BBC

Flowers and candles have been left outside the Bondi Pavilion in tribute to the 15 people who were killed in the Bondi Beach attack.

BBC News Australia correspondent Katy Watson says there has been a “constant flow” of mourners coming to pay their respects to the victims.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who left flowers at the memorial.

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Strictly Come Dancing could be set for more big changes to go alongside Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s decision to step away from presenting duties at the end of the current series

Strictly bosses are reportedly eyeing up a big change for the scandal-hit show. Insiders claim the BBC dance contest could be about to up sticks and move north.

Currently, the long-running series is being filmed at a studio in Elstree, Hertfordshire. But reports suggest Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer is “thinking seriously” about relocating to Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester.

It would see the show move to Dock 10, which is a purpose built studio complex in Media City. And it’s claimed any move would also see the show get a new boss with speculation rife over whether long-standing executive producer Sarah James is currently overseeing her final Strictly contest.

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A source told MailOnline: “She [Kate Phillips] is thinking about it seriously.” A TV insider also told The Sun: “A shift to Salford would be seismic.

“It would also make sense on many levels, but mostly from a PR perspective. It’s a clear statement of intent from the Beeb, who want to draw a line under the show’s troubled time at Elstree.

“There is a lingering sense of anguish that now seems to hover around the show and it’s one that bosses really want to dispel.”

And the source also claimed the move would be “logical in many ways”. However, a BBC spokesperson has since told the Mirror: “There are no plans to move Strictly Come Dancing, any suggestion is pure speculation.”

The show has been hit with a number of controversies and scandals in recent years. And there will also be new presenters from the next series after the announcement that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are stepping away from their duties.

After shocking fans with their statement part way through the current series, speculation quickly mounted about who will replace the dynamic duo. And professional dancer Ian Waite, who appeared on the show from 2004 until 2009, has shared who he thinks will be a great replacement for the pair.

Speaking to Reach about Tess and Claudia’s decision to leave the show on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Ian said: “I think it was a big, big shock for everybody that they decided to leave but when you’ve been doing something so long.

“Tess has been doing it for 21 years, it’s a long time to be doing any job. She might want to just move on to do different things and Claudia’s got Traitors, which is huge now So I can understand why they made the decision.

“I think they’ve been amazing but wouldn’t it be nice to have two men presenting this time just to spice it up? It’s been very much female presenter led.

“The main show and It Takes Two, so it would be nice to see some male presenters back in there just to balance it up. I think the public would like to see it.”

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Actor Sir David Jason, known for playing Del Boy in the hit show Only Fools and Horses will discuss the sitcom and show unseen footage in new series

Sir David Jason has insisted “the love for Only Fools has never faded” after reuniting with cast members from the beloved sitcom for a new documentary series.

Celebrating the show’s 45th anniversary, Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive will air behind-the-scenes footage as well as material that the series producer said was “filmed but never broadcast”.

The sitcom, which was a ratings smash hit for the BBC, including at Christmas, first aired on September 8 1981 and proved to be a career-defining role for Sir Jason, who played Del Boy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played his brother Rodney.

Announcing the new UKTV documentary series, Sir David, 85, said: “The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts. Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.”

The two-part series features interviews with cast and crew and includes archival material from more than 10 classic episodes, including The Jolly Boys’ Outing and Mother Nature’s Son.

In interviews, cast members including Sir David, Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra) and Sue Holderness (Marlene) pay tribute to creator John Sullivan, who died in 2011 at the age of 64.

Further discoveries, which didn’t make it into the original episodes due to timing or structural constraints include new material from the episodes He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle, Mother Nature’s Son, Time On Our Hands. There is also an unseen opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from The Class Of ’62.

Clips have been digitally scanned and restored from 16mm negatives, meaning the cast appear in high definition. Sean Doherty, director and series producer, said: “Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys.

“The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material – 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn’t fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming. We’ve truly been spoilt for choice.”

Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s head of factual and factual entertainment, commissioning, said: “Only Fools And Horses is part of the national DNA.

“With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best. This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who’ve loved it for decades.”

In 2019 a musical adaptation of Only Fools And Horses starring Paul Whitehouse opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and it toured across the UK and Ireland in 2024 and 2025.

In 2022 on Only Fools and Horses actor Michael Fenton Stevens told how many jokes were lost from the sitcom over time due to time constraints.

Speaking on the Only Fools and Horses podcast he recalled his own episode and said: “It was a very big programme by then. I was in Series 6 and it had just gone to 40 minutes so they had the extra time to do things. That was the point by which they had turned into mini plays, they were just beautiful.

“They did that because John Sullivan would always write 10 minutes more than was needed. So every half hour script has 10 minutes of material which was cut. If you can find the original scripts from before they were printed to be used in the studio, if you can get them from when he was writing – and they must be somewhere, his family must have them on record, I think – it would be brilliant to read through all those bits that were cut.” The extra scenes and gags from Del Boy and Rodney were filmed, only to be omitted in the final edit.

The sitcom featured the colourful escapades of market trader Del Boy and his less streetwise younger brother Rodney as they went through the highs and lows of life trying to become rich.

The characters lived in Peckham with Grandad, played by Leonard “Lennard” Pearce, and their friends included Trigger, played by Roger Lloyd Pack, and Boycie, played by John Challis.

* Two part series Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive will be airing on U&GOLD in 2026.

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AFTER nearly two decades of filling Saturday lunchtimes with her wit and warm charm, Zoe Ball is stepping away from her BBC Radio 2 show.

The beloved presenter will air her final programme on December 20, bringing an end to a chapter that has made her a fixture of British radio.

Her announcement comes after she was included in the BBC’s “Golden Ten” shortlist of presenters tested for the perfect on-screen partnership to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

The Sun revealed that Zoe Ball was one of the ten stars put through their paces in order to find the perfect on screen partnership in a top-secret chemistry test.

The news has sparked excitement that Ball could be in the running to replace Tess and Claudia as Strictly Come Dancing host.

Earlier this series, the duo dropped a bombshell, revealing they would be stepping away from the beloved BBC dance show for the final time.

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Bookies have now suspended betting on who the replacements could be following Ball’s announcement.

Amid all these changes, there have also been personal developments in her life.

Zoe revealed she has a mystery “lodger” who, she joked, has “won more awards” than her.

The Radio 2 presenter dropped the hint on her “Dig It” podcast, confessing that her multimillion-pound pad now has a very special new resident.

While Zoe has hinted at a mystery man, the status of their relationship remains unclear.

Her last public romance was with construction worker Michael Reed, which ended in 2023.

Zoe was married to DJ Norman Cook (better known as Fatboy Slim) for 18 years, before splitting in 2016.

The couple, who co-parent their children Woody and Nelly, have stayed close since their split, with Norman even calling Zoe his “soulmate.”

It comes after Zoe quit the Radio 2 breakfast show at the end of 2024 following the heartbreaking loss of her mum, Julia Peckham, to cancer in April last year.

She left the coveted slot she’d held for six years to “focus on family,” and took a four-and-a-half month break from the radio following her mother’s death.

At the time, Zoe shared a touching tribute to her late mum on social media, saying: “Sleep tight dear Mama. 

“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.”

Opening up about her grief, Zoe revealed she found the first birthday of her mum, Julia, since her death especially hard.

She said: “It’s a year and a bit since we lost mum, and I found her birthday this year, the toughest, the toughest, you know, a whole year later.

“That was brutal. It was a week of absolute weeping, I still get quite emotional sort of talking about mum, even now.”

Speaking on her podcast, Zoe choked back tears as she admitted suffering an “emotional breakdown” during a this “brutal” period of her life last year.

The presenter bravely told how she was left unable to move on the kitchen floor after being struck down with grief following her mum’s passing.

It’s been a chaotic time for Zoe and her family with her dad, TV legend Johnny Ball, revealing earlier this year he had been secretly fighting prostate cancer.

The 87-year-old broadcaster endured three brutal months of daily radiation treatment back in 2022, but is now “through it” and feeling”fine”.

She has admitted she occasionally questions whether leaving her flagship BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show was the right move, after stepping down to spend more time with her teenage daughter.

This year brought another blow when a yob smashed Zoe’s car window and stole her handbag while she was appearing on The One Show.

“Someone had smashed the front window of my car, that’s never happened to me before,” she revealed.

Initially frozen from the shock of the attack, she said: “I got in and I had a massive cry.”

Despite leaving her regular radio show, she promises fans she isn’t disappearing completely, with special broadcasts lined up over the festive season and into the new year.

The 55-year-old broadcasting favourite is set to be replaced by presenter Emma Willis.

She said: “I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh (Ranganathan) and Rylan (Clark), and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely.

“Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners and I’m doing an eras show in the new year, more on that later.

“But I am thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands, because there is a superwoman who is no stranger to you all, but this does mean that she will officially become a member of the Radio 2 family.“

The adored host first took to the air as co-host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show nearly thirty years ago, before becoming the first female DJ to host the primetime slot solo.

Zoe was the BBC’s second-highest paid presenter while she was hosting the coveted morning slot, pocketing £950,000 between April 2023 and 2024, just behind Gary Lineker.

Zoe had been one of the contenders to replace the much-loved pair on Strictly, amongst others including Alan Carr and Rylan Clark.

After quitting her radio show, the mum-of-two is now pipping the rest at the top.

Emma Willis, who is due to replace Ball on her Radio 2 show from next weekend, said:

Willis said: “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family, and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore.

“I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!”

EXCLUSIVE: Countryfile and Good Morning Britain presenter Sean Fletcher got emotional as he opened up about losing his mum to bowel cancer eight years ago and running the London Marathon in her memory

Sean Fletcher, known for his roles on Countryfile and Good Morning Britain, has candidly discussed the loss of his mother to cancer and his ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the devastating disease. Besides being a TV presenter and father, Sean is also an avid outdoorsman and runner.

The Countryfile host has recently partnered with GO Outdoors and is now the face of their AW collection. Discussing the new range and the positive impact of outdoor activities on his mental health, Sean said, “So I suppose quite a few of the programmes I do are outdoors, so that’s the first thing, and so, it is either you’re doing some activity outdoors, or meeting people who work and live outdoors.”

He added, “So, it’s a real dream job, because you’re meeting people who are doing something on the land. They do something outside. It might be a farmer, it might be some activities, a person who jumps off cliffs, or something like that, and they’re really passionate about something they do outdoors.”

Sean continued, “I came to this conclusion a long time ago, but it’s just so nourishing. It’s really great for your mental well-being, and personally, I feel that going out recharges my batteries. Whether you’re in a London park or in a place like that, in the middle of nowhere, and you’re being battered by the weather. I just feel really nourished, and I feel better, and I always feel better about being outdoors.

“So, yeah, working with GO Outdoors really makes sense, and then we talk about the growing mental health crisis, and obviously, there are serious mental health issues, but there are people who are struggling on a lower level and going out to these things that are all of ours. It’s all of our countryside,” reports the Express.

The BBC presenter continued, “I just feel really passionate about whether you’re the pensioner who lives in a nice village in the Cotswolds, or you’re a kid from a disadvantaged background in Manchester, it’s all of ours, and it should be accessible to all of us. And part of that is clothing, making it accessible so you can participate in those things.

“They all sort of tie in and kind of by accident, you know, I’ve got into doing some of these things in my work, and I realised that the outdoors was good for me, and then I thought, ‘Oh, actually, it’s good for everyone’, and then I’m working with GO Outdoors because clothing is an important part of that.”

Sean discussed some of his go-to pieces from the range, highlighting a Peter Storm 3-in-1 jacket, whilst emphasising that “layers are important”.

The journalist, who is also an avid runner, spoke candidly about losing his mother to cancer and completing the London Marathon in her honour. The GO Outdoors ambassador revealed he was approached by a GMB producer to participate in the London Marathon for the programme, and despite initial hesitation, Sean described it as the best thing he had ever done.

He revealed: “So my mum had died of bowel cancer eight years before, and so I was an ambassador for Bowel Cancer UK, and it’s emotional, it’s hard, it’s really hard. But I remember I was crying, and what’s so good about the London Marathon is that there are just so many people supporting you.

“Everybody you look at, they’re running for someone who’s died, or someone’s struggling, or a charity that they’re raising money for. It’s just such a feel-good event, and it was amazing, so I ran around four in a row.”

Reflecting on the moment she died, Sean said, “It was all quite quick. It was eight years before, but she kind of kept it from me, and didn’t tell me that she had bowel cancer. And I lived in Wales, and she lived in East Essex, so quite a long way to get to. It took five hours, so I’d have to arrange trips to come and see her.

“She masked it quite well and made sure she was in the hospital, and then I remember visiting her once when she was ill, and she was in the hospital. I went to the ward, and I remember just looking around, thinking, like, ‘gosh, everybody looks very ill’.

“You know, it looked like everybody was very close to death, and so I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ I mean, I’m a journalist. I was like, ‘Well, I’ve got to ask some questions. ‘ So I asked the doctor, and they said, ‘Well, you need to ask your mum, she needs to be the one to tell you’.

“So anyway, I thought, oh, there’s something wrong here. So I quizzed them all, and managed to find out, and three and a half weeks later, she was dead.”

Sean started to become emotional as he recalled, “It was just horrific, and for two of those weeks, I mean, it actually gets me now, those weeks she didn’t talk, so I literally had a week and a half with her because she just spiralled really quickly. It was heartbreaking.”

Sean is a proud ambassador for GO Outdoors, the UK’s largest outdoor retailer. You can shop his autumn-winter collection online or in-store now.

Shirley Ballas has admitted that she has had her fair share of sleepless nights after this year’s season of Strictly took an unexpected turn when Lewis Cope was eliminated

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has admitted she was left wide awake all night after Lewis Cope’s emotional exit from the competition.

While on BBC spin-off show It Takes Two, Shirley opened up to host Fleur East about the toll this stage of the competition has taken on her, especially as the remaining couples edge closer to the final.

When Fleur asked how she was feeling with the semi-final less than 24 hours away, Shirley replied sombrely: “Well I didn’t sleep yesterday, I didn’t sleep when Lewis got eliminated and I probably won’t sleep tonight because you never know where the show is going to go at the moment.”

She went on to explain just how unpredictable this year’s contest has become, adding: “It is not set and it could be anyone who goes home and anyone who can win, so it will be very interesting tomorrow.”

Lewis, who is best known to viewers for his role on Emmerdale, was eliminated last week after going head-to-head with Love Island star Amber Davies in the dreaded dance-off.

Many fans were devastated to see him leave just before the semi-finals. But Lewis spoke fondly of his time on Strictly after his exit, saying: “It’s been more than I could have ever wished for. If someone would have said that I’d have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I’d have been over the moon and snap their hand off.”

He went on to thank the show and his professional partner Katya Jones, telling her: “You’ve literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher, and yeah, I couldn’t imagine it with anybody else.”

An emotional Katya returned the praise, calling Lewis one of the most memorable contestants the show has seen. “You will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we’ve ever had on the show,” she said, adding that he would also be remembered for being “an incredible person”.

Away from the ballroom, Lewis’s girlfriend Rachel Lopez also spoke out following his exit, hitting back at viewers’ claims that he had an unfair advantage due to his musical theatre background.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote: “What most people never saw was the pressure you carried, especially with people assuming you would walk in as a trained dancer (which you absolutely weren’t!).”

Rachel praised Lewis for handling the criticism he received with grace, adding: “The heartbreak isn’t a sign you have failed, it just shows how much courage you had.”

On It Takes Two Shirley went on to offer some quick advice to the remaining couples ahead of the semi-final, encouraging Amber and Nikita to “bend knees and have a lot of fun,” while calling for more “connection and partnering” from some of the other contestants.

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BBC bosses have reportedly selected their top ten options for replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as Strictly Come Dancing hosts, and they are set to undergo ‘chemistry tests’

The BBC is ramping up its search for the next faces of Strictly Come Dancing, with insiders revealing that a shortlist of ten high-profile presenters is set to be put through intense on-screen chemistry tests as the corporation prepares for a new era of the hit show.

Now that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are stepping down from the series after more than two decades at the helm, bosses are said to be leaving nothing to chance.

According to insider sources, a “Golden Ten” have been assembled to take part in a secret studio session next month where presenters will reportedly be paired up in various combinations to see who has the strongest rapport on camera.

A source told The Sun: “Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task, but the BBC have whittled down the talent to ten people. They will go to a studio and be put into different pairs to see who works together best.”

Some of the frontrunners are Bradley Walsh, The One Show’s Alex Jones and British comedian Alan Carr, who is understood to be the current favourite among senior BBC figures.

Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond and Angela Scanlon are also taking part. The source added: “It could be two women or two men paired, or a mix. They will ultimately choose whoever has the best chemistry in each partnership.”

Some contenders already have tried and tested on-screen dynamics. Rylan and Rob currently front a BBC travel series together, while Alan and Amanda host a home renovation show.

Meanwhile, Zoe Ball is seen as a safe pair of hands after previously presenting the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two. Alan’s growing appeal at the BBC has reportedly pushed him into first place among the talent being considered.

Given he is fresh off winning the Celebrity Traitors and has just recently landed a new quiz show, insiders believe he could bring a whole new audience to the ballroom.

Meanwhile, Strictly fans are bracing themselves for a sad goodbye to Tess and Claudia. The pair announced their decision to leave the show in October, explaining that it felt like “the right time” to step away after years at the helm.

Tess, who has presented Strictly since its launch in 2004, and Claudia, who joined in 2014, insisted they were always determined to leave together, calling their partnership “an absolute dream”.

The duo hosted Strictly for their penultimate episode tonight, and have already filmed their final Christmas special. Those at the recording studio said emotions were running high, with one insider revealing: “Tess was wiping away tears. The last Strictly episode next week is going to be emotional.”

The presenters were recently honoured with a touching message from the widow of the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, Wilnelia Forsyth, who praised both women for the “laughter, the elegance and the heart” they brought to the show.

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Series two of the Death in Paradise spin-off, Return to Paradise, concludes tonight

Return to Paradise concludes tonight, leaving fans wondering if Glenn and Daisy will tie the knot. The Death in Paradise spin-off, set in Australia, has been a massive hit with viewers, particularly after Anna Samson, portraying DI Mackenzie Clarke, stepped into the role of the show’s first female lead.

The synopsis for tonight’s climactic finale hints, “Mack is forced to interrupt Glenn and Daisy’s wedding when a guest collapses and dies, apparently poisoned by a fast-acting toxin present on the surface of a programme for the event.

“The happy couple are distinctly unhappy when the proceedings are halted, and it may be that Mack has finally pushed Glenn too far.”

However, after six thrilling episodes of the BBC drama, series two of Return to Paradise will draw to a close. The show, which typically airs every Friday at 8pm, will make way for the Celebrity Masterchef Final next week.

The synopsis for the upcoming show, scheduled to air between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, December 19, states, “Fifteen famous faces started the battle to become Celebrity MasterChef Champion 2025 and now only three remain,” reports the Express.

“The finalists must now cook and present a three-course meal for Grace Dent and John Torode, who will be expecting only the very best. The title is within reach – but any flaws in their cooking could see the contestants losing their grip on the trophy.”

Although the second series of Return to Paradise has wrapped up, devoted viewers needn’t fret, as both Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise are set to deliver festive treats with a special Christmas episode arriving on screens this month.

Kris Marshall is returning as DI Humphrey Goodman in Beyond Paradise, joined once again by Sally Bretton as his beloved Martha Lloyd.

The Christmas special’s synopsis reveals: “When Esther discovers a man on the steps of the Shipton Abbott police station with no memory, holding a photo of Humphrey, the team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases.”

It continues: “At the same time, with the help of Anne, Zoe and a special guest, Martha races to pull off her secret plan while Kelby tries to help a mystery man trapped inside his snowman costume. But with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?”

Meanwhile, Don Gilet returns as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise, alongside Shantol Jackson reprising her role as his partner, Naomi Thomas.

The festive episode of Death in Paradise promises intrigue, as the synopsis reveals: “The office Christmas party of a lifetime takes a dark turn when four co-workers wake up to find a stranger dead in the pool of their Caribbean villa. DI Mervin Wilson and the team identify the murder weapon, but they’re left baffled when they find that it was locked in a drawer when the murder took place… thousands of miles away from the crime scene, in Swindon!

“Stuck in Saint Marie, the team calls on the help of a familiar face to crack the case. Meanwhile, Mervin’s anxiously waiting to hear back from his newly discovered brother, which prevents him from embracing Saint Marie’s Christmas celebrations. Can Mervin resolve his family situation and get into the festive spirit – for the sake of his team and the island?”

Viewers can catch Return to Paradise on BBC iPlayer.

Friday, 9 January

Wrexham v Nottingham Forest (19:30 GMT) – TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

Saturday, 10 January

Macclesfield v Crystal Palace (12:15) – BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 2 and discovery+

Tottenham v Aston Villa (17:45) – BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 2, 1 and discovery+

Charlton v Chelsea (20:00) – TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

Sunday, 11 January

Derby County v Leeds United (12:00) – TNT Sports 2 and discovery+

Portsmouth v Arsenal (14:00) – TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

Manchester United v Brighton (16:30) – TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

Monday, 12 January

Liverpool v Barnsley (19:45) – TNT Sports 1 and discovery+

HOLLYWOOD star Timothee Chalamet has finally broken his silence on rumours he is living a secret double life as Scouse rapper EsDeeKid.

The Call Me By Your Name actor, 29, has faced increasing speculation over the past few weeks that he is the man behind EsDeeKid – one of this year’s biggest rap breakthroughs in the UK.

EsDeeKid has never revealed his identity or anything connected to his personal life and keeps his face covered by masks at all time.

However, social media became awash with theories that the rap star was actually New Yorker Timothee thanks to a series of coincidences.

Now, the Wonka star has addressed the rumours for the first time in an interview on BBC Radio One with Greg James ahead of the release of his next movie, Marty Supreme.

Greg simply started by saying the name EsDeeKid to Timothee to which he quickly said: “No comment.”

united front

Kylie Jenner & Timothee Chalamet hit back at split rumors & match outfits

SECRET STAR

Wild theory Timothee Chalamet is secretly performing as Brit rapper EsDeeKid

The actor then coyly added with a smirk upon his face: “All will be revealed in due time.”

Greg then went on to explain the theory and showed Timothee images of EsDeeKid in which his piercing blue eyes, which bear a striking resemblance to the Dune actor’s, could be seen through gaps in his masks.

The radio host asked Timothee if he agreed that they were “beautiful eyes”, with the actor simply replying: “Yes.”

Greg then asked once again if the star was him leaving Timothee to repeat: “All… will be revealed in due time.”

Little is known about EsDeeKid but he began to emerge in 2023 and achieved recognition for his 2024 song Bally.

He previously revealed he still lived in the council house he grew up in.

His debut album, Rebel, released this June has become one of the most popular hip-hop albums of the year after reaching the top ten in the UK as well as charting in America and Australia.

Speculation that Timothee is behind the mask gained traction online last month.

“Their eyes are extremely similar, I haven’t seen anything like it,” wrote one user on Reddit earlier this month.

While another user was convinced they have the same hands: “Guys i did a huge analysis looking at pics of Timothy’s hands VS Esdee kids hands. Same exact hands. Same vein placement and everything. I should make a video about it because it’s literally proof.”

Their similar fashion sense has also been used as a way of comparison between the two.

Timothee is currently in the UK ahead of the release of his new movie, Marty Supreme.

He was seen getting cosy with girlfriend Kylie Jenner at the launch of the film earlier this week where they coordinated in matching orange Chrome Hearts outfits.

The couple have been dating for almost three years having first been linked in April 2023 but have often kept their romance private and under wraps.

BBC Question Time host Fiona Bruce had some important news to share during tonight’s show – Fiona paused a debate surrounding the lifting of the two-child benefit cap to make the announcement

Question Time host Fiona Bruce made a huge announcement about the BBC show’s future during tonight’s episode.

Thursday evening’s panel consisted of Stephen Flynn, Anas Sarwar, Russell Findlay, Angela Haggerty and Lord Malcolm Offord, who has defected to Reform. The current affairs debate was coming from Paisley in Scotland.

After discussing the two child benefit cap Fiona said: “It’s been quite hard work this programme really to get a word in edgeways with you guys but we’re going to try aren’t we.” She then shared some important news about the programme’s future.

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She said: “Before we get to the next question, we want to say this is our last show of 2025. We’re back on January 22 in Macclesfield. So if you live in or around Macclesfield and you would like to come and be part of the audience, apply (on) our website, and hopefully we will see you there on the 22nd of January.”

After the brief announcement the panel continued answering questions from audience members. James Sinclair put a question to the panel about the percentage of children in schools who don’t speak English as a first language.

When does the show take breaks throughout the year and why?

This break is just one of the usual breaks which the show takes as they work around Parliament’s schedule. Since the MPs will not be sitting over the festive season the show takes the opportunity to go off air.

They also break for a couple of weeks at Easter, the dates vary depending on when the holiday falls. There is a further and longer break of around 6 weeks during Parliament’s summer recess.

BBC Question Time returns on January 22 in Macclesfield and then on January 29 in King’s Lynn.

Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP at Westminster shared his outrage at Donald Trump’s comments about Europe “decaying” on BBC Question Time’s discussion from Paisley tonight

Panelists and audience members on BBC Question Time tonight were fuming with Donald Trump’s claims about Europe “decaying”.

On the panel tonight was Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP at Westminster, Anas Sarwar MSP, leader of the Scottish Labour party, Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Reform UK member, Malcolm Offord and Journalist Angela Haggerty.

After making an important announcement about the show’s future Fiona swiftly moved on to discuss Donald Trump‘s comments towards Europe with the wider audience and the panel. She said: “Donald Trump said about European leaders ‘I think they’re weak and I also think they want to be so politically correct I think they don’t know what to do’. That’s pretty unflattering about Kier Starmer isn’t it?”

READ MORE: Question Time host Fiona Bruce halts show to make huge announcement

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Stephen Flynn said: “I’m pretty outraged at the fact that when we’re at war on our continent, and we are at war with Russia, our most trusted ally is choosing proactively to try and divide Europe. I think that does the United States of America a massive disservice and I also think it does all of us a disservice.”

An audience member said: “My problem with Donald Trump is we give him too much respect, he doesn’t give us any respect. As the most powerful man in the world supposedly, his behaviour is appalling… to me he’s an absolute disgrace to be the President of the United States.”

Another audience member chimed in saying: “Donald Trump is driven by money, nothing else. He is busy trying to cosy up to Putin because he reckons he’ll get a good deal there… everything he thinks about is money, money, money, how much can he make and apparently he has made an absolute fortune, him and his family.”

Malcolm Offord said: “The American point of view on this is that Europe doesn’t seem to want to defend its own borders and how long does America keep paying for that?”

Russell Findlay refuted Trump’s claims Europe is “decaying” but did address his concerns about the future and the safety in the UK. He said: “Well, the world is incredibly dangerous and volatile, and we should all think very seriously about our safety in this country… I’m deeply, deeply,deeply concerned about the future.”

BBC Question Time returns on January 22 in Macclesfield and then on January 29 in King’s Lynn.

Outgoing Celebrity MasterChef presenter John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner have issued a career update

Celebrity chefs John Torode and Lisa Faulkner have revealed exciting news for their devoted followers, announcing the launch of their very own YouTube channel straight from their home kitchen.

In an introduction filmed at their residence, John – who can currently be seen in his final-ever series of Celebrity MasterChef – welcomed viewers: “Welcome to our new YouTube channel, and to our home kitchen.”

Lisa added: “This is in our home, we are cooking all our recipes from home, in our kitchen – which is great, because we know where everything is – and we really hope you’re going to join us to see our family favourites.”

He teased a diverse menu, promising “celebratory food, food from all round the world, whether it be spaghetti with a tomato sauce, Korean fried chicken and a sticky sauce to go with it, all the way through to scones and jam and cream.”

His ITV presenter wife continued: “Yes, lovely puddings. You will get proper family favourites, old-fashioned things that just remind us of our childhood, and new and exciting food.”

Offering reassurance to aspiring home cooks, the couple guaranteed: “We promise you that every single recipe we make, if you follow it, it will work every single time.”

John clarified: “You know that because we test them, we try them and we cook them at home. If they don’t work, they don’t make the channel,” reports the Express.

Lisa confirmed their commitment, revealing: “We’ll be dropping new recipes every single week and we’ll be cooking them here so you can see that they work.”

In a heartwarming moment between the couple, John celebrated Lisa’s contribution to their culinary venture “as a mum cook”, whilst she returned the compliment with equal enthusiasm.

Lisa beamed: “We’ve got the old monsieur chef here who’s so brilliant at what he does.

“You’ve been a chef for years and years, you’ve had restaurants, there is nothing you don’t know about food and nothing you don’t like about food. All of your knowledge is coming to this channel.”

The duo wrapped up their message with an appeal to viewers, urging them: “Please subscribe and don’t forget to hit the bell icon – that’s it!”

Celebrity MasterChef is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

A shortlist of six contenders has been announced for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2025.

Footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, darts player Luke Littler, golfer Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris are the nominees.

Voting will take place during the show on BBC One, the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app on Thursday, 18 December.

READ MORE: Sports Personality of the Year shortlist announced

It’s going to be a tough one to call after so many sporting highlights across the year, in so many different sports

The six sports stars who are contenders to win this year’s Sports Personality of the Year from the BBC have been announced following a sensational year of sporting drama in 2025.

Golfer Rory McIlroy is the bookies’ favourite to lift the trophy, and knows he’s in with a good shout, as he announced weeks ago that he would be attending the ceremony – for the first time in a decade. The full list of the contenders is split 50:50 between men and women:

Hannah Hampton (Football, 25)

Hampton’s spectacular 2025 culminated in her winning the Yashin Trophy for the world’s best female goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards. Her heroics in saving two spot-kicks in a penalty shootout helped England win the European Championship final and she was named Player of the Match. She was included in the Team of the Tournament following a string of commanding performances that included another two shootout saves in their quarter-final. At club level she played a key role in Chelsea’s domestic treble and was the joint winner of the WSL’s Golden Glove award with 13 clean sheets in 22 games.

Chloe Kelly (Football, 27)

In January, Kelly was unsure of her place for club and country. Fast forward to the summer and she was a European Championship and Champions League winner. The hero of the Euro 2022 final showed she’s still England’s player for the big moments by scoring the decisive penalty as the Lionesses retained the trophy. Despite not starting a match, her contributions were immense with another successful penalty in the quarter-final shootout and a last-gasp semi-final winner. Named in the Team of the Tournament, she was fifth in the Women’s Ballon d’Or voting, and was integral to Arsenal’s Champions League success.

Ellie Kildunne (Rugby Union, 26)

Superstar Kildunne scored five tries and played a crucial role as England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil. After missing the quarter-final due to a concussion, the full-back returned with gusto for the semi-final and scored twice for the Red Roses against France. In the final against Canada, she had a world-record crowd on their feet as she scored a trademark dazzling solo try. Earlier in the year, she scored four tries as England once again recorded a Grand Slam as they retained their Six Nations title. At club level, she scored 14 tries for Harlequins.

Luke Littler (Darts, 18)

Littler’s 2025 began in sensational style as he became the youngest world champion in darts history aged just 17 with a dominant victory in the final. His subsequent victory at the Matchplay made him only the fifth player to complete the PDC Triple Crown of World Championship, Premier League and Matchplay titles. And he wasn’t finished there – his triumph in November’s Grand Slam of Darts saw him rise to world number one for the first time. At 18, he is the youngest man to do so, smashing the previous record set by a then 24-year-old Michael van Gerwen.

Rory McIlroy (Golf, 36)

After years of frustration and near misses, McIlroy’s victory at the Masters made him only the sixth man in history to complete a Grand Slam of golf’s four major championships. His dramatic play-off triumph at Augusta was his first victory at a major since 2014. At the Ryder Cup, he shrugged off a hostile crowd to contribute three-and-a-half points as Europe won in America for the first time since 2012. Further wins came at the Players Championship, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Irish Open, before he topped off a stellar year with his seventh Race to Dubai title.

Lando Norris (Formula 1, 26)

Norris became the 11th Briton to win a Formula 1 drivers’ championship after emerging victorious from the closest finish to a season for 15 years. The McLaren driver was 34 points behind Oscar Piastri in the standings after 15 races, but a brilliant run of results, including back-to-back wins in Mexico and Brazil, propelled him into the lead. The season came down to a dramatic finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Norris, Piastri and four-time defending champion Max Verstappen all capable of winning the title. Norris held his nerve to secure McLaren’s first drivers’ championship since 2008.

The SPOTY ceremony, filmed at MediaCity in Salford, airs on Thursday 18 December, from 7pm, and will again be hosted by an all-female team in the form of Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott, who will guide the nation through the highs of the sporting year.

And it may well be two women’s teams fighting it out for Team of the Year, which is being decided by a live public vote – just like the main award – for the first time in the show’s history.

Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: “This year has been once again packed full of amazing sporting moments and stories. I’m glad it’s not me having to pick who to vote for!

The top three contenders for the BBC Young SPOTY 2025 award have already been unveiled live on BBC Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James.

They are:

• Michelle Agyemang (Football)
• Luke Littler (Darts)
• Davina Perrin (Cricket)

And voting is already underway for the World Sport Star of the Year award. Announced on December 9, the shortlisted athletes are: Mariona Caldentey (Football, Spain) Terence Crawford (Boxing, USA) Armand Duplantis (Athletics, Sweden) Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Athletics, USA) Shohei Ohtani (Baseball, Japan) and Mohamed Salah (Football, Egypt).

ACTRESS Camila Morrone looks up for a golden globe or two at the premiere of series two of The Night Manager.

The 28-year-old, who plays Roxana Bolaños, wore a sheer maxi dress with a low-cut golden top.

Actor Tom Hiddleston, who returns for the second series, was also at the premiere in London’s Southbank with actress fiancée Zawe Ashton.

Standing next to her suited-and-booted partner, the 41-year-old British actress stunned in a full length bright red dress.

The first run of the award-winning spy thriller, based on a John le Carré novel, was shown on BBC One in 2016.

It quickly became one of BBC iPlayer’s most watched shows that year, with nearly 10million views.

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Series two will begin on New Year’s Day.

Camila first rose to fame after starring in James Franco’s film Bukowski.

Since then, Camila has starred in Never Goin’ Back, Death Wish, Mickey and the Bear, and Valley Girl.

She also stars as Camila Dunne in the 2022 Amazon Prime mini-series, Daisy Jones & The Six.

Camila also has a successful modelling career, appearing on the cover of the Turkish edition of Vogue in 2016.

(All times BST)

11 June: Mexico v South Africa (20:00 BST) – ITV

12 June: South Korea v play-off D (03:00) – ITV

12 June: Canada v play-off A (20:00) – BBC

13 June: USA v Paraguay (02:00) – BBC

13 June: Qatar v Switzerland (20:00) – ITV

13 June: Brazil v Morocco (23:00) – BBC

14 June: Australia v play-off C (05:00) – ITV

14 June: Scotland v Haiti (02.00) – BBC

14 June: Germany v Curacao (18:00) – ITV

14 June: Netherlands v Japan (21:00) – ITV

15 June: Play-off B v Tunisia (03:00) – ITV

15 June: Ivory Coast v Ecuador (00:00) – BBC

15 June: Spain v Cape Verde (17:00) – ITV

15 June: Belgium v Egypt (20:00) – BBC

15 June: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay (23:00) – ITV

16 June: Iran v New Zealand (02:00) – BBC

16 June: France v Senegal (20:00) – BBC

16 June: Play-off 2 v Norway (23:00) – BBC

17 June: Argentina v Algeria (02:00) – ITV

17 June: Austria v Jordan (05:00) – BBC

17 June: Portugal v play-off 1 (18:00) – BBC

17 June: England v Croatia (21:00) – ITV

18 June: Ghana v Panama (00:00) – ITV

18 June: Uzbekistan v Colombia (03:00) – BBC

18 June: South Africa v play-off D (17:00) – BBC

18 June: Play-off A v Switzerland (20:00) – ITV

18 June: Canada v Qatar (23:00) – ITV

19 June: Mexico v South Korea (02:00) – BBC

19 June: USA v Australia (20:00) – BBC

19 June: Scotland v Morocco (23:00) – ITV

20 June: Paraguay v play-off C (05:00) – ITV

20 June: Brazil v Haiti (02:00) – ITV

20 June: Netherlands v play-off B (18:00) – BBC

20 June: Germany v Ivory Coast (21:00) – ITV

21 June: Japan v Tunisia (05:00) – BBC

21 June: Curacao v Ecuador (01:00) – BBC

21 June: Spain v Saudi Arabia (17:00) – BBC

21 June: Belgium v Iran (20:00) – ITV

21 June: Cape Verde v Uruguay (23:00) – BBC

22 June: Egypt v New Zealand (02:00) – ITV

22 June: Argentina v Austria (18:00) – BBC

22 June: France v play-off 2 (22:00) – BBC

23 June: Senegal v Norway (01:00) – ITV

23 June: Algeria v Jordan (04:00) – ITV

23 June: Portugal v Uzbekistan (18:00) – ITV

23 June: England v Ghana (21:00) – BBC

24 June: Croatia v Panama (00:00) – BBC

24 June: Colombia v play-off 1 (03:00) – ITV

24 June: Canada v Switzerland/Play-Off A v Qatar (20:00)

24 June: Scotland v Brazil & Morocco v Haiti (23:00) – BBC

25 June: Mexico v play-off D & South Africa v South Korea (02:00) – BBC

25 June: Germany v Ecuador & Curacao v Ivory Coast (21:00) – BBC

26 June: USA v play-off C & Paraguay v Australia (03:00) – ITV

26 June: Japan v play-off B & Netherlands v Tunisia (00:00) – BBC

26 June: France v Norway & Senegal v play-off 2 (20:00) – ITV

27 June: Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia & Uruguay v Spain (01:00) – ITV

27 June: Egypt v Iran & New Zealand v Belgium (04:00) – BBC

27 June: England v Panama & Croatia v Ghana (22:00) – ITV

28 June: Algeria v Austria & Argentina v Jordan (03:00) – BBC

28 June: Colombia v Portugal & play-off 1 v Uzbekistan (00:30) – BBC

The Good Morning Britain presenter made a cheeky joke about legal action against his co-stars on The Celebrity Apprentice.

Good Morning Britain presenter Rob Rinder delivered a cheeky jibe at Lord Alan Sugar during his appearance on The Celebrity Apprentice.

The festive special is making a comeback with two episodes this Christmas, boasting a star-studded lineup including AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, Charlie Hedges, Eddie Kadi, Jake Wood, JB Gill, Kadeena Cox, Matt Morsia, Thomas Skinner, Sarah Hadland, and Shazia Mirza.

Competing to raise funds for BBC Children In Need, the celebrities have been challenged with creating their own gingerbread biscuits, with filming taking them to Lapland for the task.

Facing off against fellow TV personalities, a Gladiator, a former Apprentice contestant, and several actors, Rob stepped up as project manager for his squad.

Despite Lord Sugar’s reputation for reducing countless hopefuls to rubble over the years, the barrister showed no signs of intimidation, reports Wales Online.

Lord Sugar kicked things off by remarking: “It would be good if I knew any of you, I’ve got your CVs here.

“Rob, apart from guiding these people legally, what do you feel you might be able to bring in a business point of view?”

The GMB presenter shot back: “Well, I can feel the assets of the other team, I’m hoping.”

He subsequently confessed: “My strategy going into this is wit, and if that fails, I’ll be bringing legal action.”

Upon arriving at their destination, Rob’s banter became even sharper, delivering a pointed quip about Lord Sugar whilst maintaining his fearless approach.

Discussing his team, he remarked: “These are exceptional people, when you have a wealth of that talent and a wealth of that experience, the most important thing is to empower people to speak.”

He boldly declared: “We live or die together, but if we fail, I’ll be the first person to offer myself to be sacked to Lord Sugar.

“I’m not the least bit afraid of him, my grandma was more frightening than him.”

Lord Sugar, speaking about the return of The Celebrity Apprentice, previously revealed: “It’s the first ever time on The Celebrity Apprentice that the public can buy products that were created by the celebrity candidates. It’s added some real pressure to the process.

“I think the celebs thought they were in for an easy ride, but they were wrong! Raising money for BBC Children in Need is serious business, so the candidates really need to deliver if they want to avoid ending up on my naughty list.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, also chimed in: “The celebrity candidates will be giving viewers a tasty treat or two this Christmas that viewers can literally sink their teeth into, all while supporting the incredible work of BBC Children in Need. Are viewers going to be Team Gary the Penguin or Team Jolly McTrouble? Let the festive boardroom battle begin!”

Paul Broadbent, Director of Programmes at Naked, commented: “We have taken The Apprentice out of the boardroom and straight onto the shelves. These special episodes bridge the gap between entertainment and real-world impact. It is a rare opportunity for audiences to buy, taste and enjoy something they’ve watched being created on screen and it has been great fun seeing the celebs’ ideas come to life, all in aid of a fantastic charity.”

The Celebrity Apprentice airs on December 29 and 30 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Fans of the BBC soap EastEnders are fearful for a ‘vulnerable’ character as a desperate Sam Mitchell appears to target him for money as part of her ‘manipulative’ scheming

EastEnders fans are worried for a ‘vulnerable’ character after some scenes between him and a desperate Sam Mitchell suggest he will be the next target of her manipulative ploy for money.

In Tuesday’s episode (9 December), Sam was caught at the train station by her ex Jack Branning and revealed she found a lump and believes she has breast cancer.

As such, she had taken £20,000 from her brother Phil to pay for a flight back to Spain and to put into an account for her son Ricky. But, whilst she was at the station, Phil, who had learned of the theft from his friend Nigel Bates, caught up with her and took the money back.

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She also tried to convince Jack and Denise Fox to give her the money, telling Denise that she would get a doctor’s appointment about the lump if she and Jack agreed to send her the money.

Denise told Sam she would do it, but refused to until she had been to an appointment with Sam to make sure she kept up her end of the bargain. Unbeknownst to Sam, Denise has her own plans to trick the Mitchell woman into leaving without a penny.

Meanwhile, Sam had to beg Phil to let her crash on his couch. It was there that she got talking to Nigel. During Monday’s episode, Sam was caught going through Phil’s safe by Nigel, who is suffering from dementia. He let her go, as he mistook her for his daughter Clare, who he is estranged from.

As Sam got to talking to Nigel during Tuesday’s episode, he still believed she was Clare and told her that he had some money saved up that she could have. Sam sneakily smiled just as the duff duffs rang out.

Fans are convinced Sam will manipulate Nigel, exploiting his dementia and sending her scheming ways to a new low. One wrote online: “I know Sam’s always been a scheming character but scamming a man with dementia out of money would be very low even for her.”

Another added: “Oh no, Sam’s going to manipulate Nigel for money.” Meanwhile, another warned Sam not to do it: “Oooh Sam don’t do it girl.”

Many pointed out that Nigel’s illness makes him vulnerable and hoped Sam would not exploit it. One added that they would be sick if Sam targeted Nigel: “If I have to watch Sam Mitchell scam Nigel and steal his money by exploiting his dementia then I will physically vomit.”

Another said: “Tonight’s Duff Duff! If Sam steals off a vulnerable Nigel I swear to god…” And a third simply said: “Oh Sam better not scam Nigel. I don’t like that look on her face.”

Sam returned at the beginning of December after three years away. She is just one of several returns to the Square since Ben Wadey took over as the showrunner. Since September, Zoe Slater has returned, as has Max Branning, who will make a proper return later this month and feature heavily in the New Years episode.

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