Chelsea pensioner Colin Thackery sings emotional hymn as UK remembers VE day
The 'Britain's Got Talent' winner sung 'I Vow To Thee My Country' on the boat that carried Churchill's coffin, as the UK marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
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Metro
a day ago
- Metro
I don't want to see David Walliams on TV again after Nazi salutes
I can't believe I'm having to say this, but Nazi salutes are not funny. This week, David Walliams, the comedian once renowned for Little Britain and as a ubiquitous judge on Britain's Got Talent, made two Nazi salutes while filming a comedy show, a Christmas special of Would I Lie To You for the BBC. The story, revealed by The Times, was a wholly humiliating and thoroughly embarrassing act. Call the Midwife actress and Walliams' teammate on the show, Helen George, was telling a tale about spraining her wrist after waving too much on the Strictly Come Dancing tour, before demonstrating the wave. That's when Walliams 'joined in with increasingly vigorous waves, culminating in him holding his arm out in a Nazi salute'. He then repeated it, with a 'sexual twist', essentially mocking its brutal origins. Audience members reportedly gasped, fellow panellists looked uncomfortable, and the host, Rob Brydon, was forced to reprimand him. The BBC has since confirmed the footage will never air, calling the gesture 'completely unacceptable,' and the production company quickly repeated those sentiments. To put it simply: I believe he has crossed a line. So he must be shunned from our screens. Walliams has been treading a tightrope of controversy for decades, with a pattern of behaviour that must ultimately be held to account. His comedy – particularly Little Britain – has been rightly criticised for racist stand-up and blackface. Something once celebrated as being edgy or irreverent now just exists as an embarrassing reminder of how the entertainment business once had so much less to answer for in terms of its power. Both Walliams and Lucas have since apologised for these portrayals, stating they regretted playing 'characters of other races', adding: 'we want to make it clear that it was wrong and we are very sorry.' In more recent times, Walliams stepped down from being a judge on Britain's Got Talent after tapes were released in which he made 'disrespectful comments' about contestants on the show. He apologised at the time, explaining they were private conversations that were 'never intended to be shared' but that he was 'sorry' nevertheless. And who can forget, HarperCollins – the publisher of his book, The World's Worst Children – removed a short story about a Chinese character called Brian Wong after accusations of 'casual racism'. As far as I can see, Walliams didn't apologise for this, but the publisher said: 'In consultation with our author and illustrator [Tony Ross] we can confirm that a new story will be written to replace 'Brian Wong'.' Quite a list. So when Walliams does a Nazi salute, even when it was an attempt at humour – a symbol of hate, genocide, and oppression – it isn't just a bad taste and off-colour remark. In my view, it's the record of someone who has repeatedly failed to listen or to know boundaries, after facing repercussions previously. And as far as I can see, he hasn't apologised or even addressed this latest controversy yet. It's not 'cancel culture' – as Walliams himself contended last year, calling it 'exhausting' – no, it's a matter of responsibility. It's about the obligation that comes with having a public voice and the very real consequences of downplaying serious wrongdoings. Bigger picture counts too. Globally, populism on the far-right is increasing, while fascist imagery and language are slowly reasserting themselves in popular culture. So a celebrity performing an offhand Nazi salute – even in what looks like a lighthearted setting and from someone who is not racist – is not an innocent nostalgic gesture or a misguided effort at humour. In my view, it's hate normalisation. In my opinion, Walliams' faux pas are a sure sign that he must be blacklisted on TV. It is not a matter of censoring comedy or stifling free speech, but more of not giving a forum to one who has violated the social line of decency and decorum. The BBC refusing to air the video was right, but not far enough. Walliams must not have access to the same forums that made him famous until he shows genuine accountability and respect to marginalised communities in Britain. It's not a witch hunt or social media outrage-driven over response. It's a call for standards – ones that I believe Walliams has repeatedly fallen short of. By continuing to grant him airtime, broadcasters send the message that his behaviour is acceptable as long as the perpetrator is a big enough name. More Trending Blacklisting David Walliams would be an absolute, necessary step towards sending the message that this kind of behavior is not going to be tolerated. It's about protecting the cultural topography from people who would belittle and hate others. If the BBC and other broadcasters who work with Walliams can commit – if they haven't already – to not including him on TV, radio, or any other media appearances in the future, the world would be much better off. It's about standing together with people who are targeted by these kinds of words and actions. And it's about getting the record straight that being 'funny' is no excuse for causing hurt or being hateful. View More » The time for excuses is over. The show has come to a close. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: The Ballymena riots are nothing to do with protecting women MORE: Brat summer is back: From tennis to the Euros to the Rugby World Cup, just watch as sporting queens go centre stage MORE: Doctor Who fans are convinced the show is dying – but they're wrong
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Megan McKenna stuns in SECOND gorgeous wedding dress as she shares more snaps from wedding to footballer Oliver Burke
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEGAN McKenna stunned in her second gorgeous wedding dress, as she shared even more snaps from her wedding to footballer Oliver Burke. The 32-year-old star, who got engaged to Oliver in June 2023, shared photos from her fairytale wedding over the weekend. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Megan McKenna stunned in her second gorgeous wedding dress, as she shared even more snaps from her wedding to footballer Oliver Burke Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna 6 The Towie star snogged her new husband in a cheeky snap Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna 6 Megan shared some behind-the-scenes photos from the reception Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna Megan, 32, looked like a princess in a white bridal gown with a long trail and veil. She was seen beaming with joy as she posed with her new husband, surrounded by hundreds of roses and a piano. And now, the former Towie star has shared new photos in a beautiful second wedding dress. Megan opted for a striking white floor length gown in a very chic design, and she beamed as she walked down the stairs at Grantley Hall. In other snaps, the mum-of-one was seen snogging her new hubby Oliver, with her wedding garters on show. She shared snaps of the delicious food, from personalised chips to their huge seven-tier cake. And Megan posted a sweet video from their special day, of Oliver twirling her around on the dance floor. The proud bride shared an inside look at the reception fun, with dance floor snaps and partying pics. She told her three million followers: 'My second dress was so special, Peter designed me a couture dress of dreams. Inspired by Jackie O. Shameless Arg dances with pal Megan McKenna at her wedding after assault arrest 'It was everything and more. Before our first dance & then the official Burke's after party I wanted to slip into something more sexy. I've added in some snaps from the evening… I hope you're enjoying my wedding content. There's a few more posts to go.' The big day comes eight months after they welcomed their first child together. Megan gave birth to a son named Landon in Germany on October 7. In the wedding snaps, the reality star wore a silk mikado ballgown with a pleated skirt, a sweeping train, and a corset bodice. Megan McKenna's TV Timeline Since her debut on Ex On The Beach, Megan has rarely been away from TV screens. Can you remember all the shows she has appeared on? 2009 - Britain's Got Talent, series 3 - ITV 2015-2016 - Ex On The Beach, series 3-4 - MTV 2016 - Celebrity Big Brother, series 17 - Channel 5 2016-2017 - The Only Way Is Essex, series 17-21 - ITVBe 2017 - There's Something About Megan - ITVBe 2018 - Celebs On The Farm, series 1 - Channel 5 2019 - Celebs Go Dating, series 6 - E4 2019 - The X Factor: Celebrity - ITV 2021 - Celebrity MasterChef - BBC One 2022 - Celebrity MasterChef: Festive Extravaganza - BBC One Megan then changed into a second gown, wearing a evening dress with a square neckline and pleated overskirt at the back. Oliver looked dapper in a black morning suit and a crisp white shirt. The new bride held a huge white bouquet of flowers and smiled from ear to ear as she leaned in for a kiss with Oliver. He then sweetly pecked his wife on the cheek in the black and white photo. The ceremony was held at the picturesque Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire. The former Towie star captioned the post: "Mr & Mrs Burke." Her close friends raced to congratulate the newlyweds. Scarlett Moffatt wrote: "Omg simply breathtaking. Huge congratulations to you both." Kelsey Parker gushed: "Omg you look Stunning Megan." Jess Wright posted: "Awww congratulations, beautiful darling," with a string of red heart emojis. 6 Megan opted for a striking white floor length gown in a very chic design Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna 6 The couple shared a look at their huge wedding cake Credit: Charlotte Wise Photography
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Welsh choir formed just 16 months ago gets immense booking and some still think it's a wind up
Welsh choir formed just 16 months ago gets immense booking and some still think it's a wind up People have been telephoning to check, convinced it can't be true The Principality Stadium, Cardiff, ahead of the Wales vs New Zealand autumn international in 2022 (Image: Mark Lewis/Huw Evans Agency ) A male voice choir which didn't exist 16 months ago will be performing at the Principality Stadium ahead of the Wales vs New Zealand autumn international, and some pre-match nerves are starting to kick in. Matthew Bailey, of Cor Meibion Clydach, said they would be one of three choirs singing together, including performing the teams' respective national anthems ahead of kick-off. Cllr Bailey, a Swansea councillor who represents Clydach, said two choir members phoned him to ask if it was a wind-up. "They said, 'All joking aside, are we actually going to sing at the Principality Stadium?'" he said. Cor Meibion Clydach has performed Christmas and VE Day concerts in front of around 400 people - somewhat fewer than the Principality's 74,000 capacity. "It is a great honour," said Cllr Bailey. "Its Wales-New Zealand - a massive game." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here He reckoned the choirs would sing around eight songs and then the national anthems. "There is an element of nervousness," said Cllr Bailey. "You're probably never going to get this opportunity again. You've got to perform. It would help if we could have a couple of drinks beforehand!" Cllr Bailey, who last year resurrected what had been a successful male voice choir in Clydach in the past, said he'd been in touch with an official who arranged choirs at the stadium and that he received an email last Thursday saying Cor Meibion Clydach was one of the three selected. He said Cor Meibion Clydach member Wayne Griffiths had sung at the stadium previously with his other choir, Morriston Orpheus, Swansea, and described the experience as "completely emotional". Article continues below Cor Meibion Clydach, the male voice choir which is flourishing in Clydach, at a Christmas concert at Capel y Nant (Image: Copyright Unknown ) Cor Meibion Clydach chorister Anthony Brunton said the November 22 date in Cardiff was a dream come true. "I am really looking forward to it, and everybody is in the choir is as well," he said. "Standing on the pitch in front of 70,000 people, singing - I will be an emotional wreck." Mr Brunton, 58, who used to play second row for Vardre RFC, Clydach, said the All Blacks were the biggest test for any Wales rugby team. They haven't lost to Wales since 1953. Cor Meibion Clydach has been guided and improved by musical director Gareth Sims and his accompanist wife, Julie. Cllr Bailey said it was up to 38 members and could accommodate more. The choir practises on Thursday evenings at Vardre RFC. Sunday sessions are also taking place on the back of the Principality Stadium news. Article continues below One of its members is David Waghorn, president of Vardre RFC. Speaking in April he said he used to listen to and help the previous male voice choir before it disbanded many years ago and that he'd regretted not joining it. "Everyone tells me singing is good for the soul and well-being," said Mr Waghorn . "I thought, 'I'm not going to miss out this time.' It's one of the best things I have done."
