THE BBC inclination to employ ever more women in jobs that were once male territory has evoked not even a hum of male irritation.
Gary Lineker is to be replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day . . .
Reaction: So what!
Whether or not three-for-one presenter ratio will work is to become clear after the trio start next season, even if the company’s accountants approve the division of Lineker’s £1.3million salary.
Money well earnt and deserved in my opinion.
The fact I like this increasing number of women commentators should be no surprise, for when I moved into football 32 years ago women were rarer than a hen’s dentist.
Such a short time later women are acknowledged as players both on the pitch and in the offices.
Only with the whistle or in men’s football management are they rare.
But in press boxes, behind microphones and contributing knowledgeably on television, they are as commonplace as they are in boardrooms, politics and executive positions.
In several aspects BBC can be very proud to have led the charge away from attitudes that once were summed up in the insult “monstrous regiment of women”.
Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan are both outstanding broadcasters.
They will work on the show in rotation with Mark Chapman, already a BBC stalwart.
They are a capable front line to follow the former England striker who will have fronted the show for 25 years. He has been witty and fearless.
Criticisms only began seriously after he was revealed to be the corporation’s highest earner.
Both Cates and Logan are daughters of league and international footballers, Kenny Dalglish, one of Scotland’s greatest, and Terry Yorath of Wales.
Critics will approve their background and wait upon their merits.
Logan is probably best known. She ousted male presenters at several Olympic Games and remains a brisk and skilled regular at big events, and deservedly so.
Cates has worked on BBC radio and TV, mainly on Sky, for many years and is as slick and personable as you would expect in a skilled presenter.
If theirs is a semi-takeover then even more striking was the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, which on Tuesday featured three women, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and (of course) Gabby Logan.
As Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson became the fourth consecutive female winner of the top prize and, on the night, beat any competition for the most daring dress.
Men could only hope their duties did not include the washing up afterwards.
The battle for equality is not won yet but the tide is sweeping us forward.
It won’t be too long, I suspect, before the US has a female president.
After all, even the Garrick Club which defined itself as a club for “men of refinement” has just opened the door to women.
It may take some while for one of us to become Pope, Russia’s leader, or to chuck away forced hijabs in Iran but most of the West is now wide open to the new order.
And what a shocking waste of human resources the past has been.
As long ago as the Second World War, women showed they could shoulder martial discipline as well as intellectual pursuits.
The days when us women were nurses but not doctors, are over.
We might not have as much muscle but we have proved that we carry so much else . . . the ability to organise, to lead, to plan and to have children and give birth to every tax payer on the planet.
Quite some contribution.
THE World Darts Championship is well UNDERWAY at the iconic Alexandra Palace – and there are some huge names still to feature.
Fans are still patiently waiting for teen sensation Luke Littler, who kickstarts his campaign on TONIGHT against Ryan Meikle.
Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen powered through past Christmas after a 3-0 whitewash of James Hurrell last night.
However, Sandro Eric Sosing withdrew just minutes before he was due to play after complaining of chest pain backstage and was taken to hospital.
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THE World Darts Championship is UNDERWAY at the iconic Alexandra Palace.
And the players won’t just be eyeing up the biggest honour in the sport as the race for the most 180s at the tournament heats up.
Here is how the leaderboard shapes up so far:
(After Day 6)
Players at the World Darts Championship do not get any extra money for hitting 180s.
That said, for every 180 that is scored at Ally Pally, Paddy Power will donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK.
Last year, 914 180s were hit, but Paddy Power rounded up their donation to a whopping £1million.
Michael Smith has scored the most 180s in an individual World Darts Championship event.
In 2022, he accumulated a stunning tally of 83 maximums, beating Gary Anderson’s previous record of 71.
Bully Boy was defeated by Michael van Gerwen in the final that year, but he went on to finally claim the title 12 months later.
Here are the past 10 players that have hit the most 180s winners:
The data suggests that as time goes on, we are being treated to more and more maximums.
Could we see a new record in 2025?
TEMPLEGATE tackles a cracking Saturday of racing confident of building the bank just in time for Christmas.
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DYSART ENOS (3.35 Ascot, nap)
She rose through the novice ranks last season but is still on a fair handicap mark and tanked along before the lack of a run told last time. She is well up to this standard provided it doesn’t get too testing.
FAMOUS BRIDGE (2.05 Haydock, nb)
He won this race in the mud 12 months ago and has every chance again from just 2lb higher in the handicap. Nicky Richards’ stayer looked promising on comeback at Kelso last time and should be spot on for his cup final.
STRONG LEADER (2.25 Ascot, treble)
He can live up to his name provided the ground doesn’t get too testing. He has smart form in decent ground including when winning the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April. He returned with a smooth win at Newbury and has more to come.
ASCOT
1.50
IROKO was a massive eyecatcher when second at Haydock on comeback last month. He was a mile back turning for home but made up ground quickly to go down by half a length. He’s been placed at Grade 1 level and stays well so can go one better here.
Jungle Boogie was going nicely until a late mistake in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and looks a threat, especially if the ground eases. Henry De Bromhead’s horses are going well.
You can’t discount the other two either as Fil Dor has run well in some hot contests last time although his win at Thurles last time was a 1-40 farce.
James Du Berlais took a tumble at Punchestown in May on the back of an excellent second in the Topham over the National fences. He likes this trip and wouldn’t be a shock winner.
2.25
STRONG LEADER can live up to his name provided the ground doesn’t get too testing. He has smart form in decent ground including when winning the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April. He returned with a smooth win at Newbury and has more to come.
Crambo has never been beaten first time out and won this race 12 months after a layoff. There’s no doubt this is the time to catch him and he’ll make another bold bid.
The Wallpark seems to be improving with every run and beat a useful field at Cheltenham last time out in October. He saw out this trip up the hill so won’t lack for stamina with Gordon Elliott’s horses in fine form.
Blueking D’Oroux has to prove he stays this far but can build on his promising comeback second here 28 days ago. Ascot suits him and he could pick up a place.
3.00
VICTTORINO took this race 12 months ago and is back from only 1lb higher in the handicap with trainer Venetia Williams enjoying a dream season. Stable jockey Charlie Deutsch is the best around over fences and he can steer him around despite his unhappy habit of clouting the odd fence. He ran a cracker when third at Newbury on comeback and should be spot-on for fitness.
Trelawne can figure for in-form Kim Bailey. He was a game winner at Haydock last month and likes this trip. The yard also saddles veteran Two For Gold who has a good Ascot record and can’t be ruled out for a place at least.
Threeunderthrufive also likes it here and has run well when fresh. The Changing Man went close at Newcastle last time and is another to consider.
3.35
THIS is a competitive race but it will be disappointing if DYSART ENOS can’t build on her promising Greatwood Hurdle third and win it. She rose through the novice ranks last season but is still on a fair handicap mark and tanked along before the lack of a run told last time. She is well up to this standard provided it doesn’t get too testing.
Be Aware finished just ahead of the tip at Cheltenham and is a big threat again. He comes from behind so Ascot may not be his ideal track but he has ability.
Kabral Du Mathan has won all three hurdle starts and deserves this crack at a higher level. He had plenty in hand on handicap debut at Kempton so an 8lb rise may not stop him.
Steel Ally had his race won a long way out at Haydock last time and has place claims along with Kihavah who was far from disgraced when third behind Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last time.
HAYDOCK
2.05
FAMOUS BRIDGE won this race in the mud 12 months ago and has every chance again from just 2lb higher in the handicap. Nicky Richards’ stayer looked promising on comeback at Kelso last time and should be spot on for his cup final.
With Venetia Williams in fine form Frenchy Du Large is a big danger. It’s pushing three years since his last win but he keeps going close and has plenty of staying power.
East Street won twice over fences before scooting in over hurdles around here last time. He looks a different horse since joining trainer James Owen and could still be ahead of the handicapper.
Credo ran well in this race last season when third and gets her favourite conditions again. She is coming down the weights even before her rider takes off a valuable 10lb.
2.40
LUNE DE LA MER is the most interesting runner in the field coming back from a break. He was a smart bumper winner before winning on hurdle debut at Aintree. The handicapper has taken a chance with his opening mark of 110 and he can figure for Greenall and Guerriero who can get one fit at home.
Milldam can make mistakes but has a decent engine and may have needed the run at Huntingdon earlier this month. He likes this trip on soft and trainer Jamie Snowden is in good form.
Jilaijone ran a decent race when second at Warwick last month. He has come down the weights and handles soft ground.
Admiralty House ran away with his rider at Doncaster last time and would have a chance if settling better for today’s 3lb claimer. He has plenty of scope for improvement.
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TED Lasso star Keeley Hazell has left little to the imagination after posing in a very skimpy bikini.
Keeley, 38, sent pulses racing after snapping a selfie in the mirror while wearing the barely-there two piece.
The former Page 3 girl is pouting in the picture while holding one arm across her body.
Keeley’s rock hard abs are on show and she is wearing her bleached blonde hair loose around her shoulders.
She captured the photo, which appeared to have been taken abroad, with: “What a difference a year makes.”
Ted Lasso centres on a small-time football coach, played by Keeley’s ex-boyfriend Jason Sudeikis.
Keeley takes on the role of Bex, the wife of a fictional West Ham owner in the Apple TV+ hit.
The show finished last year after the end of the third series, with Keeley starring across all three.
There is rumours that a fourth series of Ted Lasso could be in the pipeline.
Keeley worked as a hairdresser after leaving school aged 16 before breaking into the modelling world.
The star won The Sun’s Page 3 Idol competition, regularly appeared in the newspaper and featured on the cover of our 2006 and 2007 calendars.
Around the same time, Keeley began branching out into the world of acting and landed a string of small roles in movies.
In 2014, she appeared in Horrible Bosses 2, which starred Jennifer Aniston, and also tried her hand at the small screen.
She got her big TV break as Bex in Ted Lasso in 2020 and remained in the show until it went off air three years later.
Keeley previously told The Sun: “I originally auditioned for one role and got offered a different part playing Bex, a woman who sees all of the good side of a man who has been terrible to his ex-wife.
“I was ecstatic for the opportunity. The show is based in Richmond upon Thames, which was great as I got to fly from Los Angeles to London to film throughout summer last year.”
Keeley is now signed with the same Hollywood agents who steered the career of Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle.
She is represented by the Gersh Agency for all areas of her professional life.
Next summer, Keeley is set to take a new step in her career and release her first book.
Titled Everyone’s Seen My T**s: Stories and Reflections from an Unlikely Feminist , the book is described as “a moving, genuine, and hilarious collection of essays about fame, glamour, infamy, and the power of writing your own story, from Page 3 model turned writer Keeley Hazell”.
A PEDESTRIAN had a lucky escape when he was tossed in the air like a rag-doll in a dramatic hit-and-run smash.
Mridhul Kombara, 35, was hurled 15 feet when an out-of-control white Ford Fiesta swerved into him in September in Coventry.
CCTV footage showed the dad-of-one, who was walking to meet pals for lunch, being launched off his feet and flipping over because of the force of the collision – before the Ford’s careless driver dashes away.
Mridhul was rushed to University Hospital Coventry where scans revealed he had a hairline fracture on his left ankle and injuries to his hips, shoulder and legs.
Cops are still hunting for the driver, who fled the scene and failed to report the incident to the police.
IT worker Mridhul said: “I saw the car coming but I assumed he was going to pull over and park on the side of the road.
“I’ve been left traumatised by it.
“I get scared walking down the street now and I still can’t watch the video without getting teary.
“Someone was looking out for me that day, it’s a miracle I wasn’t more hurt.”
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “There has been no arrest as yet but investigations are ongoing to identify and trace the driver involved.”
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
The sun moves to the top of your chart in time for Christmas so you can feel so in charge and capable.
No matter the pressure, you have an inner central control that keeps you and your mood even.
As for love, finding fun things a couple can share is key to breaking a stalemate. Single? The One wears a festive hat.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Roads are opening up and though you have many calls on your time, take a moment to weigh up some work options.
Listen to your inner heart, as this is your most trusted compass – better than any amount of outside promises.
Your zone of winning draws you back towards a set of numbers from a few years ago
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
When you want to be the master of your deepest feelings and doubts, this can happen.
But you need to make at least one lasting promise to yourself and today you see exactly what this is.
The moon seeks security while Pluto encourages upheaval. Believe you can cope with any sudden changes and you will.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
Third time lucky can be your chart promise in everything from family location decisions to personal pledges.
The moon has a willingness to admit to being wrong that makes it easier to restart an important conversation, but do this by tonight while planet power is hot for you.
The luck factor plays a “W” Christmas tune.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
You don’t need to go with the group, in cash or loyalty terms, if you don’t agree. It’s better to choose the right route than the quiet life.
This can lead love partners to delay an upcoming date but only to strengthen both sides’ determination.
If you start the day single, hear The One sing and your heart skips a beat.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
Your moon can find it hard to choose one way forward from a selection suggested by the sun.
In terms of family, go for future gains first, even if it means sticking longer in a current set of circumstances.
In a love bond, the sun encourages living for the moment, feeling before thinking. Single? The One has a recent tan.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
Home-life feels the full heat of sun positive energy for a few weeks so you can afford to take a few chances on who, and what, you keep closest.
You see a new way of maintaining familiar feelings and it can be exciting.
Jupiter encourages high-est hopes in an “H” contest, linked to knowing your numbers.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
Everything you’ve been wanting to say but didn’t dare can spill out today, so do be prepared.
You have a chart of unlimited potential, but this depends on you being part of any process, not watching from the sidelines.
Mercury is across cash skills, helping you update any lapsed accounts.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
You are turning attention away from what you have towards who you are – this is what some VIPs have been waiting for.
You can only take an authentic step when you are truly yourself.
Jupiter’s influence could cancel, or otherwise edit, a financial plan you assume is fixed and free your inner self.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
The sun is with you now and you should feel the difference in every atom of your life – but do give your thoughts time to catch up.
Ideas to make a celebration bigger or better need time to mature, so get the details down today.
Passion-wise, mischievous Pluto muddles messages, yet the truth is easy to see.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
Unusually, you can be driven by body rather than mind today toward some enticing Leo arms.
Enjoy the experience and flattery but don’t forget what and who really matters.
The sun doesn’t tolerate secrets and neither should you, so start being 100-per-cent honest with yourself, friends and family.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
A prize for a golden group is just one of the chart benefits on offer. You also have the option of a new deal that centres on a familiar date.
Jupiter favours keeping numbers the same but the moon seeks ways to increase them.
Where this goes is up to you. Love writes with words that carry secret weight.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
A FAMILY’S home was destroyed after an e-bike battery exploded.
Doorbell footage showed the house quickly engulfed in fire.
Two occupants climbed on to the roof, and a man fell, suffering serious injuries on December 14 at Catford, South East London.
A woman slipped before a firefighter caught her.
The fire brigade said the battery, bought online, had been fitted to a bicycle and caught fire as it charged.
LFB Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field described the fire as “devastating”.
He said it was “fortunate that no lives have been lost”.
He added: “We’ve seen around 160 e-bike and e-scooter fires in London this year and this incident highlights the dangers e-bikes and e-scooters can pose.
“E-bikes are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks, with a fire on average once every other day.
“If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
PIERS Morgan has reunited with some of his former Good Morning Britain co-stars.
Almost four years after his departure from GMB, the former host of the ITV breakfast show Piers has been photographed with some of his former colleagues.
Journalist and broadcaster Piers, 59, left the ITV programme in 2021 when he caused controversy with viewers and divided the nation.
Throwing a huge party ahead of Christmas next week, Piers invited many of his friends and former colleagues to the shindig.
Meteorologist, scientist, and star of GMB Laura Tobin took to Instagram to share a selection of snaps from the night, with her writing a caption alongside the post which read: “It’s not Christmas until @piersmorgan has his Christmas drinks.
“A rare outing, on a non-school night for team GMB!”
In the first snap, Laura could be seen grinning beside Piers and several other GMB stars.
Also seen in the snap were Susanna Reid, Kate Garraway, and Charlotte Hawkins.
The second snap that Laura shared saw Piers posing with the ladies once again, while the third was of Susanna, Laura, and Charlotte beaming together.
Richard Madeley was also in attendance, with the GMB star seen in a selfie with Laura and Charlotte.
Laura concluded her carousel of snaps and videos with a short clip of her clinking champagne glasses with her pals.
“Bring him back x,” penned one fan underneath the post.
“Bring @piersmorgan back,” echoed a second.
A third person then wrote: “Looks a great evening all looking wonderful. I do miss Piers. Where’s @robrinder? @adilray Merry Christmas to you all.”
“Lush so glad he’s out with you guys x legend x,” said a fourth.
While others weren’t as pleased to see Piers, with one writing: “Please don’t associate with him….”
Current presenters:
Former presenters:
And another added: “Great photo spoilt by Piers Morgan.”
Pier’s departure from GMB came about in 2021 after his comments about Meghan Markle were scrutinised.
While on air after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a tell-all interview, Piers said he didn’t believe the Duchess of Sussex’s claims.
Meghan made allegations of racism in her bombshell interview, and Piers didn’t agree with what the Duchess had to say.
Piers’ comments sparked more than 50,000 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.
The watchdog later ruled the comments did not break the rules, but Piers never returned to GMB, with him making a swift move over to Talk TV and getting his own show titled Piers Morgan: Uncensored.
After his exit from GMB, Piers spoke out online and said: “You shouldn’t be shamed or vilified or cancelled for having an opinion, unless you genuinely are spewing hateful bigoted stuff.”
He also added: “I thought the whole thing was a farce and I’m delighted that actually, as a result of the farce, we’ve ended up with a whole network which is now dedicated to preventing that kind of farce from recurring.”
