A year later though, Dermot – who is hosting Soccer Aid today (June 15) – was brought back by Simon to host the show again. But according to Dermot, he was not too happy when he returned – and he soon called out Simon…

Dermot hosted the show for years (Credit: SplashNews.com

This Morning star Dermot O’Leary’s shock at lack of airtime

In 2020, Dermot shared that he previously confronted show boss Simon over his lack of screen time on X Factor.

“You’re watching the show one day and going: ‘I’m not in any of this,’” Dermot told The Sun.

Recalling his confrontation with Simon, Dermot added: “He does that great Simon thing where you walk into his house and you’re like: ‘Stick to the plan, say what you want to say.’ And then you sit down, you’re going through it and he goes: ‘Do you want some chicken pie?’ And in your head, you’re like, actually, I really like chicken pie.”

Presenter Dermot continued: “The most delicious chicken pie you’ve had in your life turns up and you have this thing and you go: ‘I don’t think I’m in the show enough.’ He goes: ‘Yeah, I totally agree. Yeah, ­absolutely.’ Then you go: ‘Great, now I can just have a great time,’ because he’s great company.”

He headed round to Simon’s house to confront him (Credit: Britain’s Got Talent/YouTube)

Dermot on why he really quit The X Factor

Dermot also previously revealed the real reason he initially left X Factor.

Talking to Event magazine in 2019, Dermot recalled not knowing if his contract was going to be renewed, reportedly just weeks before the show started.

“I made a call to ITV and was told I might be doing it but I might not,” he claimed.

“I’d done eight years there very successfully, and I thought, I’m not playing these games any more. So I called ITV and told them to count me out. Saying ‘no’ was the only power I had.”

Even with 21 years under their belt, they face challenges

London-born composer and musician Tom Fletcher and his wife Giovanna celebrated 21 years of “togetherness” last October.

When working together, Giovanna – on The Chase this weekend (June 14) – and Tom have “creative differences”. And in the past, they’ve led to “snappy” arguments.

The couple met as teens at school, and married back in 2012. But in the early days of their relationship, Tom “dumped” her.

Years of grovelling followed, and eventually they got back together. Haven’t looked back. But that doesn’t mean the road is without its challenges.

Goodbyes are a part of life when both parts of a couple have tours to go on (Credit: BBC/YouTube)

Tom Fletcher pleads with wife Giovanna not to ‘go off’ on tour

Even – or especially – after 13 years of marriage, Tom and Giovanna Fletcher struggle with goodbyes.

In a recent interview with Heat magazine, the couple gave a brief insight into how tours can interrupt the regular goings-on of a long-term relationship.

But, while Giovanna struggles with saying goodbye to shows, it’s Tom who struggles the most with missing his spouse, it seems.

“It’s always hard leaving a show. Especially one you love,” Giovanna said.

She recently starred as Rachel Watson in the UK tour of The Girl on the Train. It’s a stage adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ novel of the same name. The tour started in January 2025.

Meanwhile, Tom quipped that he’d “only just got her back home”, and jokingly pleaded: “Can you not send her back off on tour, please.”

Giovanna addresses relationship difficulties when managing busy schedules

During a recent episode of the Glad We Had This Chat podcast, Giovanna responded to a listener’s point about how demanding jobs can interfere with domestic and relationship harmony.

“That’s really hard isn’t it. I can relate, I feel with Tom if we can manage to watch something together and our feet touch, that’s a win,” she said, per the Express.

“I also think being aware that you’re so busy that you’re juggling, that you’re drifting, is really really important,” she added. “Because then you can do something about it. I think not being aware of it is the difficult place to be.”

She and Tom married in 2012, but they met many years before that while both attending Sylvia Young Theatre School.

They share three children: Buzz, Buddy and Max.

In October last year, Giovanna posted on Instagram to celebrate their 21st anniversary. Well, sort of.

“I feel nothing says ‘I love you’ more than realising you’ve both forgotten your anniversary,” she wrote – see above. “Happy 21 years of togetherness, Tom Fletcher.”

‘Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones’

This Morning has paid tribute to a guest today who is believed to have died in the Air India crash.

Fiongal Greenlaw, 39, and husband Jamie Meek, 45, are thought to have been passengers on the flight to London that crashed on Thursday (June 12) after departure.

Fiongal appeared on This Morning back earlier this year, talking about his wellness brand, which he founded with his husband Jamie.

Following the news of the tragic crash, the ITV show has paid tribute to Fiongal.

Tributes have poured in (Credit: ITV)

This Morning today: ITV show pays tribute to former guest

On Friday (June 13) This Morning returned to screens with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary back at the helm. At the start of the show, the hosts paid tribute to Fiongal.

Dermot said: “Fiongal appeared on the show twice this year. We loved his energy that he brought to the studio.”

“Fiongal was onboard the plane with his husband Jamie. The couple posted videos online about the flight just before boarding.

“Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

He appeared on This Morning this year (Credit: ITV)

Former This Morning editor also paid tribute

Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell also issued a tribute to Fiongal.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a photo of Fiongal in the studio with presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.

“So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick,” Martin said in the caption.

What else did Martin say?

Reflecting on Fiongal’s visit to the show, Martin continued: “I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.”

He added: “And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him.”

Martin concluded his tribute: “Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”

Air India crash

Only one of 242 people on board the London-bound flight died this week, when it crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad  shortly after taking off.

According to Air India, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian among the victims on board the flight leaving the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat. The sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh is recovering in hospital with his brother saying he “has no idea” how he made it.

Following the Sussexes’ viral Baby Momma dance video, a PR expert explains why the rumours of a royal reality show could be bad news for their extended royal family

Meghan and Harry have dramatically changed their behaviour recently(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be set to film their own fly-on-the-wall documentary series which, given their history of spilling the beans, could spell trouble for the royal family. After Meghan released her now-viral twerking video, experts say there’s more signs than ever that the couple are “breaking the mould” of royal life and are ready to take steps into the lucrative world of reality television.

“It looks very much like they would love to do a reality show,” says PR guru Dermot McNamara. “She’s sharing far more of her personal, fun life with Harry and the children, and focusing on the fun and light-hearted side of themselves. Meghan is as popular as she is polarising and that makes TV gold because everyone has an opinion on her. In this throwaway, digital society we want big pop culture moments – and Meghan and Harry deliver those, so the channels will be very keen to sign them up.”

Meghan’s video very quickly became her most-watched clip on Instagram(Image: meghan/Instagram)

While Meghan is set to release the second season of her very polished With Love, Meghan series later this year, a reality show would be the first of its kind for the California-based couple. But given their history of dropping bombshells when the cameras start rolling, a source tells us that a Kardashian-esque programme could spell bad news for the UK royals.

“We can see that Meghan and Harry don’t feel they have to stay silent any more, it’s clear in the interviews they’ve done, and the other shows,” our source claims. “So if they go on to film more, and especially if they discuss their relationship with William and Kate, for example, it would probably be a nightmare for the rest of the family.”

Meghan’s twerking video, which lasts just under 90 seconds, shows a heavily pregnant Meghan, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, dancing to the Starrkeisha song The Baby Momma in an attempt to kick off her labour with Lilibet, now four.

Meghan released the twerking video to mark Lilibet’s fourth birthday(Image: meghan/Instagram)

At the time of going to press the twerking reel had amassed over 46 million views, making it Meghan’s most-watched video on her account by a long way. Only her launch video for As Ever, which was posted back in February, comes anywhere close with 27.8m views so far.

The clip inevitably created a storm online, with some followers calling it “cringe”. One person accused the couple of “ruining the reputation and respect of the royal family, one Instagram post at a time”.

Following the backlash, a national newspaper quoted a source saying that Meghan “doesn’t care about the haters in Britain” and that the clip had gone down a storm and was seen as “relatable” in the US.

The BBC’s former royal correspondent Jennie Bond, however, told the Mirror it was “utterly bizarre” of Meghan to release the clip, and that King Charles would have been “horrified” if he’d watched it.

Dermot agrees that as working royals, Kate and William have certain standards to uphold and an “image to portray and maintain”, which would likely be at odds with a reality-style show.

Meghan and Harry have been sharing more private, family moments(Image: meghan/Instagram)

“Reality shows and Netflix documentaries are embarrassing for the royals because they can’t and haven’t ever done them. Yes we see them being more outgoing, talking about mental health and things, but Meghan’s labour video, with her twerking and Harry ‘dad dancing’, goes beyond that.”

The fact that TV producers would no doubt welcome the couple discussing their fall-outs on camera complicates things further, he says, adding, “It often happens that one side is seen to be fighting more than the other, and no one really comes out of it looking great.”

When they stepped back as working royals and moved to the US in 2020, it was widely presumed that this was driven by the couple’s desire for privacy.

They shared photographs from the family trip to Disneyland(Image: meghan/Instagram)

However, when their first joint Netflix series was released two years later and they were accused of hypocrisy, they hit back via an official statement from their global press secretary. This read, “The Duke and Duchess have never cited privacy as the reason for stepping back. This distorted narrative was intended to trap the couple into silence.”

According to Dermot, With Love, Meghan made it clear that there’s an appetite for the couple sharing their personal life – and that appetite is growing.

“Meghan is very happy with parts of her public life being out there and she knows there’s great interest in her life. She’s learned that this is what people are interested in, this is what she can commercialise.”

Sy King Breaks Hearts and Lifts Spirits on Loose Women: A Soul-Stirring Tribute to Dave Myers and the Mongolia Mission That’s Bigger Than Food

In a rare and deeply emotional appearance on Loose Women, Sy King — one half of the legendary culinary duo The Hairy Bikers — sat down to share stories of loss, laughter, and a mission that goes far beyond the plate. With his trademark warmth, wit, and just a touch of mischief, Sy captivated the studio audience as he opened up about life after the passing of his best friend and co-biker, Dave Myers, the powerful environmental story he uncovered in the vast plains of Mongolia, and the explosive phenomenon known now as “Dave Day.”

From the moment Sy walked onstage, the energy shifted. The audience erupted in applause — not for a celebrity, but for a man who, alongside Dave, had become a fixture in their homes, hearts, and kitchens. “You guys pay my wages,” Sy joked, clearly moved but quick to crack a grin. Yet what followed was no ordinary celebrity chit-chat. This was a conversation about grief, global warming, legacy, and laughter — sometimes all in the same breath.

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“I’ve Chopped Onions in Some Weird Places, But Never on Someone’s Bed”

The conversation turned quickly to Sy’s latest adventure — a journey to the windswept, otherworldly landscapes of Mongolia, a country six times the size of the UK with only 3.5 million inhabitants. Most reside in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, while the rest live as nomadic herders, moving with the seasons. But climate change, Sy warns, is tearing that rhythm to pieces.

“They’re not moving seasonally anymore,” he explained. “They’re having to move five, six, even eight times a year because the land just can’t sustain their herds. The grass is disappearing. It’s brutal.” Temperatures swing from -40°C in winter to 36°C in summer. And yet, these proud families, some of whom Sy shared soup and laughter with, live in gers (tents), surviving in harmony with a land that is now turning against them.

Sy was there with IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) to raise awareness — not as a TV chef, but as a storyteller. And what a story he told.

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Minimalism, Mongolian-Style: Two Functions for Everything – Even the Fire-Poking Stick

Sy couldn’t help but reflect on how the simplicity of nomadic life stripped away modern clutter. “Everything they have has two uses,” he marvelled. “A stick isn’t just a stick — it pokes the fire and props the door open. It made me laugh when the paper back home said ‘Sy King Goes Minimalist.’ I thought, Have I?”

This stripped-back life, he said, stands in stark contrast to the material chaos of the West. And it taught him something powerful: “They don’t want to be nomadic — they are nomadic. It’s in their DNA. But they need our help if they’re going to survive the 21st century.”

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“He’s Still My Best Mate. That Doesn’t Stop Just Because He’s Gone.”

But while Mongolia gave Sy new insights, the loss of Dave Myers — who passed away in 2023 after a brave battle with cancer — hung heavy in the air.

There was a moment of silence, then Sy said quietly, “He hasn’t stopped being my best mate. Just because he’s passed, that doesn’t change.” His voice trembled, but the glint in his eye remained. “He’s always about. I have a Dave Day every day.”

And now the world has one too.

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Dave Day: The Greatest Biker Tribute in History

In a spectacular show of love, Dave Day in 2024 became a seismic cultural moment — a thunderous tribute from fans, friends, and fellow riders. “We had 46,000 motorbikes. And 175,000 people,” Sy announced. The crowd gasped. Even Loose Women’s hosts were stunned.

“It started with a fan who messaged Dave’s wife Lily and said, ‘When I’m feeling down, I just think I’m having a Dave Day,’” Sy explained. “And that was it. That was the name.”

It wasn’t just a memorial — it was a movement. Roaring engines, teary hugs, and a sky full of memories. A celebration of food, friendship, and freedom on two wheels.

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The Infamous Lift Prank: Dave’s Final Mischief Lives On

And of course, no tribute to Dave would be complete without a naughty story. “He had this awful habit,” Sy confessed with a chuckle. “He’d… do something very unsavoury in a lift, and then get out early, leaving me stuck with it.”

The audience howled. “It became a game. I never knew what floor he’d get off at. I’d panic and try to jump out before it hit!”

Even in his absence, Dave is still making Sy — and all of us — laugh.

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Legacy Beyond the Kitchen

Sy’s appearance wasn’t just about remembering Dave. It was about carrying the torch. Whether it’s championing climate change awareness in Mongolia or making sure Dave Day becomes an annual biker tradition, Sy is determined that the legacy of The Hairy Bikers doesn’t die with one of them.

“This was never about TV fame,” he says. “It was about making people smile. And food. And bikes. And each other.”

Sy King’s raw vulnerability, paired with his unstoppable humour, proved one thing: the Hairy Bikers spirit lives on — in every chopped onion, every ride into the unknown, and every belly laugh shared between mates, both living and gone.

Catherine Tate’s Nan Takes Over ‘Loose Women’ in Riotous, Bleep-Filled Appearance – And She’s Not Sorry One Bit

Brace yourselves, Britain—Nan is back. And she’s bigger, bolder, and more unapologetically hilarious than ever. In a side-splitting appearance on ITV’s Loose Women, Catherine Tate’s iconic foul-mouthed granny character turned the daytime talk show upside down with her outrageous banter, biting wit, and jaw-dropping declarations that left both hosts and viewers howling—and censors scrambling for the bleep button.

Fresh off the release of her brand-new film Nan: The Movie, the legendary character sauntered onto the set with all the grace of a hurricane in a floral blouse. The crowd erupted in applause as Nan made her grand entrance, raising eyebrows and heart rates in equal measure.

“Where’s good question? They knew I was coming!” Nan snapped cheekily, setting the tone for a no-holds-barred segment that viewers won’t soon forget.

“I’m a Film Star Now, Sweetheart”

Never one to shy away from self-praise (or anything, really), Nan wasted no time announcing her silver screen credentials.

“I’ve got a film out! Go and see it—that’s really the message, innit?”

Cue a round of laughter from the panel as Nan hilariously struggled to avoid expletives while describing her new cinematic venture. She confessed that not swearing on live television was one of the greatest challenges of her life.

“I’ve made a list of all the things I can’t say. I’m bursting, darling.”

Even Big Brother legend Davina McCall’s infamous “Do not swear!” warning was quoted—but judging by the bleep count, Nan was only half-listening.

Guinness, Scratchings, and No Body Double

When asked about her “movie star rider” demands, Nan listed her backstage must-haves without blinking: “Tena Ladies, Guinness, and scratchings.” The audience roared.

But she was quick to clarify that there was no Hollywood fakery here. No stunt doubles. No glamorous wardrobe changes.

“I do my own stunts. I insisted on a New York clause in the contract. It’s just me, sweetheart. Just me.”

She even refused to dress up for the premiere, claiming she was already “dressed up” enough in her usual gear.

“Why would I not? I look marvellous. Blooming!”

One of the Loose Women dared to ask if she’d brushed her hair. Her deadpan reply?

“No. I will later. When I’m on The One Show.”

The Uninvited Star

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping revelation came when the hosts asked why it had taken so long for Nan to grace Loose Women with her presence.

“I’ve never been invited!” she exclaimed. “That’s the truth, right. Could’ve been round ages ago.”

Cue nervous laughter, awkward glances—and the realization that ITV may have seriously dropped the ball on one of the UK’s most iconic comedy legends.

“I said I’d go on Loose Women and then I waited. And waited. And waited…”

Her voice trailed off in mock heartbreak, though the twinkle in her eye said otherwise.

Janet Street-Porter Shade & The “Real” Star of the Show

Not one to avoid controversy, Nan couldn’t resist poking fun at veteran panellist Janet Street-Porter.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen her. Where’s Janet? Not here? Knew I was coming, didn’t she?”

Though Janet was MIA, her spirit lingered—especially when Nan declared that she’d voted for the Loose Women team in their recent award win… but wouldn’t do it again.

“I voted for you. You were the one. But I won’t be voting again. I’m a film star now.”

Shots fired, as the kids say.

Nan’s Loose Legacy – And the Bigger Picture

Behind the jokes and bleeped-out tirades, there’s something deeply special about the enduring appeal of Catherine Tate’s Nan. She’s rude, crude, and utterly impossible—but she’s also heartbreakingly real.

Tate’s ability to channel the raw, unfiltered essence of a generation of grandmothers who’ve seen it all and aren’t afraid to speak their mind is a masterclass in character comedy. And Nan: The Movie seems poised to take that magic to the big screen with bigger laughs—and perhaps even bigger tears.

“It’ll get a bit meta if I start talking about it,” Nan quipped. “I can see myself on the telly while talking about the film I’m in. It’s marvellous.”

Indeed it is.

What’s Next for Nan?

With the film’s release set for March 18th, and a promotional tour that includes Loose Women, The One Show, and more, it’s clear that Nan isn’t going anywhere. If anything, she’s just getting started.

“I’ve come up the pictures to see you!” she told Denise Welch with a grin. “I’m here now, love. You’ll have to deal with it.”

And we’re all more than happy to.

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🎬 Nan: The Movie hits cinemas Friday, March 18th. Bring tissues—for the tears of laughter and, if Tate’s past work is anything to go by, possibly a few of the real kind too.

For more than two decades, Alison Hammond has lit up British television screens with her infectious laugh, boundless charisma, and uniquely disarming charm. From her first appearance on Big Brother to becoming a cornerstone of This Morning, she has not only redefined what it means to be a presenter, but she has also become a cultural icon for inclusivity, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity.

But now, Hammond is entering a new chapter—one that’s more intimate, reflective, and, dare we say, revolutionary.

“GET IN, LOVE – WE’RE BREAKING BARRIERS”

In her latest BBC series, Alison Hammond spends a weekend with some of the UK’s biggest stars, getting up close and personal in a way only she can. And let’s be clear: this isn’t your average celebrity fluff. Whether driving around with Jimmy Carr or sitting down with the legendary Sir Lenny Henry, Alison pulls back the glittering curtain on fame to reveal raw, human stories.

“I think the most powerful moments happen in the car,” she shares. “It’s when you’re not looking at each other, not performing. That’s when the truth spills out.”

And it did. Jimmy Carr, known for his razor-sharp wit, opens up about the loss of his mother, revealing a softer, vulnerable side rarely seen on stage. “He’s just a big softy,” Alison says, beaming.

But the episode that struck a deeper chord was the one with Sir Lenny Henry. For Alison, it was personal—very personal.

LENNY, LEGACY & LAUGHTER

“Any time a Black person was on the telly when I was growing up, it was a family event,” she says, recalling the electricity in her house when Lenny Henry appeared onscreen. “We’d all gather around like it was the moon landing. He was a phenomenon.”

Interviewing him wasn’t just a job. It was full-circle. “He paved the way for people like me and Judy [Love],” she reflects, visibly moved. “What he’s done for diversity in this industry—no one else comes close.”

And the baton, it seems, has well and truly been passed.

“ANTIE ALISON” – THE PEOPLE’S PRESENTER

In a moving exchange with Judy Love on Loose Women, the conversation took an emotional turn as Judy credited Alison for being a pioneer herself. “You are the person we scream about,” Judy said, holding back tears. “You made a space for us. You are the space.”

Alison, never one to bask too long in praise, responded humbly: “All I can be is me. A Brummie girl through and through. A big, bubbly Black woman – slowly deflating, mind you,” she laughed, referencing her recent weight loss. “But it’s been hard.”

What makes her so beloved isn’t just the laughter—it’s the vulnerability. The woman who once battled to be taken seriously in a sea of polished, stiff presenters now leads the pack simply by being real. “I’m not trying to be anything else,” she says.

A MOTHER FIRST – AND A FIERCE ONE

But beyond the bright lights and studio makeup, there’s another role she takes just as seriously: mum.

Her son Aiden, now entering adulthood, recently toyed with the idea of appearing on Love Island. Alison’s response? Classic, no-nonsense, Brummie mum mode.

“I said absolutely not,” she chuckled. “I turned into full-on ‘Mom of the House.’ He can do it later, when he’s older and wiser. He was only 19! No way.”

It’s that combination of warmth, wit, and wisdom that makes Alison not just relatable—but formidable.

A DREAM WITH PURPOSE: “PRESENTER” SCHOOL

But don’t think Alison’s resting on her laurels. In fact, she’s already cooking up her legacy project—a drama school for underprivileged youth.

“I want to call it Presenter,” she reveals, lighting up. “And I want it to be free. Completely free. For kids who wouldn’t get that chance otherwise.”

It’s more than a dream. It’s a mission.

“I know how hard it is to break in,” she says. “And I’ve been lucky—but others shouldn’t need luck. They should have access.”

Alison Hammond isn’t just talking the talk. She’s walking the walk—straight into the future of British entertainment, hand in hand with the next generation.

THE POWER OF KNOWING YOUR WORTH

Perhaps one of the most striking moments of her Loose Women interview was when she admitted she always knew she’d succeed.

It’s a statement more often heard from Hollywood hopefuls than humble Birmingham-born entertainers. But Alison said it with conviction: “I just saw it. I believed it. Even when I didn’t have the jobs yet.”

That kind of confidence, especially in an industry that often boxes people in, is revolutionary. And it’s paying off—literally. With more shows, more visibility, and more love than ever before, Alison is riding the wave she always knew was coming.

And she’s far from done.

22 YEARS IN, AND STILL RISING

“People ask me why I’m doing so many shows,” she says. “Because I love it. I really love it.”

After 22 years in the spotlight, she’s not burning out—she’s burning brighter.

So what’s next for the woman who’s done it all?

More. That’s the word Alison uses again and again.

“More shows. More joy. More opportunities for others. I’m just getting started.”

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🔚 Final Thought:

In a world obsessed with manufactured personas and fleeting fame, Alison Hammond is a rare gem—authentic, funny, fearless, and profoundly human. She’s a reminder that success doesn’t come from fitting in—it comes from standing out, staying kind, and knowing your worth.

And if we’re lucky, that free drama school will be the place where the next Alison Hammond finds her voice.

Britain, buckle up. Alison’s still driving.