Hard-of-hearing BBC viewers were baffled as Pulp belted out Spike IslandCredit: InstagramThe song was wrongly subtitled with lines from Agatha Christie’s Miss MarpleCredit: Alamy
Hard-of-hearing viewers were baffled as the frontman belted out Spike Island at the Mercury Prize awards ceremony on Thursday night.
Subtitles as he prowled the stage included, “Oooh then… Then the secretary girl came up with Heather Babcock”.
He also appeared to sing, “Dr Haydock, I would be very distressed if I thought you believed”, as well as “On and on she went” and “Honestly, she did go on so!”
Jarvis, 62, later posted snaps online, and wrote: “It appears our performance was accompanied by…… the subtitles to an episode of Miss Marple!”
Subtitles as he prowled the stage included, ‘Oooh then… Then the secretary girl came up with Heather Babcock’Credit: InstagramSinger Jarvis Cocker also appeared to sing, ‘Dr Haydock, I would be very distressed if I thought you believed’Credit: InstagramFans lapped it up, with some saying they could be real Pulp lyricsCredit: Instagram
Channel 4 is making a documentary on the Dunblane massacre to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the tragedy next yearCredit: Tom Kidd
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The BBC has also announced it will be doing its own programme, which will also mark three decades since 16 pupils and a teacher were killed by a gunman at the schoolCredit: Derek Ironside
But I can reveal the Channel 4 one will have special meaning for its creators.
A TV insider said: “It is being made by production company Candour whose founder, Anna Hall, grew up in the Scottish town that was hit by the tragedy on March 13, 1996.
“So it will be imbued with real poignancy and, of course, it will be handled with extreme sensitivity.”
Chief Creative Officer Anna’s first ever film was about the tragedy — Dunblane: Remembering our Children premiered on ITV on the first anniversary of the shootings in 1997.
The programme was nominated for numerous awards including the RTS Best Single Documentary, an Emmy and a Prix Italia.
Now she and the rest of the Candour team — who also made the recent C4 documentary about the death of Jay Slater — are taking another look at the events of that dark day.
The massacre, which also left 15 people injured, remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history and led to a change in the law prohibiting the possession of most handguns in the UK.
Shooting
Last week the BBC announced it had commissioned a one-off hour-long documentary called Dunblane: The Shooting that Changed Britain.
Made by IWC Media it also looks at what happened in Dunblane, as well as the effect it had on the law.
Channel 4 have yet to confirm the commissioning of its documentary, though it is expected to be filmed this autumn, ready for broadcast in March.
Lorraine Kelly reveals Dunblane massacre was worst day of 40 year career
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Queen Elizabeth places a floral bouquet in front of Dunblane Primary SchoolCredit: Reuters
Vigil for third series
THE third series of BBC thriller Vigil sees Rose Leslie and Suranne Jones joined by newcomers Jeppe Beck Laursen, Tornike Gogrichiani and Steven Miller.
DCI Silva and DI Longacre head to an Arctic research station, where a special forces operative has been killed.
Top Bill in Caddy Craic
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Bill Murray is heading to Ireland for a new BBC travelogueCredit: Getty
The six-parter will see Ghostbusters and Caddyshack legend Bill and celeb pals tour the Emerald Isle’s top golf courses.
Insiders say the show’s about life, chance encounters and the joy of going off course.
Bill said: “I started out caddying, and golf was the best education I ever received.
“Ireland feels like the right place to put all that to work.
“They’ve got this wonderful word there, ‘craic,’ which means fun, but it means a lot of other things.
“A lot of good things.
“And this show will be about us finding it.”
Off Course (working title) is on BBC Two later this year.
Gemma future secured
HOLLYOAKS actress Gemma Bissix has signed a new contract to stay on the E4 soap after her explosive comeback as Clare Devine.
Incorrect rumours claimed she had quit but a source told me: “Gemma recently finished filming her first stint back as Clare – but she will be back after a short break.”
BBC star Michael Ball has been supported by fans after revealing the heartbreaking news that his mum has died.
The star took to X to share a post of his mum, Ruth Parry Ball, to announce her passing.
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BBC star Michael Ball has been supported by fans after revealing the heartbreaking news that his mum has diedCredit: Getty
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The star took to X to share a post of his mum, Ruth Parry Ball, to announce her passingCredit: X
She looked in great spirits in the throwback photo, in an all white outfit with a wide brimmed hat on.
Ruth died at the age of 91, and Michael penned to his followers: “Ruth Parry Ball1934-2025x”
Fans flooded the comments with their condolences, as one person wrote: “Awww Michael I’m so so sorry. Your heart must be broken. I honestly know how you feel. My Mum died on Tuesday and the tears has not stopped.”
A second person said: “Michael I’m sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.”
Read More on Michael Ball
A third commented: “What a beautiful photo. So sorry for your loss.”
And someone else said: “So sorry to see this. God bless her and all who love her and will miss her.”
Michael shared a close bond with his mum, and would often post photos of her on social media.
Last year, he spoke about how they’d celebrated her 90th birthday with a post of them all doing a zipline.
He said: “We celebrated my dear mum’s 90th birthday this past weekend with a trip to Wales with the whole family. What did we get up to, I hear you ask – well we took a 90 year old on the fastest zipline in the world of course! Mx”
The One show’s Alex Jones completely loses it as Michael Ball announces shock new career
Michael and his dear mum could be seen smiling away as they got ready to take the zipline on.
The star has an English father, and his mum Ruth was Welsh.
Michael’s dad is Tony Ball, who was awarded an MBE for services to the industry.
Meanwhile, Michael was appointed an OBE in 2015 for his services to musical theatre.
As a teenager Ball joined a youth theatre, then studied at Guildford School of Acting.
His first role was in Godspell in Aberystwyth, but he got his first major break in The Pirate of Penzance in Manchester.
He later went on to play Raoul in The Phantom Of The Opera before going on to represent the UK in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest – where he finished in second place with the song One Step Out Of Time.
More recently, Michael has taken stage roles in shows like Hairspray and Sweeney Todd.
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Michael shared a close bond with his mum, and would often post photos of her on social mediaCredit: Getty
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They went zip lining for her 91st birthdayCredit: Instagram
The Repair Shop fans have called for the show to be axed – following Jay Blades’ rape arrestCredit: BBC
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The 55-year-old has been charged with two counts of rapeCredit: BBC
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He was the show’s “foreman” from 2017 until 2014Credit: BBC
On Tuesday (August 5), the show returned to its usual 8pm slot, although Blades was not featured.
Writing online, fans have called for The Repair Shop to be axed after nearly a decade on air.
One penned: “Could never see the point of him being in the Repair Shop he never restored anything but worn a new leather apron the show is better without him now.”
Another added: “Surely you must take the Repair shop off now if the presenter is accused of physical rape.”
A third queried: “Will theBBCbe pulling repeats of The Repair Shop now?”
Police confirmed the allegations against the dad of three from Shropshire.
He fronted the hit BBC show for seven years before stepping back last year.
King Charles appeared alongside him on a special episode in 2022.
West Mercia Police confirmed charges against the dad of three, with a magistrates’ court date set for next Wednesday.
A spokesperson said: “Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape.
Axed TV host Jay Blades was weeks away from starring on new reality series before domestic violence arrest
“He is due to appear at Telford magistrates’ court on 13 August 2025.”
The TV star is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen, which he has denied.
He was arrested in May 2024 – on the same day fitness instructor Lisa announced her decision to end their 18-month marriage.
In September, Blades was charged.
His actions allegedly caused Lisa “to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against her”.
The presenter pleaded not guilty to the charge — which relates to the period between January 1, 2023 and September 12, 2024 — at a court hearing last October.
NAGA Munchetty “went ballistic” at intern for getting her porridge wrong insiders claim as the host is hit by a bullying probe.
The insider previously worked with Naga, 50, on BBC Breakfast and revealed the host is an “absolute nightmare” and would “kick off about the smallest of issues”.
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Naga Munchetty “went ballistic” at an intern for getting her porridge wrong, insiders claimCredit: BBC
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It comes as the BBC is set to launch an investigation into Munchetty following a string of complaints.Credit: Getty
A source has claimed that under-fire BBC presenter Naga Munchetty has a reputation for going “ballistic” at junior staff.
They also revealed that she humiliated an intern who didn’t make her porridge perfectly.
An insider told the Mail: “She has a reputation for going at young members of staff and making them out to be fools.
“She would kick off about the smallest of issues, including one time she went ballistic over her breakfast not being prepared exactly how she likes it by an intern.”
This included the occasion where Munchetty refused to eat porridge delivered to her by an intern during an ad break as it was too hot for her to eat in the time she had.
“The guy walked off the set utterly humiliated and went back to chuck it away before trying again in time for the next ad break, it was pretty brutal to watch,” the insider added.
A BBC spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.
“We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”
She had also been hauled in by bosses over allegations she made an off-air sex jibe at 5 Live.
The source said: “Following the amount of people who have come forward to share their experiences with Naga, the BBC has officially moved to place the complaints under review.
“The review is to ascertain whether a full-on investigation is required and that could come in weeks.”
Munchetty began work on BBC Breakfast in 2014 and covers Thursday to Saturday alongside Stayt, as well as presenting a Radio 5 programme three times a week.
She is the BBC’s 10th highest earner, on around £355,000.
BBC Radio 2’s listening figures have plummeted since a presenter switch upCredit: PA
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Scott Mills took over the Breakfast Show slot, yet listeners have dropped as the year goes onCredit: Supplied
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Zoe Ball quit her Breakfast Show in DecemberCredit: PA
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For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Zoe Ball presenting her last show on BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, which she has hosted for six years, at BBC Broadcasting House in central London. Issue date: Friday December 20, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Ball. Photo credit […]Credit: PA
Yet at the time, Zoe said she would remain on BBC Radio 2.
She said: “After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family.”
Telling her listeners about her decision, she said: “I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.
Zoe Ball’s career so far
Zoe was born in Blackpool and is daughter of the children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball and his wife Julia.
She appeared on television at a young age as part of the studio audience of the Saturday morning children’s show, Saturday Superstore when her father was a guest.
The star began her career in broadcasting as a presenter on the pre-school programme Playdays.
After various behind the scenes roles, she earned a spot as a regular host of Top of the Pops, when she alternated with the likes of Jayne Middlemiss and Jo Whiley.
In 1996, she was chosen to front BBC One‘s saturday morning show Live & Kicking, which led to stints on The Big Breakfast on Channel 4.
But she maintained a huge presence on the radio as she was chosen to be the co-host of BBC Radio 1 Breakfast alongside Kevin Greening in October 1997.
Zoe was later appointed the sole host of the show in a groundbreaking move by the corporation as she was the first female DJ to hold the post.
The presenter chose to leave the station in March 2000 to start a family, where she was succeeded by Sara Cox.
As a mainstream face in TV through the noughties, she hosted a range of huge programmes for ITV, including the Brit Awards in 2002, Extinct in 2006, and both Soapstar Superstar and Grease Is The Word in 2007.
In mid-2002, she returned to radio when she joined Xfm (later known as Radio X), when she was the voice of the weekday drivetime show until December 2003. In 2004, she stood in for Ricky Gervais while he filmed the second series of The Office.
In October 2005, she appeared as a contestant on the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Ian Waite, The star impressed viewers with her footwork and the duo waltzed into third place.
In 2011, she returned to the franchise as she took over as the host of the magazine spin-off show, It Takes Two.
She also filled in for Claudia Winkleman on the main show in 2014, when The Traitors star took leave after her daughter suffered serious burn injuries.
A DRAGON’S Den winner and former Team GB gold medallist fraudulently used Covid loans to buy himself a £1.8million mansion.
Rick Beardsell illegally pocketed £100,000 worth of taxpayers cash to purchase his home – despite receiving a £75,000 investment during his stint on the BBC show.
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Beardsell received £75,000 in investments after appearing on Dragon’s DenCredit: Cavendish
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The British world sprinting champion illegally pocketed two Covid Bounce Back business loans to buy himself a £1.8m mansionCredit: Cavendish
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Beardsell was only entitled to apply for one loan worth £50,000, but fraudulently applied for twoCredit: Cavendish
The 46-year-old fiddled two Covid Bounce Back loans to buy himself five-bed Holly House in the exclusive village of Prestbury, Cheshire.
Dad-of-two Beardsell was only entitled to apply for one loan worth £50,000, but fraudulently applied for two and greatly exaggerated his annual turnover by up to 23 times.
It came after the world champion sprinter had successfully secured investments from TV Dragons Tej Lalvani andDeborah Meadenfor his successful protein shake bottle business, ShakeSphere.
Chester Crown Court heard he applied for the loan to prop up his other company, Sports Creative Ltd, but none of the money went towards the sportswear business.
Prosecutor Geoff Whealan told the court Beardsell made the fraudulent applications to HSBC in December 2020 and then to NatWest in January 2021.
He said: ”The defendant stated on the HSBC form that the turnover of Sports Creative was £485,000 and on the NatWest form said it was £320,000.
“But unaudited financial statements showed turnover for the year end February 2020 was £20,622.
”The turnover was clearly exaggerated to secure the maximum bounce back loan.
“Subsequent transactions showed the bounce back loan funds were not being used for the economic benefit or business purposes of Sports Creative at this time.”
The money arrived in Sports Creative’s account in January 2021, but then almost £400,000 was transferred to Beardsell’s personal Santander account in the space of six months.
Then £431,160.80, including the remaining bounce back loan funds, was transferred to a firm of solicitors for the purchase of Holly House he bought with his wife Ezster.
Mr Whelan added: ”In effect the bounce back loan funds had been used for this purchase.
Shocking moment Dragons’ Den winner Ross Mendham smashes £100k Ferrari after ploughing into bike racks in city centre
“It can be inferred from the defendant’s conduct that it was his intention to use the bounce back loans for this purpose at the time he made the application for it.”
Beardsell, who won two World Records for sprinting, faced three years in jail after he admitted two charges of fraud.
In October 2024, he attended an interview under caution at the Insolvency Services offices.
In a statement he said: ”The guidance pertaining to Bounce Back Loans indicated that the proceeds of such loans may be utilised for any purpose that yields a direct benefit to the company.
”At that juncture, I sought professional advice and was advised that such purposes include, but are not limited to, the coverage of overhead expenses or outstanding liabilities, as well as the investment in company assets or property.
“The funds that were transferred to my personal account constituted a director’s loan and other economical overheads for the business.”
Mitigating, his counsel Nichola Cafferkey explained that the loans had been repaid in full to the banks.
She said: ”The loss of his good character is of some significance in respect of a man who has dedicated his life to his family, his professional entities and also his sporting endeavours.
“These offences were out of character and were committed four years ago.
“He has taken responsibility and repaid the money back. He knows that it’s his own fault.
“He has brought shame on his family and brought shame on himself.
”His wife is also his business partner and concerns that they have had about the ability to provide financially for their young children have been significant.”
The court also heard that Beardsell had suffered a series of medical issues both before and after securing the loans.
Ms Cafferkey continued: “A year prior to the submission of the first loan application, the defendant was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer and required surgery and extensive chemotherapy.
“The chemotherapy was successful but led to some significant side effects.
”One of those being vertigo, of which he had a severe episode which required hospitalisation and thereafter there are ongoing long-term issues as a result of that.
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Beardsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two yearsCredit: Cavendish
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Hundreds of thousands of pounds were transferred to a firm of solicitors for the purchase of Holly HouseCredit: Cavendish
“The investigations brought on by the defendant’s own actions has had an impact on his family which has led to a situation where he has been experiencing significant stress over the past few years.
“On top of that there are ongoing knee pains associated with his athletic success at national and international level.
“He has been running a business for many years without issue and it is plain he is extremely remorseful and regretful for his actions.
“The impact on his wife’s physical health in terms of stress and strain has been significant. There has been significant weight loss and insomnia.
“This will be the only time that Richard Beardsell appears before the court.”
Beardsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £11,142.70.
Judge Simon Berkson told Beardsell: “You fraudulently lied and lied again in your applications for these loans.
“They were supposed to be for use in keeping your business running but the money was used for your own personal needs and the needs of your family.
“This is not a victimless crime. The government was trying to help struggling businesses at the time of national crisis.
“People were in lock down, people were dying and people were very ill at the time when people required their public services.
“You used fraudulently obtained public funds for your own use, depriving honest people of the scheme’s funds when the country was in crisis.
“You are a generally successful man both in business and in sports, particularly your involvement with athletics.
“You continue to run your business and it was on the TV programme Dragons’ Den.
“You are a married person with two children and they are young children. You have survived an aggressive form of cancer.
“I have concluded that an immediate custodial sentence would have a significant harmful impact on your wife and children.”
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He was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £11,142.70Credit: Cavendish
EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly.
The actor 30, apologised for “any offence and upset” after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals.
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Jamie Borthwick was dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a sickening disabled slur on the Strictly setCredit: BBC
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EastEnders star Borthwick issued a grovelling apology after his offensive comment emerged on a videoCredit: BBC
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The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders
Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were “ignorant and hurtful”, adding: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”
The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed.
Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”
And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”
Read More on JAMIE BORTHWICK
The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders.
Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show.
He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said “Oh my God” on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie’s.
Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.
“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.
Strictly’s Jamie Borthwick cheated on me during the show and then used co-star to try and smooth it over, ex tells pals
“That is on me completely.
“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.
“It was wrong.
“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment.
“Again, that is no excuse.
“But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.
“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.
“The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.
“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come.
“I am truly sorry.”
The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour – which was staged nationwide earlier this year.
Jamie, laughing, says on the video: “Blackpool by the way. “Absolute m********s’.”
The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16.
Borthwick pictured with dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas on StrictlyCredit: PA
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The comments sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham – which happened before the latter’s suspension.
Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video.
It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool.
Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.
“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.
“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.
It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street
Warren Kirwan, Scope
“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.
“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”
Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council’s Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick’s comments.
He said: “Blackpool’s best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town.
“Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”
Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Strictly series – with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there.
The source added: “This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show’s very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”
MORE than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become “woke, boring rubbish”.
That is the result of an independent survey conducted as star Ncuti Gatwa exited the Tardis with a paltry 2.3 million viewers on Saturday.
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More than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become ‘woke, boring rubbish’Credit: BBC
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Ncuti Gatwa exited the Tardis with a paltry 2.3 million viewers on SaturdayCredit: PA
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Billie Piper has made her triumphant comeback to the show as the new DoctorCredit: Unpixs
In a shock twist, he appeared to regenerate into the Doctor’s former companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper — but many are not convinced she is the Time Lord’s 16th incarnation.
The Sun exclusively revealed last month that Ncuti, 32, would be leaving the role after two series — the shortest tenure of any actor in the role since Christopher Eccleston, who left the rebooted BBC show after one series in 2005.
The survey quizzed 2,135 adults and found 42 per cent of current and former viewers said it had got worse since its relaunch two decades ago, with stories increasingly preachy and worthy.
Even one in three current viewers think it has got worse.
Plotlines over the past three years have featured trans heroines, non-binary baddies and drag-queen villains — and the Doctor coming out as gay, and crying in most episodes.
James Johnson of pollsters JL Partners said: “This is the first ever major poll done on attitudes to Doctor Who and the results are bleak.
“The public believe a once-great show has lost its way — and their biggest complaint is it puts pursuit of wokeness above entertainment value.
“The main words associated with it are rubbish, boring, and woke.
“If the BBC want to grow the show’s audience once more, they will need a total revamp.
“And to get back to telling entertaining stories rather than preaching lessons that simply do not have an audience among the British public.”
The poll found 46 per cent of current viewers think it puts social justice and woke issues above quality, compared with 37 per cent who believe the show puts quality first.
Those who have stopped watching say it puts social justice and woke issues first by a ratio of three to one.
The average age of current viewers is 42, compared with 51 for ex-fans.
They are also heavily Labour voters compared to a more politically diverse former audience.
The wokery ratcheted up after Doctor Who was taken over for a second time by showrunner Russell T Davies in 2023.
He was the man who rebooted the show in 2005 with Eccleston, followed by David Tennant.
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The show in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston, followed by David TennantCredit: BBC
Who has starred in Doctor Who?
Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years?
First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 – 1966)
Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 – 1969)
Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 – 1974)
Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 – 1981)
Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 – 1984)
Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 – 1986)
Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 – 1989)
Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996)
Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005)
Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 – 2010)
11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 – 2013)
12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 – 2017)
13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 – 2022)
14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023)
15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 – present)
A respectable 5.1 million tuned in to see his “comeback episode” with David returning to play the Doctor for a second time in 2023.
The actor then handed over to Ncuti who had his first full series as the Fifteenth Doctor last year.
One Whovian writing on X/Twitter, said: “Thanks to RTD (Russell T Davies) Ncuti is tainted and ‘15’ will be remembered as the worst Doctor with the worst era in the history of Doctor Who.”
The Sun revealed BBC bosses were considering a hiatus for the show, though execs maintained they would not make a decision until the second series had aired.
Russell T Davies teased a return on Saturday, saying: “After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning!”
But that seems optimistic given their current multimillion-pound deal partnership with Disney+ is facing an uncertain future — and the viewing figures for one episode of the last series fell as low as 1.6 million.
A spokeswoman for Doctor Who said: “Doctor Who remains one of the biggest dramas on the BBC and is the most watched drama for under-35s, as well as being one of the most popular brands on BBC iPlayer.
“As we have previously stated, a decision on any future deal between the BBC and Disney+ regarding Doctor Who is yet to be made and any other claims are pure speculation.”
NOT CREDITED AS THE DOCTOR: Every new Time Lord has been introduced as the Doctor in the end credits. In Saturday’s episode, hers simply read: “introducing Billie Piper”.
RUSSELL T. DAVIES WON’T EVEN SAY: After the twist, Doctor Who’s own showrunner said of Billie’s return: “Quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told.”
BILLIE HINTED SHE’S STILL ROSE: Just after her return, Billie posted on Instagram a picture of herself holding a rose with the caption: “A rose is a rose is a rose.”
TENNANT’S RETURN WAS CLEARER: When Jodie Whittaker regenerated into David Tennant in a similar twist, execs immediately confirmed he was the Doctor.
ROSE IS LINKED TO THE TARDIS: Ncuti tapped into the Tardis before regenerating. Fans reckon it caused Rose to return, since she held the power of the Tardis in 2005.
SHE STILL SEEMS TO BE REGENERATING: Billie is still glowing when the episode ends, suggesting the transformation is incomplete and the true Doctor is yet to emerge.
THE BBC DON’T CALL HER THE DOCTOR: The corporation avoids calling her the Doctor in a news item released soon after the episode.
BBC host Laura Kuenssberg has revealed the interview that “sticks” with her the most is when Michelle Mone confessed to being a liar.
Scots bra tycoon Mone spent two years fiercely denying through an army of lawyers any involvement with the firm PPE Medro, which had earned over £200million worth of Government contracts to supply face masks and surgical gowns during the Covid pandemic.
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Lady Mone of Mayfair taking her place in the House of Lords as a Tory life peer.
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Married couple Doug Barrowman and Michelle Mone has been accused of wrongdoing.
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BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg says her interview with Mone is one that “sticks” with her.
But in 2023 it was revealed that the Tory life peer and her three adult children had received £29million from the company via her second husband Doug Barrowman.
That led to a “Prince Andrew-style” TV showdown with the politics presenter on her weekly show Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
Appearing alongside Barrowman, 60, Baroness Mone, 53, made the jaw-dropping confession: “I can’t see what we’ve done wrong. Lying to the press is not a crime.”
Now in a two-part BBC documentary The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone to be shown next week, Laura, 48, said: “In the end they were bizarrely quite honest about not having told the truth. Which is quite a strange experience.
“Then as she so memorably said, ‘But Laura, it’s not a crime to lie’ That’s a phrase that will always stick with me.”
The controversy started when Lady Mone had used her government links to access a VIP Lane for fast track PPE procurement.
But the former owner of bra company Ultimo then aggressively denied for three years that she and Barrowman had any connections to the company PPE Medro.
When it was revealed that Mone and her family had personally benefitted from the contracts she announced she was stepping down from the House of Lords.
Questions were then asked in parliament by the then leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer about how nearly £30million had ended up in the bank account of the Scottish businesswoman.
Recalling before the build-up to the car-crash interview, Laura said: “They obviously knew they had been lying at the beginning of it. So they felt they were in this trap.
Carol Vorderman finally reveals real reason she ended friendship with Michelle Mone
“On the day (of the interview) the whole experience was eerily calm. There’s no question Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman became the pantomime villains in the story of the huge shambles of what went wrong with PPE.
“For Michelle, being able to grab public attention was always something she had in spades during her business career but things went wrong for her and you can’t turn that attention off.”
Mone and Barrowman are currently being investigated by the National Crime Agency.
The couple continue to deny any wrongdoing.
*The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone begins on BBC Scotland on Monday May 26 at 10pm and BBC Two on May 28 at 9pm. Both episodes are available on BBC iPlayer from Monday.
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Michelle Mone during one of her Ultimo bra launches.
TheBridgertonicon, 32, packed on the PDA with the gorgeous model, 24,making a loving public appearance just two days after going Instagram official reported The Mail.
Luke, who plays Colin Bridgerton on the show, opted for a classic black suit and an unbuttoned matching shirt.
Antonia shimmered beside him in a sculpted mono-shoulder purple long length gown.
The Netflix icon appeared in very happy spirits as he was snapped and spoke to TV fans on his way inside the event.
Much like her famous boyfriend, Antonia is also in the entertainment industry.
The talented star is in fact a dancer, who has worked on some top TV shows, she has performed on both Dancing on Ice and Greece’s Got Talent.
Antonia is also an Influencer and boasts nearly 16K followers and she was first linked to Luke last year.
During tonight’s awards ceremony, the Bafta reality prize went to Channel 4‘s The Jury: Murder Trial, beating the hit BBC psychological series The Traitors.
Luke Newton’s girlfriend Antonia Roumelioti looks super hot as she shows off her dance moves
Ariyon Bakare has won the best supporting actor gong at the Bafta TV Awards for his role playing Morris De La Roux in BBC drama Mr Loverman.
The BBC also won the sport award for its coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics and an award in the live coverage category for Glastonbury Festival.
Best specialist factual went to BBC Two‘s Atomic People, which heard from those who witnessed the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
As she made her comeback, taking over the headphones from Rylan, Zoe told listeners: “Hello it’s me, oh it’s lovely to be back on a Saturday.
“This is where it all began for me, back in the day when I used to sweep up and make the teas.”
She will be maintaining a slot every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, and has been billed as “the best songs and chat for a Saturday”.
She was joined on her first show by Roisin Conarty for a natter, as well as having a catch up with old pal, Rylan.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, previously said: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”
In recent months, Zoe has kept a low profile and focused on renovating her garden, making some public work appearances in the process.
The long-time radio favourite decided to leave her Breakfast show last year, explaining she wanted to spend more time with her family after the death of her mum.
Emotional Zoe Ball’s final farewell to BBC Radio 2 as she quits show and thanks staff for ‘holding her up in her lowest moments’
In an emotional final farewell to listeners, the DJ paid tribute to her “hero” – fellow station star Jo Whiley – and her team on the show, saying they “held me up, quite literally, when I was at my lowest”.
She was replaced in the slot by Scott Mills.
Zoe Ball’s career so far
Zoe was born in Blackpool and is daughter of the children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball and his wife Julia.
She appeared on television at a young age as part of the studio audience of the Saturday morning children’s show, Saturday Superstore when her father was a guest.
The star began her career in broadcasting as a presenter on the pre-school programme Playdays.
After various behind the scenes roles, she earned a spot as a regular host of Top of the Pops, when she alternated with the likes of Jayne Middlemiss and Jo Whiley.
In 1996, she was chosen to front BBC One‘s saturday morning show Live & Kicking, which led to stints on The Big Breakfast on Channel 4.
But she maintained a huge presence on the radio as she was chosen to be the co-host of BBC Radio 1 Breakfast alongside Kevin Greening in October 1997.
Zoe was later appointed the sole host of the show in a groundbreaking move by the corporation as she was the first female DJ to hold the post.
The presenter chose to leave the station in March 2000 to start a family, where she was succeeded by Sara Cox.
As a mainstream face in TV through the noughties, she hosted a range of huge programmes for ITV, including the Brit Awards in 2002, Extinct in 2006, and both Soapstar Superstar and Grease Is The Word in 2007.
In mid-2002, she returned to radio when she joined Xfm (later known as Radio X), when she was the voice of the weekday drivetime show until December 2003. In 2004, she stood in for Ricky Gervais while he filmed the second series of The Office.
In October 2005, she appeared as a contestant on the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Ian Waite, The star impressed viewers with her footwork and the duo waltzed into third place.
In 2011, she returned to the franchise as she took over as the host of the magazine spin-off show, It Takes Two.
She also filled in for Claudia Winkleman on the main show in 2014, when The Traitors star took leave after her daughter suffered serious burn injuries.
