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TV star charged over making indecent images of children

<p>Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards has been charged with making indecent images of children. </p> <p>The 62-year-old, who left the UK public broadcaster in April after 40 years, faces three charges over alleged activity between December 2020 and April 2022.</p> <p>Police claim the offences are claimed to be linked to images shared on WhatsApp.</p> <p>After being arrested in November last year by London's Metropolitan Police, he was charged with the offences on June 26th.</p> <p>A Metropolitan Police spokesman said of the arrest, “Huw Edwards, 62, of Southwark, London has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children following a Met Police investigation."</p> <p>“The offences, which are alleged to have taken place between December 2020 and April 2022, relate to images shared on a WhatsApp chat. Edwards was arrested on 8 November 2023. He was charged on Wednesday, 26 June following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service."</p> <p>“He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 31 July."</p> <p>Married dad-of-five Edwards resigned from the BBC three months ago after a stellar career spanning almost 40 years.</p> <p>The BBC revealed their star presenter’s resignation in a short statement on April 22nd, writing, “Huw Edwards has resigned and left the BBC."</p> <p>“After 40 years of service, Huw explained that his decision was made on the basis of advice. The BBC has accepted his resignation.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

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News reader turned firefighter dies at just 46

<p>BBC presenter turned firefighter Beccy Barr has passed away at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer. </p> <p>Barr's family confirmed the sad news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Beccy passed away peacefully this morning”.</p> <p>“She spent her last few days at @SJHospice who provided the most dignified and compassionate care to Beccy and her whole family. Donations to the hospice can be made in Beccy’s memory.”</p> <p>After 20 years at the British public broadcaster, Barr shocked her loyal viewers announcing she would be leaving her media career behind to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a firefighter. </p> <p>In February 2022, she updated her fans on social media, explaining she had received distinction marks in all her training assessments for the Lancashire Fire and Rescue team. </p> <p>Then in December 2023, Barr revealed that she was diagnosed with “incurable cancer”, writing to her followers at the time, “Two lessons I’ve learned from this distinctly sub-optimal experience: 1) Life is wild. 2) People have an utterly astounding and boundless capacity for love, care and friendship.”</p> <p>BBC presenter Roger Johnson was one of many who paid tribute to his former colleague, saying, “Beccy was courageous in so many ways.”</p> <p>“In the way she faced her illness, of course, but she also had the courage to walk away from a successful TV career to retrain as a firefighter."</p> <p>“She wanted to make a difference and she excelled at that, too.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC / X (Twitter) </em></p>

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BBC star's heartbreaking plea after wife and daughters were killed

<p>Grief-stricken BBC racing commentator John Hunt has broken his silence after his wife and two daughters were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/man-arrested-after-bbc-presenter-s-wife-and-children-murdered" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed</a> during a crossbow attack. </p> <p>Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were fatally injured at their home in North London last Tuesday, with Hertfordshire Police confirming that 26-year-old Kyle Clifford had been arrested in connection to their murders. </p> <p>Speaking to the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx825zwy2r5o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em> about the devastating incident, John's friend and fellow commentator, Matt Chapman, said, "Family means more to some than others and for John, his family unit was something he absolutely adored."</p> <p>"He told me: 'Matty, the message I would tell everyone is you never know when it's going to be the last day you see your family'."</p> <p>"The message was very clear: make the most of every day because you just don't know."</p> <p>Mr Chapman said proceeds from a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-family-of-john-hunt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">fundraiser </a>set up after the horrifying attack, which has currently raised more than $53,000 AUD, will go to John's surviving daughter, Amy. </p> <p>He said John had said his "biggest desire" was to make sure Amy had "no money worries for the rest of her life".</p> <p>"There are a lot of people, including myself, who feel helpless and would like to do something," he said.</p> <p>"John would like nothing more for Amy after these horrific events than a life that is a little less stressful, because life will never be stress-free again."</p> <p>"It's not going to take their grief away - it's not going to take the pain away or change anything - but it might help them have an easier life."</p> <p>John and Amy released a joint statement on Saturday, thanking the public for their messages of support during what they described as "an extremely difficult time for us".</p> <p>"The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words," they said. </p> <p>"We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days. These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful."</p> <p>"As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us, and we need time and space to come to terms with what has happened and start the grieving process."</p> <p>As the investigation continues into the brutal deaths, police shared that they have not yet been able to speak to him as he remains in a serious condition after suffering self-inflicted wounds. </p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe / Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man arrested after BBC presenter's wife and children murdered

<p>British police have apprehended the man they believe is responsible for a brutal crossbow attack on the wife and two children of a well-known BBC radio presenter. </p> <p>In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon (early Thursday AEST), Hertfordshire Police said 26-year-old Kyle Clifford had been located in the Enfield area of north London and that he was receiving medical treatment for injuries.</p> <p>The BBC confirmed that the women killed were the family of its well-known radio racing commentator John Hunt — his 61-year-old wife Carol Hunt and their daughters Louise and Hannah, aged 25 and 28 respectively.</p> <p>Their tragic death prompted a major manhunt for the 26-year-old, as the public were urged not to approach Clifford.</p> <p>"Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time," Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit said.</p> <p>"This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims' family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened."</p> <p>A colleague of Hunt's and BBC 5 Live's lead presenter Mark Chapman struggled to hold back the tears as he expressed everyone's shock and pain.</p> <p>"We have a football match to bring you tonight ... and we will start our buildup to it shortly but this has been a heartbreaking day," he said as he opened Wednesday's coverage on 5 Live of England's semifinal match against The Netherlands in soccer's European Championship.</p> <p>"John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who've worked here with him over the past 20 years, and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries," Chapman said. "So on behalf of everyone connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family."</p> <p>Police were first alerted to the violent killings on Tuesday evening when emergency services were called to a house in Bushey, a residential area in north-western London.</p> <p>Paramedics tried to revive the women, but they died at the scene. </p> <p>While police have yet to establish a link between the suspect and the family, some British media outlets have claimed Clifford, who served in the British Army between 2019 and 2022, was an ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Peter Manning/LNP/Shutterstock Editorial/Hertfordshire Police</em></p>

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"Not one ounce of compassion”: BBC star kicked off plane over daughter's allergy

<p>A BBC weather presenter and her family have been kicked off a plane after asking passengers to be wary of her daughter's peanut allergy. </p> <p>British weather presenter Georgie Palmer was flying from London to Turkey with her husband Matt and their daughters Annie and Rosie, as the family boarded their flight at Gatwick Airport with SunExpress airlines. </p> <p>Georgie and her family were kicked off the plane shortly after boarding, after the 49-year-old mother ran into issues around her daughter's severe allergy to peanuts.</p> <p>According to Palmer, she has requested that the captain make an announcement to all passengers asking them not to eat any peanut products on the flight, but the pilot refused. </p> <p>Palmer then took matters into her own hands and one by one asked passengers not to consume peanuts on the four-hour flight, before being asked to disembark the aircraft.</p> <p>The weather presenter took to Instagram to share her side of the story with a lengthy post. </p> <p>She began, “I thanked the beautiful souls on our plane for helping us. Many of them hugged, cheered and held our hands as we were forced to disembark."</p> <p>“The SunExpress captain and cabin crew refused to make the standard announcement on behalf of our daughter. We gently asked the passengers at the front of the plane to share our request."</p> <p>“Row by row, all the passengers turned back to kindly ask the row behind to please not eat nuts on the flight. It was calm, earnest and with an overwhelming sense of solidarity and empathy.”</p> <p>Georgie added: “There’s no beef with simple asks like these. People get it!"</p> <p>“We were hoofed off the plane after the angry little captain shouted at us from the cockpit.”</p> <p>She concluded by saying they were discriminated against for “simply having an allergy”.</p> <p>Georgie told the <a title="www.dailymail.co.uk" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13457399/bbc-weather-presenter-Georgie-Palmer-flight-nuts.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail</em>,</a> “The captain decided because of my daughter’s allergy he didn’t want to fly with her on board."</p> <p>“When he found out I had spoken to the other passengers he was screaming at me from the cockpit. He was so angry, the next thing I knew we were told to get off the plane."</p> <p>“How we were treated was disgusting – nobody working on that plane showed one ounce of compassion.”</p> <p>A SunExpress spokesman then shared the airline's version of events, claiming that Georgie's husband had become aggressive, and kicked the family off the plane with their best interests at heart. </p> <p>The statement said, “We take the safety of our passengers very seriously. Shortly after boarding our flight, the passenger raised a concern about one of his family group having a serious peanut allergy."</p> <p>“They requested an announcement to other passengers. We refrain from making these kinds of announcements. Like many other airlines, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment on our flights, nor can we prevent other passengers from bringing food items containing allergens on board."</p> <p>“Due to the insistent behaviour of the passenger to others on board, the captain decided it would be safest if the family did not travel."</p> <p>“When this was explained to the passenger, he behaved aggressively towards our crew members and tried to gain access to the cockpit. To ensure the safety of our crew and our passengers on board, we cannot tolerate aggressive and unruly behaviour on our flights."</p> <p>“Our website states that passengers must notify us 48 hours in advance of any special care required due to a medical condition. No such notification was received from the passengers in this instance.”</p> <p>According to <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/28140666/bbc-family-flight-passengers-peanuts-allergy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em>, Mr Sollom denies acting aggressively.</p> <p>The differing versions of events have divided many on social media as thousands weighed in on the debacle, with plenty of users siding with the pilot.</p> <p>“The pilot is a national treasure,” one person wrote.</p> <p>“As they should have been,” a second wrote, referring to the family getting kicked off.</p> <p>“Would have booted them off as well,” another agreed. </p> <p>A fourth wrote: “I think this story would be found under Self Entitlement in the dictionary.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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BBC presenter passes away at just 32

<p>BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan has passed away at the age of 32, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from his devastated colleagues. </p> <p>Sheridan reportedly "collapsed while running" for the second time in recent weeks, after suffering a brain aneurysm. </p> <p>After several days in intensive care, the journalist died on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. </p> <p>Head of News at BBC Scotland shared an emotional tribute to Sheridan, saying Nick had been a "wonderful colleague to those of us who have worked with him".</p> <p>He added, "He was a hugely talented journalist, presenter and author - and one of those rare people who light up the lives of everyone around them. Funny, clever, kind. A lovely man.</p> <p>"Our hearts go out to his parents, who have been with him over the past ten days, to his partner, Lewis, and to all the rest of his family and friends."</p> <p>First Minister Humza Yousaf also paid tribute to Sheridan in the Scottish Parliament chamber, describing him as an "extremely talented journalist and author".</p> <p>"My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and indeed his colleagues. It will undoubtedly be a very sad time for them," he said. </p> <p>Since joining the corporation in 2018, Sheridan presented programmes including <em>Reporting Scotland</em>, <em>Drivetime</em>, the <em>Nine</em> and <em>Seven Days, </em>before dialling back his time on screen to pursue his passion of writing children's books.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

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Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

<p>British TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has passed away aged 50 following a battle with terminal cancer. </p> <p>Irwin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020, when the disease spread from his lungs to his brain. </p> <p>He was initially given just six months to live, but managed to defy the odds and made his illness public after two years of keeping it a secret. </p> <p>The TV presenter rose to fame in the UK for his roles on shows including <em>A Place in the Sun </em>and <em>Escape to the Country</em>. </p> <p>A statement was shared to Instagram on Friday announcing his death, where he was described as "a truly remarkable soul." </p> <p>"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing," the statement began. </p> <p>"A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit."</p> <p>“At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss," the statement continued. </p> <p>“Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts.”</p> <p>“Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jonnie Irwin (@jonnieirwintv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Following his death, BBC have paid tribute to the fallen host and described him as an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”.</p> <p>“He brought such warmth and fun to Escape To The Country where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too," head of BBC daytime Rob Unsworth said.</p> <p>“More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for <em>Morning Live</em> about his illness, tackling taboos around end-of-life care and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did.”</p> <p>Irwin’s longtime co-star Jasmine Harman, also shared a tribute on Instagram.</p> <p>“I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness,” she wrote. “The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.” </p> <p>Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children, Rex, five and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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BBC responds to damning Russell Brand allegations

<p>The BBC has shared that they are "urgently looking" into a series of sexual assault allegations against comedian and actor Russell Brand. </p> <p>The allegations from several women emerged after Channel 4's <em>Dispatches</em> program aired a bombshell documentary about the alleged assaults. </p> <p>The documentary, which was a years-long joint investigation between Channel 4 and the Times, has accused Brand of rape and sexual assaults between the years of 2006 and 2013. </p> <p>Brand has denied all the allegations and said all of his relationships have been consensual.</p> <p>Some of the alleged incidents raised by the women in the documentary occurred while Brand, 48, was working at BBC radio stations between 2006 and 2008. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The BBC say they are "urgently looking into the issues raised" by allegations about Russell Brand in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/C4Dispatches?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#C4Dispatches</a> documentary, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.</p> <p>The production company Banijay UK and Channel 4 have also said they are launching their own internal investigations. <a href="https://t.co/937IBnPnOJ">pic.twitter.com/937IBnPnOJ</a></p> <p>— Channel 4 Dispatches (@C4Dispatches) <a href="https://twitter.com/C4Dispatches/status/1703459588379406500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>A BBC spokesperson said in a statement, "The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years."</p> <p>"Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised."</p> <p>Mr Brand resigned from the BBC programs in 2008 following public uproar over a on-air prank, when he made prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs with offensive comments about the actor's granddaughter.</p> <p>Channel 4's production company has also launched an "urgent" internal investigation into the allegations. </p> <p>In response to the damning allegations, Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the House of Commons media committee, said, "We will be closely monitoring the responses of the media, especially our public service broadcasters, to these allegations, and looking at the questions that this, yet again, raises about the culture in the industry as a whole."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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BBC star passes away at just 35

<p>Maddy Anholt, a well-known figure from the BBC, has passed away at the age of 35, as confirmed by her family. Maddy, who was not only a television star but also an advocate for charitable causes, succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.</p> <p>This heartbreaking news comes on the heels of the birth of her daughter, Opal, just last year. In a heartfelt statement shared on <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/maddy-anholt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a>, Maddy's family expressed their deep sorrow:</p> <p>"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt, our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35. </p> <p>"You may know that shortly after the birth of her incredible daughter Opal last year, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. She handled the ensuing surgery and treatment with astonishing grace and courage, accompanied every step of the way by her family and devoted husband, Ben. She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around.</p> <p>"In her short life, Maddy accomplished so much. She was a marathon-runner, author, speaker, actor and Ambassador for Women’s Aid. Her debut book was published in 2022 and her first fiction will be published soon. As an actor, she appeared in sitcoms for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, while as a speaker she led numerous masterclasses, including for the <em>Guardian</em>.</p> <p>"We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the many friends who have upheld us with their love and prayers during this difficult time, as well as the countless nurses, doctors and the NHS as a whole, who treated her with unfailing dignity and compassion. In particular we would like to thank the magnificent team at Seaton Hospice at Home, who are the embodiment of empathy, professionalism and love.</p> <p>"We ask you not to send flowers but if you feel moved to make a small donation, this fundraiser has been set up to provide for Maddy’s one-year-old daughter, Opal.</p> <p>"Alternatively, you might consider a contribution to Maddy’s favourite charity, Women’s Aid. Maddy was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and on publication of her debut book, she was invited to become an Ambassador for Women’s Aid, which she carried out with characteristic energy and humour:  <a href="https://www.womensaid.org.uk/get-involved/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.womensaid.org.uk/give</a>.</p> <p>"Wherever you are, please join us at 6pm BST on Saturday 16th September, to light a candle. Pray, meditate and hold our precious Maddy in your hearts as she returns to the stars."</p> <p>In addition to her television work with BBC Three, BBC One, ITV, and Channel 4, Maddy Anholt was also an ambassador for Women's Aid. Last year, she authored a book titled <em>How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships</em>, sharing her own experiences in an abusive relationship.</p> <p>The chief executive of Women's Aid, Farah Nazeer, expressed the organisation's deep sadness at the loss of their esteemed ambassador.</p> <p>Maddy Anholt spent her final moments at her family's home in Devon, surrounded by loved ones.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"I'm really worried": BBC icon reveals incurable condition

<p>British broadcasting legend Alistair Stewart has shared the details of his devastating diagnosis, just after announcing his retirement.</p> <p>The 71-year-old shared that after suffering a series of strokes, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia. </p> <p>The news comes after he announced his retirement, after a 50-year career in the media that saw him in prominent roles with both <em>ITV News</em> and <em>GB News</em>. </p> <p>In an interview on <em>GB News</em>, Stewart explained that he first began feeling "discombobulated" six to nine months ago, which left him fearing he had "early onset dementia."</p> <p>He told his <em>GB News</em> colleague Camilla Tominey, "I wasn't forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces up properly, making sure your tie was straight, remembering the call time for your program is four o'clock not five o'clock – not turning up early or late – and stuff like that."</p> <p>"And I then decided I might have something wrong up here." </p> <p>He went on to explain he went to his GP to explain his symptoms, to which his GP recommended he have a scan to determine the diagnosis. </p> <p>When his scan results came back, he was told he'd had a series of minor strokes.</p> <p>"And it was like a scene from Casualty or Emergency Ward 10 because the results came back and I had indeed had a series of minor strokes – that are called infract strokes." </p> <p>"Not the big one where your face falls down and your arm goes doolally. But it's like pepper shots and the cumulative effect of that is that I had a diagnosis of early onset vascular dementia."</p> <p>His condition is "incurable" however Stewart says he is following doctor's advice to try and slow the progression of the condition.</p> <p>Since receiving his diagnosis, Stewart has retired from his role at <em>GB News</em> after more than 50 years as a journalist and broadcaster.</p> <p>He shared in a statement, "I'm nearly 71 and I still get the most tremendous lift from live television – it's the best job in the world."</p> <p>"However, the rigours of preparing for two live interview shows a week, and commuting from Hampshire to London for them, are considerable. I want to reduce my commitment while I'm still ahead as an old broadcaster, rather than an ancient one."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

<p dir="ltr">BBC journalist and newsreader George Alagiah has sadly passed away at the age of 67.</p> <p dir="ltr">After a gruelling nine years of battling bowel cancer, a statement from his agent has confirmed that the respected journalist died “peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The agent added that Alagiah passed away on Monday, but “fought until the bitter end”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and by October 2022, the disease had spread further.</p> <p dir="ltr">The beloved journalist was a prominent figure on British TV with an “outstanding” career spanning over three decades.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was an award-winning foreign correspondent for<em> BBC News</em>, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq, before he became a presenter for <em>BBC News at Six</em> in 2003.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tributes have poured in for the respected newsreader from fellow journalists and colleagues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find,” <em>BBC World Affairs</em> editor John Simpson tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time,” BBC director general Tim Davie said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend,” <em>BBC One O’Clock</em> news presenter Clive Myrie told viewers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another colleague, Naga Munchetty, broke down in tears live on air while reporting about his death.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our newsroom,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alagiah is survived by his wife Frances and their two sons Adam and Matthew. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Suspended BBC presenter named by his wife

<p>The BBC presenter at the centre of the explicit images scandal has been named as Huw Edwards, one of the public broadcaster's most notable news presenters.</p> <p>Huw was named as the man who allegedly paid tens of thousands of pounds for explicit images from a teenager over a number of years, after a media storm around the previously anonymous presenter saw him be suspended from his high-profile role.</p> <p>Vicky Flind confirmed her husband was the man in question after rumours swirled on social media for five days, as her statement came shortly after police forces said there was no evidence Edwards committed a criminal offence.</p> <p>Flind said she was issuing a statement on his behalf after days of speculation "primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children".</p> <p>Her statement said that Edwards has been suffering serious mental health issues since the allegations arose, and was currently in hospital. </p> <p>The statement reads, "In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter', I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family. I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children."</p> <div id="piano-inline1"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>"Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years."</p> </div> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>"The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future."</p> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>Minutes before the family statement was published, a separate update was issued by the Metropolitan Police, which has been assessing the allegations in recent days after discussions with BBC executives. </p> </div> </div> <div id="piano-inline2"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>It said, "Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed."</p> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>The BBC said it would continue its "fact finding investigations" into the allegations, which has been put on hold at the Met's request while it carried out its own enquiries. </p> </div> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>A spokesperson for the corporation said: "We will now move forward with that work, ensuring due process and a thorough assessment of the facts, whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved."</p> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>Huw Edwards has worked for the BBC since the mid-1980s, rising from a trainee position to becoming one of BBC News' most recognisable presenters.</p> </div> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> <p>As well as hosting the Ten O'Clock News for many years, he has led coverage of major news events, such as elections and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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Major twist in BBC presenter scandal

<p>A damning scandal surrounding a high-profile BBC presenter has grown after a second victim has come forward against the anonymous personality. </p> <p>Just days after an exclusive report from <em>The Sun</em> claimed a well-known presenter for the public broadcaster had paid a teenager for explicit images, another woman has now claimed she was contacted online by the star. </p> <p>She said the presenter sent “abusive and menacing” messages online, and “felt threatened” when she refused to meet up with the presenter in person. </p> <p>They recognised the presenter after connecting on a dating app and, the BBC reported, “hinted they might name” them which led to a number of “abusive expletive filled messages”.</p> <p>“The young person said they had been scared by the power the presenter held,” BBC News reported. </p> <p>“They said the threats made in the messages … had frightened them, and they remain scared.” </p> <p>The person, in their early twenties, has no connection to the first person who came forward with the allegations. </p> <p>The presenter, who has yet to be named, has not commented on the allegations. </p> <p>These new allegations come just days after the first victim's family <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/bbc-presenter-suspended-over-deeply-concerning-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">came forward</a> and accused the anonymous presenter for sending their teenager a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for explicit pictures over a three year period.</p> <p>The correspondence with the presenter allegedly began when the first person was just 17 years old, with the mother of the person, now in their twenties, saying the money was funding a dangerous drug habit. </p> <p>The mother said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.”</p> <p>In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May".</p> <p dir="ltr">"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added.</p> <p dir="ltr">London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made".</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

<p dir="ltr">A BBC presenter has been suspended after allegations emerged of them playing a teenager for sexually explicit images.</p> <p dir="ltr">The unnamed presenter allegedly paid the teenager, who was 17 when the correspondence began, a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for the pictures over a three year period.</p> <p dir="ltr">UK culture minister Lucy Frazer said earlier she had spoken about the "deeply concerning" allegations with BBC Director General Tim Davie, who assured her the BBC is "investigating swiftly and sensitively".</p> <p dir="ltr">The allegations were first reported by <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/22978239/bbc-star-paying-teenager-sexual-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em> newspaper, who said the child’s mother first came forward with the allegations in May 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">The presenter reportedly stayed on the air for a month after the initial report was made.</p> <p dir="ltr">The alleged victim’s mother also said that the money given to their child was used to fund a drug habit.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May".</p> <p dir="ltr">"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added.</p> <p dir="ltr">London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made".</p> <p dir="ltr">"We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow," it added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The BBC said it takes "any allegations seriously" and has "robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations".</p> <p dir="ltr">In an internal email sent to staff and quoted on the BBC website, Davie said he is "wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent".</p> <p dir="ltr">Since <em>The Sun</em> published the allegations, some BBC presenters have taken to social media to deny that they are the broadcaster in question, with the perpetrator yet to be formally named.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Without free-to-air, we wouldn’t have Doctor Who in the archives. What will we lose when it moves to Disney?

<p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/oct/26/doctor-who-bbc-deal-disney-plus-outside-uk-ireland-abc-australia-loses-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcement</a> the BBC will move the global streaming of Doctor Who from free to air channels to Disney+ will change the viewing habits for millions of people internationally.</p> <p>In Australia, Doctor Who will be removed from the ABC, in New Zealand from TVNZ, and in America from BBC America.</p> <p>According to reports, the BBC and Disney+ are thrilled with the deal. The show’s chief writer Russell T. Davies <a href="https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/doctor-who-disneyplus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has said</a> this new relationship will allow the show to “launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.”</p> <p>But what about the traditional homes Doctor Who has in other countries, which often kept rare Doctor Who episodes safe which the BBC discarded in the 1970s, before the BBC began archiving the videotapes of their old black and white programs. Now the BBC keeps everything, but once wiped or threw out tapes when they thought the programs had no further value.</p> <h2>Black and white broadcasting for the world</h2> <p>The first people anywhere in the world to see Doctor Who were British viewers of the BBC’s television service on <a href="https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/8f81c193ba224e84981f353cae480d49" target="_blank" rel="noopener">November 23 1963</a>. Any one with a television licence could have watched and several million people did, having just learned of President John F Kennedy’s assassination.</p> <p>The rest of the world did not have to wait long. In the mid-1960s television was mostly black and white and the BBC’s 405 line productions could be broadcast by technicians in television stations around the world.</p> <p>West Australians first saw Doctor Who in January 1965. Shortly after, the ABC in other capitals began to broadcast the series.</p> <p>The global broadcasting of Doctor Who has created different viewing patterns for diverse audiences.</p> <p>Famously in Britain, Doctor Who was part of a Saturday evening “tea time” experience for school children: a line-up of football, light entertainment and drama from early afternoon to late night. Doctor Who kept its place as the mainstay of the BBC’s Saturday line-up almost without interruption from 1963 to 1989.</p> <p>But for Australians like me, Doctor Who was viewed in a different way. As a child of the 1980s, Doctor Who was in an unmissable weekday afternoon line-up on the ABC.</p> <p>Australians weren’t watching exactly the same episodes as their counterparts watching the BBC. Early Doctor Who is startlingly violent, and early on the show gained its enduring reputation as so scary kids watched from <a href="https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-whos-scariest-episodes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">behind the sofa</a>. These black and white episodes feature mass killings, hangings, shootings, attempted and actual rape, psychotic attacks by a scissor wielding woman, and more.</p> <p>Doctor Who episodes broadcast in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s had many of these juicy moments were edited out by the <a href="https://doctorwhomindrobber.com/tag/australian-film-censorship-board/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commonwealth Film Censorship Board</a>.</p> <p>Oddly, this means Australian television archives contain snippets of 1960s episodes still missing from the BBC archives, among them the existentially dreadful attack from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXt4AEMzYgY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mr Oak and Mr Quill</a>, humanoids made of gas who advance on a helpless woman breathing poison gas out of gaping black holes in their faces. These small moments of violence are all that’s left of some classics stories.</p> <h2>Global audiences from the 1960s to present</h2> <p>These snippets of missing episodes exist because, prior to the late 1970s, the BBC did not routinely archive its shows – including Doctor Who. Indeed, a global network of television archives has been crucial in maintaining the nearly 50 year history of the show.</p> <p>Doctor Who episodes missing from the BBC archives have been recovered from <a href="https://www.whattowatch.com/features/doctor-who-missing-episodes-why-are-there-so-many" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Africa</a>. They were found there because the BBC sent them there, as exports for showing on local free to air channels.</p> <p>As recently as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TinWhmgU9p0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2013</a>, a large number of missing episodes were found in a remote television relay station in west Africa.</p> <p>Much academic research into the viewing and reception of Doctor Who is about British audiences. How fascinating it would be to know more about the first global audiences and the viewing reactions and audiences from Hong Kong to Nigeria.</p> <p>Modern Doctor Who’s global audience is no less diverse. <a href="https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a589559/doctor-who-peter-capaldi-greets-fans-in-korea-as-world-tour-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In 2013</a> the incumbent Doctor, Peter Capaldi, embarked on a world tour and fans in Seoul, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, New York and Sydney clamoured to meet him.</p> <p>But these fans, like others elsewhere in the world, watched their favourite show free to air.</p> <h2>Streaming the 60th anniversary and beyond</h2> <p>The BBC’s announcement changes everything for fans around the world.</p> <p>It puts Doctor Who on par with programs from the streaming giants which are the most talked about in popular culture, like House of the Dragon or The Crown.</p> <p>But Doctor Who has always been an accessible commodity on the ABC, TVNZ and their like.</p> <p>In Australia, Doctor Who on the ABC was simply a fact of life. This announcement will not only be a disappointment but a concern about access.</p> <p>It also means Doctor Who will be judged against lavish programs with immensely larger budgets, different storytelling approaches and multinational casts.</p> <p>In 2021, the Guardian writer <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/20/exterminate-exterminate-why-its-time-for-doctor-who-to-die" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martin Belam</a> suggested the time had come to exterminate Doctor Who for precisely these reasons, but back then the show was still safe on global free to air.</p> <p>This change means Doctor Who will enter its 60th year with its global broadcasting changed beyond recognition and judged against the giants of streamed television.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/without-free-to-air-we-wouldnt-have-doctor-who-in-the-archives-what-will-we-lose-when-it-moves-to-disney-193310" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: BBC</em></p>

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“This has shattered us”: BBC reality star Jasmine Burkitt has passed away

<p dir="ltr">British reality star Jasmine Burkitt, known as Jazz to her loved ones and friends, has died aged 28.</p> <p dir="ltr">Burkitt was known for her 2011 documentary, Small Teen, Bigger World, a four-part series on BBC Three where she gave viewers an insight into her life as a teenager with dwarfism.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her fiancé, Lewis Burke, confirmed the news of her passing on social media earlier this week, per <em><a href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/jasmine-burkitt-dead-at-28-bbc-reality-star/b4cb4bdf-b00b-40ab-a78c-f25a3092dc9b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is the most incredible human that ever walked this planet, she is the strongest, funniest, most kindest and purely decent person I’ve ever known,” he wrote on their shared Facebook page.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am truly devastated. She changed my life forever and I’ll never be the same.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Burke, who was in hospital for a heart operation at the time of her passing, said Burkitt had passed away “after a long battle with a serious mental illness”.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to multiple media outlets, Norman Burkitt, Burkitt’s grandfather, said Burke’s mother found her body in a tent where she and Burke had been living since 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple had been documenting their life living in a tent in Bodelwyddan, Wales, on their Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lewisandjazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join our Journey</a>, after struggling to get council accommodation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re a differently abled couple who happen to live in a tent outdoors, in the UK,” the introduction on their page reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Although this wasn’t really our first choice, we are still determined to remain happy and productive throughout!! We are turning our homelessness from something negative to something positive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Burkitt’s grandfather said the couple’s situation highlighted the “desperate” housing situation in Wales, since the couple couldn’t get public housing together as they were from two different parts of the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The coroner has rang us to say there will be a post mortem. They were living in this tent because they could not get a house,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He described his granddaughter as a “fantastic girl” who was “so clever and bright”, emphasising her love of art and her television success.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She broke all sorts of viewing records at the BBC and got two awards,” he said. “This has shattered us, we have had no sleep. Everyone will miss her.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While Burkitt was filming her show, she was a registered carer for her mother, who later died from lung and breathing problems in 2014. Both had an undiagnosed form of dwarfism, which doctors couldn’t find the cause for.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her grandfather revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had a heart valve issue that meant she was taking three different types of medication and had to have hospital check-ups every six months.</p> <p dir="ltr">In January, Burkitt shared with her followers on Instagram that she had been hospitalised due to her physical and mental health at the end of the previous year, adding that she was “so happy to be much more stable” and couldn’t wait to be back with Burke and their dog, Loki.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-662c7374-7fff-b002-8b29-ade203924b07"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @joinourjourneyinsta (Instagram)</em></p>

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BBC star confirmed dead at just 21

<p dir="ltr">Reiss Jarvis, the BBC actor known for his role in the 2017 drama <em>Murdered for Being Different</em>, was killed in a car crash with another driver who “lost control” while speeding on an unlit road.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 21-year-old was in the front seat of his friend’s Mazda 3 and suffered multiple “unsurvivable” injuries in the crash on November 10 last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">An inquest into his death, held on Wednesday at Rochdale Coroner’s Court, heard that Mr Jarvis’ friend, Karl Young lost control of his car while driving at “excessive speed” at around 8.40pm that night, according to <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10802685/Actor-starred-BBC-drama-killed-driver-lost-control-car-passenger-in.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The vehicle then veered off the remote road, hitting a tree and plunging down an embankment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Jarvis was pronounced dead at the scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Young was pulled from the vehicle and taken to hospital, where he later passed away.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5cd9bbbf-7fff-ff76-3283-08592f1b0900"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were returning home to Oldham, in Greater Manchester, after going to a West Yorkshire fish shop.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our thoughts go to the family of Reiss Jarvis (21) &amp; the driver of the vehicle, both were killed last night in a RTA in Delph, Reiss played Michael Gorman in The ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/sophie_charity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sophie_charity</a>⁩ Lancaster Murdered for being Different, TV Drama, which was based from our facilities .RIP💔 <a href="https://t.co/xcjQo0kRKj">pic.twitter.com/xcjQo0kRKj</a></p> <p>— Bacup Borough FC (@BacupBoro) <a href="https://twitter.com/BacupBoro/status/1458912399961042952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Police Sergeant Neil Pennington, representing Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Unit, told the inquest that it was discovered through analysis of the car’s airbag module that it had been travelling at 110 miles per hour (about 117 kilometres per hour).</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the speed limit for the road is 50 miles an hour (approximately 80 kph), and the car was travelling at 58 miles per hour (about 93 kph) when it hit the tree.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the speed they were driving at, if anything did happen or a loss of control were to occur, it would be very hard for them to regain control of that vehicle,” Sergeant Pennington said.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to pathologist Dr Abdul Ganjifrockwala’s post-mortem examination, Mr Jarvis’ cause of death was confirmed to be from “multiple fatal injuries as a result of a road traffic collision”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sergeant Pennington told the inquest there was no evidence to suggest another vehicle was involved in the crash.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement, Mr Jarvis’ father, Darryl, described his son as “the life and soul of the party” and said his death has taken a “terrible toll” on his health.</p> <p dir="ltr">Assistant coroner Michael Salt concluded that Mr Jarvis died as a result of a road traffic collision.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This case highlights again the dangers of excessive speed on the roads,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“On this occasion a very talented and loyal young man has lost his life and the only explanation we have is one of loss of control of the vehicle through excessive speed.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9d919c25-7fff-2c06-170e-1933e94d0f01"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

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Orchestra of Ukrainian refugees to “honour the dead” at UK BBC Proms

<p dir="ltr">The BBC Proms is welcoming a special act this year, as an orchestra of Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainian musicians are expected to take centre stage.</p> <p dir="ltr">The newly-formed Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra was added to the programme of classical music “at the 11th hour”, Proms director David Pickard said, per the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61215906" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think sometimes you can feel rather powerless if you’re involved in the cultural world when a huge event like this war is going on, and this is a marvellous way to support the country and celebrate the power of music to cross divides,” he said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-afb06beb-7fff-1e4c-0243-bb5b864ee854"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The Ukrainian government has even granted an exemption to military-age male musicians so they can leave the country and play in the orchestra.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m so proud that the formation of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkrainianFreedomOrchestra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkrainianFreedomOrchestra</a> has been announced. Formed with leading Ukrainian musicians from inside and outside of Ukraine, we will assemble in Warsaw in July for 10 days of intensive rehearsals, before embarking on an 11 city tour. <a href="https://t.co/2Y7gc83DG3">pic.twitter.com/2Y7gc83DG3</a></p> <p>— Keri-Lynn Wilson (@kerilynnwilson) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerilynnwilson/status/1518934836249088002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lyn Wilson said the orchestra - which has been her brainchild - would “honour those who have died” in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I wanted to bring the best orchestral musicians of Ukraine together, from both inside and outside of their country, in a proud display of artistic unity,” she said in a statement announcing their tour, which will take them across Europe and on to the United States.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The tour is an expression of love for their homeland and to honour those who have died and have suffered so much.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Their inclusion comes as the Proms returns to the Royal Albert Hall for its first full-scale season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 3,000 musicians expected to perform across 84 concerts over eight weeks.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a programme including Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov’s Seventh Symphony and aria Abscheulicher! from Beethoven’s Fidelio which calls for humanity and peace in the face of violence, it’s easy to see why Mr Pickard predicts it will be a powerful and cathartic performance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Funds raised from the tour, which runs from July 28 until August 20, will be used to support Ukrainian artists according to a <a href="https://www.metopera.org/about/press-releases/ukrainian-freedom-orchestra-formed-to-tour-europe-and-u.s.-this-summer-in-artistic-defense-of-their-country/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> from the Metropolitan Opera.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Music can be a powerful weapon against oppression,” Peter Gelb, the Metropolitan Opera’s general manager, and Waldemar Dabrowski, the director of the Teatr Wielki-Polish National Opera, said in a joint statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This tour is meant to defend Ukrainian art and its brave artists as they fight for their freedom of their country.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a24c6067-7fff-3838-c208-035bab143706"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @kerilynnwilsonmaestro (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

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Tributes for beloved EastEnders actress

<p dir="ltr">The beloved <em>EastEnders</em> actress June Brown has passed away at the age of 95.</p> <p dir="ltr">June’s devastated family announced the heartbreaking news of her passing on April 3, saying she “died peacefully” at home. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night,’ the official <em>EastEnders</em> Twitter account wrote on Sunday. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I would watch, listen and be totally captivated by her. She was an inspiration and I am truly blessed to have worked with and laughed with this unbelievably talented lady, icon, legend. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The irreplaceable June Brown.”</p> <p dir="ltr">June was best known for her role as Dot Cotton in <em>EastEnders</em>, a role she played for more than 30 years. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">1/3“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten... <a href="https://t.co/7OYtHJiIUb">pic.twitter.com/7OYtHJiIUb</a></p> <p>— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders/status/1510955197106958339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP June Brown, 95. <br />A wonderfully talented actress whose long-time portrayal of irascible fag-puffing Dot Cotton in EastEnders was one of the all-time great performances in British Television. <br />June was such a funny, feisty, fabulous lady off screen too. Very sad news. <a href="https://t.co/qhg2qqUdcd">pic.twitter.com/qhg2qqUdcd</a></p> <p>— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1510967032006602758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I took this shot of June Brown in, what I understand to have been her final scene on ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbceastenders</a>⁩. Love to all the cast and crew missing her. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/junebrown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#junebrown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eastenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eastenders</a> <a href="https://t.co/vZ57FNR8ur">pic.twitter.com/vZ57FNR8ur</a></p> <p>— Christopher McGill (@McGillTweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/McGillTweet/status/1510998252933496836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">As funny as she was wise, as wise as she was kind. When I joined Eastenders, June was the first of the older cast to embrace me. I love you June. We all do. ❤️🕊 <a href="https://t.co/MKVi0iNfGu">pic.twitter.com/MKVi0iNfGu</a></p> <p>— michelle gayle (@michellegayle1) <a href="https://twitter.com/michellegayle1/status/1510958271926001668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very sad day. I never had the pleasure of meeting/working with the mighty June Brown - but we adored watching her on the telly box. What a legacy June leaves behind. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> would not have been the same without her. Love &amp; strenght to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> &amp; June's loved ones. RIP💔 <a href="https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6">https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6</a></p> <p>— Balvinder Sopal (@BalvinderSopal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BalvinderSopal/status/1510964816256671745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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BBC journalist shares stories of Ukrainian children caught in crossfire

<p dir="ltr">A <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60814913" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC journalist</a> reporting from the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia has shared the horrifying stories of those injured by Russian shelling in Mariupol.</p> <p dir="ltr">Journalist Wyre Davies visited the Regional Children’s Hospital in Zaporizhzhia, where hundreds of people have been evacuated and continue to be treated by doctors.</p> <p dir="ltr">The children there include Artem, a two-year-old who was wounded by shrapnel from a Russian shell that also injured his parents and grandparents as they tried to flee Mariupol.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e2478cd7-7fff-157d-4ee8-0c9b4b4b278e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">15-year-old Masha (pictured above), who lies next in the bed next to Artem, is being treated after a shell tore apart her leg, forcing doctors to amputate it.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meanwhile … in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>, there’s still a war going on. Civilians are suffering &amp; cities are being flattened. With no ceasefire in sight, join me &amp; my bbc colleagues this week across <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCNews</a> for continuing coverage on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tv</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/radio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#radio</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/online?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#online</a>.</p> <p>— Wyre Davies (@WyreDavies) <a href="https://twitter.com/WyreDavies/status/1508293872551698438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Davies spoke to Dr Yuri Borzenko, the head of the Children’s Hospital, and is one the several doctors who asked the journalist to tell their stories.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hate Russia,” Dr Borzenko said. “The girl who lost her leg (Masha) was so traumatised she wouldn’t eat or drink for days. She couldn’t mentally handle what had happened. We had to feed her intravenously.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Another boy, a six-year-old with shrapnel in his skull described - without any tears or emotion - watching his mother burn to death in their car after it was hit. Two days later he said ‘dad buy me a new mum, I need someone to walk me to school’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Davies also met Vladimir, a “grief-stricken” father who lost his 26-year-old daughter and four-year-old granddaughter after a shell landed near the shelter where they were seeking refuge.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I looked at the ground and there lay my little granddaughter with her head completely torn to pieces,” Vladimir told Davies.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She lay there without a single breath and right next to her was my daughter with her legs fractured, open fractures.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But he has tried to stay strong for his second daughter, Diana, who was also critically wounded but was able to undergo emergency surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Davies’ story comes as other survivors continue to speak out about their experiences with journalists and through social media, including young people such as <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@valerisssh">Valerish</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ukrainian photographer is among the many young women taking to TikTok to share their experiences during the ongoing crisis while also educating others on how to help.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Every day I live with a hope that tomorrow war will end, but everything is getting worse,” she captioned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CayB1GdLsh9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one video</a> of her in front of a shelled apartment building.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I see how my city was wiped out of existence and how Russian troops killed Ukrainian civilians.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ca6416a7-7fff-88ad-72d1-b2516629db5c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">In another post, she wrote about meeting the mayor of Milan and about her native city of Chenihiv.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbhjcSpNzoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbhjcSpNzoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Photographer Valerish (@valerisssh)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“We talked about our ‘love’ for Russia and how we can help my native city Chernihiv,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I believe that the volunteer organisation ‘Palyanitsya’ (which Valerish volunteers with) from this moment have more power than before.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cbc988fb-7fff-a012-07aa-c976421b5c3c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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