Television presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell has spoken out following the removal of the latest Have I Got News For You episode from BBC iPlayer after she made a blunder concerning Labour’s digital ID card proposals.

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On Friday evening (October 3), the Only Connect host took charge of the satirical programme, with panellists Sheila Hancock, Miles Jupp, Ian Hislop, and Paul Merton.

During one section, Victoria questioned the teams about who would gain from Sir Keir Starmer’s choice to launch the ID system, before informing them: “I was thinking of the company Multiverse, who has been chosen to run the digital ID cards scheme.”

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She went on to mention that the firm was established by Tony Blair’s son Euan, quipping: “That’s a happy coincidence, isn’t it?”.

 

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Victoria Coren Mitchell apologises as ‘Have I Got News For You’ is axed from BBC iPlayer(Image: BBC)

However, assertions that Multiverse will operate the government initiative have now been disproven by fact-checking organisation FullFact, which confirms: “This isn’t true, according to both the government and Multiverse, which is an ‘upskilling company’, not a software developer.”

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The organisation continued: “The government has not announced any partner for the project. It’s understood the government expects digital ID to be designed, built and run by an in-house team, not outsourced to external suppliers, although there has been some media speculation about whether the scheme may create opportunities for other tech firms.”

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The BBC has since issued an apology to fans online(Image: BBC/Hat Trick)

Today (October 4), Victoria has tackled the mortifying mistake with a brief statement online. Posting on X – formerly known as Twitter – she wrote: “Meanwhile, if you see a clip of me saying the ID card contract has gone to Tony Blair’s son: it hasn’t.

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“That was something I was given to ask about last night, but turns out to be incorrect. Which is bad news for the fact checkers but good news for social mobility.”

The details appear to stem from viral social media posts, but FullFact confirms there is “no evidence” of Blair’s son or the firm being linked to the scheme, despite Tony Blair’s public backing for the concept previously.

Viewers were left furious by the shocking mistake, with one posting on social media: “Not just a throwaway quip but part of the script. Someone is getting a massive telling-off for this. (I bet it will be chopped out of the iPlayer edit too).”

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Another concurred: “Oh my god. Have I Got News For You just referred to this completely false claim as a fact!” whilst someone else raged: “Absolutely astonished, Have I Got News For You just stated that Multiverse will be running the government’s digital ID scheme. An incredibly basic failure of fact-checking.”

A BBC spokesperson subsequently told Express.co.uk: “This week’s Have I Got News For You contained an inaccurate story about Euan Blair’s company, Multiverse, being chosen to develop the government’s contract to produce digital ID cards.

“Multipverse is not a software developer, and there is no evidence of any involvement in the proposed digital ID scheme; therefore, we have taken the episode off BBC iPlayer while we edit the relevant section out. We apologise for this unintentional editorial oversight.”

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In addition, a representative from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology clarified: “Claims that Multiverse has been chosen to develop the Government’s digital ID app are false. No decisions have been made on its delivery, but we expect it to be designed, built, and run by in-house Government teams – not outsourced to external suppliers.

“As we said last week, we will launch a public consultation to ensure we get the best possible input on the delivery and design of the scheme.”

The Tories ducked the big decisions and Labour is now acting to support families and put more money in people’s pockets, the Labour Party Chair Anna Turley writes

The Labour party chair urged voters to reject the “false promises and soundbites” of Nigel Farage(Image: PA)

As the Prime Minister said at Labour Party conference this week, our country stands at a fork in the road.

The choice is between a positive path of national renewal and decency with Labour. Or decline and division under Nigel Farage’s Reform. Public confidence in the power of good government collapsed after 14 long years of Tory rule.

 

That left a tough task for Labour. Fixing our country is urgent, and we know you want us to move quickly. That’s why we’re driving forwards with our plan to renew Britain. This path won’t be easy and requires courage to face up to the difficult decisions ducked by the Tories for too long.

Labour Party Chair Anna Turley claimed Kemi Badenoch wanted to take a chainsaw to public services”(Image: Roger Harris Photography)

But it also means rejecting the false promises and soundbites of Nigel Farage, who doesn’t want to unite our great nation. He peddles the politics of grievance because that’s what he feeds off. He offers no answers – only anger.

We know there is a long way to go before working people feel the long term rewards of our work in their everyday lives. But we’re rolling up our sleeves and starting to deliver the change people voted for.

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Some of that work is already making a real difference to families. Interest rates have been cut five times. Wages also rose faster in the first 10 months with Labour than in the last 10 years of the Tories, and we gave the lowest earners a pay rise. That means cheaper mortgages for aspiring homeowners and more money in people’s pockets.

We’re getting the NHS back on its feet. We’ve already delivered five million extra appointments. That’s slowly easing the 8am scramble for a doctor and the struggle to get hospital treatment. Keir Starmer’s announcement of a new online hospital will also open up faster treatment to even more patients.

Families are getting 30 hours free childcare for every child between nine months and four years, saving working parents up to £7,500 a year. We’re unlocking the dream of owning a home by overhauling the planning system to get more homes built. And we’ve secured three historic trade deals to boost jobs and economic growth.

It’s progress but not job done. We won’t be ashamed to talk about Labour’s early achievements compared to what’s on offer from opposition parties. They have no interest in the UK’s national renewal.

Nigel Farage’s policies represent a serious threat to Britain’s future and would return our country to the path of decline we saw for so long under the Tories.

We will build Britain’s renewal based on security, opportunity, and respect. This is where the fight for Britain’s future will be in the years ahead. And that’s right where Labour will be.

 

‘We must all stand against antisemitism’

The appalling terror attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall was truly shocking. The fact this took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific.

My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those tragically killed and injured. It’s vital that our communities stand together to combat this brazen hate targeted at the Jewish community.

We must all stand against and confront the deepening antisemitism we are seeing. The full weight of our government stands united in doing so. Please reach out to your neighbours and those in your community as we all stand together.

 

‘Reform would wreak havoc’

Former minister Sarah Atherton became the latest Tory to defect to Reform this week. Nigel Farage’s party has become a refuge for failed Conservative ministers – with 18 ex-Tory MPs having now jumped ship.

Over 14 years in government the same people ran our public services and the economy into the ground. The public can see that Reform’s sanctuary for failed Tories would wreak the same havoc on our country as they did

‘Badenoch should spell out which public services the Tories would take a chainsaw to’

Conservative Party conference takes place this weekend.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Argentina’s President Javier Milei – who slashed billions in spending – is “the template” for how she would govern. Argentina is now seeking a $20bn bailout from the USA. Badenoch should finally spell out which public services the Tories would take a chainsaw to

The polling guru said the public turned on the Conservatives over partygate and Liz Truss’s mini-budget, and that Kemi Badenoch had been unable to stop support collapsing

Sir John Curtice has claimed the public don’t know who Kemi Badenoch is and that the Tories have a reputation of not delivering on immigration.

The polling guru said the public turned on the Conservatives over Partygate and Liz Truss’s disastrous mini-budget, and that Ms Badenoch had been unable to stop their support collapsing. Speaking to the Mirror ahead of the Tory party conference in Manchester, Sir John also questioned whether another leader could do better, asking “who passes the charisma test”.

His insights come just a week after a YouGov MRP poll predicted the Tories to win just 45 seats at the next general election.

Polling expert Sir John Curtice explained Kemi Badenoch’s issue is “nobody knows who she is”(Image: Getty Images)

He said: “The Tories are now barely more popular with those that voted Brexit than they are with the people who voted Remain, despite being the party that delivered Brexit.

“Has Badenoch been able to deal with the challenge posed by Farage and Reform? No. Has she managed to make an impression on the public? No. Has she basically had to change tact, yes, because originally her idea was ‘we’re stuffed’, we have to wait people to forget the last parliament, we’ll spend a couple of years having a consultation thinking up some policy, then only begin to pop up again in the second half of the parliament, by which stage we hope the government is unpopular.

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Support for the Tories collapsed after Boris Johnson’s denials of partygate(Image: PA)

“In practise, she has discovered to her right is Reform, which is just eating into the party. We can debate how Labour and the Liberal Democrats are dealing with Reform, but it’s very difficult for the Tories to stand up and say we believe in a diverse country, and we think Nigel Farage is a very nasty man.”

Sir John suggested Ms Badneoch’s conference speech was a chance to introduce herself to the public, but stressed any comeback in the May elections next year would be “very difficult”.

The polling expert said the Tories were losing voters to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party(Image: PA)

He said: “The underlying thing with her numbers is not that she’s not popular, it’s that nobody knows who she is. There’s always been this remarkable mismatch between her long-standing levels of popularity among Conservative activists, and her low visibility among the wider public. She wasn’t that visible as a minister, she’s not that visible as a leader of her position.”

Ben Shephard was forced to issue an on-air apology on Wednesday after a This Morning interview took an awkward turn.

The singer, 76, joined Mr Shephard and Cat Deeley on the ITV show to open up about her battle with alcoholism.

 

During the candid conversation, Lulu recalled how those close to her had been shocked to discover she had struggled with alcohol.

“I mean, you know, my son didn’t know I was an alcoholic,” she shared. “When I went to rehab and I called him, he went, whoa, ‘whoa, wait a minute, mum, are you sure?’

Lulu dropped the ‘F’ word while talking about her alcoholism

“I said, ‘Yes.’ Elton said to me, ‘How the f*** did I miss that?”

Quickly interjecting, Mr Shepherd stated: “Elton has an interesting choice vocabulary. We just need to be careful, because it’s quite early. So apologies.”

“I’m so sorry, I am so sorry,” an embarrassed Lulu quickly responded.

The Shout hit-maker recalled being able to function in day-to-day life despite battling addiction.

Lulu swore on Wednesday’s This Morning, forcing presenters to apologise

The singer, who has been sober for more than 10 years now, shared: “I was very secretive, I was so ashamed of it.

“I would go out and have a drink, a couple of drinks. I would go home, and have another drink.

“You know you’re an alcoholic if you can’t stop. I have a lot of friends who have a drink and say, ‘Oh I’ve had enough,’ but I couldn’t do that.

“I was a highly-functioning alcoholic, that’s why nobody knew. I would fall asleep sozzled.”

Lulu went on: “I’d set the alarm, wake up for work the next day, brush myself off and go to work.

“My sister – the day was 3rd November 2013 – I had a birthday party and everyone left except my sister and her kids because two of them live with me.

“My niece said, ‘Oh so and so, he’s hanging on by his fingernails,’ talking about his problem with alcohol, and I don’t know where it came from, I said ‘He’s not the only one’.

“My sister said very kindly, ‘I know, and I’ve known for some time’. The cat was out of the bag.”

Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley had been speaking to Lulu about her alcoholism

ITV viewers, surprised to hear such language on a morning show, soon turned to social media to see if others had caught the moment, with some fuming about Lulu’s frequent appearances on the show.

One penned on X: “Can’t stand Lulu, full of herself #thismorning,” while another agreed: “NOT AGAIN LULU!! #thismorning.”

“Lulu again. Bet she’s got yet ANOTHER book out, just in time for Christmas #thismorning,” someone else added.

“I feel like Lulu should just be given her own slot on here. #ThisMorning,” another quipped.

“Can’t stand this attention seeker,” one viewer added, while one more commented: “Lulu on ITV Daytime AGAIN??!! Does she leave the studio, count up to 20 before walking straight back in again? #ThisMorning #lorraine.”

However, others found the moment hilarious, with one writing: “Lulu is a legend, she can swear as much as she wants!!!! #thismorning.”

“Lulu dropping the F Bomb on this morning… Brilliant #ThisMorning,” another shared

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has come under fire from a number of the show’s fandom following her comments to Karen Carney during Saturday’s show.

After topping the leaderboard last weekend with her Jive, Ms Carney and her pro partner Carlo Gu were hoping to replicate that success with their Week Two Tango.

However, before stepping onto the dancefloor, a VT of Ms Carney’s preparations played for viewers, where she explained why this week was proving trickier than the Jive.

“Saturday was sensational,” Ms Carney began to viewers. “I don’t think I’ve seen myself so happy since I played. Look, I get emotional.”

BBC Strictly: Karen Carney shared a health condition she’s been battling with in the ballroom

Mr Gu then weighed in: “The Tango is a fierce dance. Every movement has to be powerful, and the frame needs to be strong.”

After footage of the two struggling to nail the moves played, Ms Carney then detailed the stumbling block she and Mr Gu were contending with.

“I have this thing called Scheuermann’s,” Ms Carney told BBC viewers. “I’ve had it since I was a kid.

“It’s a curve in my spine. It’s really, really hard for me to open my back up. There’s just certain elements that I won’t be able to do as well as I’d like to, but Carlos has been really supportive, really encouraging.”

Despite the health challenge, Ms Carney and Mr Gu took to the floor to deliver their Tango, although it didn’t quite hit the heights of their Jive.

First to deliver their verdict on the judging panel was Ms Mabuse. “Obviously, first of all, thank you for sharing with us about your curved spine,” she began.

It’s what she said next that irked several watching at home. Ms Mabuse said to the former footballer: “It’s going to be something that we have to challenge to see how far we can really stretch and open up because it’s a ballroom dance and there’s a specific posture that we need.”

Continuing her critique, Ms Mabuse went on: “That being said, last week you were top of the leaderboard and there was a bit of an ease in the way you attacked.

“This week, I could feel the nerves; there was a bit of a jitterbug everywhere. Every spin – great spins by the way, lots of speed and attack – but there was a slight jitterbug with everything you did.

“It happens, it happens to us all, so I think you need to think about breathing, thinking about loosening up, connecting to your partner, and really understanding fundamentals, lower in the Tango, and finish your arms using the correct footwork, and then we’ll get there.”

Ms Carney thanked Ms Mabuse for her feedback before Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas weighed in.

She ended up with a respectable score of 20, but rather than comment on the score, several viewers at home took exception to Ms Mabuse’s comments regarding Ms Carney’s condition.

 

“So Karen says she has a curved spine and Motsi says she needs to stretch it out. What is the woman on?” one X user fumed. “Criticising someone for something they cannot do anything about is beyond ridiculous… #strictly.”

A second echoed: “Motsi being a bit harsh and too personal with mentioning the curved spine and how it may affect her scoring… It’s a medical condition. Hope she treats all other competitors with that same viewpoint! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”

Another complained: “Quite disgusted that Karen opened up about having a condition that causes a curved spine and Motsi’s reaction was to say they should ‘challenge’ it instead of accommodating it #Strictly #SCD.”

“Did Motsi just suggest that Karen has to ‘work’ on her spine curvature #strictly #issheasurgeon @bbcstrictly,” a fourth added.

And a fifth similarly hit out: “Thank u craig for adding some positives at least, god forbid someone has something they CANNOT change. you can’t fix a curved spine overnight #Strictly.” (sic)

However, others simply took to social media to praise the Lioness on her efforts.

A sixth weighed in: “Oh my days! Karen Carney is an amazing dancer! That tango – with a curvature of the spine – wow! #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.”

Fans have reacted after the results were ‘leaked’ online (Image: BBC)

The first celebrity contestant to be eliminated from the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing has been “leaked” ahead of the results. The outcome of the dreaded dance-off, filmed immediately after Saturday’s live show (October 4), will not be officially announced until Sunday night (October 5). Despite the BBC’s best efforts to keep the spoilers secret for 24 hours, the identities of the eliminated pairings have been regularly leaked online since 2012.

Once again, this year has been no different as the first couple has departed, although Express.co.uk has decided not to reveal which pair was axed.

Taking to social media, fans shared their thoughts. Posting on X/Twitter, one viewer wrote: “Absolutely the right person to have gone.”

 

Strictly’s hotly anticipated launch show aired last weekend. The opener revealed who this year’s 15 celebrities would be paired with, as they each came face-to-face with their professional dance partner in a series of specially filmed, surprise-packed sequences.

The launch also featured a dazzling group dance, with all the celebs and their partners taking to the dance floor for the first time. Plus, there was to be a sensational routine from last year’s winners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, a performance from Jessie J, and plenty of Strictly surprises, all hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

This year’s crop of stars includes a retired rugby player, a YouTuber, a Doctor Who actress, a former star on The Apprentice, a Geordie Shore icon, and a Love Island winner.

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Last year, Chris McCausland made history as the first blind contestant to take part in the BBC dance show, and beat fellow celebrity finalists Sarah Hadland, Tasha Ghouri and JB Gill to win the competition.

Chris and his pro partner Dianne Buswell performed three routines to clinch the Glitterball trophy last year.

He said after his win: “It’s astonishing. I don’t know what to say. I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two. […]

“She deserves this so much. She’s just honestly one of the easiest people to be funny with the other, and unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me.”

The win also marked another milestone, as it was the first time Dianne had won ‘Strictly’ since she joined the show in 2017.

The BBC has apologised after it temporarily withdrew Friday evening’s edition of Have I Got News For You from its streaming platform following an inaccurate claim about the government’s digital identity programme.

During the satirical quiz show, presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell stated that Multiverse, a company established by former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s son Euan, had secured the contract to operate the digital ID card system.

 

The presenter posed a question to panellists about who would profit from the ID card introduction before providing her own response.

She identified Multiverse as the selected contractor and remarked that this represented a “happy coincidence”.

The broadcaster has now acknowledged the mistake and temporarily removed the programme from BBC iPlayer whilst editing took place. It has since returned without the claim.

A BBC representative stated to Politics Home: “This week’s Have I Got News for You contained an inaccurate story about Euan Blair’s company, Multiverse, being chosen to develop the government’s contract to produce digital ID cards.”

The spokesperson confirmed that Multiverse operates as an apprenticeship and training provider rather than a software development firm.

They added: “There is no evidence of any involvement in the proposed digital ID scheme, therefore we have taken the episode off BBC iPlayer while we edit the relevant section out.

“We apologise for this unintentional editorial oversight,” the statement concluded.

Both the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Multiverse have categorically denied any connection to the digital identity project.

A government representative told the Express: “Claims that Multiverse has been chosen to develop the Government’s digital ID app are false.”

The independent fact-checking organisation Full Fact had previously investigated and disproved the allegation after it gained traction on social media platforms.

They confirmed that Multiverse functions as an “upskilling company” offering apprenticeships and artificial intelligence training, not as a software developer.

Sources indicate the government intends to develop the digital ID system internally rather than contracting external suppliers, though no formal announcements regarding partnerships have been made.

Social media users reacted with dismay to the broadcast error, which formed part of the programme’s scripted content rather than an off-the-cuff remark.

Politics Home reporter Zoë Crowther expressed shock on X, writing: “Oh my god. Have I Got News For You just referred to this completely false claim as a fact!!”

In response to Ms Crowther, several social media users responded with their astonished reactions to such an error.

“Deeply embarrassing,” one person described the slip-up, while a second echoed: “This is insane.”

Elsewhere, a third mocked the editorial standards of the corporation, typing: “@BBCverified doing its usual bang up job.”

“This is crazy,” a fourth echoed. “And such is the intellectual stature of the panel that nobody saw fit to correct her.”

And a fifth hit out: “The rot at the BBC continues. We’re already deep in the brown stuff, action can’t wait any longer.” (sic)

Prince William has been accused of making “empty promises” on royal reform by anti-monarchy campaigners, who claim the cost of the monarchy continues to rise despite fewer working royals.

The criticism came from Republic, which issued a strongly worded statement following the Prince of Wales’s recent interview for a programme with Canadian actor Eugene Levy.

 

The campaign group accused the heir to the throne of “shameless spin and dishonesty”, suggesting his remarks on change in the monarchy amounted to little more than public relations.

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, said: “The royals have been promising reform for decades. It’s all empty promises, an attempt to deflect from rising criticism and falling support.

Prince William accused of ‘empty promises’ on reform by anti-monarchy group

“The only thing William wants to slim down is his tax bill. The cost of the monarchy continues to rise, despite a fall in the number of front-line royals.”

Mr Smith claimed: “William and his family cost the country more than half a billion pounds a year. This is blatant abuse of public money and public office.

“He has refused to disclose his taxes, he demands greater secrecy under the guise of privacy, he continues to take a publicly funded personal income of more than £20m a year from the Duchy of Cornwall.

“William is not a man interested in reform, but in protecting his own privilege. His soft-soap media appearances need to be met with hard-nosed journalism and exposure.”

Graham Smith is very critical of the monarch

Republic’s claim that the monarchy costs more than half a billion pounds annually is based on its own analysis, which includes estimated security expenses not published in the Sovereign Grant.

The official annual report for 2023–24 put the cost of the monarchy through the Sovereign Grant at £86.3million, equivalent to £1.29 per person.

The report stated that income from the Crown Estate had delivered record profits to the Treasury, with the monarch receiving 25 per cent of those profits to fund official duties.

The Duchy of Cornwall, inherited by Prince William in 2022, provides him with an income that is used to cover both official and private expenses.

While campaigners argue this amounts to taxpayer support, the Duchy is legally defined as a private estate, though it is not subject to corporation tax. Prince William, like King Charles before him, has chosen not to publish his personal tax returns.

Polling suggests the monarchy retains majority support in the United Kingdom, though surveys have recorded lower levels of enthusiasm among younger generations.

A YouGov poll conducted in April 2024 found that 58 per cent of Britons believed the country should continue to have a monarchy, compared with 26 per cent who preferred an elected head of state.

Republic has said it will continue to campaign for the abolition of the monarchy and greater public scrutiny of royal finances.

Prince William is entitled to the Duchy of Cornwall’s annual profits | PA

Its comments follow Prince William’s appearance on The Reluctant Traveler, an Apple TV series hosted by Mr Levy.

During the programme, which was filmed at Windsor Castle, the 43-year-old Prince spoke about his hopes for the future, saying it was “safe to say change is on my agenda” when asked about the direction of his eventual reign.

The Prince also reflected on the impact of a difficult year in which both Princess Kate and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer, describing the past 12 months as “the worst year of my life”.

He spoke about family pressures, his children’s activities and his desire to bring “change for good” when he becomes King.

“We Will Take Back Control of Britain’s Borders,” Says Tory Leader in Pre-Conference Blitz to Outflank Nigel Farage

Kemi Badenoch has unveiled a sweeping new immigration plan that would see up to 150,000 illegal migrants deported from Britain every year, as she positions herself as the uncompromising defender of national sovereignty ahead of her keynote speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.

In a bold move clearly aimed at reclaiming ground from Nigel Farage and Reform UK, Mrs Badenoch released a detailed seven-part Borders Plan on Sunday night, pledging to “end the migrant crisis once and for all.”

Her proposals include banning asylum claims for all illegal entrants, withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and repealing the Human Rights Act — measures designed to remove what she calls “the legal shackles that have tied Britain’s hands for decades.”

Under her plan, all new illegal arrivals would be deported within seven days of landing on British shores. Foreign criminals would also face automatic removal, while key legal challenges — including Immigration Tribunals, Judicial Reviews, and legal aid for immigration cases — would be abolished entirely.

Other measures include signing new returns agreements with safe third countries, backed by visa sanctions for nations refusing to cooperate, and increasing British support to foreign allies to stop illegal migration before it reaches Europe’s borders.

In a foreword co-signed with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, Badenoch said the UK must finally “restore control” of its borders and end the era of “political paralysis and endless legal obstruction.”

“After careful consideration, we have concluded that the only way to protect our country’s borders is to leave the ECHR and repeal the Human Rights Act in a way that is orderly and well thought-out,” the document reads.
“This is only the first step — but it is essential. We must fix the whole broken system and restore control of our borders, while continuing to protect human rights in a way that is faithful to our democratic heritage.”

Mrs Badenoch and Mr Philp also confirmed that a separate plan to cut legal migration — including a strict numerical cap, tougher citizenship requirements, and stricter rules for those with Indefinite Leave to Remain — will be published later this year.

The move marks a significant escalation in the Tory Party’s battle for the right-wing vote, as Badenoch seeks to outflank Farage and reclaim support among voters disillusioned by years of failed immigration promises.

Her supporters see the document as proof that she is “the only leader serious about fixing Britain’s borders.” But critics have already branded the plan “unworkable, reckless, and legally impossible”, warning that withdrawal from the ECHR could trigger a major diplomatic crisis with Europe.

As Badenoch prepares to address party members in Manchester this week, one thing is certain: her Borders Plan has already reignited one of the fiercest debates in modern British politics — how far Britain is willing to go to “take back control.”

Craig Revel Horwood nearly slipped and fell on Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, 60, was back in his seat on the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke where he had spent much of the evening dishing out his typically-acerbic critique to celebrities like Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison and Ross King.

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Just before Balvinder Sopal, who is known to fans of BBC soap EastEnders for playing Suki Panesar on the long-running programme, took to the stage, Craig leapt out of his seat once it became apparent that his ‘favourite’ routine was about to be performed. The TV star is a huge fan of the Charletson, and excitedly skipped around in front of the cameras.

Tess Daly was just about to introduce Balvinder to the stage, and laughed as Craig excitedly performed a few seconds of the famous routine. But the move didn’t necessarily go down too well with viewers at home as they noticed straight away that he almost lost his footing.

 

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The TV star is a huge fan of the Charleston and excitedly skipped around in front of the cameras.(Image: BBC)

One fan wrote on X: “Craig being iconic but also nearly slipping there,” whilst another said: “Craig nearly slipping lmfaoooo” A third simply asked: “What the hell was that Craig?” whilst a fourth said: “Thought i was about to watch Craig faceplant onto the floor there for a sec.” Another added: “What was that all about with Craig? Really cringe & annoying,get back in your box mate!”

Balvinder then took to the stage alongside her professional partner Julian Caillon to perform the dance, all set to Been Like This by Meghan Trainor. They received a score of 30, made up of two sevens and two eights.

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But Craig’s dancing moment wasn’t the only thing fans issued a complaint over during the second live show of this year’s series. As soon as the programme began, viewers took issue with the fact that presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly do not get their own introduction, even though the judges do.

One wrote: “Okay…..no intros for Tess and Claudia” and another said: “So Tess and Claudia don’t get introduced anymore” In agreement, a third viewer said: “I hate the way Tess and Claudia don’t get an intro now but the judges do!”

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The moment got viewers at home talking(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

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It was Amber Davies’ night in the end, though, as the former Love Island winner and musical theatre star topped the leaderboard with a score of 56, when combining her scores from this week and the first week of the show.

To make things extra special for the West End actress, she celebrated her 29th birthday on Saturday and was surprised with a cake that came with a picture of her and her professional partner Kai Widdrington printed onto it. Just hours before the show, he surprised her with a large bouquet of flowers along with a Happy Birthday balloon.

The moment was captured on video, and Amber, who will star as Elle Woods in next year’s UK tour of Legally Blonde: The Musical, captioned the Instagram post saying: “Little me would never believe I would be celebrating my last birthday in my twenties on the Strictly ballroom dancefloor.”

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She added: “Golden star for the most fab pro partner ever @nikita__kuzmin !!! He remembered guys best birthday EVER !!!! @bbcstrictly (he did infact say happy 40th birthday whilst handing me this gift..) Thank you so much for all the birthday love, time to celebrate with a SAMBAAAAA.”

And friends and family wasted no time in sending their best wishes to Amber. One person wrote: “Happy birthday beautiful!!! What a special day it’s going to be! The last year of your twenties is going to be the best

Meanwhile, It Takes Two’s roving reporter and former Strictly finalist Tasha Ghouri wrote: “Happy birthday lovely!! ” And Sue Davies, Amber’s mother, penned: “A very special birthday my girl love you so much .”