“I doubt that Saudi Arabia will be able to give you a lot of support in Venezuela.”
Published On 1 Dec 2025
Venezuela’s OPEC plea unlikely to “obtain much” for support
David Walliams reveals his son is dyslexic in rare comment about family life
Even though David Walliams has a rare comment about his son, he revealed that despite his son’s dyslexia, he is determined to encourage him and other children to read.
David Walliams has revealed that his son is dyslexic. The former Little Britain star, 54, has started up a second career as a children’s author in the years since he found fame in television comedy, and appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday to promote his new book Santa & Son.
The former Britain’s Got Talent judge explained that the new book tackles the issue of children whose parents have divorced, and insisted that he always makes sure that his novels are packed with illustrations, especially because his own son Alfred, 12, who he has with ex-wife Lara Stone, suffers from the condition that causes difficulty with reading and spelling.
He said: “I wanted it to be a sort of comedy action adventure, and there’s also a serious part of hit because the dad hasn’t seen his son for many years – the parents have split up. So over the course of the night, the dad and the son bond in a way they hadn’t been able to over the years. Christmas, although it’s a happy time, there’s a bit of melancholy if someone isn’t there that you love so the book does explore that as well. But it is funny as well!
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Do you know what I like best about your books, people always ask? The illustrations ! They are fantastic. I want images on every page, something going on because I know my son is dyslexic, and I’m very demanding with the illustrators.
Adam Stower and David Stower illustrated Santa & Son, and David pointed out that for children, too much text can come across as intimidating.
He continued, “Books with a lot of text can be quite intimidating, so I believe it’s much more enjoyable for kids to break it up with fun pictures and do things like have words leap out.” Additionally, it’s challenging for kids to read books. I want to write books that they enjoy reading and that they enjoy.
Then, David appealed to the show’s viewers to schedule time for them to read to their kids, especially given how difficult it is to do so in today’s society.
Additionally, I believe you want to reach the reluctant readers. Unfortunately, many children and boys are reluctant readers, so you must give them something enjoyable. When I gave these to a friend, they said, “Oh, they whipped through 300 pages today… “, and I want that.
“Do what I would advise if there are any parents watching who haven’t made that a part of their day!” When you and a friend share a book together for ten minutes, everything relaxes, you don’t worry about your phone, or you just relax.
It’s so lovely and you make the time for it. As we read together, my son places his head on my shoulder, and he does the same. It’s a wonderful way to read together.
“And then of course you have other things to discuss when you’ve finished. What did you think of this, and what did you think of that? What do you anticipate occurring? I’ve always made time for it, and I always advise parents to “let it become a part of your routine” if it’s not a part of your routine.
In spite of his own fame and fortune, David previously made an open admission about his decision to give his son a “normal childhood” like other children. He also admitted that he always wanted to lead a normal life for his children.
He recently stated, “I knew what I was getting into, this is what I signed up to.”
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Being in the spotlight is unavoidable, and it must be challenging for a young person to do it. You are unsure of what they’ll choose to do with their lives. I don’t understand why they are on display. “David told Hello! magazine .
On ITV1 and ITVX, Lorraine airs on weekdays at 9 a.m.
Recovery under way after floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Published On 1 Dec 2025
As Asian governments increase their responses to the disaster that has left more than 1, 000 people dead in three nations, Indonesia’s president informs those who lost to the devastating floods that last week.
At least 502 people were killed in Indonesia, 335 in Sri Lanka, and 176 in Thailand as a result of flooding and landslides in the past week, according to authorities.
Residents of the affected areas rely on aircraft to transport supplies, with some areas still unreachable after the disaster damaged roads and cut off communication lines.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), 290, 700 people were displaced by the flooding in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra provinces.
Rescuers are still looking for 366 missing people, according to Sri Lankan authorities on Monday. After being battered over the past week by downpours that flooded homes, fields, and roads and caused landslides, primarily in the tea-growing central hill country, nearly 148, 000 people are now living in temporary shelters.
Authorities in Thailand worked to restore infrastructure, including water and electricity, in the southern region of the nation, where severe flooding has affected more than 1.4 million homes and 3.8 million people, according to government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat.
Strictly’s Alex Kingston’s injury revealed as fans say she ‘should not have danced’
Fans of Alex Kingston’s Strictly Come Dancing performance were offended by the injured actress’ performance, with one calling it a “humiliation ritual.”
Before her brutal Strictly exit, Alex Kingston was suffering from a agonizing injury.
The 62-year-old actress refused to withdraw from the contest and bravely ploughed on – despite fans saying she clearly wasn’t fit enough to take part. On Sunday night, Alex become the eighth celebrity to be eliminated from the series along with her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe.
The pair found themselves in a dance-off with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and professional Julian Caillon, where they had to perform their routines from Saturday night again. But many fans noticed she was struggling and some say the BBC shouldn’t have allowed her to hit the dancefloor, with one even going as far as describing it as a “humiliation ritual” on X.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star issues heartfelt statement as they leave showREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star gets bad news hours before live show
When Alex’s daughter revealed that her mother had been dancing at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, her daughter became concerned. However, the former E. R. and Doctor Who star insisted that her severe discomfort was merely “part and parcel” of being in the competition and that she hasn’t made any plans to leave like some of her co-stars have.
Her daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel, 24, had commented on an Instagram video of Alex and her professional partner Johannes Radebe’s performance, a Couple’s Choice to a mash-up of History Repeating by Propellerheads and Look At Me by Geri Halliwell, and said: “So so proud!!! Slayed on the dance floor, dislocated rib and all!!!”
Alex reaffirmed her status on Instagram by saying she is “completely fine.” Nothing more was said in response to my concerned and loving daughter. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be practicing on the dance floor. I’m so excited for the upcoming week! “Cha cha cha” But this weekend, her jounrey ended.
The judges voted in favor of saving Alex and Johannes following the performances this weekend, with Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse saving Balvinder and Julian. In order to take Balvinder and Julian’s place in Strictly’s musicals week, head judge Shirley Ballas, who had the casting vote this week, made the decision to do so.
Doctor Who’s 62-year-old star, Alex, penned an emotional and heartfelt statement on Instagram following her exit from the series, where fans praised her. Where do you even begin?, Alex wrote in a series of snaps from her time on the show. It was a true dream. I wouldn’t have believed you if I had known a year ago while I was receiving radiotherapy that I would be on strictly come dancing!
I’m so pleased with what Johannes and I have accomplished, and I’m so grateful that my body has helped me get this far. I’ve always wanted to dance with Jo Jo, and we did it! Thank you so much for your continued support. It’s a privilege for me to be able to do this at my age, and I consider myself lucky. Even the most difficult of days have been helped by your faith in us.
It’s that it’s never too late to try something new, which is what I’ve learned from this, if I’ve learned anything from it. Keep exploring and living life to the full, whether you’re enrolling in a neighborhood dance class or discovering a new hobby. Most importantly, dance the whole way! !
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It’s been wonderful getting to spend time with you all, “to the cast and the professionals.” Thank you for your encouraging and cheerleading on-the-line. I can’t wait to continue watching you all grow along your journeys. And a big thank you to the crew who kept things running in the background and made sure we all looked fantastic! !
“Johannes, every day I have been blown away by your kindness, elegance, and ability to bring calm to every situation. You make my darling man’s entire world glow with your help in finding my steel balls and “exquisite” legs! May mints fill your heart and bag with joy and happiness forever. I really, really love you.
Meghan Markle’s career ‘doomed’ if she fails to deliver in Netflix Christmas special
Meghan Markle must deliver one essential thing, according to a royal expert, if she wants to succeed in her upcoming Christmas With Love special.
Meghan Markle’s reality TV career is “doomed” if she fails to secure a Hollywood A-lister for her Christmas special which comes out this week, a royal commentator claims. Meghan’s latest Netflix offering – With Love, Meghan: Holiday – lands on Wednesday, 3 December, two days before Kate Middleton hosts her annual Together at Christmas event at Westminster Abbey.
After the critically criticized first two seasons of With Love, Meghan, 44, needs to seriously raise the bar, according to Richard Fitzwilliams, a former editor of the International Who’s Who, if she wants to succeed with both her As Ever lifestyle brand and television career. When it debuted in March, the first series made the Netflix Global Top 10 for TV shows, ranking it as the 389th most watched show of the first half of 2025. However, the second installment fell short of the top 10.
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“She has not made a great success of With Love so far “ he told the Mirror, “so her Christmas show is a test because if she doesn’t get an A-lister for it, it’s doomed.”
A one-minute trailer for the Duchess of Sussex’s new episode released last month gave viewers a sneak peek of what to expect – and it included short cameos from Prince Harry, 41, and tennis player Naomi Osaka.
Meghan declares, “I love the holiday season,” in the voiceover of the video. It involves embracing traditions, making new ones, and finding time to connect with the people we love. Let the fun begin by embracing the unique touches that bring you joy.
Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling, the actresses and makeup artist Daniel Martin, Samin Nostrat, and other famous chefs and celebrities have been guests on her previous With Love seasons.
Richard claimed that Meghan’s biggest flaw is that she “can’t break into the A-list” crowd, which he claimed he thought was. He continued, “Her recent visit to Paris to watch the Balenciaga fashion show is an illustration of her trying to address this.”
He said, “She was there with Anna Wintour, Anne Hathaway, and Baz Luhrmann, and it made perfect sense.” There is no harm in attending an event of that kind because it was a very well-known event.
You won’t find well-known names if you look at all of her podcasts and Netflix episodes, though. She has a long-standing friendship with Serena Williams, but she hasn’t received any A-list support in Hollywood, as far as I can tell.
Meanwhile, Kate and William, both 43, are preparing to film the Princess of Wales ’ Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday. The fifth annual concert has an impressive line-up of guests confirmed already – with Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hannah Waddingham and Prince William delivering festive readings to an audience of other royals and charity workers from various causes connected to the royal family.
The theme is “the power of love and togetherness”, which organisers said was chosen because “in a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, love is the force that reconnects us all”.
The Service will bring people together this year to celebrate love in all its forms, whether it is through friendships, community connections, or even powerful intimate encounters with strangers, according to Kensington Palace’s statement.
Her Royal Highness wanted to recognize and thank the numerous people who are loving their communities and making a society more coherent and connected, as it was continued.
The 1,600-strong congregation will also receive a reading from Prince William, and Katie Melua, a member of Cornish folk band Fisherman’s Friends, and Griff, a rising star, will deliver some of the musical entertainment.
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SFA seals multi-million Hampden naming rights deal
The Scottish FA has secured a “multi-million-pound, long-term partnership” for the naming rights of the national stadium.
Barclays Hampden will become the new name in the first deal of its kind for the historic Glasgow ground.
The financial services company will also partner with the men’s and women’s Scottish Cup, which are sponsored by Scottish Gas, and become the main sponsor for the Next Gen Girls’ Performance Programme.
“In the course of the conversations we’ve had over the past few months, Barclays’ desire to support Scottish football – across the levels – has been clear,” said SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell.
“The impact of their investment will be felt within the walls of Barclays Hampden and far beyond – not least helping fuel the kind of programmes we run that harness the power of football and make an everyday impact in Scottish society.”
Scotland men last month secured qualification for next year’s World Cup, the draw for which takes place on Friday, while Scotland women will begin qualification for the 2027 World Cup next year.
Steve Clarke’s men and Melissa Andreatta’s women play their home games at the national stadium, which also hosts the semi-finals and finals in the Scottish Cup and League Cup tournaments.
The final of the League Cup will be held later this month between St Mirren and holders Celtic on 14 December.
Barclays’ Tom Corbett said the London-based firm “are thrilled to be ending the year with the addition of the Scottish home of football to our partnership portfolio”.
Related topics
- Scottish Football
- Football
- 16 hours ago
- 19 November
