Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan charged with criminal damage and harassment
The five-time Bafta award winner, also known for writing The IT Crowd, Black Books and Motherland will appear in court on May 12.
It's believed the charges are related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas festival on October 19 last year.
Mr Linehan has had a longstanding history of criticising the trans-rights movement.
He told the Mirror: "This is part of a long history of the police acting as a goon squad for trans rights activists."
The award-winning writer also shared a post about the alleged victim adding: "I look forward to exposing him and them in court."
A CPS spokesperson said: "Graham Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court for a first hearing to face charges of harassment without violence and criminal damage on 12 May."
1
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Pointless, The Apprentice and The 1% Club are looking for TV contestants right now
ITV and BBC are looking for fresh faces to participate in various different TV shows Ever dreamed of bagging the cash jackpot on Pointless, or thought you'd do a decent job at The 1% Club? Turns out, that might just be a possibility. Behind-the-scenes staff at ITV and BBC are now recruiting contestants for these shows and many others that entertain Brits across the nation. MasterChef, The Apprentice and even Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? are among those currently accepting applications - but it's crucial to submit before the deadline. Below, the Mirror has delved into the various opportunities up for grabs right now and how you can apply. While it's not an exhaustive list, it could be the sign you need to jump off the couch and start playing for real stakes in front of the camera. BBC - Pointless Hosted by Alexander Armstrong, Pointless is a quiz show where contestants strive to achieve the lowest score by recalling obscure general knowledge that others can't think of. The winning jackpot typically starts at £1,000 and increases with each 'pointless answer' achieved. If this sounds like something you'd love to try, you can currently apply to take part by completing a form available on the BBC's website. Applicants must be 18 years or older and should be comfortable sharing personal details about themselves. The Pointless casting call reads: "Do you have a friend, colleague or family member who knows the obscurest of information? Or is that person you? "Then you're in the right place! Apply now for the new series of BBC1's Pointless to be in with a chance of winning the show jackpot and a coveted Pointless trophy!" The application deadline is on Friday, September 12 at 11:59pm. Further information can be found here. ITV - The 1% Club The 1% Club is a quiz show on ITV in which contestants answer questions focused on logic and common sense instead of general knowledge. It is presented by comedian Lee Mack and offers a top prize of up to £100,000. Whilst ITV is looking for people of all abilities to participate in The 1% Club's fifth series, they must meet specific criteria to be eligible. This includes: You must be aged 18 or over. You must not have appeared or taken part in The 1% Club before. You do not work or have not worked for Magnum Media or ITV or know anyone who does. You must be a legal resident of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man and currently living there. The casting call also adds: "You are free to film at our studio in Manchester for one day between Wednesday 8th October 2025 and Thursday 29th October 2025. You must be able to make suitable travel arrangements to and from studio as we do not cover any travel or hotel costs. "We encourage people from all ethnic backgrounds, sexuality and those who are D/deaf and/ or disabled to apply as we want to show a true representation of the UK. If you have any access requirements in order to complete the application, please contact casting@ Those interested in The 1% Club can apply online here. Applications must be filed by September 26, 2025. BBC - The Apprentice If you think you've got what it takes to be Lord Alan Sugar's next business partner, then you might be in luck. The BBC is seeking its next batch of candidates for The Apprentice, where participants will compete in 12 challenging tasks to secure a life-changing opportunity. The BBC's casting call explains: "Could you be his next investment? If you think you've got the talent and confidence to impress Britain's toughest backer, the process starts here. The winning candidate will receive an investment of up to £250,000 and will go into a 50:50 business with Lord Sugar." As of now, Lord Sugar has already invested over £3,000,000 in business start-ups through The Apprentice. If you think it's worth a shot, head to the BBC's website and complete an application form. Participants must be aged 18 and over, and must file their forms by 11:59pm on January 11, 2026. Additional details may be found here. ITV - Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Jeremy Clarkson is making a comeback with a new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, and ITV is on the lookout for contestants who believe they can bag the £1 million jackpot. Those interested, who must be 18 and over, should apply online by October 24, 2025. Auditions and casting procedures have been taking place from July 1 and will continue until November 7, 2025. "If you would like the chance to sit opposite Jeremy in the world-famous Hotseat then please APPLY HERE!" the casting call reads. "YOU could be just 15 questions away from becoming a Millionaire!" Additional details can be found here. Other opportunities available Anyone keen to participate in an ITV or BBC show should check out their websites, which regularly post updates on casting calls for different series. Other shows currently recruiting include: BBC - MasterChef ITV - Wheel of Fortune ITV - Bullseye BBC - People Watching BBC - Only Connect BBC - I Kissed A Girl BBC - Bargain Hunt
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
Death row killer gouges out both his own eyes and eats them in bid to avoid execution
Death row killer gouges out both his own eyes and eats them in bid to avoid execution Andre Thomas, 39, was sentenced to death in 2005 for the murders of his estranged wife and her two children. His execution was postponed after he gouged out his eyes The father removed the hearts of his kids (Image: Harold Democrat) A man sentenced to death for the brutal murder of his wife and children, in a horrific act of self-mutilation, gouged out both of his eyes and ate them in an attempt to avoid execution. Andre Thomas was handed the death sentence in 2005, but his execution was delayed after he removed his own eyeballs. He was discovered in his cell, covered in blood, prior to his court appearance in 2004, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. In another shocking incident, Thomas gouged out his remaining eye and consumed it, leaving him completely blind. His legal team stated that he believed this act of self-harm would prevent the government from hearing his thoughts. The news comes as police hunt a killer on the run as family of 'horrific' Welsh murder victim say they are 'terrified'. The 39 year old is currently incarcerated in Texas for a triple murder to which he has confessed. He admitted to killing his estranged wife, Laura Christine Boren, their four year old son, and Boren's 13-month-old daughter. Thomas told authorities that he believed God had instructed him to commit the murders, claiming he thought his victims were demons. He also removed the hearts of both children, as reported by the Associated Press, reports the Mirror. Thomas gouged out his remaining eye and consumed it (Image: Texas Execution) Article continues below He was found guilty in 2005 and automatically received the death penalty. His execution is scheduled for 5 April 2023. Jason Clark, an agency spokesperson, confirmed: "Thomas said he pulled out his eye and subsequently ingested it." In March 2023, Judge Jim Fallon granted an order suspending Thomas' execution warrant, following a request from his legal team for extra time to assess his mental condition and determine whether he met the competency requirements for capital punishment. According to the Supreme Court, whilst the death penalty isn't prohibited for individuals with serious mental disorders, it mandates that a person must be deemed competent. Marie Levin, Thomas' solicitor, stated: "We are confident that when we present the evidence of Mr. Thomas's incompetence, the court will agree that executing him would violate the Constitution. Andre Thomas before and after each of his self-inflicted attacks (Image: AP) "Guiding this blind psychotic man to the gurney for execution offends our sense of humanity and serves no legitimate purpose." Levin described Thomas as "one of the most mentally ill prisoners in Texas history ... not competent to be executed, lacking a rational understanding of the state's reason for his execution." After consuming his first eyeball, Thomas received treatment at a medical facility before being moved to a prison psychiatric unit. His trial barrister, Bobbie Peterson-Cate, remarked that he would "finally be able to receive the mental health care that we had wanted and begged for from day 1." In March 2023, over 100 faith leaders and others issued a plea for mercy to halt his execution. However, J. Kerye Ashmore from the Grayson County District Attorney's Office, who prosecuted the case, stated they knew "nothing about the case" and had not read any reports or evaluations concerning his mental state. Article continues below Thomas continues to be on death row.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova shares health update after hospitalisation
Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova shared earlier this week that she had ended up in hospital amid rehearsals for the BBC show's return and she's since issued an update to fans Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova has shared an update after ending up in hospital amid Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals. She previously revealed that she had landed on her back in a fall during a training session this week. It was announced on Tuesday that Nadiya, 35, had been in rehearsals in London for the new series of the BBC show that afternoon when she injured herself. Then, yesterday, she told fans that she'd got "the all-clear" at hospital and assured that she will be back on the dancefloor "soon". The pro has now issued another update ahead of returning to rehearsals for the show, which is expected to launch next month. It comes after a Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of show as he makes career announcement. Nadiya took to Instagram this evening with a message for her followers on the platform. She expressed gratitude for the support she's received this week and revealed in the post that she will be back on the dancefloor tomorrow. She wrote: "Hi everyone! I've had so many kind messages over the past 48 hours - thank you for your love and support. So many questions too so I just wanted to let you know that I had another scan today - just to check things over - and some more physio from the Strictly team and I'll be back on that dancefloor tomorrow." Nadiya concluded by saying that she's looking forward to the new series. She wrote in her statement earlier: "I feel a lot more like myself today, can't wait to be back with my [Strictly] family and looking forward for the new series." Earlier this week, a source revealed to the Mirror that Nadiya had injured herself during rehearsals. They said: "It looked pretty nasty and no-one was taking any chances. The Strictly crew rushed into action and she was stretchered out." A source close to Strictly said: "As a precaution, following a fall during rehearsals, Nadiya was taken to hospital for checks and is receiving full support from medical and welfare teams. Rehearsals continue and the Strictly team are in close contact with Nadiya." The following day, Nadiya shared details about the incident. Alongside a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed, she wrote yesterday: "Well… where do I start? What a 24 hours! Thank you so much for all the messages, love and support. "I just wanted you to know that I am ok. I had a fall in training yesterday and landed on my back. I was really worried for a while and I was so thankful to the Strictly family and medical team who really looked after me. The staff at the hospital were so kind and caring." She added: "I'm smiling in the picture but it was really scary and there were a few tears as I had to lie still for hours but I was given the all-clear after an x-ray and allowed to go home." Nadiya then told her followers: "I've got some physio today but I will be back on that dance floor soon and I'll be ready to shine and sparkle in the new series of the biggest show on TV. I can't wait for you to see it. Keep dancing!"
