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NewsBeat

BAFTA TV Awards host Greg Davies addresses struggle after three stone weight loss

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Wales Online

Greg Davies is hosting the BAFTA TV Awards tonight and has been candid about his three-stone weight loss using Ozempic after a doctor’s warning, and the lasting effect it has had on his appetite

Greg Davies has revealed a difficulty he encountered following a three-stone weight reduction. The 57-year-old resorted to Ozempic after being cautioned by his GP.

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Ozempic is a medication used to treat people with type 2 diabetes helping to manage blood sugar levels (HbA1c) by stimulating insulin secretion, reducing liver glucose production, and slowing digestion. But many people use it to lose weight, including Greg.

The Taskmaster host explains he chose the treatment after his doctor warned he would “look obese” were it not for his 6ft 8in stature. Yet after dropping the weight, Greg determined to discontinue using the treatment.

Speaking to The Times, the comic stated: “Three stone fell off me. But I didn’t really like it, it made me a bit gaunt.”

Greg nevertheless acknowledges he now confronts a challenge after taking the treatment. He continued: “My appetite’s never gone back to the way it was. I can’t ram things in the way I used to.”

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While Greg concedes he desired to shed weight, he has previously confessed he isn’t frightened of growing older, even considering it might benefit his profession. He told The Times: “I think that’s probably good in my game, isn’t it?”

The Inbetweeners performer has cultivated a comedic approach that he describes frequently involves “turning the gun on myself”. He routinely makes jokes about his embarrassing masturbation experience as a teenager, the dimensions of his own penis, and his struggles with an enlarged prostate.

He explains that his choice to direct jokes at himself stems from his appearance. He says he “looks weird” and describes himself as a “pot-bellied giant”.

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Greg, however, believes it is a “very British style of humour”. Despite this, it still managed to win over Hollywood star Ryan Gosling, who dissolved into fits of laughter during an appearance on the Graham Norton Show in 2016 when Greg recounted a bout of diarrhoea that struck him while wearing his mother’s underwear.

He acknowledges that making himself the target of the joke feels “safer”. He added: “I know who the victim of that material is – it’s me – and I know that I can take it.”

Greg will host the prestigious annual Bafta ceremony tonight from London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, with the event broadcasting from 7pm on BBC One.

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He succeeds actor Alan Cumming, who presented the 2025 television awards show and who recently also hosted the Bafta film awards in 2026.

Greg said: “I see the whole event as an opportunity to wave a flag for this beloved medium and, with the exception of one commissioner, two execs and a co-star that I have personal beef with, I will do everything I can to ensure it’s a night of warm celebration for all.”

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Sugar baby sobs ‘I can’t do this’ moments into Channel 5’s Trading Places

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Daily Mirror

Trading Places aired on Channel 5 this weekend with dramatic scenes, as luxury-loving sugar baby Saffron broke down in tears.

Channel 5’s brand new series Trading Places got off to a dramatic start, with emotions running high from the very first episode.

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The show takes a fresh group of young people each week, plucking them from their comfort zones and dropping them headfirst into a completely different way of life.

On Sunday night (May 10), viewers watched as self-confessed shopaholics Saffron, Umar, and Bridie swapped their lavish lifestyles for a 1960s-inspired, off-grid existence in Cornwall.

Things quickly became overwhelming for Saffron, however, when the reality of her new surroundings hit home upon arrival.

The moment she stepped into their accommodation with her suitcase in tow, the 26-year-old broke down in tears, reports Wales Online.

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She commented: “I can’t do this, I don’t like any of it. I don’t want to do this anymore. No, I really don’t want to do this anymore. It’s too much, I can’t.”

Farm resident Babu stepped in to comfort a distressed Saffron, who struggled to articulate just how overwhelming she found the whole experience. She added: “The bees, the walking, the climbing. I’m not used to quiet at all.”

With some gentle encouragement from Babu, Saffron ultimately decided to stick it out and embrace farm life. Throughout the episode, viewers also gained a fascinating insight into her life back home.

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Speaking candidly to the camera, she revealed: “I am a sugar baby. A sugar baby is basically a companion. When I have a long-term sugar daddy, then the items per month would be a few Chanel handbags or a few Christian Louboutins.

“The men that I’ve dated, they’ve always looked after me, I’m just a 24/7 princess, so I don’t know what life is without that.”

Saffron explained to the group at the farm that their relationships remain platonic, focusing primarily on conversation rather than anything physical.

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After a difficult beginning, Channel 5 audiences witnessed a transformation in Saffron as she threw herself into producing fresh organic apple juice for sale at a farmers’ market.

The 26 year old became emotional later in the programme when discussing the bullying she endured in her younger years, though the experience appeared largely beneficial for her overall.

Reflecting as the episode concluded, she admitted: “The biggest challenge of this week has been the whole bl***y week! I know that everyone thought I was going to leave day one, myself included, but no, I stayed the week! I’m not proud of myself this week, no.”

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She continued candidly: “I’m going to be real, I think there’s a lot more I could’ve tried, but there was so much emotion that kept coming over me every time in every single activity, I was finding bits of myself that I’d hidden for so long.”

Trading Places is available to watch on Channel 5.

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DWP warns 300,000 people are missing out on Universal Credit benefits

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Cambridgeshire Live

Skills England chair Phil Smith told MPs that around 300,000 young people are not on benefits, with DWP working to address youth unemployment and skills gaps

Senior DWP officials have drawn attention to a substantial issue where many thousands of individuals are not receiving any payments whatsoever. The comments came as departmental leaders appeared before MPs to discuss their work in tackling the problem.

High-ranking figures from Skills England outlined their initiatives to boost employment levels during a session with the Work and Pensions Committee. Skills England is a newly established Government body formally launched in June 2025, created to bring together programmes that improve people’s capabilities, create additional employment opportunities and thereby drive economic expansion.

The organisation initially sat within the Department for Education but was transferred to the DWP in September 2025.

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One question put to the panel related to their strategies for getting young people into work, with the figure for young people not in education, employment or training nearing one million. The committee asked: “What issues in the skills system might be contributing to that, and what is your body doing to address that?”

Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, recognised this is a “complex” challenge to address, but pointed out that this group isn’t simply composed of jobless individuals claiming benefits. He said: “Around 300,000 people, I understand, are not even on benefits. That is 300,000 people who are not sitting and sponging off the state, as people like to say – they are actually not on benefits.

“They are just not anywhere. That is really bad.” Failing to claim benefits to which you are entitled could result in a significant loss of income, reports the Mirror.

Are you entitled to more DWP payments?

Anyone aged 18 or over is eligible to apply for this means-tested benefit. Those aged 16 or 17 may also qualify under certain circumstances, such as having a health condition or disability, or providing care for someone in receipt of a health or disability-related benefit.

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Through the benefit, households can receive one standard allowance, which pays £338.58 a month for single claimants aged under 25, or £528.34 for a couple where both are under 25.

The standard amount rises for those aged 25 and over, paying £528.34 a month for single claimants and £666.97 for couples where both are aged 25 or over.

Mr Smith outlined the steps his organisation is taking to address youth unemployment. He said: “We have announced a series of foundation apprenticeships and so on, so capabilities are there. However, by far that is not job done.

“We must make the system relevant for people where they are at that time – how they get pathways and on to these things.” The DWP also recently provided an update on its plans to increase funding for its Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy.

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DWP grant funding

This initiative promises to provide assistance to one million young people, generating 500,000 opportunities for training and work. DWP minister Andrew Western told Parliament: “The Government is taking action to support employers to recruit and train young people, helping to unlock up to 200,000 more employment opportunities.

“This includes a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers who hire 18 to 24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for over six months, a new £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small and medium-sized employers hiring 16 to 24-year-old, and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, providing long-term unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds with a fully funded six month job.”

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Celia Imrie breaking wind was most joked-about moment at TV Baftas. Even a bemused Seth Rogen weighed in

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Celia Imrie breaking wind was most joked-about moment at TV Baftas. Even a bemused Seth Rogen weighed in

Celia Imrie’s infamous Celebrity Traitors moment became the surprise talking point of Sunday’s TV Baftas, with the incident being mentioned by host Greg Davies, comedian Alan Carr and even a bemused Seth Rogen.

The mega-hit BBC show was up for three awards at the annual bash, but as Inbetweeners star Davies lightheartedly noted, Imrie’s hilarious moment, when she broke wind during one of the challenges, was not up for an award.

“I was a little surprised there’s one thing that wasn’t nominated for TV moment of the year,” the comic joked. “And Celia, you can relax. I’m not talking about you. Relax. I mean, I say relax, but not too much obviously.” The cameras then cut to Imrie, who was cracking up in the crowd.

Celia Imrie’s ‘The Traitors’ moment will go down in TV history
Celia Imrie’s ‘The Traitors’ moment will go down in TV history (BBC)

The moment Davies had wanted to see recognition for was Mark “The Beast” Labbett’s appearance on Celebs Go Dating.

“The man tried to drink a candle, you understand?” Davies said. “Why aren’t we celebrating that?”

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Greg Davies hosted this year's Bafta television awards
Greg Davies hosted this year’s Bafta television awards (BBC)

Imrie later appeared on stage to present an award alongside her Traitors co-star Nick Mohammed, making her own joke about flatulence.

“Just before The Celebrity Traitors was aired, I received a present in the shape of a brown paper parcel,” she said. “Inside was a lovely red satin box tied up with a velvet ribbon. It was the shape of a can and it had a turquoise label and black writing.

“I didn’t understand the relevance, then I looked again and it was a tin of baked beans.”

Imrie’s fart also got a mention later in the ceremony, as Seth Rogen won the international prize for his satirical comedy The Studio.

Addressing the star, the baffled US actor said: “I assume this woman in the green dress is a very skilled and talented woman… all I know is that she farted on a reality show.”

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“I’m interested in your other work now,” Rogen added, as the audience howled with laughter. “What else have you done?”

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Imrie and Mohammed at Sunday’s TV Baftas
Imrie and Mohammed at Sunday’s TV Baftas (BBC)

Celebrity Traitors winner Carr also spoke about what is fast becoming the most famous fart on TV, as he accepted his award for Most Memorable Moment, aka winning the reality show.

Imrie managed to outlast most of her fellow Traitors contestants in the inaugural celebrity series, before being brutally murdered by the two remaining Traitors – Cat Burns and Carr – in the penultimate episode.

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It was in the third episode that Imrie really cemented her national treasure status, though, by stealing the show when she farted during the tense build-up to one of the challenges.

“What just happened?” presenter Winkleman said. “I just farted, Claudia. It’s nerves, but I always own up,” Imrie replied, sparking belly laughs from her fellow players. “I always own up too,” added a delighted Winkleman.

The Celebrity Traitors won two accolades at Sunday’s ceremony: best reality and most memorable TV moment for Carr’s shock win.

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Bafta TV Awards viewers left unimpressed over Seth Rogen’s Celia Imrie comments

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Manchester Evening News

The comedy icon saw his Apple TV series The Studio win a Bafta award

The Bafta TV Awards viewers were left unimpressed over Seth Rogen’s comments about Celia Imrie during the ceremony.

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Hollywood star Seth attended this year’s ceremony, which was held at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The 44-year-old is best known for his work in comedies such as Superbad, The Interview and This Is The End.

Seth was attending the Baftas, which were hosted by Greg Davies, as his Apple TV series The Studio was nominated for Best International series. The series follows the new head of a Hollywood studio as he navigated the changing work climate around him.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Packed with A-list cameos, the series was praised for not shying away from taking aim at the film industry. It went up against Jeremy Allen White’s The Bear, Keri Russell’s The Diplomat, Rhea Seehorn’s Pluribus and Adam Scott’s Severance.

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Upon hearing that The Studio won, Seth said in his acceptance speech that he ‘really didn’t expect this to happen at all’. He said: “When you make a comedy and you’re up against dramas especially, it feels really good to beat them.

“I have to say. It doesn’t happen that often. It’s a rarefied thing. This award show, so cool. Thank you for having us here.”

From here, Seth proceeded to joke about actress Celia Imrie, after a video of her time on hit BBC reality show Celebrity Traitors was aired during the ceremony. The video in question featured the moment where she accidentally farted during a challenge.

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“I assume this woman in the green dress is a very skilled and talented woman. All I know is that she farted on a reality show. I’m interested in your other work now, obviously – what else have you done,” Seth.

Celia, 73, is one of the UK’s most recognisable actresses, having appeared in the Bridget Jones film series, Calendar Girls, St Trinian’s, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, A Cure for Wellness, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club.

Those watching the Baftas at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to have expressed why they were shocked to find out that Seth didn’t know an actress of Celia’s stature.

@BurySue said: “I beg your pardon Mister, dissing Celia Imrie. How very dare you! #baftas.” @HollyMunn93 added: “Seth Rogan picking on Celia Imrie as is he’s all that #BAFTAs.”

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@swanseasucks wrote: “Seth Rogan doesn’t know who Celia Imrie is??? Seriously?? #baftas.” @sied_gymraeg posted: “Poor Celia Imrie. Such an impressive canon of work, but most remembered for a fart joke on The Traitors these days. #BAFTAs.”

@Burcu161759 commented: “I beg your pardon Mister, dissing Celia Imrie. How very dare you! #baftas.” @kaydekks stated: “Dying that Seth Rogan has no idea who Celia Imre is, just ‘the lady in the green dress’.”

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How Rutherglen poltergeist baffled cops after they witnessed paranormal activity and levitating dog

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Daily Record

It had been business as normal for the Police Scotland officers before the evening took a chilling turn.

Cops on a call-out to a disturbance in Rutherglen were left spooked to the core when they witnessed paranormal activity taking place inside the property they were paged to.

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It had been a normal shift for the Police Scotland officers before the evening took a chilling turn on August 8, 2016. After being called to the aid of a mother and son, they witnessed clothes flying from across a room and lights flickering on and off.

And when the lights went back on, the cops reported seeing lampshades hanging upside down and oven doors opening and closing. Even a chihuahua dog which had been playing in the garden at the time was then discovered sitting on top of a seven-foot hedge.

The family who lived at the property had called the police in a panic. They endured two days of the bizarre occurrences before moving out of the property in South Lanarkshire.

At the time, the Daily Record told how the hair-raising ordeal had been discussed at high levels within the police force, with senior officers perplexed over how to handle the incidents.

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A source told the Record at the time: “These were incidents that were witnessed by our own officers. Incidents that are not easily explained. One problem we’ve got is where we go from here as no crime has been established, so what else can we do but deal with any reports of disturbances.

“But officers with more than 20 years’ service are saying they’ve never seen anything like this. It really is something that down-to-earth police officers are having trouble getting their heads round. How do you handle what, despite us liking to use the word, has been described as a poltergeist.”

The family at the centre of the drama are devoutly Catholic and police did seek assistance from the church. A priest was sent to the property on Stonelaw Road and performed what has been described as a ‘blessing’ for the house.

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The occupant of the home, a woman, alongside her teenager, called in cops after they began experiencing the disturbing incidents. They were described as being extremely distressed as they had been experiencing violent and unexplained circumstances.

In absolute desperation, they contacted police.

The source continued: “The officers attended expecting it to be a mental health issue but they witnessed the lights going off, clothes flying across the room and the dog sitting on top of the hedge. The officers called their superiors who also attended thinking the cops were perhaps being a bit silly but it’s being taken very seriously.

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“The fact it was witnessed by our officers has lent itself to a very different but active inquiry.”

No-one was harmed, though the family were given safety advice by baffled officers and chose to leave the house. It is understood they moved in with relatives.

The source said: “The main concern is with the family’s welfare and well-being but with no crime committed and no culprit we are at a loss how to proceed with it. Inquiries are ongoing but it’s difficult to know where to go with it.”

It’s understood officers went on to look into the family’s background before working with doctors and social services to provide support. It’s also thought they investigated the history of the property,to see if there been any reports of similar occurrences from previous residents.

Our source said all options were being considered by way of explaining the goings-on: “Is it some form of hoax, or is it real or not real? These are the questions being asked by officers but without coming to any conclusion.

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A statement from Police Scotland read at the time: “On 8 and 9 August police attended a house in Rutherglen to reports of a disturbance. No evidence of criminality was found and advice and guidance was given to the family.”

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BAFTA TV Awards biggest bombshells – Martin Lewis emotional, Mary Berry’s tribute and BBC dig

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Daily Mirror

The BAFTA TV Awards brought the drama and the tears tonight, as Mary Berry and Martin Lewis were handed huge honours and Adolescence won big

Paloma Faith gets the last laugh against Alan Carr

The BAFTA TV Awards brought the tears tonight – as Mary Berry and Martin Lewis were handed huge honours.

It was a great night for Adolescence, who picked up a record four prizes, whilst Celebrity Traitors also won two accolades, including the public-voted P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award.

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Mary Berry was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship whilst MoneySavingExpert Martin picked up the BAFTA Special Award. In emotional speeches, both paid tribute to those they had lost.

Stephen Graham won Leading Actor for his part in Adolescence. Stephen, who has been nominated before but only won this year, said: “I might take my time, I’ve been nominated eight times and this is the first time I’ve won… Nice one BAFTA, this is lovely.”

Mary Berry emotional

Dame Mary Berry was emotional as she accepted her Bafta fellowship at the annual television awards tonight. The 91-year-old TV cook and former Great British Bake Off judge was awarded for her exceptional contribution to television.

Dame Mary praised the BBC as her “home of many years”, after being presented with the prize by former Bake Off presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins during the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall.

The beloved TV chef, from Somerset, joked that Mel and Sue had “led me astray from day one”. At the end of her heartfelt speech, she praised those she’d worked with.

“I so admire producers, directors and creatives who I have worked with over the years. Essential qualities in life are kindness, patience and respect, which I have received all along the way. I’ve been doing this for over 50 years, and I’m still learning. So what’s next for me, at the age of 91? I have just started my own YouTube channel. We shall see,” she said.

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She finished her speech by offering thanks to her three children, including her son who died in a car accident in 1989 at the age of 19. In a heartbreaking nod to her late son, she said: “William is in heaven, but I thank him.”

Martin Lewis’ loss

Martin Lewis has reflected on his childhood as a “broken, scared boy” who “barely left the house” as he picked up a Bafta special award for his work in the TV industry.

The Money Saving Expert gave an emotional speech after being presented with the prize by Richard Osman, where he reflected on the tragic death of his mum when he was just 11-years-old.

Explaining he wrote the speech on Thursday, 42 years after his mother’s sudden death days before his 12th birthday, he said: “For six years, barring school, I barely left the house. Now I’m picking up a Bafta.

“For all those of you out there struggling with your own demons, know this: life can be transformed, it can get better. If you had told that broken, scared boy that I’d proudly be a campaigning journalist, his jaw would have dropped. So I dedicate this to consumer journalism, where I found my fire.”

Winner calls out BBC

The executive producer behind Gaza: Doctors Under Attack has asked the BBC during his acceptance speech if the broadcaster will exclude the documentary’s win from its coverage of the Bafta TV Awards.

The BBC had commissioned and then shelved the one-off documentary due to impartiality concerns. It was later aired by Channel 4.

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Executive producer Ben De Pear used his speech to criticise the BBC. Thanking the journalists who made the film, he then asked: “Finally, just a question for the BBC: given you dropped our film, will you drop us from the Bafta screening later tonight?”

The BBC later showed that part of the speech during a speedy sequence of a string of awards being handed out.

In Memoriam missing star

BAFTA fans were left fuming tonight as Catherine O’Hara was missed from the In Memoriam segment.

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When Seth Rogen and the team behind The Studio – which Catherine was in before her sad death – collected their Best International award, he paid tribute to the legendary actress: “She meant so much to all of us, I assume her work was as important to you all over here as it was to us so this is for Catherine.”

However, she was missed from the tributes. One fan wrote: “@BAFTA massive error – missing Catherine O’Hara,” as another penned: “Did I miss the tribute to Catherine O’Hara in that segment? #BAFTAs.” A third shared: “Catherine O’Hara not featured on the celebs who have passed away segment?”

A fourth shared: “Where was the legend Catherine O’Hara in the tributes? They always do this. Miss someone out. #BAFTA.”

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Traitors drama

It was a great night for the Celebrity Traitors this evening, who picked up two prizes. The show won Best Reality Programme and Alan Carr also won the only public-voted award for Best TV Moment.

In a hilarious moment on stage, Alan celebrated the Reality win by hoisting the BAFTA award above his head before Paloma Faith – his real-life best friend who he ‘murdered’ first on the show – jokingly pretended to push him off stage.

In the winners’ room, host Claudia Winkleman explained social media is “so important” in bringing together the millions of fans of The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off version.

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Asked about the importance of social media in the show’s success, she said: “I think it’s so important because, not just social media, but the people who watch – and they seemingly watch together as families – is my favourite thing of all. It feels like it’s a real communal moment. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who gets involved.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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Iran-US war latest: Trump says Tehran’s response to his peace proposal is ‘totally unacceptable’

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Iran-US war latest: Trump says Tehran’s response to his peace proposal is ‘totally unacceptable’

Trump says Iran’s response to peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’

US president Donald Trump has said he has read Iran’s response to his peace plan, calling it “totally unacceptable”.

As we’ve been reporting today, Tehran has sent its response to the US via Pakistan, which has been acting as mediator.

It’s not yet known exactly what it says.

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Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: “I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’

“I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Alex Ross10 May 2026 21:37

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Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz for first time since Iran war began

A Qatari tanker carrying liquid natural gas successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the war in Iran broke out.

The Al Kharaitiyat, which is headed to Pakistan, made the crossing via the Iranian-approved route near Qeshm island.

Shipping data shows it is currently located in the Gulf of Oman, and is due to arrive at the Qasim Port on Monday.

LNG tanker Al Kharaitiyat (Marine Traffic)

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 21:00

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US fighter jet captured refuelling midair while ‘patrolling skies over Middle East’

US fighter jet captured refuelling midair while ‘patrolling skies over Middle East’

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 20:30

Comment: China’s axis of authoritarians is only growing stronger under Trump

As Xi Jinping prepares to host Donald Trump in Beijing, America’s allies are confronting an unsettling reality: Washington no longer looks dependable, says Ben Judah:

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Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 20:00

Iran denies reports of oil leak near Kharg Island export hub

Iran’s Oil Terminals Company denied reports of an oil leak near Kharg Island on Sunday, according to state media, after satellite imagery this week appeared to show a large slick west of the country’s main oil export hub in the Gulf.

The ​company’s ⁠chief executive ‌said inspections had found no evidence of leaks from ‌storage tanks, pipelines, ‌loading facilities or tankers operating near the island.

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He added ⁠that the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC), a regional marine pollution body, had also reported no sign of leakage in the area.

The ‌official said Iranian teams ​had conducted additional field ‌inspections and ⁠laboratory testing after ⁠the reports emerged and had not ‌identified “even ​the smallest trace” ‌of leakage.

(Reuters)

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 19:30

‘US will evaluate Iran’s response to very clear red line’

The US will evaluate Iran’s response to its peace plan proposal to its “very clear red line”, the American ambassador to the UN has stated.

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Speaking to Fox News, Mike Waltz said: “We’ll see what the Iranians just came back with overnight in terms of their response to our very clear red line.

“President Trump has been clear they will never have a nuclear weapon and they cannot hold the world’s economies hostage.”

Harriette Bouche10 May 2026 19:00

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US ambassador to UN insists America is making progress against Iran

The US ambassador to the UN has insisted that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is not a sign of weakness or failure from the US, despite Donald Trump’s demands for Iran to open it.

Mike Waltz told ABC: “I think we should take a step back: 50 days to deal with a 50-year-old problem. And, by the way, this isn’t the first time Iran has either threatened or actually done this.

“That’s why we’re pushing now another UN resolution that says Iran cannot do this. No country can do what Iran is doing in international waterways.”

Asked whether the US president’s threats have proven to be empty, Mr Waltz responded: “I’ve got to push back. Something did happen. President Trump put in a blockade with our great US Navy that has stopped Iranian shipping, both coming out and, importantly, the empty tankers coming in that they need for storage. We see now Iran’s economy in absolute free-fall.

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“To your point on the ceasefire, look, that’s up to President Trump, as commander in chief, to determine what constitutes a violation, when to go back to military action, or when to continue to give diplomacy a chance”.

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 18:31

Recap: Royal Navy warship heads to Middle East for potential Strait of Hormuz mission

A Royal Navy warship is being sent to the Middle East to be ready to join an international mission to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

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It comes as Iran’s deputy foreign minister said British and French warships in the Strait of Hormuz “will be met with decisive response”.

Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon will “pre-position” in the region, ready to join the UK and French-led initiative once hostilities cease between Iran and US-Israeli forces.

A fragile ceasefire remains in place, although attacks on Friday saw US forces hit two Iranian tankers that were trying to breach the blockade imposed by Donald Trump.

The proposed mission championed by Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron would involve a coalition of nations willing to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies along with other goods including fertiliser.

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A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We can confirm that HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East to pre-position ahead of any future multinational mission to protect international shipping when conditions allow them to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

“The pre-positioning of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the UK is ready, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the UK and France, to secure the strait, when conditions allow.”

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 18:00

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Pakistan hands over Iran’s response to US peace proposal

Pakistan has received Iran’s response to the US’s proposal on the Iran war and the response has been sent to the US, a Pakistani government official involved in the talks said on Sunday.

The source ‌did not provide ‌further detail about the proposal.

This comes ⁠after Iranian state media reported on Sunday that Iran had sent its response to ‌a US proposal to ‌begin ⁠peace talks to end ⁠the war.

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 17:30

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Trump has a better understanding of the Bible than Pope Leo, says conservative Christian pastor

Our Washington Correspondent John Bowden reports:

President Donald Trump has a “better” understanding of the Bible’s lessons than Pope Leo, a conservative Christian pastor has claimed.

Tensions have flared in recent months after the Pope urged Catholics to pray for a peaceful resolution to the Iran war amid the U.S. president’s threats to “end” Iranian civilization – but he did not mention Trump by name.

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Trump then posted a series of angry messages on his Truth Social platform, calling the Pope “weak” on crime and accusing him of not understanding the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

According to Jeffress, one of Trump’s longtime backers in the evangelical community, the differing stances amount to Trump being more of a Christian leader than the head of the Catholic church.

“The Pope is a good man, he’s sincere in his faith, but he’s sincerely wrong when it comes to Iran,” he told Fox News.

Harriette Boucher10 May 2026 17:00

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Tesco delivery driver avoids jail over fatal car park collision

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Colm Rooney had been employed as a Tesco delivery driver for four and a half years

A delivery van driver has been given a suspended sentence for careless driving, causing the death of an 83-year-old man in a supermarket car park.

Colm Rooney (54), who had been employed as a Tesco delivery driver for four and a half years, pleaded guilty to one count of driving a vehicle without due care and attention, thereby causing the death of Thomas Leeson, at R oselawn Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on December 7, 2024. It is a sentence that carries a maximum prison term of two years.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Rooney, of Stapolin Lawns, Baldoyle, Dublin, was driving the delivery van at 12km per hour when the accident occurred. Dashcam footage of the incident was played to the court, which showed Mr Leeson being hit by the van at chest height and falling backwards on to the concrete, striking his head.

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Sergeant Colm Fox told Kate Egan BL, prosecuting, that Mr Leeson was conscious at the scene and was transferred to hospital where he passed away two weeks later from his injuries. Mr Leeson suffered from broken ribs, a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain.

A full, detailed collision report was carried out, which established the speed at which the van was travelling and that Rooney’s reaction time was slightly below average. He was breathalysed and drug tested at the scene, and the results were negative for all substances.

A victim impact statement, which was prepared by Mr Leeson’s daughter, Yvonne Kidd, was read to the court by the prosecuting counsel, which said: “Our dad was knocked down in our local supermarket. He went to collect a prescription and never came home.”

The statement outlined that Mr Leeson was a “devoted” father, grandfather and great-grandfather. They said his absence is missed every day, in the big and little moments, and that no sentence will ever bring him back.

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The statement said that Mr Leeson had been a truck driver for over 40 years and would have been the first to recognise the pressure that delivery drivers are under.

It concluded: “Our dad deserved to live out his life, and we deserved more time with him.”

Passing sentence yesterday, Judge Elma Sheahan began by extending her sincere condolences to the Leeson family on their enormous loss. She noted the family’s dignity throughout the court process.

Judge Sheahan said the aggravating factors in this case were the seriousness of the offending and the impact that this loss has had on Mr Leeson’s family. She set a headline sentence of 12 months.

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The judge said she must have regard to the significant mitigation before the court in the form of Rooney’s early guilty plea, his good character with no previous convictions and contributions to his community. She took into account the character references handed into the court and that Rooney has shown genuine remorse and co operated throughout.

Judge Sheahan said she must consider the law and the evidence before her. She also highlighted the words from Ms Kidd’s victim impact statement, which said that “no sentence will bring back our father.” She sentenced Rooney to nine months in prison, which she suspended in full for nine months, and disqualified him from driving for two years.

Sgt Fox agreed with Vincent Henegahan, SC, defending, that from the moment gardai arrived at the scene and up until today, his client has been fully co-operative. He also agreed that there was no “outrageous” driving carried out by Rooney.

The garda agreed with counsel that this was a case of a “momentary lapse in concentration”.

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Mr Heneghan said his client would like to express his remorse to Mr Leeson’s family. “That expression doesn’t just come today; it comes from the very first day he met the gardai and all the way through this case. He is truly remorseful.”

Counsel said this was a crime of recklessness of the most significant kind in that it resulted in death, and also the most benign in how long it lasted, less than two seconds.

He said Rooney has worked all his life and had been employed as a driver by Tesco for four and a half years. He no longer works as a driver but is still employed by the supermarket, which he described as significant because it shows that his employers trust him.

Mr Heneghan described Rooney as a single man who lives a quiet life and has a big love for music. He said that a tragedy has happened, that his client takes full responsibility for this, and he asked the court to be as lenient as possible.

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26 pictures of classic to modern motor show at Croft Circuit

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26 pictures of classic to modern motor show at Croft Circuit

The event continues to build momentum in its second year as the one-day show attracted visitors from across the region, offering a wide range of attractions celebrating both historic and contemporary vehicles.

Attendees were given access to paddock areas, providing an opportunity to view vehicles up close and engage with exhibitors.

A notable feature of the event was a meet-and-greet session with Dakar Rally competitor Robbie Wallace, who spoke with fans and shared insights from his experience in endurance motorsport.

The programme also featured a stunt performance by Paul Swift, a six-time Guinness World Record holder and former stunt driver for television and film productions including Top Gear and Fast & Furious.

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Swift delivered a series of precision driving displays, including a two-wheel driving demonstration in a Ford Ranger Raptor. A limited number of visitors were also offered passenger rides, allowing them to experience the stunt driving first-hand.

Darlington boxer Hannah Robinson with partner Mark Eager (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Paul Swift with Raymond Bone, 12 (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

In addition to the motoring displays, the event included a variety of family-friendly activities.

A designated family zone, along with live music, entertainment, and food vendors, contributed to a festival-style atmosphere throughout the day.

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The classic to modern motor returned to Croft Circuit (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Among those in attendance was Hannah Robinson, the Commonwealth Silver and IBF European Super-Lightweight boxing champion from Darlington, adding a local sporting presence to the event.

Photographs from the day captured large crowds, a diverse range of vehicles, and the live stunt performances, reflecting the event’s broad appeal.

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Organisers are expected to build on this year’s success as the show continues to establish itself as a key date in the regional motoring calendar.

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DJ Hannah Laing “detained and strip-searched” after sharing toilet at German music festival

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The DJ and producer from Dundee said the degrading incident left her cousin in tears.

Scots DJ Hannah Laing was “detained and strip-searched” after sharing a toilet with her cousin at a German music festival.

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The Dundee-based star was performing at Isle of Summer in Munich when she and her cousin went into a portable toilet together after her set on Saturday.

She claims after leaving the toilet they were detained by four undercover police officers and frogmarched through the crowds.

The 31-year-old said the two women were then subjected to a “degrading and embarrassing” strip search that left her cousin in tears.

Sharing her ordeal on Instagram she said: “At first we genuinely thought they were joking until they walked us through the festival in front of everyone with our hands held together.

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“I had just come off stage after performing, so it felt seriously humiliating being seen [by] ravers.

“We were taken to a private tent and handed over to female officers who told us they suspected we had been taking drugs because we went to the toilet together. I told them that we hadn’t.

“They then said they needed to search us. I assumed this meant checking pockets/bags. One officer held my hands and the other did an invasive search all over, including in my underwear (front and back) feeling absolutely everywhere. I felt extremely degraded and embarrassed. My cousin was crying because she felt the same.

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“They found nothing because we weren’t taking drugs.”

Hannah said the situation felt “disproportionate” and said security signs made no mention of being intimately searched for sharing a toilet.

She added: “At no point were we clearly told that this would be such an intimate search. If we had been given the option, we would have left the festival and not agreed to a strip search.

“The officers told us there was signs on the Portaloos but it was written in German, which we don’t speak. The sign states: ‘Anyone who enters a booth/cabin with two people (or more) will be banned and removed from the event’.

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“Nowhere did it state that attendees could be subjected to an invasive strip-style search. I completely understand how important it is that festivals have drug policies. But the situation felt disproportionate.

“I could understand a more serious search if there had been suspicion of selling drugs. Regardless of festival policies this shouldn’t be considered normal treatment at any event. I also want to make it clear this is not the festival’s fault.

“They looked after us extremely well and were also appalled at the situation.”

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Isle of Summer has been asked for comment.

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