Latest news with #THEBBC
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the Nazis Credit: Getty 2 The BBC's Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack Lineker Credit: Getty The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: 'For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. 'Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. 'He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. 'The BBC must act now.' Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: 'Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. 'This is utterly grim. The BBC's Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC's flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?' The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: 'I know where I stand on this. 'I'm sorry. It's more important than the BBC. 'What's going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.'
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC confirm full Celebrity Traitors line up in first look pictures – and reveal when it will hit screens.
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC have finally confirmed the full Celebrity Traitors line-up with exciting new pictures, as they let fans know when they can watch the hotly-anticipated spin-off show. The Sun was first to reveal that star-studded cast - which includes a Line Of Duty actor and a Bridget Jones star - but who will be a Traitor and who will be a Faithful? Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 30 Celebrity Traitors is heading to our TV screens with a star line-up Credit: BBC 30 The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman returns to present the spin-off show Credit: BBC Fans are on the edge of their seats as they wait for Celebrity Traitors to kick off. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, viewers are being treated to a mix of A-listers, popular actors, TV stars and singing icons. The celebrities will play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning a cash prize of up to £100K for a charity of their choice. Host Claudia said: 'We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes. "I'd love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks but that would be a lie.' In a sneak peek to the new series, the BBC dropped a video which revealed the cast. Their faces appeared in portraits and were seen hanging on the wall of the famous Traitors castle. At the end of the trailer, the Beeb revealed that the spin-off will kick off this Autumn. Here we take a look at the 18 stars who are taking part in the first ever Celebrity Traitors... Stephen Fry 30 Stephen Fry has signed up to the show and fans can't wait to see him in action Credit: Reuters 30 The star is said to be a 'super-fan' of the original show Credit: BBC Fans are excited to see Stephen Fry, 67, take part in the famous game. With his wit, intellect and popularity, the The QI legend is the perfect candidate for Celebrity Traitors. The Sun revealed last summer how "super-fan" Stephen had "jumped at the chance to appear on the show". A source said: 'Claudia (Winkleman) put Stephen right at the top of celebs she'd want on The Traitors and Stephen has made it clear he'd be game. 'Stephen is a fan of the show and Claudia was desperate for him to be in it. 'No contracts have been signed yet — but he told the show's bosses to name a time and date and he'll be there.' Alan Carr 30 Alan Car is also part of the star line-up Credit: PA 30 The comedian will bring the laughs in the famous castle Credit: BBC Alan Carr, 48, will also bring the laughs in the famous Scottish castle. The Sun was told back in November that the Chatty Man had signed up to be part of the show. This is a first for Alan, as he has never taken part in a reality TV show. A source said: 'Alan is an absolute national treasure and will be an incredible contestant - he'll make great telly as well as being a top player." Nick Mohammed 30 How will this Ted Lasso star fare in the castle? Credit: Getty British actor Nick Mohammed, 44 has seen his star soar since starring in smash hit show, Ted Lasso. Fans will remember him playing kit man turned rival coach Nathan 'Nate' Shelley on the show for three series. The Sun revealed he had signed up to Celebrity Traitors earlier this year, with an insider telling us he is "going to be putting on his best game face" on the show. Tom Daley 30 Olympian Tom Daley is hoping to be champ of the castle Credit: Getty Olympian Tom Daley, 30, knows what it's like to keep a game face, so he is perfect for Celebrity Traitors. The diving champ will be hoping to make a splash on the show - but will he be a Traitor or a Faithful? The Sun revealed in October how Tom had signed up, after turning down the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and ITV's I'm A Celebrity! Get Me Out Of Here. Joe Marler 30 This rugby player is ready to tackle his biggest task yet Credit: PA Joe Marler's knows all about being competitive, thanks to his long career as a rugby pro. The sportsman, 34, has enjoyed an incredible career on the pitch - winning the Six Nations three times for England. But can he win over the other stars on Celebrity Traitors? Insiders told the Sun, Joe is keen to show the public he is more than the man people know from the rugby pitch. David Olusoga 30 This British historian and TV presenter is ready to scope out the competition Credit: Getty Professor David Olusoga, 55, is one of Britain's most prominent historian. In 2023, he was awarded a Bafta Special Award back to honour his outstanding contribution to the arts. David, has also written a string of best-selling history books, and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for his services to history and to community integration. Can he use his knowledge and intellect to out smart the other celebrities in the castle? Niko Omilana 30 Niko Omilana s knwon for the famous YouTube group Sidemen Credit: Getty YouTube prankster Niko Omilana, 27, is set to see his profile rise to a new scale, as he breaks into mainstream telly on Celebrity Traitors. The rising star has a huge online following and will draw a younger audience to the show. Niko - who is a member of the YouTube mega group the Sidemen - previously ran for a place in parliament as an Independent in the General Election last year. Mark Bonnar 30 Will Line Of Duty's Mark Bonnar play detective on the show? Credit: Getty Line Of Duty fans will be thrilled to see Mark Bonnar, 56, take part on the show. The popular actor played DCC Mike Dryden in the smash hit BBC crime series and is also known for his roles in Shetland and Guilt. The Scottish actor will be returning his roots, as the show is filmed in his native country. Jonathan Ross 30 Jonathan Ross is returning to the BBC for the first time in 14 years Credit: Getty 30 The telly favourite is looking forward to taking on the challenge Credit: BBC The Sun revealed last July how chat show legend Jonathan Ross would be taking part in Celebrity Traitors. This will be Rossy's first major Beeb show since he quit 14 years ago following the Andrew Sachs scandal on his Radio 2 show. However, Jonathan can't wait to take part in the show, with a source telling us: 'Jonathan is the ideal target for The Traitors producers because he's a high-profile celebrity who doesn't regularly appear on the reality TV circuit. 'He's also one of a small army of stars who are self-confessed fans of the show.' Joe Wilkinson 30 Will this comedian be able to keep a straight face? Credit: Getty 30 Joe Wilkinson will be making the stars laugh in the castle Credit: BBC Comedian Joe Wilkinson also joins this incredible line-up of star. Fans of Netflix's Afterlife will recognise him from the hit Ricky Gervais show where he played a postman called Pat. Joe - who is also known for comedy panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You - has some insider knowledge when it comes to The Traitors. This is because he is good friends with Paul Gorton, who was an original Traitor on the second series of the BBC series. Clare Balding 30 Clare Balding is hoping to make it to the end of the show - but will she be faithful or traitor? Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 30 The TV star reportedly jumped at the chance to be on the show Credit: BBC Much like Tom Daley, BBC sports presenter Clare Balding, 54, also turned down multiple reality shows - but jumped at the chance to be on Celebrity Traitors. The Sun were first to reveal the popular presenter was in talks to take part back in October last year. Insiders have told us how Clare is a "clever signing" on the part of producers. This is because 'no one really believes that the Beeb's dependable, sensible face of sport could be a treacherous liar'. Lucy Beaumont 30 Stand-up comedian Lucy is ready for a new game after her shock split from Jon Richardson Credit: Rex 30 Has the star got what it takes in the famous castle? Credit: BBC Comedian Lucy Beaumont is set to take her wit to the castle. The Sun revealed she had joined the Celebrity Traitors line-up over the Easter weekend. Fans will know Lucy from Channel 4's Jon & Lucy's Odd Couples, which she hosted with her ex husband Jon Richardson. She also starred in Dave's mockumentary series Meet the Richardsons, which began in 2020. Paloma Faith 30 Paloma Faith is ready for action on Celebrity Traitors Credit: Splash 30 The singer brings with her an army of fans who will be rooting for her Credit: BBC Pop star Paloma Faith, 43, was revealed to be taking part by The Sun last October. The Brit Award winner - who shot to fame with her smash hit song Only Love Can Hurt Like This - is known for being outspoken, so is bound to bring some excitement to the castle. Like a lot of the other stars, Paloma has never appeared on reality television but told pals she wanted to "show the public a different side" to her personality. Ruth Codd 30 Ruth Codd has seen her star soar over the last few years Credit: Getty Ruth Codd. 28, shot to fame playing Anya in Netflix thriller series, The Midnight Club, back in 2022. Since then, the Irish star has become a much-sought after actress, which has seen her bag a top film role. Ruth, who had her right leg amputated below the knee, will make her film debut in How To Train Your Dragon, which is released this summer. Tameka Empson 30 Tameka Empson is used to drama on EastEnders Credit: Getty EastEnders fans will be thrilled to see Tameka Empson, 48, taking part in Celebrity Traitors. She is best known for playing the feisty Kim Fox in the BBC One soap A show source told The Sun that the actress is hoping that her acting skills can be put to good use on the show. Celia Imrie 30 This British acting legend is an incredible signing for producers Credit: Getty One of the biggest surprise signings of Celebrity Traitors has to be Celia Imrie, 72. The national treasure is a HUGE star on both the big and the small screen. But insiders told The Sun that the Bridget Jones star was "chomping at the bit" to be on the show. Celia has enjoyed a glittering career and is one of the most recognisable actors to join the line-up, thanks to her roles in Calendar Girls, St Trinian's, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Charlotte Church 30 Charlotte Church is making her big TV comeback on the show Credit: Rex 30 The singer has a huge fan base who will be watching her on the show Credit: BBC It's fair to say that Charlotte Church, 39, has been in the spotlight for most of her life, after rising to fame as a child star in the 90s. Fans will be keen to see her in action, as she makes her big comeback into the public eye. The Welsh star stepped out of the limelight to open up a wellness retreat, but is now back with a bang. Kate Garraway 30 Can Kate Garraway's journalism skills help her win? Credit: Rex 30 Producers were keen for Kate to sign up Credit: BBC Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway, 57, is no stranger to reality TV, having enjoyed a successful stint on I'm A Celeb in 2019. The TV host was chosen to take part in the Celebrity Traitors because of how popular she Is among the public. Kate has had a rough few years, following the death of her beloved husband Derek. Cat Burns 30 Will singer Cat Burns be a traitor or faithful? Credit: Getty Rising star Cat Burns, 24, is a super-fan of The Traitors and is said to be "thrilled" to have been chosen to be on the show. The singer is also known among her fans for making TikToks about the regular series. A source told The Sun: "Cat is the ultimate Traitors superfan and she has been lobbying for this gig as soon as she found out the BBC were doing a celebrity spin-off."
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Agatha Christie is giving writing lessons... thanks to artificial intelligence
THE BBC isn't raising the dead, but it's getting close. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the author Agatha Christie -- who has been dead for almost half a century -- becomes the central figure in a new writing course launched by the BBC Maestro platform. The aim is to teach people how to write like the Queen of Crime, guided by a digital version of the author herself. Entitled "Agatha Christie: Writing"" this course offers aspiring writers valuable insight into the art of constructing a good crime story. The course is based on Agatha Christie's own words, taken from her letters, interviews and personal writings. An actress, Vivien Keene, helps bring Agatha Christie's presence to life on screen. To create this digital version of the famed British author, her appearance and voice were recreated with the help of artificial intelligence and BBC archives. "In a world-first, Agatha Christie -- bestselling novelist of all time -- will offer aspiring writers an unparalleled opportunity to learn the secrets behind her writing, in her own words," reads the accompanying press release. "Using meticulously restored archival interviews, private letters, and writings researched by a team of Christie experts, this pioneering course reconstructs Christie's own voice and insights, guiding students through the art of suspense, plot twists, and unforgettable characters." This is not a bot that generates text on the fly. The project is based on authentic content, organised by a team of experts, including academics, researchers, creative professionals and author specialists. Artificial intelligence is used here as a reconstitution tool, not as an autonomous writing device. This is reflected in the process used to develop the voice, since those of the legendary author and actress Vivien Keene have been blended to create the AI version of Christie's voice. "You can hear my voice isn't anything like Christie's"" says Vivien Keene, quoted by 'The Hollywood Reporter'. "And so I tried to get just the cadence. … Her voice is pretty distinctive, actually, her voice, and she's very shy and feisty, and she doesn't really like being interviewed. And so I started to put the voice on thinking that they want me to use my voice in the final edit. But it has been re-speeched, I think is the word." In all, "Agatha Christie: Writing" includes 11 videos accompanied by 12 exercises, for a total duration of 2.5 hours. Viewers will learn how to set the scene for a mystery, maintain suspense, construct a revelation or play with the reader's expectations, all in the style of Agatha Christie. The project was developed with the agreement of the writer's literary estate, represented by her great-grandson, James Prichard. "They have been deeply involved from the beginning, and they have made sure this is not just something that Agatha would have understood, but, we hope, as a bit of an innovator herself, she would have really enjoyed," says Nicki Sheard, CEO of brands and licensing at BBC Studios, quoted by 'The Hollywood Reporter'. For the BBC, it's also an ambitious showcase for its BBC Maestro educational platform, which already offers courses led by the likes of Serena Williams, Kevin Hart, Kris Jenner and Stephen Curry.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
BBC admits ‘lapse in standards' after Harry's bombshell interview as fury swirls over ‘establishment stitch-up' claim
THE BBC has admitted a "lapse in standards" over it's coverage of Prince Harry's court loss. The Duke of Sussex lost his appeal against the decision to remove his taxpayer-funded security on Friday. 2 The Duke's bombshell BBC interview came after he lost his court appeal Credit: BBC 2 The BBC admitted a "lapse in judgement" Credit: Getty Following the loss, Harry underwent an astonishing interview with the BBC in which he savaged his family and chillingly suggested it would be the Firm's fault if anything happened to him or wife Meghan Markle. In a statement the broadcaster has now said: "The programme covered the latest developments in the story of Prince Harry and his legal case around protection for him and his family in the UK and interviewed former close protection officer Richard Aitch to get a broader understanding of security considerations. "Claims were repeated that the process had been 'an establishment stitch-up' and we failed to properly challenge this and other allegations. "This case is ultimately the responsibility of the Home Office and we should have reflected their statement: 'We are pleased that the Court has found in favour of the Government's position in this case. "'The UK Government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security.' "We also should have given the view of Buckingham Palace: 'All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.' "This was a lapse in our usual high editorial standards." This comes after Harry said in the interview he still hopes for reconciliation - despite repeatedly attacking the Royal Family. The prince also admitted that King Charles refuses to speak to him "because of this security stuff". In a thoughtless throw away comment, the Duke also said he "doesn't know how long King Charles has left". The dad-of-two then revealed he "can't see a world" where he would bring his wife and children to the UK due to the security loss. Despite saying he felt "let down" by his country and blaming the issue on his father - he said he wants reconciliation. Harry told how he has "forgiven" his family after describing his court loss as a "good old fashioned establishment stitch up". After the interview, Buckingham Palace broke its silence with a scathing statement. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion." The Duke of Sussex brought the case against the Home Office and the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec). He had moaned he was "singled out" after his round-the-clock royal protection was axed in the wake of Megxit. Harry also bizarrely claimed stripping him of his security was a plot to force him and Meghan Markle back to Britain. Harry's most incendiary quotes "He [my father] won't speak to me because of this security stuff." "Some members of my family may never forgive me for writing a book." "I don't know how long he [my father] has left." "There have been so many disagreements between myself and some of my family." "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and family back to the UK at this point." "I've been treated very very very differently to anyone else who exists, past or present, I've been singled out." "I never asked him [my father] to intervene - I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs." More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC reveals ‘new look' Blue Peter – as staff were left with ‘no idea what's going on' after big change to show
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC have announced a 'new look' Blue Peter - after staff were left with 'no idea what's going on' following a big show change. Blue Peter launched in 1958 and has become a staple across several generations. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Blue Peter has been a kids TV staple for generations Credit: PA:Press Association 3 The beloved show recently announced a big change Credit: PA 3 The show's current presenting line-up Credit: BBC From September, the beloved kids' show will reveal an all new look and format. There will be a new creative space and digital first magazine format, recorded in Campfield Facilities at Versa Studios in Manchester. Meanwhile, the show will continue to invite children into the studio and show them how Blue Peter is made. The iconic Blue Peter garden will remain at Media City, as well as the garden at RHS Bridgewater - both of which will be used for filming. Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children's Commissioning +7, BBC Children's and Education, said in a statement: 'Blue Peter is such an iconic part of children's television, and we're evolving the show with innovative ways that will be really exciting for our young audience. "The move to the new studio will provide a variety of creative locations and visual options that a whole new generation of viewers will love. "Whether through interactive social media moments, global adventures, or on-demand content. "We're proud to continue the legacy of a show that has inspired generations, and we can't wait to show audiences our new look in September.' It comes as a shock move from the legendary show left staff devastated. In March, it was revealed the iconic children's programme will no longer be broadcast live. Blue Peter legend's appearance leaves Good Morning Britain fans gobsmacked Former star Simon Thomas shared the news on Instagram, writing: "Apparently (I had no idea) today is the last ever LIVE Blue Peter on television. "The show isn't finishing, there is apparently going to be a show online; just not live on the TV anymore." Fellow show alum Matt Baker commented: "Mate we had the most incredible time! "The best memories and the end of the most magical energy and spirit to be shared across the country at tea time. "I feel very fortunate to have experienced and shared the feeling." Insiders claimed the move was kept a secret by the show's bosses, and its current presenters Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney and Abby Cook were unaware of the decision. A show insider revealed the move had been kept under wraps for months, with many crew members still unaware of the full details. 'Of course, this has been in the works for months,' the source told The Mail on Sunday. 'The big bosses all knew what was happening, and those they did tell were told to keep it quiet. "It's a huge shock, and a number of the crew still have no idea what's going on.' The BBC said it had made the decision because viewing habits have changed. They also said a number of the crew 'still have no idea what's going on' and it 'has all been handled very badly'. Blue Peter's biggest stars With over 5,000 episodes produced, Blue Peter has been on air since 1958 and has seen a raft of famous faces at the helm Christoper Trace - 1958 to 1967 Valerie Singleton - 1962 to 1972 John Noakes - 1965 to 1978 Peter Purves - 1967 to 1978 Simon Groom - 1978 to 1986 Janet Ellis - 1983 to 1987 Peter Duncan - 1985 to 1986 Yvette Fielding - 1987 to 1992 John Leslie - 1989 to 1994 Konnie Huq - 1987 to 2008 Matt Baker - 1999 to 2006 Gethin Jones - 2005 to 2008 Helen Skelton - 2008 to 2013 Barney Hardwood - 2011 to 2017 Lindsey Russell - 2013 to 2021 Radzi Chinyanganya - 2013 to 2019 The BBC said pre-recorded shows will continue to air on CBBC, Sign Zone, BBC2 and iPlayer. A spokeswoman told The Sun: 'The programme will not be online only, but on CBBC, sign zone, BBC2 and iPlayer. 'Ways to watch Blue Peter will not change for audiences. "Blue Peter has been a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for decades and we have transitioned to a pre-record model as viewing habits change."
