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BBC presenter passes away at just 32

BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan has passed away at the age of 32, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from his devastated colleagues. Sheridan reportedly "collapsed while running" for the second time in recent weeks, after suffering a brain aneurysm. After several days in intensive care, the journalist died on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. 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". 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. "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." First Minister Humza Yousaf also paid tribute to Sheridan in the Scottish Parliament chamber, describing him as an "extremely talented journalist and author". "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. Since joining the corporation in 2018, Sheridan presented programmes including Reporting Scotland, Drivetime, the Nine and Seven Days, before dialling back his time on screen to pursue his passion of writing children's books. Image credits: BBC

Caring

Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

British TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has passed away aged 50 following a battle with terminal cancer. Irwin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020, when the disease spread from his lungs to his brain. 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. The TV presenter rose to fame in the UK for his roles on shows including A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country. A statement was shared to Instagram on Friday announcing his death, where he was described as "a truly remarkable soul." "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing," the statement began. "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." “At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss," the statement continued. “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.” “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.” <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&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&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jonnie Irwin (@jonnieirwintv)</a> </div> </blockquote> Following his death, BBC have paid tribute to the fallen host and described him as an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”. “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. “More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for Morning Live about his illness, tackling taboos around end-of-life care and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did.” Irwin’s longtime co-star Jasmine Harman, also shared a tribute on Instagram. “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.” Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children, Rex, five and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac. Image: Instagram

Caring

David and Victoria Beckham open up about alleged affair

David and Victoria Beckham have chosen to open up about the "unhappiest" period of their lives, in their highly-anticipated Netflix documentary. The power couple candidly spoke about David's alleged affair in 2003, where he was accused of cheating with his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos after they were spotted leaving a night club in Spain. The rumours spread just after David was transferred from the Manchester United club to Real Madrid . David called the claims “ludicrous” at the time, and now his wife Victoria has also shared her heartache during that time, describing it as the "unhappiest in her life". Ahead of the release of the four-part documentary series, director Fisher Stevens revealed how "unpleasant" it was for him to ask the couple such personal questions. "It wasn't pleasant, but we got into it," he said. "For me, I approached it as, "How did your marriage stay together?" and you'll see how he responds," he added. Producer John Battsek also told The Sunday Times that the couple "signed up” to a nothing off-limits contract, and were happy to discuss tougher subjects. “There was no, “You will not ask that or do that,’" he said "Fisher and I thought that might be the case, but we were clear from the start that we would only do this if we could go in any direction we wanted. And we did," he added. Aside from the alleged affair, the couple also opened up about their first date and are clearly still smitten with each other. “The fact I went to the games really was to - some might say I stalked him, I would say see him," she joked about their first meeting at a charity football match in 1997. She also added that she was immediately attracted to the football star when she spotted him chatting with his parents before the game. “When I saw him in the footballers’ lounge, all the other footballers were at the bar, and he was standing and talking to his parents, and I’m very close to my family, and I loved that side to him.” David's recollection of their first meeting was a bit more simple: “I just fancied her”. The couple have been married since 1999 and have four kids together - sons Brooklyn, 24, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 18, and a daughter Harper, 12. Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Relationships

BBC responds to damning Russell Brand allegations

The BBC has shared that they are "urgently looking" into a series of sexual assault allegations against comedian and actor Russell Brand. The allegations from several women emerged after Channel 4's Dispatches program aired a bombshell documentary about the alleged assaults. 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. Brand has denied all the allegations and said all of his relationships have been consensual. 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. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 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. 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> — Channel 4 Dispatches (@C4Dispatches) <a href="https://twitter.com/C4Dispatches/status/1703459588379406500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></blockquote> A BBC spokesperson said in a statement, "The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years." "Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised." 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. Channel 4's production company has also launched an "urgent" internal investigation into the allegations. 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." Image credits: Getty Images

News

BBC star passes away at just 35

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. 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: "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. "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. "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 Guardian. "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. "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. "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>. "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." 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 How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships, sharing her own experiences in an abusive relationship. The chief executive of Women's Aid, Farah Nazeer, expressed the organisation's deep sadness at the loss of their esteemed ambassador. Maddy Anholt spent her final moments at her family's home in Devon, surrounded by loved ones. Images: Instagram

Caring

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

British broadcasting legend Alistair Stewart has shared the details of his devastating diagnosis, just after announcing his retirement. The 71-year-old shared that after suffering a series of strokes, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The news comes after he announced his retirement, after a 50-year career in the media that saw him in prominent roles with both ITV News and GB News. In an interview on GB News, Stewart explained that he first began feeling "discombobulated" six to nine months ago, which left him fearing he had "early onset dementia." He told his GB News 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." "And I then decided I might have something wrong up here." 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. When his scan results came back, he was told he'd had a series of minor strokes. "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." "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." His condition is "incurable" however Stewart says he is following doctor's advice to try and slow the progression of the condition. Since receiving his diagnosis, Stewart has retired from his role at GB News after more than 50 years as a journalist and broadcaster. 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." "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." Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

"Crazy" development stuns John Farnham

John Farnham has been left stunned by a "crazy" resurgence in his popularity following the premiere of the documentary about his life. John Farnham: Finding the Voice aired on Monday night and follows the highs and lows of his remarkable career. The documentary has smashed viewing records, with the television broadcast of the film quickly becoming the most watched entertainment program on Monday. The film, which became the highest Australian grossing feature length documentary of all-time since opening at cinemas in mid-May, had 1.3 million viewers nationally for the Seven broadcast. In the days following the premiere, Farnham’s popularity has had a massive resurgence, with his albums dominating more than half the ARIA charts. Speaking to The Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, entertainment editor Peter Ford said that “everybody has kind of rediscovered John Farnham” after seeing the award-winning doco. “Yesterday, at one point John had 12 of the top 20 in the albums charts and then he had another five in the 20 to 40,” Ford said. “This includes Greatest Hits Collections, Age of Reason, Full House, of course, Whispering Jack, even his Christmas album with Olivia Newton-John got into the charts in July." “So, you know, it’s just fantastic that people have gone and discovered that music again." “John’s still going through a challenging time, even though we’ve got the great news that he is cancer free. Obviously it’s still a tough road." “And so to have this success in the box office at the movies, the biggest documentary ever to go in cinemas, the TV success and now the chart success ... good, good days.” The resurgence of Farnham's popularity comes just days after his son Robert gave a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/he-sings-at-home-again-john-farnham-s-son-gives-heart-warming-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heart-warming update</a> on his father's health following his major surgery. The 74-year-old underwent a 12-hour operation after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with surgeons removing a tumour in his mouth and reconstructing his jaw. Now, Robert says his dad is now “cancer free” and is “really really happy”. “He’s doing fantastic,” he said on Sunrise. “Just the other day he was, you know, walking around with his cane and did a little bit of a dance, which was pretty fabulous." “He’s walking with his dog a lot — so he’s really, really happy.” “Like we’ve said before, cancer is a terrible, terrible thing. And it’s his time to walk that road, but he’s cancer free." “He sings at home again, the whole thing.” Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

BBC journalist and newsreader George Alagiah has sadly passed away at the age of 67. 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”. “George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public,” she said. “He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.” The agent added that Alagiah passed away on Monday, but “fought until the bitter end”. Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and by October 2022, the disease had spread further. The beloved journalist was a prominent figure on British TV with an “outstanding” career spanning over three decades. He was an award-winning foreign correspondent for BBC News, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq, before he became a presenter for BBC News at Six in 2003. Tributes have poured in for the respected newsreader from fellow journalists and colleagues. “A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find,” BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson tweeted. “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. “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. “We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend,” BBC One O’Clock news presenter Clive Myrie told viewers. Another colleague, Naga Munchetty, broke down in tears live on air while reporting about his death. “Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our newsroom,” she said. Alagiah is survived by his wife Frances and their two sons Adam and Matthew. Image: Getty

News

Suspended BBC presenter named by his wife

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. 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. 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. 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". Her statement said that Edwards has been suffering serious mental health issues since the allegations arose, and was currently in hospital. 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." <div id="piano-inline1"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> "Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years." </div> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> "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." <div data-component="text-block"> <div> 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. </div> </div> <div id="piano-inline2"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> 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." <div data-component="text-block"> <div> 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. </div> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> 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." <div data-component="text-block"> <div> 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. </div> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <div> 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. </div> </div> </div> </div> Image credits: Getty Images </div> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Major twist in BBC presenter scandal

A damning scandal surrounding a high-profile BBC presenter has grown after a second victim has come forward against the anonymous personality. Just days after an exclusive report from The Sun 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. She said the presenter sent “abusive and menacing” messages online, and “felt threatened” when she refused to meet up with the presenter in person. 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”. “The young person said they had been scared by the power the presenter held,” BBC News reported. “They said the threats made in the messages … had frightened them, and they remain scared.” The person, in their early twenties, has no connection to the first person who came forward with the allegations. The presenter, who has yet to be named, has not commented on the allegations. 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. 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. 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.” In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May". "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. The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended". "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. 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". Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

A BBC presenter has been suspended after allegations emerged of them playing a teenager for sexually explicit images. 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. 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". The allegations were first reported by <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/22978239/bbc-star-paying-teenager-sexual-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> newspaper, who said the child’s mother first came forward with the allegations in May 2023. The presenter reportedly stayed on the air for a month after the initial report was made. The alleged victim’s mother also said that the money given to their child was used to fund a drug habit. 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.” "Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.” In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May". "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. The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended". "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. 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". "We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow," it added. The BBC said it takes "any allegations seriously" and has "robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations". 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". Since The Sun 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. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Rare sighting as famous friends step out in support of Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox has been joined by a host of his famous friends for a screening of his upcoming documentary. The new documentary explores the Back to the Future star's ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease, and the changes in his life and condition as he gets older. In a show of support for the actor, his celebrity mates joined together for a screening of Still at New York's Lincoln Center. Among the famous faces was actress Meg Ryan, who has not been spotted in public for more than six months. The former rom-com queen, best known for starring roles in films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, lives a more quiet life outside of the spotlight these days. <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/Cr1TCUeO8e3/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/Cr1TCUeO8e3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tracy Pollan (@tracy.pollan)</a> </div> </blockquote> Ryan hasn’t appeared on screen since the 2015 film Ithaca, which she also directed. However, she is plotting a return to screens later this year, with Ryan starring in and directing the film What Happens Later, which is currently in production. Ryan was among a star-studded group of famous friends supporting J. Fox for the premiere of his doco, with stars including Bill Murray, Denis Leary, Joan Jett, Katie Couric, Mariska Hargitay, and Debra Messing. The screening of the documentary comes after Michael J. Fox <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/i-m-not-gonna-be-80-michael-j-fox-s-tragic-admission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">admitted</a> that his battle with the disease is getting more difficult. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“I’m not gonna be 80,” he said in a preview for an upcoming episode of the American current affairs program CBS Sunday Morning, according to Page Six. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">In the clip, Journalist Jane Pauley tells Fox that he has “not squandered” but that his condition will eventually “make the call” as to when it’s his time to go. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“Yeah, it’s, it’s banging on the door,” the actor said. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ harder. It’s gettin’ tougher. Every day it’s tougher.” <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Jacinda Ardern distances herself from Harry and Meghan's new documentary

Jacinda Ardern has released a statement distancing herself from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new documentary, saying there was "no communication" with the royal couple. The New Zealand Prime Minister is one of several influential figures appearing in the new series, titled Live to Lead, which features seven world leaders and advocates discussing their work. In a trailer released for the series, which airs on December 31st, Ardern is seen smiling for a press pack and an excerpt of a speech, in which she says, "As leaders we have the keys to create a sense of security and a sense of hope." Harry and Meghan have served as executive producers and the series has been co-produced with the Nelson Mandela foundation. Ardern's office has since released a statement regarding the series, claiming the leader had "no communication" with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the series, and the footage used is from an interview three years ago. The statement read, "In early March 2019 the prime minister was approached by the Mandela Foundation to participate in a project to develop accessible resources on key attributes of leadership targeted at aspiring young leaders around the world, based off a one-hour interview." "Originally we were advised the outputs would be printed and digital books, short films and audiobooks." "The interview was conducted on November 8, 2019. In March 2020, a short book entitled Jacinda Ardern (I Know This to be True) was published based on the interview." The statement continued, "In March 2021 the Nelson Mandela Foundation advised the prime minister's office they had secured an agreement with Netflix to broadcast the series of interviews, including the 2019 interview with the prime minister." "In May this year the prime minister's office was notified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would introduce the series; noting this was nearly two and a half years after the interview had been recorded and permission for its use by the Mandela Foundation had already been provided." "All communication throughout has been with the foundation (there has been no communications with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the project)." News of a new Netflix series by Harry and Meghan came as a surprise, with their divisive docuseries Harry & Meghan having just recently aired to a mixed reception. Also featured in the upcoming series are Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died on September 18, 2020, Gloria Steinem and Greta Thunberg. Image credits: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth’s 21st birthday speech edited in Harry and Meghan doco

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new documentary has edited the Queen’s 21st birthday speech to give it a completely new meaning. The first three episodes of the Sussexes new documentary Harry and Meghan have now aired on Netflix. And now voice coach Susie Ashfield has pointed out that in the first episode, the Queen's speech – in which she says “whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong” – is included. Then she takes viewers to episode three, in which the Queen’s speech has been edited, giving it a completely new meaning. “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong.” She shared another video showing glaring edits of the late Monarch titled: “The Queen Vs Netflix. Spot the difference…”. “I wasn't going to say anything about the Harry and Meghan Netflix documentary because it's nothing to do with me,” she said. "I'm a communications coach. I help people make speeches." <p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 619px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7176949431789505798&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40royal_family_2022%2Fvideo%2F7176949431789505798%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26q%3DSusie%2520Ashfield%2520%26t%3D1671075706777&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-va.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-maliva-p-0068%2F76ca61686cde4add87422c08f0ebf380_1671013766%3Fx-expires%3D1671094800%26x-signature%3Da9QorsOB83kO1sfr6MVMnQwclsE%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> “But I really like speeches, which is why when somebody told me about some potential editing that might have happened on the Queen's 21st birthday speech. I had to check it out. “So let's play a game together. Spot the difference,” she said, before showing part of the Queen's unedited speech. “I should like to make that dedication now, it is very simple,” Queen Elizabeth II is heard saying. “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service, and to the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong.” Susie then points out: “That was the original, unedited copy and the transcript reads the same. Now let's look at Harry and Meghan's version." The Queen’s voice is then heard saying: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong. “Did you hear the difference?" asks Susie. "And did you notice how just removing a few words changes the meaning of the statement entirely?" The words 'to your service and' were edited out of the Queen's speech. “I don't know what the lesson to learn is here, but I suppose if you are going to be speaking and it will be recorded there is a chance you will get misquoted, your words might get taken out of context or in this case some part might be removed to change the meaning of the statement itself. “So try not to let that happen to you. And if it does happen to you, remember there will be some people out there who might notice.” Images: TikTok/Getty

The three biggest revelations from Harry and Meghan's documentary

The first instalment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's docuseries has been released, with the couple dropping major bombshells about life in the royal family. The first half of the series has largely revolved around the beginning of the couple's relationship and Meghan joining the royal family, while also touching on the first few dramatic encounters with paparazzi. Here's the biggest revelations from the series so far. Meghan meeting the royal family Meghan spoke of the first time she met Prince William and Kate Middleton, sharing how she didn't realise the level of formality the royal family carried outside of official engagements. She said, “Even when Will and Kate came over and I met her for the first time, I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot." “I’m a hugger I’ve always been a hugger. I didn’t know that could be jarring for a lot of Brits.” “I guess I started to understand very quickly that the formality out on the outside, carried through on on the inside. “That there is a forward facing way of being then you close the door and you go phew, great we can relax now." “But that formality continues on both sides and that was surprising to me.” Meghan and Harry also shared details of Meghan's first meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth, with Harry admitting the situation was "weird". He said, “(Meghan) had no idea what it all consisted of, so it was a bit of a shock to the system for her,” he said. “How do you explain (to people) to bow to your grandma? And that they’ll need to curtsy? Especially to an American – it’s weird.” Meghan described the “surreal” and unexpected moment she realised she’d be meeting the monarch, and that it had been sprung on her at the last minute by her then-boyfriend. “We were in the car and we were going to Royal Lodge for lunch and he goes, ‘Oh, my grandmother’s here – she’s going to be there after church’,” she recalled. “And I remember in the car driving up, he says, ‘you know how to curtsy right?’ And I thought it was a joke.” “I didn’t know what I was doing,” she admitted. Harry's warning to Meghan about the paparazzi During the early days of Harry and Meghan's relationship, Meghan was still living in Canada and working as an actress when she encountered a pack of “9 or 10” paparazzi as she left a florist. “They were all sort of blocking the cars, going, ‘Hey, how you doing, Meghan?’, and I said ‘Oh, thanks, stay warm guys,’” the Duchess of Sussex recalled. The next day, she’d gotten a very strict instruction from her new boyfriend to ignore paparazzi from then on. “I remember (Harry) saying the next day, ‘You can’t talk to them’,” Meghan said. “And I was like, ‘I’m just trying to be pleasant, I don’t know what to do, I’ve never dealt with this before’, and he said, ‘Yes, but the UK media is saying you love it. You’re smiling. You love it.” Harry then likened the treatment of Meghan by the paparazzi to how Princess Diana was also treated, making him very concerned for his wife. "The majority of my memories are of her [Diana] being swarmed by paparazzi," he says. Harry made several comparisons with his wife and Diana, saying "To see another woman in my life go through this feeding frenzy.. That's hard. It is really the hunter vs the prey". The couple felt they had to lie in their engagement interview When the couple got engaged in 2017, they had a sit-down interview on the BBC to discuss their milestone, which the Sussexes have now revealed was completely "rehearsed". Meghan called the interview an "orchestrated reality show", saying they "weren't allowed" to tell their true story when faced with questions about their relationship. Earlier on in the docuseries, they shared how they first began talking on Instagram before meeting for their first date, but were forced to change their story for the BBC chat. The second and final instalment of the docuseries will air on December 15th. Image credits: Netflix

"That's nonsense": Harry and Meghan documentary called out for fake photo

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been called out for using a deceitful photo in the latest trailer for their upcoming Netflix documentary. In the recently released trailer, a photo is shown of a swarm of photographers, seemingly capturing pictures of the royal couple. However, the photo was actually taken at a Harry Potter film premiere in 2011: five years before the couple event met. Eagle-eyed viewers recognised the photo, and pointed out that it was taken at the red carpet premiere for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two in central London, the final film of JK Rowling's franchise, which no royals attended. The picture is shown as Harry narrates, "I had to do everything I could to protect my family." Royal expert Ingrid Seward told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/20647848/harry-meghan-netflix-doc-hounded-by-press/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">The Sun,</a> "I don’t imagine Harry would have realised, but Netflix have been careless here as it weakens Harry’s comment about protecting his family. This fake picture weakens his point." The Sun photographer Doug can be seen in the shot used by Harry and Meghan’s team. He said, “I remember going to the premiere. It was a huge event. Crowds and crowds of fans had turned out in the rain and camped overnight to see the actors. There were no members of the Royal Family there." “In the Netflix trailer it’s implied the photographers, including me, were trying to get a shot of the royal couple — but that’s nonsense.” “For a picture from that premiere to turn up in this trailer about Harry and Meghan seems like lazy picture research.” Rather than the photo capturing the royal couple as insinuated, the photo appears first under search results for 'paparazzi' on stock image website Alamy. The first trailer for the six-part series was released last week - threatening to reveal further details of family difficulties and explain the "real story" behind why Prince Harry and Meghan left the royal family. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rlVhiXlcHU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Image credits: Getty Images / Netflix

Am I ever gonna see your face again? Nuanced and thoughtful, Kickin’ Down the Door puts The Angels back in the spotlight

When I was a kid, my dad Max took me to basketball games at Melbourne’s Entertainment Centre. I’d wait in my plastic bucket chair as the cheerleaders shook their pom poms and the teams did lay ups. The music was loud, and around the time everyone had found their seats, one song would often come on. It opened with a wailing, single note guitar, followed by a chunky, palm muted riff, driving along until bursting into the chorus when the vocals would demand “Am I ever gonna see your face again?” And as I licked my lemonade icy pole I’d delight as the whole stadium would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/australia-culture-blog/2014/apr/15/australian-anthems-the-angels-am-i-ever-gonna-see-your-face-again">chant back</a> “No way, get fucked, fuck off.” I had no idea the band was called The Angels. I didn’t know they were supposed to be the next AC/DC but didn’t quite “make it”. The intense relationships at their core were lost on me. I was just delighted by how wild it felt, this song the audience owned, breaking rules, answering back. A new documentary, Kickin’ Down the Door chronicles Australian band The Angels across four decades, from suburban Adelaide to the gloss of <a href="https://themusic.com.au/news/iconic-alberts-music-studios-to-be-torn-down-to-make-way-for-luxury-apartments/wSnS1dTX1tk/08-10-15">Albert Studios</a>and beyond. The classic Oz rock vibe is omnipresent: dudes, riffs, volume. But this story’s star quality is how hard it works to showcase the band from both front of house and backstage, offering something far more nuanced than the well-thumbed tale of these national music icons. <h2>Finding intensity</h2> The documentary centres on the songwriting team of the Brewster brothers, vocalist Bernard “Doc” Neeson, and a revolving cast of drummers, bass players and producers. The themes are what you might like in a documentary about Australian rock ‘n’ roll: journeys to adulthood, mateship, resistance, lashings of hope, dollops of luck. Interviews from the band and their nearest and dearest sidle up against archival footage with cute animations bridging scenes. There’s the ubiquitous drop-in from a couple of international names to provide cred – thankfully a Bono-free endeavour. There’s a slither of pre-hat Molly Meldrum. The eye candy of 70s and 80s Aussie life abounds. The songs are central to Kickin’ Down the Door, but rock ‘n’ roll has always been about theatre, and front man Doc Neeson’s lead in creating an unsettling intensity at live shows lifted The Angels beyond the meat and potatoes of standard Oz rock. In one scene, the lighting guy talks about how Doc used silence and darkness as a tool of intensity – the antithesis of rock show bombast. <h2>A complex portrait</h2> Like The Angels did with rock ‘n’ roll, Kickin’ Down the Door offers a key change in the way it positions the people behind the scenes. Director Madeleine Parry has brought together a complex web of relationships pivoting on creative jubilation, obligation, devotion and estrangement. At an early gig, the Brewsters’ mother is recalled as dancing on a table in a “sea of blokes”. These were her boys, who could do no wrong. Mothers, girlfriends, wives and children are elevated close to the story’s centre, anchored within the nostalgic rhythm of white suburban Australian life to contrast with the band’s sprint – then marathon – to rock ‘n’ roll stardom. Beyond the band bubble, everyone’s sacrifice is apparent. “We all supplied the stability while they chased the dream,” says Neeson’s then partner. In bringing women to the front, Parry frames the main players as multi-dimensional, emotional and expressive. The intensity of volume, riffage and flamboyance sits in dialogue with each band members’ reflections to present the way that “performance” seamlessly slides across gender and genre. This deep thoughtfulness shines through the dizzying foray of complex legal and financial arrangements bands can be thrown into, setting them up with lifelong debt. This is the persistent myth of “luck” in rock ‘n’ roll. This myth grinds against the power imbalance inherent in an incredibly competitive, brutal and sometimes hedonistic global business culture. For decades, rock ‘n’ roll has relied on the exploitation of artists who sacrifice family, health, economic security and friendships to have sustainable careers. This documentary skilfully weaves the devastation that comes when these pressures evaporate years of work for bands and their teams. It isn’t so much a story about the big bad music industry swallowing up another Australian wanna be. Rather, it is a well-crafted assemblage of the pervasive way rock ‘n’ roll’s mystique works behind the scenes, prioritising profits over health and wellbeing, and the sustainability of artists and their families. <h2>The sonic legacy</h2> Undoubtedly the biggest names now in Australian guitar driven music – Amyl and the Sniffers, Courtney Barnett, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Tame Impala – are part of the sonic legacy of bands like The Angels. But they also show a marked shift in how they do business when courting international markets, maintaining elements of independence and control that The Angels had no blueprint for. This current crop of bands also show we are on the road to far better gender representation of what contemporary rock music looks and sounds like. And in other genres, artists like Baker Boy, Genesis Owusu, Barkaa and Jaguar Jonze continue to contest and take ownership of “the sound” of Australian music. Incidentally, I never went on to play basketball. I picked up an electric guitar instead. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/am-i-ever-gonna-see-your-face-again-nuanced-and-thoughtful-kickin-down-the-door-puts-the-angels-back-in-the-spotlight-194057" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Music

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

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. In Australia, Doctor Who will be removed from the ABC, in New Zealand from TVNZ, and in America from BBC America. 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.” 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. <h2>Black and white broadcasting for the world</h2> 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. 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. West Australians first saw Doctor Who in January 1965. Shortly after, the ABC in other capitals began to broadcast the series. The global broadcasting of Doctor Who has created different viewing patterns for diverse audiences. 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. 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. 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. 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>. 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. <h2>Global audiences from the 1960s to present</h2> 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. But these fans, like others elsewhere in the world, watched their favourite show free to air. <h2>Streaming the 60th anniversary and beyond</h2> The BBC’s announcement changes everything for fans around the world. 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. But Doctor Who has always been an accessible commodity on the ABC, TVNZ and their like. 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. It also means Doctor Who will be judged against lavish programs with immensely larger budgets, different storytelling approaches and multinational casts. 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. 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. 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>. Image: BBC

Controversial Diana interview to air in new documentary

A new documentary about Princess Diana will air snippets of her 1995 Panorama interview with BBC journalist Martin Bashir once again, despite Prince William insisting it “should never be shown again”. The HBO documentary, titled The Princess, uses archival audio and video footage as part of its exploration of Diana’s complex relationship with the media, including how she often used the press to her advantage with dire consequences. Its release in select Australian and New Zealand cinemas in August comes a year after William made a forceful statement condemning the 1995 interview and describing it as a “major contribution to making my parent’s relationship worse”. Snippets from the interview show the late Princess of Wales speaking about her marriage to Prince Charles, her extramarital affair, and her belief that a campaign was being “waged against” her for her refusal to “go quietly”. “It is my firm view that this Panorama program holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again,” William said in May 2021. “It effectively established a false narrative which, for over a quarter of a century, has been commercialised by the BBC and others.” Prince Harry later echoed William’s statements, saying that “our mother lost her life because of this and nothing has changed”. The BBC has distanced itself from the documentary, saying licences allowing for “any or all” of the interview to be aired had not been granted, per <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/07/28/dianas-disgraced-panorama-interview-aired-sky-against-prince/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Telegraph UK</a>. It has since emerged that Bahir lied to Diana to gain her trust prior to the interview, showing her forged bank statements and other documents as proof that her most-trusted advisors and staff were spying on her in order to get her to agree to the interview. Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, vowed last week to never show the interview in its entirety or in parts ever again, saying there would only be “few and far between” reasons to use extracts for journalistic purposes and urging other broadcasters to “exercise similar restraint”. He also apologised to Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry for “the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives”. The Princess isn’t expected to provide context for the BBC interview, as segments from it will be shown alongside other news bulletins and footage of some members of the public - out of an estimated 23 million people who watched it at the time - watching it in a pub and reacting to it. In a statement, HBO described the film as “intensely emotional” and a “visceral submersion” into Diana’s life under the spotlight of the media. “The film unfolds as if it were in the present, allowing viewers to experience the overwhelming adoration, but also intense scrutiny of Diana's every move and the constant judgement of her character,” the statement reads. "Through archival material, the film is also a reflection of society at the time, revealing the public's own preoccupations, fears, aspirations and desires." Image: Getty Images

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

British reality star Jasmine Burkitt, known as Jazz to her loved ones and friends, has died aged 28. 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. Her fiancé, Lewis Burke, confirmed the news of her passing on social media earlier this week, per <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>. “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. “I am truly devastated. She changed my life forever and I’ll never be the same.” 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”. 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. 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. “We’re a differently abled couple who happen to live in a tent outdoors, in the UK,” the introduction on their page reads. “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.” 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. “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. He described his granddaughter as a “fantastic girl” who was “so clever and bright”, emphasising her love of art and her television success. “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.” 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. 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. 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. Image: @joinourjourneyinsta (Instagram)

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BBC presenter passes away at just 32

Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

David and Victoria Beckham open up about alleged affair

BBC responds to damning Russell Brand allegations

BBC star passes away at just 35

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

"Crazy" development stuns John Farnham

Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

Suspended BBC presenter named by his wife

Major twist in BBC presenter scandal

BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

Rare sighting as famous friends step out in support of Michael J. Fox

Jacinda Ardern distances herself from Harry and Meghan's new documentary

Queen Elizabeth’s 21st birthday speech edited in Harry and Meghan doco

The three biggest revelations from Harry and Meghan's documentary

"That's nonsense": Harry and Meghan documentary called out for fake photo

Am I ever gonna see your face again? Nuanced and thoughtful, Kickin’ Down the Door puts The Angels back in the spotlight

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

Controversial Diana interview to air in new documentary

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

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

BBC presenter passes away at just 32

Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

David and Victoria Beckham open up about alleged affair

BBC responds to damning Russell Brand allegations

BBC star passes away at just 35

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

"Crazy" development stuns John Farnham

Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

Suspended BBC presenter named by his wife

Major twist in BBC presenter scandal

BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

Rare sighting as famous friends step out in support of Michael J. Fox

Jacinda Ardern distances herself from Harry and Meghan's new documentary

Queen Elizabeth’s 21st birthday speech edited in Harry and Meghan doco

The three biggest revelations from Harry and Meghan's documentary

"That's nonsense": Harry and Meghan documentary called out for fake photo

Am I ever gonna see your face again? Nuanced and thoughtful, Kickin’ Down the Door puts The Angels back in the spotlight

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

Controversial Diana interview to air in new documentary

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

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