Several papers lead on the aftermath of a speech by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in which she did not rule out a U-turn on Labour’s manifesto general election pledge not to hike income tax. Despite the chancellor saying she will make “necessary choices” in the Budget, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says Britain watched the speech “in horror” and that Reeves is “blaming every else” for chaos, according to the Daily Express.
A hike in income tax would be the first since 1975, and break a “50-year taboo” against the policy, the i Paper reports. Economists cited by the paper say Reeves must add 2p on income tax if she wants to make the UK’s public finances “more resilient, and avoid having to return for more” in the near future.
“We will all have to do our bit” is the chancellor’s quote featured in the Times. The paper reports more lines from Reeves’ speech where she vowed to put “national interests” before “political expediency”. Elsewhere, a photo of Sir David Beckham receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle is front and centre.
“Reeves’s waffle bomb” is the Daily Mail’s take. The paper also reports that Labour has been accused of “educational vandalism” after ministers announced they would scrap a number of Tory reforms on education. The changes will include cutting GCSE exams and simplify primary school tests. “Labour dumbs down schools” is the headline.
“Make it fair, Rachel” is the Daily Mirror’s headline as it leads with a plea from trade unions to the chancellor, calling on her to tax the wealthiest before targeting ordinary workers. Sharing the top spot, “bend a knee like Beckham” is the paper’s take on Sir David Beckham’s knighthood.
The Daily Star’s headline is “Rach sparks tax rise fury”, as it reports on the chancellor’s “first pre-Budget speech for 50 years – hinting at huge tax rises”.
“Reeves puts Britain on notice,” says the Independent. The paper reports that a think tank has warned that a 2p income tax rise might not be enough to fix the country’s finances. A smiling Sir David Beckham holding his knighthood medal also fills the front page as the paper declares: “Arise Sir Becks!”
“Finally… Sir Goldenbawls” follows the Sun, as it reports that Sir David Beckham admitted he was “crying for months” after learning of his long-awaited knighthood. “It’s been been a very emotional day,” he said after the ceremony at Windsor.
The Guardian’s front page spotlight’s Sir David calling his knighthood “my proudest moment”. Also prominent, the paper reports on Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s warning that NHS staff are bearing the brunt of “ugly” racism. In an interview with the paper, Streeting says incidents of verbal and physical abuse based on people’s skin colour are happening so often that it has become “socially acceptable to be racist”.
The Telegraph says that pressure is mounting on the BBC’s senior executives after a leaked dossier revealed “serious and systemic” editorial bias. The paper says Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for “heads to roll” over the allegations. A BBC spokesperson said: “While we don’t comment on leaked documents, when the BBC receives feedback it takes it seriously and considers it carefully.”
Finally, the Metro celebrates the story of the LNER rail staff worker who has been praised as a “hero” for saving passengers’ lives during the Cambridgeshire train attack. The paper quotes Samir Zitouni’s family who say: “He’s always been a hero.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves features on many of the front pages after she warned voters about the “necessary” choices to be made at this month’s Budget to balance the books.
The i Paper highlights that such a hike would be the first since 1975, and break what the paper calls a “50-year taboo” against the policy.
The Daily Mail labels the chancellor’s Downing Street speech on Tuesday as “all bluster” and a “waffle bomb”.
According to the Daily Telegraph, some within Labour have been left fearing the worst. An unnamed Labour MP tells the paper they believe putting up taxes will “scotch whatever limited chances” the party has of being re-elected, and that breaking the manifesto pledge could leave them with “no credibility”.
The Times says ministers have raised concerns that an increase in income tax could see them lose some voters “forever”.
The front page of the Metro has a photograph of the rail worker, Samir Zitouni, who protected passengers during the knife attack on a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday. More details were released about him yesterday. The paper quotes his family who say “he’s always been a hero”.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Sir Keir Starmer’s deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been delayed. The paper says it is because a Conservative peer submitted an amendment to the legislation, to try to make the government consult the Chagossians before going ahead.
A Foreign Office spokesman said there had been a lack of notice given regarding the amendment, and a Lords vote to confirm the Bill would be moved to a later date.
And most of the papers feature photographs of Sir David Beckham receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle yesterday. “Bend a knee like Beckham” says the Daily Mirror while the Daily Mail goes for: “Arise Sir Becks.”
Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at the Shadow Justice SecretaryCredit: Reuters
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The PM slammed Robert Jenrick over his recent commentsCredit: Reuters
Sir Keir slammed the comment on Thursday night, saying “it’s quite hard to take anything that Robert Jenrick says seriously.”
He accused the senior Tory of “running a leadership campaign” instead of making serious political arguments.
Speaking on a flight to Mumbai, where he will meet Indian President Narendra Modi, Sir Keir said: “We’re working hard on questions of integration, but we need no lessons or lectures from Robert Jenrick on any of this.
“He’s clearly just engaging in a leadership campaign.”
Read more on Robert Jenrick
The row erupted after senior Conservatives rallied behind Mr Jenrick’s claim that Britain must confront “ghettoised communities” and a “dangerous” lack of social cohesion.
Labour figures branded the comments “racist”, but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch defended her colleague, saying there was “nothing wrong with making observations.”
Shadow Cabinet Minister Claire Coutinho also backed him, saying: “If you walk through an area and don’t see a single white face, it is a sign that integration has failed.”
The controversy broke out during the Tory party conference in Manchester after The Guardian obtained a secret recording of Mr Jenrick describing a 90-minute visit to Handsworth earlier this year.
He told members at an Aldridge-Brownhills dinner: “I went to Handsworth in Birmingham the other day to do a video on Twitter and it was absolutely appalling.
“It’s as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country.
Robert Jenrick rationalises his ‘one nation under one flag’ stance on Kate’s Dates
“But the other thing I noticed there was that it was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to.
“In fact, in the hour and a half I was filming news there I didn’t see another white face.”
Just nine per cent of Handsworth’s population is white, with most residents of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi heritage, official data shows.
Asked if he regretted his comments, Mr Jenrick told the BBC: “No, not at all and I won’t shy away from these issues.”
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Tory leader Kemi Badenoch defended her colleagueCredit: Alamy
He said he mentioned skin colour “because it’s incredibly important that we have a fully integrated society regardless of the colour of their skin or the faith that they abide by.”
The world’s most famous naturalist will voice landmark series Kingdom and also front a film set in his home city, Wild London
Sir David is thrilled to find a tiny harvest mouse while filming Wild London(Image: BBC/Passion Planet/Joe Loncraine)
Sir David Attenborough has travelled the globe making wildlife films but to mark his centenary year, the world’s most famous naturalist has turned his attention closer to home.
In Wild London, Sir David explores the wildlife to be found in the city he has lived in for 75 years. Stories include pigeons commuting by tube, snakes along Regent’s canal, parakeets raiding city parks and beavers living next to a busy shopping centre.
Following the fortunes of a pair of peregrines nesting on the House of Parliament and a family of foxes living in the heart of Tottenham, Sir David will celebrate the extraordinary ways animals have adapted to survive in the urban jungle.
Executive producer Tom Hugh-Jones, told the Mirror: “ Wild London captures that Attenborough magic at its very best – presenting in vision throughout the film, having up-close encounters with animals and talking intimately about his own wildlife experiences.”
The film comes as the broadcasting veteran, who turns 100 in the spring, is confirmed as the narrator of this autumn’s landmark natural history series for BBC1, Kingdom.
The major six-parter chronicles the real-life sagas of four African animal families, in one of the most ambitious projects to date from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit. Filmed across five years, in Zambia, the lives and fates of leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and lions are shown to be inextricably linked as they strive for survival in a remote river valley.
Series producer Felicity Lanchester said: “With David’s commentary the Kingdom series really sprung to life – a wry inflection here, warmth in his voice there and masterful dramatic timing around the action. He tells the story in the clearest, most compelling, and emotional way. We are so grateful for his involvement.”
Other upcoming new natural history shows for BBC1 include Green Planet II, a follow-up to the original series about plant life that aired in 2022, and Tiger Island – a two-parter about an island close to Nepal where tigers are thriving.
On Green Planet II, series producer Scott Alexander said: “For years plants have always been the backdrop to wildlife films but given the chance to put them front of stage and give them they recognition they deserve was one I couldn’t resist. By discovering, and revealing just how clever, cunning, and devious they can be, and the surprising ways they use animals to get what they want, I hope we can begin to look at plants as individuals with lives full of challenges, struggles and dramas all of their own.”
BBC factual boss Jack Bootle said that natural History was at the heart of what makes the BBC special. “No other broadcaster invests so consistently in wildlife filmmaking or covers such an ambitious range of subjects and styles – from David Attenborough exploring the wildlife of his own city, to a team of intrepid filmmakers risking it all to document the secret lives of tigers in Nepal. I’m proud we continue to lead the way at a time of such uncertainty for our planet.”
Other new single films coming soon for BBC2 viewers include Gordon Buchanan: Wild Horses and Me for BBC2. Buchanan’s film is shot in the Canadian Rockies and shows him getting close to wild mustang.
The wildlife presenter said: “My love of horses runs deep – they have grace, strength and spirit in every stride and walking among the wild horses in the breathtaking landscape of the Canadian Rockies made my heart sing. These majestic animals are a lesson in boundless freedom and to film with them was one of the most uplifting and life affirming experiences of my 30- year career.”
Sire Menzies Campbell led the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007
Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has died at the age of 84.
Sir Menzies, or Ming as he was widely known, led the Liberal Democrats from 2006 to 2007 and was the MP for North East Fife at Westminster for 28 years.
In his first career as a sprinter, he held the UK 100m record from 1967 to 1974 and ran in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics – being dubbed The Flying Scotsman.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey described Sir Menzies as “a dedicated public servant and a true Liberal giant”.
He said: “His principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom.
“But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague. We will miss him terribly.”
Sir Menzies died peacefully in London following a period of respite care. His grandson was with him.
His family said one of his final days was spent watching the Liberal Democrats Party Conference, and enjoying watching video messages from political friends.
Sir Menzies first stood as a candidate for the Liberal Democrats in 1976, but did not win his constituency for 11 years.
He made his name as the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, a position he held for 14 years and was a renowned critic of the Iraq war.
He became a member of the House of Lords in 2015. His official title was Baron Campbell of Pittenweem.
Getty Images
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Campbell – one of the most distinguished and well-liked political figures of his generation.
“I first got to know him well as a newly-elected MP where he welcomed me and helped me adapt to life in House of Commons. Over the years since, we often worked together on the many issues on which we agreed.”
He said Sir Menzies was “a passionate believer in a better Scotland” but also a strong internationalist – keen to build consensus and find common ground.
“Those entering public service today could learn much from his style – always forthright in speaking up for what he believed in, but never anything other than respectful, courteous and polite to his political opponents,” Swinney said.
“On behalf of the Scottish government I offer my condolences to Lord Campbell’s family. My thoughts today are with them, his Liberal Democrat colleagues and his many friends across the political spectrum and beyond.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said Sir Menzies was one of the “most respected politicians of his generation”.
He said: “The first political thing I ever did was to deliver leaflets for Ming on the morning of his first election to Parliament in 1987.
“He was my MP, he was my mentor and he was my friend. From the Olympic track to the benches of Westminster, his contribution to public life will long be remembered.”
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Sir Menzies wife of more than 50 years, Elspeth, died in 2023
Wendy Chamberlain, current MP for North East Fife, said Sir Menzies “remained a significant figure” in the area.
She added: “His contributions to our communities, to the University of St Andrews, as well as to Scotland and the UK were immeasurable.
“Although he found the passing of his beloved Elspeth difficult, rather than retreat, until the last weeks of his life, he was still travelling to London to contribute in the House of Lords.”
Born Walter Menzies Campbell on 22 May 1941, Sir Menzies was brought up in a Glasgow tenement.
He was educated at Hillhead High School and went on to the University of Glasgow, where he was a contemporary of both John Smith and Donald Dewar studying Law and debating in the union.
He also attended Stanford University in California during the Vietnam War and later became an advocate.
Sir Menzies was called to the Scottish bar in 1968 and made a QC (latterly KC) in 1982. The law gave him a lucrative career and he continued to practise throughout his time in politics.
His wife of more than 50 years, Elspeth, died in June 2023 – he described her as his “constant political companion, always my encouragement and forever my first line of defence”.
Menzies Campbell’s contribution to our politics was far greater than his short spell as party leader suggests.
His was an extremely well informed voice on defence and foreign affairs which was central to the public debate during and after the Iraq war.
He and his late wife Elspeth were the best of political company with a great deal of insight into the Westminster issues and characters of the day.
In many ways Elspeth was more ambitious for her husband than he was for himself. His period as party leader was not a happy one.
He was on the receiving end of a persistent ageism – caricatured as a grandfatherly figure with his best days behind him when compared with rival leaders like Tony Blair and David Cameron.
When appearing on TV for interview he always insisted on wearing a tie because he felt it was what his constituents would expect.
But I knew he’d given in to modernising advisers who wrongly thought they could reinvent his image when one Sunday morning he appeared in our studio in an open-necked shirt. It was not long before he resigned.
It was his wisdom, experience and courtesy that were his greatest strengths and these were undervalued qualities during his time at the top.
MORE than a few eyebrows were raised at the Emirates when Arsenal’s starting line-up was announced.
In particular the midfield three of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
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Declan Rice started in a three-man midfield against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
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Martin Zubimendi joined Rice in the midfieldCredit: Reuters
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Mikel Merino was a more surprising name in the Gunners midfieldCredit: AP
It was a defensive-minded decision by Arteta to put pressure on City’s Rodri and limit his influence from deep while keeping things tight until he found the courage to fling on his attacking game-changers at the right moment.
It backfired massively.
Those who criticised Arteta for playing not to lose instead of going for the win at Liverpool last month – eventually losing 1-0 – have even more fuel to chuck on the now-blazing fire.
He had a fully-fit Eze on the bench, and yet kept the handbrake on with a safety-first approach. The question remains: does Arteta have the bravery to win a league title?
The sort of midfield that would have been Jose Mourinho-approved, but one that Arteta must NEVER start again in a title-defining game again if Arsenal are to compete for the Prem.
That trio had no pace, no drive, no attacking intent – and Arsenal have no hope of glory come May should they combine from the off again.
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Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot and GuardiolaCredit: Reuters
MARTINELLI MORE THAN JUST A ‘FINISHER’
MIKEL Arteta made it clear after Arsenal’s Champions League opener just how much it pains him to leave Gabriel Martinelli on the bench.
The Brazilian came on away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night and after 36 seconds he netted before creating another for Leandro Trossard.
It was not enough for Arteta to reward Martinelli with a first start for nearly a month against Manchester City, revealing that he prefers to call his subs “finishers” to give them more meaning and motivation.
But after yet another late goal to snatch points, there is now a dilemma for Arteta: continue using him as a super-sub – or super-finisher – or recall him to that left-winger spot.
Martinelli would admit himself that he has not been in good form over the last 18 months with just 18 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.
But he is certainly knocking on the door. Is this the start of his North London renaissance?
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Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point for ArsenalCredit: Getty
EZE SHINING IN GOOD COMPANY
WITH England boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, Eberechi Eze proved why he is so special and belongs on the biggest of stages.
Eze would have been more than frustrated to be left on the bench for this one, desperate to build some momentum in an Arsenal shirt with next summer’s World Cup looming.
But boy did he deliver when he was thrown on at half-time with Mikel Arteta desperate for some magic after playing it safe for the first 45 minutes.
His beautifully-crafted long ball over the top to put in Gabriel Martinelli for a late, late equaliser is exactly why Arteta snatched him from Crystal Palace, lured from the grasps of rivals Tottenham at the last minute.
Once again for large parts, the Gunners struggled to break down a low block, just like they did last season, but Eze is the player with the key to unlock the most stubborn of defences – if he is given the chance.
It cannot be clearer now – Arteta must start Eze as much as possible between now and the end of the campaign if Arsenal are going to claw the Prem title away from Liverpool.
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst about his brother living with dementia, and what he does to keep his own mind active.
He was speaking as part of National Playlist Day, which is used to celebrate the power of personalised music playlists for those living with dementia.
Britain will not surrender its flag to those that wish to use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The prime minister said the flag represents “our diverse country” and he will not allow people to feel intimidated on “our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin”.
His comments came after more than 150,000 people took to the streets of central London for a “Unite the Kingdom” march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and about 5,000 took part in a counter-protest, co-ordinated by Stand Up To Racism.
Earlier, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said marchers were “demonstrating freedom of association and freedom of speech”.
The prime minister said: “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.
“But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.
“Britain is nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”
Police say 26 officers were injured on the day – including four who were seriously hurt – with 24 people arrested.
Speaking about Saturday’s protests on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Kyle said moments like these were “klaxon calls” for those in power to redouble their efforts to address the big concerns people have, including on immigration.
“What worries me most is the divisions in our society and other societies and other democratic societies … it’s not even the left and the right at the moment, ” he told the programme.
“There are figures such as Tommy Robinson that are able to touch into a sense of disquiet and grievance in the community in our society,” he said.
The “small minority” who had committed violence would be held accountable, he told the programme.
Kyle criticised Elon Musk’s comments after he appeared at Saturday’s rally via video link telling protesters to “fight back” or “die”.
“I thought that they were slightly incomprehensible comments that were totally inappropriate”, the minister said.
The tech billionaire also referred to massive uncontrolled migration and called for a change of government in the UK.
Central London saw a huge policing operation for the protests this weekend, with around 1,000 officers deployed.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers said: “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.”
The protest was largely peaceful on Saturday lunchtime but as the afternoon continued tensions flared.
The Met said some officers had been attacked while trying to keep the two groups apart and dozens of officers were injured, including four who were seriously hurt.
Protesters joining the march, organised by Robinson, became too big to fit into Whitehall, police said, and confrontation happened when officers tried to stop them encircling counter-protesters.
Mounted police officers used batons to push back the crowds and officers were kicked and punched, said the Met.
Three of the 24 people arrested were women and the rest were men, while the youngest and oldest people detained at the protest were aged 19 and 58 respectively, the Met said on Sunday.
Several people were arrested for more than one offence.
The force added officers were working to identify other people involved in disorder with a view to making further arrests “in the coming days and weeks
The Met said on Saturday morning that they were not going to use live facial recognition cameras during the day.
Previously called a “game-changing tool” by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, the technology is used by the force in “hotspot policing” and major events like the Notting Hill Carnival.
Open All Hours was one of the BBC’s most enduring and fondly remembered comedies of its era – and now Sir David Jason is returning to play Granville one last time
Sir David Jason will appear on comedy channel, U&GOLD, for Open All Hours: Inside Out (Image: andyheathcote.com)
Sir David Jason is returning to play Granville for a final time in an Open All Hours TV Special. The new U&GOLD programme sees him closing the shop for the night while offering a touching glimpse into how his life has moved on since we last saw the BBC sitcom character.
Open All Hours: Inside Out will be a 90 minute feature-length retrospective that celebrates one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms and also includes a brand-new short scene, penned by original writer Roy Clarke. Sir David, 85, said: “It’s so good to be back! I played Granville for over half my life and so this show holds a very special place in my heart.
“There are countless memories and stories about this show, and I am thrilled to be able to share those with everyone.”
David Jason is Open All Hours with Ronnie Barker(Image: BBC)
Corner-shop comedy Open All Hours first hit TV screens back in 1973 on the BBC with a one-off pilot, before it became a full series in 1976. The sitcom went on to run for four series until 1985, becoming one of the BBC’s most enduring and fondly remembered comedies of its era.
The comedy starred the legendary Ronnie Barker as Arkwright, a penny-pinching, stammering shopkeeper who’d do almost anything to save money.
At his side was a then-rising star in David Jason, who played his long-suffering nephew and assistant Granville. Together, the pair brought to life the quirks, chaos and cheekiness of running a small shop, with regular customers and neighbours popping in to add to the storylines.
The heart of the comedy lay in Arkwright’s obsession with Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, played by Lynda Baron, whose sharp wit and warmth provided a perfect foil to his penny-pinching schemes.
Although the sitcom only produced 26 episodes in total, its popularity never faded. Reruns on the BBC and later UKTV Gold introduced it to new generations.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the classic comedy, with Sir David Jason being the only actor to have starred in every episode of the original series, and the re-boot, Still Open All Hours. Sir David will discuss his personal journey on the show, revealing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments as well as some of his fondest memories from his time playing grocer, Granville.
Sir David will also be joined by some of his fellow cast who lift the lid on their experiences and celebrate one of the most iconic comedies of all time.
Senior Commissioning Editor, Mark Iddon said: “I can’t wait for U&Gold audiences to see what we have cooked up for them. Open All Hours is one of those rare beasts that even after 50 years is still as timeless and relevant as ever.”
Director of Programming Gerald Casey said: “Open All Hours is a classic, and part of our DNA here at U&Gold. We are thrilled to be able to give viewers more of what they love with Sir David Jason lifting the lid on some of his fondest memories on set alongside fellow cast members.”
The sitcom was so popular that the BBC revived it in 2013 with Still Open All Hours , once again fronted by David Jason, this time taking over the shop himself.
That spin-off ran for six series and speaking last year Jason admitted he would like the chance to revisit the show as a final series remains unmade and the storyline unfinished.
Asked if it is ever going to be finished, David said in 2024: “That would be wonderful, but you’d have to get in touch with Mr. BBC about that. The script is written by Roy Clark. It’s there and all it needs is the BBC to commission it and everybody that was in the original in the series was up for doing the last series because everybody thought it would be nice to the sew up the parcel, the one that Granville gets married to Wavy Mavy(Mavis), which we haven’t done, but that is what it’s about. Finally he makes an honest woman of her.”
Asked if it will happen, he added: “I’d like to think so, yes, but because the gap is getting longer without a commission… You can’t commission it and do it next week. You have to put all the bits together. That takes a lot of time putting that together. So the longer you don’t commission something, the more you get in trouble pushing it away.”
The new special and extra scene may be his way of saying goodbye to the show now instead.
Sir David credits Open All Hours co-star Ronnie Barker for some of his success on screen.
He said: “Ronnie wasn’t aware of the influence that he was having on me and I kept it quiet, as you do. But was an amazing influence and one of the big things that I tried to emphasise in the book was he was one of the kindest, nicest actors to work with. Most of them are, to be honest, but Ronnie was special.” The original Open All Hours was set in a grocer’s shop in South Yorkshire. The owner, Albert Arkwright was played by Ronnie Barker and was a middle-aged man who was tight with his money but also had a knack for selling. His nephew Granville was played by David Jason) and was a put-upon errand boy lacking a social life because of the amount of work his uncle gave him.
* Open All Hours: Inside Out is in production now and will air on U&GOLD in 2026.
The Voice UK has been a hit with viewers since it first aired in 2012
Sir Tom Jones has been a staple on The Voice UK since 2012(Image: ITV)
The Voice UK first graced our screens in 2012 and has been a hit ever since, now filming its 14th series.
The popular show features blind auditions, where the star-studded coaches hit a button to turn their chair if they like what they hear, seeing the performer for the first time.
If more than one coach turns, the artist chooses a mentor for their journey on the show. After the blind auditions, the contestants are divided into four teams, each mentored by a coach who selects songs for their artists to perform in a series of battles until a winner is crowned.
The Voice UK has welcomed many musical talents to the coveted coach chair, but one constant presence since the beginning is Sir Tom Jones.
Sir Tom, 85, was part of the original panel alongside will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue. However, as filming for series 14 commences, only Sir Tom and will.i.am remain from the original line-up, reports Wales Online. For series 14, they’re joined by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones sharing coaching duties, and Kelly Rowland.
Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK(Image: BBC)
A familiar face behind the scenes of The Voice UK is executive producer, Moira Ross, who has produced five seasons of the successful singing series.
Speaking in an exclusive interview to discuss her new series KPOPPED, Moira, whose work also includes Strictly Come Dancing, The Masked Singer and Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, told us: “It’s some time ago now but I made five seasons of The Voice when it first launched in the UK.
“That was my sort of insight into A-list superstar music talent. That was a big learning curve, you know, to understand firsthand just how hard these people work.”
Talking about working with Sir Tom, Moira added: “Tom is the ultimate professional and it was always a privilege to hear him sing. Even in rehearsals, it was just an absolute privilege so it never felt like a job that show.
“It was a really fun time, actually, for those five years and hanging out with the likes of will.i.am. He’s a lot of fun, Will, he’s got endless bags of ideas!”
Moira has been able to utilise her experience on The Voice UK for her latest project Apple TV+’s KPOPPED, where she worked as an executive producer.
The Voice UK has welcomed many musical talents to the coveted coach chair(Image: ITV/Rachel Joseph/REX/Shutterstock)
The eight-part programme, from executive producers Lionel Richie and Miky Lee, sees each episode presented by Soojeong Son and it showcases two Western music legends – from Patti LaBelle to Boy George, Kesha to J Balvin and Megan Thee Stallion to some members of the Spice Girls – teamed up with a premier K-pop act, including ITZY, Billlie, BLACKSWAN, and STAYC. The K-pop group splits into two units, each teaming up with one of the guest artists.
They have just hours to reinvent a global hit, whilst also working on choreography, vocals, and visuals to wow the audience during their live stage performance. K-pop fans are then asked to choose the winning collaboration.
Discussing the filming process, Moira confessed it’s the “fastest turnaround” she’s ever experienced in her impressive career.
She said: “The Western stars would arrive and we would have approximately 48 hours! They’d arrive, they’d maybe get their bearings, they’d get to rehearsals and they were straight into work with the K-pop bands.
“There would be some sort of relief in terms of that experience of seeing some of the sights of Seoul and the cultural exchange. Then we’d rehearse again and next day we’re in studio, so rehearsing on set and they’re in front of that live audience of very excited K-pop fans.”
Moira added: “It’s the fastest turnaround I’ve ever done in terms of these entertainment productions but because of their level of stardom and professional capacity, they could pick it up like that and they all work so hard so it all fell into place.”
A man who paid a fraction of that could make a life-changing amount if the picture of Clemintine Churchill is proved to have been painted by the revered wartime Prime Minister
Amateur collector Barry James can’t believe he might have unearthed a genuine painting by Winston Churchill(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)
An amateur art collector who claims he has found a lost painting by Sir Winston Churchill is told it could be worth more than £600,000.
Barry James appears on the BBC1 show Fake Or Fortune tonight (MON) with his intriguing picture. He tells presenter Fiona Bruce and international art dealer Phil Mould that he picked it up for just £140 in an antiques market in Ardingly near Gatwick, three years ago because he liked ‘the colours and composition’.
But it was only later when it took it out of the frame that he found a mysterious inscription on the back which read: “This painting of Mrs Winston Churchill on wall of sunken garden at Hurstmonceux (CORR) Castle, Sussex, by The Right Hon. Winston S Churchill. June 1916.”
Angelina Jolie sold her genuine picture by Sir Winston for an eye-watering £7million(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)
It shows what is thought to be Sir Winston’s wife Clementine perched on a wall reading a book in the pink flowered gardens of the castle. Barry, from West Sussex, hopes the BBC series, returning for its 13th run, can validate it.
In the BBC show, shocked Barry is told that paintings by Churchill – who was British PM from 1940-45 and 1951-55 – can fetch millions of pounds. In 2021 Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie sold one – The Tower Of The Koutoubia Mosque, painted in Marrakesh during WWII – for a record £7million.
And Barry is informed that if his picture is found to be an original then at auction it could make more than £600,000. The TV duo embark on a search to find out if the artist really was war leader Churchill. Records show how he took up painting in 1915 – in water colours to begin with and later in oils – after he had completed his military service during WW1 and narrowly escaped death.
Barry James said he bought the painting simply because he liked it, and only discovered who might have painted it when he took the back off afterwards(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)
He looked on his new hobby as something that took him away from the stress of his high powered life and it became a source of relaxation. Fiona, 61, delves into a book written by his friend Violet Bonham Carter called Winston Churchill As I Knew Him, in which she mentions that the politician stayed at the castle with his paints and brushes.
The author even writes that he was there as a guest in 1916 – but she mentions August rather than June. Undeterred, Fiona visits the castle to locate the exact spot where Clementine would have sat on the wall in the garden to be painted.
Meanwhile art dealer Phil does some digging to check that it is not stolen – and gets the all clear. A further mystery is uncovered when the artwork is x-rayed and another painting is discovered underneath. Experts believe it looks like a painting of a castle – possibly the very one where Winston and his wife stayed.
This news is not unwelcome as the statesman was well-known for re-using canvases. But some doubt is thrown into the mix when it is discovered that the handwriting on the back is not Churchill’s but that of Conservative politician Colonel Claude Lowther, who bought Herstmonceux and restored it – and invited his friend to stay there in 1916.
Barry chats with expert Philip Mould at Ardingly Antiques Fair about the chances of the painting being real – and worth a fortune(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)
Barry, who is married and is a carer with a disabled son, admits: “If the painting is real, I’d probably end up reluctantly selling it, obviously for the family. We have always wanted to go to Niagara Falls. Our son is disabled and I think he’d enjoy something like that.” Viewers can find out if the painting is real on the new series of Fake Or Fortune, tonight at 9pm.
Russell Martin says the support he has had from Sir Alex Ferguson since taking over as Rangers head coach has been “incredible”.
The former Manchester United manager paid his first visit to the club’s Auchenhowie training centre on Friday, in the company of Rangers great John Greig.
Ferguson, 83, played for two seasons at Rangers from 1967-69, while Greig, 82, spent his entire career at Ibrox before a five-year spell as manager.
“Any team talk or message I give is done when those two speak about this club and what it means to them,” Martin told RangersTV.
“They are both really behind us and what we are doing. They are desperate for this team to do well.
“They feel the same way as the fans. They want to see a team that fights and works for everything and has a way about them on the pitch that exemplifies what they believe this club to be about.”
Martin played under Sir Alex’s son Darren Ferguson at Peterborough United who made him captain when he was just 21.
“He reached out and said his dad wanted to give me a call,” Martin added.
“I said ‘of course’ and since then Sir Alex has been in tough regularly. He’s been great. He’s been so supportive of me personally, which is incredible.
“It’s the first time he’s been here and it was just brilliant for everyone to see him.”
In a TikTok video captured by a fan at one of SiR’s sold-out L.A. shows last August, the Inglewood-born singer-songwriter breaks down into tears after his wife appears onstage behind him.
“Y’all give it up for my beautiful wife, Kelly Ann,” he says on the mic after collecting himself. When he leans to give her a kiss, the crowd erupts into a sea of “aws” and cheers.
It was a tender moment between the couple during the final stretch of his Life Is Good tour in support of “Heavy” — his most vulnerable project yet, which took five years to make and tackles his years-long battle with drug addiction, depression, infidelity and the process of getting sober. Behind the scenes, though, SiR was grappling with a different hardship: The death of his mother, Jackie Gouché, a talented performer who sang with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and helped build SiR’s confidence as an artist.
His team was “ready for me to just drop everything and come home,” says SiR over Zoom. “But I prayed about it. I talked to my family, and we made the decision for me to finish the tour out, in honor of her.”
So by the time he got to the Hollywood Palladium, where he performed back-to-back shows, he says, “I think I was drained and I needed my support, and my wife just so happened to be there, which was just perfect for me. I’ll never forget that night.”
Since that emotional performance, SiR, born Sir Darryl Farris, released an extended version of “Heavy,” subtitled “The Light,” in April, which features six new tracks, some of which are new, such as “Sin Again” and “No Good,” and others that didn’t make the cut on the original project.
The Grammy-nominated singer, who is signed to L.A. powerhouse label Top Dawg Entertainment alongside R&B darling SZA, is set to make his headlining debut at the Hollywood Bowl on July 20 for the KCRW Festival. The upcoming show will feature an opening set from singer-songwriter Leon Thomas, of whom SiR is a “huge fan,” along with two surprise appearances from, he says, the “best guests I could get.”
Ahead of the upcoming show, we caught up with the “John Redcorn” singer to discuss how he’s keeping his late mother‘s memory alive through his music, how becoming a father of two daughters has affected him both personally and artistically and his goal to make a classic record that everyone knows.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
You recently wrapped up your Step Into the Light tour a few weeks ago. How was it being onstage with your older brother, Davion, who sang background vocals, and your uncle Andrew, who is a gospel bass legend?
It was so fulfilling. I’ve worked with them before on so many different levels. My uncle plays on all my songs, and Davion and I write songs together, but to have them on the road with me was just a different outer-body experience. I think my favorite part of all of that was the time we spent [together] before and after the shows, like having dinners with my uncle and finding out things about my parents that I didn’t know. Finding out stories about my grandfather that I’d never heard. Now, our bond is that much stronger. It’s really nice to have him on the road. My uncle Andrew is awesome. I got sick of my brother. [laughs]
You were also on tour last year in support of “Heavy,” which is your most vulnerable project yet. How was it performing these songs this time around as opposed to last year? Did any songs hit differently?
We changed the set list just a tad because we had new music that we wanted to promote. The newer songs felt great. I was really specific about which ones I added because I wanted them to be songs that I enjoyed singing. The songs that I have in the set list that are staples still hit the same, and the audience still responds the same way. But it was surprising to see people singing the new music. I was fully prepared to go there and have to explain myself through these songs, but people were already vibing and singing along, which was great. My audience is great. I love my fans so much.
What songs did you add from the “Heavy Deluxe: The Light” project?
We added “No Good,” “Sin Again,” “Out of My Hands” and then, of course, “Step Into the Light,” which we added to the end of the set. But we also have songs like “John Redcorn” in there, which is a staple. If I don’t sing “John Redcorn,” people will come for my neck.
Last August, a fan posted a video of you crying during one of your shows at the Hollywood Palladium after you saw your wife, and the comment section was filled with sweet and supportive messages. Do you mind sharing what headspace you were in that night and why you felt so emotional in that moment?
That was the end of the tour, so I knew I was done, and in the middle of that tour, I actually lost my mom. At the time, I was on the phone with [TDE Chief Executive Anthony “Top” Tiffith], and he asked me if I wanted to continue. They were ready for me to just drop everything and come home. But I prayed about it, I talked to my family, and we made the decision for me to finish the tour out, in honor of her. My energy was just so low. I’ve never felt like that and had to go perform, and we had like eight more shows left. So by the time I got to the Palladium, I was drained. There’s a song that I sing called “Tryin’ My Hardest,” and I wrote that when I wasn’t sober and I was just trying to work myself through recovery. It was an ode to my mother and my wife, just telling them that I wasn’t giving up every time I relapsed. I [think] it was that song that she came out to. Half the time, tears were flowing down my face. So I think I was drained and I needed my support, and my wife just so happened to be there, which was just perfect for me. I’ll never forget that night. We sold out the Palladium twice.
You had a really close relationship with your mother, Jackie Gouche, who was a phenomenal artist in her own right. Have you written any songs in dedication to her since her passing?
I have a song that goes: (Starts singing lyrics)
Her name is Danielle, born in December but never felt the cold Chocolate skin and a heart that’s made of gold A certain resemblance to someone that I know As bitter, as sweet As easy as it was to sweep me off my feet I never imagined that you may never meet I wish you could be here to watch my baby grow She’s gonna to do well Her name is Danielle.
It’s just a song about my daughter that I wrote for her, and hopefully, I put it on the next project. Ooh. But we’ll see. My mother was such a big reason why I started really writing songs and wanting to be SiR. I was a different kind of guy growing up. I was very timid. I wasn’t sure about my musical abilities or gifts, and anytime I sent her songs, she would just light up and tell me how beautiful it was and give me advice, which was very important. After a while, I just kept impressing her and kept blowing her away in her own words. She was a huge part of my confidence.
“I should be able to have an album out every year,” SiR said. “I’m a studio rat so we should be able to find it. But my sobriety had to be at the forefront of everything, and I’m navigating being SiR sober.”
(Rolexx)
You’ve been vocal and vulnerable about your experience of dealing with addiction and all of the lifestyle changes you’ve made since becoming sober. Can you talk about what you’ve learned about yourself throughout this time?
I’ve learned that I have an addictive personality, no matter what the drug is, and I’ve created some good habits. The gym is now the biggest addiction that I have. I definitely had to just learn who I was looking at in the mirror, because when you’re inebriated, intoxicated all the time, you don’t really know what’s going on or who you are, and it’s a tough place to be. It’s a tough hole to dig yourself out of, but once you get out of that, you’ve got to navigate not falling back into the hole. It took about a year before I even got close to being sober. I’d have, like, sober weeks, and relapse after relapse and things like that. But at this point, I’m proud of where I am as a father, as a husband, and I’m trying to make sure that I just keep nourishing my artistry, because as much as I’m glad that that album came out, it took me five years to put that album out, and that shouldn’t happen. I always like to think of myself as a hyper-creative, and I should be able to have an album out every year. I’m a studio rat, so we should be able to find it. But my sobriety had to be at the forefront of everything, and I’m navigating being SiR sober. This is all new, and it’s definitely fun, but I definitely had to really work to get here.
Since releasing “Heavy,” you had another daughter, whom you talked about earlier, so now you’re a father of two. Can you talk about how fatherhood has affected you personally and creatively?
Fatherhood is like, ooh man, it’s a process. It taught me a lot about myself. I’m selfish. I’m impatient. I’m getting old. [laughs] My body doesn’t move and respond the same. When you have a 3-year-old who’s running as fast as she can and you’re trying to keep up with her, it’s tough. But it also just taught me a lot about how well I was raised. My parents were sweet. They were so nice and so kind and so gentle with us, and very protective, but in the best ways. If I’m half as good of a parent to my kids as my mother was to me, I think they’re going to be fine.
On Sunday, you are going to headline the Hollywood Bowl for the first time. How are you feeling about the show and what are you most excited about?
I can’t lie, I was excited about Leon Thomas’ set, but I realize now that I’m not going to be able to watch it, because I’m going to be doing my vocal warmups and getting ready for own thing. So now I’m just excited to see that sea of people. In L.A., I’ve done some really good shows, but it’s a 17,000-cap venue, and I think we’re doing good on ticket sales. This is the largest SiR audience that I’ve ever seen, so I’m excited to see the fans and hear them sing along.
Have you met Leon Thomas before?
We haven’t met, but I’m a huge fan. I don’t know if a lot of people [know], but Leon Thomas was a songwriter before he started putting music out on his own. Of course, everyone knows him from his acting days, but he was a part of a writing group that is based in L.A. and has been writing songs for other artists, so to see him come to the forefront of his own artistry is a beautiful thing. I think I’m on the waiting list for a Leon Thomas session. Collaborating is big right now with me, especially since things have changed and I don’t work as much as I used to on my own. I want to bounce ideas off of good artists, and I want to have great musicians in the room so we can make sure that everything is where it’s supposed to be in the song. We talked about it. I texted him [last] week just to thank him for being a part of this, and I wanted to congratulate him on all of his success. He’s a good guy, and I’m definitely a huge fan.
Why is collaboration so important for you now? What’s changed?
I want better songs. I’ve been around a long time. I got a lot of music out, but I have this thing in my head where I just want a classic. I feel like I have some really good records, but I want a song that everybody knows. As a songwriter, I think the most beautiful music comes from collaboration because you have people there to give you guidance in your own thought process. Even if I’m leading the way, I have somebody in my ear that’s navigating into this place we’re trying to get to. But I definitely just want to write better songs, and I’m not afraid to ask for help. I’ve had to learn that the hard way. I spent a lot of time over the years just kind of closed off in my box, which was great because it created my world, my sound. But now that I have established my sound, I should always be open to people helping me create in my world, especially if they know what my world is.
Have you started thinking about your next project yet?
I am definitely thinking about my next project. It does not have a name. We don’t have a date, but I am as busy as I can be right now, just with new songwriting and trying to stay ahead of it, because if I make you guys wait another five years for another project, I don’t think I’ma survive. I might have to go get me a day job. So I’m definitely working, but I’m not gonna rush. I’m not gonna force anything. I’m not just gonna put out anything. We need, you know, at least 40 to 45 minutes of just greatness, and I’m gonna do everything I can to deliver for the fans, because they deserve it more than anything.
West Indies have been battling with “systemic issues” for 25 years that have left them with players “ill-equipped” to deal with the challenges they faced against Australia, according to Trinidadian commentator Fazeer Mohammed.
“It was almost the perfect storm,” he told BBC Sport.
“You’ve got Mitchell Starc, a world class bowler, deadly in any sort of situation and even deadlier with the pink ball, coming up against players really ill-equipped to deal with those sorts of challenges.
“Everything was set up for something like this to happen. You never really factor in 27 all out but, in the general context of West Indies cricket, this was an accident waiting to happen.”
While Lara has been drafted in to help find a solution to the problems facing the current side, Mohammed believes the iconic left-hander’s heroics were part of the reason a lot of the issues were masked for so long.
“What lies behind it is the failure to address the fundamental challenges in our domestic game – in our regional game,” he added.
“We have many different challenges. Fundamental to those would be costs because we have many different territories – it’s very costly to travel around the Caribbean, to host tournaments.
“There’s an air of resignation about it. People will this morning be arguing amongst themselves and debating about how this can happen, who needs to be fired, who needs to be dropped, who needs to be got rid of.
“It’s the same sort of knee-jerk reaction and then they’ll shrug their shoulders and say ‘well this is how it is now’.”
It is almost two and a half years since West Indies last won a Test series – 1-0 in Zimbabwe – and three years since their last home series victory, 2-0 against Bangladesh.
“I don’t think all is lost by any stretch of the imagination,” Mohammed said.
“It requires at a very fundamental level at the schools, at the under-19, under-23 levels a serious financial investment in growing the quality of the game – male and female.
“But also there has to be, first and foremost, that recognition that Test cricket still means something to us in the Caribbean.”
Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK’s benefits system is broken and fixing it is a “moral imperative”, a day after a backbench Labour revolt saw him forced into a U-turn on welfare cuts.
The prime minister told the Welsh Labour Party conference in Llandudno that the government would not take away the welfare “safety net that vulnerable people rely on”.
But he said he could not let benefits “become a snare for those who can and want to work”.
Despite the government’s concession on its plans to reform welfare, some Labour MPs want further changes, while the Unite union has called for the proposal to be dropped altogether ahead of a vote on Tuesday.
The BBC understands whips and cabinet ministers – including Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves – have been phoning or texting Labour MPs over the weekend, going through the names of the initial rebels in a bid to get an accurate assessment of potential voting.
Some MPs are saying they have yet to make their mind up on how to vote and are awaiting a statement on Monday from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall that will spell out government concessions.
Speaking at the conference in north Wales on Saturday, Sir Keir said fixing the “broken” benefits system needed to be done because it was “failing people every day”, leaving “a generation of young people written off for good and the cost spiralling out of control”.
“Fixing it is a moral imperative, but we need to do it in a Labour way,” he added.
The government’s initial plans, aimed at bringing down the welfare bill, would have made it harder for people to claim personal independence payment (Pip), a benefit paid to 3.7 million people with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
But following a rebellion among Labour MPs and the likelihood the government would be defeated in the Commons, the government announced the stricter criteria would only apply to new claimants.
It reversed its plans to freeze the health-related component of universal credit, and the payment will now rise in line with inflation for existing recipients.
Ministers will also carry out a review of the Pip assessment process, with input from disability organisations.
A £1bn support package to help people into work, originally scheduled for 2029, will be fast-tracked.
A new “reasoned amendment” to the bill will be put down on Monday by rebel MPs, which will reflect government concessions but is expected to be similar to the now-withdrawn earlier amendment that sought to block changes to the benefits system.
The BBC understands that around 50 Labour MPs currently back that new amendment.
That number is likely to increase but the expectation is it will not reach the 80-plus needed to put the government in danger of defeat. However it would still represent a significant rebellion.
Rebel MPs are also expected to hold a briefing on Monday night at Westminster with various disability charities.
Labour MP Diane Abbott earlier told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she thought the result of a vote on the new plans would be tight, partly because backbenchers are still “upset about the lack of consultation” and because of “the notion of a two-tier benefit system”.
But former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer told the programme that “sensible” changes to the welfare reforms were “pretty significant”, and that he believed opposition among Labour MPs was “shrinking and shrinking”.
Debbie Abrahams, the Labour MP who chairs the Work and Pensions Select Committee, told the BBC on Friday: “The concessions are a good start, they are very good concessions and they will protect existing claimants.
“However there are still concerns about new claimants. It would not be right for me not to do anything just to spare the prime minister an inconvenience.”
Ahead of Sir Keir’s conference speech, Unite called for the “entire welfare bill to be dropped and for the government to start again”, with general secretary Sharon Graham accusing Labour of “attacking the most vulnerable in our society”.
“The government’s latest plans for disabled benefits cuts are divisive and sinister,” she said.
“Creating a two-tier system where younger disabled people and those who become disabled in the future will be disadvantaged and denied access to work and education, is morally wrong.”
“Athletes across all sports have been discussing this for a long time, but it hasn’t really changed. Hopefully something can get done soon.”
Asked for his view – as both an ex-player and father-of-four – about what could be done to eradicate toxic abuse, Murray said: “If I’m being honest I don’t know. Me and my wife are trying to keep our children off social media until they are much older, because I think it can be pretty damaging.”
Murray’s eldest child is nine, while his youngest is four. Many social media apps have a minimum age of 13 for users.
Technology firms will have to do more to protect young people from harmful content under the Government’s Online Safety Act. It is being introduced in phases and social media platforms are now obliged to protect users from illegal or harmful content, while more child safety measures are being introduced next month.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC the government will also explore whether further protective measures can be put in place on social media platforms.
Figures provided by data science firm Signify, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) show that in 2024, about 8,000 abusive, violent or threatening messages were sent publicly to 458 tennis players through their social media accounts.
Following Boulter’s comments, fellow tennis players demanded more action, including calls for the introduction of identity verification.
Several of the England women’s football team also plan to give up social media for their forthcoming European Championship defence in Switzerland.
Murray said: “I don’t know whose responsibility it is, I don’t know if the government needs to do more to tackle it, or [X owner] Elon Musk and people like that can do more to stop these messages getting through to individuals.
“I don’t mean just athletes, but then you get into the whole debate around free speech and it’s a difficult one.”
Murray also said athletes could help themselves “by trying to avoid looking at the comments and going on our phones immediately after matches”, but the onus was not on them to solve the problem.
Former British tennis player Naomi Broady, 35, told BBC Radio 5 Live about her experiences of abuse on social media, saying: “I’ve seen the worst of trolling and after I had children, I don’t show their faces any more.”
On the pitch, Southgate’s legacy will always be those agonising near misses, with the finger being pointed in his direction for conservative tactics, especially when early leads and domination ended with defeat to Croatia in the World Cup last four, as well as that defeat on penalties to Italy at Wembley.
For someone so often portrayed as “too nice” – something mistaken for his basic decency – Southgate showed steel as a player and again as a manager.
Even before he was appointed as the permanent manager, caretaker boss Southgate effectively signalled the end for Wayne Rooney’s England career by dropping the captain and record goalscorer for a World Cup qualifier in Slovenia before he was eased aside.
Sterling’s time with England ended after the 2022 World Cup, while Jack Grealish was cut from the Euro 2024 squad.
Southgate’s relationship with England’s supporters fluctuated, from the adulation between 2018 and 2021 to the toxicity of a night at Molineux in June 2022 when the personal abuse was such that it had a profound impact on the manager.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign, a somewhat joyless and mediocre affair in which much of the goodwill for Southgate had been diluted, also saw the manager pelted with empty beer cups and jeered by fans after a goalless draw with Slovenia in Cologne.
It was poor payback for what Southgate had given those England fans, only adding to the sense that this was an era drawing to a close, and perhaps the manager would not be sorry to see the back of it.
England flickered fitfully in Germany, reaching the final which ended in the familiar pain of defeat at Spain deservedly won 2-1.
It was a disappointing conclusion, making for a natural end to his time as England manager in which Southgate had made players and supporters dream again.
Once the short-term disappointment eased, it was right that Southgate should be judged with total respect, and befitting of his reign that he should have his investiture moment.
GEORGE MILLS is eyeing up a gold rush after demolishing Sir Mo Farah’s British men’s 5000 metres record in Oslo last night.
The 26-year-old, son of ex-England full-back Danny, clocked 12:46.59 at the Bislett Games to slash over six seconds off the four-time Olympic champ’s mark from Monaco in 2011.
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George Mills demolished Sir Mo Farah’s British men’s 5000 metres recordCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
It left the Yorkshireman fourth as the USA’s Nico Young led home a mass charge.
But after landing two Euro silvers in 12 months, Mills wants some big nights that match Mo’s moments of magic.
He said: “That record was one of the things I came here for and it’s nice to be able to do it.
“I like to run brave. I like to assert myself on races. So that’s what I was able to do.
“Now I want medals at worlds and Olympic Games. That’s what I have to do. That’s what I’m aiming for now.”
Mills competed at the Olympics Games in Paris last summer – with his race was overshadowed by controversy.
In a chaotic 5000m heat, the Team GB ace was one of four runners that fell over on the home straight.
California Sen. Alex Padilla was handcuffed by federal agents Thursday after he interrupted a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.
About five minutes into a press conference at the Westwood federal building, Noem told the media that the Trump administration planned to “liberate the city from the socialists and the burdensome leadership that the governor and the mayor have placed on this country.”
Padilla, who was standing near a wall on one side of the room, then tried to interrupt Noem to ask a question, video footage shows. Cameras turned toward him as two Secret Service agents tried to push him backward, one saying: “Sir, sir, hands up.”
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla,” he said, as one agent grabbed his jacket and shoved him backward on the chest and arm. “I have questions for the secretary, because the fact of the matter is that half a dozen violent criminals that you’re rotating on your — on your …”
“Hands off!” Padilla said, as three agents pushed him into a separate room.
Padilla, a Democrat who was raised by Mexican immigrants in the northeast San Fernando Valley, got into politics in the 1990s over his dismay with anti-immigrant sentiment, and this week has encouraged Los Angeles residents to protest the immigration sweeps.
“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question,” Padilla said later, his eyes welling with tears, “if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, I can only imagine what they’re doing to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country.”
Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said Padilla was escorted out of the room by the Secret Service and FBI police officers who act as building security, but was not arrested. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said that Padilla had not been wearing a security pin and “physically resisted law enforcement when confronted.”
Noem continued without mentioning the disruption, telling reporters that immigration agents have been “doxxed from doing their duty, how they have been targeted and their families have been put in jeopardy.”
The video of Padilla’s “freakout,” said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung in a post on X, “shows the public what a complete lunatic Padilla is by rushing towards Secretary Noem and disturbing the informative press conference.” Videos from the room showed Padilla interrupting Noem, but did not show him rushing toward her.
After being escorted to the separate room and led a few doors down, Padilla raised his hands in front of his chest as the agents marched him past an office cubicle and down a hallway, a video taken by a member of Padilla’s staff and shared with The Times showed.
The agents forced Padilla to his knees and then to his chest, his face against the carpet. One agent said, “On the ground, on the ground, hands behind your back.”
The officers bent one of Padilla’s arms behind his back and attached a handcuff, then said, “Other hand, sir? Other hand.”
One federal agent turned to the member of Padilla’s staff who was filming and said, “There’s no recording allowed out here, per FBI rights.”
Noem told reporters she met with Padilla privately for about 15 minutes after the incident, then said, “I wish that he would have reached out and identified himself and let us know who he was and that he wanted to talk.”
His approach, she said, “was something that I don’t think was appropriate at all, but the conversation was great, and we’re going to continue to communicate.”
At a makeshift podium outside the federal building, Padilla said he was attending a briefing with Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command, when he learned of the press conference.
He said he and fellow Democrats have received “little to no information” from the administration, so he attended the press conference “to hear what she had to say, to see if I can learn any new additional information.”
“At one point I had a question, and so I began to ask a question,” Padilla said. “I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained.”
Padilla’s run-in with federal agents was decried by Democrats in California, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called the detainment “outrageous, dictatorial and shameful.”
“Trump and his shock troops are out of control,” Newsom said. “This must end now.”
At a press conference downtown Thursday afternoon, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said federal agents had “shoved and cuffed a sitting U.S. senator,” as people behind her booed.
“How could you say that you did not know who he was?” Bass said. “We see the video tape, we see him saying who he was — but how do you not recognize one of two senators in our state? And he is not just any senator. He is the first Latino citizen senator to ever represent our state.”
Sen. Adam Schiff, the other Democrat representing California in the Senate, blasted the behavior of federal agents as “disgraceful and disrespectful,” saying it “demands our condemnation.”
Padilla “represents the best of the Senate,” Schiff said on X. “He will not be silenced or intimidated. His questions will be answered. I’m with Alex.”
Some Republicans in California condemned Padilla’s behavior, including John Dennis, the chairman of the California Republican County Chairmen’s Association, who said on X that “Padilla represents the emotional, violent, self-indulgent California Democrats leadership.”
“Do you want your senator behaving this way?” Dennis asked.
And Republican state Assemblymember Joe Patterson of Rocklin wrote, “If I busted into a press conference with the Governor or Sen. Padilla, I promise you, the same exact thing would happen to me.” He later added: “The whole entire incident really sucks. I didn’t like to see this occur at all.”
In Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said on the Senate floor that the video of Padilla being handcuffed “sickened my stomach.”
“It’s despicable. It’s disgusting,” he said. “It is so un-American, so un-American, and we need answers. We need answers immediately.”
Times staff writers Richard Winton and Nathan Solis contributed to this report.
PRINCE William will today urge the world to help save our seas — as he joins Sir David Attenborough to discuss deteriorating oceans.
William is expected to call on everyone to “think big in your actions” when he highlights the urgency of the situation in a landmark speech.
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Sir David explains workings of underwater camera to Prince WilliamCredit: Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Palace
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Wills laughs as Sir David tries on a helmetCredit: Silverback Films/ Open Planet Studios / Kensington Palace
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William joined Sir David Attenborough to discuss deteriorating oceansCredit: Silverback Films/ Open Planet Studios / Kensington Palace
In the address in Monaco at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, he will say: “Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.”
The father of three, 42, is there as founder of the Earthshot environmental prize which has “Revive Our Oceans” as one of its themes.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “This speech is the Prince of Wales calling for action to save our oceans now.
“The world is watching. This is him using his platform to call for more to be done sooner rather than later.”
More on Sir David Attenborough
William sits down with Sir David, 99, to celebrate the environmentalist’s new film, Ocean, which is released on streaming platforms today, World Oceans Day.
The Prince asks: “David, from what you’ve seen over the years, what state would you say the oceans are in right now?”
He replies: “The awful thing is it’s hidden from you and from me and from most people.
“The thing I’m appalled by when I first saw the shots taken for this film are what we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful.
“If you did anything remotely like it on land everybody was up in arms. If this film . . . just shifts public awareness, it will be very, very important.
“And I can only hope that people who see it will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure.”
Ocean with David Attenborough, official trailer
Asked by the Prince if there are things deep down in the oceans “we’ve never seen”, he answers that it is “beyond question”.
They also discuss Sir David’s decades of ocean exploration and the vital role the ocean has in supporting and sustaining life on Earth.
Wills and Sir David also speak about the importance of remaining optimistic about ocean protection and the role younger people play.
At the beginning of the film, Sir David has the Prince in stitches as he tries on a diving helmet used in filming 1990’s The Trials of Life.
They also inspect an underwater camera used in filming Ocean.
Sir David Jason appeared at the British Soap Awards tonight where he presented the Best British Soap award this evening to EastEnders, which won big on the night
23:44, 05 Jun 2025Updated 23:44, 05 Jun 2025
Sir David Jason appeared at the British Soap Awards tonight(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Sir David Jason had fans all saying the same thing – as he appeared at the British Soap Awards tonight. The legendary actor was on hand to present the Best British Soap award this evening.
The soap awards actually took place on Saturday but they were broadcasted on ITV this evening – and after a delay due to a technical error, the awards got underway. David handed over the Best Soap award to EastEnders, who were the big winners tonight.
As David arrived on stage to present the award, the soap stars were seen in awe – and it was clear viewers felt the same.
One fan wrote: “The legendary Sir David Jason walking out to screams of excitement and admiration was incredible, the atmosphere was truly electric. Couldn’t have wished for a better person to announce the winner,” whilst a second added: “Great to see Sir David Jason on the #BritishSoapAwards tonight. What an absolute legend!!”
David presented Best British Soap to EastEnders(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
“Huge congratulations to EastEnders and how well does Sir David Jason look !! What a legend #britishsoapawards,” a third said, with a fourth adding: “I teared up seeing David Jason.” A fifth wrote: “N’awww a standing ovation for Sir David Jason.”
David previously opened up about how he had to part ways with his helicopter with “extreme reluctance” as he struggled with his physical health. He said: “You need your hips, legs and knees to be in pretty tip-top condition for helicopter flying.
“Also your arms and shoulders. It’s rather like playing a drum kit in that regard, although the consequences of getting out of time during the second verse are quite a bit graver.”
He added: “I realised I was getting increasingly uncomfortable up there in the air. Having to push the physical part of the task was taking some of the joy out of it. Clearly it was time to step away while I was still capable of stepping.”
David also explained how that was such a big part of his life – and it had been his “most satisfying accomplishment”.
“Flying that helicopter was a big part of my life. It was a lot of fun, obviously, but also just the most satisfying accomplishment. Some people have the piano, and some people have oil painting. I had the helicopter and it’s over now, but I’ll always be proud that I can call myself a qualified helicopter pilot,” he explained of his love of flying a helicopter.
Back in 2023, David also opened up about his health as he admitted his concerns over his memory and his physical health.
“My memory isn’t what it used to be … Most of us reach this point when things aren’t quite as bright as they used to be,” he said as he discussed his hip replacement and his general health, “Mind you, I don’t wear a hearing aid, I don’t wear glasses, and I’ve only had to replace one bit of my body, so I’m not doing too bad.”
