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BBC Breakfast announced the death of acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard at age 88, sharing tributes from King Charles and Queen Camilla

BBC Breakfast was paused as today’s presenter delivered devastating news of a death just minutes into the programme.

During Sunday’s (November 30) episode of the beloved breakfast show, hosts Rachel Burden and Ben Boulos were back on our screens delivering the day’s top headlines from Britain and around the world.

But mere moments into the broadcast, Rachel broke the news of Tom Stoppard‘s passing as she disclosed that the Royal Family were amongst the first to honour his memory.

The cherished playwright, who scooped an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Shakespeare In Love, was 88-years-old when he passed away.

Addressing audiences at home, Rachel announced: “The King and Queen have led tributes to the playwright Tom Stoppard, who has died at the age 88.”, reports the Express.

“They have described him as a ‘dear friend who wore his genius lightly’. Among the awards was an Oscar for the screenplay for the film Shakespeare in Love.”

The programme then switched to a dedicated tribute segment for the legend as entertainment correspondent Guy Lambert reflected on Tom’s extraordinary career.

Returning to the studio, Rachel noted: “Tributes have been pouring in to celebrate the life of Sir Tom Stoppard.”

Just before sharing the King and Queen’s complete statement, the television host remarked: “King Charles and Queen Camilla called him a dear friend.”

United Agents released a statement at the time, expressing: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved client and friend, Tom Stoppard, has died peacefully at home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.

“He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.”

King Charles paid tribute, stating: “My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our greatest writers, Sir Tom Stoppard. A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history.

“We send our most heartfelt sympathy to his beloved family. Let us all take comfort in his immortal line: ‘Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else’.”

Sir Tom’s illustrious career in entertainment spanned over six decades, during which he bagged numerous Tony and Olivier awards, as well as the Golden Globe and Academy Award alongside Marc Norman for their 1998 screenplay Shakespeare In Love – featuring fellow Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow.

BBC Breakfast is broadcast daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.

I was sure the magic in me had died long ago, as a burned out 35-year-old dad – so was the hype over the ‘most magical place on earth’ even real?

As a sceptical 35-year-old and rapidly approaching my grumpy dad era, I wasn’t convinced that the Disney magic would win me over on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.

Well, I was about to very quickly be proven wrong. As I touched down in Florida, I was sure that I’d be the quietly excited, loudly exhausted adult that looked forward only to the thrill rides and breakfast buffets.

I’m getting used to being wrong; Walt Disney World isn’t just for kids. It sneakily rewires grouchy grown-ups, too.

Somewhere between a zippy run on the first ride of the trip – a hello-goodbye to Dinosaur before it closes for good in February 2026 – and an unexpectedly emotional meet-cute with Eeyore at the Crystal Palace’s character dining experience, the magic found me once again. It’s not just the experiences either; I couldn’t help but be swept up by the infectious enthusiasm of other parkgoers.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was my base, with its huge beds and views of giraffes from the rooms. After keeping jet lag at bay and sinking into the first full night of sleep I’ve enjoyed since becoming a parent three years ago, I was ready for my first taste of Disney magic and headed to Animal Kingdom park. (Walt Disney World is actually made up of four theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom).

The new Zootopia experience, ‘Better Zoogether!’ set the tone for the rest of the week. Launching just as Zootopia 2 hit cinemas, the attraction was a sugar rush of fun, silliness and wholesome humour. I found myself unable to resist chuckling along and wasn’t ready for some of the clever effects that made for some fun surprises (I won’t spoil them here though!).

Next on the itinerary was a trip to the themed Pandora – The World of Avatar, where I was taken aback. The spectacular surroundings immersed me in a land unlike any other experience I’d had before.

That ended up being the theme of the week; every attraction had its own way of absorbing you in the world it represented and the story it told the guests. In World of Avatar, the visually stunning Na’vi River Journey and then the truly groundbreaking Avatar: Flight of Passage were great examples of how you can get swept into those worlds.

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A self-professed fan of all things from a galaxy far, far away, I was always going to enjoy the attractions in Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars themed land, but Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was arguably the best of the narrative-driven attractions I’ve ever been on. Each time I thought the ride was either ending or taking a certain direction, it both physically and thematically shifted.

Wandering around these massive playgrounds built to resemble the stunning worlds of blockbuster movies was the one thing I was most excited for. They lived up to the hype and then some – seeing the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge, not knowing it was coming, literally took my breath away.

But there was another heartwarming feeling I didn’t expect. I was transported back to my younger self. All of the characters wandering the resort – whether it was Kylo Ren, Buzz Lightyear or the various Disney Princesses – encapsulated all the charm and wonder I felt as a boy.

Is this what it feels like to be a ‘Disney adult’? If it wasn’t, then the shows – including the delightfully camp Villains: Unfairly Ever After – and stunning fireworks displays got me as close to becoming one as I’m ever likely to.

The thrill rides too were truly brilliant – the Tower of Terror was my personal favourite, offering a unique adrenaline rush that I couldn’t help but laugh the whole way through, and TRON Lightcycle/Run was as fast and exhilarating as you’d expect. As a huge Marvel fan, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride lived up to the hype – not even a touch of motion sickness could dampen the feel-good vibes.

Then there’s the food. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come to a theme park and enjoy fine dining. But tastes and smells of culinary excellence from across the world were truly astounding here. From the uniquely moorish bread at The Boathouse in Disney Springs – if you know, you know – to the opulent Hollywood Brown Derby’s upscale dinners, you don’t have to simply eat fast food all week. But if you choose to, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant in Hollywood Studios has a unique diner experience.

But the most magical experience of the week had to be the Happily Ever After fireworks display. Being sat in front of Cinderella Castle as the night sky engulfed everything around it became a spectacular memory I’ll never lose. The combination of a medley of Disney’s greatest uplifting musical numbers and a truly impressive fireworks show made for a surprisingly emotional evening.

It was at this point that I truly shed the stressful reality of modern life as a father of two – all the pressures melted away as I got lost in the wonder. Well played Mickey Mouse, well played.

Just another theme park? Not on your life. I’m completely converted and can see why some people will return for holiday after holiday; the magic within me was relit all over again.

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The city that is steeped in history and culture, and is often regarded as one of the best in the world – but did you know it is also home to its fair share of ‘spiritual’ powers?

Edinburgh. A city drenched in heritage and tradition, considered by countless visitors as amongst the globe’s finest – but were you aware it harbours its fair share of ‘spirutual’ forces?

Seasoned traveller Jason Cranwell discovered this firsthand, expanding his consciousness, and his palate, to the opulent Scottish destination.

He said: “Whisky drinking is a pastime I have always been happy to leave to other people. In truth, it was to avoid the risk of it leading to a more fulfilling existence than my overdraft can handle.”

During his two-day adventure, Jason explored the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princess Street.

Despite being a self-proclaimed ‘Peroni guy’, this revelatory encounter demanded he expand his boundaries and taste some throat-burning scotch.

Jason revealed: “After answering some questions about my palate, I was soon tentatively sipping my first tailored whisky sample. Decent.

“Then the second. OK, this is not unpleasant, and then the third, a celestial cocktail creation whose recipe is now committed to memory in perpetuity like a school assembly hymn.”

It became immediately obvious precisely why the venue commanded a colossal £150million price tag the moment Eleanor began guiding everyone through what Jason characterised as “immersive rooms”.

Within was a labyrinth of polished, 360-degree wall displays, hand movement detection and striking LED installations. The chief storyteller was Evie who was a “genius” when it came to narrating the whole experience.

“Close your eyes and you could be listening to a Wikipedia biog entry,” Jason remarked, “Open them and you find yourself captivated by this Whisky Wonka.”

Next on the agenda was a trip to The Real Mary King’s Close, a subterranean maze of 17th century homes off the Royal Mile that remains remarkably intact. Makenzi took on the role of tour guide for this excursion, embodying an ancient servant for an hour-long expedition through history, covering plagues and air raid shelters.

Beyond the theatrical pursuits, Edinburgh offers outstanding dining and drinking venues. Jason and his group, seeking a swift change of tempo, chose to pop into Valvona and Crolla, a classic Italian delicatessen on an artisan strip near Leith Walk.

Founded in 1934 by Alfonso Crolla and currently operated by his great-granddaughter Olivia, what first seems like a charming narrow family establishment extends into multiple sections filled with delights around every corner.

From the delectable cheese display to the extensive collection of personally-selected wine bottles with bespoke labels chosen by the staff, and upstairs sat a restaurant hosting the most diverse mix of diners. “With the possibility of delicious antipasti, panatella and pasta paired with a highly recommended wine-tasting session hosted by the in-house sommelier for £38, who says you can’t put a price on authenticity?” Jason asked.

Venturing further down Leith Walk, you’ll find the trendier parts of town. The seafood restaurant Plaice, located at the hip venue ASKR on Constitution Street, is a pop-up eatery adorned with spray-painted decor and a menu focused on healthy options.

Jason shared his culinary experience: “I had a starter plate of scrumptious peri-peri tiger prawns that I scooped out onto my oyster-buttered warm sourdough bread, inadvertently creating the bougiest sandwich ever. My main course of bluefin tuna, caught in British waters but served up Japanese-style and bathed in sesame oil, topped it all off.”

For the trip, he stayed at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Haymarket train station. The hotel’s pièce de résistance is the Lochrin Rooftop Bar on the sixth floor, which was crowned Hotel Bar of the Year at the esteemed 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

According to TimeOut, Edinburgh ranks among the top 53 cities worldwide for living. One of its key attractions is an innovative food and drink scene, described as featuring an “ever-evolving selection of forward-thinking bars and eateries”.

In 2023, TimeOut also listed Edinburgh among the 53 best cities globally to reside in, praising its dynamic array of bars and restaurants.

Earlier in 2024, Edinburgh was hailed as one of the “best places for an autumn city break” by The Times, the only UK location to earn this accolade. They penned: “Edinburgh’s snug restaurants, historic hotels and warming whiskies only get better in the cooler months. “Hike around this sloping city of quirky alleys, a waterfront port and towering castle walls in jumper-and-jeans weather, allowing time to reach its blustery natural viewpoint, Arthur’s Seat.

“In conclusion, Jason simply ended with the words: “Oh, Edinburgh, I think I’m smitten.”

Sir Rod Stewart performed at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on BBC One

Sir Rod Stewart’s lively performance at this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall left some viewers unimpressed.

The 79-year-old music icon kicked off the annual event, attended by high-ranking royals and military veterans, with a spirited rendition that split opinions among home audiences.

Despite the evening being dedicated to honouring the nation’s fallen heroes, some fans suggested his hip-shaking moves were “not exactly in the spirit of remembrance.”

One disgruntled viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Because Rod Stewart gyrating his hips is how we all want to pay tribute to the fallen.”

Another commented, “Rod Stewart’s really going for it, but I’m not sure those hip gyrations are exactly in the spirit of remembrance,” and questioned, “Is this appropriate?” according to the Daily Express.

Someone else added, “Rod Stewart is totally inappropriate for the Festival of Remembrance.”

However, many came to the defence of the veteran singer, highlighting his decades-long history of entertaining troops and supporting military charities.

One fan praised, “Sir Rod Stewart on bbc1 tonight made me so very proud and all our soldiers and airmen, and LADIES GOD BLESS YOU ALL THANKYOU YOUR ALL AMAZING THANKYOU.” (sic)

Someone else complimented, “Sir Rod Stewart isn’t looking (or sounding) half bad for a man of 80! Good for him.”

Sie Rod, who previously performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, has a long-standing commitment to charity work supporting the armed forces. He returned to the stage a second time to perform his hit song, Sailing.

The evening, held at the Royal Albert Hall and presented by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, also saw performances from Sam Ryder, Keala Settle, Blessing Offor, and The Wellermen, alongside moving displays by the Central Band of the RAF and Royal Marines Band Service.

This year’s Festival of Remembrance commemorated the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II and paid tribute to the bravery of those who served, while also recognising the resilience of military families and the advancements made since the prohibition on LGBT service personnel was removed 25 years ago.

Viewers applauded the entire show, sharing their thoughts online: “The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is always so beautifully put together. An incredible tribute to those who serve & have served our country.”

Some acknowledged the sacrifices being remembered whilst criticising the current state of Britain’s borders. One viewer commented: “In the year that our government admitted that they have lost control of our border, it makes the #festivalofremembrance more poignant than ever. Let us pray we don’t see the day when we admit they all died in vain.”

Many were left feeling emotional during the annual commemoration, with one viewer confessing: “10 minutes in and I’m already in tears.”

Another shared: “Imagine not seeing your baby until it was 9 months old. It’s incomprehensible. We owe these men and women so much.”

Hannah Waddingham received acclaim for her “simply superb” hosting and “stunning” vocal performance as she sang “We’ll Meet Again”.

Ludlow is a beautiful market town in Shropshire, which has everything you could want, from regular food festivals to historic sites and stunning countryside walks

Those seeking a peaceful escape from Britain’s bustling cities should consider Ludlow, a picturesque market town in Shropshire that offers everything from regular food festivals to historic landmarks and breathtaking countryside walks. Whilst sometimes overshadowed by neighbouring Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow remains an essential destination for anyone visiting the region.

From its medieval castle and museums to restaurants housed in ancient halls and pubs within 16th-century buildings, Ludlow’s rich heritage is proudly showcased throughout. The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest and ranks among the “finest medieval ruins” in Britain, according to the Ludlow Castle website.

Given its location near Wales, Ludlow Castle served a crucial function during the English-Welsh conflicts. In 1223, King Henry III and Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth held peace negotiations at the fortress.

Throughout history, Ludlow Castle has housed many prominent personalities, including Roger Mortimer, who joined forces with Queen Isabella to depose her husband, Edward II, in 1327.

During the 15th century, Edward IV frequently visited Ludlow and established a governing council there to oversee his Welsh territories.

Edward IV also dispatched his sons, the future King Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, to reside at the castle. The brothers would subsequently become infamous as the Princes in the Tower, after they vanished from the Tower of London in 1483, reports the Express.

Ludlow Castle also holds profound historical significance as the place where Prince Arthur died in 1502, a tragedy that ultimately paved the way for his younger brother to ascend the throne as King Henry VIII.

Since the Civil War, Ludlow Castle has gradually crumbled into ruins, though much of its impressive exterior remains intact, making it well worth exploring.

Another must-see attraction is St Laurence’s Church, which, like the castle, traces its origins back to the Norman invasion. As Shropshire’s largest parish church, St Laurence’s has earned the nickname “Cathedral of the Marches”.

Those seeking outdoor relaxation can visit Ludlow Millennium Green or enjoy a walk along the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath stretching from Ludlow to Kington on the Herefordshire-Wales border.

No trip to Ludlow would be complete without stopping at the renowned Ludlow Farm Shop, which promises a “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience, according to the town’s official website.

The town regularly plays host to Antique, Local Produce and Craft Markets. It’s worth checking the Ludlow Market website before your visit if you fancy attending any of these events.

As the festive season approaches, families will be delighted to learn that Santa will be taking up residence at Ludlow Castle from 6 to 23 December, giving children the chance to enjoy a magical encounter with Father Christmas in the castle’s stunning grotto.