Two inmates charged with murder after Ian Watkins dies in prison

Police have charged two men with the murder of paedophile Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins.

Rashid Gedel, 25 and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been charged with murder after Watkins, 48 was pronounced dead after being seriously assaulted at HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning.

The pair are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning, West Yorkshire Police said.

Emergency services were called to HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Saturday morning after Watkins, 48, was attacked with a knife. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Watkins had been serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences.

In 2013, Watkins pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including trying to rape a baby, sexually touching a 1-year-old, encouraging a fan to abuse her child and making child pornography.

At the time of his sentencing, Judge John Royce described Watkins as a manipulative and dangerous sexual predator who had abused his fame to help satisfy his “insatiable lust.”

The prison went into lockdown in the immediate aftermath of Watkins’ killing, it was reported.

Watkins had previously been stabbed in an incident at the same prison in 2023, suffering non-life-threatening injuries after he was reportedly taken hostage by three other inmates for six hours.

In 2019, he appeared back in court for possessing a phone behind bars, and described his fellow inmates as “murderers, mass murderers, rapists, paedophiles, serial killers – the worst of the worst”.

The prison, which has been in use since 1594, is a high security facility with an ultra-secure unit for the country’s most dangerous prisoners, and is known for holding some of the UK’s most notorious murderers and sexual offenders. Previous prisoners include Harold Shipman, Charles Bronson, and Ian Huntley – though the latter is now imprisoned in HMP Frankland – another high security prison.

This year, an inspection of HMP Wakefield revealed a facility grappling with “ageing and deteriorating infrastructure”, and a shifting prisoner demographic, which the report said “challenged its ability to deliver safe, decent and purposeful outcomes.”

The July report also found that “violence had increased markedly since our last inspection, with a 62 per cent rise in incidents and a 72 per cent increase in serious assaults”.

It added: “Many prisoners told us they felt unsafe, particularly older men convicted of sexual offences who increasingly shared the prison with a growing cohort of younger prisoners.”

In 2014 Watkins was told he could not appeal against the length of his 29-year jail term.

Watkins’ lawyers suggested he should have his jail term cut because his last-minute guilty plea spared a jury from having to watch his home-made child pornography.

However the Court of Appeal turned down his application, with presiding judge Lord Justice Pitchford saying: “These were offences against infant children of such shocking depravity that a very lengthy sentence of imprisonment was demanded.

“It is not demonstrated the total sentence of 29 years together with the extended licence period was arguably manifestly excessive. Accordingly, the application in his case is refused.”

Among the disturbing videos due to be shown at his trial included his attempted rape of a baby and a webcam chat in which he instructed a fan to abuse her child.

Watkins was given 14- and 15-year consecutive prison terms for engaging in sexual activity with a child and the attempted rape of an 11-month-old baby.

He was also convicted of 11 other offences – with those sentences running alongside his 29-year term.

The Inbetweeners poised to return as deal signed to revive hit comedy

The creators of The Inbetweeners have confirmed that the cult UK comedy is set to return, more than a decade after its finale aired.

Created by Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, the Channel 4 sitcom followed the adolescent travails of four foul-mouthed teens, and became such a hit that it spawned two blockbuster films.

Beesley and Morris’s production company, Fudge Park, has now signed a new partnership with Banijay UK, which “paves the way for the return of the hit comedy title”.

The duo confirmed the return of the series, saying in a statement: “Incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh friends).”

No major details have been revealed but the deal “unlocks the rights and the potential to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a range of platforms including film, TV, and stage”, according to a statement by Banijay.

Banijay UK chief executive, Patrick Holland, said he was “delighted to pick up the conversation about the future” of The Inbetweeners with Morris and Morris.

“They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audience old and new so I can’t wait to get going,” he said.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with Banijay who share our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic comedies in British history,” Jonathan Blyth, managing director of Fudge Park, said.

“This is a wonderful moment for fans, there are exciting conversations afoot and more news to follow.”

It isn’t yet known whether the revival will take the form of a new series, film or spin-off, although the statements by the creators can be assumed to mean the story will revolve around the original four characters.

First broadcast on E4 from 2008 and 2010, The Inbetweeners follows the misadventures of Will McKenzie (Simon Bird), Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas), Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison), and Jay Cartwright (James Buckley), a group of socially inept sixth-formers enduring school life, failed romances, and fragile masculinity at the fictional Rudge Park Comprehensive.

The series, conceived as a more realistic counterpoint to the darker teen drama Skins, went on to become a surprise phenomenon, pulling record audiences and winning a Bafta Audience Award in 2010.

Two films followed: The Inbetweeners Movie in 2011 and The Inbetweeners 2 in 2014, which together grossed over £100m worldwide, setting box-office records for UK comedies.

The announcement comes shortly after Buckley and Thomas sparked fan excitement online by teasing a reunion. In August, Buckley shared photos of himself with Thomas on Instagram, writing: “Working on something…”

It was later revealed that the pair had teamed up for a new podcast, Joe and James Fact Up.

In August last year, Thomas said the cast were eager to return. “All of us feel it would be nice to do,” he said on the Always Be Comedy podcast. “We’re all still around, we’re all still in each other’s lives. We all still like each other. And if it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it.”

The cast reunited for a two-hour special that aired on New Year’s Day in 2019, marking the 10th anniversary of the sitcom’s debut.

The special received overall negative feedback with many fans confused that the programme, titled Fwends Reunited, wasn’t a new episode but instead adhered to a chat-show format, and some said it looked as though the four actors didn’t want to be there.

The reunion, hosted by Jimmy Carr, saw the stars of the series participate in an Inbetweeners quiz, a fake award ceremony and watch old clips from the show.

Critics dubbed the two-hour special “shambolic”, with Buckley calling it a “mistake”.

“It was maybe a mistake doing that reunion,” he told Heart Radio in 2019. “Me personally, I don’t want to ruin The Inbetweeners any more. At the moment, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere near it.”

Bird also said later that year that he wasn’t sure a revival would work, with the “characters grown up, which we now all are”.

“No one is going to buy us as teenagers any more,” he told Screen Daily. “And I think the idea of the four of us back together as 30-somethings is going to be a bit more depressing for everyone. I can’t see us doing any more of it.”

In 2024, Bird shut down any conversation about the cast getting together and said there were no plans for any forthcoming Inbetweeners projects.

Speaking to the MailOnline, Bird said: “I’m afraid to be the one pouring cold water on this but it’s not happening. I can tell you emphatically that there are no prospects of a reunion.”

He added that the cast “would be happy to but it’s not up to us, it’s up to the writers, Iain and Damon, and I know they’re both very busy these days. It’s not more likely to happen now than it was 10 years ago I’m afraid”.

“I think it was a comedy that inhabited a certain time,” he continued. “So, no, there has been no discussion about a new show or film.”

Riot Women is taboo-busting TV that’s demystifying the menopause

Well, this is a bit of a downer, isn’t it? Those were my precise thoughts about halfway through the first episode of Riot Women, the new BBC One drama from Happy Valley mastermind Sally Wainwright. Like Happy Valley, it’s set around Calderdale in West Yorkshire; like Happy Valley, its focus is firmly trained on women in midlife. But somehow, the introductory 30 minutes or so of Riot Women seemed to be even more depressing than a show that dealt with inherited trauma, addiction, murder and sexual assault. Or so I thought.

The opening scenes are certainly pretty harrowing. Beth, a menopausal English teacher played by The Thick of It’s Joanna Scanlan, is about to take her own life, until the phone rings; her brother is on the other end, complaining about the cost of the care home that she has selected for their mother, who has dementia (the undertone of their conversation, inevitably, is that Beth should be the one to shoulder the caring responsibility).

When Beth arrives at school, her pupils seem to look straight through her; when she opens up to a colleague about her suicidal intent, he deflects and brushes her off, as if her feelings are somehow utterly invalid. “Do you think women of a certain age become invisible?” she asks later. Christ, I thought. I’m 33 – is this what I have to look forward to in a decade or two? Being overlooked, undervalued and outright ignored? Getting asked if I’ve “considered HRT” whenever I express any emotion that’s deemed a bit tricky?

But I shouldn’t have judged Sally Wainwright so quickly. Because, with a flick of the writer’s pen, Beth’s life is about to change. Her friend, the straight-talking pub landlady Jess, played by Sherwood’s Lorraine Ashbourne, is putting together a rock band to play in a talent competition at her grandkids’ school. And she wants Beth, who plays piano, to enter the fold.

At first, the group’s ambitions don’t extend much further than getting through a cover of Abba’s “Waterloo”. They’re semi-resigned to the fact that they’ll be at worst a laughing stock, at best a novelty act (Jess’s daughter suggests that they name themselves The Old Bags Department). But soon they find that music is a cathartic outlet, helping them open up about hot flushes, mood swings and everything else that they’re contending with. “And you thought The Clash were angry,” Beth says.

Watching the band – which also comprises shoplifter-turned-singer Kitty (West End star Rosalie Craig), retired police officer Holly (Tamsin Greig) on bass and her midwife sister Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) on guitar – grow in confidence, and in audacity, is frankly, well, a riot. The women stop second-guessing themselves, no longer putting a polite, palatable spin on their feelings or the changes that their bodies are going through. Not everyone “gets” it, but the sense of liberation is palpable.

It’s not just the physical and emotional changes that come with the menopause that Wainwright and her actors deal with beautifully; they also grapple with the burden that comes with being part of the “sandwich” generation, supporting their teenage or twentysomething children while looking after their ageing parents. Wainwright’s own mother had dementia, and it’s not hard to see how her experiences must have informed one painfully poignant scene later in the series, where Holly must explain to her elderly but suddenly childlike mother (played by Last Tango in Halifax star Anne Reid) that her own parents are long dead.

I can only imagine how validating it must be for women who are going through similar experiences in midlife to see the reality of menopause play out on screen, in a way that goes far deeper than predictable jokes about night sweats but also feels somehow invigorating. It’s powerful and a bit taboo-busting, the televisual equivalent of a bunch of fiftysomethings sticking two fingers up at the world.

And it’s also vital viewing for younger women too. The reality might sometimes be bleak, sometimes messy, but the collective silence around menopause (which only seems to have started to lift, and slowly at that, within the past decade or so) means that most of us reach this point with very little idea about what to expect. That lack of knowledge surely makes us more likely to shrug off or downplay symptoms; it certainly means that we’re not properly equipped to deal with such a major change. I’m sure I’m not alone among other female twenty- and thirtysomethings when I say that it’s something I’ve never even discussed properly with my own mum.

A series like this helps to open up that conversation – and while it doesn’t shy away from the pain of being suddenly deemed invisible by society, it also leans into the sheer power that comes with upturning expectations, shrugging off shame and refusing to shut up. When they’re on stage, the women are having the time of their lives, a reminder that joy and silliness aren’t the preserve of the young.

Wainwright recently said that she wanted to find a way to talk about being a woman in midlife “that was energising and uplifting and offered a solution”. With this show, she’s done just that. When I grow up, I definitely want to be a riot woman.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

Spain floods trap people in cars as Storm Alice sparks travel chaos

Torrential rain triggered flash floods in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, trapping people in cars and forcing travel suspensions across the Mediterranean coast.

Videos shared online showed torrents of muddy water surging through the towns of La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara in Tarragona province, sweeping away vehicles and debris.

Spain’s national weather agency Aemet also declared the highest red alert in the province, warning that up to 180mm of rain could fall in just 12 hours.

Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency urged residents in the Ebro Delta to stay indoors as conditions worsened.

“The situation is complicated, and more rain is forecast,” Cristina Vicente, a senior official at the agency was quoted as saying by La Vanguardia.

So far, there have been no reports of deaths or injuries but emergency services have been rescuing drivers from submerged vehicles.

Train services between Barcelona and Valencia were suspended until further notice along the Mediterranean Corridor, while roads in several low-lying areas were closed due to the flooding.

The downpours are part of a spell of severe weather driven by Storm Alice, which has battered parts of southeastern Spain, including the Balearic Islands, in recent days.

The rainfall has led to travel chaos in the popular tourist island of Ibiza, as the airport has been flooded and roads submerged.

At least 24 flights were cancelled from late afternoon onwards at Ibiza’s airport, with inside areas having to be closed due to water leaking into the terminal and power cuts caused by the heavy showers.

“Because of the adverse weather conditions in Ibiza, airport operations were temporarily paralysed between 6pm and 7.20pm,” officials at Spanish airports authority AENA told local press. “During that time the runway was cleaned along with other areas that were affected by the storm.”

The city of Murcia has also seen evacuations, with significant flooding in places.

Yellow warnings were in place on Sunday from Valencia to the south of Tarragona as the storm was expected to bring a total of 250-300mm (10-12inches) of rain in some locations.

Speaking out about racism ended my rugby career, says Burrell

Former England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out about the racism he had endured playing rugby ended his career in the sport.

In 2023, an independent investigation found that Burrell was the victim of racial abuse during his time at Newcastle Falcons (now Newcastle Red Bulls). The investigation concluded that the allegations were true “on the balance of probability” but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle, and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) chose not to take any disciplinary action.

The previous year, the 15-cap England international, who is of Jamaican descent, had spoken to The Mail on Sunday about the racism he endured at Newcastle and said he was subjected to comments about slavery, bananas and fried chicken, adding that “racial banter” had become “normalised” among team-mates.

Among the evidence gathered by the inquiry was a post on a players’ WhatsApp group that contained a “wholly inappropriate racist term”.

Burrell spent the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons at Kingston Park, departing in June at the end of his contract shortly after making the abuse he faced public, and the only professional rugby he has played since is three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

He was 34 at the time of the allegations and is adamant that speaking out about racism played a pivotal role in his inability to earn another contract in the sport.

“I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on,” said Burrell in an interview with BBC Sport. “I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

“That was difficult – I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me.”

Burrell won 15 England caps between 2014 and 2016, scoring four tries, with three of those coming during the 2014 Six Nations. Those caps all came during a successful seven-year spell with Northampton Saints where he won the Premiership and the European Challenge Cup at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

He then moved to Newcastle in September 2020, after a short spell in rugby league with Warrington Wolves, and hasn’t found a new club since leaving Kingston Park three years ago.

The now-37-year-old also opened up about the prejudice he feels he faced in the England set-up and says that racism had become normalised in rugby dressing rooms.

“I’ve had several traumatic experiences within England camp,” added Burrell. “Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that’s really unacceptable.

“[Racism] is something that has been dressed up as banter and that’s been the problem that I’ve personally suffered and seen. Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it’s the norm and that is fine and that it’s not malicious, but that’s nonsense.”

Burrell says he finally decided to speak out after a Newcastle teammate referred to him as a “slave” and told him to put sun cream on his ankles and wrists “where your shackles were” but insisted throughout the investigation that he was keen to institute change within rugby, rather than targeting individuals for punishment.

That informed the RFU’s decision not to take any disciplinary action, although it insists that his revelations led to “a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game.”

It added: “The RFU has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism,” it added.

“We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process.”

Every top-flight men’s and women’s club in England now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with success monitored via reports and surveys, and Burrell is still working to improve things in the sport, with his 12 Foundation helping children in under-served communities on and off the pitch.

“My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I’ll continue to fight that fight because I’m not just doing this for myself,” added Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield.

“We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

“I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive. There’s a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me.”

Norwegian nature: Enjoy wild, wonderful adventures on a safari-at-sea

Norway’s rugged coast is chock-full of natural beauty, dotted with steep fjords where the mountains meet the sea and teeming with all kinds of curious wildlife, from orcas, humpbacks, and over 80 species of seabirds to red foxes, reindeer, and otters. Norwegians are famous for their deep love of the outdoors, which even has its own word: friluftsliv. It helps that it is home to more than 150,000 lakes and is known for its dramatic fjord-fringed landscapes and shimmering glaciers. It’s also one of the best places to catch the technicolour magic of the Aurora Borealis.

What’s more, if you explore this breathtaking region on a Hurtigruten cruise, you’ll do so alongside the expert local Expedition Team, who have spent years traversing Norway’s rugged coastline. They are always on hand to provide engaging insights into the nature, wildlife, and culture you’ll encounter on every voyage. They go above and beyond to ensure you experience more than just the tourist hot spots. Each team member has their own area of expertise and hosts regular lectures for those who want to delve deeper into a specific interest. They also encourage you to join them on their hand-picked hikes and activities, which are at an additional cost and subject to availability but offer the chance to explore with those who know the area best.

Drawing on over 130 years of travel experience, Original and Signature Hurtigruten Voyages lead passengers along Norway’s dramatic Arctic coastline, showcasing its remarkable natural beauty in all its glory, with options to stop off in various locations along the way. As you sail between destinations, keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that frequents the area. The coastline is a popular haunt for mammals like giant humpbacks, frolicking seals and playful porpoises.

During time spent on land, depending on your route, you might also come face-to-face with reindeer in the north or the elusive lynx, not to mention the flora that decorates the landscape in various seasons. Some routes stop at Mehamn, a traditional fishing town with only 800 inhabitants. From here, you can embark on an excursion to learn about the Sámi, an indigenous people from Europe’s northernmost region, known for reindeer herding, traditional handicrafts, and a deep connection to nature. Get to know the family, hear their stories and joik chanting, and try dried reindeer meat around a fire in a lavvo tent.

There are many different journeys you can take, depending on what you want to get out of your cruise. Trace the historic Coastal Express route on one of their Original Voyages, Hurtigruten’s first and most iconic route, established in 1893 and often hailed as the world’s most beautiful voyage. You’ll cover 2,500 nautical miles and visit 34 ports, starting in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, where you can hop on a funicular to the summit of Mount Fløyen and soak up the incredible views of the city, the nearby fjords, and the surrounding mountains.

The North Cape Line Winter route is another popular cruise for nature lovers. This Signature Voyage adventure starts and finishes in Norway’s Capital, Oslo. The Signature Voyages take things up a notch, offering unmatched views of Norway’s best bits with more time to explore each stop. They’re also a hit with foodies, thanks to the all-inclusive option featuring award-winning restaurants and seasonal produce from Norway’s bountiful coastline.

Åndalsnes is also a favourite stop on the route, home to soaring mountains overlooking the surrounding town. It’s the ultimate hotspot for hikers, climbers and skiers thanks to its abundant accessible natural beauty. The Troll Wall is a highlight for adrenaline seekers here; this 1,000-metre vertical cliff in the Romsdalen valley boasts some of the most epic views from atop, including 360-degree vistas of Romsdalshorn, Åndalsnes town centre, and the Rauma River.

This route also takes you to The City of Northern Lights, Alta, where you can stand at the northernmost point in Europe, Cape Point in Honningsvåg – the perfect vantage point for those trying to catch this incredible natural phenomenon. Hurtigruten is so confident you’ll see the lights that they even offer a ‘Northern Lights Promise’: a free cruise if you don’t see them during the season (valid on 11-day plus voyages from 20th September to 31st March).

Many of the routes stop at Lofoten, an archipelago with immense peaks and fishing villages sandwiched between slopes. It’s not hard to see why this chain of islands is referred to as one of Norway’s most beautiful locations. Hiking opportunities abound here, and most trails lead to spectacular vistas, or if you prefer to stay on the water, you can hop in a kayak and enjoy a leisurely paddle.

Lofoten isn’t the only archipelago you’ll see on specific routes — keep an eye out for the Vega archipelago, a collection of around 6,500 islands, skerries, and islets. On Gardsøy Island, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Centre with dedicated huts for local eider ducks to build their nests.

Journeying south along Norway’s west coast, many of the routes also take you past some of the country’s most famous fjords, including Hardangerfjord, measuring a whopping 179 kilometres in length, making it the second longest fjord in the country and fifth longest in the world. Get your cameras ready, as you’ll be treated to panoramic mountain vistas from every direction, with snow-capped peaks peeking over the fjord reflected on mirror-like water.

Hurtigruten cruises stop at Torsken on the southbound leg of the Svalbard Line, one of their premium, all-inclusive Signature Voyages that sails from Bergen to the Arctic archipelago and back. The secluded fishing village of Torsken is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts, tucked away in Torskenfjorden on the rugged west coast of Senja Island. It’s home to just a handful of houses, workshops, and small piers sprinkled with fishing boats and is the ideal base for exploring Norway’s second-largest island, Senja.

Senja’s stunning coastline has been rightly nicknamed the ‘Caribbean of the North’ thanks to its white-sand beaches and towering mountain peaks. It’s best to take an excursion and explore by small boat to spot white-tailed eagles, seals, seabirds like cormorants, and maybe even a golden eagle. Whether exploring Senja or simply soaking up sea views from onboard, a Hurtigruten cruise offers a chance to connect with nature, wildlife, and Norway’s stunning landscapes, with countless routes to choose from.

Book your Norwegian adventure for less, with up to 30% off, plus 10% off excursions on selected Coastal Express and North Cape Line voyages. For offers, routes and excursion info, visit Hurtigruten.

TV host becomes second star to leave Strictly Come Dancing

TV star Ross King has been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the second contestant to leave the show.

The Scottish presenter – best known from Lorraine and Good Morning Britain – and his professional partner, Jowita Przystal, exited the competition after a tense dance-off against Eastenders actor Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon during Sunday night’s (12 October) results show.

Both couples performed their Movie Week routines from Saturday (11 October) once more, with King and Przystal dancing the Paso Doble to the theme tune from Thunderbirds. Sopal and Caillon danced a foxtrot to “The Way You Look Tonight” from the film Swing Time.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all voted to save Balvinder and Caillon. Head judge Shirley Ballas said that she would have made the same decision.

Speaking about his time on the programme, King said: “I have loved every single minute of it. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, all the people who voted – they’ve been amazing.

“I want to thank everyone here in this room, backstage, the judges, the crew – every single person here has made me so, so welcome.”

Speaking about Przystal, he said: “I want to thank a very special lady who has been with me through it all and has been absolutely everything: she’s been a mentor, teacher, carer.

“I could not have wished for a better partner, and I could not have wished to be on a better show. Thank you, judges, for all your remarks.”

Przystal thanked King for his work and time during rehearsals, adding: “I hope I’m going to be a little part in your life forever.”

King’s elimination does not come as a huge surprise given that he was awarded the lowest score on Saturday’s live show, earning just 19 points. (You can find the week three leaderboard in full here.) Du Beke, however, did praise the presenter as “the most improved” contestant this week.

Ballas acknowledged King’s dedication to the performance, stating: “You gave 1,000 per cent of yourself… this week you can go home and be very proud of what you’ve achieved.”

Sunday’s results show also featured a group routine from the Strictly professionals in tribute to this year’s Minecraft movie, as well as a performance of the song “Reflection” from the Disney film Mulan by Chinese pianist Lang Lang. He was accompanied by professional dancers Nancy Xu and Kai Widdrington.

As was announced earlier this week, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis did not perform on Saturday due to illness. In line with the show’s rules, he and Dianne Buswell will automatically go through to the next stage of the competition.

Writing on Instagram, Dennis said that he was “so sorry” to miss the episode but expected to be back next week with a “rip roaring dance”. Buswell, meanwhile, addressed claims that she was the real reason behind Dennis’s absence.

The remaining 13 couples will return to the Strictly dancefloor next week on Saturday (18 October) at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Prince Andrew told Epstein ‘we are in this together’ a day after Giuffre photo emerged

Prince Andrew told Jeffrey Epstein “we are in this together”, the day after the infamous photograph of him with Virginia Giuffre emerged, according to reports.

The Duke of York also reportedly told his paedophile friend “we’ll play some more soon” in the email dated 28 February 2011 – three months after the date he told the BBC he had severed contact with the disgraced financier.

The message is reported to also cast doubt on another of the claims Andrew, 65, made in his infamous 2019 interview with Newsnight – that his meeting with Ms Giuffre “didn’t happen”.

The duke has always strongly denied all accusations against him.

The Sun on Sunday reported Andrew contacted Epstein just hours after Ms Giuffre detailed allegations that she was flown out to London in March 2001 aged 17, where she said she and the duke ate, drank, went to Tramp nightclub and later had sex.

A photo of the pair of them at the London townhouse of Epstein’s then-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell – who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein – was published on 27 February 2011, showing Andrew with his arm around Ms Giuffre’s waist.

According to the newspaper, the 28 February email, sent from the duke’s official email address with the automated signature “HRH The Duke of York KG”, read: “I’m just as concerned for you! Don’t worry about me! It would seem we are in this together and will have to rise above it.” Andrew also urged the predator to “keep in close touch” and told him: “We’ll play some more soon!!!!”

Ms Giuffre has also accused Andrew of sexually abusing her on Epstein’s private island Little St James as a teenager, which the prince has “unequivocally” denied. In 2022, he agreed to settle her civil claim for an multi-million dollar sum, without admitting liability.

In his 2019 interview with the BBC, Andrew said he had severed all contact with Epstein after they were photographed meeting in Central Park in New York in early December 2010, when he claimed they decided to cut ties.

Speaking of the photograph of him and Ms Giuffre, he said: “Oh it’s definitely me, I mean that’s a picture of me, it’s not a picture of… I don’t believe it’s a picture of me in London because… when I go out in London, I wear a suit and a tie.

“I am not one to, as it were, hug and public displays of affection are not something that I do. So that’s the best explanation I can give you and I’m afraid to say that I don’t believe that photograph was taken in the way that has been suggested.”

Following the interview, the duke stepped back from his royal duties in 2019 over his links with Epstein.

The disgraced financier died by suicide on 10 August 2019 at a federal jail in New York City.