Lauren Morris

More than 22,000 fans wearing bald caps gathered at London’s Hyde Park during Pitbull’s BST headline show, setting a Guinness World Record after an eight‑month campaign led by Jack Remmington and Greg James. Fans from across the UK participated under strict rules as volunteers conducted the official count. Pitbull celebrated the achievement, reflecting on his family’s immigrant journey and thanking organisers. The concert, also featuring Tinie Tempah and Kesha, drew nearly 70,000 attendees, the largest BST audience to date, with fans praising Pitbull’s positivity and party atmosphere.

Diane Morgan reflects on her career, her working‑class background, and the varied characters that made her a cult figure in British comedy. She discusses creating and starring in the new BBC sitcom Ann Droid, inspired by reports of robotic eldercare, as well as the challenges of performing as an AI character. Morgan describes shifting opportunities in comedy due to social media, recounts her early years of odd jobs and limited confidence, and acknowledges how class has shaped her path. She addresses the pulling of a recent Mandy special due to global events, celebrates collaborations with fellow actors, and hints at future interest in paranormal projects as she continues expanding her comedic repertoire.

Salman Rushdie urged British schools to teach the history of the British Empire, arguing that a lack of historical understanding fuels ignorance about migration and colonial legacy. Speaking at Liberatum’s 25th anniversary, where he was honored for championing free expression, he reflected on how neither of his sons learned about the Empire in school. He also discussed the backlash to The Satanic Verses, the fatwa issued by Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989, and the 2022 stabbing that left him with lasting injuries. Rushdie emphasized that critics often had not read the book and linked this pattern to broader historical persecution of literature. Creative figures, including The Independent’s editor Geordie Greig, paid tribute to him at the event.

Paul Gambaccini, the 77‑year‑old BBC Radio presenter, announced he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease early last year and plans to continue hosting his radio programmes. He and his husband, Christopher Sherwood, are receiving support from Alzheimer’s Society, whose leadership stressed the importance of early diagnosis for maintaining independence. Colleagues at Greatest Hits Radio expressed admiration and support, while the article highlighted Gambaccini’s long broadcasting career across BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and other media outlets.

Cach Mercer, winner of last year’s Love Island, has been confirmed as the fifth contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Expressing excitement about joining the show and learning ballroom dance, Mercer joins previously announced participants including Dani Dyer, Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem and Chris Appleton, with the full lineup to be revealed ahead of the September launch.