USA Update

STRICTLY Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas hit back at trolls after calls for her to be axed.

The former international champion Latin dancer took to her social media profile as she defended the long-running dancing competition.

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Shirley Ballas hit out at trolls who called for her to be axed[/caption]

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The TV personality has been a judge on the programme since 2017[/caption]

Shirley, 64, has been a judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017, replacing head judge Len Goodman.

However, one cruel troll called for the long-running star to be axed as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter.

They posted: “Make the most of what should be your last show!!”

Shirley was not taking the insult lying down as she joked back: “Thank you I will. Hope you enjoyed the show and found it positive.”

Another viewer slammed Strictly as a show as they commented: “I would rather defrost my freezer than watch that c***.”

In response, the TV personality sarcastically enquired: “Have you still not defrosted that freezer of yours. You said you where doing it week 3 lol.”

Another angry user was not at all happy that comedian Chris McCausland took home the glitterball trophy.

He beat fellow finalists Sarah Hadland, Tasha Ghouri and singer JB Gill in the final, which was branded the ‘most emotional’ of all time.

Their awkward tweet read: “Worst dancer won again so won’t be watching next year and yes I know it was the public and not blaming you for that.

“I would be interested to know how you feel about someone winning just because they were blind?”

To which Shirley defended the public’s decision, writing: “I have total respect for the viewers opinions. Millions voted and everyone has their favorites.

“For me they all danced simply brilliant. A huge congratulations to our winners. All our finalists and to all who took part.

She added: “I’m waking up feeling happy. Have a beautiful day.”

In an additional post, the star left gushing praise for the first ever blind winner of the long-running BBC competition.

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Shirley has faced a number of cruel calls to be axed from the show[/caption]

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Shirley defended the winner of the show after Chris McCausland took home the glitterball trophy[/caption]

The 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch back on BBC iPlayer.

LEGENDARY TV star Duncan Norvelle died almost penniless in a rundown terraced home, it is claimed.

The comedian – who passed away aged 66 last Thursday morning – had suffered multiple strokes in recent years.

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Norvelle often appeared on stage in a wheelchair in his later years[/caption]

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He lived in a two-bed terraced home with his partner when he died[/caption]

He rose to fame in the 1980s with his catchphrase “Chase me!” but eventually fell out of favour with TV bigwigs.

Norvelle’s partner Linda Trevallion told The Sun he died from a chest infection and sepsis.

He had been living with the effects of two strokes suffered in 2012 that had left him paralysed down the left side of his body for 18 months.

The funny man made a comeback starting in 2015, touring pubs and small clubs across the UK.

However, two firms Norvelle set up in 2016, both called Chase Me Management, were dissolved the following year with each subject to a compulsory strike off, reports MailOnline.

Norvelle earned extra money recording personalised video messages for fans – and even worked on cruise ships.

He spent the last 12 years of his life living with partner Linda at her two-bedroom home.

And while he did appear on a special edition of Pointless Celebrities in 2019 – it was the first TV slot in years and would prove to be his last.

A source told the Mail: “Duncan was not gay but his act was based on camp humour which was popular at the time.

“He once said he based his persona on a cross between Michael Crawford’s Frank Spencer and John Inman’s Mr Humphries in Are You Being Served.

“His TV bookings dried up as a new breed of left-leaning political comedians took over our screens. He suddenly found himself out in the cold.”

Norvelle’s first comeback gig – after three years away – was at the Embassy Theatre, Skegness, with funds from his show would be allocated to the Stroke Association.

However, getting his career going again was far from easy.

In 2019 he was even reportedly cruelly kicked off a variety show after organisers allegedly said he was “too slow” and “wheelchair bound”.

While a performance at a club in Rugeley, Staffordshire, was cancelled at the last minute.

Covid proved another setback but he announced in 2021 he was “back in business” and taking bookings for comedy shows and after dinner speaking.

In a Christmas message posted the same year he said: “It’s so nice to still be wanted to perform for your events.

“Laughter is the best medicine that anyone can be given. I also want to thank my incredible partner Lynn.

“She is my rock and always will be and without her I would be lost.”

STARDOM

Norvelle was born on April 2, 1958 near Loughborough in the East Midlands, and pursued a career as an entertainer after winning £20 in a talent show while on holiday in Bournemouth as a teen.

The comedian rose to fame on ITV variety show Saturday Royal in the early 1980s.

He went on to host the pilot episode of what would become Blind Date and made regular appearances on the likes of Surprise! Surprise! and The Bob Monkhouse Show.

In 2011 he appeared in Celebrity Come Dine With Me with Sean Hughes, Gina Yashere and Paul Tonkinson.

Linda told The Sun last week:

“He’s at peace and he’s made millions of people laugh in his lifetime. I’ve never heard anyone say a bad thing about him,” she said.

The couple were together for 12 years, with Linda saying he “wasn’t really showbiz, he wasn’t one for going to showbiz parties”.

She added that Norvelle was always “very gracious” with his fans, however.

And despite them never officially marrying, Linda said: “We were together like husband and wife.”

They met through a mutual friend.

She went on to say: “I fell in love with the man, it made no difference about the stroke. I helped him, but he could do a lot for himself.”

Linda, as well as Norvelle’s son Jack, 15, and daughter Yasmine, 35, were with him when he died.

However, other daughter Sophie, 44, could not get back in time from Spain.

Linda added: “I never wish anyone to suffer. I just want to still hold him, and love him a bit more. It’s never enough. I knew it was coming but you’re never prepared.”

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A friend of the comedian revealed he had been struggling with his health in September[/caption]

Brussels peril

THE Eurocrats in Brussels will be licking their lips at the prospect of Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed “economic reset” between Britain and the EU.

They screwed us at every opportunity when we were EU members — forcing us to make vast financial contributors to their failing political project — so why does anyone think they will be doing anything other than preparing to screw us all over again?

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Eurocrats will be licking their lips at the prospect of Keir Starmer’s proposed ‘Economic Reset’ with the EU – which Kemi Badenoch has described as ‘taking us backwards’[/caption]

It’s the only way they know.

Freedom of movement for young Europeans, acceptance of EU laws and the chance for European fishing fleets to continue to pillage our waters will be the least of their demands for a trade agreement which would drag us back into the EU’s malign orbit and wrap us up in the red tape this country voted to escape back in 2016.

And who will be negotiating on our behalf? A team of 100 from our own largely Remainer civil service which has done so much to obstruct Brexit at every turn since the referendum.

No wonder they have been dubbed by fearful insiders as “the surrender squad”.

Does the Government care if our hard fought for freedoms are carelessly tossed away?

Everything about the Prime Minister’s previous campaigning to keep us in the EU would suggest not.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warns that he is “taking us backwards”.

If he does, it will be a betrayal that the British people won’t forget or forgive.

BBC Scrooges

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BBC bosses sent ‘bullying’ letters to pensioners threatening to call on Christmas Day if they have no TV licence[/caption]

IT’S bad enough that the TV licence fee still exists but in a move that would shame Ebeneezer Scrooge, the BBC has been sending out bullying letters to pensioners.

They are threatening to knock on OAPs’ doors on Christmas Day if they don’t pay up the hated telly tax.

Dennis Reed, of the campaign group Silver Voices, describes the letters as “thuggish” and he’s not wrong.

The Beeb, which has blown £169 million of our money chasing those without TV licences, apologised to The Sun and said the letters had been sent “in error” and that their enforcers would not be calling on anyone on December 25th.

That doesn’t mean they won’t be spending taxpayers’ money criminalising vulnerable elderly people as soon as Christmas is over.

Fuel of joy

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The Chancellor’s decision to continue to freeze fuel duty — as our ongoing Keep It Down campaign had called for – will be a welcome present for drivers[/caption]

THERE is some festive cheer, however, thanks to The Sun.

The Chancellor’s decision to continue to freeze fuel duty — as our ongoing Keep It Down campaign had called for – will be a welcome present for drivers.

Without the 7p-a-litre price hike, the average white van man will save around £215 next year, and a two-car family around £100.

That should help to soften the effect of the post-Christmas bills.

PEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is “not good enough” after his Manchester City side threw away the derby in two mad minutes.

The champions slipped to an EIGHTH defeat in 11 matches in all competitions — the same number of losses they had in the Prem over the previous two seasons.

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Pep Guardiola was again left scratching his head as City throw away the derby[/caption]

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Bernardo Silva slammed his team-mates after Man Utd’s comeback[/caption]

Midfielder Bernardo Silva ripped into his team-mates who played like “Under-15s” and “deserved to pay” for “stupid decisions”.

Guardiola, who according to NBC did not emerge from the dressing room for 30 minutes after the game, said: “I’m the boss, I’m the manager and I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well — it’s as simple as that.

“I need to talk to them about the way we have to play and press and build-up and I’m not good enough.

“I’m the manager and I don’t find the solution. In a big club, when you lose eight in 11 something wrong is happening.

“It’s my job. My job is not just to win games or lift trophies. I’m incredibly well paid for that reason.

“We want to play better, create chances. But at the moment it’s not possible. There is no defence for eight defeats in 11.”

Guardiola always said he feared this would be a tough season for his weary troops — but admitted he was not expecting things this bad.

He added: “This is a big club, I’m still here sitting here in the press conference because of what we have done in the past.

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“I promise you I tried. I think managers all round the world when they have big problems work more and talk more to try and get the guys to know that we are still good.

“I knew it would be a tough season at the beginning, but I didn’t expect it would be this hard.”

City were not at their best but Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header looked likely to give them the three points until a moment of madness in the dying minutes.

Matheus Nunes put Ederson in trouble with a weak back-pass and then compounded the error by fouling Amad in the box.

Bruno Fernandes slammed in the spot-kick on 88 minutes to equalise.

And four-in-a-row champs City were caught out two minutes later by a hopeful ball forward which allowed Amad to steal in for the winner.

A furious Bernardo said: “We deserved what happened. At this level, a game or two is unlucky. We can’t say this is lucky or unlucky — ten games, it’s not about that.

“Winning 1-0 and our corner ends in a penalty for them… if we make these stupid decisions with three or four minutes to go you deserve to pay.

“Looking at the game, there was only one team that could win, but at the end we lost.

“We have to look at ourselves. It’s the decisions you make. Today in the last minute we played like Under-15s.”

City midfielder Phil Foden, yet to break his Prem scoring duck this term, said: “We’ve not been used to losing this amount in a short period.

“But sometimes you have to experience it,  you can’t always win.”

A BRAVE boy of five poses with his family in matching PJs to celebrate his first Christmas since beating a rare cancer.

Niko Bolke-Carver bravely battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia after being diagnosed with the rare blood and bone marrow disease in February 2022.

Kelly Davis photography

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Niko bravely battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia after being diagnosed with the rare blood and bone marrow disease in February 2022[/caption]

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Specialists feared he wouldn’t live to see another day as he was given Calpol and antibiotics when symptoms were mistaken for a fever and an ear infection.

Niko’s mum Katie, 34, said: “I took him to our local A and E department and it was a seven-hour wait to see a doctor.

“It was lucky I did, as when they did blood tests and he was diagnosed with leukaemia they told me he wouldn’t have lasted another 24 hours. It was terrifying.”

The youngster was transferred to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital where he developed ulcers and lost his hair through gruelling chemotherapy.

But he emotionally rang the special bell marking the end of his intensive treatment in June before going back to school in September while in remission.

His mum credited hundreds of strangers who sent letters, cards and gifts through charity Post Pals for helping Niko power through the draining chemo.

Early years teacher Katie, who lives in Colchester, Essex, with husband Timo, 37, and seven-year-old daughter Nina, added: “We’re going to have a wonderful Christmas this year.

“Having Niko cancer-free is the best Christmas present we could ask for.

“We can’t thank all those strangers who got him through his treatment enough – they have helped save his life.”

CASH-hit van drivers can enjoy a Christmas bonus thanks to The Sun — after it was revealed they will be £215 better off over the next 12 months.

The boost came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves listened to our calls and opted to continue the fuel duty freeze at the Budget.

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Motorists will be £215 better off over the next 12 months[/caption]

In another win for our Keep It Down campaign, she kept the levy rate at 52.95p per litre rather than adding an inflationary increase of 7p per litre.

And White Van Man will be the biggest winner, with £215 saved for those clocking up 25,000 miles or more.

The average car driver who travels around 7,000 miles a year is likely to save £55, while families with two vehicles could be £100 better off.

Ms Reeves said: “Protecting people’s pounds in their payslip is Labour’s priority.

“That’s why I took the tough decisions in the Budget, to clean up the Tories’ mess.

“Getting behind the wheel shouldn’t hit families, which is why we made the fair choice to freeze fuel duty, saving motorists hundreds next year.”

When the Chancellor froze fuel duty as part of a £3billion tax break, she insisted an increase would be the wrong choice for working people.

Under the previous government’s plans, the duty rate would automatically have risen by 5p a litre.

Ms Reeves’ fuel levy decision came as she made a series of difficult choices to balance the public finances.

She launched a £25billion tax raid on business with an increase to employers’ national insurance contributions and faced fury from farmers over inheritance tax changes.

But our Keep It Down campaign helped to keep fuel duty frozen for a 15th year.

WITH Christmas less than ten days away, most of us will be trying to pick up last-minute gifts for our loved ones.

Even if you started your Christmas shopping months ago, there are always little bits and pieces to pick up nearer the big day.

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Bosses at Primark have shared their top picks for last-minute gifts[/caption]

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Their Patchouli and Vanilla Reed Diffuser is perfect for homeowners[/caption]

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While the £3.50 fluffy socks set makes for perfect stocking fillers[/caption]

And who doesn’t leave those gifts for stocking fillers and Christmas Eve boxes until the last minute?

Luckily, Primark has us covered with bosses sharing their top picks for those of us hitting the shops on the eleventh hour.

The bargain retail giant caused a frenzy among fans after showing its impressive range of last-minute gifts.

They recently shared a video on Instagram with all the things that are “great stocking fillers”.

And many have been left saying they “love” the range of items on offer at “awesome” prices.

It includes a super soft fine knit pink pyjama top and shorts set that is perfect for Christmas Eve.

The top, which costs £12, offers a cosy yet breathable fit for a peaceful night’s sleep that is perfect for a relaxing night in.

And bosses say it “brings a serene charm to your bedtime routine” with its “effortless comfort”.

Another popular item is the incredible Patchouli and Vanilla Reed Diffuser which is perfect for any homeowner.

The scent lasts for up to eight weeks and costs just £5, with bosses saying the smell “brings a touch of serenity to any room.”

But one of the shoppers’ favourites from the range is the super cosy faux fur-lined boots that are ideal for winter.

Many flocked to the comments to say they picked up the boots in multiple different colours since prices start at just £6.50.

For cocktails lovers, there’s also the Stylised Drinks Wall Art that features a stylised Gin and Tonic for just £10.

Describing it on the website, Primark bosses say: “The artwork captures the essence of this classic cocktail with a modern, artistic flair, showcasing the iconic garnishes and bubbles in a visually appealing design.

“Encased in a sleek white frame, it adds a crisp and elegant touch to your home bar, kitchen, or lounge area.

“Perfect for cocktail lovers and those who appreciate a refined aesthetic, this piece brings a refreshing charm to your décor.”

Another perfect stocking filler is the retail giant’s range of cups with straws with prices that start from £8.

Or you can never go wrong with a pair of fluffy socks, like the £3.50 pack of two socks that include a red set and a pair of white ones with cherries on them.

There are also little adorable faux plants with motivational quotes written on the pots that are ideal for any homeowner.

And for those who love something a little quirky, there is the flip desk calendar that comes in a range of styles.

Primark also has the perfect teddies for your little ones to cuddle into on winter nights that are perfect in Christmas Eve boxes.

The plush microwavable hotties bring comfort and warmth on cold nights, cosy nights and everything in between.

The retail giant excitedly shared the clip showcasing the new collections with followers on Instagram.

Staff captioned the post: “Our top picks for last-minute gifts”.

And shoppers have flocked to the comments to praise the new range and pick out some of their favourite items.

One person said: “The best pjs”.

Another added: “Primark for life. Awesome prices”.

Someone else wrote: “Such great gift inspo. I have the boots in every colour and love them”.

And a fourth posted: “Great stocking fillers”.

While a fifth chimed in: “Love the shoes”.

Instagram/primark

One of the shoppers’ favourites from the range is the super cosy faux fur-lined boots[/caption]

Instagram/primark

Primark also has the perfect teddies for your little ones to cuddle into[/caption]

Instagram/primark

The fine knit pink pyjama top is ideal for Christmas Eve[/caption]

Instagram/primark

For cocktails lovers, there’s also the Stylised Drinks Wall Art[/caption]

Instagram/primark

Or there’s the desk flip calendar[/caption]

LAUREN Goodger has revealed plans to have more children next year – despite being single.

The Towie favourite, who was left “broken” after she lost her second daughter Lorena in July 2022, said she is looking to foster or adopt a child.

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Lauren Goodger has revealed that she wants to have another child next year[/caption]

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The Towie favourite said she is keen to foster or adopt[/caption]

Lauren, who shares three-year-old Larose with ex Charles Drury, said that she’d love to give Larose a baby brother.

She said: “I’m still young, I still can have my own baby, but I’m not with anyone and time is going on.

“I feel like it’s such a beautiful thing to be able to do and I’ve got the space,” she told OK! magazine.

Lauren, who split from Charles Drury two years ago, said she is ready to welcome another child to her family and is happy to do it alone.

“I’ve always known I wanted more,” she said.

“Even when I lost Lorena, it never put me off the idea.”.

The Essex star admitted that things would have been different if she was still with her ex – and confessed she’s remained single since him.

She explained that she’s in the process of “healing” from her past heartbreak, before she attempts to move on with someone else.

Lauren said she would happily take on a baby under the age of one – saying a baby would help “Larose to feel more settled”.

She said: ” I think she’d have to be the older one – she’s baby obsessed.”

Lauren has already got advice from former Towie star Debbie Bright, who has fostered over 200 kids.

The reality star said she loves being a mum and has the perfect home and lifestyle to welcome another child.

But the TV star admitted it would have a huge impact on her dating life – saying she’d end up staying in most day, instead of looking for a new beau to settle down with.

Lauren made her huge return to The Only Way is Essex after seven years off the show.

She was one of the original cast of names to help make the ITVBe show the institution we know today.

The longtime reality personality originally left the show in 2012 and made a brief return in 2016.

During her latest break from the show she became a mum to Larose and Lorena with her ex Charles.

The pair started dating in 2020 and split four months after Larose was welcomed into the world.

Months later Lauren revealed that she fell pregnant just eight weeks after welcoming Larose in July 2021.

Lauren was left “broken” after they lost their second daughter Lorena in July 2022.

In an emotional Instagram post, Lauren said: “She was the most beautiful healthy baby I’ve ever seen just like her sister @babylarose.x …

“Words can’t describe as a mother losing your baby that I carried for all these months perfectly and gave birth too for my angel to be taken from me.”

The brave star opened up about her loss on This Morning earlier this year.

“I went through a very traumatic time, sort of lost myself completely.

“I was sort of in the healing process, which I still am.”

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THE Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew could be named in the House of Commons under Parliamentary ­privilege this week if the courts fail to lift an anonymity order, top politicians insist.

MPs say making the identity of H6 public will prompt a probe.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “The man should be named immediately – otherwise the whole thing smacks of an establishment cover-up.

“If it’s not resolved in the courts, he should be named in the Commons.”

Ex-Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “Parliament has a right to know because the Royals are at the top of government.”

At the weekend photos emerged of the spy with former PMs Theresa May and David Cameron.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the relationship with China was “complex” due to the close trade ties.

She told the BBC: “We will continue to take a very strong approach to our national security, that includes to any challenge to our national security including to our economic security from China, from other countries around the world, that will always be the approach that we will take.

“Of course, with China we also need to make sure we have that economic interaction, economic co-operation in place as well.

“So it’s a complex arrangement.”

THE Home Secretary has refused to set a timetable on solving the small boats crisis — despite more than 35,000 Channel arrivals this year.

Yvette Cooper admitted the figure is “far too high”, but would not set a deadline on bringing it down.

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has refused to set a timetable on solving the small boats crisis[/caption]

She told the BBC: “What we’re not going to do is deal with this by slogans.

“There is a history of Home Secretaries and Prime Ministers making grand promises but never actually having a plan.”

Ms Cooper said she is taking a “step by step” approach, which will include strong returns agreements and law enforcement.

She insisted that lacking a target did not mean migration was not a top priority.

And she did not rule out processing asylum claims in a third country despite the Labour Government axing the Tories’ Rwanda scheme.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp yesterday said: “You need a deterrent to stop the boats.

“Law enforcement alone is not enough.”

He compared the Rwanda scheme with a similar project which he said “completely stopped” boats crossing from Indonesia to Australia.

Home Office Minister Angela Eagle also said yesterday it wasn’t possible to know how many undocumented migrants are in the UK.

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There have been 35,000 Channel arrivals this year[/caption]