Actor and director Rob Reiner and wife Michele were found stabbed to death on December 14 at their $13.5 million Brentwood estate
View 2 Images
Elwes paid tribute to the director(Image: FilmMagic)
The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes has broken his silence on director Rob Reiner’s murder. Actor and director Reiner and his wife Michele were both found dead on December 14 at their $13.5m Brentwood home.
The couple’s son Nick was arrested that night and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Nick had a history of drug issues, going to rehab for the first time when he was just 15.
He was living in his parent’s guest house after a bout of homelessness. Friends and family of the pair have been leaving their tributes and now Cary Elwes, who worked on The Princess Bride with Reiner has left his own message.
READ MORE: Rob Reiner’s friend shares heartbreaking Christmas message ‘sent from Heaven’READ MORE: Martin Scorsese’s heartbreaking tribute to late stars Rob and Michele Reiner
He shared a statement along with footage of Reiner guiding him through a fight scene which was featured in the 1987 movie. The clip was followed by another of a 25th anniversary reunion Elwes had with Reiner.
The Princess Bride starred Elwes who played the farmhand Westley with a quest to win the hand of Princess Buttercup. To do this, he and his friends must rescue her from Prince Humperdinck.
Writing in an Instagram tribute, Elwes said: “Enough time has passed that I can finally put my grief into words. I was 24 when I first met Rob Reiner on The Princess Bride. And from that very first meeting I fell in love with him.
“I was already a fan of his work so meeting him in person was a dream come true. As we began spending more time together I knew this was someone I wanted in my life.”
The actor added: “This was a man who felt deeply. Whose heart was filled with love and compassion. He wasn’t impressed by how much money you had or if you had a privileged upbringing. He just wanted to know if you were a ‘good guy’. He always tried to find the best in people. And if that person had problems he felt bad for them.
“He loved his family and friends immensely. He obviously loved making movies – and was clearly a brilliant filmmaker – but he told me what he really enjoyed the most was the experience itself.
“He used to say, ‘Once the movie is released it belongs to other people. But while you are making it, that’s your time on the planet, so you wanna make it good’. And boy was my time with him on The Princess Bride beyond great. I can’t remember a single day without laughter.”
Elwes then went on to mention Reiner’s wife Michele who he describes as “incredibly loving”. He added: “In a town where many talk the talk, they truly walked it. Whenever we got together we would talk about family, life, movies and politics. But without fail Rob would always find a way to make us laugh. That was important to him. Finding the joy.
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“And if I could make him laugh in return, I felt like I had won the lottery. His laugh was one of the greatest sounds I’ve ever known — so heartfelt it still rings in my ears.”
Elwes finished off his message by saying: “With this note my family and I send our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to their family, friends and fans.”
There’s no better place to celebrate the new year than Jools Holland, and Mirror man Mark Jefferies can now reveal the reasons behind the celebrations.
View 6 Images
Mark Jefferies can reveal what really happens at the recording of Jools Holland’s Hootenanny(Image: Michael Leckie / BBC)
Even though I only have two bottles of beer, I’m on my feet dancing and singing along at 8:47 PM. Some people appear a little teary, while others are hugging or arm-in-arm. It’s midnight on New Year’s Eve in this make-believe world I’ve entered.
Thanks to Jools Holland and a magical night in a glittering West London TV studio on December 10, I had a special occasion to celebrate 2026 before all of you. Hootenanny by Jools Holland is just as important as soaps and the monarch’s Christmas Day address. For the 33rd time, Jools will officially welcome the new year’s eve.
Peter Kay, a comedian, claimed that his mother still believes it to be live in his most recent book. Before visiting Versa Studios, my main inquiry was how to create the party atmosphere, which, it turns out, is as real as it appears on television.
A free bar offers drinks to attendees, which is unusual for the BBC, and they can take their seats. Around 30 minutes after the music starts, they are given glasses of prosecco to celebrate “midnight.”
Jools asks us to be quiet while the performers sing and then yell “keep it up” at the end. That is fantastic if you feel the urge to dance and move as a result. We have some incredible musical guests, and everyone is looking very beautiful.
Ronnie Wood, Olivia Dean, Craig David, Lulu, Jessie J, The Kooks, Heather Small, Imelda May, and the 1st Battalion Scots Guards are on this year’s bill.
The running order and set list are changed before the final version of the set list, according to Executive Producer Alison Howe, and it is important to have a diverse lineup of musicians.
People who accept it as New Year’s Eve are the other thing that counts. You kind of enter a mystical world where you forget what is going on inside the doors, she says.
Many musicians are very excited about the performance. Luke Pritchard, the singer behind Kooks, states: “It’s quite nerve-racking but in the best way. The New Year’s Eve show is Hootenanny, not just another gig. You’re a part of this unique experience that only occurs once while everyone is watching, and we hope everyone is in good spirits. It’s a legitimate right to be fair.
Knowing that you are someone’s soundtrack to their night, or the song they’re dancing around the kitchen with their nan means a lot to me. When you consider it, it is quite touching.
Jools leaves after taking a photo with me and spends the next three hours chatting and greeting A-list stars. He starts recording music, plays it on the piano with his band, and interviews famous people in the audience. To navigate a teeming circle of bands, singers, and guests, he only receives assistance from whiteboards with names or directions.
When the recording is over, Jools says, “It’s kind of like a swimming pool where you just throw yourself in and it’s all right once the water’s clear and you start swimming,” and you keep the momentum going.
You’re attempting to recall your piano playing. What will happen when that is over? Because of this, I can remember where I need to go for the next bit on a board.
With the exception of a few brief moments when production requests a pause, the filming is nonstop. Its goal is to film it without any breaks or stops. You want the energy to keep going, Jools states. So it becomes like real if we record it in a recording studio. It was all just, bang, bang, bang.
Who cares if there are a few minor errors there, though? It is what it is. Olivia Dean, a singing sensation who sings hits and sings alongside Jools in Natalie Cole’s 1975 debut single This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), is a “definite highlight.”
Olivia Dean has “gone ballistic this year,” he claims. She was playing clubs when she first appeared on the show a few years ago. She is currently adding on nights and selling stadiums from all over the world, including Rio de Janeiro to Munich to London’s O2.
She is an extraordinary, unbeliever, and a remarkable person. She enjoys doing things with us or doing things for me because she recalls her childhood favorites, Carole King, and, in this case, Natalie Cole songs.
I thought it was fantastic. a person might perform at a Christmas party. My grandfather would throw a Christmas party at my nan’s house, where everyone would sing their favorite songs, which were frequently musical ones. And that’s a little similar. “
The other key component is Jools’ band, who collaborate with many of the musicians, including both new songs and cover songs that they don’t typically play while traveling.
Everyone gets to soundcheck and practice their tracks after a day’s worth of rehearsals in the studios, followed by the other bands on the recording day.
There is a lot to learn for my band, Jools says, as well as a lot of horn-related arrangements. The public generally does not notice that.
Making notes while taking notes in their hotel rooms, so that when we go to rehearsal and play the first time, it sounds good. The band has never sounded better, and I’m not just saying that.
Continue reading the article.
Tonight at 11 p.m., Jools’ Annual Hootenanny airs on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer.
There’s no better place to celebrate the new year than Jools Holland, and Mirror man Mark Jefferies can now reveal the reasons behind the celebrations.
View 6 Images
Mark Jefferies can reveal what really happens at the recording of Jools Holland’s Hootenanny(Image: Michael Leckie / BBC)
Even though I only have two bottles of beer, I’m on my feet dancing and singing along at 8:47 PM. Some people appear a little teary, while others are hugging or arm-in-arm. It’s midnight on New Year’s Eve in this make-believe world I’ve entered.
Thanks to Jools Holland and a magical night in a glittering West London TV studio on December 10, I had a special occasion to celebrate 2026 before all of you. Hootenanny by Jools Holland is just as important as soaps and the monarch’s Christmas Day address. For the 33rd time, Jools will officially welcome the new year’s eve.
Peter Kay, a comedian, claimed that his mother still believes it to be live in his most recent book. Before visiting Versa Studios, my main inquiry was how to create the party atmosphere, which, it turns out, is as real as it appears on television.
A free bar offers drinks to attendees, which is unusual for the BBC, and they can take their seats. Around 30 minutes after the music starts, they are given glasses of prosecco to celebrate “midnight.”
Jools asks us to be quiet while the performers sing and then yell “keep it up” at the end. That is fantastic if you feel the urge to dance and move as a result. We have some incredible musical guests, and everyone is looking very beautiful.
Ronnie Wood, Olivia Dean, Craig David, Lulu, Jessie J, The Kooks, Heather Small, Imelda May, and the 1st Battalion Scots Guards are on this year’s bill.
The running order and set list are changed before the final version of the set list, according to Executive Producer Alison Howe, and it is important to have a diverse lineup of musicians.
People who accept it as New Year’s Eve are the other thing that counts. You kind of enter a mystical world where you forget what is going on inside the doors, she says.
Many musicians are very excited about the performance. Luke Pritchard, the singer behind Kooks, states: “It’s quite nerve-racking but in the best way. The New Year’s Eve show is Hootenanny, not just another gig. You’re a part of this unique experience that only occurs once while everyone is watching, and we hope everyone is in good spirits. It’s a legitimate right to be fair.
Knowing that you are someone’s soundtrack to their night, or the song they’re dancing around the kitchen with their nan means a lot to me. When you consider it, it is quite touching.
Jools leaves after taking a photo with me and spends the next three hours chatting and greeting A-list stars. He starts recording music, plays it on the piano with his band, and interviews famous people in the audience. To navigate a teeming circle of bands, singers, and guests, he only receives assistance from whiteboards with names or directions.
When the recording is over, Jools says, “It’s kind of like a swimming pool where you just throw yourself in and it’s all right once the water’s clear and you start swimming,” and you keep the momentum going.
You’re attempting to recall your piano playing. What will happen when that is over? Because of this, I can remember where I need to go for the next bit on a board.
With the exception of a few brief moments when production requests a pause, the filming is nonstop. Its goal is to film it without any breaks or stops. You want the energy to keep going, Jools states. So it becomes like real if we record it in a recording studio. It was all just, bang, bang, bang.
Who cares if there are a few minor errors there, though? It is what it is. Olivia Dean, a singing sensation who sings hits and sings alongside Jools in Natalie Cole’s 1975 debut single This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), is a “definite highlight.”
Olivia Dean has “gone ballistic this year,” he claims. She was playing clubs when she first appeared on the show a few years ago. She is currently adding on nights and selling stadiums from all over the world, including Rio de Janeiro to Munich to London’s O2.
She is an extraordinary, unbeliever, and a remarkable person. She enjoys doing things with us or doing things for me because she recalls her childhood favorites, Carole King, and, in this case, Natalie Cole songs.
I thought it was fantastic. a person might perform at a Christmas party. My grandfather would throw a Christmas party at my nan’s house, where everyone would sing their favorite songs, which were frequently musical ones. And that’s a little similar. “
The other key component is Jools’ band, who collaborate with many of the musicians, including both new songs and cover songs that they don’t typically play while traveling.
Everyone gets to soundcheck and practice their tracks after a day’s worth of rehearsals in the studios, followed by the other bands on the recording day.
There is a lot to learn for my band, Jools says, as well as a lot of horn-related arrangements. The public generally does not notice that.
Making notes while taking notes in their hotel rooms, so that when we go to rehearsal and play the first time, it sounds good. The band has never sounded better, and I’m not just saying that.
Continue reading the article.
Tonight at 11 p.m., Jools’ Annual Hootenanny airs on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer.
If we had been able to see into the future this time last year, we would have never have believed it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, 12 months full of incident and intrigue.
View 6 Images
The Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London. (Image: PA)
From global conflicts to political turmoil at home and abroad, Royal scandals, dizzying advances in technology, high profile deaths, a Coldplay concert kiss that went viral and even a pop star in space, 2025 has been a year to remember.
And while at times the world may have seemed a dark and troubled place there were also lighter moments that brought celebration and laughter. It was a year of firsts across the year too.
In February, Beyonce won her first-ever album of the year award at the Grammy’s, May saw Pope Leo X1V become the first Head of the Catholic Church to have been born in the US and July saw a much anticipated series of huge concerts after the band Oasis reunited after a 16 year hiatus.
Sadly, we lost a host of famous faces in 2025 from across the worlds of religion, entertainment, sport and fashion including Pope Francis, Joe Bugner, Gene Hackman, Ozzy Osborne, Prunella Scales, Giorgio Armani and Robert Redford.
READ MORE: Michael Le Vell’s new contract ‘relief ‘ as he hints at Corriedale drama and affair
But as we said goodbye to some, other names were emerging onto our screens and timelines to dominate the headlines. After all, who could have predicted that the country would elect retired rugby player and television personality Joe Marler to its hearts in October or that Alan Carr would win the series, with his tears becoming a television show of the year?
Or that a performance back in March by actor Owen Cooper playing a troubled teenager in the TV series Adolescence would spark a national debate on toxic masculinity? Additionally, remarkable courage was demonstrated last year. The families of three little girls killed at a dance class in Southport in 2024 established legacy projects to help others in their name. Chris Hoy, a former Olympic track cyclist who currently has stage four cancer, continued to raise money and raise awareness for prostate cancer.
Then there was Gisèle Pelicot whose testimony at her own mass rape trial resulted in a change in French legislation around sexual violence. And earlier this month the world watched in horror as Ahmed al-Ahmed disarmed a gunman on Australia’s Bondi Beach. The terrorist was one of two now accused of murdering 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.
But, back in January, all this was still to come. A little under 12 months ago we were battling snow, floods and some of the iciest temperatures in a decade courtesy of storms Eowyn and Herminia. The cold took its toll in the US too with the inaugural address of the 47th President, Donald J Trump, having to move indoors because of the plummeting thermometer.
It was all warm smiles in Bradford, though, which began its year as the UK City of Culture and there were celebrations too in Cheshire when local lad Luke Littler became the youngest World Darts Champion at the age of 17. And it was a month of good news for the Royal Family with the Princess of Wales announcing she was in remission from cancer. The year bookended with even more positive Royal news as the King, who has also been battling the disease, revealed earlier this month his schedule of treatment would be reduced for 2026.
The months in between however, were less happy for the House of Windsor with the relationship between the former Prince Andrew and the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein dominating the headlines. Pressure mounted in March with the death of Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent survivors of Epstein’s abuse. In August a biography of Andrew was released casting fresh doubt on his claims as to when he and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson first met the financier while a leaked email in October appeared to contradict a previous claim about when he had ceased contact with the convicted child sex offender.
Later that month, King Charles took action and officially stripped his brother of his titles, forcing him to fund himself privately and quit his 30-room mansion. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is expected to move home in 2026. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and wife Meghan also continued to make headlines. In May he lost his appeal over the level of security he and his family are entitled to in the UK.
Scandal within the British Royal Family was not the only topic to a cast long shadows this year with global conflict and the quest for peace continuing to govern the international landscape. In February there was a fiery meeting in the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump with tempers flaring amid talks to end war with Russia.
Cordial terms were restored but the Ukraine/Russia conflict continued as the year grew older. Between October and December Russian forces launched huge missile and drone strikes against Ukraine which has recently secured a £79 bn loan from the EU. Meanwhile the year saw ceasefires begin and end in the Isreal-Gaza war – the latest made in October remains in place. In July the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared famine in the region. The IPC reported recent improvements in nutrition and food supplies but said 100,000 people still experienced ‘catastrophic’ conditions in November.
Nearer to home, the political landscape remained complex. Large anti-immigration protests swept cities – the largest was in London in September – as immigration and border control remained the hottest of topics. But there were other political headline grabbing moments – who could forget Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tears in the Commons back in July or the leaking of her budget in November?
We’ve had high profile political resignations too, most notably Deputy PM Angela Rayner in September after a row over underpaid tax on a house in Hove. But 2025 has also seen the government increase the National Living Wage increased in April, introduce the Renters’ Rights Act, abolishing ‘no fault evictions’ and implement measures to penalise water company bosses who pollute rivers and seas.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has risen in popularity despite its leader, Nigel Farage, facing claims of racism and anti-semitism in November. March was a month of ups and downs with Firefly Aerospace’s “Blue Ghost” becoming the first commercial lander to reach the Moon. Just weeks later pop star Katy Perry also went to space aboard Blue Origin’s rocket as part of an all female crew – and sang ‘Wonderful World’ to mark the occasion.
A wonder of the world was also revealed that month when a colossal squid was captured on video in its natural habitat for the first time in the South Atlantic Ocean. Overall, 2025 was a good year for music lovers. Charli XCX was the big winner at The Brit Awards, taking home five prizes in March. She later headlined at Glastonbury in June. And Taylor Swift fans were thrilled both with her new album and the news in August that she was engaged to American footballer Travis Kelce.
Less thrilled though were the two work colleagues caught on camera at a Coldplay concert in a warm embrace back in July. Called out by frontman Chris Martin their horrified reaction went viral. Technology showed its best and worst sides this year with AI becoming ever more embedded in our lives. In April the Co-op was the subject of a cyber attack. Jaguar Land Rover also fell victim in August and M&S followed in September.
However, in April, doctors gave birth to Grace Davidson of London, the first woman to do so in the UK using a transplanted womb. The past year saw us looking back as well as forward with major celebrations across the country in May and August to mark the 80th anniversaries of both VE Day and VJ Day. Our long-established law courts also had some defining moments.
The Supreme Court ruled in April that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex – transgender people remain protected under the Equality Act – while the Assisted Dying Bill, allowing terminally ill adults to request assistance to end their lives, passed the House of Commons in June. In May two men from Cumbria were found guilty of illegally cutting down the world famous Sycamore Gap Tree. They were each jailed for more than four years.
There were sporting landmarks aplenty across the year and none bigger than England’s Lionesses winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final in July after beating Spain. Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day after 26 years in May, David Beckham also received a knighthood in November and just this month (Dec) British racing driver Lando Norris won the Formula One World Driver’s Championship.
The UK summer of 2025 was the hottest ever on record, and Europe was ruled over by a string of heatwaves from April until October. President Trump made a state visit in September and all eyes were on a scorching Wimbledon where electronic line calling meant eliminating human line judges for the first time. Iga writting in the women’s final and Jannik Sinner claiming the men’s title.
The summer was tinged with grief, though, as fans paid tribute to Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne who died in July. Diogo Jota’s passing that same month shocked the entire world. Heat warnings continued into August and, while we all scrambled for shorts and t-shirts, clothing retailer Topshop announced a return to the high street five years after its parent company collapsed. Following a restructuring plan, Potundland was also saved from closure.
Immigration remained the hottest of topics. In the wake of Home Office figures showing there were a record 111,000 applications for asylum in the UK, national flags began appearing across cities in England and Scotland. Summer often brings wedding invitations and the lucky guests who saw Amazon founder Jeff Bezos marry Lauren Sanchez in June were treated to a spectacular celebration in Venice. Other notable matches this year included actress Selena Gomez married musician Benny Blanco and Twilight saga star Kristen Stewart tied the knot with actress Dylan Meyer.
There were celebrity splits too, though, including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban in September. In modern times, Amy Schumer, Chris Fischer, Lily Allen, and David Harbour parted ways, and in September, there was the first Catholic funeral for a Royal Family member after Katharine, Duchess of Kent, passed away, as well as the long-running Epstein scandal, which swept the Duchess of York after an email from her to him. In the days that followed various charities dropped her as a patron.
Another religious first came in October with Dame Sarah Mullally named as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury while King Charles became the first British monarch to pray with a pope with Henry V111 split with the Catholic Church. However, the news agenda was dominated by an attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which two people were killed, marking a year of sometimes shocking news stories including that of Paul Doyle who drove his car into Liverpool FC’s victory parade crowds in May and a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire in November.
It was a stellar year for TV with The Traitors commanding huge audiences, I’m a Celebrity marking its 20th series and Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daley stepping down from hosting Strictly this month. Radio favourite Sara Cox also raised £11.5m for Children in Need in November after a 135 mile marathon challenge The news was less good for the BBC that same month which saw Director General Tim Davie resign following criticism of a Panorama report which edited together parts of speech by President Donald Trump. The President announced he would sue the corporation.
The year looks to be ending as it began with unpredictability in both the weather and in politics. December saw warnings in place for heavy rain and flooding, the Justice Secretary, David Lammy, raised the question of whether every trial needs a jury and a case containing the Crown Jewels came under attack from protesters throwing apple crumble and custard at it.
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After Girlguiding announced that transgender girls would not be able to join the Girl Guide groups, gender issues were once more up for debate. A report into the £10.9 billion in government funds lost due to fraud and error was published, keeping the pandemic at bay. It’s been a year of fast change and uncertainty. One thing is certain about 2026: it will be just as surprising as it was in 2025.
READ MORE: Ninja soup maker that makes ‘easy and delicious’ winter meals has been slashed by £50
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; 12 months full of incident and intrigue which, if we had been able to see into the future this time last year, we never would have believed
View 6 Images
The Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London. (Image: PA)
From global conflicts to political turmoil at home and abroad, Royal scandals, dizzying advances in technology, high profile deaths, a Coldplay concert kiss that went viral and even a pop star in space, 2025 has been a year to remember.
And while at times the world may have seemed a dark and troubled place there were also lighter moments that brought celebration and laughter. It was a year of firsts across the year too.
In February, Beyonce won her first-ever album of the year award at the Grammy’s, May saw Pope Leo X1V become the first Head of the Catholic Church to have been born in the US and July saw a much anticipated series of huge concerts after the band Oasis reunited after a 16 year hiatus.
Sadly, we lost a host of famous faces in 2025 from across the worlds of religion, entertainment, sport and fashion including Pope Francis, Joe Bugner, Gene Hackman, Ozzy Osborne, Prunella Scales, Giorgio Armani and Robert Redford.
READ MORE: Michael Le Vell’s new contract ‘relief ‘ as he hints at Corriedale drama and affair
But as we said goodbye to some, other names were emerging onto our screens and timelines to dominate the headlines. Afterall, who could have predicted that in October the nation would take retired rugby player and Celebrity Traitor Joe Marler to its heart or that Alan Carr would win the series – his tears becoming a tv moment of the year?
Or that a performance back in March by actor Owen Cooper playing a troubled teenager in the TV series Adolescence would spark a national debate on toxic masculinity? The past year also witnessed feats of remarkable courage. The families of three little girls killed at a dance class in Southport in 2024 established legacy projects to help others in their name. Former Olympic track cyclist Chris Hoy, who is living with stage four cancer, continued his mission to raise money for and awareness of prostate cancer.
Then there was Gisèle Pelicot whose testimony at her own mass rape trial resulted in a change in French legislation around sexual violence. And earlier this month the world watched in horror as Ahmed al-Ahmed disarmed a gunman on Australia’s Bondi Beach. The terrorist was one of two now accused of murdering 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.
But, back in January, all this was still to come. A little under 12 months ago we were battling snow, floods and some of the iciest temperatures in a decade courtesy of storms Eowyn and Herminia. The cold took its toll in the US too with the inaugural address of the 47th President, Donald J Trump, having to move indoors because of the plummeting thermometer.
It was all warm smiles in Bradford, though, which began its year as the UK City of Culture and there were celebrations too in Cheshire when local lad Luke Littler became the youngest World Darts Champion at the age of 17. And it was a month of good news for the Royal Family with the Princess of Wales announcing she was in remission from cancer. The year bookended with even more positive Royal news as the King, who has also been battling the disease, revealed earlier this month his schedule of treatment would be reduced for 2026.
The months in between however, were less happy for the House of Windsor with the relationship between the former Prince Andrew and the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein dominating the headlines. Pressure mounted in March with the death of Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent survivors of Epstein’s abuse. In August a biography of Andrew was released casting fresh doubt on his claims as to when he and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson first met the financier while a leaked email in October appeared to contradict a previous claim about when he had ceased contact with the convicted child sex offender.
Later that month, King Charles took action and officially stripped his brother of his titles, forcing him to fund himself privately and quit his 30-room mansion. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is expected to move home in 2026. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and wife Meghan also continued to make headlines. In May he lost his appeal over the level of security he and his family are entitled to in the UK.
Scandal within the British Royal Family was not the only topic to a cast long shadows this year with global conflict and the quest for peace continuing to govern the international landscape. In February there was a fiery meeting in the White House between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump with tempers flaring amid talks to end war with Russia.
Cordial terms were restored but the Ukraine/Russia conflict continued as the year grew older. Between October and December Russian forces launched huge missile and drone strikes against Ukraine which has recently secured a £79 bn loan from the EU. Meanwhile the year saw ceasefires begin and end in the Isreal-Gaza war – the latest made in October remains in place. In July the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared famine in the region. The IPC reported recent improvements in nutrition and food supplies but said 100,000 people still experienced ‘catastrophic’ conditions in November.
Nearer to home, the political landscape remained complex. Large anti-immigration protests swept cities – the largest was in London in September – as immigration and border control remained the hottest of topics. But there were other political headline grabbing moments – who could forget Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tears in the Commons back in July or the leaking of her budget in November?
We’ve had high profile political resignations too, most notably Deputy PM Angela Rayner in September after a row over underpaid tax on a house in Hove. But 2025 has also seen the government increase the National Living Wage increased in April, introduce the Renters’ Rights Act, abolishing ‘no fault evictions’ and implement measures to penalise water company bosses who pollute rivers and seas.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has risen in popularity despite its leader, Nigel Farage, facing claims of racism and anti-semitism in November. March was a month of ups and downs with Firefly Aerospace’s “Blue Ghost” becoming the first commercial lander to reach the Moon. Just weeks later pop star Katy Perry also went to space aboard Blue Origin’s rocket as part of an all female crew – and sang ‘Wonderful World’ to mark the occasion.
A wonder of the world was also revealed that month when a colossal squid was captured on video in its natural habitat for the first time in the South Atlantic Ocean. Overall, 2025 was a good year for music lovers. Charli XCX was the big winner at The Brit Awards, taking home five prizes in March. She later headlined at Glastonbury in June. And Taylor Swift fans were thrilled both with her new album and the news in August that she was engaged to American footballer Travis Kelce.
Less thrilled though were the two work colleagues caught on camera at a Coldplay concert in a warm embrace back in July. Called out by frontman Chris Martin their horrified reaction went viral. Technology showed its best and worst sides this year with AI becoming ever more embedded in our lives. In April the Co-op was the subject of a cyber attack. Jaguar Land Rover also fell victim in August and M&S followed in September.
But back in April medical advancements saw Grace Davidson from London become the first woman in the UK to give birth using a transplanted womb. The past year saw us looking back as well as forward with major celebrations across the country in May and August to mark the 80th anniversaries of both VE Day and VJ Day. There were also some defining moments in our long established law courts.
The Supreme Court ruled in April that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex – transgender people remain protected under the Equality Act – while the Assisted Dying Bill, allowing terminally ill adults to request assistance to end their lives, passed the House of Commons in June. In May two men from Cumbria were found guilty of illegally cutting down the world famous Sycamore Gap Tree. They were each jailed for more than four years.
There were sporting landmarks aplenty across the year and none bigger than England’s Lionesses winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final in July after beating Spain. Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day after 26 years in May, David Beckham also received a knighthood in November and just this month (Dec) British racing driver Lando Norris won the Formula One World Driver’s Championship.
The UK’s summer of 2025 was the hottest on record while a series of heatwaves dominated Europe from April through to early October. President Trump made a state visit in September and all eyes were on a scorching Wimbledon where electronic line calling meant eliminating human line judges for the first time. Jannik Sinner triumphed in the men’s final and Iga Świątek the women’s.
The summer was tinged with grief, though, as fans paid tribute to Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne who died in July. The world was stunned too at the death of Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota that same month.Heat warnings continued into August and, while we all scrambled for shorts and t-shirts, clothing retailer Topshop announced a return to the high street five years after its parent company collapsed. Poundland too was saved from closure after a restructuring plan.
Immigration remained the hottest of topics. In the wake of Home Office figures showing there were a record 111,000 applications for asylum in the UK, national flags began appearing across cities in England and Scotland. Summer often brings wedding invitations and the lucky guests who saw Amazon founder Jeff Bezos marry Lauren Sanchez in June were treated to a spectacular celebration in Venice. Other notable matches this year included actress Selena Gomez married musician Benny Blanco and Twilight saga star Kristen Stewart tied the knot with actress Dylan Meyer.
There were celebrity splits too, though, including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban in September. Comedian Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer and Lily Allen and David Harbour also parted ways.. September saw the first Catholic funeral for a member of the Royal Family in modern times following the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent while the long-running Epstein scandal engulfed the Duchess of York after an email emerged from her to him. In the days that followed various charities dropped her as a patron.
Another religious first came in October with Dame Sarah Mullally named as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury while King Charles became the first British monarch to pray with a pope with Henry V111 split with the Catholic Church. However, the news agenda was dominated by an attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which two people were killed, marking a year of sometimes shocking news stories including that of Paul Doyle who drove his car into Liverpool FC’s victory parade crowds in May and a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire in November.
It was a stellar year for TV with The Traitors commanding huge audiences, I’m a Celebrity marking its 20th series and Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daley stepping down from hosting Strictly this month. Radio favourite Sara Cox also raised £11.5m for Children in Need in November after a 135 mile marathon challenge The news was less good for the BBC that same month which saw Director General Tim Davie resign following criticism of a Panorama report which edited together parts of speech by President Donald Trump. The President announced he would sue the corporation.
The year looks to be ending as it began with unpredictability in both the weather and in politics. December saw warnings in place for heavy rain and flooding, the Justice Secretary, David Lammy, raised the question of whether every trial needs a jury and a case containing the Crown Jewels came under attack from protesters throwing apple crumble and custard at it.
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Transgender issues were once again being debated after Girlguiding announced that transgender girls will be banned from joining the Girl Guide groups and the long shadow of Covid remained with the publication of a report into £10.9bn of government money lost to fraud and error during the pandemic. It’s been a year of fast change and uncertainty. As for 2026 there’s one thing that’s certain- that it will be every bit as surprising as 2025.
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The Apprentice, a program hosted by Lord Alan Sugar, has been broadcast on BBC One since 2005, and the broadcaster also recently aired Celebrity Apprentice this holiday season.
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Lord Alan Sugar made the stars laugh in the boardroom(Image: BBC)
Last night on Celebrity Apprentice, Lord Alan Sugar made a cheeky dig at Piers Morgan.
The business magnate appeared to reignite the long-running feud with Piers, which began when Piers took exception at Lord Alan’s claims he gave him his “big break” in showbiz with an appearance on Celebrity Apprentice years ago. Some of the stars on this year’s Celebrity Apprentice, which concluded last night, enlisted Piers’ help to endorse their product — Christmas biscuits — and featured his video message in their advert.
Piers praised the cookie’s name, Jolly McTrouble, in the video. The journalist and broadcaster remarked, “This biscuit is the best one that has ever had my name on it.”
Lord Alan, 78, however, fought back in the boardroom to a roaring ovation. He replied, “No, a biscuit with his name on it should actually be Jammie Dodger.” Or Hob Kn**head, perhaps, would be the post-watershed name.
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Some even applauded Lord Alan at this point, as did Kadeena Cox, Sarah Hadland, JB Gill, Rob Rinder, and Jake Wood. The TV personality from Hackney, east London, once more, gave credit to all the celebrities for sacrificing their time to record messages for the commercial.
But this team, led by Rob Rinder, lost the challenge and were grilled in the boardroom. Lord Alan, who founded electronics company Amstrad, dismissed Rob, who Karen Brady said “had no clear plan” despite being project manager. Addressing the barrister and TV personality, Lord Alan said: “You admit yourself did you gave your team no clear direction… It is with regret that you’re fired.”
The dig at Piers, though, led the chatter on social media after the programme aired on Tuesday. Piers was himself on the Celebrity Apprentice in the UK and won the US’s version in 2008, then hosted by Donald Trump.
However, when Lord Alan brutally terminated the journalist, he claimed that “I think there is one person here who is more accountable” and that it is because of the journalist’s demeanor and general winding up.
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This has led to frosty encounters since. In 2024, amid a spat on social media, Piers posted: “Amusing to see Lord Alan Sugar claim he gave me my first TV break. At the time, HE begged me to do a one-off Comic Relief Apprentice show, I was starring on America’s Got Talent – America’s number one summer TV show. That was a slightly bigger break given to me by Simon Cowell.”
