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In a bombshell that no one — *absolutely no one* — saw coming, the BBC has officially announced Rylan Clark as the lead presenter for *Strictly Come Dancing* starting in 2026. The beloved former *It Takes Two* host, known for his infectious energy, razor-sharp wit, and unapologetic love of all things glitter, is stepping up to the main stage after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s emotional farewell in the 2025 final.

But hold onto your sequins, because it’s not Rylan alone who’s taking the helm. In a twist that has left the nation reeling, the BBC has paired him with none other than his close friend and recent co-star, Rob Rinder — better known as Judge Rinder. Yes, the barrister-turned-TV-star who stole hearts alongside Rylan in their hit BBC travel series *Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour*. Insiders say producers kept this duo under wraps tighter than a pro dancer’s spray tan, with not a single leak until the official drop this morning.

Social media? Absolute chaos. Within minutes of the announcement, #StrictlyRylanAndRob was trending worldwide, with X (formerly Twitter) flooded by a mix of ecstatic cheers, stunned emojis, and outright disbelief. “This is the most chaotic, brilliant thing Strictly has ever done,” posted one fan, racking up thousands of likes. Another wrote: “Rylan and Rob hosting Strictly? My gay heart can’t take it .” But not everyone was on board — some die-hard fans lamented the end of the classic elegant-chaotic duo dynamic, with one viral post reading: “Tess and Claudia were perfection. Rylan and Rob? It’s going to be fabulous… but wildly different. Strictly will NEVER be the same.”

The reaction was immediate and explosive. Celebrities weighed in too: former Strictly pro Oti Mabuse tweeted fire emojis with “YESSSSS!”, while Alison Hammond (another rumoured contender) posted a supportive “Congrats kings! ”. Even head judge Shirley Ballas, who had publicly backed the pair just days ago, shared a video saying, “I called it! These two will bring the fun, the heart, and the sparkle. Can’t wait!”

So, how did this once-in-a-decade shake-up happen? Sources close to the production tell us the BBC was desperate for a fresh start after the emotional exit of Tess and Claudia, who hosted their final show on December 20, 2025, amid tears, tributes (including a heartfelt letter from Queen Camilla), and a glittering send-off. With speculation running wild for months — names like Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh, and Fleur East dominating the betting odds — producers secretly tested chemistry between potential hosts.

Rylan, 37, has long been a Strictly darling. He co-hosted *It Takes Two* from 2019 to 2022, bringing mischief and mega-fan enthusiasm that endeared him to viewers. His departure from the spin-off was bittersweet, but he’s remained in the BBC family with Radio 2 slots and podcasts. Rob Rinder, 47, might seem like the wildcard — a serious judge from his daytime court show — but his 2016 Strictly appearance (where he reached Week 9) showed his fun side, and his bromance with Rylan on their Grand Tour series proved their on-screen magic. Viewers loved their banter, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry while exploring Italy in the footsteps of Lord Byron.

Producers reportedly loved how the pair balance each other: Rylan’s camp glamour and quick quips contrasting Rob’s dry humour and warmth. “It’s like Claudia’s chaos meets Tess’s poise, but with a whole new flavour,” one insider dished. “Rylan will handle the glamour and celeb chats, Rob the emotional depth and judge interactions. Together? Electric.”

The decision comes at a pivotal time for Strictly. The 2025 series, won by footballer Karen Carney and pro Carlos Gu, was a ratings hit despite off-dancefloor dramas, but Tess and Claudia’s departure marked the end of an era. Fans worried the show might lose its heart — but this bold move has reignited excitement. Bookies had Zoe Ball as favourite right up until the reveal, with many expecting a safer, more traditional pairing. Instead, the BBC went big: two men, best mates, with zero prior main-show hosting experience between them.

Britain’s meltdown is understandable. Strictly has always thrived on its presenting duos — Bruce Forsyth and Tess’s old-school charm, then Claudia’s fringe-and-fun vibe. Rylan and Rob promise something utterly modern: inclusive, hilarious, and unfiltered. Imagine Rylan hyping the dances with his trademark “Oiii oiii!” while Rob delivers deadpan judge critiques or heartfelt VT narrations. The Clauditorium? Rob’s domain, apparently.

Not all feedback has been glowing. Some traditionalists grumbled on forums: “Love Rylan, but two blokes? Where’s the balance?” Others feared it might alienate older viewers. But the overwhelming response has been positive, with younger fans hailing it as a progressive step. LGBTQ+ advocates praised the representation, noting Rylan’s openness about his identity and Rob’s allyship.

The BBC confirmed the news in a glitzy statement: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder as the new presenting team for Strictly Come Dancing. Their passion for the show, combined with their incredible chemistry, will bring a fresh energy to the ballroom while honouring its legacy.”

Rylan himself posted a teaser video on Instagram: him and Rob in sparkly suits, dancing awkwardly to the Strictly theme. Caption: “From Grand Tours to glitterballs… dreams do come true!  #KeepDancing.” Rob added: “Honoured and terrified in equal measure. But with this one by my side? Let’s judge… I mean, host!”

As the dust settles, one thing’s clear: Strictly is entering its most unpredictable chapter yet. Will Rylan and Rob’s banter become iconic? Will they nail the live shows without a hitch? Or will the pressure prove too much? Britain is divided, delighted, and utterly obsessed.

Whatever happens, one bold decision has ensured the conversation — and the excitement — is bigger than ever. Strictly will never be the same again. And honestly? That’s exactly what it needed.

Charlie Stayt (Image: BBC)

BBC Breakfast took an emotional turn as Charlie Stayt delivered devastating news to viewers live on air. During Saturday’s (December 27) episode of the hit BBC show, Charlie returned to our TV screens alongside co-star Emma Vardy as they presented the day’s top news stories from around the world.

However, just moments into the broadcast, Charlie reported that Perry Bamonte had sadly passed away at the age of 65, with the BBC show paying tribute to the musician.

Speaking to viewers at home, Charlie announced, “Now the guitarist and keyboard player with The Cure, Perry Bamonte, has died at the age of 65.”

Emma continued: “He featured on albums including Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers. The band said he died after a “short illness”.

The show then features a pre-recorded clip with reporter Tim Allman, who takes a look back at the star’s life and career. The band’s official website confirmed the sad news that the musician had died over Christmas.

Charlie and Emma presented BBC Breakfast together (Image: BBC)

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In a statement, they said: “It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas.”

Described as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative”, Perry was remembered by his bandmates as “a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story”.

Perry contributed to some of The Cure’s biggest hits, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard on albums such as Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, and Acoustic Hits, as well as The Cure.

Affectionately known as Teddy, the star joined the band in 1990 and played with them until 2005, joining again in 2022. Over the years, he performed in more than 400 shows with the legendary group.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed,” the tribute continued.

Perry Bamonte died at the age of 65 (Image: BBC)
He became a full-time member of the band after Roger O’Donnell left and was due to perform on The Cure’s UK and European tour in 2026. Shows are scheduled for cities such as Cardiff, Dublin, Berlin, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

Following news of his passing, many took to social media to pay tribute. Perry’s ex-bandmate, drummer Lol Tolhurst, shared a personal tribute on Instagram.

He wrote: “So sad to hear about Perry Bamonte passing. Cindy (Tolhurst’s wife) and I send our condolences to all that knew him. Farewell, Teddy.”

One heartbroken fan said: “R.I.P. Perry Bamonte, your music with The Cure changed my life.” Another commented, “Rest in peace, Perry Bamonte. His work helped shape a defining era of The Cure.”

A third said: “Gutted about Perry Bamonte, the most liveliest member of The Cure.” Meanwhile, one added, “Rest in peace Perry Bamonte. The Cure fans all around the world are grieving today.”

Mrs Brown’s Boys has been on the BBC since 2011 (Image: BBC)

Since 2011, Mrs Brown’s Boys has been on the BBC entertaining viewers at home. The TV series follows the foul-mouthed Agnes Brown, played by Brendan O’Carroll, who relishes interfering in the lives of her family and friends, as well as digging out their secrets. The sitcom has won numerous awards, including the National Television Award for Best Comedy in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2024. However, over the years, the comedy has experienced controversy, and many viewers have called for the BBC to axe the show.

Ratings for the 2024 Christmas Day special of the show – created by the 69-year-old star – only raked in 2.2 million viewers, compared to the 11.5 million people who tuned into the sitcom’s first festive special in 2013.

The BBC sitcom has won numerous awards (Image: BBC)

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Last year, some people at home shared their views on Mrs. Brown’s Boys on X, formally known as Twitter. One person said it is “the most idiotic show on TV throughout the past decade”.

However, the programme is reportedly still proving popular, as the BBC’s Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, said this summer that it is one of the corporation’s “most-watched comedies ever”.

He added: “Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. Mrs. Brown’s Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC’s most-watched comedies ever … I’m proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable.”

In 2024, the show experienced controversy when Brendan offered an apology after a “racist remark” he made triggered a BBC investigation.

During a script run-through for the 2024 Christmas special with cast and crew, O’Carroll allegedly made a comment that “implied” using the N-word.

At the time, according to the Daily Mail, they claim that the actor started to use the N-word before he was stopped by his co-star Jennifer Gibney, who plays Cathy.

In a statement shared with the publication, O’Carroll’s representative said at the time: “We would also like to clarify that the ‘n’ word was absolutely not spoken, it was implied. Agnes (Mrs Brown) began the word but was stopped from finishing it by her daughter Cathy, as she knew she would be.”

Team members who heard the comment were reportedly taken aback and reported it, prompting the BBC to take swift action. The incident resulted in a delay to the beginning of rehearsals at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay studios. Following the conclusion of the investigative process and the issuance of an apology from O’Carroll, normal rehearsal schedules then resumed.

ictoria Beckham paid tribute to her husband, David, as the couple’s son, Brooklyn, spent Christmas in the US with his wife, Nicola Peltz, amid the ongoing family feud.

Brooklyn and Nicola have been feuding with the Beckhams for some time. The 26-year-old seemingly blocked the Beckhams on Instagram just days before Christmas.

Brooklyn spends Christmas away from the Beckhams amid feud

Taking to Instagram last night (Friday, December 26), Brooklyn and Nicola shared some pictures from their Christmas Day celebrations in the US.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, were seen posing for pictures in front of their Christmas tree whilst wearing matching pyjamas and smiling with Nicola’s parents, Nelson and Claudia.

“We wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year filled with so much love, peace, and happiness,” Nicola then captioned the post, which was also shared to Brooklyn’s Instagram.

It marks a stark contrast for Brooklyn from last year, when the couple spent Christmas with the Beckhams.

David and Harper shared a dance (Credit: Instagram)

Victoria pays tribute to ‘best daddy’ David

Meanwhile, Victoria made a point of saying how good a father David is by sharing some pictures from their family Christmas.

The couple spent Christmas alongside their children, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper, as well as Victoria’s parents, Jackie and Anthony, and David’s mum, Sandra.

Victoria shared several videos and pictures on her story of the festive celebrations. One video showed Victoria and dad Anthony dancing together.

“Making memories,” Victoria captioned the clip.

Another video then showed David dancing to Islands in the Stream with his daughter, Harper.

As the lyrics, “we rely on each other”, were heard, the father and daughter duo shared a hug.

“Truly the best daddy,” Victoria captioned the video.

Brooklyn has taken another step in the feud (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Brooklyn blocks the Beckhams

The Beckhams’ family Christmas comes just days after Brooklyn blocked them all on Instagram.

Cruz Beckham hit back at claims that David and Victoria had unfollowed Brooklyn by sharing a news story about it on his Instagram story.

“NOT TRUE. My mum and dad would never unfollow their son…Let’s get facts right,” he wrote.

“They woke up blocked… as did I.”

However, the reported “real” reason why Brooklyn has blocked his family has been revealed.

A source alleged to The Sun that Brooklyn blocked his family after Victoria liked one of his posts. His comment section was then flooded with comments from followers urging Brooklyn to make up with his family. Brooklyn is believed to have got annoyed with his mum’s public display of affection and hit the block button.

“David and Victoria are understandably heartbroken by what’s gone on here. This came out of the blue for them. And in the lead-up to Christmas, when families are supposed to come together, it’s devastating,” a source then claimed.

Millions of drivers across the UK could be hit with extra car tax costs in 2026 following the Chancellor’s introduction of new rules in the recent Autumn Budget.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled a host of new car tax changes in the Autumn Statement last month, headlined by the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), which will see electric and hybrid owners charged per mile.

 

While this new policy will not be introduced until 2028, motorists across the country will have to deal with new car tax rules next year.

To help drivers adjust to the new changes coming over the coming months, GB News has rounded up all the new car tax measures launching in 2026.

The Chancellor confirmed in the Autumn Budget that Vehicle Excise Duty for cars, vans and motorcycles would be changing.

From April 1, 2026, the Government will uprate tax rates for these vehicles in line with the Retail Price Index.

Some drivers may not see their prices change at all, although some could be slapped with expensive costs, particularly if they have highly polluting vehicles.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves oversaw several car tax changes in the Autumn Budget last month

| GETTY/PA

Expensive Car Supplement

From April, the Government will increase the Expensive Car Supplement threshold to £50,000 for zero emission vehicles only.

This will apply to any zero emission vehicles, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars, registered after April 1, 2025.

When announcing the change, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was “providing support to boost our British car industry”.

She noted that it would save more than one million motorists £440 a year, while also announcing £1.5billion in funding for the EV industry.

 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the Government would make changes to employee car ownership schemes (ECOS).

Speaking during last year’s Budget, the Chancellor said ECOs would be brought into the scope of Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rules from April 6, 2026.

To give the sector more time to adjust to the changes, the Government will delay the implementation until April 6, 2030, and transitional arrangements until April 2032.

Similarly, a temporary BiK easement for plug-in hybrids has been introduced to prevent tax charges “increasing significantly” as a result of new emissions standards.

The easement will be in place from January 1, 2025, until April 5, 2028.

Heavy goods vehicle drivers will see price increases for VED and the HGV levy

 | GETTY

Heavy goods vehicles

Drivers of HGVs will also see the VED rate uprated in line with inflation, in the same move as cars, vans and motorcycles.

The Government stated that it would also uprate the Heavy Goods Vehicle levy in line with inflation from the start of the new financial year.

 

Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty married Holly Ramsay at Bath Abbey on Saturday in a ceremony attended by some of Britain’s most recognisable faces, though the occasion was marred by a painful family dispute.

The 30-year-old triple Olympic medallist walked into the historic venue hand-in-hand with his five-year-old son George, both dressed in matching black-tie attire.

 

David and Victoria Beckham were among the high-profile guests, with Mrs Beckham sporting a teal floor-length gown. The couple brought three of their children: Romeo, Cruz and Harper.

Celebrity chefs Marcus Wareing and Angela Hartnett also attended, alongside Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies.

Outside the abbey, approximately 400 well-wishers gathered to catch a glimpse of arrivals. There were plenty of paparazzi there and, according to Hello Magazine, the start to the day ‘descended into chaos’ as they clashed with the bodyguards stationed around the famous building.

White roses and hydrangeas adorned the arched entrance of the venue, which can accommodate 1,200 guests.

However, the joyous occasion has been clouded by a rift with Peaty’s own family. His parents, Caroline and Mark, remained at their home in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, rather than witness their son exchange vows.

Holly Ramsay was cheered on by the crowd as she arrived to her wedding with Adam Peaty

 | GETTY

Gordon Ramsay and Holly Ramsay hold hands prior to her wedding day

The dispute originated when Caroline was not included on the guest list for Ramsay’s hen party.

Her sister, Louise Williams, subsequently criticised the bride publicly for excluding her future mother-in-law, which triggered a falling out between Adam and his mother.

Of Peaty’s immediate family, only his 32-year-old sister Bethany was reportedly present, serving as one of Holly’s bridesmaids.

 

Tilly Ramsay was a bridesmaid for her sister on her wedding day with Adam Peaty

 | GETTY

Caroline, who celebrated her 60th birthday last week, endured her first Christmas without her family together as a result of the ongoing tensions surrounding the wedding.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Caroline expressed the depth of her pain: “I don’t think they understand how much they have hurt me; it’s as if they have cut my heart out.”

She described the devastating impact on her family unit: “This is the first Christmas that I’ve not had my family together my family is broken My family is split because of the goings on because of the wedding.”

Caroline had initially hoped she might quietly observe the ceremony from the rear of the abbey. However, the escalating tensions made her reconsider.

“Me going would just cause even more of a storm and I don’t want to ruin his wedding day,” she explained.

“I wanted to be there quietly to watch him get married, but that can’t happen now.”

Sara Davies spotted arriving at the wedding of Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay

 | GETTY

Peaty grew up as the youngest of four children in Uttoxeter, where his mother ran a nursery and his father worked as a bricklayer.

Both parents juggled their jobs while transporting him to swimming training and competitions.

His dedication in the pool earned him gold medals at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, followed by silver in Paris.

The swimmer has spoken of finding spiritual peace through his evangelical faith and his relationship with Holly. Raised Catholic, he now attends an evangelical church.

“I’d rather have my faith and my relationship with Jesus and come second than have gold,” he said of his Paris performance.

Peaty went public with his relationship with Ramsay in June 2023. George is from his previous relationship with Welsh artist Eirianedd Munro.

Labo𝚞r has 𝚙rom𝚙ted a wave of co𝚗dem𝚗atio𝚗 after Sir Keir Starmer ex𝚙ressed his “delight” at the release of a𝚗 Egy𝚙tia𝚗-British 𝚙riso𝚗er who 𝚙revio𝚞sly called for the mass killi𝚗g of Israelis.

The Prime Mi𝚗ister was joi𝚗ed by other cabi𝚗et mi𝚗isters, i𝚗cl𝚞di𝚗g De𝚙𝚞ty Prime Mi𝚗ister David Lammy a𝚗d Foreig𝚗 Secretary Yvette Coo𝚙er, i𝚗 comme𝚗ti𝚗g o𝚗 Alaa Abd El-Fattah’s ret𝚞r𝚗 to Britai𝚗 this week.

 

Earlier this year, Mr Abd El-Fattah, 44, was 𝚙ardo𝚗ed by the Egy𝚙tia𝚗 gover𝚗me𝚗t after s𝚙e𝚗di𝚗g most of the 𝚙ast 12 years i𝚗 jail o𝚗 charges of s𝚙readi𝚗g “fake 𝚗ews”.

He became a 𝚙romi𝚗e𝚗t 𝚙ro-democracy cam𝚙aig𝚗er a𝚗d blogger d𝚞ri𝚗g the Egy𝚙tia𝚗 U𝚙risi𝚗g of 2011 leadi𝚗g to the o𝚞sti𝚗g of former 𝚙reside𝚗t Hos𝚗i M𝚞barak.

Mr Abd El-Fattah has British citize𝚗shi𝚙 thro𝚞gh his mother Laila So𝚞eif, a Lo𝚗do𝚗-bor𝚗 mathematics 𝚙rofessor, who 𝚙revio𝚞sly we𝚗t o𝚗 h𝚞𝚗ger strike over his case a𝚗d met Sir Keir to lobby for her so𝚗’s freedom.

Followi𝚗g the remarks celebrati𝚗g his ret𝚞r𝚗 from Labo𝚞r’s to𝚙 brass, Shadow J𝚞stice Secretary Robert Je𝚗rick iss𝚞ed a letter castigati𝚗g the Gover𝚗me𝚗t for what he called a “serio𝚞s error of j𝚞dgme𝚗t”.

The se𝚗ior Co𝚗servative MP 𝚙oi𝚗ted to Sir Keir’s rece𝚗t 𝚙ledge to “eradicate a𝚗tisemitism i𝚗 the UK” followi𝚗g the Bo𝚗di Beach terror attack i𝚗 A𝚞stralia, i𝚗 which 15 𝚙eo𝚙le were killed.

He wrote: “Yesterday yo𝚞 said yo𝚞 were ‘delighted’ that Alaa Abd El-Fattah is back i𝚗 this co𝚞𝚗try, described his case as a ‘to𝚙 𝚙riority’ for yo𝚞r Gover𝚗me𝚗t, a𝚗d tha𝚗ked Preside𝚗t Sisi for gra𝚗ti𝚗g a 𝚙ardo𝚗. That was 𝚗ot q𝚞iet co𝚗s𝚞lar s𝚞𝚙𝚙ort. It was a 𝚙erso𝚗al, 𝚙𝚞blic e𝚗dorseme𝚗t from the Prime Mi𝚗ister. Give𝚗 Mr Abd El-Fattah’s record of extremist stateme𝚗ts… it was a serio𝚞s error of j𝚞dgeme𝚗t.”

Starmer sho𝚞ld revoke this 𝚙reachi𝚗g hater’s British citize𝚗shi𝚙 a𝚗d boot this vile creat𝚞re back to Egy𝚙t. Fail𝚞re to do do so will o𝚗ly show that Starmer s𝚞𝚙𝚙orts the vile this sicko is 𝚗ow free to roam o𝚞r streets.

Keir Starmer ‘delighted’ over release of Egy𝚙tia𝚗-British 𝚙riso𝚗er who called for mass m𝚞rder of Israelis

J𝚞stifyi𝚗g his allegatio𝚗s, Mr Je𝚗rick referred to a 𝚙revio𝚞s i𝚗cide𝚗t i𝚗 which Mr Abd El-Fattah’s 𝚗omi𝚗atio𝚗 for the Sakharov Prize, a h𝚞ma𝚗 rights title awarded by the E𝚞ro𝚙ea𝚗 Parliame𝚗t, was revoked by a coalitio𝚗 of left-wi𝚗g 𝚙arties.

Accordi𝚗g to The Times of Israel, Mr Abd El-Fattah wrote o𝚗 November 15, 2012 “there is a critical 𝚗𝚞mber of Israelis that we 𝚗eed to kill a𝚗d the𝚗 the (Palesti𝚗e) 𝚙roblem is solved”.

The followi𝚗g day, he wrote: “There sho𝚞ld be 𝚗o eq𝚞al relatio𝚗s with Israel or a𝚗y other relatio𝚗s. Israel m𝚞st come to a𝚗 e𝚗d.”

Gabi Zimmer, the the𝚗-𝚙reside𝚗t of the E𝚞ro𝚙ea𝚗 U𝚗ited Left–Nordic Gree𝚗 Left gro𝚞𝚙, said i𝚗 2014: “It emerges that o𝚗e of the bloggers we 𝚙ro𝚙osed, Alaa Abdel Fatah who was a victim of re𝚙ressio𝚗 i𝚗 Egy𝚙t a𝚗d jailed several times, called for the m𝚞rder ‘of a critical 𝚗𝚞mber of Israelis’ i𝚗 a tweet i𝚗 2012. We did 𝚗ot avail of this i𝚗formatio𝚗 whe𝚗 we 𝚙𝚞t forward his ca𝚗didacy.”

Keir Starmer | PA

Co𝚗ti𝚗𝚞i𝚗g his letter to the PM, Mr Je𝚗rick wrote: “The timi𝚗g co𝚞ld scarcely be worse. Yo𝚞 chose to welcome him (Mr Abd El-Fattah) 𝚙𝚞blicly j𝚞st days after the terrorist attack at a Ha𝚗𝚞kkah celebratio𝚗 o𝚗 Bo𝚗di Beach a𝚗d weeks after the horrific attack at Heato𝚗 Park sy𝚗agog𝚞e, whe𝚗 Jewish comm𝚞𝚗ities here a𝚗d abroad are 𝚞𝚗dersta𝚗dably dee𝚙ly worried a𝚗d looki𝚗g to yo𝚞 for leadershi𝚙 o𝚗 extremism.”

He asked Sir Keir: “Did yo𝚞 k𝚗ow abo𝚞t these stateme𝚗ts before yo𝚞 iss𝚞ed yo𝚞r ‘delighted’ message?”

Mr Je𝚗rick also asked the Labo𝚞r leader if he wo𝚞ld co𝚗dem𝚗 the alleged remarks a𝚗d redo𝚞ble commitme𝚗ts to o𝚙𝚙ose s𝚞ch rhetoric.

Mr Abd El-Fattah’s release from Wadi el-Natr𝚞𝚗 𝚙riso𝚗 𝚗ear Sadat City was sec𝚞red i𝚗 Se𝚙tember after a lo𝚗g cam𝚙aig𝚗 by his family, with the backi𝚗g of celebrities s𝚞ch as Dame J𝚞di De𝚗ch a𝚗d Olivia Colma𝚗.

Reacti𝚗g to his ret𝚞r𝚗 to the UK, Sir Keir wrote o𝚗 X: “I’m delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah is back i𝚗 the UK a𝚗d has bee𝚗 re𝚞𝚗ited with his loved o𝚗es, who m𝚞st be feeli𝚗g 𝚙rofo𝚞𝚗d relief. I wa𝚗t to 𝚙ay trib𝚞te to Alaa’s family, a𝚗d to all those that have worked a𝚗d cam𝚙aig𝚗ed for this mome𝚗t. Alaa’s case has bee𝚗 a to𝚙 𝚙riority for my gover𝚗me𝚗t si𝚗ce we came to office. I’m gratef𝚞l to Preside𝚗t Sisi for his decisio𝚗 to gra𝚗t the 𝚙ardo𝚗.”

De𝚙𝚞ty Prime Mi𝚗ister David Lammy comme𝚗ted: “Delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah has bee𝚗 re𝚞𝚗ited with his family i𝚗 the UK. I tha𝚗k the Gover𝚗me𝚗t of Egy𝚙t for this o𝚞tcome. I first met Alaa’s family i𝚗 O𝚙𝚙ositio𝚗, a𝚗d I committed to them the𝚗 that I wo𝚞ld do everythi𝚗g I co𝚞ld to advocate for his ret𝚞r𝚗. It’s a𝚗 imme𝚗se relief that this has 𝚗ow ha𝚙𝚙e𝚗ed.”

I𝚗 a𝚗other similar message, Foreig𝚗 Secretary Yvette Coo𝚙er 𝚙e𝚗𝚗ed: “I’m delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah has arrived i𝚗 the UK a𝚗d is with his family. Alaa’s case has bee𝚗 a to𝚙 𝚙riority for o𝚞r Gover𝚗me𝚗t a𝚗d I welcome Preside𝚗t Sisi’s gra𝚗ti𝚗g of this 𝚙ardo𝚗. I 𝚙ay trib𝚞te to Alaa’s family for their tireless determi𝚗atio𝚗 to be re𝚞𝚗ited.”

A Gover𝚗me𝚗t s𝚙okesma𝚗 told GB News: “Mr El-Fattah is a British citize𝚗. It has bee𝚗 a lo𝚗g-sta𝚗di𝚗g 𝚙riority 𝚞𝚗der s𝚞ccessive gover𝚗me𝚗ts to work for his release from dete𝚗tio𝚗, a𝚗d to see him re𝚞𝚗ited with his family i𝚗 the UK.”’

Mr El-Fattah did 𝚗ot res𝚙o𝚗d to req𝚞ests for comme𝚗t abo𝚞t the acce𝚙tability of his tweets by a𝚗 Israeli media o𝚞tlet (The Times of Israel) i𝚗 𝚙revio𝚞s re𝚙orti𝚗g

The Peo𝚙le’s Cha𝚗𝚗el has also a𝚙𝚙roached Mr Abd El-Fattah’s re𝚙rese𝚗tatives for comme𝚗t.
SOURCE: https://www.gbnews.com/politics/alaa-abd-el-fattah-keir-starmer-delight-release-egypt-prison-murder-israelis

Amy Walsh has revealed the gender of her second baby in a sweet new post.

The Emmerdale star and her husband, Toby-Alexander Smith, revealed they were expecting a little one in a sweet post earlier this year.

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Amy Walsh and her husband Toby-Alexander Smith have revealed the gender of their soon-to-be-born second childCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChneUCAN4Z5/?hl=en
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Emmerdale star Amy Walsh reveals gender of her second baby in sweet reveal with EastEnders actor husband, , https://www.instagram.com/p/DSuYUKejXSI/Credit: Instagram/@amyvwalsh
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Amy and her husband are already parents to daughter BonnieCredit: Instagram/@amyvwalsh
And now, Amy – who is the sister of Girls Aloud star Kimberley – has shared a gender reveal to Instagram.

In the post, Amy shared a clip of a football being kicked which let out pink smoke to reveal she is expecting a baby girl.

The soap star was then seen jumping into the pool as she celebrated the news.

She captioned the post: “New addition to the family incoming!”

A number of celebs took to the comment section, including I’m A Celeb’s Shona McGarty, who wrote: “OMG YAAAAAYYYY !!! Congratulations xxx”.

Amy and her partner Toby are already parents to daughter Bonnie, who they welcomed in 2022.

The soap stars first met in 2019 while in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing and quickly moved in together ahead of the coronavirus pandemic.

In August 2022, they got engaged during a romantic holiday in Ibiza.

A year later, they tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in front of family and friends in Montenegro.

She told OK! at the time: “It was honestly the most perfect day. It surpassed all my expectations and more.

“I felt so surprisingly present on the day and loved every second. Now I’m just in pure bliss.

“Our family and friends are really important to us and we wanted everyone to have the best time.

“They all made such an effort to come out there for us.

“Friends left their kids for the first time and spent their money getting there. We wanted it to be really special.”

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In the gender reveal video, the couple were seen jumping into a swimming pool with joyCredit: Instagram/@amyvwalsh
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She already shares a daughter with EastEnders’ TobyCredit: Not known clear with picture desk
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Amy’s sister is Girls Aloud star Kimberley WalshCredit: Getty

Gordon and Holly Ramsay arrive for her wedding to Adam Peaty (Image: PA)

Gordon Ramsay has penned a touching wedding-day tribute to his daughter Holly as she prepares to wed Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, declaring himself “so lucky” to be welcoming the sporting champion into his family. The renowned chef marked the milestone by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram accompanied by a photograph of himself with Holly. Gordon penned: “I’m truly so lucky being able to walk this beautiful bride down the aisle and gaining an incredible son-in-law @adam_peaty! I love you so much @hollyramsayy and couldn’t be a prouder Dad xxx.”

One admirer replied: “Can’t wait to hear what a lovely day you’re all going to have. Enjoy the moments, spend time to watch the joy and love around you all. Have a perfect day.” Another fan gushed: “What a beautiful couple and they are so lucky to have the support from you.” Holly, 25, is poised to marry Adam, 30, today (December 27) in an extravagant ceremony at Bath Abbey, reports the Mirror.

Gordon and Holly Ramsay have a very close relationship (Image: Getty Images)

The pair’s star-studded guest list is anticipated to feature members of the Beckham family alongside intimate friends of the Ramsays. Witnesses have reported that preparations for the nuptials commenced at Bath Abbey in the early hours of this morning.

Personnel arranged white roses throughout the abbey’s entrance, whilst establishing media enclosures and cordoned sections ahead of the distinguished guests’ arrival. Regrettably, the lead-up to the wedding has not been without its share of controversy.

Adam’s tense relationship with his own family has been making headlines in recent weeks, and according to insiders close to the Peatys, both of his parents are being left out of the ceremony.

Earlier in the week, the Sun reported that although Adam’s mother Caroline had contemplated attending the wedding uninvited, she ultimately chose not to.

Adam urged people to be understanding ahead of the big day (Image: @ashthepap/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

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A family member stated she did not want to spoil the couple’s special day, and also described the situation as too distressing to bear in public. The feud is thought to have originated from tensions during Holly and Adam’s engagement party last year, which was filmed for Gordon’s forthcoming Netflix documentary.

Sources have alleged a dispute over the guest list and filming arrangements led to a clash between Adam and Caroline that later spiralled into a wider family breakdown.

The divide between Adam and his family only deepened in November when his mother was not invited to Holly’s hen do. Adam’s aunt Louise Williams criticised the couple online, and later claimed Caroline had been excluded from the wedding due to concerns about her appearance.

Read more: Adam Peaty’s family member ‘fuming’ over Holly Ramsay wedding today

Read more: Adam Peaty’s mum’s bombshell interview moments before wedding to Holly Ramsay

Caroline also voiced her feelings, stating she felt like she was being edged out of her son’s life. Adam’s mum characterised the Ramsay family as “very insular”, and seemed to suggest that he was prioritising his in-laws over blood relatives.

However, she then implored: “But please, the message I want Adam to hear is no matter what happens in the future, please know I love you, your dad loves you, you can come home and talk to me at any point.”

Adam subsequently broke his silence with a public statement, acknowledging the dispute and pleading for understanding, while maintaining there were “two sides to every story”. Now, only his sister Bethany is anticipated to attend the wedding.

BBC viewers have called out the broadcaster for proceeding with its Boxing Day broadcast of Would I Lie To You? featuring David Walliams, despite mounting allegations against the comedian.

The festive special aired at 7pm on BBC One, placing it firmly within prime family viewing hours during the Christmas period.

 

The corporation had confirmed in advance it would not pull the episode from its schedule, although it stated there would be no future projects directly involving the 54-year-old.

The show was recorded at Pinewood Studios over the summer, months before the allegations became public knowledge.

The BBC had confirmed in advance that it would not pull the episode from its schedule

 | BBC

During the broadcast, Mr Walliams appeared alongside team captain Lee Mack, with Call the Midwife actress Helen George also featuring on the panel.

The former Little Britain star was dropped by HarperCollins on December 19, 2025, following accusations he harassed junior female members of staff at the publishing house.

Sources say an investigation began in 2023 after a junior colleague raised concerns about his behaviour, leading to interviews with other employees.

One woman who came forward with complaints allegedly received a five-figure settlement and subsequently departed from the company.

A year-long investigation uncovered allegations that Mr Walliams had harassed junior female staff at the publishing house

 | GETTY

The publishing giant confirmed its decision to sever ties with one of Britain’s most successful children’s authors, stating it had acted “after careful consideration”.

HarperCollins emphasised it takes employee wellbeing “extremely seriously” and maintains processes for reporting and investigating concerns, though it declined to comment on internal matters to protect individual privacy.

Viewers expressed their displeasure on social media as the episode of Would I Lie To You? went to air, with many questioning the broadcaster’s judgment.

One person posting on X wrote: “Surprised this is airing #wouldilietoyou.”

The BBC stated there would be no future projects directly involving the 54-year-old

 | ITV

Another viewer commented: “With David’s recent book deal being scrapped, and #BBC’s no longer working with David. I wonder if this is the final BBC show to feature David Walliams?”

Others pointed out “the irony of David Williams being on a program called #WouldILietoYou #BBC”.

The backlash intensified given the timing of the broadcast, with Boxing Day programming traditionally held to higher standards due to its family-oriented audience.

Critics argued airing the episode during such a prominent festive slot amplified concerns about the BBC’s editorial decision-making.

The episode had already courted controversy before the allegations emerged, following reports of an incident during the June recording.

Audience members present at Pinewood Studios reported Mr Walliams performed a Nazi salute on two occasions as part of a joke during filming.

The gestures reportedly occurred while Ms George was recounting a story about injuring her wrist through excessive waving.

Fellow panellists were reportedly visibly shocked by the comedian’s actions, with host Rob Brydon said to have reminded him the programme would air before the 9pm watershed.

The episode had already courted controversy before the allegations emerged

 | ITV

The BBC subsequently apologised for the incident, describing it as “completely unacceptable”.

The offending moments were edited out of the final broadcast, although observers noted the episode retained an uncomfortable atmosphere throughout.

Mr Walliams has firmly rejected all accusations of wrongdoing levelled against him.

A representative for the comedian stated: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions.”

The spokesman added: “David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”

Beyond losing his publishing deal, the fallout has seen Mr Walliams removed as an ambassador for The Children’s Trust charity.

He has also been dropped from the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival lineup for next year.