Durham Cathedral and Whitby’s clifftop abbey are just two locations which will be featured in the latest series of ‘Pilgrimage’ – this year named ‘The Road to Holy Island’.

Over three hour-long episodes, seven celebrities of different faiths and beliefs will set off on a spectacular trail across the region to explore the lives of early Celtic Christian saints.

The release date is yet to be confirmed.

In true Pilgrimage style, the pilgrims carry their own backpacks, and overnight in various locations, from small wooden pods to an off-grid hostel and a basic bunkroom.

Among those taking part this year are Thirsk-born TV personality Tasha Ghouri, best known for her appearances on Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing, and Northumberland-born TV presenter Jayne Middlemis.

Other participants include the leader of the dance troupe Diversity, Ashley Banjo, Spooks and Cold Feet actor Hermione Norris and observant Muslim, Hasan Al-Habib, a radio presenter.

Comedian Ashley Blaker and actor Patsy Kensit complete the line-up.

Beginning their journey on the coast just south of Whitby Abbey, the pilgrims travel along a curated network of trails celebrating three of England’s most revered 7th century Northern saints – Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert.

Travelling north on the way of St. Hild, the pilgrims take the stunning coastal path to the ammonite beaches of Runswick Bay, before heading inland towards Durham.

Here 224 steep and uneven steps, locally known as the ‘Steps of Doom’, lead them to spectacular views and their first glimpse of Durham Cathedral where they take part in the medieval pilgrim tradition of foot washing, before visiting the shrine of St Cuthbert.

Heading out of Durham towards Heavenfield, where St Oswald won the battle to claim the Kingdom of Northumbria in the 7th century, they face an amber weather warning as they discover Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

Along the way, the pilgrims visit several places of interest including Newcastle’s Reform Synagogue. Founded in the early 1960s by the local community, including Jewish refugees who fled the Nazis during the holocaust.

Later, in the Scottish Borders, the pilgrims begin their last trail, St Cuthbert’s Way – which celebrates the Celtic Christian monk, bishop and hermit.

A challenging walk in the Cheviots on Wide-Open Hill takes the pilgrims to the highest point on the route with its extraordinary 360-degree views.

After 12 days, the group finally reach ‘Pilgrims’ Way’, where for more than a thousand years pilgrims have walked across the dramatic and dangerous tidal sands to reach Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island.

Daisy Scalchi, BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics for television, said: “What better way to embrace different perspectives and outlooks than walking with people who can open our hearts and minds to new ways of seeing the world.

“Pilgrimage is like no other show on TV and I’m so excited to see a new group strap on their walking boots for what will be an inspiring journey through one of England’s most dramatic landscapes.”

Caroline Matthews, Executive Producer and CEO, CTVC added: “With a fantastic new cast, this series delivers a wonderful moment to explore life’s big questions, faith and culture whilst exploring the spectacular landscape of Britain’s North-East.

“As ever, stripped of their creature comforts, there is strong camaraderie, tears, joy and a fabulous amount of humour to get them through their epic journey!”

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The urgent investigation into the apparent kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continued Sunday, a week after the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing in Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie solemnly told the potential kidnappers in a social media video released Saturday that the family was prepared to pay for her safe return. Flanked by her siblings, Guthrie said “we received your message” and that: “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

An FBI spokesman said Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message that was sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday. The station declined to share details about the message’s contents as the FBI conducted its review.

Detectives and agents continued to perform follow-up work at multiple locations as part of the investigation, according to an email Sunday from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The agency said in the email to media that it would not yet provide details about that work.

“Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case,” read the email.

Two marked sheriff’s cars and another vehicle arrived at Nancy Guthrie’s house around midday Sunday and at least two people went to the back of the home for more than 20 minutes before leaving without comment.

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will last weekend from her home just outside Tucson. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.

Multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters during the past week. At least one letter made monetary demands and established Thursday evening and Monday evening as deadlines. Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.

The disappearance of the well-known TV host’s mother has fixated Americans over the past week. Candles remained lit early Sunday near Nancy Guthrie’s home, next to a sign expressing support for the family.

The White House said President Donald Trump called and spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week. The president told reporters on Friday that there are clues in the case “that I think are very strong.”

Authorities say they have growing concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

The video released Saturday was the third this week that pleaded with potential kidnappers.

Flash floods caused by a storm in northern Morocco killed at least four people as the country struggled with days of heavy rain and water releases from overfilled dams that forced mass evacuations, local authorities said Sunday.

Three children — a girl and two boys aged 2 to 14 — and a man in his 30s died in a car that was swept away in a village near Tétouan, about 270 kilometers (168 miles) north of the capital Rabat, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry citing local authorities. Another person remains missing.

Local authorities said they will open an investigation into what happened.

The flash floods were caused by a storm system known as Marta, which moved into Morocco over the weekend and dumped up to 92 millimeters (3.6 inches) of rain on some northern cities, Houssine Youabed of Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology told The Associated Press. Storm Marta also reached neighboring Spain and Portugal.

Days earlier, another storm, Leonardo, hit northern Africa and the Iberian peninsula. In Morocco, it overfilled dams and rivers, damaging homes and crops, triggering minor landslides and forcing more than 150,000 people to evacuate.

The turbulent weather has also secured at least a year’s supply of drinking water for Morocco and boosted resources for the country’s critical agricultural sector, officials said, providing relief after a yearslong drought.

A Russian citizen has been detained in Dubai over the shooting of a general in Moscow.

The Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB secret police, said in a statement that a Russian citizen named Lyubomir Korba was arrested on suspicion of shooting Lieutenant General Vladimir ‍Alexeyev on Friday.

“With the assistance of partners from the United Arab Emirates… [he] was detained in Dubai and handed over to the Russian side,” the security service said. Korba has since been flown back to Russia, according to security officials.

Lt Gen Alexeyev was shot three times with a Makarov pistol equipped with a silencer in an apartment block on the Volokolamsk highway in northern Moscow, according to investigators. The perpetrator then fled the scene.

The 64-year-old was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery, Russian media said.

Russian investigators have accused Ukraine of planning the shooting, but Kyiv has denied involvement.

Investigators said Korba, born in the Ternopil region of Soviet Ukraine in 1960, was tasked by Ukrainian intelligence to carry out the shooting.

The FSB said it had identified two accomplices, also Russian citizens.

One, Viktor Vasin, was detained in Moscow, while another, Zinaida Serebritskaya, escaped to Ukraine. Sky News was unable to immediately verify the details of the suspects.

The UAE did not give any details about how Korba was detained.

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Russia claims suspect in shooting of military chief detained

Vladimir Putin called the UAE leader, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, after the detention of Korba and thanked him for his country’s help in the operation, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Meanwhile, Russia launched an attack on several Ukrainian regions overnight.

Ukraine’s air force said 101 attack drones were fired towards the country, with the force repelling the majority.

Apartments in the Donetsk region and nearby cars caught fire after a drone strike. One person died, and two others have been injured.

The overnight attack came almost 24 hours after Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

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400 drones, 40 missiles hit Ukraine overnight

More than 400 drones and 40 missiles were fired in that attack as the harshest winter in the near four-year war grips Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced new sanctions in response to the strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Read more:
Mystery as Russian general shot at close range
Russian drone strike on bus in Ukraine kills 12

“Producing this weaponry would be impossible without critical foreign components, which the Russians continue to obtain by circumventing sanctions,” the Ukrainian leader wrote in a social media post.

“We are introducing new sanctions precisely against such companies – component suppliers, as well as missile and drone manufacturers. I have signed the relevant decisions.”

Davy Fitzgerald’s men have now lost three successive games in Division 1B after being thumped by 10 points by Kildare in Newbridge

Allianz National Hurling League, Division 1B, Round 3: Kildare 3-21 Antrim 0-20

Antrim coach Seoirse Bulfin said the Saffrons were shocked to be crushed by Kildare – leaving them battling relegation.

Davy Fitzgerald’s side arrived in Newbridge as favourites but were thumped by 10 points and slumped to their third straight defeat.

They trailed the Joe McDonagh Cup title holders by three points at half time and were then demolished by a third quarter blitz.

Muiris Curtin fired 2-2 for Kildare while sub James Dolan struck their other goal with all three green flags coming in that third quarter.

Freshly promoted Kildare led by double scores 3-19 to 0-14, with 15 minutes to go and cruised to what could be a hugely significant win in 1B.

Kildare can fancy their chances of staying up now while Antrim must be fearing the worst after three defeats and that second half humbling.

Fitzgerald left the media duties to Bulfin who said: “Physically Kildare were bigger and they were very strong in that middle third. They got a lot of bodies in there and we seemed to be running into brick walls a lot.

“It’s very hard to put a finger on it – we didn’t see it coming. We’re training very well and we started well in the first 15 minutes and then they seemed to get a grip and they got a run on us.

“Goals win games and we were always going to be chasing the game when they got two quick goals like that. It was just one of those days.

“We’re playing Carlow at home next and it’s a massive game. Whoever loses that will be under savage pressure to get out of relegation. We’re in a relegation scrap now.”

It was a double delight for Kildare manager Brian Dowling who had a weekend to remember. He managed St Kieran’s College to Leinster schools success on Saturday.

The Lilywhites were poor in their League opener against Dublin and scored just two points from play but bossed this one on a heavy pitch in Newbridge.

“The option was there to move this game to a different venue but I said, ‘no way, we’re playing here, this is our home patch’,” said Dowling, who will return with Kildare for the February 21 clash with Clare.

“We know we’ll be up against it that night but we’ll throw everything at it and see where it goes.”

Antrim’s day ended with a 73rd minute straight red card for sub Jack McCloskey who, after Antrim had won a free, struck the sliotar at a Kildare player who didn’t retreat.

Kildare: P McKenna; R Boran, S Leacy, L O’Reilly; P Dolan (0-2), Cian Boran, Conan Boran; D O’Meara, D Guerin (0-1); J Travers (0-2), G Keegan (0-1), C McCabe (0-2); C Dowling (0-1), J Sheridan (0-9, 6f) M Curtin (2-2).

Subs: J Dolan (1-0) for Travers 35+1, A Goss for P Dolan 52, C Kehoe (0-1) for Dowling 60, H Carroll for O’Meara 65, T Power for Keegan 68.

Antrim: D Nugent; S Rooney, N O’Connor, P Burke; E McCormick, J Maskey, G Walsh; R McCambridge (0-4), E O’Neill (0-1), R Donaghy (0-1), S Elliott (0-11, 9f, 1 65), S Duffin; J McNaughton (0-1), C Cunning (0-2), C Johnston.

Subs: K Molloy for Duffin & S Walsh for Donaghy h/t, E McFerran for McCormick 42, J McCloskey for Johnston 57, P Boyle for O’Neill 57.

Ref: E Furlong (Wexford).

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The Puerto Rican singer, 31, also known as Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, made history last week at the Grammys for being the first artist to win album of the year for a record sung entirely in Spanish.

On Sunday, he will be at the centre of one of the most-watched broadcasts in the world, performing at the Super Bowl half-time show in Santa Clara, California.

– Why is the show such a big deal?

Despite it being an American sporting event, the half-time performance blows up online every year with many tuning in to the entertainment portion of the game.

Previous headliners include Sir Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Rihanna, Coldplay and most recently Kendrick Lamar who have each performed a medley of their hit songs, often bringing out surprise guests to the stage.

Performances have often sparked some controversy for political statements during the live broadcast, such as Beyonce’s 2016 references to The Black Panther Party or Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 performance, which also featured Bad Bunny, and depicted children in cages, allegedly condemning US president Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Ahead of taking the stage, Bad Bunny’s appointment has already been met with criticism, including from Mr Trump, for his outspoken opposition to US immigration policies.

– Who is he?

Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper and producer who rose to fame following his hit single with rapper Cardi B and singer J Balvin titled I Like It.

The Latin American musician blew up internationally last year with the release of his sixth studio album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos.

The 17-track record fuses a number of genres including reggaeton, pop, salsa and house along with traditional Puerto Rican music such as plena, in what can be described as a love letter to the Island.

The intimate homage to the singer’s home went on to become the first album sung entirely in Spanish to win the coveted album of the year award at the 2026 Grammys.

He also won the Grammy for best global music performance for his hit track EoO and picked up best musica urbana album award for the fourth year in a row.

The record was accompanied with an economy-boosting 30-day residency in Puerto Rico with the singer refusing to schedule performances in any mainland US cities as a way to encourage tourism to the island as well as to protect fans from possible encounters with US immigration officers.

Following his run of gigs in Puerto Rico, the singer set off on his world tour with dates scheduled in Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Japan and the UK, with two nights in London this summer.

– What to expect

Sunday’s show is expected to be a “huge party” infused with Puerto Rican culture and full of dancing.

The singer recently told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden: “I just want people to have fun. It’s gonna be a huge party. I want to bring that to the stage, a lot of my culture.

“People only have to worry about dancing. I know I told people they had a month to learn Spanish, but they don’t even need to do that! It’s better that they learn to dance. There’s no better dance than the one that comes from the heart.”

It is also expected that he will make some form of political statement following his call for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers to leave cities alone and opt for love during his Grammy acceptance speech last week.

Ice officers have been sent to US cities as part of Mr Trump’s mass deportation initiative, and have come under strong criticism over their aggressive approach, most notably in Minnesota and Minneapolis, where about 2,000 federal agents have been deployed.

Most recently, Ice agents fatally shot two people on the streets of Minneapolis: Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24.

Super Bowl 60 will be available to watch live on Channel 5, Sky Sports and DAZN, but the time difference means it won’t begin until 11.30pm UK time.

With just a few hours to go until Bad Bunny’s history-making performance at the Super Bowl half-time show, here is what to expect.

The Puerto Rican singer, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, will take the stage in Santa Clara, California, during the NFL showpiece clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, with millions expected to tune in around the world.

The 31-year old is expected to perform the show entirely in Spanish – a first for the Super Bowl’s near 60-year history which has been overwhelmingly English-led.

Before his show, rock band Green Day will perform in the opening ceremony with popstar Charlie Puth tasked with singing the US national anthem.

As with most Super Bowl half-time shows, Bad Bunny is expected to bring out a surprise guest or guests, with many predicting appearances by Shakira or Jennifer Lopez.

He has promised 15 minutes of dancing and Puerto Rican culture, turning Levi’s Stadium into a “huge party” as he sings a medley of some of his biggest hits.

He is expected to perform songs from his record-breaking 2025 album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, which won the album of the year Grammy last week – the first time a record sung entirely in Spanish has claimed the prize.

Blending Latin pop, hip-hop, salsa and reggaeton, the album is seen as a love letter to his home in Puerto Rico and a celebration of his heritage.

The rapper told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden: “I just want people to have fun. It’s gonna be a huge party. I want to bring that to the stage, a lot of my culture.

“People only have to worry about dancing.

“I know I told people they had a month to learn Spanish, but they don’t even need to do that. It’s better that they learn to dance.

“There’s no better dance than the one that comes from the heart.”

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Known for his opposition to US immigration policies, he is also expected to make a political statement during his performance after he used his Grammy acceptance speech last week to call for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers to leave cities alone and opt for love.

He said: “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans.

“I would say to the people, I know it’s tough to know not to hate on these days, and I was thinking, sometimes… the hate get more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”

Ice officers have been sent into US cities as part of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiative, most notably in Minnesota, where about 2,000 federal agents have been deployed.

They have been strongly criticised for their aggressive approach after Ice agents fatally shot two people – Renee Good and Alex Pretti – on the streets of Minneapolis last month.

The new bug is called Arsink, and it is an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT).

“Arsink is a sophisticated malware that actively exfiltrates information, transmitting it directly to its operators while affording them complete remote control,” Zimperium explained.

More than 45,000 devices have already been infected by this virus, according to the tech experts, across 143 countries, including in the UK.

How the Arsink bug works

Android users are being tricked into downloading “pro” versions of official-looking apps, Zimperium said.

These apps are usually advertised on social media and other similar platforms, rather than the official Google Play Store.

Once these apps are downloaded, the Arsink bug gets to work within the device, allowing hackers access to:

• Text messages
• Emails
• Call logs
• Contacts
• Microphone recordings
• Photos
• Location data
• And more…

Android users are being tricked into downloading “pro” versions of official-looking apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. (Image: PA)

The bug also allows hackers to remotely control certain features of infected devices, including:

• Using the torch
• Playing audio
• Setting wallpaper
• Making calls
• Changing various settings

Zimperium added: “In most cases, the apps don’t deliver real features, they display a minimal UI (user interface), immediately request sensitive permissions, and then operate silently.”

The sophisticated malware hides its icon to reduce detection and launches a foreground service that keeps running despite task killers.

It will also display persistent notifications to prevent the service from being terminated.

Delete Any App Asking For Full Control 🚨

Malware abuses Android accessibility permissions to hijack devices, steal data & spy on users. If you didn’t install it for legitimate accessibility needs remove it immediately.

Learn more from @Forbes: https://t.co/DiarWGUICf

— Zimperium (@Zimperium) August 18, 2025

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The apps to delete to avoid Arsink bug

As mentioned previously, the Arsink bug is hidden within “pro” versions of official-looking apps, which trick users into downloading the malicious software and granting it “extensive” access.

Around 50 well-known brands are being used, including:

• Google
• YouTube
• WhatsApp
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

If you come across any “pro” versions of official-looking apps outside the Google Play Store, be sure to avoid them.

If you have already installed one, delete it immediately.

Fans say that everyone should make the time to stream this historically inspired film

What is considered by some as the best historical war movie of the last decade is now streaming for free.

The Woman King is currently not available via any other streamer. Thankfully for fans they can currently check it out at no extra cost on Channel 4.

Originally released in cinemas back in 2022, it quickly became a much talked about release. Earning just shy of $100 million at the box office, it nearly doubled its budget of $50 million.

Not only that but it was a critical darling earning an incredible 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even more impressively, it boasts a higher fan score on the same website with a near perfect 99%. It would go on to be nominated for several awards including a Golden Globe, a Grammy and three BAFTAS.

Set in the 1800s and inspired by true events, the film tells the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen.

According to its synopsis, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca, played by Oscar winner Viola Davis as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.

One critic recently labelled the film as ‘one of the best war movies of the decade’ while another named it ‘one of the decade’s most underrated masterpieces.”

Fans are just as vocal and full or praise for the film. As one person shared their thoughts online posted: “What a remarkable epic, heroic, emotional and inspiring journey it was. The acting was superb!”

They continued: “This is so much more than a drama or an action movie – this is human spirit at its greatest and ugliest moments in a head to head clash. The story is deep and surprising and the fact it is based on true events only adds a unique spice to the whole creation. Not for the faint of hearts. Highly recommended!”

Another added: “Amazing story, action, and acting. Was a bit long, but worth the watch. Viola Davis is one of the best actresses I have ever seen.”

Someone else claimed: “The Woman King’ is an epic masterpiece, unlike any film you’ve seen before with its gorgeous visuals, action, honesty and representation. It will stir your soul, give you chills + make you cheer on every last one of these magnificent female characters.”

While one fan declared: “This movie is incredibly stunning, moving, and awe-inspiring. I cannot thoroughly put into words how much I love this movie. Absolutely phenomenal performances all around. Viola Davis is pure perfection. Every second of this movie, I was captivated. Our world needs more movies like this untold story.”

The Woman King is streaming on Channel 4.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website

The Footlights has turned out star names including Stephen Fry, John Cleese, Douglas Adams, David Baddiel and many more

For more than 50 years the Cambridge Footlights has been a conveyor belt of comic genius. A student sketch comedy troupe at the University of Cambridge which dates back to 1883, its alumni reads like a who’s who of British comedy – John Cleese, Eric Idle, Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis, all of the Goodies, Richard Osman, Jan Ravens, Nick Mohammed, Alexander Armstrong, Ben Miller, Phil Wang, Mirian Margolyes, David Baddiel and Douglas Adams are just a few of the big-name former Footlighters who have kept us entertained.

Now a new book has offered a fascinating and entertaining deep dive into the Footlights, with more than 70 former Footlighters recalling their experiences and giving insights into why the troupe has been such a prolific comedy production line.

The Cambridge Footlights: A Very British Comedy Institution was written by Robert Sellers, the author of more than 25 books on subjects such as cinema, theatre, television, music and popular culture, and was released this month by Bloomsbury.

“You could call it a factory for churning out comedians since the 50s,” said Robert. “So I thought it was an interesting institution to examine. I’m a huge Monty Python fan so I knew that most of the Pythons went to Cambridge. I’m also a big Goodies fan and all of them went to Cambridge.

“I’ve been aware of it for a while but what interested me before I decided to pursue it properly…was it still churning out these people?

“The high point was the 60s, 70s and early 80s – but it’s still remarkably consistent. Just look at The Inbetweeners, Richard Ayoade, David Mitchell and people like that. It’s still part of television, theatre and comedy. It’s still relevant.”

As he researched the subject and spoke to former Footlighters, it became apparent to Robert that the secret to the success of the Footlights conveyor belt of talent was the experience it gave those involved.

The opportunity to write and perform, not only in Cambridge but in the West End, theatres around the country and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, was both unique and invaluable.

“I wanted the book to be as much as possible an oral history,” said Robert. “I didn’t want it to be a staid, academic-type book. I wanted it to follow people through the years, their personal experiences. So I’ve interviewed over 70 people who are ex-Footlighters. It’s very much a personal history of their time there.

“A lot of people said it’s the experience that it gives you. A lot of people said it’s better than a drama school. In a drama school you’re performing to your own classmates for most of the time. With the Footlights, because of the revue and the tour they go on, and when they go up to the Edinburgh Festival, they’re performing in front of the public from a very early age.

“There’s a thing called smokers which they put on every few weeks for the college. Anyone from the college and the university can come and watch, and you have to write your own material. Someone told me that when they arrived, they were quite surprised that they had to write their own material. They thought they were given material and they’d just have to go on stage and be funny. But no, you had to write it and perform it, and a lot of people found that a real challenge. That helps enormously, that you’re writing material every three weeks.

“Someone told me that when he left the Footlights and was performing stand-up on this quite big venue, a fellow comedian said to them, ‘This is your first time here – this must be a big moment for you, performing in front of an audience’. But he had spent three years going to the Edinburgh Fringe and performing in front of 1,000 people and going on tour to theatres around the country.

“It’s a real ladder of opportunity – also for producers and directors. Some people might not necessarily want to be a performer, but a writer or a producer or a director.

“So they’ve left university having directed a professional production. It’s a huge advantage over your contemporaries and your competitors.”

The Footlights is still a thriving institution – and still supplementary to whatever academic course its members have chosen for their studies. “It was almost a release valve for their studies,” said Robert of the former Footlighters he interviewed.

“Once a week they could just be silly and do silly jokes. It was a wonderful release from the pressures of academia. It started as a hobby because people enjoyed doing drama and theatre but they had no ambition to be a professional performer.

“John Cleese had no ambition to be a comedian even though he was in the Footlights. He wanted to be a lawyer or a barrister. Graham Chapman wanted to be a doctor.

“It started to change in the 70s when people went to Cambridge purely to be a comedian and join the Footlights after seeing so many people come through in the 50s and 60s – Peter Cook, and people like that. So in the 80s sometimes people were taking the Footlights more seriously than their academic work.”

But while students from colleges throughout the university took advantage of the opportunity to indulge themselves in drama, women were excluded from being full members of The Footlights until 1964. “An interesting element of the book is the role of women in the Footlights,” explained Robert.

“I interviewed Graeme Garden and he wanted to introduce women during the year he was president. But one of the high principals who was on the board and had quite a lot of significance, said he would resign if women were made members.

“So the following year when Tim Brooke-Taylor was vice-president and Eric Idle was president, they said ‘this time we’re doing it – if the guy wants to resign we’ll call his bluff – but women have to be members this time’.

“Women could perform in the Footlights but couldn’t be members. They could do smokers and occasionally, like Miriam Margolyes, be in the revue show – but were treated abominably. Someone told me she (Margolyes) wasn’t even allowed to go to the after-show party, even though she’d been in the show. She went back home and cried all night.

“When Germaine Greer did a smoker, they just thought there was no way they could say ‘no’ to her. She was very powerful and that changed everything. She was the first female member.”

Not everyone who joined the Footlights went on to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, of course. One of the alumni Robert interviewed for his book was Peter Firth, who was 97 at the time, and was president of the Footlights in 1953. He went on to become a priest.

“He was a lovely guy and his memory was crystal clear,” said Robert. “He was president of his year and he put the revue on. It was such a success that a West End producer said, ‘Can you put it on in the West End please?’ But he knew he wanted to be a priest so he didn’t do it.

“But the following year the revue was again a success and the same producer came back and this time they said yes, and that became the first Footlights revue in the West End.

“It became a bit of an institution in the 60s and 70s that the Cambridge revue would not only do a tour round the UK and Edinburgh, but also go into the West End. It became a big deal although it doesn’t happen any more. One revue even went to Broadway.”

What became clear to Robert is that members of the Footlights fully acknowledged the privileged position that attending the University of Cambridge put them in.

“There were lots and lots of societies – each house had its own little comedy group,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any other institution in the country where you get that much practice. These guys left Cambridge pretty much a honed comedian.”

And for a time coming from The Footlights actually worked against any would-be comic looking to make their mark. The rise of alternative comedy in the 1980s meant that talent emerging from the Footlights was viewed as ‘the Establishment’ and therefore actively sneered at.

“For quite a long period of time, coming from The Footlights was actually a negative,” said Robert. “In the 1980s because of the rise of alternative comedy, if you came from The Footlights, you were almost cancelled – certainly looked down on. If you were Cambridge you were seen as rich and coming from a well-off family – you were dismissed as a rich tw*ts.

“Matthew Holness talks about it a lot – how hostile the environment was when he went to Edinburgh. David Baddiel told me that when he left the Footlights in the mid-80s he phoned up the Comedy Store in London to ask if he could do a gig or perform in some way.

“They said, ‘That’s fine, interesting’ and asked if he had any experience. David said he was vice-president of the Footlights and they hung up on him! For many years he never mentioned he was a Footlighter.

“Nick Hancock is from the Midlands and people assumed he was never anywhere near the Cambridge Footlights – and he never revealed he was a Footlighter.

“There was a lot of hostility, I think because of the revue called The Cellar Tapes. It was Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry. They won the first ever Perrier Award and I think there was a lot of resentment.

“Stephen, Hugh and Emma were all from very privileged backgrounds. You’ve got the Young Ones sketch where they’re on University Challenge (Fry, Laurie and Thompson all appear as obnoxious toffs in the opposing Footlights College team). That sums up how the Footlights was seen at that time. They were ‘posh tw*ts’.

“But I spoke to a lot of people who were in it over the last few years and it’s different now. It’s very diverse. A lot of effort has gone into making it so, which is covered in the book as well.”