Emotional

The Chicago-born pope was welcomed by huge crowds in the coastal city, on the final leg of his South America tour.

Pope Leo has made an emotional return to his former diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where large crowds welcomed their former bishop exactly one month after he had lung cancer surgery, and he thanked them for their support during his recovery.

“As I look at your faces, a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord arises in my heart for the blessing you have been and continue to be in my life,” he said.

About 500,000 people gathered for Mass at Pampas de Pimentel, a desert park just outside of Peru’s fourth-largest city, according to estimates from the Vatican, while another million lined his motorcade route.

Before he was elected pope, Leo had spent about two decades working in Peru as a missionary priest and served as bishop of Chiclayo, where he is still known as “Padre Roberto” and where his image is ubiquitous, from 2015 to 2023.

In Chiclayo, a coastal city of about 620,000, Leo earned a reputation for staying close to poor communities during times of crisis, including when the region was hit with devastating floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some had camped overnight to see him, while others walked in the hot sun to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic to get to the open-air Mass.

As he rode in his popemobile, people in the crowd waved yellow and white Vatican flags and shouted, “The pope is from Chiclayo.”

“What a joy it is to return to Chiclayo,” said Leo at the start of his homily.

Originally from Chicago and formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, Leo also holds Peruvian citizenship and declared the country his homeland on Wednesday.

Peru is the final stop of his 12-day, three-country South America tour, coming after visits to Argentina and Uruguay. Approximately 12 million people have come to see him at public events so far.

Last month, he underwent surgery for lung cancer, amid fears that the trip would have to be cancelled. But doctors have said the cancer was localised, had not spread, and would not require further treatment.

Leo will stay in the Chiclayo area until Sunday, leading eight events, including a private dinner with the priests he oversaw during his time as bishop.

Children in Need returned on Friday, with the presenters revealing the huge amount raised at the end of the show.

The BBC has confirmed the total amount raised for Children in Need 2026.

The annual spectacle returned to screens on Friday, 13 November, with hosts including Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West.

The charity event saw an incredible line-up of famous faces taking part in challenges, performances and sketches, with the BBC having earlier teased “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches, surprise appearances and a heartwarming return from the much-loved Children in Need Choir”.

It has now been confirmed how much was raised, as the live show came to an end.

How much was raised for Children in Need 2026?

As the show came to an end, Mel confirmed the total amount raised for Children in Need: £38,720,170.

Last year’s show raised £45,507,536 on the night of its 2025 appeal show.

“To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children in Need is here for you,” Alex said, signing off the show, as Sara urged: “Keep the donations coming in!” Mel added: “We’re so grateful to each and every one of you for your support.”

The total comes after BBC radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans completed his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday, having raised £3,853,530.

He took part in a five-day cycle ride through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. As he crossed the finish line with his bike, Shania Chain, Owain said: “Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania. Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can’t believe that I’m here with this welcome and the sun’s out!”

He added: “Just reflecting on what it’s been like. We’re doing it all for an amazing cause, Children In Need. There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations.”

Ahead of this year’s Children in Need airing, The One Show host Alex shared: “It means the absolute world to be part of the team for the big night of Children in Need, I have watched it avidly since I was a little girl and Sir Terry Wogan was at the helm.

“It was always one of the big highlights of the year. And more recently for me, The One Show has always been very much at the heart of Children in Need, as we will be again this year with our Challenge Squad, so it feels amazing to be there with Pudsey on his big night.”

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Mel shared: “Being part of Children in Need every year, as I have been for the last 10 years as presenter, which I’m so honoured and privileged to do, is everything to me. It’s a red-letter day, and one of the most life affirming and important for me in my calendar.”

Rylan added: “⁠It’s amazing to be part of Children in Need’s appeal show, obviously it’s something that I have grown up watching and loved and have been involved in in the past, so to be asked to host this year is a real honour.”

He continued: “Children in Need matters because unfortunately, the title still stands – there are a lot of children that are still in need and we need to do our bit to make sure no child goes without the love and care that they deserve.”

Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

A VICTIM of rapist Russell Brand told a court she has lived with the never-ending trauma of the attack for the past 17 years.

The disgraced star’s youngest target met him when he invited her backstage at one of his stand-up comedy gigs.

He hand-picked her from a line-up of female fans at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2009.

He invited the woman, who was in her early 20s at the time, to his £2.3million home in Hampstead, North London, the following week.

He then anally raped her.

In a later text exchange she rejected his further advances, telling him: “You’ve pushed me far enough. You treated me like an animal.”

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In an emotional victim personal statement — one of four presented to Southwark crown court yesterday — the woman told how her life has been plagued by what she called the “lasting effects of trauma” from the attack.

She said: “The effects have been significant and continue to affect me today. Even now, I feel that I am living with the trauma of what happened. It is something I carry with me every day and it often feels never-ending.”

In her statement, read out by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC, she told the court that she felt humiliated and overwhelmed and moved back in with her parents because she did not feel safe alone.

She described becoming hyper-vigilant, adding: “I often felt on edge and avoided certain situations.”

She added that she was left terrified that she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease from the comedian and TV presenter — and that also had a profound effect on her mental health.

In her statement, she said the thought of seeing Brand again caused her “anxiety and fear” and destroyed her career ambitions.

She told the court: “The defendant’s public profile had a significant impact on me.­

“Because of who he was and the influence he held, I did not feel confident speaking openly about what had happened.

“I did not know who I could trust or confide in.

“I felt that if I reported him, I would not be believed. His fame, wealth and influence created a power imbalance which made me feel powerless.

“I did not have the confidence to challenge someone who appeared so powerful, rich and influential.

“His public profile meant that he remained present in my life even when I wanted to move on.

“I would regularly encounter references to him in the media, which made it difficult to escape reminders of what had happened.”

The woman eventually came forward to police in 2025 after seeing he had been charged with attacking other women.

She told the court that Brand’s celebrity was a significant factor in her not contacting police about the rape for 16 years.

She added: “When I eventually reported what had happened, it was not simply because of the media documentary.

“By that stage I had become aware of the police investigation and felt that I was finally in a stronger position mentally to disclose my experience.

“Reporting what happened was something I had hoped I would eventually be able to do but it took a long time to reach that point. The investigation and criminal justice process have been extremely difficult.

“Providing personal records and access to my mobile phone felt highly intrusive and, at times, I felt as though I was the person being scrutinised and interrogated.

“Every update regarding the case brought back memories of the incident and felt like reopening old wounds.

“Rather than allowing me to move forward, updates often pulled me back into a painful period of my life.

“I have also been very anxious about attending court and being cross-examined. The thought of personal details being discussed publicly has caused me significant distress.”

The complainant also described the way Brand’s defence team labelled her an “obsessive fan” as deeply hurtful.

She responded: “That portrayal does not reflect who I am.

“I had my own ambitions, goals and aspirations.”

And she went on: “The media coverage surrounding the case has added another layer of difficulty.

“I was unprepared for the level of publicity.

“It has been extremely distressing to relive what happened and then see it discussed so widely across television, newspapers and online platforms.

“I have been worried throughout that my identity, or the identities of my family members, could become known.

“The intensity of media interest has created anxieties that are separate from the rape and has made it much harder to put the experience behind me.”

She went on: “My confidence and self-esteem have been badly affected. I regularly feel on edge and question my own judgment.

“I doubt my ability to make good decisions and no longer trust my instincts in the way I once did.

“I have lost trust in other people, particularly those I do not know well, and I often worry that I will not be listened to or believed.

“I also lost respect for myself following the incident and felt as though I had lost control over my own life. Looking back, I feel that I abandoned myself and my own needs.”

Concluding her victim personal statement, she told the court how what she called the “lasting and far-reaching” consequences of the attack had affected “almost every aspect of my life”.

She said: “Even now, I continue to experience anxiety, difficulties with trust, reduced confidence and the lasting effects of trauma.

“What happened is not something that I have simply been able to move on from.

“It remains a significant part of my life and continues to influence how I view myself, my relationships and my future.”

Brand — who clutched prayer beads in his hand — looked on emotionless as the prosecutor delivered the statement.

A ‘magical’ Christmas advert could be taking the top spot this year, as fans have been left with ‘all the feels’.

The National Lottery might be set to take John Lewis’ Christmas advert crown.

With Halloween well and truly over, and the weather taking a colder turn, the countdown to the big day is on, with brands releasing their festive adverts. So far, James Norton and Amandaland’s Lucy Punch have starred in an M&S clip, while Roald Dahl’s BFG has reunited with Sainsbury’s.

And fans have now been left hailing The National Lottery’s clip as ‘magical’. Featuring a determined reindeer who believes he can fly after watching a robin take off, viewers have been left ‘emotional’. The star of the show focuses on The National Lottery’s simple idea that this festive season, ‘Amazing Things Happen When You Believe’.

Despite the obvious adversity, the four-hoofed creature works as hard as he can, making repeated attempts to get airborne. At first, with no success, fellow members of his herd are unimpressed with his efforts, before his belief gets him soaring across a wintry landscape, thanks to a touch of festive magic.

As well as his herd watching on, a hiker, gripping a warm drink nearby, is left gobsmacked as he catches sight of the airborne deer. He grasps his National Lottery ticket, now convinced that if a reindeer can fly, anything is possible.

“Magical,” one fan wrote, as the clip was revealed on social media this week. “It’s going to be a special Christmas,” someone else wrote. A third added: “Getting alllll the Christmas feels watching this.”

“Pure magic,” yet another added, as someone else echoed: “Love it.” Another person said: “Such a cutie – needs merch! We all need a magical reindeer – and to believe!!!” “Not me getting emotionally attached to a reindeer,” another person wrote.

Steve Parkinson, Marketing and Brand Director at Allwyn, the operator for The National Lottery, said: “With his determination and cheeky smile, the reindeer represents the belief we all have across the festive period. His drive to fly is the inspiration to remind players that amazing things can happen at Christmas.

“The National Lottery has always helped bring the magic at Christmas, and with the help of a flying reindeer, this year will be more magical than ever.

“Every National Lottery ticket played goes towards helping generate more than £33m for Good Causes each week, while also creating life-changing winners. This campaign celebrates those moments of possibility and reminds players that, this Christmas, it really could be you.”

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Ahead of Christmas, National Lottery players will also see inspiring Good Cause stories brought to life by ambassador Claudia Winkleman, as more than 20,000 projects each year make a difference to communities across the country.

Lotto is adding to the Christmas spirit with a Must Be Won jackpot on December 23rd, while EuroMillions will make ten guaranteed millionaires twice in December, with two special UK Millionaires Maker draws on the 25th and 29th.

The Festival of Remembrance was hosted by BBC presenter Clive Myrie.

BBC viewers said the same thing minutes into Saturday night’s Festival of Remembrance.

The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance 2026 saw senior members of the Royal Family join veterans, serving personnel and their families at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The BBC event was hosted by Clive Myrie, and featured performances from Alfie Boe, James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson and Tom Odell, alongside stirring performances from The Band of The Royal Air Force Regiment and The Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Collingwood.

However, just minutes into the event, BBC viewers were left feeling rather emotional. One said on X, “Less than 5 minutes into the #FestivalOfRemembrance, @CliveMyrieBBC is already proving he’s the perfect man to present it. “

Another commented, “The one thing the BBC does correctly. The remembrance service at the Albert Hall.”

“Always very emotional, always very important, always vital to remember…,” someone else wrote as another added, “It’s that emotional time of the year again.”

Another said, “I reach for the hankies earlier each year,” while one viewer shared, “10 minutes in and I’m already in tears. (especially at Tom O’Dell’s When I Close My Eyes).”

Through powerful personal stories, the Festival reflected on the experiences of those whose lives have been shaped by conflict. In a year marking significant anniversaries of operations in Bosnia, the end of the Gulf War and the Iraq War, viewers heard from those who served, those who lost loved ones and the families who continue to live with the impact of military service.

This year’s Festival shone a light on Places of Remembrance, exploring how the places we associate with those we have lost can hold profound personal meaning.

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From national memorials and familiar landmarks to gardens, football pitches and quiet corners of everyday life, people from across the UK share the places where they remember and feel close to loved ones who are no longer with them.

As the Festival drew to a close, the Royal Albert Hall observed a two-minute silence, as poppies fell in a moving tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed

The BBC’s Festival of Remembrance is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

AFTER donating his kidney to his pop star brother, Chris Bourne has opened up about the healing process – revealing he used music as therapy.

Busted rocker James and Chris are both now recovering from their operations, which took place on October 3.

On his song Selfless, which Chris produced with his best friend James Ennis and released to raise money for mental-health charity Mind, he told me: “Songwriting is like therapy.

“You’re thinking about a situation and you’re conceptualising it and you’re going through all these things, how you feel about it, and you’re filtering out all of it.

“At the end of it, kind of whatever’s on the paper [ends up] in the song.”

Chris stepped in for James during Busted’s joint tour with McFly in 2025 after the guitarist became too unwell.

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Selfless, which was originally a poem by Chris about coming to terms with being a donor, is already a hit with James.

Laughing, Chris said: “For the first time he asked me to play him a song again. He was like, ‘Wow, you actually wrote a good song’.

“I totally trust and respect everything he says about music. And it was weird with this stuff because I’d never written such a personal song.”

Chris said he is looking foward to when he and his brother are fully recovered, and hopes to one day join James on stage.

He revealed: “If Busted felt like they would need an extra guitar player, I would definitely be there. It would be a dream experience.”

LILY’S GOTH HER SPARK BACK

LILY JAMES is black in business after stepping out of the acting world because of burnout.

After starring in a string of blockbusters including Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Cinderella and Pride And Prejudice she was left her feeling flat.

Lily said: I’ve worked consistently since I was 21, and I was beginning to feel so burned out. I was scared I was losing the joy.

“You have to recharge. Going from one job to the next, not only was I feeling like I wasn’t recharging or finding new sources of inspiration, but also blink, and you’ve missed a year.”

Lily is back at it now, though, and attended meetings in New York in this gothic-inspired outfit.

Her next project is Cliffhanger – a remake of the 1993 action film starring Sylvester Stallone – slated for release next year. Welcome back, Lily.

BIG CITY JITTERS FOR FAYE

FAYE WINTER says life in the big smoke after the Love Island villa triggered panic attacks and left her too scared to use the Tube.

The Devon-born reality star and then boyfriend Teddy Soares lived on the outskirts of London after meeting on the dating show in 2021.

She said: “I came out and I was very lost. I really struggled with the London lifestyle. It used to keep me up at night. If I was going to London, I would be awake until, like, one, two in the morning.”

She added: “I was so terrified, it would give me anxiety, like I would have panic attacks. If somebody said I had to get the Tube, I wouldn’t.”

Now back in the countryside, Faye is backing calls for couples to sign “pre-pups” – a pet version of the pre-nup – after her split from Teddy in 2023 turned the spotlight on how she got custody of their beloved golden retriever Bonnie.

It comes after research by Compare The Market found nearly one in three couples clash over who keeps their pet after a break-up.

She said: “Nobody thinks about what will happen if your relationship does come to an end and who’s going to take full responsibility of the dog.

“As a nation of animal lovers, I honestly don’t believe that the law is there to protect them enough.

“People have children, they take priority over their pets, but that shouldn’t be the case.”

DJ JOEL CORRY has opened up about the perils of touring and strict self-care regime.

In an exclusive chat as he promotes Movember’s Why Did We Stop Hugging Our Friends? campaign, the Head & Heart producer said: “I’ve had to really adapt to the lifestyle of long-haul flights, late nights, jet lag.

“I’ve tackled it by keeping my routine on lock. So whenever I land in a different country, I get a workout in.

“It’s more of a mental-health benefit than physical. It keeps my mind clear and positive.”

LADY GAGA and Shakira lead the nominees for the 2027 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The panel have until December 14 to cast their votes before the winners will be announced at next year’s Induction & Awards Gala in New York City.

I adore both Gaga and Shakira so I’d be over the moon if either comes out on top.

JESS LOCKS A PICTURE

AND the Oscar for the biggest transformation goes to . . . Jessica Chastain.

The Hollywood actress has lopped off her statement long, red hair and dyed it blonde.

It was a surefire way to get noticed on the red carpet as she promoted new Netflix film, Heartland, in New York on Thursday.

Jessica plays Misty Jones, a country music star searching in the underbelly in Nashville for her rising star niece, who has mysteriously vanished.

A lot like Jessica’s hair then. . . 

EM BEARS SOUL ON NEW TUNE

EMILY BEAR will perform new single God Forbid A Girl Gets Used To This on Later With Jools Holland tomorrow night.

In an exclusive chat before the BBC Two show, alongside Jamie T and Violet Grohl, Emily told me what inspired the track.

She said: “I’ve fallen in love recently. I usually need really sad things to happen to me to be able to write.

“We hear all these stories about how love makes you fearless, love conquers all.

“No one really talks about what happens when you finally experience that fateful feeling. Suddenly, there’s something you’re terrified to lose.

“This song lives somewhere in that fear, and in the vulnerability of letting yourself start to believe a good thing can just be a good thing.”

LOTTIE Tomlinson was seen wiping away tears as she opened up about losing her mum, and how her brother Louis really “stepped up” in a fatherly role.

The two siblings “grew closer” after their beloved mother Johannah Deakin’s death in 2016, aged 43.

Lottie was just 18-years-old when her mother died from leukaemia.

Speaking to her brother’s girlfriend Zara McDermott on her Feel Good Formula podcast with Boots, mum-of-two Lottie, who shares her kids with Lewis Burton, said: “‘It’s really hard having your own kids without your mum.”

Beginning to well up, she said: “(I’m) Not gonna get upset. Literally said to myself, ‘Don’t cry’.

“But yeah, I think my sisters have been a big one, we’ve all sort of come together and tried to look after each other and it makes me feel closer to her in a way because obviously I know how much being a mum meant to her.

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“And it means so much to us, I think, because of how she brought us up with being so maternal and I think that’s why we all are how we are because of her but yeah, it’s hard.”

Speaking about how her big brother Louis really stepped up, she added how he took her on tour with him, and supported her.

“I appreciate now that he even let me come on the tour,” Lottie said.

“But it was actually really nice in the end because he sort of stepped into a real fatherly role on that tour, and he didn’t let me get away with anything.

“I think it gave us a really strong bond that you sort of can’t explain because we went through that together.

“We’re so close now, and I think it is because of those few years. Me being there with him, I think in the end he liked having me there for the support.

“And he was sort of fathering me a bit, but I was almost mothering him a bit as well. So I would pull him up on stuff if he was acting a certain way and it sort of worked both ways, which was nice.”

Lottie’s late mother Johannah had seven children, including Louis and Lottie.

But just three years after their mum’s death, the siblings lost sister Félicité Tomlinson, following an accidental overdose, after she took a fatal concoction of anti-anxiety medication, cocaine and painkillers.

DIY SOS – hosted by Nick Knowles – will not return in its current format again following the end of this series, as we take a look back at some of the incredible families the team have helped over the years

DIY SOS will not return in its current format – as fans launch a petition to reinstate the show hosted by Nick Knowles.

The presenter was devastated by the news from the BBC that the show won’t return as it is now. For nearly three decades, Nick and the DIY SOS team have been joined by volunteers, tradespeople and supporters to transform the lives – and homes – of families who really need their living spaces adapted, changed or added to to help make their lives just that little bit easier.

Last night, fans were in tears as the final episode aired. The BBC have said the show will return next year but not in the format it is now. Ahead of the episode last night, Nick told his followers how emotional he was feeling about the show’s future.

“We have been told the programme has been shelved and not ended but I have asked the question, ‘Will it ever come back in the form it is where it builds whole houses for people or builds these hospices and charity places?’ and I’ve been told no, if it comes back in the future it will be smaller and more cost effective,” he said.

Discussing how he feels about the show ending in its current format, he added: “I thought I would be OK with it but actually it’s a little bit emotional. I’d like to thank everyone we’ve worked with over the last 26 years.”

A BBC spokesperson previously said: “In light of the BBC’s savings challenges we have taken the decision to rest DIY SOS in 2027 and commission a new spin-off show instead from producers South Shore. DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life will revisit successes from the show’s past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year.”

Here, The Mirror look back at just a few of the incredible people Nick and the team have helped over the years.

The Hudson Family

One of the most poignant stories from the history of DIY SOS was that of Darren Hudson, who hailed from Hull. Darren was diagnosed with a degenerative spine condition in 2017 and feared how he could provide for his family following his diagnosis.

In a wheelchair himself, Darren also lived with adopted son Oliver, who had severe disabilities. The DIY SOS team transferred the entire home, which was also being live in by Darren’s two other children.

Following the build, the family of four spoke of how they could take the “next step forward” finally with their new property. He told the volunteers and tradespeople: “Words don’t even seem enough. I have been in there and I didn’t even recognise my house. In fact it’s not a house, you have brought the home back for us.”

In 2020 when the show aired, the BBC announced the sad news that Ollie had since died, with host Nick sending his condolences to the family following their devastating loss.

The McAuley Family

DIY SOS fans will remember the tragic story of the McAuley family, made up of mum Lindsey and her four children. Sadly, Shaun McAuley died the previous year to them being on the show, leaving the house unfinished.

Shaun was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer but works on their home extension in Kettering had to stop when Shaun got ill. He had a kidney and bowel operation but fell ill with cancer and died in November, just two months or so after falling ill.

As a show of support, members of the Royal Engineers, Shaun’s old regiment, also helped to finish the project

“Shaun would have been amazed at what they achieved and thankful for what everyone’s done for his family. He would have loved living here,” Lindsey told The Mirror at the time, “To know so many people have come together to create this beautiful house out of the goodness of their own hearts, it’s just amazing. Without the show, we wouldn’t have been home for quite some time.”

A community makeover

As well as individual homes, DIY SOS also worked on big community projects too. One of those was at childhood cancer support centre The Joshua Tree, a charity based in Northwich, Cheshire.

It was one of the largest the show ever did and was for Children In Need. The upgrades featured two family accommodation studios, a gym for rehabilitation, two therapy suites, two counselling rooms, a teenage breakout room and an outdoor therapy garden.

There were around 250 volunteers each day, with founders Dai and Lynda Hill sharing: “It’s incredible, people came from far and wide to help us. The energy, compassion, and teamwork were just inspiring. We can’t thank them or BBC Children in Need enough.”

Nick Knowles had said ahead of the build: “We have another huge build ahead of us in Cheshire, which will benefit children who are going through cancer treatment and help support their families too. If you have a trade, a skill, can spare some time to graft or can help us with materials then get in touch. It’ll be great fun and something you’ll never forget being part of.”

Young Dan stuck in hospital

Most recently, host Nick Knowles was reduced to tears after he and the team headed to Preston to help 16-year-old Dan, who has spent the last three years in hospital after life-saving surgery to remove a brain tumour left him with complex disabilities.

He had been ready to leave the hospital for 18 months, but has been stuck on a ward as their home wasn’t suitable for his needs. Mum Julie spent her time by Dan’s side in hospital and dad Nigel was at home looking after their daughters, Charlotte and Emily, and the family had been living apart for years.

Towards the end of the build, he teared up as he said: “We still have hours of hard graft ahead of us, but against all the odds, the end is in sight. I genuinely don’t know how to put into words how tough this has been, how amazing everyone has been, how much doubt I had along the way, how much guilt I felt, and how amazing it is that these amazing people have called it of physically and emotionally draining,” before stepping away from the cameras.

The Chapman Family

One of DIY SOS’ builds followed the story of dad Peter, who was building am extension for his family at their home in Charlton Kings, near Cheltenham. He spent 24/7 caring for his wife Sarah and daughter Suzanne, who are at different stages of a long-term genetic disorder called myotonic dystrophy.

The symptoms of the condition are worsening muscle loss and weakness and it can also include cataracts, intellectual disability and heart conduction problems. Sadly, just before the team arrived, daughter Margaret – who had the same condition – died aged 31.

Peter’s mother also had died a few years before, so he and Sarah took 64-year-old autistic brother Steve in to live with them too. Peter himself was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

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Matt Baker returned to screens at the weekend to host coverage of the Gymnastics World Championships

BBC viewers were left feeling emotional over the weekend.

Matt Baker returned to screens on Sunday (October 25) to present live coverage of the concluding apparatus finals on the final day of the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships. Matt was joined in the studio by retired British gymnast Beth Tweddle.

The women’s floor discipline was among those taking place in Rotterdam, with USA athlete Claire Pease winning the title with a dominant score of 13.866. Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour won the gold in the balance beam final, while Artur Davtyan, Zou Jingyuan, and Tang Chia-Hung took home the final men’s titles.

During the coverage, Matt announced that his fellow commentators, Christine Still and Craig Heap, would be leaving the team after many years on air. Ahead of the men’s finals getting underway, Matt said: “I just want to take a moment to say a heartfelt and a massive thank you to two very special people, who are sitting either side of me right now.

“And for those of you who’ve enjoyed our gymnastics coverage on the BBC over the years, you will be very familiar with the wonderful voices of Christine Still and Craig Heap. Now, Christine was one of the first female commentators that BBC Sport has ever had, when she started back in 1993.

“And here we are, Christine, 33 years on. Craig, you joined the team just before Rio in 2016, and, along the way, we have witnessed some incredible moments together.”

An emotional montage of some of Christine and Craig’s memorable moments was then played, before the camera panned to the stars in the commentary box. “Wonderful pictures and wonderful storytelling,” Matt said.

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He went on: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this could be the last time that we all sit together and enjoy the gymnastics. Christine, we have worked together for 20 years. You’ve been like a mum to me, you really have, as we’ve travelled all over the world together. And may I say, I’ve loved every single second.”

Matt then turned to Craig, saying, “We’ve been friends for many, many years. I’ve loved your company, mate. Honestly, I’m so gonna miss you both, I really am.”

“We’ll miss you as well, Matt. I’ve been so lucky,” Christine replied, before Craig added: “All good things have to come to an end, I guess… I’m going to miss you all… I’ll stop right there before I start crying.”

BBC viewers were left feeling emotional after watching Matt’s tribute. “Gonna be so weird not hearing Christine Still and Craig Heap commentating on gymnastics on the BBC anymore,” one person wrote on X.

Another added: “Omg Craig and Christine are leaving.” A third said, “I’m actually in tears. End of an era.”

Someone else commented: “I am gutted. Gutted the trio are no longer together.” A fifth viewer similarly shared: “That is so sad. I watch the gymnastics in the Olympic Games and not hearing their voices will be different… They will be missed.”

Coverage of the Gymnastics World Championships is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

MOLLY-MAE Hague shared an emotional video about ‘blocking out’ the first months after daughter Bambi’s birth.

The former Love Islander, 27, became a mum for the first time when she gave birth to her baby girl on January 23 2023.

Molly-Mae and fiance Tommy, also 27, welcomed their second child, son Midas, into the world back in June.

The new mum has been very honest with fans and shared the ups and downs of motherhood on social media over the years.

The Maebe owner has previously admitted she felt like her ‘life was over’ after giving birth to Bambi and opened up about the ‘really low lows’.

Molly-Mae recently took to her TikTok account to open up about different her two postpartum experiences have been.

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The video started with star giving Midas a kiss on the cheek, followed by a clip of a younger Molly-Mae bottle feeding Bambi on the sofa in her pyjamas.

Molly-Mae told fans: “For the mums who need to know that no two postpartums have to look the same.

“I didn’t realised how much of my first postpartum I’d blocked out until having Midas and realising I could barely answer questions about it.”

Fans rushed to the comments section to share the love.

One said: “You’re doing absolutely amazing.”

Another wrote: “The best mummy.”

“This makes me cry, well done mama,” a third chimed in.

A fourth added: “The difference is unbelievable, you should be so proud of yourself Molly. You’re a true inspiration.”

A fifth said: “I love that you’re showing the raw and real side of becoming a mummy.”

Molly and fiance Tommy shot to fame on Love Island in 2019.

The pair placed second on the series and moved in together after returning to the UK.

Then in September 2022, they announced that they were expecting their first child together and she gave birth the following January.

The happy couple got engaged in June 2023.

Then in August 2024, they announced that they had split, but in May 2025, they were back together.

Molly-Mae and Tommy later revealed that they were expecting their second child, and gave birth to Midas in June this year.

GEORDIE Shore’s Holly Hagan has paid an emotional tribute to her late sister Darci a year on from her tragic death at just 19 years old.

It was revealed in an inquest last year that Darci Rose Gibson died from “multi-organ failure” and “MDMA overdose” after a night out at Manchester‘s Warehouse Project.

Holly told at the time how her half-sister Darci passed away “peacefully holding my hand surrounded by family and her best friends.”

She explained her family were “traumatised in every sense of the word” but were “forever grateful” for the way everyone at Manchester Royal Infirmary A&E and ICU looked after them.

Now, Holly has shared a picture of her and Darci to Instagram, alongside a lengthy caption paying tribute to her “baby girl.”

“And just like that it’s been a year. Today was the day I recorded your heartbeat on a doppler to put it into a bear for my parents,” wrote Holly.

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“It was the day they checked if your heart was suitable for transplant. The day they searched the database to find a match. They day they ran two rounds of brain activity tests while we watched them find no signs of life.

“The day I went shopping for the perfect pair of pyjamas for you to be comfy and warm after donation.

“The day we took photos of all your tattoos and realised one said ‘Everyone happens for a reason’ and the one that shook us all ‘Live where your heart finds life’ whilst you were about to give your heart to someone else.”

Holly continued: ” It was the day I was on the phone to the transplant nurse at 10pm after she told me everything had gone well and your heart was on its way to the recipient.

“The day I sat on my utility floor and prayed for a stranger to live whilst trying to process that you had died.

“But it wasn’t just the day you died, it was the day you saved a life. The day you became a hero and an angel all in one.

“Not a day goes by that we don’t mention you, whether it’s when we see a butterfly, or AJ is wearing Minions socks (she loved Minions) or we’re watching Lion King and he asks if you’re with Mufasa in heaven.”

She added: “I won’t let anyone forget you. Love you so much baby girl!”

Holly’s sister Darci lived mostly out of the spotlight but she did open up on their relationship in her autobiography Not Quite a Geordie.

She wrote in the book: “When my sister Darci was born, I loved her, but she was too small for me to even bother with at that stage.

“It was only when she was a little bit older, when I would babysit, that I could really enjoy having fun with her.”

The pair were very close with Holly previously sharing a series of snaps on social media to mark Darci’s birthday – adding a sweet message.

“Happy 16th birthday to my not so little sister Darci. Love you so much twinny,” Holly penned.

Holly and Darci share the same mum, Vicki, but have different fathers. 

Kelvin and Liz returned with a new episode of Fletchers’ Family Farm, as they worked to rebuild their home after a fire.

Kelvin Fletcher’s wife Liz was left admitting ‘it’s quite emotional’.

The couple were looking back on the remains of their home in the Peak District after a devastating fire. Last year, Kelvin, Liz and their four children were on holiday when a fire broke out. They’re now rebuilding it all, but had to start with going through what had been left behind.

In an ITV episode of Fletchers’ Family Farm airing on Sunday, 18 October, Liz made an emotional admission as she worked through the job with Kelvin that had been on their list “for a long time”.

The couple were going through their own home, taking out what could be salvaged from the remains. “Look how much it has just burnt straight through the wood, that’s crazy,” she said, as she held up a wooden frame that was covered in burn marks.

Kelvin narrated: “We may be living back at the farm, but we’re still months away from living in the farmhouse following the fire last year.”

As their children had grown over the last year, Liz was left throwing out old nappy bags, baby carriers, and wellington boots that no longer fit.

Kelvin went on: “A year and a half since the fire, and we have to throw out everything that has been damaged by the smoke.”

Picking up one of their children’s baby jackets, when the couple were planning to move to LA before buying the farm, Kelvin commented: “Funny how things turn out, can’t throw that!”

Going through more jackets, Liz went on: “This is just all the stuff that when the fire brigade had to break in, stuff that was blasted by the door. It’s sad because you realise how little the twins were and how this stuff doesn’t fit them anymore.”

She added: “It’s one of those things, you mentally have to prepare yourself for, it’s been so long and we’ve just not been able to do anything because surveys and checks have been done as part of the insurance process. And now we can finally start clearing it out and building it back together.”

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Kelvin narrated: “Five years on from leaving Oldham, and so much has changed. This farm has given us a new life. And rebuilding the farm house is about building the heart of it back, along with a few old memories that we’re rediscovering.”

At one point, Liz said: “It’s quite emotional actually. It just shows how much time continues no matter what you’re going through, things keep going, you’ve just got to keep yourself.”

She added: “The exciting part is, although this now feels really sombre and quite depressing, but, like my dad always says, you’ve got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette, and it feels like we’re at that stage at the moment.”

Fletchers’ Family Farm is available to watch on ITVX.