
Gary Lineker to leave BBC on Sunday after antisemitism row
Gary Lineker will leave the BBC after Match of the Day on Saturday, following his now-deleted Instagram post criticised as antisemitic, saying in a statement: 'I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am.'
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The Guardian
18 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Pulp review – Jarvis Cocker's captivating comeback turns a rapt crowd rapturous
A thick velvet curtain cocoons the stage as a cool disembodied voice projects over the audience: 'This is an encore. An encore occurs because the audience wants more.' Since their initial breakup in 2002, Pulp have re-formed twice, for sold-out tours and festival sets played to loyal, rapturous audiences. Tonight, the stakes are higher: for the first time in 24 years, Pulp have a new album, More, released just one day before tonight's opening show. The audience want more – but do they want More? Any anxiety about new material is quashed when set opener and comeback single Spike Island is received like an old friend. Jarvis Cocker rises from the back of the stage flanked by cardboard cutouts of his bandmates – recognisable from the cover of 1995's Different Class – before joining their real-life counterparts, guitarist Mark Webber, drummer Nick Banks and keyboardist Candida Doyle, downstage. Continuing this mood, old and new songs on the setlist complement each other: the spacious psychedelia of More's Farmer's Market leads into the wide-eyed wonder of Sunrise from We Love Life; and the high stakes disco of O.U. (Gone, Gone) is echoed in its new counterpart Got to Have Love. With its illuminated staircase, kitschy backdrops and full string section, the stage is reminiscent of a 1970s chatshow set, with Cocker holding court in a corduroy suit, taking a seat – and occasionally laying down – during the spoken word sections, but always captivating. The setlist caters for fans of most Pulp eras, but This Is Hardcore heads are truly spoiled, with Help the Aged and The Fear both played live for the first time in over a decade. The latter sees Cocker share the limelight with four inflatable air dancers, somehow perfectly encapsulating the song's ennui in their gigantic absurdity. This Is Hardcore begins with the strings-only End of the Line mix, maximising the luxe melodrama before laying on its heavy dread. A hits-packed final run ends with Common People, somehow still thrilling – and relevant – 30 years after its release. The curtains are drawn, but the band return for a semi-acoustic version of A Sunset, the final track from More. It says a lot about this beloved group that, after playing their biggest hit, they can play an album track released yesterday to the same rapt attention. Pulp tour the UK and Ireland until 21 June


Edinburgh Live
25 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star breaks silence after being 'suspended' from EastEnders
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Jamie Borthwick, known for his role as Jay Brown in EastEnders, has issued a sincere apology after he was caught using an offensive term against disabled people. The incident took place about six months ago during his time on Strictly Come Dancing and has led to speculation that the actor might have been suspended from the BBC soap. The Manchester Evening News reported that the soap star used the derogatory term in a video referring to the people of Blackpool, where the beloved Strictly episode is traditionally filmed at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Disability charity Scope and a Blackpool councillor have expressed their disappointment over the matter. In a statement to The Sun on Sunday, Jamie expressed his regret: "I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes) "I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. "Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong," reports the Express. (Image: ITV) He also made a point to offer a specific apology to the residents of Blackpool, emphasising his contrition for his comments. The Sun claims that the actor has been sidelined from EastEnders, resulting in the BBC issuing the following statement: "This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this." Jamie's Strictly appearance last year was marked by his partnership with Michelle Tsiakkas. The controversy allegedly began in November when the Strictly cast filmed at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. (Image: PA) Meanwhile, singer Wynne Evans, famous for Go Compare adverts and 53 years old, also faced criticism for stroking partner Katya Jones on live television, despite suggestions that it was meant as a joke. This is not the first time the popular show has been surrounded by controversy. In previous seasons, backstage tension led to the sudden exits of Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice. Reach PLC has reached out to the BBC for comment. Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One later this year, with past episodes available to stream via ITVX.


BBC News
28 minutes ago
- BBC News
Frustration as Sands Centre and Forum in Cumbria remain closed
Theatre companies have expressed frustration that two major venues are still closed after the discovery of asbestos and crumbling concrete. The auditorium in the Sands Centre, Carlisle, will be shut until next year and The Forum in Barrow is not due to reopen for two director David McNeill said there was "something fundamentally wrong" with the time being taken to deal with the Council, which owns the Sands Centre, said it was a difficult decision to postpone more productions, while the Forum, owned by Westmorland and Furness council, previously said the theatre had to remain closed while work was carried out to the Market Hall next door. It was announced on Tuesday the auditorium in the Sands Centre, Carlisle, would not reopen until next year while the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the roof was removal of approximately 200 tonnes of Raac got under way last year after it was discovered in September January's Storm Éowyn hit a temporary canopy and caused delays to the The Forum in Barrow is not due to reopen for two years after being closed suddenly in July when asbestos was discovered. 'We've robbed them' Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer told BBC Radio Cumbria postponing more shows was a "really, really tough decision" but necessary."I mean, a really difficult decision to take but obviously with the Raac concrete problem we've got about 200 tonnes of concrete to take out of the roof and obviously in January we had the storm which has seen the whole roof lift off," he Mr McNeill, from StagedRight Productions, said this was the third year the Carlisle company's shows have had to move to smaller venues due to the ongoing work at the Sands Centre."Young people or old people who want to perform, basically we've robbed them of three years of professional training," Mr McNeill said."There's something fundamentally wrong here that we're three years down the line and we're no further to having an arts venue back in Cumbria." In Barrow, The Forum initially announced the theatre would be shut for six months while the asbestos was the closure was extended by two years while regeneration work was carried out on the adjoining Market theatre said the next phase of work to the hall involved heavy machinery which could lead to areas of safely contained asbestos being disturbed in both Parkinson, who runs KS Musicals in the town, said the extended closure had been "very disappointing" and had resulted in reduced profits due to her shows having to be staged in smaller venues."I completely understand why it's staying closed, it's just the manner that it's been dealt with hasn't been the best," she said."It does feel like the work in the market has taken priority over the work that needs to be done at The Forum." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.