BC Breakfast was halted today (Monday, October 6) as ex-England rugby captain Lewis Moody shared the news that he’s been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The rugby legend, 47, was part of the side that won the Rugby World Cup back in 2003.

Lewis shared the sad news today (Credit: BBC)

Lewis Moody announces motor neurone disease diagnosis

Motor neurone disease (MND) causes muscle weakness that worsens over a few months or years.

The disease is usually life-shortening, and there is currently no cure. MND can affect a person’s mobility and movement, speech and communication, breathing, swallowing, eating, and drinking.

As symptoms worsen, a person with MND may need a wheelchair and a ventilator to help them breathe.

Around 5,000 people in the UK have MND at any one time.

Lewis shared the news of his diagnosis with BBC Breakfast on today’s show during an interview with Sally Nugent. Sitting alongside his wife, Annie, he said: “Recently, as close as, I suppose, two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

“And I think it’s safe to say that it came as a fairly sizable shock to all of us, but I think over the last couple of months, in particular the last couple of weeks, we’ve had this lingering in the back of our minds, this sort of news. And until we’re actually told on the day, in the appointment, I don’t think it really sunk in.”

Lewis and Annie were on Breakfast together (Credit: BBC)

Lewis Moody’s MND news

Lewis then continued, saying that “in myself, I feel absolutely fine”.

“You’re given this piece of information, you’re given this diagnosis of MND or ALS, and it’s a huge piece of information to absorb and deal with, and we’re all rightly quite emotional about it,” he then said.

“But it’s so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong, you know? I don’t feel ill. I don’t feel unwell.”

Lewis then went on to explain how he first noticed something may be wrong when he started noticing “shoulder weakness” while working out.

After speaking to a physio and nothing changing after 6-8 weeks, he was referred to a shoulder specialist. Lewis had an MRI scan, which showed that the issue wasn’t his neck, “despite all the years of throwing myself into contact on the rugby pitch”.

Lewis went on to speak about how difficult it was to share the news with his mum, as well as his two sons. “That was pretty heartbreaking, wasn’t it?” he said, growing emotional.

Fans sent their support to Lewis (Credit: BBC)

Fans send their support

He went on to say that he didn’t want to harbour any secrets from his sons. “As soon as we could, we wanted to tell them,” he said.

Speaking about sharing the news with his sons, he said: “It was, without a shadow of a doubt, the horriblest, hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I’m really grateful we did it. I’m glad we did it at the time.”

Fans of the rugby legend took to social media to share their heartbreak over the news.

“Dreadfully sad news [heartbreak emoji]. Lewis & Annie are so brave to be able to talk about it. It must be so heartbreaking to carry out interviews like this @sallynugent. My love, thoughts & prayers go out to them both, their families & friends. Such a terrible cruel disease,” one fan tweeted.

“This is awful news,I wish to God we could get rid of this terrible illness. Sending love and best wishes to Lewis and family,” another said.

“Awful news, my heart goes out to Lewis and his family,” a third wrote.

“So very sorry to see this, praying for a medical breakthrough, lost my Mum to MND. love to Lewis and his family,” another wrote.

Gary Neville speaks out after 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 on synagogue in Manchester 

Gary Neville has sparked fury after claiming “middle-aged white men putting up Union Jacks” are dividing Britain in the wake of a 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 at a synagogue in Manchester.

The Sky Sports pundit launched into a tirade on social media expressing his dismay at “division” in his home city after the Islamist attack – but turned his fire on “white men”.

 

The attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue resulted in the deaths of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both residents of Crumpsall.

“I just kept thinking that we’re all being turned on each other, and the division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting, mainly created by angry, middle-aged, white men who know exactly what they’re doing,” Mr Neville spat.

Gary Neville has taken aim at people putting up flags around the country

The pundit made the remarks after seeing numerous Union Jack flags displayed in one part of Manchester while Jewish residents gathered defiantly on Berry New Road, refusing to be intimidated following the attack.

Police have yet to complete formal identification procedures, though specialist officers are supporting the bereaved families.

One of Mr Daulby’s family members posted on social media: “As Adrian’s family, we are heartbroken by his passing. We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we grieve and seek the answers we need.”

The assault occurred during Yom Kippur, Judaism’s most sacred observance.

Three more people sustained severe injuries – one from stabbing, another struck by a vehicle, and a third potentially wounded during police intervention to halt the assailant.

Congregants and security personnel prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue building.

Gary Neville said ‘the division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting’

 

Neville revealed he had taken down a Union Jack from one of his property developments, questioning the motivations behind recent displays of national symbols.

“I love my country, I’ve played for England 85 times, but there hasn’t been a Union Jack put up in the last 15 to 20 years. Why put one up now?” he asked, suggesting such displays were intended to convey hostility.

The former Manchester United defender drew parallels with his footballing days, recalling how his squad comprised players from Manchester, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Africa, Asia, America and Europe who functioned as “a beautiful team united as one”.

He attributed current tensions partly to Brexit’s aftermath, claiming it had inflicted severe damage on national cohesion.

“It needs to stop now and we need to get back to a country of love, peace, and harmony, and become a team again,” Neville concluded.

Greater Manchester Police identified the attacker as 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie, a British citizen of Syrian origin who had lived in the UK since childhood and received citizenship in 2006.

“We are conscious of the significance of Fridays and Saturdays in the Jewish faith, and will be doing everything we can to help communities mark Shabbat with their families and friends as they wish,” he said.

‘WAIT…WHAT?!’: Watch the moment Strictly’s Ross King ‘caught swearing’ after he’s left in shock during first results of the series

STRICTLY fans are convinced Ross King may have accidentally said a swear word after finding out he wasn’t going home tonight.

Last night Ross, 63, broke down in tears after an emotional waltz as his stunning girlfriend Bridget Siegel, 43, watched on.

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Strictly fans are convinced Ross King said a naughty word on tonight’s results showCredit: bbc

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The entertainment reporter broke down in tears on last night’s showCredit: bbc

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Ross was seen wiping away his tears after an emotional dance
And during tonight’s results show, co-host Tess Daly revealed Ross had made it through to the next round, leaving him in shock.

As he celebrated, some eagle-eyed viewers thought the the star may have said the f-word out of excitement.

TV star Ross leaned in to hug pro partner Jowita Przystał and seemed delighted but equally shocked to have made it through.

One viewer wrote: “ROSS SAYING WHAT THE FUCK LMFAOOOO.”

A second posted: “Did Ross just swear when the results were called?”

While other fans were chuffed for Ross, with one writing: “Ross’s face when he was told he was through.”

A second said: “So happy for Ross & Jowita. I knew that dance would save him.”

Last week, Ross was left feeling defeated after he received the lowest scores from the judges last week.

In a bid to move up the leaderboard with a waltz, Glasgow-born Ross and his pro partner Jowita Przystał headed to Scotland for some inspiration.

Speaking in his VT, Ross said: “The first live show I had was disappointing, the little bit of confidence I had has been knocked.”

Watch moment Strictly’s Ross King breaks down in tears as he’s proudly supported by stunning girlfriend 20yrs his junior

The clip showed Ross crying in rehearsals before he and Jowita visited his hometown, Loch Lomond.

He said: “I’m a very proud Scots person. I had to move away for work but I can always see myself coming back.”

An emotional Ross said it holds a special place in his heart, saying: “So many memories around here.

“My school friends, my sister. I think about my mum and dad when I’m here. It’s happy crying.”

After a touching waltz to The Proclaimers song Sunshine on Leith, Ross was seen breaking down in tears at the end.

He embraced Jowita and was seen wiping away his tears as he broke down crying on the dancefloor.

The special moment did not go unnoticed by his girlfriend Bridget, who is from LA and flew 5000 miles just to see him.

She was seen clapping in the audience as her partner received his judges feedback.

With tears in his eyes, Ross told host Tess Daly: “I feel like I’m the poster boy for older men that can’t dance that want to dance.”

His voice began to break as he added: “I hope people go… if I can do it.”

Bridget was seen proudly beaming as she cheered her boyfriend on.

Ross has previously spoken about his “lovely” girlfriend on the last episode of Kaye Adams’ How To Be 60 podcast.

She asked if he planned to stay in LA, he replied

“Oh yeah, I love LA.  Who knows what happens in the future but it would take a lot to take me away from LA.”

“I love the place.  I’ve got a great life there.  I’ve got a beautiful, lovely girlfriend Bridget.”

 

James Cleverly accuses Nigel Farage of being ‘socialist’ as top Tory turns guns on Reform UK

James Cleverly has accused Nigel Farage of being a “socialist” as the Shadow Housing Secretary launched a furious tirade against the Reform UK leader.

Mr Cleverly labelled Mr Farage a “socialist” as he drew boos from a packed crowd at the Institute for Economic Affairs’s evening drinks on Sunday.

 

Mr Cleverly said: “It is more important now than at any time that I can remember, because the so-called champions of the right, led by one Nigel Farage.

“The second that he thinks there are more votes to be had in disillusioned blue-collar workers, who want state subsidies and state handouts, his Thatcherite, Reaganite instincts, desert him.”

Mr Cleverly also echoed comments made by The Times columnist Matthew Syed, claiming Mr Farage “is not a racist but is a socialist”.

The Reform UK leader, whose Clacton constituency is just 35 miles from Mr Cleverly’s seat of Braintree, has become a major topic of conversation across all conferences held in the autumn of 2025.

Opinion polls suggest that Reform UK is leading Labour by around 10 points, with the Tories languishing in a distant third on just 16 per cent.

Mr Cleverly, who was once rather sceptical about leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, was in the running to face-off against Mr Farage little over a year ago.

The ex-Foreign Secretary finished third in the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory Party leader, missing out on the membership ballot by just four votes from Conservative MPs.

During her introductory conference speech, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch joined Mr Cleverly in taking aim at Mr Farage, singling out the Reform UK leader over his plan to curb Channel crossings.

Mrs Badenoch said: “Reform just shout that we should ‘leave’ the ECHR without any plan to do so or understanding any of the consequences.

“They are practising that old, failed politics I talked about. That politics of announcements without a plan. That’s the way to chaos and failure.”

However, Mr Farage simply joked: “More people have joined Reform in the past 24 hours than were in the room for Kemi’s conference speech.”

Mrs Badenoch’s decision to go on the attack about migration also comes after Merlin Strategy found that the public named Reform UK as the party best-equipped to stop the boats.

Reform UK came out on top after receiving the support of 35 per cent of Britons.

Labour cemented a distant second place on 18 per cent, leaving “don’t know” on 18 per cent and the Conservative Party on 17 per cent.

Despite attacking Labour over the small boats, more than two-thirds of Channel crossings – 129,483 out of a total of 186,976 – were carried out while the Conservative Party was in power.

Mrs Badenoch is hoping her seven-part migrant plan will help turn the tide, sparking calls from Reform UK insiders that the Tories have “copied” Mr Farage’s plan.

However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told GB News yesterday morning that the Tories had come up with a “proper plan”.

He added: “When we say we will do whatever it takes to stop illegal immigration – we mean it and we have a proper plan to do it. We are the only party who can say this.”

However, Mr Cleverly remains in an electorally precarious position ahead of the 2029 General Election.

Polling aggregators at Nowcast suggest that Reform UK is leading the Tories in Braintree by more than 16 per cent.

Mr Cleverly retained his Essex constituency by seeing off a threat from Labour by just 7.5 per cent of the vote in the 2024 General Election.

Reform UK secured a distant third place on just 23.1 per cent of the vote, some 12.4 per cent behind Mr Cleverly.

HEARTBREAKING: BBC Breakfast host ANNOUNCES SAD NEWS Live On Air After Guest’s Tragic Diagnosis

BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent delivered some heartbreaking news to viewers on Monday morning.

During the latest episode, Sally, 54, who was hosting the show with Jon Kay, revealed that Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Sally said: “Now we have some sad news from the world of sport this morning, former England Rugby Union Captain, Lewis Moody, has announced he’s been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

“In a statement he said the news that he has progressive and incurable condition also known as ALS, had been incredibly hard to process and has come as a huge shock to him and his family.”

After noticing some weakness in his shoulder, Lewis, 47, and his wife, Annie, were given life-changing news.

Speaking in a pre-recorded interview on BBC Breakfast, Lewis explained: “Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

“I think it’s safe to say it came as a fairly sizable shock to all of us. We’re rightly quite emotional about it.

“But it’s just so strange because I feel like nothing’s wrong, you know? I don’t feel ill, I don’t feel unwell. So yeah, a strange position to be in. We’ve processed lots of emotions over the last couple of weeks.

“It’s never me that I feel sad for, it’s the sadness around having to tell my mum, having to tell the boys, I mean, you know, two brilliant boys.”

Lewis then fought tears as he reflected on the heartbreaking moment, adding: “That was pretty heartbreaking wasn’t it? We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan, both wrapped up in each other. Then the dog then jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather sweet.

“It was without a shadow of a doubt the most horrible, hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but I’m really grateful we did it.”

Lewis then bravely added: “I feel at ease with it all now, maybe that’s shock, maybe that’s I don’t know, but…” to which his wife, Annie, commented: “It’s so typical of you, that’s just so Lewis. I’m in awe of you, honestly.”

The sporting star then added: “We know the reality, I want to stay positive.”

After the video, BBC Breakfast host Sally revealed that she sat down with Lewis and Annie for a full interview. In an article posted on BBC, Sally also shared her thoughts on the chat.

The presenter said: “It was a telephone call that I dreaded getting again. A voice at the other end of the line saying there’s somebody else in sport, Lewis Moody, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Your heart sinks. You go cold. It’s still really jarring and shocking.”

Sally added: “The diagnosis is very recent. It’s very new news. It’s very fresh in the minds of his wife Annie and their children. And it’s also been incredibly quick. At times people with motor neurone disease can wait months for a diagnosis.

“He is really well. He feels well. He doesn’t feel ill and he’s still this super strong rugby union player. He’s the Lewis Moody you think of from England’s famous World Cup-winning team of 2003.”

Sally added that Lewis is “very mentally strong” and “incredibly positive”, adding: “He is going to do all the things he can do to stay as well for as long as he can.”

Thomas Skinner has insisted that he is “trying” and “loving every second” of his Strictly Come Dancing experience following a rather brutal reception to his and Amy Dowden’s Week Two Salsa.

Ahead of the first public vote of the series, the Apprentice star and his pro partner took on a lift-laden routine to the sound of Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers.

 

Their Paso Doble from Week One had earned them a respectable score of 16 from the judges, but in Week Two, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse weren’t feeling quite as generous.

“It was all just power lifts,” Mr Revel Horwood began, following the routine. “The timing was completely off at the beginning as well.

BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner take on the Salsa

“I could see every lift being prepped and entered and taken out of. It lacked any real hip rotation at all or any fluidity. But you have proved, darling, that you have the strength of an ox.”

Ms Mabuse then weighed in to try and lift the mood: “Yes, Tom. I love the gusto! You went for it! I mean, you’re in silver pants, there’s glitter, and you stood there like, ‘This is it!’ It was interesting.”

Soon after, Ms Ballas provided some constructive feedback: “Well, you gave it a go. You came out with the personality, and your family at home will be so proud of you because you enjoyed every minute of that.

“But I have to go with Craig. In Salsa, you have to go with a lot more moves, and you’ve proved that in everything you can do the lifts, and that’s a bonus, but now we’ve got to start the Latin, to rotate the hips a little bit, be a bit more coordinated with the upper half of the body. A little bit more foot loosage, not too much, and you’ll be on your way.”

BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner didn’t get the feedback they’d hoped for

 

And Mr Du Beke couldn’t resist a joke: “Well, they say all that, but I’ve tried all that to varying levels of success, I think it’s all overrated.

“I thought it was a good effort, you did not show any nerves, you ploughed on, you gave it some and I thought it was a really good effort.”

Mr Skinner remained all smiles throughout the rather brutal dressing down, but received some consolation when presenter Tess Daly commented it was “probably the bravest lifts we’ve seen in Week Two”.

When it came to the scores, Mr Skinner and Ms Dowden ended up with a two from Mr Revel Horwood, a three from Ms Mabuse, and scores of four apiece from Ms Ballas and Mr Du Beke.

 

BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner’s scores landed them bottom of the Week Two leaderboard

| BBC

The score of 13 meant he finished bottom of the Week Two leaderboard, but combined with his Week One score of 16, he ended on 29 and four marks ahead of Lorraine reporter Ross King.

Mr Skinner took the criticism in his stride, returning to social media minutes after his routine to defiantly say: “LOVED EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF THAT!! I know I ain’t the best dancer. But I’m trying. And Amy has been amazing!!

“Enjoying the rest of the dancers! They’re all amazing. And if you want to see me next week. Please vote for me & Amy. Love you all. Bosh.” (sic)

Unfortunately for Mr Skinner, however, his critics weren’t quite as enthusiastic. Trolls flooded social media with their harsh criticism, with some on Instagram calling it the “worst dance in Strictly history” and “a car crash”.

But what followed were several of Mr Skinner’s hitting back at the criticism and even claiming the judges may have an ulterior motive for their scores.

On Instagram, one fan claimed: “I don’t think he is as awful as the judges are marking him…they are determined for him to get into the bottom 2 and go home first! He’s not really been given a fair chance, which isn’t what Strictly is about!”

A second Instagram user also suggested something was amiss: “The choice of the music was a total misunderstanding… bonkers,” they added.

The eyebrows continued to be raised over on X, with a third viewer arguing: “Stupid f***ing music choice for a Salsa. C**p music sets people up to fail. Unfair of the producers! #Strictly.”

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner fans felt the star had been treated unfairly

| INSTAGRAM

Meanwhile, another X user urged: “Some fairly nasty comments on here tonight regarding Thomas Skinner, give the guy a chance, he’s trying his best. #Strictly.”

And back on Instagram, the praise and encouragement continued. “Give him a chance, it’s only week 2,” another Strictly fan shared.

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner’s routine had lifts aplenty

| BBC

“Not helped by the song,” echoed a further Instagram user before another praised: “Give him a break @iamtomskinner that is my favourite song and one of the best dances of the night so far minus @aikines. SUPER Undermarked.” (sic)

Fans will have to tune in to Sunday’s results show to discover whether or not Mr Skinner has done enough for the public to send him to Week Three.

WATCH HERE: Tom Skinner dances to ‘Bonkers’ on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing

 

The eliminated Strictly Come Dancing star has returned to social media following his exit on Sunday night

Thomas Skinner has had enough of the abuse he’s faced online after being accused of “homophobia” by one X user on Monday morning.

Throughout his time on Strictly Come Dancing, from which he and Amy Dowden were eliminated on Sunday, the Apprentice star faced a barrage of abuse from all angles thanks to his social media posts.

 

Mr Skinner has been accused of being “far-right”, “fascist”, and “racist” for merely expressing his pride in Britain and criticism of all things woke on social media.

A social meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in the summer, and pictures of him wearing Maga gear have also added fuel to the fire for critics looking to attack the 34-year-old.

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden were emotional after their exit | BBCTherefore, when he and Ms Dowden were booted off the BBC dance competition on Sunday, many of his critics rejoiced.

But it didn’t stop Mr Skinner from reflecting fondly on his time on the show the following morning.

Taking to X, Mr Skinner updated his 419k followers: “Good Morning and happy Monday you lovely people!! Back in the van for me this morning, it’s another busy one.

“Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I’m catching up on my messages & emails this morning so will be getting back to everyone who needs a new mattress.

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden in the dance-off with Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova | BBC

 

“Also want to say a massive thank you to all the lovely messages of support I’ve had. It means the world!

“I know I was rubbish at dancing, but it was so much fun. But back to reality. You are ten times stronger than you can ever imagine……so don’t give up!!

“Keep on moving forward! Let’s go smash it today. New week, new day, new start. Don’t go home until you’re proud. Bosh,” he signed off. (sic)

Before long, his fans rushed to praise the Strictly star for his upbeat attitude. However, one X user decided to try and stoke the flames further.

“Good morning homophobe,” they replied to Mr Skinner, attaching in their post a social media update of his from 2021 in which he said to GB News regular Adam Brookes: “I love a faggot. Mr Brains was the Guvna.”

The post that the X user used to try and accuse Mr Skinner of “homophobia” was actually about meatballs, and how the Apprentice star was a fan of the meat product made by Mr Brains.

Furious that the X user tried to take his comment out of context, Mr Skinner fired back.

“What is wrong with you lot?” he fumed. “I’m talking about my dinner.”

BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner took on a Salsa for Week Two | BBCThe X user refused to back down, however, replying: “Yeah but it’s a slur. U can’t say that.” (sic)

Even when one of Mr Skinner’s supporters weighed in to also point out it’s a foodstuff, the X user doubled down: “Is it though?

“Or is it just named that so people can just say ‘I meant the food’ so they can be homophobic on the sly…”

Mr Skinner refused to get drawn into a slanging war with the X user, while the rest of his followers took to the comments to applaud his efforts on Strictly.

One fan replied: “Took balls going on Strictly and a lot of hard work. The flak you have taken from the press as a result has been absolutely disgraceful.

“Keep being you. Most important thing pal, is to listen back to Amy’s strong words at the end, you really helped that girl. You did good, fella.”

A second echoed: “Awww mate, well done for giving it a go. I ignore the s*** that’s thrown your way as I know you’re a good bloke. We all make mistakes, but it doesn’t define you as a person.”

And a third concurred: “Personally, you were robbed, Tom. But it is what it is.

“You are an inspiration for even doing strictly in the first place. Your family will be so proud of you.

“Not going to lie looking forward to your daily messages and what you’re having for breakfast. Have a good day Tom. Bosh.” (sic)

Kevin Maguire argues that the Conservative Party veering further to the right, and into Reform UK territory, is an act of blind panic that could cost the Conversative Party even more votes

Kevin Maguire is Associate Editor of the Mirror and a politics columnist. He is a frequent contributor to Good Morning Britain and other TV shows. He also writes a column for the New Statesman and earlier in his career was chief reporter for The Guardian. He is a Sunderland AFC supporter.

Deluded Kemi Badenoch’s ­woeful Nigel Farage tribute act will crash her leadership and the ailing Conservative Party.

Driving further to the right, veering into Reform lanes, is blind panic that will potentially cost the Tories even more votes rather than wooing back lost millions. US-style paramilitary storm troopers swooping on neighbourhoods to impose mass deportations is a poisonous threat from the Tory tiny Trump when Americans are in uproar over wrongful arrests, detentions and deportations of their fellow citizens.

More than half of Britons, 52%, and many Tory voters, 42%, think it would be “very bad” if our government was more like the one being run by Trump so she is misreading the country.

The Conservative Party’s veer to the right is leading them into Reform UK territory, according to Kevin Maguire

 

Badenoch is guilty of another mistake in banking on vowing to scrap the UK landmark Human Rights Act and joining Russia and Belarus, Europe’s two dictatorships, in pulling out of a European Convention on Human Rights that was inspired by Winston Churchill.

Opposing the convention is an ­ideological test on the right of British politics where it is falsely painted as benefitting only migrants. It conveniently overlooks that the Rwanda plan was ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court not Strasbourg and, for example, fewer than 1% of foreign national offenders successfully appealing against deportation win on human rights grounds.

We should celebrate an act and convention that protects us all by guaranteeing free speech and fair trials, rights of workers, women and the disabled and helped Hillsborough families win the justice denied them for far too long. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak smartly summed up the Tory stupidity.

Badenoch has spoken of the idea of pulling out of the European Union Convention on Human Rights(Image: PA)

He observed the so-called party of law and order wants to recklessly shred international laws the UK wrote in order now to chase Reform’s tail. Once the EU was branded the source of all Britain’s problems. Now it is the ECHR. Voters won’t be fooled again.

Or take the environment, ­Badenoch suddenly shouting she would scrap measures to avoid catastrophic climate change, including targets ­introduced by the Tories when she was Business Secretary.

The born again populist is striking another unpopular stance when YouGov pollsters found 57% of voters think Britain is doing the right thing, or should be taking tougher action, and only 20% believe that we are doing too much.

In thrashing around and posing as Farage without the beery charm, Badenoch is losing any grip on reality. Only days ago she claimed Northern Ireland had voted for Brexit when that corner of the UK wanted to stay by 56% to 44% in the 2016 election. Was that a slip, ignorance or a plunging ­politician inventing alternative facts because she cannot face the truth?

Labour would benefit from a Tory revival that enticed Conservative defectors back from Reform but there is little prospect of one when ­Badenoch is a Farage mini-me without a vision of her own. The Liberal Democrats, Greens and, when launched, Jeremy Corbyn’s Your Party have reasons to be optimistic whereas the Tories are lost, marooned, devoid of hope.

What was Europe’s most successful right-wing electoral machine for centuries is knackered. The wrong question is surely being asked if Badenoch is their answer.

Shirley Ballas shared the news of her friend’s passing (Image: BBC)

Shirley Ballas has issued a statement after the death of her “dear friend” Michael Wentink. The former Strictly Come Dancing South Africa judge has died aged 46 as tributes have poured in for the “true industry legend”. Shirley posted a series of photos and videos onto Instagram and said she was feeling “very sad this morning”.

The head judge paid tribute to her friend and fellow dancer as she wrote: “Michael wasn’t just part of my life, he was like family. He wasn’t just an incredible dancer, he was a kind, caring soul who brought so much joy, warmth, and laughter into our lives.

“His loyalty and love were unmatched, and his smile was irreplaceable. He spent many days at my house, he loved the children and would forever be checking in. One of the kindest souls I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with.”

The dancer shared a series of snaps of the pair to her feed including videos of them performing together, alongside a photo of Michael by himself at the end.

Michael Wentink has died aged 46 (Image: -)

Referencing a photo she shared to her Instagram of the pair in a bright blue combo, she said: “I’ll never forget suggesting this aqua suit to Michael, and he just laughed saying, “Let’s give it a go, Shirls.” @alanate11 did hair and as a team we all pulled it together so very beautifully. They danced magnificently and won.

“That’s a day I’ll carry with me forever. You touched so many lives, Michael, and I’m blessed to have been one of them.

“With a heavy heart, I’ll miss you deeply. Rest in peace, my friend, alongside your beautiful Beata. Forever in our hearts. X”

The news of his death was confirmed by his dance partner and close friend, Ralf Lepehne, who shared a tribute to him on his socials.

 

Ralf said Michael had “left us far too soon and the loss is immeasurable”, and added that Michael had been battling “the relentless weight of depression with quiet courage”.

He wrote: “His passing is a painful reminder that the brightest lights often cast the deepest shadows”. Continuing: “While our world is dimmer without him, Michael’s spirit, laughter and his profound passion for dance will live on in our hearts forever. May you finally find the peace you so deserved, Michael.”

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HEARTBREAKING: Channel 4 Educating Yorkshire fans emotional as Mr Burton breaks down in TEARS

Educating Yorkshire fans were left feeling emotional on Sunday night after headteacher Mr Burton broke down in tears.

The heartwrenching moment unfolded following an incident at the school where a student threatened Mr Burton’s family and threatened to “burn down the school”.

As Mr Burton was informed to go to his office, the child in question was escorted off the school premises.

“You never know what kind of day you’re gonna have when you arrive,” the headteacher reflected. “You have your good days and you have your bad.”

“Certainly, early in teaching, you go through those weeks or half terms when you think, ‘Oh, my goodness me, is there something easier you can do?’”

He went on, “The minute that you think the job is easy, or you’ve got a really easy day in front of you, something will happen to change that.”

Mr Burton is the headteacher (Image: Channel 4)
 

The programme then cut to another teacher telling the child, as he was escorting him off the school premises, “I can see you’re angry, mate, all right. I just want you to sit, that’s all I’m asking.”

Another colleague informed Mr. Burton that he needed to return to his office due to the threats being made against him. They said, “Threats to you, threats to your house, threats to burn the school down.”

Mr Burton said to the camera, “The hardest things to deal with are when you feel as if you can’t be the advocate for the child that you want to be, and that’s heartbreaking.”

Mr Burton was overcome with emotion (Image: Channel 4)
The headteacher fought back tears as he told his colleague, “C*** that, isn’t it? You just think of the kids.

“I know he’s going through a lot. his grief… but I have got three little’uns at home. You deal with it, don’t you? But threats to burn my house down.”

Taking to X to share their thoughts, one fan said on X, “Nobody should be reduced to tears at work (coming from someone who cries at work most days.”

Another said, “Comes to something when the headmaster starts crying.”

The student was escorted off the premises (Image: Channel 4)
Another moment that left viewers reaching for the tissues was when Year 7 student Ismaeel won Year Rep.

“I’ve never been happier or more invested in someone I’ve never met before,” one viewer beamed.

“The next stop for Ismaael is No. 10,” another tweeted while a third added with a crying face emoji, “Yes, Ismaeel.”

Someone else shared, “Him getting his fellow candidates an applause. So many people could learn a thing or two about kindness from this kid.”

“In flipping tears here. That little boy is an inspiration. Bless him,” one fan beamed.