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US regulator launches probe into BBC Trump speech edit
Politics

US regulator launches probe into BBC Trump speech edit

An investigation has been launched by the US broadcast regulator over whether the BBC's editing of a speech by President Donald Trump which featured in an episode of Panorama was aired in America. Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), wrote to executives at the BBC, the PA news agency understands. Carr also wrote to two US broadcasters, PBS and NPR, to find out whether the program was aired in the US and had broken FCC regulations, the Telegraph reported. The UK public broadcaster apologised for the speech edit, which it said gave the "mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action" on the day of the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. The BBC said the splicing of the speech was an "error of judgment" but refused to pay financial compensation, after the US president's lawyers threatened to sue for $US1 billion in damages unless a retraction and apology were published. In an episode broadcast in June 2022, Newsnight reportedly played an edit of his speech which was similar to the one used in the Panorama program. Carr's letter reportedly outlined how the two segments of speech that had been spliced together had been spoken almost an hour apart. "In doing so, the BBC program depicts President Trump voicing a sentence that, in fact, he never uttered. That would appear to meet the very definition of publishing a materially false and damaging statement," he said. "As you may know, broadcasters regulated by the FCC have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest. Those public interest requirements include prohibitions on news distortion and broadcast hoax." In January, Carr asked the FCC Enforcement Bureau to open an investigation of PBS and NPR and said "Congress is actively considering whether to stop requiring taxpayers to subsidise NPR and PBS programming". In May, Trump signed an executive order aiming to slash public subsidies to the broadcasters over "bias" in their reporting. BBC chairman Samir Shah will face questions from UK MPs next week. The edit was brought to public attention after a leaked report from former editorial standards adviser Michael Prescott, which raised concerns about the Panorama programme Trump: A Second Chance?. The program was broadcast a week before the US election in November 2024. Two of the BBC's most senior executives, director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, have quit. Trump has a history of suing news organisations in the US and is currently engaged in legal action with the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. A BBC spokesperson said: "We have had no further contact from President Trump's lawyers at this point. Our position remains the same." Australian Associated Press

Yungblud cancels tour dates after shock health warning
Entertainment

Yungblud cancels tour dates after shock health warning

Yungblud has announced a break from touring until the end of the year, acting on a doctor's advice. The 28-year-old, from Doncaster, was scheduled to play concerts across the US throughout November, ahead of his Idols World Tour UK dates in April 2026. Writing on social media, the singer – whose real name is Dominic Harrison – said that 2025 had been “truly unbelievable”. However, routine testing had “raised some concerns” about his voice and bloodwork, he said. “I have been ordered by my doctor to take a break from touring until the end of the year. “It is in my nature to run and run until l run myself to the ground without giving a f*** about anything apart from the music and you guys but this time I’ve been told I have to take it seriously and I can’t f*** around.” The singer went on to say he is “reluctantly” cancelling shows through to the end of 2025, including Philadelphia, Cleveland, Washington, Mexico City and Latin America. “My heart is broken,” he said. “I don’t want to do any lasting damage to myself, we are on a journey that I want to last forever. I understand that some of you will be frustrated. I just want you to know that this is so hard for me to do but I promise I will make it up to you. “All US tickets will be refunded. If you sign up with an address at the link I will send you a gift. I never take anyone’s love, support or energy for granted. You know you are everything to me. But I need this time. “USA I will see you next year. Mexico and LATAM we are already looking into my own shows down there that will be more affordable for next year too. It’s gonna be unbelievable. I can’t wait. Dom x” Yungblud has been touring his new album Idols, which was released in June. The singer recently received a Grammy nomination for the record in the best rock album category, alongside a nod for best rock song for his single “Zombie”. He has also been nominated for his performance of “Changes” at Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning farewell concert, which took place weeks before the death of Ozzy Osbourne. The singer, known for songs including “I Think I’m Okay” featuring Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker, is also known for creating BludFest, which offers cheaper tickets compared to many other UK music festivals. The singer has had three number one albums in the UK chart with Weird! in 2020, his self-titled album in 2022 and Idols. Earlier in the year, he received the disruptor of the year award at the Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards, held in Liverpool.

EastEnders’ Pat Butcher to return as part of Nigel Bates dementia storyline
Technology

EastEnders’ Pat Butcher to return as part of Nigel Bates dementia storyline

EastEnders character Pat Butcher is to make a return as part of the soap’s ongoing dementia storyline involving Nigel Bates. Pam St Clement will reprise her role as the feisty matriarch, known for her bright outfits and eccentric earrings, across scenes that take Nigel (Paul Bradley) back to the 1990s as his memory falters. The special episode, transmitting in December, will see Pat returning to The Queen Vic pub to help Nigel as his dementia symptoms intensify following an emotional evening at his festive film screening. The character, who later took the name Pat Evans, died of cancer on New Year’s Day in 2012 but made a return to Albert Square in May 2016 as a figment of Peggy’s (Barbara Windsor) imagination on the night of her death. St Clement, 83, said: “I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline. “It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.” Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode in Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline. “Pat Evans is one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford, and I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say what a delight it was to see Pat and Pam back in The Queen Vic as she helps Nigel in his time of need.” The soap has worked with Dementia UK for the ongoing storyline, which has seen Nigel reveal his diagnosis with young onset dementia. Dementia is described as “young onset” when symptoms of the neurological condition develop before the age of 65, according to the charity.

Caroline Flack documentary is about ‘correcting the narrative’, says director
Entertainment

Caroline Flack documentary is about ‘correcting the narrative’, says director

A new Disney+ documentary about the months leading up to Caroline Flack’s death is “correcting the narrative”, the series director has said. The TV presenter, who was known for presenting Love Island, took her own life at the age of 40 in February 2020 after learning that prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge, which came after she hit her boyfriend Lewis Burton with her phone over concerns he had been cheating on her. In the two-part series, Caroline Flack: Search For The Truth, the TV star’s mother, Christine Flack, investigates the police case and how the initial caution Flack received was later overturned after an appeal from the Metropolitan Police, who charged her with assault by beating. Speaking at a screening, director Christian Collerton said: “I think correcting the narrative was what we sort of talked to Chris about right at the very beginning of this. “What was put out for public consumption during those two months was essentially the case for the prosecution. “We wanted to put the case for defence, what didn’t make it into the newspapers. “And even today, lots of inaccuracies around the case are still being reprinted. So at the very least, we want to kind of put an end to that and give Christine and the Flack family, and Caroline, the dignity of not having her daughter’s name trawled through. “And she should be remembered for more than what those two months gave.” Ms Flack speaks about “inaccuracies” in her daughter’s case in the documentary, including reports that Flack had hit Burton with a lamp, rather than a phone, which she said was “wrong” and did not happen. Sophie Clayton-Payne, series producer, said: “Caroline was never given the opportunity to have a fair trial. She was tried by the media and social media. “She was victim to speculation and untruths, and we see the devastating impact of that and I think this film’s legacy, you know, is simply that. It’s really simple, be kind.” In 2023, Scotland Yard apologised to Ms Flack for not recording the reason why her daughter was charged. A Met Police spokesperson said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct asked the Met to apologise to Caroline’s family for the absence of a recorded rationale in the CPS appeal process. We have done so and acknowledged the impact this has had on them. “We remain committed to learning and improving, and our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with Caroline’s family and friends.” Both episodes of Caroline Flack: Search For The Truth arrive to Disney+ on Monday November 10.

Video Caroline Flack filmed days after her arrest shown in new documentary
Entertainment

Video Caroline Flack filmed days after her arrest shown in new documentary

TV presenter Caroline Flack spoke about losing her job and suffering abuse over her arrest in a video she recorded just days before her death, a new documentary reveals. The former host of Love Island, who took her own life at the age of 40 in February 2020, is the subject of Caroline Flack: Search For The Truth, a two-part series where her mother, Christine Flack, investigates the assault charge the star faced and the resulting media storm. Flack, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and was also known for presenting on The X Factor and I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! Now!, was arrested in December 2019. She received a caution following an incident with her boyfriend, but this was overturned after an appeal from the Metropolitan Police and she was instead charged with assault by beating. In August 2020, a coroner ruled Flack took her own life after learning prosecutors were going to press ahead with the assault charge in relation to an incident where she hit Lewis Burton with her phone while he slept, because of concerns he had been cheating on her. In the documentary, her mother delves into material from her phones, with voice notes and texts from Flack shedding light on the star’s inner turmoil. In a video taken after her arrest, Flack said: “I’m doing this because I want to remember what I went through and what my family went through, what my boyfriend went through, what his family went through. “It’s three days after I’ve been arrested for having a fight with my boyfriend. I’ve always co-operated with the police since they arrived. I was put in a cell. “I was promised that I was anonymous and this wouldn’t be going further, and it was a really private situation. “Five minutes after I left the station, they’ve gone to the press, all the details, everything. “Since then, I lost my job, the job I’ve worked all my life on. I’m living in a hotel. I’m receiving so much abuse.” Flack, who is also seen crying in the video, added: “It was a fight. I’ve never hurt anyone in my life, the only person I ever hurt is myself.” Other texts pop on screen to show the correspondence she was having with friends and family, including a message that said: “I’m having a big panic attack. I think I’m going to prison.” Another text read: “I literally cannot be papped it’s ruining my life.” Giving an insight into Flack’s response following her arrest, her friend Mollie Grosberg said: “The minute that he (Burton) called the police, she just thought, ‘I am done. My career is over. My boyfriend’s gone. I might as well be dead’.” Also in the documentary, Ms Flack reveals her daughter had always suffered from mental health problems and says that one doctor told her she had bipolar disorder. “At the time, they used to call it manic depression. She didn’t want to be told that. She didn’t want a label. “She hated having this mental health problem, and it was always hushed up. If anyone mentioned it, it was the worst thing you could do,” she said. Flack’s former agent Louisa Booth claimed a psychiatric report to the Crown Prosecution Service saying she was not mentally fit enough to go through with the court case was dismissed. “We had professional analysis and that was ignored. We were so taken aback, actually, that they dismissed the report from the psychiatrist,” Ms Booth said. In 2023, Ms Flack rejected the Metropolitan Police’s apology for not keeping a record about why they charged her daughter with assault. A Met spokesperson said: “Caroline Flack’s tragic death had a profound impact on many, not least her family and friends who continue to come to terms with their loss. “The Commissioner has previously written to Caroline’s mother to offer his condolences on behalf of the Met. We recognise how terribly difficult the past five years must have been. “It is entirely understandable that those closest to Caroline have questions about the events leading up to her death, including the police investigation. “We have engaged openly with those questions through independent reviews and an inquest, which subjected our actions to significant scrutiny. “These processes did not identify misconduct for any officer, including in relation to the decision to appeal the CPS outcome. Operational decisions were made in accordance with the legal framework and guidance in place at the time. “The Metropolitan Police Service fully supports the officers involved in the decisions made. “Organisational learning was identified, around record-keeping and documentation of decision-making. “These have since been addressed through policy reinforcement and training. “The Independent Office for Police Conduct asked the Met to apologise to Caroline’s family for the absence of a recorded rationale in the CPS appeal process. We have done so and acknowledged the impact this has had on them. “We remain committed to learning and improving, and our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with Caroline’s family and friends.” A CPS spokesperson said: “Caroline’s death was a tragedy and our thoughts remain with her friends and family as they continue to come to terms with their loss and the circumstances that led to her death. “All decisions in this case were made on the basis of the medical opinion available to us at the time. “A person’s celebrity status never influences whether a case is taken forward. “We are satisfied that the prosecution was correctly brought.” Both episodes of Caroline Flack: Search For The Truth will be on Disney+ from November 10.

First look at Paddington Bear for new West End musical
Technology

First look at Paddington Bear for new West End musical

First-look images have been released of the bear portraying Paddington for the new West End musical inspired by the beloved children’s books and films. Paddington The Musical, which begins previews at London’s Savoy Theatre on Saturday, follows the small bear from Peru as he is taken in by the Brown family after a chance meeting at a London railway station. Photos show the bear, known for his love of marmalade sandwiches, arriving to London with his red hat, brown trunk and tag that says “please look after this bear”. In another image he is seen sitting on a bed wearing his blue duffle coat while holding what appears to be a letter. A trailer shows the character sitting on a box at Paddington, the station he is named after, while a voiceover says: “This is a passenger announcement, the station is now closing, please go home.” Voicing Paddington is off-stage performer and remote puppeteer James Hameed, with on-stage actress Arti Shah also helping in the portrayal of the bear. The production has been adapted from the books by Michael Bond and hit films, which feature Ben Whishaw as the voice of the bear. Among the other cast members are Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs Brown, Adrian Der Gregorian as Mr Brown, and Doctor Who star Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird. Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said: “After many years of exploration and development, we are thrilled, alongside StudioCanal, to finally bring Paddington to life on stage. “What we as producers always hoped to achieve was, quite simply, Paddington on stage — and thanks to the immensely talented artists, both on and off stage, we believe we’ve realised that.” The musical has been written by Jessica Swale with music and lyrics by McFly singer Tom Fletcher. Paddington, first published on October 13 1958, has seen a number of adaptations over the years, including a BBC TV version in 1976, voiced by the late Sir Michael Hordern. More recently there were movies released in 2014, 2017 and 2024, which all performed well at the box office. The story of Paddington, and the bear’s image, also inspired the latest series of puppet-based satirical series Spitting Image. StudioCanal, which makes the Paddington films, and Paddington and Company are bringing legal action against Avalon, producer of the series, alleging copyright infringement. Paddington The Musical is now booking until October 25 2026.

Miley Cyrus to feature on next Avatar soundtrack in ‘dream come true’
Technology

Miley Cyrus to feature on next Avatar soundtrack in ‘dream come true’

US singer Miley Cyrus said it is “a dream come true” as she shared a clip of a song that will feature on the Avatar: Fire And Ash soundtrack. Her song, Dream As One, will feature in the third movie of the James Cameron franchise, which will be released to cinemas in December. In a social media post on Wednesday, Cyrus, 32, said: “Honoured to support Avatar: Fire and Ash with an original song I’ve written with Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. “Having been personally affected by fire and being rebuilt from the ashes, this project holds profound meaning for me. “Thank you, Jim, for the opportunity to turn that experience into musical medicine. “The film’s themes of unity, healing, and love resonate deeply within my soul, and to be even a small star in the universe the Avatar family has created is truly a dream come true.” Cyrus, who found fame as a child on the Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, is known for songs including The Climb, Wrecking Ball and Grammy-winning single Flowers. In November 2018, her Malibu home with Hunger Games actor Liam Hemsworth was destroyed in a California wildfire a month before they married. They have since divorced. Dream As One, with music and lyrics by Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt, Mark Ronson, and Simon Franglen, will feature on the film’s original soundtrack and appear during the film’s end credits. The single will be released on November 14 and the film’s original soundtrack will come out on December 12. The science fiction epic follows Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully, played by Australian actor Sam Worthington, Na’vi warrior Neytiri, played by Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, and the Sully family. The original Avatar was released in 2009 and its sequel, Avatar: The Way Of Water, came out in 2022. Avatar: Fire And Ash arrives to cinemas worldwide on December 19 2025.

Seventh person leaves The Great British Bake Off after brand new theme introduced
Technology

Seventh person leaves The Great British Bake Off after brand new theme introduced

A seventh baker has left The Great British Bake Off after failing to impress the judges during the show’s first-ever meringue-themed week. Hairdresser Lesley was voted out during Tuesday’s episode, which saw bakers tasked with making mini meringue tarts for the signature challenge, souffles for the technical and a meringue ice cream cake for the showstopper. Business development executive Toby was named star baker by presenter Noel Fielding, and co-host Alison Hammond informed Lesley that she would be going home. The 59-year-old baker from Kent said: “Do you know what – I knew it was coming. It’s like ripping the plaster off! Thanks so much for the experience, it has been amazing. “I knew I would be leaving as I couldn’t get my meringue right and had resigned myself that I would be going. “But I was proud that I had made it to week seven. The other bakers gave me a massive cuddle.” Judge Dame Prue Leith said: “I am really sorry to see Lesley go. She’s a remarkable woman, in a way she’s my ideal baker – she’s just really having a good time. That’s what Bake Off is all about.” Reflecting on her experience following the show, Lesley added: “I think I have grown as a person and I feel more confident in myself and my abilities. “I have learned a lot of new skills, learned to trust my gut feeling, new skills and tips from other bakers, learned that you need to step through fear and take yourself out of your comfort zone as it allows you to grow. I had the time of my life!” Lesley, who has been baking since she was 10, said her best moment on the Channel 4 show was “winning the technical in chocolate week”. Speaking about her next steps, she added: “I would love to set up a little school to teach people the basics of baking and have a cake shed where people can come and buy cake. Also write a cookbook with all my nan’s recipes for traditional bakes.” Lesley will join comedians Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Friday October 17 on Channel 4 at 8pm.

The Celebrity Traitors: First faithful murdered in plain sight
Technology

The Celebrity Traitors: First faithful murdered in plain sight

The Celebrity Traitors has seen its first contestant murdered in a killing that took place in plain sight. Singer Paloma Faith was revealed to be the murdered faithful in a dramatic hour-long episode that saw the competitors gather around the roundtable for the first time. At the start of Thursday’s instalment, presenter Claudia Winkleman announced at the breakfast table that one of the 19 contestants would be murdered at the end of the day from a slow-release poison that had been planted on them the night before. Dressed in their mourning attire, the celebrities followed Winkleman, 53 – who was on horseback, to the site of a cemetery. The competitors carried three coffins into the graveyard and Winkleman told players they would be solving problems to identify who the traitors had chosen to lie in them – one of them being the murdered faithful. Comedian Lucy Beaumont, YouTube star Niko Omilana and Faith, 44, were all made to lie in the coffins amid debate from the competitors on who the murdered faithful could be. The celebrities decided it was Beaumont, 42, but Winkleman closed the door of Faith’s coffin – signalling her exit from the game. The three traitors – TV presenter Jonathan Ross, comedian Alan Carr and singer Cat Burns – had been tasked with murdering someone in the castle during Wednesday night’s episode. To kill Faith, Carr, 49, had to rub his hands on the pollen of a poisoned lily before touching her face. After the show, Faith said: “I found it quite nerve wracking, because I knew when I went in that I have a huge personality and that I’d be very visible. “I knew that I couldn’t fade into the background. I’m the sort of person that lets my feelings about people be known by talking a lot, so it was never an option for me to be able to quietly just simmer under the surface. “I felt like my spidey senses kicked off very early on. I was potentially, in hindsight, over sharing a lot of stuff. “I don’t think my technique was great in this game, but it works very well in real life.” Among the other celebrity competitors are broadcaster Kate Garraway, Welsh singer Charlotte Church, actor Sir Stephen Fry, retired Olympic diver Tom Daley and The Thursday Murder Club actress Celia Imrie. In the spin-off series, the competitors – named the faithfuls – are tasked with detecting and banishing the murderous traitors in the group while completing a series of challenges to win cash towards the charity prize pot. If at the end of the series a traitor is among the finalists, the faithfuls lose out on the money and the traitor takes the full cash prize. Since the UK version began in 2022, millions of fans have watched The Traitors on the BBC and it has picked up a Bafta TV Award for best reality and constructed factual programme, and best entertainment performance for Winkleman. The celebrity series attracted more than six million viewers when it launched on October 8. The programme airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on BBC One.

Thomas Skinner says he wasn’t ‘good enough’ for Strictly
Technology

Thomas Skinner says he wasn’t ‘good enough’ for Strictly

Thomas Skinner and his professional dance partner Amy Dowden were the first couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday evening. The pair failed to win over the judges with their salsa to “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden. Skinner, a social media star, admitted he was “good enough” for the show and moves “like a fridge”, despite having a laugh. Judge Craig Revel Horwood criticised his performance, saying it looked like a “weightlifting competition in Skegness”. Dowden praised Skinner's hard work and development, noting he had fallen in love with dancing during their partnership.