Sara

Sara Sharif’s paternal grandfather has been granted guardianship of her siblings by a court in Pakistan.

The decision comes after years of legal limbo following the murder of 10-year-old Sara by her father and stepmother in 2023.

All five children, who are now aged between 16 and four, have been living in Pakistan since 2023. They were asked to speak to the judge in court, where the eldest said they were comfortable and the siblings were settled.

Sara’s grandfather, Muhammed Sharif, told the BBC he was relieved to be granted guardianship after three years of legal battles, saying his hope is that the children “stay healthy” and receive “a good education”.

“It is my responsibility to ensure they get the best possible education and care,” he said.

When told by the judge that the grandfather would become their guardian, the eldest child responded saying “that’s all good”.

The five children have been in Pakistan since August 2023, when they were brought to the country by Sara’s father, stepmother and uncle after Sara was killed.

The family was in hiding for weeks before the children were discovered by police at the grandfather’s house. They were initially put into state childcare.

The adults flew back to the UK and were arrested at the airport. Sara’s father Urfan Sharif and stepmother Beinash Batool were found guilty of Sara’s murder. Sharif was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison and Batool received a minimum of 33 years.

Her uncle, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death and given a 16-year sentence.

Sara had been hooded, burned and beaten during a “campaign of torture” that lasted two years before her body was found at the family home in Woking, Surrey.

Presenter Sara Pascoe has claimed she was ousted from her role on Great British Sewing Bee and said the BBC chose to replace her with a younger woman.

Sara Pascoe has claimed she did not leave her job on the BBC‘s Great British Sewing Bee role saying she was “replaced me with a younger woman”.

The comedian, 45, had presented the BBC contest in 2022 and 2023 before taking a year off after welcoming her second child. But shortly after returning, it was announced that Sophie Willan, 38, was to take over the year’s Christmas special and series that followed.

She’s now made it very clear it wasn’t a decision she was part of. She was asked on Harry Hill’s podcast: “There’s The Great British Sewing Bee, do you still do that?”

Bluntly, she responded: “No. They replaced me with a younger woman. Showbusiness is harsh.”

Harry went on to ask: You gave it up, right?” But she hit back: “No I didn’t, absolutely not. I’m, I’m very lucky for the work I’ve had, I’m very gracious, I have bought a house, I send love and light to everyone.”

When Sophie was announced, the BBC said: “Sara has been a brilliant, witty and much-loved presence in the sewing room and both the BBC and the Bee team thank her for three wonderful series.”

Commissioning editor Cal Turner added: “We are delighted to welcome Sophie Willan to The Great British Sewing Bee. With her boundless enthusiasm and energy, Sophie will bring her own unique spark to the sewing room alongside Patrick and Esme.

“We’d also like to thank Sara Pascoe for three brilliant series – her humour and charm have been a joy for viewers and stitchers alike.”

And Tom Davies, Executive Producer Love Productions said: “We are so excited to have Sophie join the Sewing Bee team and we cannot wait to see what she brings to the Sewing Room.”

Earlier this month it was confirmed the new series was already being filmed. Judge Patrick Young praised Sophie for her hosting skills and said the show is kept ‘fresh’ by bringing in new presenters.

“Sophie is amazing,” Patrick said. “I was a massive Alma’s Not Normal fan. Quite often, we get told who is going to be coming on, and I had to pinch myself. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I loved Alma’s Not Normal’. She’s brilliant, she’s so fun.

“Esme loves her. She just helps create the most amazing atmosphere on set. We’ve been making the show for a long time. A lot of the crew and everybody behind the scenes are the same, but it’s lovely having somebody come in and give it a little zhuzh.”

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