The kidnapping of Shannon Matthews rocked the UK in 2008, and now a new documentary following the fake abduction plot will arrive on one of the world’s biggest streaming services
15:43, 12 Aug 2025Updated 15:44, 12 Aug 2025
The Hunt for Shannon Matthews will be released on Amazon Prime Video from Sunday 17 August
The kidnapping of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews dominated the headlines in February 2008 and created mass panic across the country. On a Tuesday evening, stay-at-home mum Karen Matthews reported her nine-year-old daughter missing to Dewsbury police, and West Yorkshire officials launched what became the biggest investigation in that area since the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper.
After three weeks and three days, the search, which was also spearheaded by residents of the Dewsbury Moor estate, came to an end when Shannon was found alive in a flat in Batley Carr, just mere miles from her home. She was found at the home of Michael Donovan, the uncle of her mother’s then-partner Craig Meehan, who was convicted of possessing 49 indecent images of children in 2008 but was not involved in the kidnapping of Shannon and was never charged with any offences relating to the incident.
Karen Matthews had plotted the entire thing in an attempt to raise reward money whilst she made emotional pleas on television for her daughter’s safe return (Image: PA)
Karen, who had seven children by five different fathers, was found guilty of found guilty of kidnapping, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice sentenced to eight years in prison along with her accomplice, although by the time she was released early in 2012, he was already out.
Shannon, who had been drugged and tied up in the small flat, was immediately placed under police protection once she had been found and was given lifelong anonymity with a new High Court ruling. Now, the events of the entire plot have been re-explored in the The Hunt for Shannon Matthews, which viewers can watch on Amazon Prime Video from Sunday 17th August.
In the years since the bizarre case shocked Britain, the story has been told through several books and documentaries. In 2017, it was adapted into the BBC series The Moorside, starring Game of Thrones actress Gemma Whelan as the woman who was dubbed the nation’s worst mum, and Sheridan Smith as Julie Bushy, the kindly neighbour who headed up the communal efforts to find Shannon, completely unaware that it was all a hoax.
Julie Bushby, a former friend of Shannon Matthews who was played by Sheridan Smith in a BBC drama, will appear The Hunt for Shannon Matthews when it arrives on Prime Video on August 17(Image: DAILY MIRROR)
But TV insiders have insisted that this time round, the new documentary, which features new interviews with former friends and neighbours of Karen Matthews, will offer up a fresh perspective on the whole story, especially because such time has passed since the events took place. A source told The Sun: “The original case dumbfounded the nation when it happened and it took years before many could truly grasp what had happened.
“Shows like 2017, The Moorside which starred Sheridan Smith , tried to shed some light on the events but it continues to be a subject that stirs up an array of emotions. The creators of the new documentary hope that the passing of time and the benefit of distance might help lend some perspective on the story.”
It is the third in a series of recent true crime documentaries released by the streaming giant, the first of which was The Wimbledon Killer, which looked back on the murder of mum Rachel Nickell in the early 1990s, and the second was Surviving The Tunisia Beach Attack, which examined the shooting of 38 holidaymakers, more than a decade on from when the atrocity took place.
A ONE Direction fan caught up in a Zayn Malik ‘cheating’ scandal has finally spoken out after keeping quiet in 2012.
13 years after a “leaked call” circulated social media, an American fan – who is now a married mother ans successful makeup artist – has claimed that she is the woman who was caught up in the scandal that took place at the height of the band’s popularity.
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A One Direction fan caught up in the 2012 Zayn Malik ‘cheating’ scandal has spoken out for the first timeCredit: TikTok / Tricia Corona
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Tricia Corona took to TikTok to tell her version of eventsCredit: TikTok / Tricia Corona
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Zayn Malik was in a relationship with Perrie Edwards at the time of the alleged incidentCredit: AFP
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Zayn was in a relationship with Perrie Edwards from Little Mix at the timeCredit: Instagram
In 2012, an audio clip of a man inviting a group of women up to his hotel room went viral.
Due to the man on the call having a Northern accent and Zayn being from Bradford, fans were convinced it was him.
Another “clue” that left fans thinking the man on the other end of the call was Zayn was because he mentioned a friend called Harry who wanted “booty”.
Read More about One Direction
At the time of the rumours swirling, Zayn did not address them.
But 13 years on, Tricia Corona has claimed she was the woman on the phone and detailed her version of events.
Taking to TikTok to describe meeting Zayn and the rest of the boys at a One Direction event at a Walmart store, she recalled: “We’re standing in line and Zayn’s making eyes at me.”
She then explained how her pals told her to give Zayn her number.
“Like the hoochie that I am – or that I was I should say because I’m a happily married woman now – I wrote my number down and I stuck it right in my bra,” she recalled.
She then claimed that as she reached the front the queue, Zayn said: “I like your jubblies [breasts].”
Harry Styles fans shocked as 1D star snaps pic of them on holiday in Rome – and DMs it to them months later
Tricia then recalled: “I pulled my number right out of my dress, slid it across the table and said ‘if you wanna hang out later – call me’.”
She the alleged that Zayn told bandmate Harry to put the note “in his pocket”.
Tricia then recalled how when she and her pals were driving home, she received a call.
“I answer and you can hear all of them yelling and giggling and talking,” she alleged.
“I say hello and they don’t say anything and hang up,” she went on.
Tricia then claimed that the prank call happened an “absurd amount of times”.
But then she allegedly got a call from Zayn at midnight asking her to join him at his hotel in Philadelphia.
She agreed and her and her pals drove back.
“He’s calling me every two minutes ‘where are you? How far away are you? You have to be quicker – you have to get here fast because we do have to leave.’
“We finally get to Philly and he calls and he’s like ‘we left, we had to go, I told you. We’re going to New York City why don’t you come meet us there?’.”
Tricia then claimed Louis Tomlinson called her and said: “Don’t shoot the messenger, our tour manager has put his foot down and he says no girls back to the hotel tonight.”
Tricia then explained how she sent Zayn a text saying: “If you want to rebel against your babysitter tonight, let me know and we’ll still come.”
She then alleged that he replied saying: “F**k the babysitter, come anyway.”
Tricia and her friends then drove to New York and arrived at gone 2am.
Zayn allegedly then told hotel staff hat she was their makeup artist so she was allowed to their room.
Tricia claimed that no NDA [nondisclosure agreement] was involved but said her mother had heard the leaked audio and was upset – which is why she never spoke out at the time.
“It was not funny at the time,” she said, adding how Zayn had “his own stuff going on”.
Tricia added: “And yes he is a celebrity and all that but he is still very much a person and I didn’t want to throw him under the bus like that.
“So you can use your imagination I guess about what happened when I got up there.
“That’s the story of Crystabel Riley,” she concluded.
The Sun has reached out to Zayn Malik’s representatives for a comment.
Fans of the band, who were familiar with the leaked call from 13 years ago, were quick to react.
One person said: “I’VE BEEN WAITING YEARS TO HEAR STORIES LIKE THIS.”
Another added: “I have been waiting 13 years for this story.”
And a third wrote: “I never thought i’d ever be given this information. what a gift.”
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One Direction stormed the music charts in the 2010sCredit: Getty Images – Getty
TV presenter Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s back in 2022 and the pair recently opened up about dealing with the disease in their candid new book
Martin said the This Morning drama helped him(Image: @Schofe/Twitter)
This Morning boss Martin Frizell has said that the Phillip Schofield drama “helped” him while dealing with Fiona Phillips’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He recently said that the drama at work gave him something else to focus on while things were all go at home.
Fiona was 61-years-old when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2022. Since then, husband Martin has been by her side caring for her.
Fiona was diagnosed at 61(Image: Getty Images Europe)
During the diagnosis, Martin was also dealing with some drama while working at This Morning. However, he said that this managed to take “his mind off Fiona at home”. In 2023, This Morning’s Phillip resigned after more than 20 years on the programme after having an affair with a younger colleague.
Co-host Holly Willoughby then resigned later after being informed by police of a plot to kill her. Martin has said that due to being busy at work, it gave him some “structure and normality”.
Speaking in the book, Martin wrote: “I was busy with work at that time. We’d had big changes at This Morning with Phillip Schofield leaving, Holly Willoughby stepping down after the pressures of a serious kidnap threat, and Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard becoming the new hosts in March 2024.
“It meant there was a lot to sort out to make the show the best it possibly could be, but being that busy actually helped me. I loved going into work – not because it was an escape from what was going on at home, but because it gave me structure and normality.
“And it meant that I didn’t have time to think about what was to come for Fiona. For both of us.” While this was going on, Martin shared that Fiona’s “long-term memory was functioning better than the short-term” but she found it difficult to leave the house due to becoming more anxious.
Martin quit This Morning a year after the This Morning scandal after first joining in 2014 as editor of Loose Women before taking over at This Morning.
In a statement last November, he said: “Next year I’m expecting my family priorities to change so I need to free up time for them. I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly but it’s an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment and I won’t be able to do both.
It’s been a privilege to lead truly great presenters and producers, between us we’ve turned out more than six thousand hours of live topical telly, that’s around 20,000 items and the gongs are always nice.”
Martin discusses in the book at Fiona is now unable to “brush her teeth, shower and use her phone” without his help. He said that his wife “wouldn’t know how to turn the kettle on now” and now “sits and stares for most of the day”.
Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly launched an investigation into claims that two of its stars took cocaine. The BBC has hired law firm Pinsent Masons to probe the allegations
BBC Strictly Come Dancing rocked by cocaine scandal: Investigation reportedly launched into star drug use claims
The BBC has reportedly enlisted the services of a top legal firm to investigate accusations of cocaine use by two Strictly Come Dancing stars, with reports suggesting their substance abuse was an open secret on the show.
Former participants, professional dancers, and crew members are being invited to speak with the solicitors at Pinsent Masons to voice any issues they might have, it’s been reported this evening.
The long-running BBC series, which has been plagued with multiple scandals over recent years, is now embroiled in controversy following drug use claims submitted to the BBC in March by Russells Solicitors on behalf of a celebrity contestant.
BBC director-general Tim Davie vowed to put an end to Strictly scandals last year(Image: PA)
It’s believed that additional individuals have also brought forward allegations of drug consumption on Strictly Come Dancing to the BBC.
In a statement shared with the Mirror this evening, a representative for the BBC said: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
The Sun reports that one of allegations involves a Strictly star who allegedly commented on another individual’s dilated pupils, hinting at drug intoxication, by saying: “Have you seen their pupils . . . they’re off their face”.
Furthermore, The Sun reports that a celebrity claimed it is common knowledge within the show’s circle that two stars were using cocaine, a topic that was reportedly rife among the cast.
A source stated: “These claims are extremely serious and should be taken as such. Given only last year that the BBC’s Director-General promised to clean up Strictly, it seems particularly shocking. The idea of the show’s stars discussing drug-taking is deeply disturbing. The BBC have known about these allegations for some time, and acknowledged receiving them.”
It’s reported that the state-funded broadcaster is “taking firm action”.
Sometimes you just want a moment back. Just one tiny moment. For example, the moment that a kiss-cam busted you and your head of HR for cheating at a Coldplay concert on Wednesday night.
Andy Byron, chief executive of data-infrastructure company Astronomer Inc., was caught on camera holding human resources chief Kristin Cabot — a woman who is not his wife — tenderly in his arms.
The moment was an instant classic for those attending the concert: “Ohhh, look at these two,” singer Chris Martin said as the cam spotlighted the couple, prompting Byron to suddenly, awkwardly duck out of camera range while Cabot turned her back, covered her face and ultimately fled.
“Wait, what? Either they’re having an affair,” Martin said, “or they’re just very shy.”
Or maybe, just maybe, they were actually really stupid to react that way? No cheating experts here, but if they had simply smiled and continued their loving embrace, the details of their entanglement might have stayed unknown to the 65,000 or so folks packed into Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
But the singer wasn’t really to blame for this week’s hottest story. What happened in Foxborough, Mass., could have stayed in Foxborough, Mass., were it not for one Grace Springer. Springer is reportedly the 28-year-old who posted the clip on TikTok. She told the U.K. Sun she made the video public because she thought the couple’s “something” was “an interesting reaction.”
“A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but, play stupid games … win stupid prizes,” Springer said before adding that she hoped their partners could “heal” and get a second chance at happiness.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Ouch.
The internet, of course, has been quite happy to mete out those stupid prizes left and right.
There’s now merch to commemorate the moment, including one tee on Etsy that simply reads, “Not Shy. Just Married. #Coldplaygate.”
Another seller is offering a sweatshirt that screams in all-caps, “I TOOK MY SIDEPIECE TO THE COLDPLAY CONCERT AND IT RUINED MY LIFE.” One T-shirt dips its toes into political waters, urging people to MAPA: “Make Affairs Private Again!” The tee with an actual photo of the couple is unlikely to last long, what with copyright and all, but the animated version might hang around a bit longer.
Alas, there are no koozies for sale. Not yet.
Then there are the memes. One shows the couple with the hitchhiking ghosts from the famous finish of Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. Another shows Miss Piggy in the arms of a tall Fozzie Bear, with a sign in one corner saying “Coldplay’s Caught-in-the-Act Cam.” On X, Elon Musk chuckled at an image of the couple reimagined in the style of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” Then there was the classic MasterCard meme: “Priceless.”
“Coldplay hasn’t made a single in years,” one wit said on X, posting a still from the video. “Last night, they made two.”
“This is outdated,” another account said, commenting on a ChatGPT blurb about a Taylor Swift ticket allegedly selling for $200,000 on the secondary market. “Coldplay now holds the record for most expensive concert ticket ever sold.”
“Uh, it’s time to ‘Kiss It Goodbye,’ ” ESPN’s Randy Scott said as he and “SportsCenter” co-anchor Gary Striewski reenacted the viral moment live Friday morning. “Baseball’s probably not the only thing you could say that about recently.”
And if Andy Byron appeared to be having some really bad days, what about other dudes named Andy Byron? “NOT THE GUY FROM THE COLDPLAY GIG” reads the Threads bio of one such Andy, who apparently hails from Dublin. “The only one having a worse day than Andy Byron is all the other Andy Byrons,” one user snarked.
The real Astronomer Inc. announced Friday that it is looking into the matter and that Alyssa Stoddard, whoever that poor thing is, is not in the video. Um, we were concerned? Turns out Stoddard is the company’s VP of HR, a step or so down from Cabot, and probably doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in this context at all.
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the company said in a post on LinkedIn. “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Additional. Details. Very. Shortly.
Soooooo — the fun won’t be ending any time soon.
Meanwhile, the real Andy Byron’s real wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, nuked the “Byron” from her name on Facebook and then deactivated her account entirely amid an onslaught of comments from the public, according to Newsweek.
Looks like she’s choosing to do something instead of nothing, too.
July 18 (UPI) — South Korean prosecutors on Thursday executed coordinated raids on more than 10 locations connected to the Unification Church, including its Seoul headquarters in Cheongpa-dong, the Cheonjeonggung Palace in Cheongpyeong, a foundation office in Mapo, and the private residence of former church executive Yoon Young-ho.
The large-scale operation marks a significant escalation in a widening political influence scandal involving the church and top government figures.
During the raid at Cheonjeonggung, Lee Cheong-woo — the church’s director of central administration and its third-ranking official — allegedly mobilized approximately 600 young members to physically obstruct investigators. According to JTBC, Lee issued verbal threats and threatened to ram his vehicle into media reporters in an attempt to intimidate and disrupt coverage of the raid.
JTBC also reported that investigators discovered large bundles of cash and high-end luxury items inside a hidden safe, possibly intended for use in lobbying operations.
Prosecutors allege that the Unification Church sought to secure political favors in exchange for luxury goods and financial support, including lobbying for public development assistance (ODA) projects along Cambodia’s Mekong River and South Korea’s bid to host the United Nations’ Fifth Secretariat Office.
The church has denied all allegations, characterizing the investigation as a case of “individual misconduct” by Young-ho Yoon. However, the hierarchical nature of the Unification Church makes it unlikely that Yoon acted alone. Many observers expect the seized materials to provide more definitive evidence implicating higher-ranking officials.
At the center of growing scrutiny is Jung Wonju, Executive Secretary to Chairwoman Hak-ja Han and Vice President of Cheon Mu Won, the Unification Church’s highest administrative body. Though Han remains the official spiritual leader, Jung is widely regarded as the church’s de facto second-in-command and is believed to have overseen high-level political outreach and internal consolidation of power.
Jung began her rise within the organization as Han’s personal hairdresser but gradually leveraged her close relationship with the chairwoman to sideline rival figures and accumulate influence behind the scenes. In recent years, she is believed to have effectively replaced senior leadership, quietly assuming control over key decision-making processes.
She left South Korea for the United States in early June — more than a month before the July 18 raids — reportedly citing her husband’s illness. Despite being subject to a de facto travel restriction, she has not returned since. Her prolonged absence is widely viewed as compelling circumstantial evidence of her central role in the alleged scheme.
Further intensifying public scrutiny, Jung’s family ties have raised concerns over media influence and nepotism. Her husband’s younger brother, Tom McDevitt, currently serves as chairman of The Washington Times, a U.S.-based newspaper with long-standing ties to the Unification Church. Additionally, Jung’s younger brother, Hee-taek Jung, is CEO of Segye Ilbo, a major South Korean daily also affiliated with the church.
Critics argue that these familial connections have enabled Jung to exert behind-the-scenes influence over both domestic and international media. Just a day before the raids, The Washington Times published a glowing profile of Chairwoman Hak-ja Han, prompting allegations that the outlet — though publicly operating as an independent journalistic institution — was being privately leveraged to defend and legitimize church leadership amid mounting legal pressure.
As the investigation widens, calls are mounting for Jung Wonju to return to South Korea and face legal proceedings. Many within the broader religious community argue that assuming responsibility is not only a legal duty but a spiritual obligation.
The special prosecutor’s office has indicated that additional indictments and arrests are likely as evidence is reviewed. International cooperation may also be sought if Jung continues to remain overseas.
MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace has released a lengthy statement on Instagram after being axed by the BBC following a nearly year-long investigation into misconduct claims – and we want to hear your thoughts
18:33, 08 Jul 2025Updated 18:46, 08 Jul 2025
Gregg Wallace has been axed by the BBC(Image: BBC)
Gregg Wallace has been fired by the BBC following an investigation into alleged misconduct – and we want to hear your thoughts. In December, the former MasterChef presenter was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period.
It comes as 50 more people have approached the BBC with fresh claims about Wallace, BBC News reports. Wallace has strongly denied all claims. After reportedly being informed of his dismissal from the BBC by production company Banijay, the former greengrocer released a statement saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him.
The 60-year-old wrote on Instagram: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
“The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.” He also accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories.”
Gregg continued: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”
Now, Gregg has also claimed that “nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years”. As part of a lengthy statement, he shared: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand.
“Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.” In another part of his statement, he insisted he “will not go quietly” and “will not be cancelled for convenience”, adding: “The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
The dad-of-three’s legal team have been given an early steer into the Silkins report, which is officially due out on Thursday. A series of complaints were made about the MasterChef last year, including ‘inappropriate behaviour’ and allegations of touching an assistant’s bottom on the BBC show.
Gregg stepped down from the show after denying the allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying Gregg engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Gregg insisted via his legal team: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
With the Silkins report due to be released this week, we want to know if you think Gregg should have been sacked over the MasterChef scandal? Vote in our poll HEREto have your say.
Budget airline Ryanair has scathed a cluster of European countries in what it describes as a ‘scandal’ of understaffing and mismanagement responsible for thousands of delayed flights
The airline has long slammed Europe’s record when it comes to ATC delays(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Ryanair has unleashed a savage attack on five European countries, including the UK, over thousands of delayed flights. The budget airline has slammed France, Spain, Germany, Greece, and the UK for having the ‘worst’ Air Traffic Control (ATC) delays in 2024, based on Eurocontrol data.
It is a drum Ryanair has long banged, and comes shortly after it published its name-and-shame ‘ATC League of Delays’. ATC delays can be caused by a plethora of reasons, including unavoidable factors such as the weather or military activity.
However, Ryanair argues a huge ‘majority’ of these delays are directly caused by understaffed airports and ‘mismanaged ATCs’. “Despite 20 years of investment in SESAR (Europe’s failed ‘Single Sky Project’) no progress has been made,” the airline fumed.
“The new Commission under Ursula von der Leyen has committed itself to delivering competitiveness and efficiency in Europe. Yet, it continues to allow the mismanagement and staff shortages in French, Spanish, German, Greek and UK ATC services.”
Ryanair says the UK doesn’t care about its airline passengers (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
According to Ryanair’s latest press release, in 2024, France experienced a staggering 35,1000 flight delays – impacting some 6.3 million passengers. Spain came a close second, with 32,700 delayed flights affecting 5.9 million passengers. Germany (18,700 delayed flights), Greece (5,000), and the UK (3,380) were also cited in the top five worst ATCs.
“If the Danes, the Belgians, the Dutch, the Irish and the Slovakians can properly staff their ATC services and eliminate ‘ATC capacity’ delays, then why can’t we expect a similar service from the very well-funded (by airlines), but hopelessly mismanaged French, Spanish, German, Greek and UK ATC providers,” Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said. “The difference is that these are protected State Monopolies, who don’t care about customer service.
“They don’t care about passengers, and they don’t care about their airline customers either. Every year they are short-staffed and they are responsible for over 90 per cent of Europe’s flight delays, which adds an extra 10 per cent to aviation emissions in Europe.”
The boss described the data as a ‘scandal’ of short-staffing and mismanagement, arguing it is now time for the European Commission to ‘intervene and demand an efficient, competitive ATC service’ from all of Europe. “Ryanair, our customers, and our passengers are fed up with these avoidable ATC delays, which are imposed on us every Summer by the French, the Germans, the Spanish, the Greeks and the British,” he added.
Christian Petzold a travel expert and Marketing Director over at BCN Travel, echoed Ryanair’s sentiment – arguing ATC delays continue to ‘frustrate’ both passengers and airlines every summer. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he said: “Ryanair are right to point out the contrast with high-performing ATC services in countries like Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Slovakia.
“These countries have managed to staff their control centres and keep operations smooth even in peak summer. For example the Irish Aviation Authority is consistently one of the best for punctuality and minimal en-route delays, due to proactive recruitment and training pipelines for air traffic controllers. In contrast strikes, understaffing and bureaucratic inertia cripple ATC in France and Germany – two of the busiest airspaces in Europe.”
Christian added that the European Commission must take “action and demand accountability” as well as push for competition. Otherwise, passengers will see no ‘real change’ in European aviation.
The Mirror has approached the European Commission for comment.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.
Ryanair has singled out the UK as among the worst countries in Europe for air traffic control-caused flight delays – as the airline demanded the European Commission take action
Ryanair has accused some air traffic control authorities of ‘mismanagement and incompetence’ (Image: BrasilNut1/Getty Images)
Ryanair has launched a withering attack on air traffic control delays in the UK and a number of other countries.
Boss Michael O’Leary claimed a “scandal” of short staffing and mismanagement had caused widespread disruption for the airline and passengers. He singled out air traffic control in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Greece.
Mr O’Leary said it “can no longer be tolerated”, as he called on the European Commission to intervene.
Ryanair stepped up its attack by comparing the five countries with five others with, it said, the best track record on delays. The Irish airline said 3,380 of its flights last year were impacted by delays on UK air traffic control, soaring to 35,100 in France. Yet that compared with just 210 in Slovakia that had delays, and only 70 in Ireland.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has called on the European Commission to act over flight delays (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Mr O’Leary branded operators in France, Spain, Germany, Greece and the UK “hopelessly mismanaged”. He went on: “The difference is that these are protected state monopolies, who don’t care about customer service, they don’t care about passengers, and they don’t care about their airline customers either. Every year they are short-staffed and they are responsible for over 90% of Europe’s flight delays, which adds an extra 10% to aviation emissions in Europe.
Mr O’Leary added: “Ryanair, our customers, and our passengers are fed up with these avoidable ATC delays, which are imposed on us every Summer by the French, the Germans, the Spanish, the Greeks and the British. All that is necessary to properly manage their ATC service is to recruit and train sufficient air traffic controllers, just as the Irish, the Danes, the Dutch, the Belgians and the Slovakians have already shown.
“It is time for this European mismanagement and incompetence to end, or for ATC services of France, Germany, Spain, Greece, and the UK to be opened up to the competition.”
Ryanair says some countries are much worse than other when it comes to air traffic control-caused flight delays (Image: UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Ryanair last week issued a warning to holidaymakers after travel chaos at several airports in Portugal meant that hundreds were left stranded at departure gates. The budget airline said more than 270 passengers have missed their flights over the past two weeks due to extensive queues and chronic understaffing at border control.
The worst delays are being felt in Faro, Lisbon and Porto airports, with wait times reportedly stretching to a staggering two and a half hours. In a statement, Ryanair called the situation as “completely unacceptable”, calling on Portugal’s new government to sort out the staffing crisis.
Ryanair placed the blame with airport operator ANA, accusing it of failing to prepare adequately for the annual summer travel surge.
NEW YORK — Imagine this: You’re home for the evening, winding down. There’s a knock at the door.
Who’s there? It’s Anthony Weiner. And he wants your vote.
Yes, that Weiner: The guy whose once-promising political career was derailed by sexting scandals and then seemingly ended forever when he was imprisoned for sending sexually explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl.
But now Weiner’s hoping to convince enough voters in Lower Manhattan that he deserves yet another chance in a comeback bid — for a seat on the New York City Council.
On a recent weekday at an apartment complex on the Lower East Side, the former congressman, 60, was knocking on doors, reintroducing himself to voters and reminding them about the election. And, on that Thursday at least, the would-be constituents aren’t slamming their doors in the registered sex offender’s face.
“It’s Anthony Weiner!” the candidate said after knocking on a door.
A man opens the door, his face lighting up with surprise.
“It is Anthony Weiner!” the man said, a big smile spreading across his face.
After some pleasantries and a reminder about the race, the man had an important question for the candidate: “Mind if I get a picture with you?”
And so it went as Weiner walked down floor after floor, knocking on doors. A quick hello here, a fast thank you there. Campaign literature flowed into hands. People seemed happy to see him.
It isn’t always this friendly. Weiner said he still struggles with how to speak about his scandal, calling it the “fundamental, unsolvable problem of the campaign.”
“Sometimes it’s with like real painful, kind of, honesty about what happened and sometimes it’s a little bit defensive, and sometimes, like, a woman at this street fair last week, she’s like, ‘I love you and I’m going to vote for you, but I voted for you before and how can I ever trust you?’” he said.
But, he notes, some people would rather talk about anything else.
“They’re like, ‘I don’t want to hear about that. I want to hear about me and I want to hear about how come there aren’t cops on the street and I want to hear about why my taxes are so high,’” he said.
From Congress to prison
Weiner, a brash and ambitious politician whose New York accent and wily, kinetic style made for solid theater on the House floor, was once someone worth watching in the Democratic Party. Back then, he represented a district in parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
His latest return to the political stage — this time for a City Council seat that covers Union Square and the East Village — pits him against state lawmaker Harvey Epstein, whose name’s unfortunate proximity to convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein inspired a “Saturday Night Live” bit, along with a handful of other low-key candidates.
The primary, on June 24, is considered the defining contest of the election, given the district’s heavy Democratic bent. It’s hard to know how it’ll turn out in a low-turnout, early-summer primary where there’s no deep political polling.
The comeback attempt comes more than a decade after his career imploded for sending a lewd picture of himself to a college student over Twitter in 2011.
He first tried to claim his account was hacked but eventually admitted to having inappropriate online interactions with at least six other women and resigned from Congress after serving there for more than a decade.
After leaving Washington, Weiner mounted a campaign for New York City mayor but was again undone after it was disclosed that he sent explicit photos under the alias “Carlos Danger” to at least one woman after leaving the House. The revelation tanked his mayoral bid.
Along the way, his marriage collapsed.
In 2017, his scandal entered the criminal realm after prosecutors said he had illicit online contact with a high school student. During the proceedings, his lawyer said Weiner probably exchanged thousands of messages with hundreds of women over the years and had been communicating with up to 19 women when he encountered the student.
He eventually pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. He was required to register as a sex offender after his release in 2019.
Since then, he’s worked as the chief executive of a countertop company in Brooklyn and hosted a radio show where he would muse about politics, eventually finding himself ginning up his own ideas and wondering: Why not get back in the game? He opened a campaign account and donations started flowing in. He’d go out on the street and people wanted to sign his petitions.
“I knew I had things I wanted to say and I knew that I thought it was important that everyone try to do something at this point,” he said.
The elephant in the room
Still, his scandals are so much an elephant in the room that his campaign recently started circulating a mailer that, on one side, features a massive elephant alongside the text “Anthony Weiner knows you may have questions.” On the other side, a note from Weiner reads: “Since I am asking you for your vote again, I want to address the elephant in the room.”
It goes on: “I accepted responsibility, I did my time (literally) and paid my debt to society in full.”
A man who answered one of Weiner’s door knocks told the candidate that he saw the mailer and said it was a smart move to address the scandals head-on.
The two then dived into political issues, chatting about crime, the subway and homeless people. As the conversation was coming in for a landing, the man told Weiner that showing up at his door to speak with him showed that he cared. He declined to give his name to an Associated Press reporter who approached him after Weiner had said goodbye and taken off down a flight of stairs.
After a few more meet-and-greets, Weiner wrapped up for the day. He left the complex, hopped on a bicycle and zipped off down the street.
Italy severs links with Paragon spyware after allegations of targeting critics and migrant rescuers spark outrage.
Italy has terminated its contracts with Israeli spyware company Paragon, after revelations that the surveillance technology was used against critics of the government – including journalists and migrant rescue workers – prompted political uproar and calls for a full investigation.
The move was confirmed in a parliamentary report released on Monday by the intelligence oversight committee COPASIR, which found that Italy’s intelligence services had initially paused, then cancelled their use of Paragon’s spyware.
The timeline of the contract’s end remains unclear, especially since Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government had told parliament in February that the deal was still active.
Both the Italian government and Paragon confirmed the termination, but offered diverging narratives.
The controversy has provoked condemnation from opposition parties and media freedom advocates. Italy’s journalists’ union, FNSI, urged prosecutors to determine whether state surveillance laws were broken.
Paragon’s software was allegedly used to target individuals in Italy, including a journalist and members of the migrant rescue organisation Mediterranea, which has frequently criticised Meloni’s right-wing government.
Meta-owned WhatsApp revealed in January that the spyware had been deployed against dozens of users globally — including some in Italy.
Italian government denies illegality
The government has admitted that seven Italians were targeted, but maintains that any surveillance was lawful and overseen by a public prosecutor. It denied engaging in illicit spying and said it had tasked the National Cybersecurity Agency with reviewing the matter.
One of those allegedly targeted, Francesco Cancellato, editor of investigative outlet Fanpage, had claimed to the Reuters news agency and others that he was placed under surveillance.
But COPASIR said it found no evidence supporting the claim. Paragon, in a statement to Fanpage, said it halted services to Italy once Cancellato’s case came to light and claimed the Italian government refused a joint probe into the matter.
Meloni’s office has declined to comment. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers are demanding that the government explain its role in parliament.
The report also revealed that Italy’s intelligence services had authorised the use of Paragon’s spyware in 2023 and 2024 to monitor a small number of individuals in connection with criminal investigations, including suspected “terrorism”, people smuggling and espionage.
COPASIR defended the surveillance of Mediterranea members Luca Casarini and Beppe Caccia, saying it was not due to their activism but their suspected links to irregular migration. The spyware’s use on them was approved by Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, Meloni’s top intelligence adviser, on September 5, 2024.
Mantovano did not respond to requests for comment.
Last month, a Sicilian court ordered Casarini, Caccia and four others to stand trial for allegedly aiding irregular immigration – a case widely seen as a test of Italy’s approach to migrant rescues. All deny the charges.
It’s not easy for NFL long snappers to stand out, their exacting trade hinging exclusively on repeating the same action without fail or fanfare. Yet Jake McQuaide, the former Rams two-time Pro Bowl long snapper and veteran of 14 NFL seasons, drew attention Saturday when he stood up.
McQuaide rose during Mass at an Ohio Catholic church and snapped at Jason Williams, chancellor of the Cincinnati Archdiocese, demanding answers about rumors that two priests had viewed pornography on a parish computer.
Shortly thereafter, McQuaide was removed from the sanctuary by police officers.
During the outburst, McQuaide seemed to channel Sister Aloysius — Meryl Streep’s character in the 2008 film “Doubt,” — when he loudly questioned Williams, saying “We want to put these rumors to rest. Can you answer this for me, fact or fiction?”
According to video from Cincinnati news station WCPO, when someone at the alter told McQuaide, “this is not the time for this,” McQuaide responded by shouting, “I’m sorry, sir, this is the time and the place. I will stand up. Did the priest use our parish computer to look at pornography? …True or false? True or false?”
McQuaide’s challenge occurred while Williams was reading a letter from Archbishop Robert Casey to the Our Lady of Visitation congregation that said the rumors were investigated and “no wrongdoing — either criminally or ecclesiastically — has been substantiated.” The letter also said that one of the priests was taking a “previously planned sabbatical.”
“Like gossip, the spreading of rumors is sinful, and we should all work to overcome this tendency of our fallen human nature,” the letter said.
Two Green Township police officers escorted McQuaide from the church. McQuaide was not charged, according to the police.
McQuaide grew up near Green Township and attended Cincinnati Elder High, an all-male Catholic diocesan school within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati founded in 1912.
After attending Ohio State, McQuaide served as the Rams long snapper for 10 years, beginning in 2011 when the franchise was in St. Louis and ending after the 2021 season. Since then he has played for the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins, having appeared in 197 career games.
IT’S the most glamorous fixture on the football calendar – but the glitziest stars will be the ones cheering on from the sidelines.
As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to take on Inter this evening, the players’ stunning WAGs will be getting dressed up to the nines as their partners prepare for potential Champions League glory.
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Kleofina Pnishi, 30, is engaged to Inter star Benjamin Pavard, 29Credit: Instagram/@kleofina
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Portuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, with her PSG boyfriend João Neves, 20Credit: getty
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Nitsa Tavadze, 23, wife of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, studied medicine at uniCredit: instagram/@nitsatavadze
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Nitsa and Kvaratskhelia tied the knot on October 16, 2023Credit: Instagram/@nitsatavadze/
While PSG’s roster has included superstars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in recent years, this year’s team is full of young, hungry talents ready to make their own names on the world stage.
In 2023, they tied the knot at the historic Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, celebrating with Georgian traditions, attire, and customs.
Although the couple were introduced by a mutual friend in 2021 sparks didn’t fly until a month later.
Due to Nitsa’s demanding studies, the pair would write to and call each other, and would meet up during their time off or when Kvaratskhelia was on an international break.
When Nitsa didn’t have lectures to attend, she would go to Naples and attend matches at his former team, Napoli.
They made their first appearance at a basketball game between Italy and Georgia and by 2022 they were official. Now, they share a son, Damian, one.
Golf Wag Jena Sims ‘test drives her bikinis for summer’ with fans unable to pick between skimpy outfits
Océane Toussaint and Warren Zaire-Emery
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Océane Toussaint, 21, girlfriend of Warren Zaire Emery, 19, is a professional goalkeeper for PSGCredit: INSTAGRAM
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The young couple have been dating since 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM
French goalie Océane Toussaint, 21, has been in a relationship with her fellow PSG star Warren Zaire-Emery, 19, since 2024.
They were first papped together at a Louis Vuitton event in January and later confirmed their relationship at a gala in May.
Océane was the first goalkeeper to win the Titi d’Or – a fan award for PSG’s most promising academy player – in 2023 and took to social media to share her success with fans.
She wrote: “Very proud to be the first Titi gold keeper, thank you again for all your messages.”
During their short time together so far, Océane and Warren have already jetted off for glamorous holidays and were seen visiting Zoomarine in the Algarve.
Madalena Aragão and João Neves
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Madalena Aragão, girlfriend of João Neves is a Portuguese TV and film starCredit: Instagram
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The young actress has moved countries to be with her boyfriendCredit: instagram
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The couple have made the most of life in ItalyCredit: instagram/@madalena_aragao_
Portuguese television and film star Madalena Aragão, 19, has been in a relationship with João Neves, 20, since 2024.
Madalena made her acting debut in 2016 when she was just 10 years old in the soap opera Rainha das Flores.
The talented actress is also a popular blogger and creator of a YouTube channel, where she shares her thoughts on teenage life and growing up.
Since embarking on her new relationship with João it’s been go go go. She even moved to Paris to be with him after his move from Benfica to the French giants.
The pair have also been quite active on social media, sharing several adorable pics together.
In response to one of Madalena’s recent Instagram posts, Portuguese actor and model Diogo Amaral replied: “My favourite couple.”
Carol Cabrino and Marquinhos
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Brazilian Instagram star Carol Cabrino, 32, is married to Marquinhos, 31Credit: Instagram
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The couple share three children but recently suffered a heartbreaking miscarriageCredit: getty
Influencer Carol Cabrino, 32, carved out a successful singing career before her marriage to Brazilian centre back Marquinhos, 31.
After he proposed to her underneath the Eiffel Tower, the pair had a civil wedding in June 2016.
Together they share three children – Maria, eight, Enrico, six, and Martina, 3 – but tragically, Carol recently opened up about losing her fourth child after suffering a miscarriage.
Taking to Instagram to share the distressing news in March, she said: “I’m going to talk about something that is not very good.
“But I’ve accepted what happened to me and I’ve come to share it with you.
“I can’t get on with my life if I don’t come here and explain to you a little of the things that have been happening in my life for a while now.”
Alessia Elefante and Gianluigi Donnarumma
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Alessia Elefante, 27, fiance of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, was born in Naples, ItlayCredit: Instagram
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The couple share a son Leo, one, and a dog CocoCredit: Instagram
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A little known fact about Alessia is that she has a twin sister, DanielaCredit: Instagram
Italian bombshell Alessia Elefante, 27, is the fiancée of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, and the couple have been together for over seven years.
Alessia is an interior designer and mum to one-year-old Leo, whom she shares with Gianluigi. The Italian pro footballer proposed to her a month after their son was born.
They also share a dog named Coco that Alessia has referred to via her Instagram as her “favourite baby boy” and “a prince” – before her son was born, of course!
Despite such a significant height difference, the couple seem super loved up and often share photos together on social media.
Another little known fact about Alessia is that she’s a twin. On May 27, 2024, she took to Instagram to share a birthday pic with her sister Daniela.
The caption wrote: “Since 1998. Love you.”
Shocked fans were quick to spot the similarities between the pair. One person wrote: “I thought there was a mirror in the 1st pic.”
Inter Milan
Agustina Gandolfo and Lautaro Martinez
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Argentinian Agustina Gandolfo, 29, is the wife of Lautaro Martinez, 27Credit: Instagram
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The entrepreneur and wellness advocate met her match in 2016Credit: instagram/@agus.gandolfo/)
Model Agustina, 29, has two children with Inter’s star striker Lautaro, 27, Nina, four and Theo, two.
Agus has developed a career as a mumfluencer in recent years, with her candid posts about the realities of motherhood.
Alongside her personal updates, she has launched her own lifestyle brand, Coraje, as well as partnering with trendy fashion and fitness labels like Cloter Official and Tropical Sweat.
She met her Argentine husband around 2016 when he was playing for local club Racing, at a party hosted by fellow stars Mauro Icardi and Wanda Nara.
They were initially pals but later fell in love. They had their first child, a daughter named Nina, in 2021 and had a son in 2023.
The pair had a lavish wedding in Villa d’Este on Lake Como Italy in 2023 with 120 guests.
Agus has three tattoos: one of birds flying on her upper back, a heart on her arm and a quote on her ribs.
She also made headlines in 2021 after claiming a Milan restaurant had handed her a menu that didn’t have any prices on during a romantic meal out with her man.
She claimed on her Instagram story that the practice is sexist – because it assumes the man is going to pay for the meal, not the woman.
Kleofina Pnishi and Benjamin Pavard
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Bombshell Kleofina Pnishi is married to Benjamin PavardCredit: Instagram/@kleofina
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Benjamin proposed to her on the coast of Saranda in a beautiful romantic atmosphere with flowers and candlesCredit: Instagram
Kosovo-born actress and model Kleofina, 30, was elected Miss Provence 2017 and ran in the Miss France competition the following year.
But life hasn’t always been easy. When she was just five years old, her family fled their homeland due to the war and arrived in France in 1999.
She graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication of Aix-Marseille, before meeting Benjamin Pavard, 29, with the pair getting engaged in July last year.
Benjamin got down on one knee on the coast of Saranda, Albania, in a beautiful, romantic proposal made special with flowers and candles.
Federica Schievenin and Nicolò Barella
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Federica Schievenin, 35, wife of Nicolò Barella, 28, is a sports scientistCredit: instagram/@fede_schievenin
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The blonde beauty is also a model and certified personal trainerCredit: instagram/@fede_schievenin
Stunning sports scientist Federica Schievenin, 35, met childhood sweetheart Nicolò, 28, over a decade ago.
Like her beau, she has had a passion for sports since a young age thanks to thanks to her dad, who was into motocross.
She earned a PT CFT3 certification from the International Sports Scientists Association in 2019 and is now said to be studying nutraceuticals and naturopathy.
The pair tied the knot in 2018 and are now parents to four children: daughters Rebecca, eight, Lavinia, five, Matilde, four and a baby son, Romeo.
Federica keeps her children’s faces hidden on social media, usually with an emoji.
Claudia Scarpari and Francesco Acerbi
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Claudia Scarpari, 38, wife of Francesco Acerbi, 37, has never missed a matchCredit: Instagram
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The pair met in early 2020 and went public with the relationship later that yearCredit: Instagram @claudiascarp
Claudia Scarpari, 38, is the wife of defender Francesco Acerbi, 37, who she met in early 2020.
Speaking of their early romance, the glamorous lawyer said she found it “enchanting” to watch him play, but admitted she didn’t follow football before they met.
However, since falling in love with the defender, Claudia has revealed she had never missed a match, and will always be cheering on her partner.
Claudia already has a daughter and a son from a previous relationship, and has had more children with Francesco.
Their daughters are named Vittoria, four and Nala, two.
On top of being a supportive WAG, Claudia is a successful lawyer and has spoken of the similarities between the couple’s careers, explaining they are both “defending and protecting what we believe in”.
The couple married in early 2025 in Cassina Rizzardi, Italy.
Sinem Gündoğdu and Hakan Çalhanoğlu
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Sinem Gündoğdu, 30, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, grew up together in Turkey before falling in love and tying the knot in 2017Credit: instagram
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The couple made headlines in 2018 after Hakan filed for divorceCredit: getty
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, 31, and Sinem, 30, grew up together in Turkey before tying the knot in 2017, but their relationship has not always been plain sailing.
In 2018, the midfielder sensationally announced the decision to divorce his wife after a “very serious and unforgivable situation occurred”.
Sinem’s response was speedy, and came with another bombshell, as she announced: “I never cheated on you. By the way, I’m pregnant.”
Fortunately, the couple appear to have resolved their issues and now seem better than ever.
Together they have three children: Liya, six, born in 2019, Ayaz, four, born in 2021 and Asil Can, two, born in 2023.
Wynne Evans has opened up on how he found out he had been axed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour – just days after he lost his brother
23:12, 24 May 2025Updated 23:22, 24 May 2025
Wynne Evans opens up on Strictly tour axe(Image: Instagram/@wynneevans)
Wynne Evans has spoken out about being removed from the Strictly Come Dancing tour – and ‘how’ he found out about his axe after comments towards professional dancer Janette Manrara. During this time, the star says he was a “grieving mess” after losing his older brother Huw.
The opera singer was axed from the live tour earlier this year after he made a crude remark about the dancer. It came after a a video emerged of him saying “spit-roast” at a Strictly photocall which, it was claimed, was in relation to Janette.
After the video was released of the star making the comment, the 53-year-old released a statement apologising for his words. “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise,” a statement from Evans read.
Wynne was axed from the Strictly tour earlier this year(Image: BBC)
Evans now tells the Sun that the comment “absolutely wasn’t meant sexually – and the fact I used ‘boy’, all right it’s nuanced, but it shows I was talking to Jamie, NOT Janette.”
Wynne revealed that at the time, his phone was blowing up with calls from his team, the tour team and Strictly team, in which he said: “Oh god, I’m so sorry.” Wynne claims this was taken as a formal apology and released by the press team.
He also claims he was “horrified” when he read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, saying it “validated” the story.
A BBC Studios spokesperson said: ‘Any statement issued on Wynne Evans’ behalf was fully approved by Wynne Evans.’
Wynne was axed from the tour and suspended from the BBC just two days after the original story ran – on his 53rd birthday (January 27). However, the star claims he learnt through reading the article in the Sun and later discovered his BBC pass had been deactivated with no warning.
Wynne Evans shared the heartbreaking news of his older brother Huw’s passing, describing him as his ‘hero and inspiration’(Image: INSTAGRAM)
On January 28, Wynne took to his Instagram to release his own apology, which said: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that I’ll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection.
“Apologies to those I won’t get to see at the remaining performances and I’m grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me.”
Just two days before the photocall, Wynne tragically lost his brother Huw, and said he was “a grieving mess”. On January 8, the star paid tribute to his “gorgeous eldest brother” Huw, as he announced his death.
“I’m so sad to say that my gorgeous eldest brother has passed away. My big brother was my hero and my inspiration,” Wynne wrote on Instagram.
“Huw my darling I will miss you so much and am so glad I got to have you with me all my life,” the opera singer emotionally concluded.
Wynne has also came under fire during the live shows last year, after it was noticed that he placed his hand on Katya’s waist – which she immediately removed.
After, the duo took to social media to claim their exchange was simply an “inside” joke and wasn’t to be taken seriously.
Now, Wynne has explained the “inside” joke further, telling the publication that the pair agreed to take part in a bod language experiment to see if people noticed.
For weeks now, Americans — left, right and terminally online — have been obsessed with Joe Biden’s fitness as president. The whispers about cognitive decline, once the province of Fox News pundits and dinner table cranks, have gone mainstream. And now, with the release of a couple of high-profile books and a report confirming that Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the narrative has curdled into something that feels downright scandalous — maybe even conspiratorial. A full-blown cover-up.
Is that an understandable, if predictable, reaction? Sure. But let’s not pretend this was some shocking plot twist. Biden has been aging in public like a banana on a dashboard for a decade — a fact that became undeniable after his infamous June 2024 debate with Donald Trump.
So who’s to blame? Let’s start with Biden’s inner circle. The underlying charge is that Biden was asleep at the wheel, with someone else driving the presidential bus. We’ve seen this narrative before: The figurehead nods, the handlers handle and the country rolls on, more or less. With various degrees of verisimilitude, similar charges have been leveled at the administrations of Woodrow Wilson (hi, Edith) and Ronald Reagan (hi, Nancy).
My take on Biden is pretty much the same as it was with Reagan. Whoever was running the country wasn’t half bad. Sure, maybe, toward the end, Uncle Joe wasn’t gripping the wheel as tightly as he used to. But at least the bus stayed between the lines.
Whether it was Jill Biden, “The Politburo” (a cabal of top aides accused of running the show) or a sentient Microsoft Excel spreadsheet — the government mostly worked. Ukraine got funded, the stock market didn’t implode, and your odds of being sent to prison in El Salvador were virtually nil.
Yes, mistakes were made during Biden’s presidency. Plenty. The Afghanistan withdrawal was a disaster. Illegal border crossings soared. Biden’s COVID relief probably juiced inflation. But these weren’t deranged or asleep-at-the-wheel decisions: They were predictable policy fumbles, consistent with Biden’s worldview (sort of like an NFL coach opting to run a prevent defense in the third quarter — wrongheaded, but understandable).
The more obvious problem was Biden’s inability to communicate. Biden couldn’t explain where he wanted to drive the bus, let alone inspire confidence in his ability to get us there. And that’s not just bad political optics. It’s a real governance issue. If FDR had mumbled through the fireside chats, we might all be speaking German.
Biden insiders squinted and pretended everything was fine. Not because they’re villains, but because even proximity to power is addictive.
Other Biden enablers had more noble reasons to convince themselves the ends justified the means. If Trump is an existential threat to democracy, then keeping Grandpa Joe upright — literally, metaphorically, pharmaceutically — was a moral imperative.
Again, understandable: Trump’s lies about the 2020 election led to an armed mob chanting about hanging the vice president. The exaggerations about Biden’s fitness mostly led to awkward silences and gentle nudges offstage.
But this isn’t just about Biden’s inner circle deluding themselves. The media was complicit, too. Their main contribution wasn’t lying or even spinning (although there are examples of both). The dirty secret of modern media is this: Yes, the news industry leans liberal. But more than that, it leans toward drama, car chases and celebrity trials.
Biden, bless his heart, is boring. And thanks to Trump’s penchant for being the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral, guess who got the attention?
Think I’m making excuses or exaggerating? A mere two days after the report came out in which special counsel Robert Hur described Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” Trump went out of his way to change the subject by: 1) attacking Nikki Haley’s husband (who was on a military deployment) and 2) telling NATO allies he wouldn’t honor our treaty and defend them from Russia if they don’t pay their bills.
An old maxim says you should never interfere with your opponent when he’s committing suicide. Well, Biden was in the process of drowning, and Trump threw him a life preserver.
The coverage existed. But media bias isn’t just about what gets reported. It’s about what gets repeated. Loudly. Over and over. So, yes, Biden’s decline was reported and discussed. It just wasn’t amplified.
Now, we can pretend this is some devious plot. Or we can admit that real life isn’t “House of Cards” or even “Veep.” It was something much more banal: collective inertia.
In the end, the scandal isn’t that the media and Democratic partisans conspired to keep us in the dark about Joe Biden’s fitness for office. The scandal is that the truth was hidden in plain sight (the American public knew Biden was unfit), yet a lot of elites chose not to see it.
Not because they’re evil, but because of loyalty, proximity to power, exhaustion and yes, desperation. Because they’re human.
And maybe, just maybe, because they were terrified of what (or who) would come next, when the old man finally shuffled offstage.
Matt K. Lewis is the author of “Filthy Rich Politicians” and “Too Dumb to Fail.”
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