ITV News Special presents a timely and significant edition, “Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate.” Airing on ITV1 on Tuesday 4 June, this episode, moderated by Julie Etchingham, marks the first live head-to-head General Election debate between Rishi Sunak, the leader of the Conservative Party, and Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. The […]
Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate...
Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate...
- 6/4/2024
- by Izzy Jacobs
- MemorableTV
Exclusive: David Hare, one of the UK’s foremost playwrights and a double Oscar nominee, is in an unsparing mood about the state of UK politics. This comes as leaders of the country’s two major parties parry in the cut and thrust of the July 4 general election.
Hare’s view, he tells Breaking Baz, is that there is in fact not enough cut and thrust, what with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak going to the polls “because he’s as fed up with this government as the rest of us.”
The dramatist, director,and screenwriter tells me that the Tories are coming up daily with “harebrained” election promises while Labour, its chief opponent, “is trying to be sober, say nothing and do nothing.”
He fears, though, that Labour is taking up “a defensive crouch“ when it should be thrusting.
“Something always goes disastrously wrong unless you are active and on...
Hare’s view, he tells Breaking Baz, is that there is in fact not enough cut and thrust, what with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak going to the polls “because he’s as fed up with this government as the rest of us.”
The dramatist, director,and screenwriter tells me that the Tories are coming up daily with “harebrained” election promises while Labour, its chief opponent, “is trying to be sober, say nothing and do nothing.”
He fears, though, that Labour is taking up “a defensive crouch“ when it should be thrusting.
“Something always goes disastrously wrong unless you are active and on...
- 6/3/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has followed ITV’s lead by unveiling its plan for a general election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.
The debate will take place more than three weeks after ITV’s on Wednesday June 26, hosted by broadcaster Sophie Raworth and called the “last TV debate of the election campaign, as people prepare to cast their votes the following week” by the BBC.
Prior to the head-to-head, the BBC will host a debate between leading figures from the seven biggest political parties in Great Britain this Friday and another with the leaders of the four biggest political parties on Thursday June 20.
Meanwhile, Today program presenter Nick Robinson has invited all leaders of the seven biggest parties to be interviewed for Panorama specials over the next four weeks, and all eyes will be on whether Sunak and Starmer accept the invitation.
“TV debates have become a key part of elections in the UK,...
The debate will take place more than three weeks after ITV’s on Wednesday June 26, hosted by broadcaster Sophie Raworth and called the “last TV debate of the election campaign, as people prepare to cast their votes the following week” by the BBC.
Prior to the head-to-head, the BBC will host a debate between leading figures from the seven biggest political parties in Great Britain this Friday and another with the leaders of the four biggest political parties on Thursday June 20.
Meanwhile, Today program presenter Nick Robinson has invited all leaders of the seven biggest parties to be interviewed for Panorama specials over the next four weeks, and all eyes will be on whether Sunak and Starmer accept the invitation.
“TV debates have become a key part of elections in the UK,...
- 6/2/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Leading Black British stars, writers and execs have become the latest to criticize the Labour Party for its controversial mishandling of a row involving the UK’s first ever Black female MP.
Diane Abbott’s return, or departure, from the party she has been an MP for since 1987 has dominated UK front pages over the past week and the likes of Lenny Henry, David Harewood and Afua Hirsch have now had their say.
In a damning open letter titled Loyalty Has Never Been Unconditional, the group of around 40 prominent Black figures said they are “appalled by the Labour Party’s treatment of Diane Abbott,” describing it as “disproportionate, undemocratic and vindictive.”
Diane Abbott addresses her supporters and the media on the steps of Hackney Town Hall. Image: Guy Smallman/Getty Images.
Prominent stars like Henry, Harewood and Adrian Lester are signatories, along with the likes of Yomi Adegoke, whose bestseller...
Diane Abbott’s return, or departure, from the party she has been an MP for since 1987 has dominated UK front pages over the past week and the likes of Lenny Henry, David Harewood and Afua Hirsch have now had their say.
In a damning open letter titled Loyalty Has Never Been Unconditional, the group of around 40 prominent Black figures said they are “appalled by the Labour Party’s treatment of Diane Abbott,” describing it as “disproportionate, undemocratic and vindictive.”
Diane Abbott addresses her supporters and the media on the steps of Hackney Town Hall. Image: Guy Smallman/Getty Images.
Prominent stars like Henry, Harewood and Adrian Lester are signatories, along with the likes of Yomi Adegoke, whose bestseller...
- 5/31/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Jon Stewart has waded into a row about the UK Labour Party blocking election candidate Faiza Shaheen from running for Parliament over her historical tweets relating to Israel.
Stewart shared a Twitter (now X) post from former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, in which Hasan claimed that Shaheen had been “suspended” from Labour for liking a tweet that featured Stewart’s famous 2014 ‘We Need to Talk About Israel’ sketch.
“This is the dumbest thing The UK has done since electing Boris Johnson…what the actual fuck…” Stewart, who is Jewish, told his 1.7M followers.
This is the dumbest thing The UK has done since electing Boris Johnson…what the actual fuck… https://t.co/n6Ekibi5is
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) May 30, 2024
The reality of the situation is a little more complicated than Hasan’s post suggested, however. Shaheen has not been disciplined for simply liking Stewart’s skit.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight on Wednesday,...
Stewart shared a Twitter (now X) post from former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, in which Hasan claimed that Shaheen had been “suspended” from Labour for liking a tweet that featured Stewart’s famous 2014 ‘We Need to Talk About Israel’ sketch.
“This is the dumbest thing The UK has done since electing Boris Johnson…what the actual fuck…” Stewart, who is Jewish, told his 1.7M followers.
This is the dumbest thing The UK has done since electing Boris Johnson…what the actual fuck… https://t.co/n6Ekibi5is
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) May 30, 2024
The reality of the situation is a little more complicated than Hasan’s post suggested, however. Shaheen has not been disciplined for simply liking Stewart’s skit.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight on Wednesday,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV has come out of the blocks first with its head-to-head election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.
The debate will take place on Tuesday at 9 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. Pt) and will be hosted by Julie Etchingham, who moderated debates during the 2015, 2017 and 2019 campaigns.
“Millions of viewers value the election debates,” said Michael Jermey, ITV’s Director of News and Current Affairs. “They provide a chance to see and hear the party leaders set out their pitch to the country, debate directly with each other and take questions from voters. ITV is pleased to be broadcasting the first debate in this year’s election campaign.”
ITV added that it plans to broadcast additional programing including an interview show with other party leaders and a multi-party debate. Details on these shows will be announced in due course, the broadcaster said.
The head-to-head will be one of only two between Sunak and Starmer.
The debate will take place on Tuesday at 9 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. Pt) and will be hosted by Julie Etchingham, who moderated debates during the 2015, 2017 and 2019 campaigns.
“Millions of viewers value the election debates,” said Michael Jermey, ITV’s Director of News and Current Affairs. “They provide a chance to see and hear the party leaders set out their pitch to the country, debate directly with each other and take questions from voters. ITV is pleased to be broadcasting the first debate in this year’s election campaign.”
ITV added that it plans to broadcast additional programing including an interview show with other party leaders and a multi-party debate. Details on these shows will be announced in due course, the broadcaster said.
The head-to-head will be one of only two between Sunak and Starmer.
- 5/29/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC News boss Deborah Turness’ proclamation late last week that “we will make mistakes” during the election period appears to already be coming true, with a leading news presenter being forced to apologize to Nigel Farage this afternoon.
Geeta Guru-Murthy said the Honorary President of British political party Reform UK had used “customary inflammatory language” this morning during a report on a Reform UK press conference.
Several hours later, she appeared on BBC News to apologize, stating: “Earlier today we heard live from Nigel Farage speaking at that election event and when we came away from his live speech I used language to describe it which didn’t meet the BBC’s editorial standards on impartiality. I’d like to apologize to Mr Farage and viewers for this.”
Farage is not running for anti-immigration party Reform UK but he is by far and away its best known member. A key...
Geeta Guru-Murthy said the Honorary President of British political party Reform UK had used “customary inflammatory language” this morning during a report on a Reform UK press conference.
Several hours later, she appeared on BBC News to apologize, stating: “Earlier today we heard live from Nigel Farage speaking at that election event and when we came away from his live speech I used language to describe it which didn’t meet the BBC’s editorial standards on impartiality. I’d like to apologize to Mr Farage and viewers for this.”
Farage is not running for anti-immigration party Reform UK but he is by far and away its best known member. A key...
- 5/28/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has set its election night coverage for the July 4 poll as broadcasters battle to secure debates with Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer as soon as possible.
Established presenters Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie will helm the BBC’s coverage in six weeks time, replacing Huw Edwards, who resigned from the BBC last month following a scandal involving his allegedly paying a young person for explicit images.
Kuenssberg, who hosts a topical Sunday show, and newsreader Myrie, will “bring insight, experience – and perhaps a little wit” alongside BBC political editor Chris Mason, according to the BBC, whose announcement on the coverage was always expected today.
Others set to feature on the night include Reeta Chakrabarti and Jeremy Vine analyzing results with the famous ‘swingometer’, Kirsty Wark, Fiona Bruce, Victoria Derbyshire, Naga Munchetty, Nick Watt and Alex Forsyth. Nick Robinson and Rachel Burden will be on the radio and Martin Geissler,...
Established presenters Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie will helm the BBC’s coverage in six weeks time, replacing Huw Edwards, who resigned from the BBC last month following a scandal involving his allegedly paying a young person for explicit images.
Kuenssberg, who hosts a topical Sunday show, and newsreader Myrie, will “bring insight, experience – and perhaps a little wit” alongside BBC political editor Chris Mason, according to the BBC, whose announcement on the coverage was always expected today.
Others set to feature on the night include Reeta Chakrabarti and Jeremy Vine analyzing results with the famous ‘swingometer’, Kirsty Wark, Fiona Bruce, Victoria Derbyshire, Naga Munchetty, Nick Watt and Alex Forsyth. Nick Robinson and Rachel Burden will be on the radio and Martin Geissler,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been three short days since UK prime minister Rishi Sunak announced the country would be going to the polls on July 4th for a general election, and J.K. Rowling has made her presence felt on social media, slamming the opposition leader for his treatment of a gender-critical politician in his own party.
Rosie Duffield, the Labour politician for Kent in south-eastern England, was reportedly not invited to the election campaign launch event, although it took place in that region. Duffield took to X (formerly Twitter) to say:
“Well, day one has gone well then..! Strong women can’t be broken that easily, lads. And I have an army of them behind me, in front of me, beside me and holding me up.”
And Duffield found an ally in Rowling, who shares Duffield’s belief that women’s rights are being compromised by trans-supporting language, with the Harry Potter...
Rosie Duffield, the Labour politician for Kent in south-eastern England, was reportedly not invited to the election campaign launch event, although it took place in that region. Duffield took to X (formerly Twitter) to say:
“Well, day one has gone well then..! Strong women can’t be broken that easily, lads. And I have an army of them behind me, in front of me, beside me and holding me up.”
And Duffield found an ally in Rowling, who shares Duffield’s belief that women’s rights are being compromised by trans-supporting language, with the Harry Potter...
- 5/25/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The British prime minister and leader of the U.K. Conservative Party, Rishi Sunak, has officially called a general election in what is set to be a historical year for global politics.
Britons will take to the polls on Thursday, July 4 after ministers had been assured a summer election will not take place. But off the back of good economic news for Sunak’s government as they hit a tricky inflation target, senior politicians frantically changed schedules to capitalize on the welcomed development.
“I have never been prouder to be British,” Sunak began in his statement outside London’s Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon. “I recognize that it has not always been easy. Some of you will only just be feeling the benefits (of inflation coming down)… Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future. Earlier today, I spoke to His Majesty the King to request a dissolution of Parliament.
Britons will take to the polls on Thursday, July 4 after ministers had been assured a summer election will not take place. But off the back of good economic news for Sunak’s government as they hit a tricky inflation target, senior politicians frantically changed schedules to capitalize on the welcomed development.
“I have never been prouder to be British,” Sunak began in his statement outside London’s Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon. “I recognize that it has not always been easy. Some of you will only just be feeling the benefits (of inflation coming down)… Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future. Earlier today, I spoke to His Majesty the King to request a dissolution of Parliament.
- 5/22/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
British voters will head to the polls on American Independence Day.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has just announced on the steps of his Downing Street home in the pouring rain that the date of the next general election will be July 4.
Rumors had been rife since this morning’s nationwide inflation statistics, which brought good news for the sitting Conservative government, that an election would be imminent, although commentators didn’t expect it to be so soon until the past hour or so. Most analysts had previously believed the election would take place later this year or in January 2025, which was the absolute latest it had to happen.
Sunak’s Conservatives have been trailing in the polls to the opposition Labour Party for months now and Labour will be favorites following a recent disastrous local election campaign for the Tories.
UK parliament will shortly be dissolved and parties will spend the weeks furiously campaigning,...
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has just announced on the steps of his Downing Street home in the pouring rain that the date of the next general election will be July 4.
Rumors had been rife since this morning’s nationwide inflation statistics, which brought good news for the sitting Conservative government, that an election would be imminent, although commentators didn’t expect it to be so soon until the past hour or so. Most analysts had previously believed the election would take place later this year or in January 2025, which was the absolute latest it had to happen.
Sunak’s Conservatives have been trailing in the polls to the opposition Labour Party for months now and Labour will be favorites following a recent disastrous local election campaign for the Tories.
UK parliament will shortly be dissolved and parties will spend the weeks furiously campaigning,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The woman purported to be the “real-life” Martha from the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer reportedly sent the U.K.’s Labour party leader Keir Starmer 276 emails in less than eight months, according to British tabloid The Sun, which published some of what it claims are the emails.
Fiona Harvey, believed to be the real-life woman who allegedly stalked and harassed series creator Richard Gadd across thousands of emails alongside turning up at the pub he worked at and comedy gigs he performed, recently found herself in the hot seat on Piers Morgan Uncensored. She claimed to have never contacted Gadd by phone and alleged that he had asked to sleep with her, which she turned down.
Harvey has also said she will be suing Netflix for what she called the “work of fiction” penned and performed by Gadd, and that she had received death threats since the program that she calls “defamatory” aired.
Fiona Harvey, believed to be the real-life woman who allegedly stalked and harassed series creator Richard Gadd across thousands of emails alongside turning up at the pub he worked at and comedy gigs he performed, recently found herself in the hot seat on Piers Morgan Uncensored. She claimed to have never contacted Gadd by phone and alleged that he had asked to sleep with her, which she turned down.
Harvey has also said she will be suing Netflix for what she called the “work of fiction” penned and performed by Gadd, and that she had received death threats since the program that she calls “defamatory” aired.
- 5/20/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The UK Labour Party has set out its plan for the film and TV industries, drawing a dividing line between itself and the ruling Conservatives as it slams the government for “getting themselves all tied up in culture wars of their own making and failing to support a pipeline of talent.”
Delivering her first major set-piece at the Creative Cities Convention, Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire said she will “not be fighting culture wars” but instead will focus on arts and culture being central to Labour’s “Phase One” plan if it gets into office. Her boss, Labour leader Keir Starmer, is plotting “a decade of national renewal in Britain.” The election is expected later this year and Labour is currently sitting around 20 points ahead of the Conservatives in the polls.
Debbonaire set out Labour’s position in thorny areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the BBC and the ailing freelance workforce.
Delivering her first major set-piece at the Creative Cities Convention, Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire said she will “not be fighting culture wars” but instead will focus on arts and culture being central to Labour’s “Phase One” plan if it gets into office. Her boss, Labour leader Keir Starmer, is plotting “a decade of national renewal in Britain.” The election is expected later this year and Labour is currently sitting around 20 points ahead of the Conservatives in the polls.
Debbonaire set out Labour’s position in thorny areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the BBC and the ailing freelance workforce.
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
United Agents Head of Comedy Kitty Laing is stepping down from her role and as a member of the agency’s executive committee following a spate of reposts about the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Laing, who represents the likes of Jamie Demetriou, Katherine Ryan and Nick Mohammed, will continue working with her client roster along with the team at United.
“Following the statements made earlier this week, it has been agreed that Kitty Laing will step away from her leadership roles as Head of Comedy and as a member of the Executive Committee of United Agents, effective immediately,” said a spokesman for United Agents. “Kitty will continue to work with her clients and the team at United Agents.”
The news comes after United conducted a “full and thorough investigation” when Laing’s reposts emerged earlier this week, at which point Laing reactivated her deleted Twitter to post an apology, before subsequently deleting it again.
Laing, who represents the likes of Jamie Demetriou, Katherine Ryan and Nick Mohammed, will continue working with her client roster along with the team at United.
“Following the statements made earlier this week, it has been agreed that Kitty Laing will step away from her leadership roles as Head of Comedy and as a member of the Executive Committee of United Agents, effective immediately,” said a spokesman for United Agents. “Kitty will continue to work with her clients and the team at United Agents.”
The news comes after United conducted a “full and thorough investigation” when Laing’s reposts emerged earlier this week, at which point Laing reactivated her deleted Twitter to post an apology, before subsequently deleting it again.
- 10/26/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
United Agents is “conducting a full and thorough investigation” into one of the most prominent British comedy agents after she was called out for a spate of reposts and shares regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Kitty Laing, who is United’s Head of Comedy and represents the likes of Jamie Demetriou, Katherine Ryan and Nick Mohammed, was the subject of an X thread this morning by Oscar-nominated Borat Subsequent Moviefilm writer Lee Kern.
United said it was “made aware of social media posts by one of our senior agents this morning” and is “conducting a full and thorough investigation into this immediately.” “These are not the views of United Agents,” it added. Laing has apologized in the past few minutes.
In this morning’s lengthy thread, Kern highlighted a string of Laing’s reposts including one calling for Jews in Israel to be referred to as “settler paramilitaries”, another that refers...
Kitty Laing, who is United’s Head of Comedy and represents the likes of Jamie Demetriou, Katherine Ryan and Nick Mohammed, was the subject of an X thread this morning by Oscar-nominated Borat Subsequent Moviefilm writer Lee Kern.
United said it was “made aware of social media posts by one of our senior agents this morning” and is “conducting a full and thorough investigation into this immediately.” “These are not the views of United Agents,” it added. Laing has apologized in the past few minutes.
In this morning’s lengthy thread, Kern highlighted a string of Laing’s reposts including one calling for Jews in Israel to be referred to as “settler paramilitaries”, another that refers...
- 10/24/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the success of the chart-topping daily podcast The News Agents, Global, the Media & Entertainment Group, today (Friday 29th September 2023) announced a new monthly podcast The News Agents Investigates, fronted by Lewis Goodall.
Launching on Sunday 1st October, The News Agents Investigates is the latest extension to The News Agents brand, following the launch of The News Agents USA this summer. The investigative podcast will provide on-the-ground newsgathering and reporting, getting to the heart of the biggest stories in news and current affairs.
Hosted by The News Agents co-presenter and Global’s Analysis and Investigations Editor, Lewis Goodall, The News Agents Investigates will release stand-alone, fully visualised podcast episodes available on Global Player, alongside exclusive social media content.
Lewis Goodall said: "I couldn't be happier about this project and the fact that Global and The News Agents brand are investing so much in original journalism. Reporting is my bread and butter,...
Launching on Sunday 1st October, The News Agents Investigates is the latest extension to The News Agents brand, following the launch of The News Agents USA this summer. The investigative podcast will provide on-the-ground newsgathering and reporting, getting to the heart of the biggest stories in news and current affairs.
Hosted by The News Agents co-presenter and Global’s Analysis and Investigations Editor, Lewis Goodall, The News Agents Investigates will release stand-alone, fully visualised podcast episodes available on Global Player, alongside exclusive social media content.
Lewis Goodall said: "I couldn't be happier about this project and the fact that Global and The News Agents brand are investing so much in original journalism. Reporting is my bread and butter,...
- 9/30/2023
- Podnews.net
Respected BBC journalist and presenter George Alagiah died of bowel cancer on July 24. He was 67.
BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time. George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.”
Alagiah reported and presented for the BBC for more than three decades, presenting the BBC “News at Six” for the past 20 years. He was an award-winning foreign correspondent previously.
Born in Sri Lanka before moving to Ghana and then England in childhood, Alagiah joined the BBC as a foreign affairs correspondent in...
BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time. George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.”
Alagiah reported and presented for the BBC for more than three decades, presenting the BBC “News at Six” for the past 20 years. He was an award-winning foreign correspondent previously.
Born in Sri Lanka before moving to Ghana and then England in childhood, Alagiah joined the BBC as a foreign affairs correspondent in...
- 7/24/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning performer who had a second career in politics as a British lawmaker before an acclaimed late-life return to stage and screen, has died at age 87.
Jackson’s agent Lionel Larner said she died Thursday at her home in London after a short illness. He said she had recently completed filming “’The Great Escaper”, in which she co-starred with 90-year-old Michael Caine.
Caine said Jackson was “one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her.”
Born into a working-class family in Birkhenhead, northwest England, in 1936 Jackson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company — where she starred in the cutting-edge drama “Marat/Sade” directed by Peter Brook — and became one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and 70s, winning two Academy Awards, for the brooding D.H. Lawrence adaptation “Women in Love” in 1971 and the...
Jackson’s agent Lionel Larner said she died Thursday at her home in London after a short illness. He said she had recently completed filming “’The Great Escaper”, in which she co-starred with 90-year-old Michael Caine.
Caine said Jackson was “one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her.”
Born into a working-class family in Birkhenhead, northwest England, in 1936 Jackson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company — where she starred in the cutting-edge drama “Marat/Sade” directed by Peter Brook — and became one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and 70s, winning two Academy Awards, for the brooding D.H. Lawrence adaptation “Women in Love” in 1971 and the...
- 6/15/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
A number of actors, comedians and TV personalities have joined the voices condemning the Labour party’s controversial new campaign advert.
The ad bears a picture of prime minister Rishi Sunak, alongside the words: “Do you think adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesn’t.”
To justify the claim, the advert cites the fact that “under the Tories”, 4,500 adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under the age of 16 had served no prison time.
The statistic is based on data going back to 2010, when Sunak was yet to even become an MP and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was serving as Director of Public Prosecutions.
The advert was shared by Labour’s main account and retweeted by a number of several Labour figures, including Starmer’s Director of Strategy. It was met with outrage from many across the political spectrum.
Actor and director Samuel West wrote: “Please withdraw this.
The ad bears a picture of prime minister Rishi Sunak, alongside the words: “Do you think adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesn’t.”
To justify the claim, the advert cites the fact that “under the Tories”, 4,500 adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under the age of 16 had served no prison time.
The statistic is based on data going back to 2010, when Sunak was yet to even become an MP and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was serving as Director of Public Prosecutions.
The advert was shared by Labour’s main account and retweeted by a number of several Labour figures, including Starmer’s Director of Strategy. It was met with outrage from many across the political spectrum.
Actor and director Samuel West wrote: “Please withdraw this.
- 4/7/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
The News Agents, the UK’s leading daily podcast, has surpassed 24 million downloads since launching seven months ago.
Hosted by Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, The News Agents has consistently topped the podcast charts, while on social its clips and bespoke explainer videos reach over 25 million users every month across TikTok, Twitter and Instagram.
The podcast has quickly established itself as the go to source for listeners to make sense of the biggest stories of the day, featuring interviews with key players in news and current affairs including leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who revealed that The News Agents episode on rising childcare costs provided him with ‘ammunition’ to expand free childcare hours in the spring budget. The News Agents has also attracted some of the most beloved names in entertainment including Happy Valley actor James Norton,...
Hosted by Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, The News Agents has consistently topped the podcast charts, while on social its clips and bespoke explainer videos reach over 25 million users every month across TikTok, Twitter and Instagram.
The podcast has quickly established itself as the go to source for listeners to make sense of the biggest stories of the day, featuring interviews with key players in news and current affairs including leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who revealed that The News Agents episode on rising childcare costs provided him with ‘ammunition’ to expand free childcare hours in the spring budget. The News Agents has also attracted some of the most beloved names in entertainment including Happy Valley actor James Norton,...
- 3/28/2023
- Podnews.net
When it was announced yesterday that Frankie Boyle’s BBC series New World Order had been cancelled, the comedian’s reaction was frank but restrained. “Not surprising in the current climate, I suppose,” he told fans on Twitter, many of whom had followed his superb topical panel show devotedly for the five years it was on the air. Boyle didn’t elaborate on what he meant by the words “current climate”, but it doesn’t take too many imaginative leaps to hazard a guess. New World Order was one of the few shows on TV that was sincerely and unapologetically left-wing. And politically speaking, the BBC is in the midst of a full-fledged climate crisis.
It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...
It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...
- 3/24/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
The BBC comms department must be reeling this morning after a nightmare 48 hours which saw it firefighting battles on several fronts.
The Corporation’s primetime Saturday night football show Match of the Day will air this weekend without any host, pundits or commentators, after its main presenter Gary Lineker – the BBC’s highest earner on a £1.35million ($1.62m) salary – was taken off air for sending controversial tweets about the government’s migration policy.
After a catalogue of pundits and commentators stood down in solidarity with Lineker, and other presenters said they wouldn’t be appearing, the BBC decided to air the show with just highlights packages. But the row rumbles on, with the spectacle of BBC News journalists door-stepping the Director-General for comments about another BBC presenter.
If America is wondering who is @GaryLineker and what is this huge row playing out in the UK….
I briefly spoke to BBC...
The Corporation’s primetime Saturday night football show Match of the Day will air this weekend without any host, pundits or commentators, after its main presenter Gary Lineker – the BBC’s highest earner on a £1.35million ($1.62m) salary – was taken off air for sending controversial tweets about the government’s migration policy.
After a catalogue of pundits and commentators stood down in solidarity with Lineker, and other presenters said they wouldn’t be appearing, the BBC decided to air the show with just highlights packages. But the row rumbles on, with the spectacle of BBC News journalists door-stepping the Director-General for comments about another BBC presenter.
If America is wondering who is @GaryLineker and what is this huge row playing out in the UK….
I briefly spoke to BBC...
- 3/11/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Frankie Boyle tore into Matt Hancock and Keir Starmer during an appearance on The Last Leg.
The Scottish comedian joined Adam Hills,Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker to talk about the week’s events, which included the leaking of former health secretary Hancock’s private WhatsApp messages sent during the pandemic.
Hancock criticised journalist Isabel Oakeshott, who provided the messages after ghostwriting his book Pandemic Diaries. He called the action a “massive betrayal of trust”.
The messages have prompted yet another backlash against Hancock, with Boyle saying on Friday (3 March): “Even his hairline is trying to disown him.”
He called out Hancock’s decision to appear on ITV series I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, saying that he chose to lie in the ground “surrounded by worms” to try and make the country forget he had “killed their granny”.
Boyle was referring to Hancock’s response...
The Scottish comedian joined Adam Hills,Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker to talk about the week’s events, which included the leaking of former health secretary Hancock’s private WhatsApp messages sent during the pandemic.
Hancock criticised journalist Isabel Oakeshott, who provided the messages after ghostwriting his book Pandemic Diaries. He called the action a “massive betrayal of trust”.
The messages have prompted yet another backlash against Hancock, with Boyle saying on Friday (3 March): “Even his hairline is trying to disown him.”
He called out Hancock’s decision to appear on ITV series I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, saying that he chose to lie in the ground “surrounded by worms” to try and make the country forget he had “killed their granny”.
Boyle was referring to Hancock’s response...
- 3/4/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
David Tennant issued a passionate defence of strikes during an appearance on The Last Leg this week.
The Scottish Doctor Who star also took aim at the Conservative government, describing the UK’s ruling party as “f***wits”.
Partway through Friday’s (3 February) episode of the Channel 4 comedy series, Tennant was asked whether he supported the strikes that have been carried out across various industries, including rail and NHS workers.
“Of course,” Tennant responded. “It’s just the sense that... after everything that’s gone on, through the pandemic, that nurses are having to go on strike to be paid what they’re worth... It makes you want to spit, doesn’t it?”
He then went on to criticise the Tory government’s handling of the strikes, with discussion turning to Rishi Sunak’s 100-days-in-office milestone.
“You’ve got Rishi going, “Listen, we’d love to give them a pay rise,...
The Scottish Doctor Who star also took aim at the Conservative government, describing the UK’s ruling party as “f***wits”.
Partway through Friday’s (3 February) episode of the Channel 4 comedy series, Tennant was asked whether he supported the strikes that have been carried out across various industries, including rail and NHS workers.
“Of course,” Tennant responded. “It’s just the sense that... after everything that’s gone on, through the pandemic, that nurses are having to go on strike to be paid what they’re worth... It makes you want to spit, doesn’t it?”
He then went on to criticise the Tory government’s handling of the strikes, with discussion turning to Rishi Sunak’s 100-days-in-office milestone.
“You’ve got Rishi going, “Listen, we’d love to give them a pay rise,...
- 2/4/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
In a missive sent around to 2022’s Oscar nominees, stars were told to “read the room” when delivering speeches at the Academy Awards this month. Translation: Get off the stage before the orchestra is forced to awkwardly play you out.
In 1943, Greer Garson set a Guinness World Record for Longest Oscars Acceptance Speech, with her address upon accepting her Best Actress award forMrs Miniver clocking in at five and a half minutes.
Garson isn’t the only winner guilty of indulgence though. Hilary Swank, Adrien Brody and Al Pacino have all ignored the 45-second limit and consequently found themselves at the receiving end of a passive aggressive “Will you wrap this up?” stare.
Some actors, however, know that not every story needs to be so long and that brevity is an undervalued quality. Franklin D Roosevelt’s adage – “Be sincere, be brief, be seated” – could very well be the tagline for this year’s ceremony.
In 1943, Greer Garson set a Guinness World Record for Longest Oscars Acceptance Speech, with her address upon accepting her Best Actress award forMrs Miniver clocking in at five and a half minutes.
Garson isn’t the only winner guilty of indulgence though. Hilary Swank, Adrien Brody and Al Pacino have all ignored the 45-second limit and consequently found themselves at the receiving end of a passive aggressive “Will you wrap this up?” stare.
Some actors, however, know that not every story needs to be so long and that brevity is an undervalued quality. Franklin D Roosevelt’s adage – “Be sincere, be brief, be seated” – could very well be the tagline for this year’s ceremony.
- 1/30/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
In a missive sent around to last year’s Oscar nominees, stars were told to “read the room” when delivering speeches at the Academy Awards this month. Translation: Get off the stage before the orchestra is forced to awkwardly play you out.
In 1943, Greer Garson set a Guinness World Record for Longest Oscars Acceptance Speech, with her address upon accepting her Best Actress award forMrs Miniver clocking in at five and a half minutes.
Garson isn’t the only winner guilty of indulgence though. Hilary Swank, Adrien Brody and Al Pacino have all ignored the 45-second limit and consequently found themselves at the receiving end of a passive aggressive “Will you wrap this up?” stare.
Some actors, however, know that not every story needs to be so long and that brevity is an undervalued quality. Franklin D Roosevelt’s adage – “Be sincere, be brief, be seated” – could very well be...
In 1943, Greer Garson set a Guinness World Record for Longest Oscars Acceptance Speech, with her address upon accepting her Best Actress award forMrs Miniver clocking in at five and a half minutes.
Garson isn’t the only winner guilty of indulgence though. Hilary Swank, Adrien Brody and Al Pacino have all ignored the 45-second limit and consequently found themselves at the receiving end of a passive aggressive “Will you wrap this up?” stare.
Some actors, however, know that not every story needs to be so long and that brevity is an undervalued quality. Franklin D Roosevelt’s adage – “Be sincere, be brief, be seated” – could very well be...
- 1/29/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
David Bowie’s daughter has shared a poignant video of her and her late father playing the piano together, as a tribute to her father on the anniversary of his death.
Lexi Jones shared the childhood clip on Instagram, showing her as a child sitting next to Bowie at the piano.
Bowie died on 10 January 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer. His illness was not made public until after his death.
“Seven years ago today. I miss you,” wrote the artist’s daughter in the early hours of Wednesday (11 January) morning.
Jones also shared an early image of the pair holding a multicoloured umbrella, with Jones wearing a lion onesie.
The 22-year-old has 128,000 followers on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lexi Jones (@_p0odle_)
This isn’t the first time Jones has paid tribute to her father. In...
Lexi Jones shared the childhood clip on Instagram, showing her as a child sitting next to Bowie at the piano.
Bowie died on 10 January 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer. His illness was not made public until after his death.
“Seven years ago today. I miss you,” wrote the artist’s daughter in the early hours of Wednesday (11 January) morning.
Jones also shared an early image of the pair holding a multicoloured umbrella, with Jones wearing a lion onesie.
The 22-year-old has 128,000 followers on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lexi Jones (@_p0odle_)
This isn’t the first time Jones has paid tribute to her father. In...
- 1/11/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Demi Lovato’s album poster has been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (Asa) for being likely to cause “serious offence” to Christians.
The poster, which was promoting the US singer’s new album Holy Fvck in the UK, was displayed across London last summer before being banned.
On the original poster, Lovato wears a bondage-inspired outfit while laying on a large crucifix, with the title of the forthcoming album written across the image.
However, the poster has now been officially ruled against by the Asa, after the regulator predicted it was likely to insult viewers based on its link between the crucifix and sexuality.
Four complainants alleged that the poster was irresponsibly placed where children could see it.
The Asa said that due to the fact the poster alluded to the phrase “holy f***”, it was likely to result in offence.
They described Lovato in the image...
The poster, which was promoting the US singer’s new album Holy Fvck in the UK, was displayed across London last summer before being banned.
On the original poster, Lovato wears a bondage-inspired outfit while laying on a large crucifix, with the title of the forthcoming album written across the image.
However, the poster has now been officially ruled against by the Asa, after the regulator predicted it was likely to insult viewers based on its link between the crucifix and sexuality.
Four complainants alleged that the poster was irresponsibly placed where children could see it.
The Asa said that due to the fact the poster alluded to the phrase “holy f***”, it was likely to result in offence.
They described Lovato in the image...
- 1/11/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Netflix has swung the axe on yet another show that ended on a cliffhanger.
In recent months, the streaming service has prematurely called time on several cult titles, which has led to frustration from users.
These cancellations include 1899, Fate: The Winx Saga and The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself.
On Monday (9 January), Shion Takeuchi announced on Twitter that her series, the adult animation Inside Job, would not be returning for a second season.
Inside Job follows anti-social genius Reagan Ridley (voiced by Lizzy Caplan) and her dysfunctional team, who work to hide the world's conspiracies.
After receiving acclaim, it released its second batch of episodes in 2021, and the finale ended on a cliffhanger that left viewers desperate to find out what happened next. Sadly, they never will.
“I’m heartbroken to confirm that Netflix has decided to cancel Season 2 of Inside Job,” Takeuchi shared in a message via Twitter.
In recent months, the streaming service has prematurely called time on several cult titles, which has led to frustration from users.
These cancellations include 1899, Fate: The Winx Saga and The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself.
On Monday (9 January), Shion Takeuchi announced on Twitter that her series, the adult animation Inside Job, would not be returning for a second season.
Inside Job follows anti-social genius Reagan Ridley (voiced by Lizzy Caplan) and her dysfunctional team, who work to hide the world's conspiracies.
After receiving acclaim, it released its second batch of episodes in 2021, and the finale ended on a cliffhanger that left viewers desperate to find out what happened next. Sadly, they never will.
“I’m heartbroken to confirm that Netflix has decided to cancel Season 2 of Inside Job,” Takeuchi shared in a message via Twitter.
- 1/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Complaints both berating and defending Matt Hancock and his participation in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! dominate UK regulator Ofcom’s top-10 list of most complained about TV incidents of the year.
Just shy of 2,000 complainants “objected to the inclusion” of the former Health Secretary in the series, drawing the second highest number of complaints, while 627 people objected to “bullying behavior” against him, which came eighth on the list.
Hancock’s double appearance in the annual complaints rundown demonstrates the way in which the politician, who is blamed by many for multiple Covid-19 mishaps and was outed for having an affair while breaking his own Covid guidance, divided the nation.
As the ITV entertainment series wore on, his popularity grew amid vitriol from fellow contestants such as Boy George, and Hancock ended up reaching the final and coming third.
The most complained about show according to...
Just shy of 2,000 complainants “objected to the inclusion” of the former Health Secretary in the series, drawing the second highest number of complaints, while 627 people objected to “bullying behavior” against him, which came eighth on the list.
Hancock’s double appearance in the annual complaints rundown demonstrates the way in which the politician, who is blamed by many for multiple Covid-19 mishaps and was outed for having an affair while breaking his own Covid guidance, divided the nation.
As the ITV entertainment series wore on, his popularity grew amid vitriol from fellow contestants such as Boy George, and Hancock ended up reaching the final and coming third.
The most complained about show according to...
- 12/21/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ken Loach has criticised the BBC, saying it played a “shameless role” in “the destruction of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership”.
The British film director, 85, expressed the belief that the BBC “played a prime role” in the former Labour leader’s exit from the party.
According to Loach, Corbyn’s “political project has been wiped out of the public discourse” despite “nearly becoming the government three years ago”.
Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader in 2020 following the party’s defeat in the 2019 general election.
Loach said that Corbyn’s role had been “delegitimised”, telling Equal Times: “They’ve rewritten history so that it doesn’t exist. It’s like the photograph of Trotsky that Stalin cut out.
“The man doesn’t exist in history. Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t exist in history now.”
In August 2021, the left-wing filmmaker revealed that current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had removed him as a party...
The British film director, 85, expressed the belief that the BBC “played a prime role” in the former Labour leader’s exit from the party.
According to Loach, Corbyn’s “political project has been wiped out of the public discourse” despite “nearly becoming the government three years ago”.
Corbyn stepped down as Labour leader in 2020 following the party’s defeat in the 2019 general election.
Loach said that Corbyn’s role had been “delegitimised”, telling Equal Times: “They’ve rewritten history so that it doesn’t exist. It’s like the photograph of Trotsky that Stalin cut out.
“The man doesn’t exist in history. Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t exist in history now.”
In August 2021, the left-wing filmmaker revealed that current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had removed him as a party...
- 12/16/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Comedian Joe Lycett has spoken out about his recent stunt targeting David Beckham over his promotion of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
Lycett condemned Beckham for his lucrative deal with Qatar, threatening to shred £10,000 in cash if the former England footballer didn’t renounce his support of the country over its stance on gay rights. (It is illegal to be gay in Qatar.)
After Beckham, whom Lycett described as a “gay icon”, failed to respond, Lycett appeared to shred the money in a video shared to social media. However, he later revealed that he had in fact only pretended to shred money, and had donated £10,000 instead to LGBT+ charaties.
During an appearance on Lorraine on Friday morning (9 December), Lycett reflected on the stunt.
“This is the thing, I’m open for countries to be diverse and to have their own beliefs and all of these things,” he said. “The world’s an interesting place,...
Lycett condemned Beckham for his lucrative deal with Qatar, threatening to shred £10,000 in cash if the former England footballer didn’t renounce his support of the country over its stance on gay rights. (It is illegal to be gay in Qatar.)
After Beckham, whom Lycett described as a “gay icon”, failed to respond, Lycett appeared to shred the money in a video shared to social media. However, he later revealed that he had in fact only pretended to shred money, and had donated £10,000 instead to LGBT+ charaties.
During an appearance on Lorraine on Friday morning (9 December), Lycett reflected on the stunt.
“This is the thing, I’m open for countries to be diverse and to have their own beliefs and all of these things,” he said. “The world’s an interesting place,...
- 12/9/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Celebrities from across the world of culture have reacted to England’s win over Senegal in the 2022 football World Cup.
The men’s national team beat Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16 fixture on Sunday night (4 November), with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka putting Gareth Southgate’s team through.
England will go on to face France in the quarter finals of the competition, which is being held in Qatar.
Former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson was spotted watching the match among a crowd at Wembley’s Boxpark, and was photographed celebrating wildly when the team scored.
Others shared their support for the national team on social media.
“Superb win, England coming alive after sluggish start,” wrote former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan. “This guy knows what he’s doing – congrats, Mr Southgate.
“France, and especially @KMbappe, will be a massive 1/4 Final challenge on Saturday night.
The men’s national team beat Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16 fixture on Sunday night (4 November), with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka putting Gareth Southgate’s team through.
England will go on to face France in the quarter finals of the competition, which is being held in Qatar.
Former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson was spotted watching the match among a crowd at Wembley’s Boxpark, and was photographed celebrating wildly when the team scored.
Others shared their support for the national team on social media.
“Superb win, England coming alive after sluggish start,” wrote former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan. “This guy knows what he’s doing – congrats, Mr Southgate.
“France, and especially @KMbappe, will be a massive 1/4 Final challenge on Saturday night.
- 12/5/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Not every Lord of the Rings actor is happy with The Rings of Power.
Starring in one of the most successful Jrr Tolkien adaptations of all time does not automatically mean you will like what comes next – and Bernard Hill is proof of this.
The actor, who played King Theoden in Peter Jacksons’ trilogy (2001-03), has criticised Amazon Prime Video’s high-budget series, calling it “a money-making venture”.
Hill told Metro in a new interview: “I’m not interested in watching that or being in it.”
He added: “Good luck to them and all that stuff, but it’s not like the real thing.”
When asked if Jackson’s film series should have put an end to further Lord of the Rings adaptations, Hill, 77, replied: “Completely, yes.”
He even said Jackson was “pushing it” by turning The Hobbit into three films.
”It’s a tiny book,” he said, adding: “They did it really,...
Starring in one of the most successful Jrr Tolkien adaptations of all time does not automatically mean you will like what comes next – and Bernard Hill is proof of this.
The actor, who played King Theoden in Peter Jacksons’ trilogy (2001-03), has criticised Amazon Prime Video’s high-budget series, calling it “a money-making venture”.
Hill told Metro in a new interview: “I’m not interested in watching that or being in it.”
He added: “Good luck to them and all that stuff, but it’s not like the real thing.”
When asked if Jackson’s film series should have put an end to further Lord of the Rings adaptations, Hill, 77, replied: “Completely, yes.”
He even said Jackson was “pushing it” by turning The Hobbit into three films.
”It’s a tiny book,” he said, adding: “They did it really,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
The Welsh national anthem has become a talking point around the world since Wales’s team began competing in their first World Cup since 1958.
Wales’s stirring anthem is called “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, which translates to “Old Land of My Fathers” in English.
When the Welsh team, headed up by captain Gareth Bale, and 3,000 Welsh supporters belted out the anthem at the country’s opening match against USA on Monday 21 November, it gave goosebumps to footballs fans around the globe.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted at the time: “Well Wales have won the national anthem singing contest. Their players looked proud to belt out their anthem while the US team looked faintly embarrassed to be singing in public.”
This year marks the first time the anthem has been sung at the tournament. The last time Wales were at a World Cup, they sang “God Save the Queen”.
Here are the...
Wales’s stirring anthem is called “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, which translates to “Old Land of My Fathers” in English.
When the Welsh team, headed up by captain Gareth Bale, and 3,000 Welsh supporters belted out the anthem at the country’s opening match against USA on Monday 21 November, it gave goosebumps to footballs fans around the globe.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted at the time: “Well Wales have won the national anthem singing contest. Their players looked proud to belt out their anthem while the US team looked faintly embarrassed to be singing in public.”
This year marks the first time the anthem has been sung at the tournament. The last time Wales were at a World Cup, they sang “God Save the Queen”.
Here are the...
- 11/29/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Music
The Welsh national anthem has become a talking point around the world since Wales’s team began competing in their first World Cup since 1958.
Wales’s stirring anthem is called “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, which translates to “Old Land of My Fathers” in English.
When the Welsh team, headed up by captain Gareth Bale, and 3,000 Welsh supporters belted out the anthem at the country’s opening match against USA on Monday 21 November, it gave goosebumps to footballs fans around the globe.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted at the time: “Well Wales have won the national anthem singing contest. Their players looked proud to belt out their anthem while the US team looked faintly embarrassed to be singing in public.”
This year marks the first time the anthem has been sung at the tournament. The last time Wales were at a World Cup, they sang “God Save the Queen”.
Here are the...
Wales’s stirring anthem is called “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, which translates to “Old Land of My Fathers” in English.
When the Welsh team, headed up by captain Gareth Bale, and 3,000 Welsh supporters belted out the anthem at the country’s opening match against USA on Monday 21 November, it gave goosebumps to footballs fans around the globe.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted at the time: “Well Wales have won the national anthem singing contest. Their players looked proud to belt out their anthem while the US team looked faintly embarrassed to be singing in public.”
This year marks the first time the anthem has been sung at the tournament. The last time Wales were at a World Cup, they sang “God Save the Queen”.
Here are the...
- 11/25/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Music
Joe Lycett has fact-checked Keir Starmer after the Labour leader mentioned his money-shredding stunt in Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (23 November).
A week before the 2022 World Cup kicked off in Qatar, comedian Lycett had threatened to shred £10,000 of his own cash if David Beckham didn’t walk away from a deal to be an ambassador for Qatar during the tournament, rumoured to be worth around £10m.
Homosexuality is illegal in the country and anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished with up to seven years in prison. Lycett warned Beckham that he would not only shred the money but also the sportsman’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ ally.
After Beckham didn’t respond, Lycett released a video of himself seemingly shredding the money on the first day of the World Cup (Sunday 20 November), but he later explained that what came out of the shredder was fake,...
A week before the 2022 World Cup kicked off in Qatar, comedian Lycett had threatened to shred £10,000 of his own cash if David Beckham didn’t walk away from a deal to be an ambassador for Qatar during the tournament, rumoured to be worth around £10m.
Homosexuality is illegal in the country and anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished with up to seven years in prison. Lycett warned Beckham that he would not only shred the money but also the sportsman’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ ally.
After Beckham didn’t respond, Lycett released a video of himself seemingly shredding the money on the first day of the World Cup (Sunday 20 November), but he later explained that what came out of the shredder was fake,...
- 11/24/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin has claimed he was dropped by the Channel 4 show because of his terminal cancer diagnosis.
The TV star, who recently went public with his diagnosis, has alleged that Channel 4 “pushed him aside for someone healthier”.
Irwin claimed on Wednesday (23 November) that, while support remains from his other show Escape to the Country, no such help came from A Place in the Sun after telling them the news in 2021. He apparently told showrunners that he “wanted to work”.
The host, 48, initially kept his illness a secret, but decided to make the news public earlier this month after learning the cancer had spread from his lungs to his brain.
He said in the latest issue of Hello! Magazine, that he he “doesn’t know how long I have”, but hopes his words will inspire people to “make the most of every day”.
But,...
The TV star, who recently went public with his diagnosis, has alleged that Channel 4 “pushed him aside for someone healthier”.
Irwin claimed on Wednesday (23 November) that, while support remains from his other show Escape to the Country, no such help came from A Place in the Sun after telling them the news in 2021. He apparently told showrunners that he “wanted to work”.
The host, 48, initially kept his illness a secret, but decided to make the news public earlier this month after learning the cancer had spread from his lungs to his brain.
He said in the latest issue of Hello! Magazine, that he he “doesn’t know how long I have”, but hopes his words will inspire people to “make the most of every day”.
But,...
- 11/24/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Kelsey Grammer has explained why the Frasier reboot won’t feature David Hyde Pierce as Niles.
In 2021, it was announced that Grammer would return to the role of Frasier Crane in a revival series of the Cheers spin-off for Paramount+.
Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier’s younger brother in the the popular Nineties sitcom, previously confirmed that the project was still going ahead in April, although did not say comment on whether he would be a part of it.
Now, Grammer has said in a new interview that Niles will not be in the series.
“David basically decided he wasn’t really interested in repeating the performance of Niles,” Grammer told People .
However, Grammer said that, “in a funny way”, Hyde Pierce’s absence has worked out for the best as it took the writers “to a new place”, which happened to be “what we originally wanted to do”.
Grammer,...
In 2021, it was announced that Grammer would return to the role of Frasier Crane in a revival series of the Cheers spin-off for Paramount+.
Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier’s younger brother in the the popular Nineties sitcom, previously confirmed that the project was still going ahead in April, although did not say comment on whether he would be a part of it.
Now, Grammer has said in a new interview that Niles will not be in the series.
“David basically decided he wasn’t really interested in repeating the performance of Niles,” Grammer told People .
However, Grammer said that, “in a funny way”, Hyde Pierce’s absence has worked out for the best as it took the writers “to a new place”, which happened to be “what we originally wanted to do”.
Grammer,...
- 11/24/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Critics have condemned people comparing Stormzy and Kanye West, after the British artist said he felt the treatment of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was “disheartening”.
Stormzy has been a vocal critic of the Conservative party over the years, and backed Corbyn in the 2019 election against Boris Johnson.
Current Labour leader Keir Starmer suspended Corbyn in October 2020, after he rejected a watchdog’s ruling that he failed to prevent antisemitism, instead blaming “an obstructive party bureaucracy” for stalling reform.
In an interview published earlier this week, he told British GQ that he still holds Corbyn in high regard and suggested he had been “vilified”.
“It was really disheartening. I just thought so highly of him and still think so highly of him and I think, ‘Well if they can make him out to be a paigan [a foul person] then things are worse than I thought’,” he said.
“I mean if he’s...
Stormzy has been a vocal critic of the Conservative party over the years, and backed Corbyn in the 2019 election against Boris Johnson.
Current Labour leader Keir Starmer suspended Corbyn in October 2020, after he rejected a watchdog’s ruling that he failed to prevent antisemitism, instead blaming “an obstructive party bureaucracy” for stalling reform.
In an interview published earlier this week, he told British GQ that he still holds Corbyn in high regard and suggested he had been “vilified”.
“It was really disheartening. I just thought so highly of him and still think so highly of him and I think, ‘Well if they can make him out to be a paigan [a foul person] then things are worse than I thought’,” he said.
“I mean if he’s...
- 11/16/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Megyn Kelly revealed the sudden death of her sister, Suzanne Crossley, during her podcast released Monday (24 October).
“Something really sad happened in my family over the weekend,” she said on The Megyn Kelly Show. “My sister died, she was 58, her name was Suzanne Crossley and she died suddenly on Friday of a heart attack.”
Kelly, 51, said that while Crossley had not been in good health, the sudden death had come as a shock to her family.
“So, it was very hard,” she said. “It was extremely emotional. My poor mom, as all moms and dads know, this is not the order in which this is supposed to happen.”
The US television personality added that Tuesday’s podcast had been pre-recorded and that she would be using the time off to be with family.
As for appearing on the show Monday, Kelly said it was “cathartic” to talk about the tragedy.
“Something really sad happened in my family over the weekend,” she said on The Megyn Kelly Show. “My sister died, she was 58, her name was Suzanne Crossley and she died suddenly on Friday of a heart attack.”
Kelly, 51, said that while Crossley had not been in good health, the sudden death had come as a shock to her family.
“So, it was very hard,” she said. “It was extremely emotional. My poor mom, as all moms and dads know, this is not the order in which this is supposed to happen.”
The US television personality added that Tuesday’s podcast had been pre-recorded and that she would be using the time off to be with family.
As for appearing on the show Monday, Kelly said it was “cathartic” to talk about the tragedy.
- 10/24/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
BBC Two and Channel 4 have delighted viewers with their inspired soundtrack choices for reports on Prime Minister Liz Truss’s resignation.
The opening credits to Newsnight on Thursday (20 October) were a montage of Truss’s highlights and lowlights set to the soundtrack of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow”, which includes lyrics from “you look so dumb right now” to “don’t tell me you’re sorry ’cause you’re not”.
The song’s lyrics were matched impeccably with moments from Truss’s short-lived premiership.
Channel 4 News, meanwhile, played Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” alongside clips of Truss – a self-proclaimed fan of Swift’s music.
“You look like my next mistake,” Swift can be heard singing, alongside a clip of Tory politicians applauding Truss.
Viewers found the music choices hilarious. “Absolutely Dying at @BBCNewsnight’s opening tonight!” tweeted one person. “Move over Channel 4…”
“BBC Two made a goddamn Liz...
The opening credits to Newsnight on Thursday (20 October) were a montage of Truss’s highlights and lowlights set to the soundtrack of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow”, which includes lyrics from “you look so dumb right now” to “don’t tell me you’re sorry ’cause you’re not”.
The song’s lyrics were matched impeccably with moments from Truss’s short-lived premiership.
Channel 4 News, meanwhile, played Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” alongside clips of Truss – a self-proclaimed fan of Swift’s music.
“You look like my next mistake,” Swift can be heard singing, alongside a clip of Tory politicians applauding Truss.
Viewers found the music choices hilarious. “Absolutely Dying at @BBCNewsnight’s opening tonight!” tweeted one person. “Move over Channel 4…”
“BBC Two made a goddamn Liz...
- 10/21/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has apologised “unreservedly” to Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker for calling him a “c***” in what he called an “unguarded moment”.
The broadcaster said the remark followed a “robust interview” with Mr Baker but it was “beneath the standards I set myself”.
During an off-air moment after his interview with Mr Baker, Mr Guru-Murthy was heard on a livestream saying “what a c***”.
He later tweeted: “After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air.
“While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.”
Mr Baker later replied to the tweet accepting the apology. “I appreciate you apologising. Thank You,” he wrote.
But, later, Mr Baker told John Pienaar on Times...
The broadcaster said the remark followed a “robust interview” with Mr Baker but it was “beneath the standards I set myself”.
During an off-air moment after his interview with Mr Baker, Mr Guru-Murthy was heard on a livestream saying “what a c***”.
He later tweeted: “After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air.
“While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly.
“I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.”
Mr Baker later replied to the tweet accepting the apology. “I appreciate you apologising. Thank You,” he wrote.
But, later, Mr Baker told John Pienaar on Times...
- 10/20/2022
- by Lamiat Sabin
- The Independent - TV
House of the Dragon viewers are feeling conflicted over a storyline involving two of the show’s main characters.
Episode seven of HBO’s Game of Thrones spin-off was broadcast in the US on Sunday (2 October), and saw tensions between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke) reach a new high.
*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*
But, it was an incestuous sex scene involving Rhaenyra and her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith) that left many of the show’s fans feeling uncomfortable.
After berating Daemon for “abandoning” her to marry the now-deceased Laena Velaryon, Rhaenyra makes it clear that she has feelings for her uncle and wishes to strengthen her position in Westeros by marrying him. The pair then have sex.
The scene follows on from one in episode four that showed young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) being intimate with Daemon in a brothel.
Viewers were hugely divided over the scene on social media,...
Episode seven of HBO’s Game of Thrones spin-off was broadcast in the US on Sunday (2 October), and saw tensions between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke) reach a new high.
*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*
But, it was an incestuous sex scene involving Rhaenyra and her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith) that left many of the show’s fans feeling uncomfortable.
After berating Daemon for “abandoning” her to marry the now-deceased Laena Velaryon, Rhaenyra makes it clear that she has feelings for her uncle and wishes to strengthen her position in Westeros by marrying him. The pair then have sex.
The scene follows on from one in episode four that showed young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) being intimate with Daemon in a brothel.
Viewers were hugely divided over the scene on social media,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Jimmy Kimmel has explained why it’s hard for him to quit his long-running late-night show.
Currently, in its 20th season, Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! for 19 years, interviewing a slew of celebrities and commenting on current events.
Last year, Kimmel told The Howard Stern Show that he was “vacillating” over whether to sign a new deal.
However, earlier this month, Kimmel ended up signing a three-year extension deal for Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On Wednesday (28 September), Kimmel returned to speak to Howard Stern about his decision and why it’s so hard for him to leave his late-night show.
“Being wanted is important,” Kimmel said. “ABC wanting me to stay. I didn’t know, maybe they wanted to start over, maybe the people running the network now want to find a person of their own for the next 20 years.
“Ultimately, I was having a hard time with the leaving part of it.
Currently, in its 20th season, Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! for 19 years, interviewing a slew of celebrities and commenting on current events.
Last year, Kimmel told The Howard Stern Show that he was “vacillating” over whether to sign a new deal.
However, earlier this month, Kimmel ended up signing a three-year extension deal for Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On Wednesday (28 September), Kimmel returned to speak to Howard Stern about his decision and why it’s so hard for him to leave his late-night show.
“Being wanted is important,” Kimmel said. “ABC wanting me to stay. I didn’t know, maybe they wanted to start over, maybe the people running the network now want to find a person of their own for the next 20 years.
“Ultimately, I was having a hard time with the leaving part of it.
- 9/29/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
Dave Grohl, Travis Barker, and Miley Cyrus were some of the artists who performed at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in Los Angeles on Tuesday 27 September.
The show, which was held at the Kia Forum, kickstarted with Grohl’s 16-year-old daughter Violet performing a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” along with guitarist Alain Johannes.
After that, Foo Fighters took over the stage, announcing: “Welcome to the Los Angeles Taylor Hawkins tribute concert.
“This is the hometown s***, so you gotta make it loud for Taylor.”
Grohl said that the idea of the concert is to “spend some time in [Hawkins’s] musical mind, which could be a pretty terrifying place” and to “celebrate this person that has touched our lives.”
The show continued with performances by Joan Jett, Chevy Metal, Kesha, Coattail Riders, Mark King, Rufus Taylor, Joe Walsh and the James Gang, Cyrus, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard among others.
The show, which was held at the Kia Forum, kickstarted with Grohl’s 16-year-old daughter Violet performing a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” along with guitarist Alain Johannes.
After that, Foo Fighters took over the stage, announcing: “Welcome to the Los Angeles Taylor Hawkins tribute concert.
“This is the hometown s***, so you gotta make it loud for Taylor.”
Grohl said that the idea of the concert is to “spend some time in [Hawkins’s] musical mind, which could be a pretty terrifying place” and to “celebrate this person that has touched our lives.”
The show continued with performances by Joan Jett, Chevy Metal, Kesha, Coattail Riders, Mark King, Rufus Taylor, Joe Walsh and the James Gang, Cyrus, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard among others.
- 9/28/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Music
Metallica will perform a special tribute concert to honour the couple that first signed them this autumn.
Jonny and Marsha Zazula first signed Metallica to their label Megaforce Records back in 1983.
The band put out their 1983 debut Kill ‘Em All and 1984’s, Ride The Lightning under the couple’s label before signing to a major. Now, this concert will honour the pair, who both sadly died in the space of the last two years.
During their time under the label, Metallica embarked on their first major tour supporting British band Raven.
“This night will be extra-special as we’ll be celebrating the life, legacy, and achievements of Jonny and Marsha Zazula,” the band said in a statement.
“Jonny gave us our first break in New York, released our first albums on his Megaforce Records label, and put us out on the road for our first real tour.
“With Marsha by his side,...
Jonny and Marsha Zazula first signed Metallica to their label Megaforce Records back in 1983.
The band put out their 1983 debut Kill ‘Em All and 1984’s, Ride The Lightning under the couple’s label before signing to a major. Now, this concert will honour the pair, who both sadly died in the space of the last two years.
During their time under the label, Metallica embarked on their first major tour supporting British band Raven.
“This night will be extra-special as we’ll be celebrating the life, legacy, and achievements of Jonny and Marsha Zazula,” the band said in a statement.
“Jonny gave us our first break in New York, released our first albums on his Megaforce Records label, and put us out on the road for our first real tour.
“With Marsha by his side,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Vanessa Feltz and royal biographer Angela Levin had a heated discussion over Meghan Markle during an interview on TalkTV on Monday (12 September).
Levin, who has written biographies for Prince Harry and Camilla, Queen Consort, was being interviewed on Feltz’s TalkTV show when the debate took place.
In a discussion about the reunion of the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate) and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) Levin said that she didn’t think “Meghan was fit to be in the royal family because she hates it”.
Feltz questioned Levin over the comments and her historic criticism of Markle, saying: “Do you feel you have been responsible for fuelling a kind of anti-Meghan faction that has been spiteful and targeting and possibly fanciful as well?”
“Quite a lot of what’s been said about her has been manufactured anyway,” she added.
Levin was quick to deny the allegations,...
Levin, who has written biographies for Prince Harry and Camilla, Queen Consort, was being interviewed on Feltz’s TalkTV show when the debate took place.
In a discussion about the reunion of the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate) and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) Levin said that she didn’t think “Meghan was fit to be in the royal family because she hates it”.
Feltz questioned Levin over the comments and her historic criticism of Markle, saying: “Do you feel you have been responsible for fuelling a kind of anti-Meghan faction that has been spiteful and targeting and possibly fanciful as well?”
“Quite a lot of what’s been said about her has been manufactured anyway,” she added.
Levin was quick to deny the allegations,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
“Yes, I’m dying”.
That’s the stark tabloid headline People magazine runs in gigantic letters alongside a photo of Dottie Roman in the first episode of Monarch, Fox’s lavish new musical soap about a ruthless country music dynasty.
Dottie, played by Susan Sarandon with ballsy swagger and a closer-to-God blowout, seethes over the cover story about her own terminal cancer as she primps for her last ever awards show. She’s the “queen of country music” – think Dolly Parton big – and she’s determined to go out with a smile on her face, even if it’s as fake as her outrage. Dottie leaked the story to the press herself, we eventually learn. She probably even signed off on the picture – red lips pursed in defiance, peeking out from under the wide brim of her signature cowboy hat with its diamante band. Everything in the cloistered world of country music runs through Dottie.
That’s the stark tabloid headline People magazine runs in gigantic letters alongside a photo of Dottie Roman in the first episode of Monarch, Fox’s lavish new musical soap about a ruthless country music dynasty.
Dottie, played by Susan Sarandon with ballsy swagger and a closer-to-God blowout, seethes over the cover story about her own terminal cancer as she primps for her last ever awards show. She’s the “queen of country music” – think Dolly Parton big – and she’s determined to go out with a smile on her face, even if it’s as fake as her outrage. Dottie leaked the story to the press herself, we eventually learn. She probably even signed off on the picture – red lips pursed in defiance, peeking out from under the wide brim of her signature cowboy hat with its diamante band. Everything in the cloistered world of country music runs through Dottie.
- 9/12/2022
- by Amanda Whiting
- The Independent - TV
Charles III has officially been proclaimed the King of the United Kingdom and fourteen Commonwealth realms during a meeting of the Accession Council in London on Saturday morning. It is the first time in history the ceremony has ever been televised.
U.K. networks including BBC, ITV and Sky broadcast the ceremony live at 10Am local time as did U.S. networks including NBC, where Savannah Guthrie was anchoring for an early morning special of the “Today Show.”
Broadcasting the Accession Council ceremony is significant and, according to historian Vernon Bogdnaor “a sign of the times that the monarchy has to adapt to a more open and less deferential society,” as he told BBC News.
When Queen Elizabeth acceded to the throne in 1952 there was not even a discussion that the ceremony should be televised while a debate then ensued over broadcasting her coronation the following year. In the event,...
U.K. networks including BBC, ITV and Sky broadcast the ceremony live at 10Am local time as did U.S. networks including NBC, where Savannah Guthrie was anchoring for an early morning special of the “Today Show.”
Broadcasting the Accession Council ceremony is significant and, according to historian Vernon Bogdnaor “a sign of the times that the monarchy has to adapt to a more open and less deferential society,” as he told BBC News.
When Queen Elizabeth acceded to the throne in 1952 there was not even a discussion that the ceremony should be televised while a debate then ensued over broadcasting her coronation the following year. In the event,...
- 9/10/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
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