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Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were honoured with a highlights reel and golden trophy on Saturday ahead of their exit from the show

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Vernon Kay has shared Tess Daly’s true thoughts on Strictly Come Dancing’s “bonkers” tribute to her. Tess, 56, announced last month that she would be leaving the hit BBC show along with co-host Claudia Winkleman.

The mother-of-two has presented Strictly since its inception in 2004, initially lining up alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia joined the hit show in 2014, having previously hosted the Sunday night results programme.

Fans of the show were left “sobbing” on Saturday when Tess and Claudia were surprised with a special video tribute. It featured new interviews from the judges and footage from their early years alongside Sir Bruce.

The pair were then surprised with a special golden edition of the competition’s famous Glitterball Trophy. Speaking on BBC Radio 2 on Monday (December 15), presenter Scott Mills described the moment as “emotional”.

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In a conversation with Tess’ husband, fellow Radio 2 star Vernon Kay, Scott said: “[It was] Really emotional I thought with Tess and Claudia on Saturday, the montage. It just makes you realise, God they looked so different.”

Vernon recalled the “bonkers” moment he sat down to watch the show with Tess, as well as daughters Phoebe and Amber. While the family were initially set to watch the show separately, Tess and Vernon decided they wanted to settle down together.

Vernon said: “They looked like babies. Twenty one years ago though, isn’t it? It was nice because we stopped, rewound it, because we didn’t watch it initially…when it started we weren’t all in the same room.

“When we got to the montage bit, we called the girls down, and the bit where someone mentioned that Tess was pregnant during the first series and Phoebe was watching it, that was bonkers.”

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Scott went on to say everyone will be “in bits” when Tess and Claudia present their final show. It prompted Vernon to add: “It’s going to be emotional because it’s just one of those… it’s been 21 years.”

During Saturday’s live show, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood paid tribute to Tess and Claudia while presenting them with the golden trophy. He said: “We as judges, because this is our last time in the Clauditorium with the gorgeous Claudia and Tess, and we just want to tell you both how much we’re going to miss you.

“How much we totally and utterly love you to bits… We really, really love you both, we really do.”

It prompted Claudia to get emotional as she added: “Thank you so much. I can’t believe it, we’re so lucky. You four and everybody who makes the team, it’s been an honour.”

The Princess of Wales paid an unannounced visit to a remembrance garden that raises money for a cancer charity – and left a poignant message to those who have been touched by the disease

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The Princess of Wales made a surprise visit to a remembrance garden that raises money for a cancer charity – and left an emotional note. Kate, 43, who underwent chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis last year, visited the Ever After Garden in Chelsea, which has been raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The Royal Marsden Hospital was where Kate received her treatment, and after a visit to the hospital at the beginning of the year, she revealed she is now in remission. The princess’s visit to the garden only came to light when the official Prince and Princess of Wales social media channels posted footage of her stopping by.

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The central London garden features 30,000 illuminated white roses, with visitors encouraged to make a donation and dedicate a rose to a loved one. Since it was founded in 2019, £1.6 million has been raised for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

During her visit, Kate dedicated a rose and spoke to some of the volunteers. And a note that Kate nestled in the grass next to the roses was revealed, with her poignantly writing: “In loving memory of all those who have lost their lives to cancer – C.”

In a longer statement on social media, she posted alongside a video of her visit, she said: “Thank you to all those who have contributed to the Ever After Garden, which raises vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Every flower, every light, is a memory held together, an illumination of shared love, remembrance, and hope.”

News of Kate’s visit to the garden came just hours after the King announced his cancer treatment would be reduced in the new year in a personal message on Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer.

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Charles has been receiving cancer treatment as an outpatient since early February 2024, believed to be weekly visits to the London Clinic, but these sessions are to be significantly cut back.

Meanwhile, Kate has been gradually returning to full-time duties following her treatment last year. Back in July, she spoke of the pressure of putting on a “brave face” through cancer treatment and recovery, where “everybody expects you to be better, but that’s not the case at all”.

She said, the “very scary, very daunting experience” did not end with the conclusion of treatment, with patients needing to take time to find their “new normal”.

The deeply personal words from the princess came as she met fellow patients at a cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital, helping to plant roses in a garden designed to help visitors find peace.

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She repeatedly emphasised the importance of patients and their families being able to find support through their illness, saying it was too often difficult to reach. Speaking to patients and volunteers inside the centre, she said: “There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all.”

She said: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it’s like ’I can crack on, get back to normal’ but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult. You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.

“And actually someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment I think is really valuable.

Sir Cliff Richard has spoken about his prostate cancer diagnosis. With that in mind, medical experts have shared a warning to men about noticing symptoms of the disease

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Sir Cliff Richard has made shocking revelations today after disclosing his secret battle with prostate cancer. The 85-year-old music legend revealed the disease was detected during a routine medical examination required for an upcoming tour. Nevertheless, he emphasised that doctors caught it in its early stages before it had the chance to spread.

“I was going to Australia and to New Zealand and the promoter said, ‘Well we need your insurance, so you need to be checked up for something’. They found that I had… prostate cancer,” Sir Cliff Richard told ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Monday (December 15). “But the good fortune was that it was not very old, and the other thing is that it had not metastasised.

“It hadn’t moved, nothing into bones or anything like that. And the cancer’s gone at the moment.”

The Summer Holiday singer went on: “I don’t know whether it’s going to come back. We really can’t tell with those sort of things. But we need to, absolutely, I’m convinced, get there, get tested, get checked.

“I think we, as men, have got to start saying, ‘We’ve got to be seen as human beings who may die of this thing’.”

Sir Cliff revealed his hopes to collaborate with the King on enhancing cancer screening programmes for men, following the King’s candid discussion about his own cancer journey last week. He stressed the critical nature of regular examinations to identify cancer during its treatable phases.

These revelations follow Bupa and Prostate Cancer UK’s joint Instagram campaign last week, which highlighted the ‘three main risks’ associated with the condition as they also shared a warning about symptoms of the disease.

A healthcare professional appeared on screen whilst overlay text stated: “Worried about prostate cancer? Most men with early prostate cancer won’t have any symptoms.”

She was then heard explaining: “That’s why it’s really important for men to check their risk.”

Outlining the three primary risk factors, the expert revealed: “The three main risk factors for prostate cancer are, number one age. That’s if men are over the age of 50.”

She went on to explain: “Number two is if they have a family history. So that is in particular a father or brother in their family with prostate cancer. Or the third factor is if they’re a black man.”

The specialist noted that men can assess their prostate cancer risk using the online risk assessment tool at Prostate Cancer UK, which “takes 30 seconds”.

She added: “You can even print out the results of the risk checker and you can take that to your GP. Sometimes men find that helpful.”

The accompanying caption elaborated: “Are you worried about prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, yet it often shows no symptoms in early stages. Understanding your risk and knowing how to get tested is essential.

“We’ve partnered with Prostate Cancer UK with the aim to make a real difference in men’s prostate health.

“Together, we want to break down the stigma and embarrassment that can stop men from getting the help they need early.

“This partnership is about empowering men and making sure no one faces prostate cancer alone.”

Sir Cliff has labelled the absence of a national screening programme as “absolutely ridiculous”.

“We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start the treatments really early,” he asserted.

“It seems to me – I’ve only been for one year now in touch with cancer, but every time I’ve talked with anybody, this has come up, and so I think our government must listen to us.”

The National Screening Committee, which provides advice to governments across the UK, stated last month that a universal prostate cancer screening programme is not warranted.

They argue that only men carrying specific genetic mutations leading to more aggressive tumours should qualify.

A member of one of the biggest pop bands of the 90s has ‘confirmed’ that their band will be getting back together for a huge tour next year

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Fans of 90s pop are in for a huge treat.

Jon Lee of S Club fame took to Instagram to share a rather cryptic post which excited fans have taken as confirmation that the iconic hitmakers are set for a 2026 comeback.

Jon, 43, shared a quote on social media which hinted at big plans, it would seem. It read, “I have always been a nostalgic person. The kind who cling to old songs, saved texts, and memories that seem too small to matter, yet mean everything.

It continued, “It’s in the way a song from years ago can take me back to a bus ride with friends, or how a random scent can bring back the comfort of home.

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“Being nostalgic means holding on tightly. Not to the past itself, but to the feelings it gave: the laughter, the innocence, the safety of moments that once felt endless.”

He then included the hashtag,: “@SCLUB 2026!”, going on to tag his bandmates, Rachel Stevens, Tina Barrett, Jo O’Meara and Bradley McIntosh.

Fans of the band, whose big hits include Reach and Don’t Stop Movin’, couldn’t contain themselves in the comments section, with many asking the singer what the post actually meant.

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One wrote, “What does it MEANNNNNN?????”, while another penned,: “Does this mean what i think it means?!” A third wrote, “Bring it All Back, Jon! We are ready,”while a fourth said, “Tour is a must! the 2015 tour was amazing.”

But one fan realised that one of the group’s members hadn’t been tagged – Hannah Spearitt. They asked, “What about Hannah??”

Hannah’s life had a total 360 early last year, when she moved across the world to live in Costa Rica with her partner and daughters.

It came as the star admitted she wanted to live a more ‘simple’ life in nature, following a difficult year following her withdrawal from the S Club reunion tour and the shock death of band member Paul Cattermole.

Tragically, the band’s seventh band member Paul was found dead at his Dorset home in April 2023 at just 46, of what was subsequently confirmed as natural causes.

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S Club 7 initially called it a day in 2003, but reunited for a brief spell for Children in Need in 2014, before reuniting again for a UK arena tour.

Jon opened up exclusively to the Mirror earlier this year about finding love with hairdresser Jordan Fairhurst on Celebs Go Dating, following six years of celibacy – opening up about how excited he was to enjoy Christmas with his new man.

Alas, according to reports earlier this month, the pair – who were in a long-distance relationship, as Jon lives in Cornwall and Jordan in Merseyside, have split. It comes just six months after they met and fell for each other on the E4 reality show, though it’s claimed there was ‘no bad blood between them’ and it was a ‘joint decision’.

Gunmen opened fire at a Jewish festival on Australia’s Bondi Beach on Sunday and killed at least 15 people, including a much-loved British Rabbi and a 10-year-old girl

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Love Island star, Josh Moss, has opened up about the heartstopping moment he fled Bondi Beach after being caught up in the terror attack.

In tragic events, gunmen opened fire at a Jewish festival on Australia’s Bondi Beach on Sunday and killed at least 15 people, including a much-loved British Rabbi and a 10-year-old girl.

Taking to Instagram, Josh, 32, who came third in the first series of Love Island Down Under, choked back tears as he spoke about the “fear behind people’s eyes” and recalled the harrowing scenes. Reassuring his followers he was safe, the reality star said: “I am safe. I was at Bondi yesterday when the attacks happened. Luckily, I was able to run away to safety. I am still speechless at what I saw.”

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Josh added: “I am safe, though heartbroken at what has happened in my beautiful home. Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone who has been affected by this. My heart is with you all.”

Admitting he felt ‘guilty’ for surviving the attack in which 40 people remain injured, and 16 dead after a father and son opened fire on the innocent party, Josh continued: “I was down at Bondi yesterday and saw some pretty horrific things…

“Parents grabbing their kids, grandparents sprinting, brothers and sisters grabbing each other with a look of absolute fear in their eyes, terrified.

“I’m not sure why I’m even making this video. Maybe to raise awareness and come together, but I do feel pretty weird today that I was able to run away to safety and other people weren’t. I don’t know how to feel. I’m a bit numb as to why I was able to get away.”

Telling his followers to keep their loved one close, he concluded: “I think It’s important that we come together. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you and put your arm around someone.

“I can’t even imagine the people out there who have someone close to them who has been affected by this, who have suffered injury or even worse.”

It comes as Australian superstar, Kylie Minogue, shared her condolences for the victims of the shooting in which 50-year-old gunman, Sajid Akram, is also dead while his son, Naveed Akram, remains in hospital and is in police custody.

Taking to Instagram, Kylie, who performed on Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, posted an all black background of mourning and alongside it shared: “My heart is with you Bondi” followed by a broken heart emoji.

Her fellow Australian, Stefan Dennis, also posted to social media in the wake of the tragedy. The Neighbours actor shared with fans: “This madness needs to stop.”

The final episode of It: Welcome to Derry confirmed a major theory about one of the show’s characters and their connection to the 2017 film It

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This story contains spoilers for episode 8 of It: Welcome to Derry.

It: Welcome to Derry has validated a fan theory regarding one of the programme’s characters – and their link to the 2017 film It.

The prequel series wrapped up on Sunday, December 14, with the eighth instalment, Winter Fire. As the surviving group of youngsters – Marge Truman (Matilda Lawler), Ronnie Grogan (Amanda Christine), and Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) – battled to vanquish Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgard) and rescue their mate Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James).

Marge’s true identity was at last revealed when she was shown to be the mum of one of the original Losers’ Club members from It (2017), Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard).

The HBO Max programme serves as a prequel to the horror flick. The revelation happened when Pennywise frightened Marge in the concluding episode, as he accidentally revealed her destiny. To her bewilderment, he addressed her as Marge Tozier, reports the Mirror US.

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The shape-shifting creature then informed her she isn’t a Tozier “yet” and disclosed further truth by revealing she has a son called Richie. Pennywise then presented her with a missing poster featuring Richie and questioned her, “Don’t you recognize your little boy?”.

He went on to describe a storyline that viewers of It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019) will recognise, which is that Richie and his “filthy friends” are responsible for his death. Fans were thrilled about the revelation as many had been theorising that Marge was Richie’s mother, particularly given the romantic storyline between her and Rich Santos (Adrian S. Cartaya).

Many believed that Marge had named Richie after Rich, who perished whilst rescuing her during the Black Spit fire depicted in episode seven. On X – formerly Twitter – one enthusiastic fan declared, “MARGE IS RITCHIE’S MOM YEAH F–K YEAHHHHH.” While another exclaimed, “They confirmed that Marge is really Richie’s mom, FFS, I’m freaking out.”

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A third viewer commented, “About Marge being Richie’s mom, yeah I get that this isn’t as bombshell a revelation as it could be, I think it was so obvious when everyone first saw Marge and Rich that it was almost obvious, it would be a surprise if she wasn’t.”

Yet Marge’s confirmation as Richie’s mother wasn’t the sole nod to the sequels, as the finale also included a surprise appearance from Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis) during the episode’s conclusion.

The final episode features a post-credits sequence set 26 years into the future, which occurs one year before the events of It (2017) unfold. During this scene, the now-aged Ingrid Kersh is shown in her quarters at Juniper Hill Asylum, where she has resided for the past 26 years.

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Madeline Stowe portrayed the younger Ingrid in Welcome to Derry, whilst Joan Gregson returned to reprise her role from the second It film as the older version. Ingrid ventures out of her room, drawn by the sound of sobbing, which leads her to Room 115.

As she enters, viewers are met with the familiar silhouette of a girl weeping next to a man, both standing before the lifeless body of a woman hanging.

The deceased woman, who took her own life, is revealed to be Elfrida Marsh. It soon becomes apparent that the red-haired girl in tears is Beverly, as the woman was her mother, and the unseen man is her abusive father.

Beverly turns fully towards the camera, confirming her identity.

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It: Welcome to Derry is the brainchild of Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, all of whom had a hand in the two It films. Fuchs also serves as a showrunner, alongside Brad Caleb Kane.

The It film/TV franchise is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 novel, It, which tells the chilling tale of an evil clown entity named Pennywise that preys on children in Derry, Maine.

Set in 1962, the series follows the Hanlons, a military family who relocate to Derry and find themselves ensnared in the town’s sinister secrets as horrifying events start to unravel. Concurrently, a group of youngsters is trying to piece together the mystery of Derry’s missing children.