Monde Mwitumwa

Adam Boulton apologised after calling Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” and “old maid” on Sky News, prompting 169 Ofcom complaints. Widdecombe, a former Conservative politician and Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Devon in a suspected murder. Political leaders including Shabana Mahmood and Kemi Badenoch issued tributes and urged against speculation as police investigate. Sky News and Times Radio faced criticism following Boulton’s comments, which he described as a mistake and for which he expressed remorse.

Matt Richardson said he was pleased to be voted off Celebrity Coach Trip after negotiating his appearance fee from £5,000 to £12,000. He explained that the payment was fixed regardless of how long contestants remained on the show, prompting him and co-star Will Best to hope for an early exit. Richardson also described host Brendan Sheerin as friendly but private off-camera.

Steven Moffat expressed enthusiasm for reviving Sherlock and outlined his interest in exploring the characters at a more mature stage, though a return remains unlikely as Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have indicated they do not want to continue. He praised the series’ quality and reflected on the demanding period when it ran alongside his work on Doctor Who. Sherlock currently streams on BBC iPlayer.

Channel 4 has commissioned a pilot for the Taskmaster spin‑off Your Time Starts Now, a family‑based game show created by Alex Horne and Andy Devonshire that allows households to compete in timed tasks from home. The format draws from Horne’s earlier BBC series The Button and the lockdown HomeTasking challenges. Channel 4 executives praised the show’s inventive approach, while producers highlighted its focus on everyday family dynamics. The piece also notes Taskmaster’s continued popularity, including the recently announced lineup for series 22.

Anita Manning’s long career in the antiques industry is highlighted, including her role as a prominent presenter on BBC programmes and her distinction as Scotland’s first female auctioneer. Her early interest in antiques, development of Great Western Auctions with her daughter, and continued passion for the auction world are described alongside personal details such as her evolving appearance and her son living in Hong Kong.

Vernon Kay revealed on Celebrity Gogglebox that he suffers from Morton’s neuroma, causing numbness and pain in his toes. He demonstrated the lack of sensation to Paddy McGuinness, who reacted with surprise. Kay discussed how the condition affects him and recalled meeting a foot specialist by chance while charging his electric car. The article explains the condition and notes common treatments.

Canada will join the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria after CBC/Radio-Canada became a member of the European Broadcasting Union, marking the first new participating country since Australia in 2015. Canadian and Eurovision officials welcomed the expansion, highlighting the contest’s growing global reach. The article notes longstanding Canadian ties to Eurovision and outlines the broader political context, including criticism of Israel’s continued participation and boycotts by several countries. Bulgaria will host the 2027 event following Dara’s victory in 2026.