Blogs

BRITAIN’S Got Talent viewers have slammed Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act, branding him ‘undeserved.

The popular ITV competition returned for its 18th series over the weekend.

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Britain’s Got Talent is back for its latest series[/caption]

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Will Burns received Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer in the first episode[/caption]

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Not all viewers were thrilled with the pair’s choice[/caption]

Comedian Will Burns, 25, showed off impressions including David Attenborough and Gary Barlow.

The Geordie duo were left impressed and rewarded the self-described BGT superfan with their coveted Golden Buzzer.

As per the show’s rules, this sent Will straight through to the live shows.

Meanwhile, not everyone was happy with Ant and Dec‘s choice of Golden Buzzer.

One person penned on social media: “I feel like Ant and Dec only pressed the golden buzzer because they know will is a huge fan of the show if he wasn’t a super fan I don’t think they would have pressed it.”

Another fumed:” I never in my life have seen such an undeserved golden buzzer in my entire life, he wasn’t even funny.

“The only thing i laughed at is when ant & dec pressed it, me and my mate burst out laughing because of how such a bad audition could get this golden buzzer.

“If it was me i would’ve pressed the red buzzer. taking the p***.”

While a third remarked: “oh god not you ant & dec, he’s not worth a golden buzzer.. two in the first episode??? i hate this so much.”

Elsewhere, Simon Cowell pressed his Golden Buzzer for Scots singer Vinnie McKee.

However, fans were left underwhelmed by his performance of I’m Gonna Be by The Proclaimers.

Despite thinking Vinnie was a good singer, they questioned the style of the rendition.

One person wrote: “No, no, no. Good voice but ruining that song.”

Another said: “What does singing the song like this add to the song?

“It’s cheap and nasty. Sing it properly ffs.”

A third fumed:  “Nope, you dont mess with 500 miles!”

Other notable moments shown on Saturday included Japanese act Akira Ohashi – who left fans disgusted after stripping down and performing naked.

While judges and viewers alike were unnerved by US performer Auzzy Blood’s gruesome performance.

Britain’s Got Talent continues on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Ant and Dec have hosted BGT since the show’s launch in 2007[/caption]

CHLOE Burrows has jetted off on her second holiday with her new man after meeting him through her Love Island co-star.

The influencer and podcast host, 29, is now in Dubai with the Welsh hunk and sources have told The Sun they “get on like a house on fire.”

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She is currently on her second holiday with Ruben Moreira[/caption]

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She met the hunk through Love Island pal Liam Reardon – and we can report the pair are ‘getting on like a house on fire’[/caption]

Earlier this week, Chloe went public with her new man, Ruben Moreira, as she moves on from her former romance with Toby Aromolaran, 25.

Now they are enjoying their next sun-soaked getaway and a source was first to tell us: “It’s early days for Chloe and Ruben but they have known each other a while through Liam Reardon and they get on like a house on fire.

“They holidayed in Australia together in a big group at the start of the year and romance blossomed there.

“Now they are on holiday together in Dubai, so it’s heating up.

“Chloe thinks he’s gorgeous and she knows he’s a decent bloke as she trusts Liam wouldn’t be mates with someone who wasn’t a good guy.”

Chloe has now taken to her Instagram Stories to capture their cute date night at Shimmers eatery, with a plate of fresh fish and salad seen on the table.

Another snap saw her posing for a sultry selfie with the caption: “Get me to bed with some Brooklyn Nine Nine now.”

Previously, following her festive getaway to Australia, she hailed their trip: “The actual best place in the world with the best people in the world.”

Chloe, who shot to fame on Love Island’s 2021 season, posted a picture on her Instagram Stories of her and Ruben just last week.

Fans immediately took this to mean she was “soft launching” her new relationship.

Taking to Reddit, one wrote: “Love that for her. That’s literally so fun for the four of them as friends, hope it all works out!!”

While another said: “So happy for Chloe.”

This one added: “This is great news.”

Chloe met Ruben through fellow Love Island 2021 co-star Liam Reardon, as the two men are friends.

Liam dates Chloe’s BFF and co-star Millie Court.

Millie and Liam proved the eventual winners of their reality TV series.

Yet they have faced relationship struggles of their own, splitting up before reuniting for their next chapter together.

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Her new romance comes after her split with Love Island co-star Toby Aromolaran[/caption]

BORIS Johnson caused chaos on Good Morning Britain after suddenly walking out of his live interview.

The ex-PM, 60, was speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley live from Kyiv to mark three years since Russia invaded Ukraine.

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Good Morning Britain viewers were stunned when Boris Johnson left his interview live from Ukraine[/caption]

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Johnson attends a session at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on February 12[/caption]

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Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid on ‘Good Morning Britain’ today[/caption]

It comes as world leaders are gathering today in an effort to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Susanna admitted she was shocked to see Johnson in the war zone, telling him: “This is a bit of surprise that you’ve turned up in Kyiv.

“It’s a big day, of course, because world leaders are having this call about what to do about Ukraine. What do you think should happen?”

Johnson rubbished claims Ukraine are to blame for the war after US President Donald Trump accused leader Volodymyr Zelensky of “talking the US into spending $350m on aid”.

Instead, the former Tory leader said he believes the minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine is close to being signed.

“That commits the US not only to future financing of Ukraine but also to a free, sovereign and secure Ukraine under Donald Trump,” he said, adding: “That is not to be sneezed at, it’s a very important commitment…”

Johnson then dramatically announced he was ending the interview.

“Anyways, I’ve got to love you and leave you,” he muttered while wrestling with his ear piece.

However, keen to carry on the conversation, Madeley interjected: “As a former prime minister, how do you deal with an American president who says that black is white. How do you talk to him?”

Clearly in a hurry, Johnson responded: “You have to keep knocking the ball back over the net.”

He then walked out of shot as Reid said: “Thank you very much indeed for your time this morning. Just disentangling himself from our microphone and off he goes.”

She went on to announce: “Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells this programme there is a deal to be done over Ukraine, and now is the time for the UK to step up in negotiations with the US.”

Madeley added: “He was speaking here live just a few minutes ago, predicting that there will be a deal in the next couple of days between America and Ukraine over mineral rights, which effectively, he says, will put America back with skin in the game. Big Game changer.

“Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, of course, has said that he’ll step down from his job if it guarantees peace, so a lot happening today.”

Zelenksy made the announcement yesterday, emphasising he would quit in exchange for peace or Nato membership.

It comes as Trump and warmongering Russian President Vladimir Putin hold peace talks without Kyiv at the table.

The Ukrainian president said on Sunday: “If it’s about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace].

“Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership].

“If there is such an opportunity I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”

He emphasised that Ukraine’s security was his priority, not staying in office, adding that it was not his “dream” to remain president for a decade.

Zelensky’s remarks came after Trump branded him a “dictator” for not holding an election during the war.

Elections in Ukraine have been banned under martial law amid Putin’s ongoing illegal invasion.

But reports have emerged that Ukraine may be forced to hold elections before any final peace agreement with Russia is reached, according to The Telegraph.

Trump, who has repeatedly boasted he could end the war within “24 hours,” said the demand for elections “came from me” and appeared to blame Ukraine for not reaching a deal sooner.

“You’ve been there for three years… You should have never started it. You could have made a deal,” he said.

Kyiv and Europe were last week iced out of the beginning of peace talks between the US and Russia – which sparked diplomatic turmoil between Ukraine and Washington.

After lashing out at Zelensky, Trump later insisted he “trusts” that Russia wants peace before again calling Zelensky a “dictator”.

At a press conference today, Zelensky said he wasn’t offended by Trump’s jibe.

He said: “I wasn’t offended, but a dictator would be. I’m not. I’m the legally election president.”

Zelensky also said he wants to see Trump as a partner to Ukraine and more than a simply a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

“I want very much from Trump understanding of each other,” he added.

The Ukrainian president said an “important meeting” of world leaders would take place on Monday, the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

He hinted that major decisions could emerge from the summit, which will include 13 nations attending in person and 24 joining online.

“Tomorrow’s summit is crucial. It might even be a turning point—we’ll see,” he said.

MARRIED At First Sight UK bride Lacey Martin has hit back at a teaser clip ahead of tonight’s reunion – claiming it’s been “edited to make her ex look better”. 

Lacey and Nathan Campbell were matched on the E4 wedding series, and were one of the only couples to make it past the end of the show. 

Simon Johns / Channel 4

Lacey and Nathan are heading for a tearfilled reunion tonight[/caption]

Channel 4

Nathan was seen in tears as he speaks to his ex[/caption]

Channel 4

Lacey also ends up crying in the teaser for tonight’s episode[/caption]

Proving to be one of the strongest couples throughout the show, fans were shocked when The Sun revealed they went their separate ways shortly after filming. 

However, Lacey has now spoken out about the upcoming reunion, which will see the pair in a tear-filled reunion as they discuss what went wrong between them. 

In a teaser for the episode, both Lacey and Nathan are seen in tears, with Nathan telling cameras: “It just breaks my heart, do you know what I mean?” 

But Lacey has suggested there’s more to the scenes than the moment suggests. 

Warning of what’s to come, Lacey took to her Instagram Stories and shared a video of their wedding day, writing: “This is the man I married, not the man in the clip for the reunion. I’m not fake, I genuinely loved Nathan, the episode is edited for [your] entertainment. I didn’t change after the Experiment but was just simply wasn’t on the same page.” 

“They’ve had to cut out about Nathan not wishing me good luck for the race for life as it would have looked bad on him,” she added. 

“But just keep an open mind and that we [were] both hurt. Please be mindful, be kind and non-judgemental. As I do have feelings and this was incredibly difficult for me.” 

She later shared messages of support from fans thanking them, and in a separate post teased what was to come, and why they broke up. 

Nathan claimed in January, shortly after their split, that she had dumped him, but Lacey insists it was his lack of support in a charity run that finally ended the romance. 

“Hey everyone, so I will be talking on this properly soon but Nathan didn’t wish me good luck for my race for life, that was the main factor of our breakup! But they didn’t air it as didn’t want Nathan to look bad,” she said. 

“If you see in the edited teaser clip I’m getting frustrated? Why because the person who I thought loved me didn’t wish me good luck, he lacked passion for us. 

“I tried to get me and him back on track, reached out numerous times but he blocked me like I was nothing.” 

“He got his phone out to try and slander me but he’s forgetting he agreed and wanted to be in a ”boyband and do modelling” we both as a couple spoke on this,” she said. 

“I didn’t get my phone, when I’ve got me pouring my heart out for him to block me. 2 Sides to every story!” 

“Also I want to add, I had no idea he thought I wasn’t genuine until the reunion when he was going around to everyone slandering me,” Lacey continued. “So when I saw him for the first time and he’s saying I’m fake, I was in shock.” 

“During and after the show myself and Nathan talked about magazine deals/interviews together as a couple or as friends! We had such a good friendship as well as relationship! 

People need to be open minded.” 

Viewers will be able to see the discussion in tonight’s reunion, which will see stars from the most recent series get back together for a catch up, as well as faces from previous MAFS years. 

Married at First Sight: The Reunion airs tonight at 9pm on E4.

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The full reunion – including their scenes together – will air tonight[/caption]

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Lacey and Nathan were placed together by the MAFS relationship network[/caption]

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Lacey posted a long story about what went down[/caption]

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Lacey also shared a string of messages supporting her amid the break up[/caption]

TERRIFIED residents and children were evacuated after a van packed with fireworks was set alight by a yob.

The vehicle erupted into flames in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Clydebank East Community Council

A van packed with fireworks was set alight by a yob[/caption]

Whitecrook Community Action Group

Terrified residents and children were evacuated[/caption]

Whitecrook Community Action Group

Shocked locals also hit out at those behind the attack[/caption]

Locals were rushed from their homes and roads closed as firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control.

Footage posted online shows fireworks exploding from the van as flames took hold while deafening bangs led residents to label the scene a ‘war zone’.

No one was injured during the blaze which took place around 1am on the town’s Braes Avenue.

A suspect was seen making off and police are appealing for information to trace him.

He is described as white, in his 30s, of slim build with a shaved head and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded jacket with dark-coloured bottoms.

In a post online, Clydebank East Community Council said: “Disgusting behaviour in Braes Avenue in the early hours.

“A van deliberately set on fire while containing boxes of fireworks, absolutely no regard for the kids living in these houses.

“I’ve never witnessed anything like it, kids screaming in sheer terror. Absolutely awful. Thankfully everyone is safe.

“Should anyone wish to speak to the anti-social behaviour team they will be at our next meeting on Monday 3rd March at 7pm in Centre 81.”

They added: “The van was parked on a driveway in between two blocks of houses.

“The van was targeted and had boxes of fireworks inside.

“Thankfully no one was physically injured and eventually got back into their homes, it was horrific.”

Councillor Lauren Oxley said: “Absolutely shocking, hope everyone is alright and isn’t too shaken up. I’ve written to the council and police for some further information and to ask what action is being taken because clearly the current patrols aren’t enough.”

Marie McNair MSP added: “Disgusting behaviour. Hope everyone is okay.”

Shocked locals also hit out at those behind the attack.

One said: “Thought we were in a war zone last night, so glad no one was hurt.”

Another posted: “Why would people do a thing like that? Do they have no regard for others? Someone could have been really hurt.”

Detective Constable Andrew Baldacci, Clydebank CID, said: “I’m appealing for anyone who has information about this man, or the man himself, to come forward.

“I’d also ask anyone who saw what happened or has any information about the incident and has not already spoken to police, to contact us.

“Similarly, if you have private CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area, please review this and bring anything of significance to our attention.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.56am on Sunday, February 23, to reports of a vehicle fire on Braes Avenue in Whitecrook, Clydebank.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances to the scene, and firefighters extinguished the fire affecting one van which was well alight.

“There were no casualties, and the crews left the scene at 2.19am after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 0246 of 23 February or alternatively phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A NEW feud has been revealed after a Bear Hunt star launched into a furious rant at Love Island’s Ekin-Su and Curtis, and even branded them “losers”.

Curtis, 29, and Ekin-Su, 30, have just arrived back in the UK after placing third in this year’s All Stars but have ruffled feathers.

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Another feud surrounding Ekin-Su and Curtis has emerged[/caption]

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Leomie Anderson hit out at the couple[/caption]

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Curtis and Ekin came third on Love Island all Stars[/caption]

The couple were seen matching Burberry attire as the attended London Fashion Week yesterday.

Ekin and Curtis were at the designer Helen Anthony event with Curtis’ brother AJ, 30, who found fame starring as a show pro on Strictly Come Dancing.

At one point Ekin even got up and took to the runway herself as part of the show.

However this did not go down well with Bear Hunt star Leomie Anderson who took to social media to vent.

“Literally just attended one of the worst shows ever and tell me why two particular LOSERS from a particular reality show dared each other to get up and walk to the show,” she wrote. “Desperate for press or?”

MAKING THINGS OFFICIAL

Meanwhile, just hours before arriving home last week Curtis and Ekin-Su finally went Instagram official, as he got her number after the Love Island final.

The couple were seen on social media looking happier than ever as they finally got their phones back and put in each other’s digits.

Ekin could be heard saying: “He’s finally saved my number,” as the smitten pair laughed together.

They were also pictured holding hands as they made their way through the airport, as Ekin told fans: “We are so excited to come home.”

In another clip, Curtis could be seen carrying Ekin’s shopping through the airport.

SPILLING THE TEA

It comes as the Love Island couple took another swipe at rivals Elma and Sammy following their clashes in the villa.

Both couples reached the Love Island All Stars final – but fell short of winning the £50,000 prize.

Ekin-Su and Curtis spoke to Amy Hart on the Love Island: The Morning After podcast following the finale.

Addressing tensions with Elma and Sammy, Curtis said: “I feel like the situations that went on… I don’t want to say we were in the wrong or the right.

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It came just hours after Curtis made things official with Ekin-Su[/caption]

“But I feel like we weren’t in the wrong.”

Ekin-Su continued: “I’m going to stand by that we were in the right. For me, that was not okay at the time.”

Viewers watched a feud escalated between Ekin-Su and Elma towards the end of All Stars.

The once firm friends fell out when Ekin-Su gave Elma’s partner Sammy Root a peck on the lips during the heart rate challenge.

Although Elma claimed she could “forgive” Ekin, she found the “forgetting” part harder.

LOVE Island winner Casey O’Gorman has been left horrified as his phone was stolen and his Instagram was hacked.

Last week’s tense Love Island All Stars final saw series three star Gabby, 33, and professional bombshell Casey, 28, scoop the £50,000 prize. 

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Show winners Gabby Allen and Casey headed out this weekend[/caption]

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Casey is ‘so worried’ as the thief had access to his private photos and information[/caption]

But from good news to bad, Casey’s best pal Tom Clare took to social media to reveal that his phone had been stolen.

Tom wrote a simple message, saying: “Casey’s had his phone stolen. Any info message me.”

Tom is Casey’s best mate, after they both appeared on Winter Love Island 2023.

A source has since told The Sun: “Casey is so worried because the thief had access to all his private pics and information – they posted some pics he never meant to see the light of day but it’s the Whatsapp messages he’s really worried about – there are a lot of chats with sensitive information in there.

“It could have been a disaster – in the end all that happened was the thief messaged some of his famous friends and asked for money.”

The person who stole Casey’s phone had posted ‘free Palestine’ as well as hitting out at musician Stormzy, calling him a ‘sell out.’

A representative for Casey has said: “Casey doesn’t have any comment at this time. I can confirm his phone was stolen and has been reported to the police.”

This weekend, Casey and Gabby had been celebrating their win by joining showbiz pals Tom and Molly Smith for a surprise party for at London hotspot, Sheesh.

Gabby took to Instagram to reveal her joy at finding out all her best friends had gathered in posh Mayfair to toast to her and Casey’s Love Island Victory.

The reigning All Stars champs looked delighted as they enjoyed yummy food and drank plenty of champers.

At one point Casey got up to do a speech and thank all his friends for being there.

In another clip, Gabby and her man can be seen pulling each other in for a smooch.

Other stars at the party included Messy Mitch and his girlfriend Hayley Griffin.The couple’s All Stars co-stars Tina Stinnes and Danielle Sellers were also there to toast to their victory.

Following Casey and Gabby’s big win the couple appeared on The Morning After podcast to speak to host and series five star Amy Hart. 

Amy, 31, said: “You’re about to have a little windfall into your bank – fifty grand, twenty five grand each, what are you going to spend it on?”

Gabby replied: “I didn’t even know that was a thing until just now! I didn’t know that’s what you won.”

Amy quizzed: “Did they ask for your bank details, like, ‘we’ll transfer you’.”

A stunned Gabby said: “Yeah! It was literally that.”

Revealing their plans for the winnings, Casey – who appeared as a bombshell on series nine and the first All-Stars spin-off before his late entrance this year – said: “We’ve got to go away.

“Somewhere nice. I think we’ll go to the Maldives.”

Happy with her man’s answer, Gabby nodded and added: “Sexy.”

She continued: “The first thing that came into my head was that I’d like to do something nice with my mum, take her on holiday as well.” 

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Tom is Casey’s best mate, after they both appeared on Winter Love Island 2023[/caption]

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Instagram

Tom and Molly threw the pair a surprise bash[/caption]

FOSTER Christian was convicted of the murders of Simon Gorecki and Natasha Sadler-Ellis in Canterbury in 2016.

Here we look at his life and crimes, as well as how long he was sentenced behind bars.

Who is Foster Christian?

The tragic events unfolded on March 29, 2016, when a dispute over hot water at the accommodation they shared escalated into a violent confrontation.

Foster Christian claimed he acted in self-defence when he fatally stabbed Simon Gorecki, 48, and Natasha Sadler-Ellis, 40.

However, the investigation revealed that this was a deliberate act of murder.

During the attack, Christian also seriously injured Natasha’s 20-year-old son and another 16-year-old boy.

The violence of the assault was evident in the multiple stab wounds inflicted on the victims.

999 call

After the attack, Christian called the police and told the operator: “I’ve just been attacked in my house.’’

During the call, he could also be heard saying: ‘’[It was] one of my housemates Simon and his girlfriend and these boys.’’

‘’They’ve just come to my door and started an argument and then just started lashing into me. They were hitting me with beer cans and bottles.’’

Christian also admitted to ‘’grabbing’’ a knife during the attack.

Following the investigation, Det Ch Insp Nick Gossett, senior investigating officer explained: ‘’What started as an argument took a very serious turn with tragic consequences.

‘’Now two lives have been lost and many lives ruined.

“Although Christian never denied stabbing Miss Sadler-Ellis and Mr Gorecki it is clear from our investigation that this was not self defence, but murder.”

Trial and sentencing

Following a three-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Christian was found guilty of two counts of murder and two counts of wounding.

In October 2016, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years.

Judge Justice Stuart-Smith said at the time: “I accept there were tensions in the house. They were made worse when other residents had been drinking and became argumentative.

“Those tensions may explain why, when you made his shower go cold, Mr Gorecki swore at you and you swore back at him, instead of both of you reacting more calmly.

“Drink may have explained why Ms Sadler-Ellis got involved in the argument. But nothing – nothing at all – begins to justify what you did later.

“What you did was way over the top. It was literally a murderous attack on not just Mr Gorecki, who had a cider can but not a knife, and on Ms Sadler-Ellis, who was also unarmed.

“What you did went way beyond any possible bounds of reasonable self-defence.”

Judge Stuart-Smith added: “I don’t know if you have ever stopped pitying yourself or deludedly thinking you can justify what you did for long enough to consider the impact your knife attack has had.

“Not just on the people you killed and wounded, but on those affected by the loss of life you caused.’’

A Killer Makes a Call

The murders of Simon Gorecki and Natasha Sadler-Ellis will feature in the Channel 5 crime series ’A Killer Makes a Call’ on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10pm.

Previous episodes of the series are also available to stream on My5.

THE Pope wrote his resignation letter 12 years ago in case he became too ill to fulfil the holy role as he remains in a ‘critical’ state in hospital.

The Pontiff has spent 10 nights in Rome‘s Gemelli Hospital where he has undergone blood transfusions and has been diagnosed with mild kidney failure and double pneumonia.

The Mega Agency

Pope Francis penned a resignation letter months after being elected in case his health worsened[/caption]

AP

He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after having breathing difficulties[/caption]

AFP

Pope Francis’s condition ‘remains critical’ as doctors stabilise his kidney failure and low platelet count[/caption]

AFP

Faithfuls pray for Francis at the Basilica San Jose de Flores during a mass last week[/caption]

Over the weekend, The Vatican released updates about the 88-year-old’s condition confirming that he had worsened after a respiratory crisis on Saturday and was critically ill.

But the latest update on Monday said he “woke up and is continuing his therapies,” is “eating normally,” and “his mood is good.”

They added that he is not in any pain.

Though Pope Francis’s low platelet count and mild kidney failure are under control, the prognosis remains reserved, doctors previously said.

He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after having breathing difficulties and was later diagnosed with double pneumonia.

In 2013, he took over as Pontiff from Pope Benedict XVI who shocked the world when he resigned – the first papal resignation in over 600 years.

Traditionally, Popes serve until they die.

But Francis revealed in 2022 that after just months of being in the role, he too would resign if his health left him unable to do the job justice.

In an interview, Francis said that he penned his resignation letter in case the time came and handed it to the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, about six months after he was elected.

He said at the time: “You have it. I don’t know to whom Cardinal Bertone may have given it, but I gave it to him when he was secretary of state.”

Pietro Parolin is the current Cardinal Secretary of State after taking over from Bertone in 2013 following the handover from Pope Benedict XVI to Francis.

The Pope’s frail health has fuelled speculation over a possible imminent resignation.

It came after two people close to the Pontiff claimed Francis had confided to them that he “might not make it this time”, according to a report by Politico.

The sources also apparently said the Pope is suffering from intense pain and is “tying up loose ends” before his successor.

Gianfranco Ravasi, the Vatican’s former Minister of Culture, has said Francis could abdicate if he felt unable to carry out his role.

The cardinal told Italian radio station RTL: “There is no doubt that the Pope could decide to resign if he found himself in a situation in which his ability to have direct contact with people and to communicate in an immediate, incisive and decisive manner was compromised.”

Ravasi continued: “Until now, the Pope has chosen to continue his activity even when he has had knee problems, for example.

“On that occasion, he said the famous phrase that one governs with the mind and not with the knee. The Pope has always had a tendency to fight and react.”

But the Vatican has firmly denied that Francis is contemplating resigning.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, dismissed rumours in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

He said: “Speculation seems useless when what really matters is the health of Francis, his recovery, and return to the Vatican.”

The Holy See has continued to outweigh concerns over the Pope’s health with positive updates, describing him as “alert and well-oriented.”

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The Pope had part of his lung removed as a young man and has long had respiratory issues[/caption]

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An image of the Argentine Pope Francis is projected onto the Buenos Aires Obelisk on 21 February[/caption]

AFP

Pope Benedict XVI – Francis’s predecessor – abdicated in 2013, almost 9 years before his eventual death[/caption]

The Mega Agency

Francis would become the fifth-ever Pope to resign, if he chose to[/caption]

The Vatican said he is “fully conscious, alert, eating, and working.”

He was well enough to attend Sunday Mass in his hospital apartment on Sunday alongside his doctors and nurses, a press release stated.

From his sickbed, he issued a heartfelt message thanking people for their love and prayers.

“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” he said on Sunday.

“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”

He has been particularly touched by messages and drawings from children.

“In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” he added.

“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”

THE Championship’s top two meet in a blockbuster clash tonight when second place Sheffield United host leaders Leeds.

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Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.

What happens next?

Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.

For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:

On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:

• £10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)
• £10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)

And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:

• £10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)
• £10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)

You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here*

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*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

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