A Gogglebox star was absent from the latest episode of the Channel 4 show
Joe Crutchley Screen Time reporter
22:40, 13 Feb 2026Updated 22:43, 13 Feb 2026
A popular Gogglebox star was conspicuously absent during the latest episode, and their family promptly provided an explanation.
The enduring Channel 4 programme returned to screens on Friday evening (February 13) for another instalment. Back offering their opinions on recent television were favourites such as Pete and Sophie Sandiford and Ellie and Izzi Warner.
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The Plummer brothers, Tremaine, Twaine, and Tristan, who joined the show in 2016, also made a return. However, instead of the usual trio, only Tremaine and Tristan were present on the sofa.
Prior to the episode airing, the brothers explained Twaine’s absence on Instagram. In the video, they said: “It’s just the two T’s today as Twaine left us to go on holiday. So we’ve got a new member of the team now,” before introducing their adorable dog.
The post was captioned: “Meet the new member of the team… @trissy101 @trem_vi Brand new #Gogglebox tonight at 9pm on @channel4.”, reports the Mirror.
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Fans quickly filled the comments section with messages of support, and even Twaine responded, saying: “Wish I was there,” accompanied by sad face emojis. Another person wrote: “Enjoy the holiday you are missed tonight.”
Another fan remarked: “Happy Friday looking forward to watching you tonight. Hope he’s gone somewhere that’s sunny and dry.”
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A third follower declared: “He’s another good-looking Plummer I’m glad you’re back with us we don’t see enough of you guys.”
The Plummer brothers made their Gogglebox debut a decade ago – and it didn’t take them long to become firm favourites with viewers. Over the years, the brothers – who are based in Bristol – have had fans in stitches thanks to their witty banter and one-liners and comical takes on the telly highlights.
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Beyond the television programme though, Tremaine – who is the eldest of the three siblings – hosts a breakfast radio show on Bristol’s Ujima FM. Tristan has pursued a professional footballing career from 2007 as well, alongside other brother Twaine.
Meanwhile Gogglebox welcomed several fresh faces to its line-up last year, including Jake and Calum from Glasgow and the Gordon family from Surrey.
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Additional new stars featured the likes of married couple Andrew and Alfie from the Cotswolds and mother-and-daughter-in-law duo Sara and Lara from Yorkshire.
After further details of Andrew’s relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the Prince of Wales was said to have viewed the then-prince as a serious threat to the royal family’s survival.
The revelations are in an upcoming book about the Prince and Princess of Wales, written by the Mirror’s royal editor, Russell Myers.
A palace source in the book said: “The Prince of Wales was adamant the whole episode would never go away and, despite how others may have felt, there was absolutely no upside in Andrew being protected.”
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(BBC Newsnight)
William had urged action from Charles and Queen Elizabeth, who were in favour of protecting him, which provoked a furious reaction from his father, who “put him in his place”, the book claims.
The new biography alleges Charles was “engaged in a full-scale fire fight”, and William feared the Epstein scandal would pose a threat to the royal family’s survival.
A palace source in the book, said: “His view was crystal clear, Andrew shouldn’t be anywhere near the family under any circumstances, not by association, not at family functions, anywhere.
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“Every single time there was a new revelation, which no one knew when it was coming or what the next one would be, it was a stain on all of the family.”
In a now infamous interview with BBC Newsnight in 2019, Andrew was asked about sexual abuse allegations made by the late Virginia Giuffre. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.
William and Kate said they were “deeply concerned” over the ongoing revelations surrounding Andrew (PA Wire)
He claimed he had “no recollection” of ever meeting Ms Giuffre and said it was not possible he could have had sex with her in March 2001, as he was at a Pizza Express in Woking with his daughter.
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Andrew also failed to apologise for his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Prince and Princess of Wales publicly addressed the Epstein scandal for the first time this week, saying they have been “deeply concerned” over the ongoing revelations surrounding Andrew.
Another source in the book said: “Once you understand the fact that everything that happens in the here and now, affects everything in the future, William’s future, it is very easy to put yourself in his shoes.
“He never much liked his uncle and wanted him out of the picture immediately before the rot further set in. William’s view was that he [Andrew] got himself into the whole mess, so he should be left to his own devices to sort it out away from the family.”
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Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of abusing her in 2001 (US Department of Justice)
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King had “profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.”
US Congress members have urged the King to “answer what he knew” about his brother’s ties to Epstein and compel him to testify in the US.
Andrew suffered a fall from grace following the release of Epstein files in October, which saw him stripped of all his titles, including the Duke of York.
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In the latest tranche of documents released, Andrew is alleged to have shared confidential reports with Epstein that he had access to in his role as a UK trade envoy.
The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace and Andrew’s representatives.
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
This Valentine’s Day, Saturn enters Aries, bringing proactiveness, determination and focus to the forefront. Don’t dim your sparkle.
Leo, Sagittarius and Capricorn, you may feel drawn to turning inward today to seek answers. Listen to this instinct, and trust your intuition.
The path is clear today for your to make progress, and aim for brilliant success. You will end the day feeling accomplished, so enjoy the process.
Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday February 14, 2026.
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Saturn re-enters your sign, bringing a celestial reality check. Don’t fret – you’re stepping into a new chapter of maturity, responsibility and long-term growth. Think of it as boot camp for your best self. Challenges may pop up, but so will opportunities to prove your strength and leadership. This is your time to build something solid – career, relationship, or a better version of you.
Your inner world becomes the focus as prudent Saturn moves back into Aries. Think of this as a period to declutter – to clear emotional cobwebs, old habits and beliefs that no longer serve you. Saturn’s slow-but-steady vibe helps you work through things privately but powerfully. Boundaries become sacred, rest becomes revolutionary, and solitude can inspire brilliance.
It’s time to assess which friendships fire you up and which ones are fizzling out. Saturn in Aries wants quality over quantity, so focus on connections that support your growth and long-term goals. This is also prime time for stepping into a leadership role in a group, cause or community. Responsibility may find you, but with your charm and clever ideas, you’ll handle it well.
Your career zone gets an upgrade or a challenge. Are you ready to step up, show up and shine professionally? Saturn’s no-nonsense energy nudges you to take long-term goals seriously. You might find yourself in a managerial role or striving for one. Success won’t be instant, but persistence pays off. However, if you are in a job you don’t like, change beckons.
As Saturn returns to fellow fire sign Aries, your inner philosopher awakens. You’re being called to get serious about a vision – studying, teaching, publishing or planning a bold adventure. This isn’t about chasing thrills; it’s about crafting a legacy from your ideals. The road may have hurdles, but each teaches resilience. Long-term commitments to growth will pay off in fulfilling ways.
Ready to be shrewder around shared resources and emotional entanglements and that you usually keep compartmentalised? Saturn in Aries asks you to do the deep work, financially or psychologically. Boundaries become your best friends, and long-term security grows from daily discipline. Think of it as an inner audit, helping you prune what drains you and protect what fuels you.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
One-on-one relationships enter the spotlight, not just romantic ones. Contracts, commitments and collaborations come with small print and big lessons. Balance diplomacy with firm boundaries and clear expectations. Saturn rewards structure – solid partnerships grow stronger, while those built on attraction alone may show cracks.
Saturn returns to Aries and can sharpen daily routines and disciplined action. This transit brings a no-nonsense vibe to work, wellness and habits. If you’ve been winging it, this nudges you toward structure. Think of it as planetary training for mind, body and schedule. Your natural intensity now needs consistent application.
Take your leisure activities seriously – romance, art, or fun. Saturn in Aries doesn’t dim your flame, it channels it. That brilliant idea? Turn it into a masterpiece. That flirtation? Time to see if it’s real. Children, hobbies and meaningful ventures ask for commitment, not chaos. Free spirit energy now works best with consistency.
With your ruler Saturn back in Aries, it’s time to reengage with the foundations for success and emotional strength. Home, roots, and inner security are in focus. Renovating a house or rebuilding family bonds? Saturn wants commitment, not quitting. This is less about bricks and more about boundaries – setting, keeping and knowing when to soften them.
Prepare to walk your talk. You’re known for innovative ideas, but now you need structure, insight and consistency. Your traditional ruler Saturn’s return to Aries helps turn abstract musings into messages that move people. Sibling relationships or local matters may also need a measured approach. Quiet confidence speaks volumes
Your focus once more turns to values, self-worth and managing your money and energy. Stern Saturn gave you a taste of this last year and now is back for the longer term and helping you build firmer foundations and asking for you to audit what you truly value. If you’ve been giving too much away, it’s time to set gentle but firm limits. Turn dreams into dividends and indulgences into well-earned wins.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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Firefighters were called to a fire in a Cambridgeshire village on Thursday (February 12). A crew from Cottenham was called to Capper Road in Waterbeach at 9:02pm following reports of a fire that had broken out in the open.
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Firefighter arrived at the scene to find a fire involving a motorbike. The crew used a hose reel to extinguish the fire and had returned to their station by 10:10pm.
The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate. Cambridgeshire Police has raised a crime for arson and enquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with information should contact the police through the force website or by calling Crimestoppers on 08000555111.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 9.02pm on Thursday (12) a crew from Cottenham was called to a fire in the open on Capper Road in Waterbeach.
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“Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving a motorbike and returned to their station by 10.10pm.
“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate. Anyone with information should contact police by visiting www.cambs.police.uk to submit an online report or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
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Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan calls for a universal system of retirement income and equal uprating for all pensions to address the widening gap between New and Basic State Pension rates
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
21:00, 13 Feb 2026
During the State Pension and benefits uprating debate in Parliament, Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to “look again at the advantages of a universal system of income in retirement that reaches everyone”. The Poole MP also drew attention to the “unfairness” in payment rates between the New and Basic State Pension.
Mr Duncan-Jordan told fellow MPs: “For our older generation, the State Pension is the foundation on which a decent retirement can be built. The restoration of the Triple Lock has been key to raising the income of some of our poorest pensioners, which is why we need it to continue, but it would be wrong to say that the job has been done when we still have 1.9 million older people living in poverty.”
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The Labour MP highlighted the disparity between the annual uprating in cash terms for those who reached State Pension age before April 2016 (Basic) or after 2016 (New), stating: “That is unfair, and we should consider uprating all pensions in the same way.”
Under the Triple Lock, both the New and Basic State Pensions increase each year in line with whichever is the highest between the average annual earnings growth from May to July (4.8%), the CPI inflation rate in the year to September (3.8%), or 2.5 per cent.
Additional State Pension elements and deferred State Pensions rise each year with the September CPI figure (3.8%), reports the Daily Record. The uplift means those receiving the full New State Pension will get £241.30 per week, while those on the maximum Basic State Pension would pocket £184.90 per week.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Duncan-Jordan said: “Our social security system is the bedrock of our welfare state, but for years, the safety net that it was meant to provide has been developing bigger and bigger holes, through which some of our most vulnerable citizens have fallen.
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“For our older generation, the State Pension is the foundation on which a decent retirement can be built. The restoration of the Triple Lock has been key to raising the income of some of our poorest pensioners, which is why we need it to continue, but it would be wrong to say that the job has been done when we still have 1.9 million older people living in poverty.”
He highlighted the “weakness” of the means-tested Pension Credit system, noting that approximately 750,000 older people are entitled to claim but haven’t yet done so, adding “that is why we need to look again at the advantages of a universal system of income in retirement that reaches everyone”.
The Labour MP went on: “Even in the current uprating arrangements, there is an unfairness. Some 8.3 million older people are in receipt of the pre-2016 State Pension, made up of a Basic State Pension and a second State Pension, which for many would have been SERPS (state earnings-related pension scheme) introduced by the late, great Barbara Castle.
“While the Triple Lock applies to the Basic State Pension for these people, the lower consumer prices index is used to uprate the second State Pension. This year, that will give a difference of 1 per cent, and over time, we have seen the gap between those on the old State Pension and the New State Pension widen. That is unfair, and we should consider uprating all pensions in the same way.”
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The State Pension amount someone receives is based on their National Insurance contributions. Around 35 years’ worth are needed to qualify for the full New State Pension, though this may vary if you were ‘contracted out’.
The full New State Pension will rise by approximately £574 to £12,547 over the new financial year. However, the uprating leaves only £36 before breaching the Personal Allowance income threshold of £12,570, which would result in more pensioners with any additional income paying tax in retirement.
The UK Government recently confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will introduce new measures next year to ensure that pensioners – whose only income is the State Pension – will not be required to complete a Simple Self Assessment tax return if their payment exceeds the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570.
This follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement during the Autumn Budget that the Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570 until April 5, 2030 – extending the original timeline by three years. New State Pension payment rates 2026/27.
Some school districts in the U.S. dropped plans for class pictures after widespread social media posts linked a billionaire with ties to Jeffrey Epstein to the photography giant Lifetouch, which on Friday called the claims “completely false.”
The disruption to school picture plans in Texas and elsewhere began after online posts linked Lifetouch, which photographs millions of students each year, to the investment fund manager Apollo Global Management. Apollo’s former CEO is billionaire investor Leon Black, who met regularly with Epstein and was advised by Epstein on financial matters.
Black led the company in 2019, when funds managed by Apollo bought Lifetouch’s parent company, Shutterfly. The $2.7 billion deal closed in September 2019 — a month after Epstein’s death by suicide behind bars as he awaited trial over allegations from federal prosecutors that he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of girls.
Both Lifetouch and Apollo noted that timeline in statements Friday, two days after Lifetouch CEO Ken Murphy said in an Instagram post that neither Black nor any of Apollo’s directors or investors ever had any access to Lifetouch photos.
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“No Lifetouch executives have ever had any relationship or contact with Epstein and we have never shared student images with any third party, including Apollo,” Lifetouch said in its statement Friday. “Apollo and its funds also have no role in Lifetouch’s daily operations and have no access to student images.”
The canceled school pictures are another ripple effect over the release of millions of files from the Epstein investigation, including documents showing Epstein’s regular contacts with CEOs, journalists, scientists and prominent politicians long after a 2008 conviction on sex crimes charges.
In the small Texas town of Malakoff, the local school district canceled a student picture day after several parents told the district they weren’t comfortable with Lifetouch photographing their children, spokesperson Katherine Smith said in a statement e-mailed Friday. Several other schools and districts in Texas also canceled or changed plans, as well as a charter school in Arizona, according to Facebook announcements posted by the schools.
“We decided our students and families would be best served by keeping all of our pictures in-house for the rest of this year, and we are looking at all of our options for the 2026-2027 school year,” Smith said.
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Parents concerned about Lifetouch included MaKallie Gann, whose children attend schools in Howe, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Dallas. She said she was worried about how much information Lifetouch collects on students.
“Whenever you order the pictures, it has their name. It has the age, of course. It has their grade, their teacher, the school that they’re in,” she said.
No evidence of Epstein or anyone in his orbit seeing Lifetouch photos has emerged from news organizations’ review of thousands of documents released this month by the U.S. Department of Justice, though there are at least 1.7 million records.
The review shows Black’s name appeared 8,200 times, though that figure likely includes some duplicate records. Black stepped down as Apollo’s CEO in March 2021, saying he wanted to focus on his family, health, and “many other interests.”
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That was two months after a committee of the company’s board issued a report concluding that Epstein had advised Black personally on estate planning, tax issues, charitable giving and running his “family office,” but provided no services to Apollo or invested in no Apollo funds.
The report also said the review — which Black requested — found “no evidence” that he was involved with Epstein’s alleged criminal activities “in any way” or “at any time.” ___
Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Also contributing was Associated Press writer Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota.
The art and craft of stop-motion animation has been celebrated in several exhibitions recently, including a show at London’s South Bank Centre and last year’s Tim Burton retrospective at the Design Museum. Now it’s the turn of Aardman as the studio celebrates almost half a century of silly characters, cracking jokes and comical villains in a new exhibition in London.
Since its founding in 1972 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, the Bristol-based Aardman has cultivated an identity as one of animation’s most trusted and commercially successful production houses. Animator Nick Park joined in 1985, bringing Aardman Oscar success in 1991 with Creature Comforts – the first of many.
Widespread critical acclaim led to high-profile partnerships with Hollywood companies DreamWorks and Sony Pictures in the early 2000s. But it’s the studio’s homegrown history of feature films, animated shorts, TV series and various other projects that take centre stage at the Young V&A for the new Inside Aardman – Wallace and Gromit and Friends exhibition.
Drawn from the studio’s 50-year legacy, the gallery’s impressive collection of sets, puppets and other behind-the-scenes material provides an affectionate look at the production stories behind some of Aardman’s most celebrated animated creations.
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An early development sketch from Shaun the Sheep. Aardman
The craft behind the art
The exhibition is a quickfire journey through the techniques and technologies of handmade claymation that have defined the company’s signature animation style.
We learn about the moveable metal armatures and sculpturing of Plasticine, silicone rubber and foam that build Aardman’s three-dimensional models. And we get to see the invisible labour of foley artists (sound creators) and sound designers involved in the realisation of Aardman’s animated screen worlds.
At the centre of the exhibition is the literal flagship piece – the huge galleon from The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012), which towers over the curated collection of miniatures. Other highlights include the prison cell set from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024), home to the villainous penguin Feathers McGraw. Visitors can also create their own performances and stop-motion shorts in special interactive booths.
The pleasure is in the details, seen up close. David Parry / V&A
One of the most welcome curiosities is that the archival and audiovisual materials are organised to reflect the various stages of stop-motion animation as a creative process. An impressive collection of pre-production artefacts include never-before-seen storyboards, concept art and illustrations. All are testament to the meticulous craftmanship of the animators and highlight the almost imperceptible details involved in building stop-motion animation from the ground up.
Lesser-known processes like needle-felting and “dope sheets” (drawings that break down dialogue into the appropriate mouth shapes frame-by-frame) accompany the more recognisable three-dimensional characters that celebrate the artisanal logic powering Aardman’s creativity.
What is clear from this peek inside the magical animated world of Aardman is that its animators are quintessential problem-solvers. The exhibition’s focus on the early Morph shorts reveals how clingfilm can function as an excellent substitute for water.
Similarly, the models and miniatures from A Grand Day Out (1989) show that lentils can have the appearance of well-worn rivets. Even icing sugar can give claymation models a duller, matte look. In the hands of Aardman’s skilled animators, everyday objects and materials can be transformed in all kinds of ways to sell the illusion.
Notable too among the wealth of handmade materials and processes is the spotlight on computer imaging and other forms of digital intervention – a surprise, perhaps, given Aardman’s renowned dedication to working with tangible, material objects. Yet the crude sketches doodled on scraps of paper from which the earliest story and character ideas were formed give way in the exhibition’s closing stages, to a recognition of other kinds of animated techniques.
Computer-generated layering and 3D printing add in visual effects largely impossible to achieve in stop-motion. Green screens and even virtual reality visualisations help the animators “design and test ideas for sets before building them”. All show how digital technology has come to occupy a central place in the production pipeline of Aardman films.
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Rather than obscure such processes behind the lucrative business of handcraft for which Aardman is internationally celebrated, the exhibition rightly makes a virtue of the virtual. The studio chooses not to obscure how and where digital processes have contributed to their big-screen blockbusters – even if their computer-animated films Flushed Away (2006) and Arthur Christmas (2011) are curiously sidelined.
Wallace and Gromit have a grand day out at the Young V&A. David Parry / V&A
Many visitors will be well acquainted with the characters and objects brought together for Inside Aardman, yet there is enough devotion to animation as an industrial art form to satisfy creative practitioners and historians alike. This excellent collection at the V&A show confirms Aardman as masters of their craft within the tradition of British animation, and a studio that can rightfully claim to be the true pioneers of Plasticine.
Inside Aardman is on at the Young V&A, London, until November 26
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Oprah Winfrey chatted to Harry and Meghan in 2021 following the couple’s decision to step down as working members of the royal family – now Meghan reportedly thinks Brooklyn Beckham should also do an Oprah interview
Meghan Markle knows first hand how damaging it is to be vilified simply for expressing your truth and believes that “Brooklyn Beckham has been painted in an unfair light”, according to sources.
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The Beckham family has been embroiled in a bitter feud, with David and Lady Victoria’s eldest son, Brooklyn, 26, cutting ties with the Beckhams and remaining absent from their recent special events. After swerving his dad’s 50th birthday celebrations and celebrating Christmas and New Year with his wife and her clan, their relationship appears to be all but over after they were all blocked on social media.
The wannabe chef, 26 ,ignited the family feud with the lengthy scathing statement as he called out their behaviour. Brooklyn’s statement last month, which made it clear he had no interest in reconciling with his family, also criticised his mum.
He wrote: “My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song. In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead. She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone.
“I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life. We wanted to renew our vows so we could create new memories of our wedding day that bring us joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment.”
Much like she and Harry felt they were when their own family tensions became public, Brooklyn has been trying navigate the family feud for weeks now and she is said to be trying to secure a sit-down between Brooklyn Beckham and Oprah Winfrey following his explosive allegations against his famous parents.
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An insider has told RadarOnline that she was “genuinely upset” to see the intensity of the backlash off the back of his bombshell statement and how the “narrative has quickly turned against him.” According to sources “it brought back memories of the criticism and hostility she faced when she first spoke out.”
A TV production source said: “In Meghan’s view, Oprah has the stature and the skill to help recalibrate public perception. After weeks of criticism and harsh commentary, she thinks a thoughtful, empathetic interview could shift the tone – not by attacking anyone, but by allowing Brooklyn to explain himself fully.
“She genuinely feels Oprah would do everything she could to make sure he’s heard fairly and that the conversation feels balanced rather than adversarial.”
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Meghan Markle’s representatives have been approached for comment.
Yet he showed no urgency to put the rebound into the net.
First Delap raised his arm to celebrate, then appealed to the officials, before collecting the loose ball and having a shot blocked by the recovering Phillips.
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC One during commentary of the game, said: “Goodness me. What is Delap doing?
“It is as if he is thinking, ‘I have all the time in the world’. He ambles to it and he takes his time. What are you waiting for?
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“Liam Delap has not had a good four minutes. He has given it away twice and missed a sitter. Delap has been poor and he has been given the opportunity tonight. Delap looks very lazy, his performances have to improve.”
Delap, though, recovered impressively from the error to finish the match with three assists as Pedro Neto’s hat-trick and an Estevao Willian strike sent eight-time FA Cup winners Chelsea into round five.
And he was able to joke about the bizarre moment afterwards as he told BBC One: “I swear on my life I almost ran off [the pitch].
“I thought it went in and then I was waiting for the ref to blow his whistle. Obviously, I should have waited for the ref to blow his whistle. It’s silly from me but yeah, crazy.”
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The former Manchester City striker has started just two of Chelsea‘s last nine Premier League games, but was handed a chance by Liam Rosenior, with in-form forward Joao Pedro dropping to the bench.
And despite Delap’s misjudgement, the Blues boss praised the forward for his response and part in the success.
The ball he played to Neto for the opening goal in the 40th minute was the first pass he had completed in the final third, having lost possession eight times beforehand.
His second assist for Estevao came after some brilliant hold-up play, while he teed up Neto for the second time at the MKM Stadium with a powerful drive into the box.
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Rosenior called Delap’s performance “top” and said: “To be a number nine, especially in a system that we play, it’s not always about yourself.
“It’s about bringing other people into play. It’s about sometimes making sacrifice runs so other players get the space.”
And former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Shearer added: “Delap recovered well from that start and has been instrumental in the win. He deserves a lot of credit for that.”
Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes Delap can now “replicate that in the Premier League”.
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“I think Liam Delap’s game was brilliant,” he told BBC One. “What I liked about it, is when Hull set up in this five, Delap was thinking if he could get into the space.”
While Delap must wait for his next goal, former Spurs and Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown added on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Delap can do anything. He is like a throwback and is that all-around number nine.
“He is very effective when he is on his game. He is good in the air, he can hold the ball up well, he can defend and he can finish.
“I think he is another outlet. Chelsea now have a plan B if they want to use it and that could be an option.”
Local reports indicate that the man is in a critical condition after being blasted by cops in Paris.
A man has been shot by cops after an attempted knife attack at a famous landmark in Paris.
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The man had reportedly lunged towards officers with a the knife near the Arc de Triomphe shortly after 6pm local time today, Friday, February, 13.
Local media reported that one police officer had been left with serious injuries, but official reports have since confirmed the officer only suffered minor injuries during the incident. Officers were given orders to shoot following the attempted attack on a fellow officer, reports the Daily Star.
An official said the man was hospitalised after earlier reports said the suspect was shot dead at the scene. However, he is reportedly in a critical condition, according to LeParisen.
Sources say the suspect was “already well known” to the cops. He suspect lives in Seine-Saint-Denis and is reportedly is registered with Micas (individual administrative control and surveillance measure).
The incident reportedly took place as the city held its Rekindling of the Flame ceremony, a daily service to honour the Unknown Soldier and French war victims.
The Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and surrounding Metro stations have also been shut down for security reasons, The Mirror reports.
The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office released a statement: “Following the events that occurred on February 13, 2026 in Paris, the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office has taken up these facts and opened a preliminary investigation.”
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris‘ most famous sites, and sits atop the busy Champs-Elysees avenue.
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Glasgow contestant Mags returned to face the Chasers 11 years after her memorable appearance on The Chase.
Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
22:07, 13 Feb 2026Updated 22:08, 13 Feb 2026
The Chase: Mark Labbett warns Bradley Walsh is in trouble after error
On Friday night (February 13), ITV audiences watched as host Bradley Walsh welcomed contestants Carla, John, Christopher, Lucy and Margaret onto Beat The Chasers.
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During the repeated episode, which originally broadcast last year, the participants each took on the formidable quiz masters including The Sinnerman, The Beast, The Governess, The Menace, The Vixen and The Dark Destroyer in their quest to secure a cash prize.
One contestant, however, was already familiar to Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett, having previously faced him in 2014 during an appearance on The Chase. This follows after viewers were left reeling this week.
When Glasgow contestant ‘Mags’ made her way down from the studio audience for her turn, she revealed to Bradley that any winnings would go towards purchasing a new car.
After correctly answering three questions, Mags had the opportunity to compete for a minimum prize of £3,000, reports the Daily Record.
But as Mark Labbett prepared to present his offer, she greeted the ITV star with: “Hello again.”
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Mark responded: “You look familiar.”
Mags confirmed she’d previously encountered The Beast, prompting Bradley to ask her to share details of her memorable appearance on the ITV programme more than ten years earlier.
Remembering her question, she recalled: “Which bird is poetically known as Mavis? I got the answer right! It was Thrush.”
Bradley responded: “I took the mickey?” Mags continued: “Yeah, I was asked to explain how I knew it, so I said, ‘It’s just something I picked up’”
The live audience erupted into laughter as Bradley echoed her comment from her initial appearance on the quiz show, asking: “Are you known in your area as Thrush lady?”
She responded with: “No, but I might be after this!” Ultimately, the contestant was offered the opportunity to play for £75,000.
However, she chose to challenge four chasers in an attempt to win £40,000.
Following a tense 60 seconds, Mags triumphed over the chasers, earning a standing ovation from the quiz masters.
Commenting on her victory, Bradley couldn’t resist making a light-hearted remark, stating: “You’ve absolutely thrushed them!”
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