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BBC presenter passes away at just 32

<p>BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan has passed away at the age of 32, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from his devastated colleagues. </p> <p>Sheridan reportedly "collapsed while running" for the second time in recent weeks, after suffering a brain aneurysm. </p> <p>After several days in intensive care, the journalist died on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. </p> <p>Head of News at BBC Scotland shared an emotional tribute to Sheridan, saying Nick had been a "wonderful colleague to those of us who have worked with him".</p> <p>He added, "He was a hugely talented journalist, presenter and author - and one of those rare people who light up the lives of everyone around them. Funny, clever, kind. A lovely man.</p> <p>"Our hearts go out to his parents, who have been with him over the past ten days, to his partner, Lewis, and to all the rest of his family and friends."</p> <p>First Minister Humza Yousaf also paid tribute to Sheridan in the Scottish Parliament chamber, describing him as an "extremely talented journalist and author".</p> <p>"My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and indeed his colleagues. It will undoubtedly be a very sad time for them," he said. </p> <p>Since joining the corporation in 2018, Sheridan presented programmes including <em>Reporting Scotland</em>, <em>Drivetime</em>, the <em>Nine</em> and <em>Seven Days, </em>before dialling back his time on screen to pursue his passion of writing children's books.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

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Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

<p>British TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has passed away aged 50 following a battle with terminal cancer. </p> <p>Irwin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020, when the disease spread from his lungs to his brain. </p> <p>He was initially given just six months to live, but managed to defy the odds and made his illness public after two years of keeping it a secret. </p> <p>The TV presenter rose to fame in the UK for his roles on shows including <em>A Place in the Sun </em>and <em>Escape to the Country</em>. </p> <p>A statement was shared to Instagram on Friday announcing his death, where he was described as "a truly remarkable soul." </p> <p>"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing," the statement began. </p> <p>"A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit."</p> <p>“At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss," the statement continued. </p> <p>“Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts.”</p> <p>“Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jonnie Irwin (@jonnieirwintv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Following his death, BBC have paid tribute to the fallen host and described him as an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”.</p> <p>“He brought such warmth and fun to Escape To The Country where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too," head of BBC daytime Rob Unsworth said.</p> <p>“More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for <em>Morning Live</em> about his illness, tackling taboos around end-of-life care and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did.”</p> <p>Irwin’s longtime co-star Jasmine Harman, also shared a tribute on Instagram.</p> <p>“I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness,” she wrote. “The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.” </p> <p>Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children, Rex, five and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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BBC responds to damning Russell Brand allegations

<p>The BBC has shared that they are "urgently looking" into a series of sexual assault allegations against comedian and actor Russell Brand. </p> <p>The allegations from several women emerged after Channel 4's <em>Dispatches</em> program aired a bombshell documentary about the alleged assaults. </p> <p>The documentary, which was a years-long joint investigation between Channel 4 and the Times, has accused Brand of rape and sexual assaults between the years of 2006 and 2013. </p> <p>Brand has denied all the allegations and said all of his relationships have been consensual.</p> <p>Some of the alleged incidents raised by the women in the documentary occurred while Brand, 48, was working at BBC radio stations between 2006 and 2008. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The BBC say they are "urgently looking into the issues raised" by allegations about Russell Brand in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/C4Dispatches?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#C4Dispatches</a> documentary, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.</p> <p>The production company Banijay UK and Channel 4 have also said they are launching their own internal investigations. <a href="https://t.co/937IBnPnOJ">pic.twitter.com/937IBnPnOJ</a></p> <p>— Channel 4 Dispatches (@C4Dispatches) <a href="https://twitter.com/C4Dispatches/status/1703459588379406500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>A BBC spokesperson said in a statement, "The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years."</p> <p>"Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised."</p> <p>Mr Brand resigned from the BBC programs in 2008 following public uproar over a on-air prank, when he made prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs with offensive comments about the actor's granddaughter.</p> <p>Channel 4's production company has also launched an "urgent" internal investigation into the allegations. </p> <p>In response to the damning allegations, Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the House of Commons media committee, said, "We will be closely monitoring the responses of the media, especially our public service broadcasters, to these allegations, and looking at the questions that this, yet again, raises about the culture in the industry as a whole."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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BBC star passes away at just 35

<p>Maddy Anholt, a well-known figure from the BBC, has passed away at the age of 35, as confirmed by her family. Maddy, who was not only a television star but also an advocate for charitable causes, succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.</p> <p>This heartbreaking news comes on the heels of the birth of her daughter, Opal, just last year. In a heartfelt statement shared on <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/maddy-anholt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a>, Maddy's family expressed their deep sorrow:</p> <p>"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt, our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35. </p> <p>"You may know that shortly after the birth of her incredible daughter Opal last year, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. She handled the ensuing surgery and treatment with astonishing grace and courage, accompanied every step of the way by her family and devoted husband, Ben. She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around.</p> <p>"In her short life, Maddy accomplished so much. She was a marathon-runner, author, speaker, actor and Ambassador for Women’s Aid. Her debut book was published in 2022 and her first fiction will be published soon. As an actor, she appeared in sitcoms for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, while as a speaker she led numerous masterclasses, including for the <em>Guardian</em>.</p> <p>"We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the many friends who have upheld us with their love and prayers during this difficult time, as well as the countless nurses, doctors and the NHS as a whole, who treated her with unfailing dignity and compassion. In particular we would like to thank the magnificent team at Seaton Hospice at Home, who are the embodiment of empathy, professionalism and love.</p> <p>"We ask you not to send flowers but if you feel moved to make a small donation, this fundraiser has been set up to provide for Maddy’s one-year-old daughter, Opal.</p> <p>"Alternatively, you might consider a contribution to Maddy’s favourite charity, Women’s Aid. Maddy was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and on publication of her debut book, she was invited to become an Ambassador for Women’s Aid, which she carried out with characteristic energy and humour:  <a href="https://www.womensaid.org.uk/get-involved/give/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.womensaid.org.uk/give</a>.</p> <p>"Wherever you are, please join us at 6pm BST on Saturday 16th September, to light a candle. Pray, meditate and hold our precious Maddy in your hearts as she returns to the stars."</p> <p>In addition to her television work with BBC Three, BBC One, ITV, and Channel 4, Maddy Anholt was also an ambassador for Women's Aid. Last year, she authored a book titled <em>How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships</em>, sharing her own experiences in an abusive relationship.</p> <p>The chief executive of Women's Aid, Farah Nazeer, expressed the organisation's deep sadness at the loss of their esteemed ambassador.</p> <p>Maddy Anholt spent her final moments at her family's home in Devon, surrounded by loved ones.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

<p dir="ltr">BBC journalist and newsreader George Alagiah has sadly passed away at the age of 67.</p> <p dir="ltr">After a gruelling nine years of battling bowel cancer, a statement from his agent has confirmed that the respected journalist died “peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The agent added that Alagiah passed away on Monday, but “fought until the bitter end”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and by October 2022, the disease had spread further.</p> <p dir="ltr">The beloved journalist was a prominent figure on British TV with an “outstanding” career spanning over three decades.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was an award-winning foreign correspondent for<em> BBC News</em>, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq, before he became a presenter for <em>BBC News at Six</em> in 2003.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tributes have poured in for the respected newsreader from fellow journalists and colleagues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find,” <em>BBC World Affairs</em> editor John Simpson tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time,” BBC director general Tim Davie said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend,” <em>BBC One O’Clock</em> news presenter Clive Myrie told viewers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another colleague, Naga Munchetty, broke down in tears live on air while reporting about his death.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our newsroom,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alagiah is survived by his wife Frances and their two sons Adam and Matthew. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Suspended BBC presenter named by his wife

<p>The BBC presenter at the centre of the explicit images scandal has been named as Huw Edwards, one of the public broadcaster's most notable news presenters.</p> <p>Huw was named as the man who allegedly paid tens of thousands of pounds for explicit images from a teenager over a number of years, after a media storm around the previously anonymous presenter saw him be suspended from his high-profile role.</p> <p>Vicky Flind confirmed her husband was the man in question after rumours swirled on social media for five days, as her statement came shortly after police forces said there was no evidence Edwards committed a criminal offence.</p> <p>Flind said she was issuing a statement on his behalf after days of speculation "primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children".</p> <p>Her statement said that Edwards has been suffering serious mental health issues since the allegations arose, and was currently in hospital. </p> <p>The statement reads, "In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter', I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family. I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children."</p> <div id="piano-inline1"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>"Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years."</p> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>"The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future."</p> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>Minutes before the family statement was published, a separate update was issued by the Metropolitan Police, which has been assessing the allegations in recent days after discussions with BBC executives. </p> </div> <div id="piano-inline2"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>It said, "Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed."</p> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>The BBC said it would continue its "fact finding investigations" into the allegations, which has been put on hold at the Met's request while it carried out its own enquiries. </p> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>A spokesperson for the corporation said: "We will now move forward with that work, ensuring due process and a thorough assessment of the facts, whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved."</p> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>Huw Edwards has worked for the BBC since the mid-1980s, rising from a trainee position to becoming one of BBC News' most recognisable presenters.</p> </div> <div data-component="text-block"> <p>As well as hosting the Ten O'Clock News for many years, he has led coverage of major news events, such as elections and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.</p> </div> </div> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div> </div>

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Major twist in BBC presenter scandal

<p>A damning scandal surrounding a high-profile BBC presenter has grown after a second victim has come forward against the anonymous personality. </p> <p>Just days after an exclusive report from <em>The Sun</em> claimed a well-known presenter for the public broadcaster had paid a teenager for explicit images, another woman has now claimed she was contacted online by the star. </p> <p>She said the presenter sent “abusive and menacing” messages online, and “felt threatened” when she refused to meet up with the presenter in person. </p> <p>They recognised the presenter after connecting on a dating app and, the BBC reported, “hinted they might name” them which led to a number of “abusive expletive filled messages”.</p> <p>“The young person said they had been scared by the power the presenter held,” BBC News reported. </p> <p>“They said the threats made in the messages … had frightened them, and they remain scared.” </p> <p>The person, in their early twenties, has no connection to the first person who came forward with the allegations. </p> <p>The presenter, who has yet to be named, has not commented on the allegations. </p> <p>These new allegations come just days after the first victim's family <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/bbc-presenter-suspended-over-deeply-concerning-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">came forward</a> and accused the anonymous presenter for sending their teenager a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for explicit pictures over a three year period.</p> <p>The correspondence with the presenter allegedly began when the first person was just 17 years old, with the mother of the person, now in their twenties, saying the money was funding a dangerous drug habit. </p> <p>The mother said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.”</p> <p>In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May".</p> <p dir="ltr">"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added.</p> <p dir="ltr">London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made".</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

<p dir="ltr">A BBC presenter has been suspended after allegations emerged of them playing a teenager for sexually explicit images.</p> <p dir="ltr">The unnamed presenter allegedly paid the teenager, who was 17 when the correspondence began, a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for the pictures over a three year period.</p> <p dir="ltr">UK culture minister Lucy Frazer said earlier she had spoken about the "deeply concerning" allegations with BBC Director General Tim Davie, who assured her the BBC is "investigating swiftly and sensitively".</p> <p dir="ltr">The allegations were first reported by <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/22978239/bbc-star-paying-teenager-sexual-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em> newspaper, who said the child’s mother first came forward with the allegations in May 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">The presenter reportedly stayed on the air for a month after the initial report was made.</p> <p dir="ltr">The alleged victim’s mother also said that the money given to their child was used to fund a drug habit.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May".</p> <p dir="ltr">"New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended".</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added.</p> <p dir="ltr">London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made".</p> <p dir="ltr">"We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow," it added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The BBC said it takes "any allegations seriously" and has "robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations".</p> <p dir="ltr">In an internal email sent to staff and quoted on the BBC website, Davie said he is "wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent".</p> <p dir="ltr">Since <em>The Sun</em> published the allegations, some BBC presenters have taken to social media to deny that they are the broadcaster in question, with the perpetrator yet to be formally named.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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“This has shattered us”: BBC reality star Jasmine Burkitt has passed away

<p dir="ltr">British reality star Jasmine Burkitt, known as Jazz to her loved ones and friends, has died aged 28.</p> <p dir="ltr">Burkitt was known for her 2011 documentary, Small Teen, Bigger World, a four-part series on BBC Three where she gave viewers an insight into her life as a teenager with dwarfism.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her fiancé, Lewis Burke, confirmed the news of her passing on social media earlier this week, per <em><a href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/jasmine-burkitt-dead-at-28-bbc-reality-star/b4cb4bdf-b00b-40ab-a78c-f25a3092dc9b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is the most incredible human that ever walked this planet, she is the strongest, funniest, most kindest and purely decent person I’ve ever known,” he wrote on their shared Facebook page.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am truly devastated. She changed my life forever and I’ll never be the same.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Burke, who was in hospital for a heart operation at the time of her passing, said Burkitt had passed away “after a long battle with a serious mental illness”.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to multiple media outlets, Norman Burkitt, Burkitt’s grandfather, said Burke’s mother found her body in a tent where she and Burke had been living since 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple had been documenting their life living in a tent in Bodelwyddan, Wales, on their Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lewisandjazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join our Journey</a>, after struggling to get council accommodation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re a differently abled couple who happen to live in a tent outdoors, in the UK,” the introduction on their page reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Although this wasn’t really our first choice, we are still determined to remain happy and productive throughout!! We are turning our homelessness from something negative to something positive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Burkitt’s grandfather said the couple’s situation highlighted the “desperate” housing situation in Wales, since the couple couldn’t get public housing together as they were from two different parts of the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The coroner has rang us to say there will be a post mortem. They were living in this tent because they could not get a house,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He described his granddaughter as a “fantastic girl” who was “so clever and bright”, emphasising her love of art and her television success.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She broke all sorts of viewing records at the BBC and got two awards,” he said. “This has shattered us, we have had no sleep. Everyone will miss her.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While Burkitt was filming her show, she was a registered carer for her mother, who later died from lung and breathing problems in 2014. Both had an undiagnosed form of dwarfism, which doctors couldn’t find the cause for.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her grandfather revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had a heart valve issue that meant she was taking three different types of medication and had to have hospital check-ups every six months.</p> <p dir="ltr">In January, Burkitt shared with her followers on Instagram that she had been hospitalised due to her physical and mental health at the end of the previous year, adding that she was “so happy to be much more stable” and couldn’t wait to be back with Burke and their dog, Loki.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-662c7374-7fff-b002-8b29-ade203924b07"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @joinourjourneyinsta (Instagram)</em></p>

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BBC star confirmed dead at just 21

<p dir="ltr">Reiss Jarvis, the BBC actor known for his role in the 2017 drama <em>Murdered for Being Different</em>, was killed in a car crash with another driver who “lost control” while speeding on an unlit road.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 21-year-old was in the front seat of his friend’s Mazda 3 and suffered multiple “unsurvivable” injuries in the crash on November 10 last year.</p> <p dir="ltr">An inquest into his death, held on Wednesday at Rochdale Coroner’s Court, heard that Mr Jarvis’ friend, Karl Young lost control of his car while driving at “excessive speed” at around 8.40pm that night, according to <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10802685/Actor-starred-BBC-drama-killed-driver-lost-control-car-passenger-in.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The vehicle then veered off the remote road, hitting a tree and plunging down an embankment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Jarvis was pronounced dead at the scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Young was pulled from the vehicle and taken to hospital, where he later passed away.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5cd9bbbf-7fff-ff76-3283-08592f1b0900"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were returning home to Oldham, in Greater Manchester, after going to a West Yorkshire fish shop.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our thoughts go to the family of Reiss Jarvis (21) &amp; the driver of the vehicle, both were killed last night in a RTA in Delph, Reiss played Michael Gorman in The ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/sophie_charity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sophie_charity</a>⁩ Lancaster Murdered for being Different, TV Drama, which was based from our facilities .RIP💔 <a href="https://t.co/xcjQo0kRKj">pic.twitter.com/xcjQo0kRKj</a></p> <p>— Bacup Borough FC (@BacupBoro) <a href="https://twitter.com/BacupBoro/status/1458912399961042952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Police Sergeant Neil Pennington, representing Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Unit, told the inquest that it was discovered through analysis of the car’s airbag module that it had been travelling at 110 miles per hour (about 117 kilometres per hour).</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the speed limit for the road is 50 miles an hour (approximately 80 kph), and the car was travelling at 58 miles per hour (about 93 kph) when it hit the tree.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the speed they were driving at, if anything did happen or a loss of control were to occur, it would be very hard for them to regain control of that vehicle,” Sergeant Pennington said.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to pathologist Dr Abdul Ganjifrockwala’s post-mortem examination, Mr Jarvis’ cause of death was confirmed to be from “multiple fatal injuries as a result of a road traffic collision”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sergeant Pennington told the inquest there was no evidence to suggest another vehicle was involved in the crash.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement, Mr Jarvis’ father, Darryl, described his son as “the life and soul of the party” and said his death has taken a “terrible toll” on his health.</p> <p dir="ltr">Assistant coroner Michael Salt concluded that Mr Jarvis died as a result of a road traffic collision.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This case highlights again the dangers of excessive speed on the roads,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“On this occasion a very talented and loyal young man has lost his life and the only explanation we have is one of loss of control of the vehicle through excessive speed.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9d919c25-7fff-2c06-170e-1933e94d0f01"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

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Orchestra of Ukrainian refugees to “honour the dead” at UK BBC Proms

<p dir="ltr">The BBC Proms is welcoming a special act this year, as an orchestra of Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainian musicians are expected to take centre stage.</p> <p dir="ltr">The newly-formed Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra was added to the programme of classical music “at the 11th hour”, Proms director David Pickard said, per the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61215906" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think sometimes you can feel rather powerless if you’re involved in the cultural world when a huge event like this war is going on, and this is a marvellous way to support the country and celebrate the power of music to cross divides,” he said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-afb06beb-7fff-1e4c-0243-bb5b864ee854"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The Ukrainian government has even granted an exemption to military-age male musicians so they can leave the country and play in the orchestra.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m so proud that the formation of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkrainianFreedomOrchestra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkrainianFreedomOrchestra</a> has been announced. Formed with leading Ukrainian musicians from inside and outside of Ukraine, we will assemble in Warsaw in July for 10 days of intensive rehearsals, before embarking on an 11 city tour. <a href="https://t.co/2Y7gc83DG3">pic.twitter.com/2Y7gc83DG3</a></p> <p>— Keri-Lynn Wilson (@kerilynnwilson) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerilynnwilson/status/1518934836249088002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lyn Wilson said the orchestra - which has been her brainchild - would “honour those who have died” in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I wanted to bring the best orchestral musicians of Ukraine together, from both inside and outside of their country, in a proud display of artistic unity,” she said in a statement announcing their tour, which will take them across Europe and on to the United States.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The tour is an expression of love for their homeland and to honour those who have died and have suffered so much.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Their inclusion comes as the Proms returns to the Royal Albert Hall for its first full-scale season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 3,000 musicians expected to perform across 84 concerts over eight weeks.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a programme including Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov’s Seventh Symphony and aria Abscheulicher! from Beethoven’s Fidelio which calls for humanity and peace in the face of violence, it’s easy to see why Mr Pickard predicts it will be a powerful and cathartic performance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Funds raised from the tour, which runs from July 28 until August 20, will be used to support Ukrainian artists according to a <a href="https://www.metopera.org/about/press-releases/ukrainian-freedom-orchestra-formed-to-tour-europe-and-u.s.-this-summer-in-artistic-defense-of-their-country/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> from the Metropolitan Opera.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Music can be a powerful weapon against oppression,” Peter Gelb, the Metropolitan Opera’s general manager, and Waldemar Dabrowski, the director of the Teatr Wielki-Polish National Opera, said in a joint statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This tour is meant to defend Ukrainian art and its brave artists as they fight for their freedom of their country.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a24c6067-7fff-3838-c208-035bab143706"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @kerilynnwilsonmaestro (Instagram)</em></p>

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Tributes for beloved EastEnders actress

<p dir="ltr">The beloved <em>EastEnders</em> actress June Brown has passed away at the age of 95.</p> <p dir="ltr">June’s devastated family announced the heartbreaking news of her passing on April 3, saying she “died peacefully” at home. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night,’ the official <em>EastEnders</em> Twitter account wrote on Sunday. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I would watch, listen and be totally captivated by her. She was an inspiration and I am truly blessed to have worked with and laughed with this unbelievably talented lady, icon, legend. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The irreplaceable June Brown.”</p> <p dir="ltr">June was best known for her role as Dot Cotton in <em>EastEnders</em>, a role she played for more than 30 years. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">1/3“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten... <a href="https://t.co/7OYtHJiIUb">pic.twitter.com/7OYtHJiIUb</a></p> <p>— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders/status/1510955197106958339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP June Brown, 95.<br />A wonderfully talented actress whose long-time portrayal of irascible fag-puffing Dot Cotton in EastEnders was one of the all-time great performances in British Television.<br />June was such a funny, feisty, fabulous lady off screen too. Very sad news. <a href="https://t.co/qhg2qqUdcd">pic.twitter.com/qhg2qqUdcd</a></p> <p>— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1510967032006602758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I took this shot of June Brown in, what I understand to have been her final scene on ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbceastenders</a>⁩. Love to all the cast and crew missing her. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/junebrown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#junebrown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eastenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eastenders</a> <a href="https://t.co/vZ57FNR8ur">pic.twitter.com/vZ57FNR8ur</a></p> <p>— Christopher McGill (@McGillTweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/McGillTweet/status/1510998252933496836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">As funny as she was wise, as wise as she was kind. When I joined Eastenders, June was the first of the older cast to embrace me. I love you June. We all do. ❤️🕊 <a href="https://t.co/MKVi0iNfGu">pic.twitter.com/MKVi0iNfGu</a></p> <p>— michelle gayle (@michellegayle1) <a href="https://twitter.com/michellegayle1/status/1510958271926001668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very sad day. I never had the pleasure of meeting/working with the mighty June Brown - but we adored watching her on the telly box. What a legacy June leaves behind. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> would not have been the same without her. Love &amp; strenght to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> &amp; June's loved ones. RIP💔 <a href="https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6">https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6</a></p> <p>— Balvinder Sopal (@BalvinderSopal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BalvinderSopal/status/1510964816256671745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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BBC journalist shares stories of Ukrainian children caught in crossfire

<p dir="ltr">A <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60814913" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC journalist</a> reporting from the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia has shared the horrifying stories of those injured by Russian shelling in Mariupol.</p> <p dir="ltr">Journalist Wyre Davies visited the Regional Children’s Hospital in Zaporizhzhia, where hundreds of people have been evacuated and continue to be treated by doctors.</p> <p dir="ltr">The children there include Artem, a two-year-old who was wounded by shrapnel from a Russian shell that also injured his parents and grandparents as they tried to flee Mariupol.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e2478cd7-7fff-157d-4ee8-0c9b4b4b278e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">15-year-old Masha (pictured above), who lies next in the bed next to Artem, is being treated after a shell tore apart her leg, forcing doctors to amputate it.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meanwhile … in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>, there’s still a war going on. Civilians are suffering &amp; cities are being flattened. With no ceasefire in sight, join me &amp; my bbc colleagues this week across <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCNews</a> for continuing coverage on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tv</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/radio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#radio</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/online?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#online</a>.</p> <p>— Wyre Davies (@WyreDavies) <a href="https://twitter.com/WyreDavies/status/1508293872551698438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Davies spoke to Dr Yuri Borzenko, the head of the Children’s Hospital, and is one the several doctors who asked the journalist to tell their stories.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hate Russia,” Dr Borzenko said. “The girl who lost her leg (Masha) was so traumatised she wouldn’t eat or drink for days. She couldn’t mentally handle what had happened. We had to feed her intravenously.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Another boy, a six-year-old with shrapnel in his skull described - without any tears or emotion - watching his mother burn to death in their car after it was hit. Two days later he said ‘dad buy me a new mum, I need someone to walk me to school’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Davies also met Vladimir, a “grief-stricken” father who lost his 26-year-old daughter and four-year-old granddaughter after a shell landed near the shelter where they were seeking refuge.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I looked at the ground and there lay my little granddaughter with her head completely torn to pieces,” Vladimir told Davies.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She lay there without a single breath and right next to her was my daughter with her legs fractured, open fractures.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But he has tried to stay strong for his second daughter, Diana, who was also critically wounded but was able to undergo emergency surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Davies’ story comes as other survivors continue to speak out about their experiences with journalists and through social media, including young people such as <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@valerisssh">Valerish</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ukrainian photographer is among the many young women taking to TikTok to share their experiences during the ongoing crisis while also educating others on how to help.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Every day I live with a hope that tomorrow war will end, but everything is getting worse,” she captioned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CayB1GdLsh9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one video</a> of her in front of a shelled apartment building.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I see how my city was wiped out of existence and how Russian troops killed Ukrainian civilians.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ca6416a7-7fff-88ad-72d1-b2516629db5c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">In another post, she wrote about meeting the mayor of Milan and about her native city of Chenihiv.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbhjcSpNzoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbhjcSpNzoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Photographer Valerish (@valerisssh)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“We talked about our ‘love’ for Russia and how we can help my native city Chernihiv,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I believe that the volunteer organisation ‘Palyanitsya’ (which Valerish volunteers with) from this moment have more power than before.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cbc988fb-7fff-a012-07aa-c976421b5c3c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Prince Harry forces controversial ‘Megxit’ doco to change name

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The second instalment of the BBC’s controversial documentary about the royal family has been renamed after Prince Harry criticised it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The UK’s </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/11/27/bbc-documentary-claims-palace-senior-source-helped-war-against/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunday Telegraph</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reported that the second documentary will be called ‘Sussexit’ rather than ‘Megxit’ following remarks from the prince saying the title was a “misogynistic” phrase “created by a troll”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part two of the controversial documentary series is </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/bbc-renames-second-part-of-controversial-royal-documentary-to-sussexit-to-appease-prince-harry/cc0e1d8a-393a-4a26-884b-729ce44c0506" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">expected</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to document the reasons why the Sussexes stepped down from royal duties. The </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telegraph</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has reported that it will examine the effect of  Diana’s relationship with the press on Harry and Prince William as well.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Claims that Harry and Meghan lacked support while they were royals are likely to be aired, as well as an unknown situation where a senior member of the royal household helped a tabloid in its case against Meghan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The controversially-named sequel comes after Part One, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Princes and the Press</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, prompted the royal family to </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/tv/royals-release-extraordinary-joint-statement" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">issue a rare joint statement</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> condemning its “overblown and unfounded” claims.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House came together to share their anger over not having the opportunity to vet the documentary before it was broadcast.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A free, responsible and open Press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy,” the statement directed at the BBC read.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“However, too often overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Harry has </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/prince-harry-says-megxit-is-a-misogynistic-term" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">previously</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> called out the use of the term ‘Megxit’ to refer to his and Meghan’s decision to step away from royal life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appearing on a panel hosted by WIRED Magazine earlier this month, the prince said the term was originally coined by an internet troll.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Maybe people know this and maybe they don’t, but the term Megxit was or is a misogynistic term, and it was created by a troll, amplified by royal correspondents, and it grew and grew and grew into mainstream media,” he said during the panel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But it began with a troll.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The final part of the BBC documentary is due to air on Monday night.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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Royals release extraordinary joint statement

<p>Buckingham palace has released a rare statement to condemn the BBC's new documentary about the royal family, saying the claims the show made are "overblown and unfounded".</p> <p>The extraordinary joint statement from Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Clarence House was aired during the two-part series titled <em>Princes and the Press</em>, which details how Prince Harry and Prince William have been treated by the media.</p> <p>The royal family was reportedly furious when they were not given the chance to vet the documentary before it aired, and issued a blistering statement to the BBC ahead of the broadcast.</p> <p>"A free, responsible and open Press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy," the joint statement read.</p> <p>"However, too often overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility."</p> <p>The first episode of the series aired on Monday night and featured Omid Scobie, a journalist who co-authored Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's unofficial autobiography <em>Finding Freedom</em>.</p> <p>Scobie claimed that unfavourable stories about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has been vetted by members of the royal household, while journalist Dan Wootton said officials "behind the scenes" has reached out to press amid growing frustrations with Harry and Meghan's behaviour.</p> <p>"There were some people who felt [Meghan] needed to be put in her place," Scobie said during the documentary.</p> <p>"I think by leaking a negative story, that's punishment."</p> <p>The documentary also discussed rumours of "competitiveness" between members of the royal family, and aired reports of Meghan's alleged "bullying" while in the palace.</p> <p>Jenny Afia, a lawyer who had previously worked with Meghan, denied reports that the Duchess was "difficult" to work with.</p> <p>"Those stories were false. This narrative that no one can work with the Duchess of Sussex that she was too difficult, demanding a boss, and that everyone had to leave is just not true," she said.</p> <p>It has been reported that officials at the BBC refused to allow Buckingham Palace advance footage of the first episode of the documentary, in order to eliminate any chance of censorship.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Prince Harry comes together with royal family in tribute to Prince Phillip

<p>Prince Harry will soon join with members of the British Royal Family, including brother Prince William, as a special tribute is paid to his late grandfather, Prince Phillip.</p> <p>The Duke of Edinburgh will forever be remembered by all of his children and grandchildren in a documentary that will air later this month. The BBC recently announced the release of<span> </span><em>Prince Phillip: The Royal Family Remembers</em>, revealing it was something that began as a tribute for the Duke’s 100th<br />birthday, but was reworked following his death in April.</p> <p>“More than a dozen members of the Royal Family offer their personal thoughts and reflections as they pay historic tribute to the extraordinary life of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh” a press release stated.</p> <p>All children of the Queen and Duke, along with their adult grandchildren and other members of the Royal Family, have agreed to take part in this unique portrait of the longest-serving consort in royal history.</p> <p>This landmark documentary features interviews filmed both before and after the Duke’s death in April. Producers were given special access to the Queen’s private home movie collection, which is sure to unearth some unique footage.</p> <p>Between the footage and the interview, it’s said the documentary will be “an unrivalled portrait of a man with a unique place in royal history – by those who knew him best”.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843910/new-project.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/51030a792e54409f928e261d7152e908" /></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>Prince Harry has made a number of TV appearances since his exit from life as a senior royal in March 2020, but none of those have been alongside other members of the Royal Family. His two Oprah appearances and his appearance in the mental health docu-series<span> </span><em>The Me You Can’t See –<span> </span></em>both covered his trials and tribulations with the royals and his perhaps worst memories in recent times.</p> <p>This TV appearance will more than likely have a more positive angle for the Duke of Sussex to reflect on. Prince Harry flew from the US to the UK to attend his grandfather’s funeral, marking this occasion as the first time he’d seen his family since the claims of racism within The Firm, among a number of other revelations.</p> <p>This new documentary isn’t the first time the family are paying tribute to their patriarch. Days after passing, the Queen and Prince Phillip’s four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – remembered their farther in a special that aired on the BBC.</p> <p><em>Prince Phillip: The Royal Family Remembers airs in the UK on September 22 at 9 pm (6 am September 23rd AEST).</em></p>

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Five books to read before you watch them

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the pandemic sees us continuing to stay inside and look for ways to entertain ourselves, adaptations of beloved books on screens big and small are just one way to while away the hours.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are five books that are worth a read before their adaptations are released.</span></p> <p><strong>1. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (Netflix)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 2008 Booker winning novel is already streaming on Netflix. Adiga’s darkly humorous debut novel follows the rags-to-riches story of Balram Halwal (played by Adarsh Gourav in his debut role), the son of a rickshaw driver, as he climbs the social ladder in India after murdering his master.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The film is be written, directed, and produced by Ramin Bahrani (</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Fahrenheit 451</em></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chop Shop</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oM-Nw9XzqVM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>2. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney (BBC Three)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the successful TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s second novel </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Normal People</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, BBC Three is doing the same with Rooney’s debut novel </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conversations with Friends</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.  The book details the relationships between Dublin college students Frances and Bobbi and an older married couple, Nick and Melissa.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The adaptation is due to be released in 2022 and will star Alison Oliver as Frances, Sasha Lane (</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>American</em> <em>Honey</em></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">) as Bobbi, Jemima Kirke (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Girls</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) as Melissa, and Joe Alwyn (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mary Queen of Scots</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) as Nick.</span></p> <p><strong>3. Daisy Jones &amp; the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Amazon Prime Video)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2020, Reese Witherspoon announced her production company Hello Sunshine would adapt </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Daisy Jones &amp; the Six</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> after claiming she “devoured [it] in a day”. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BueVkgqjuWV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BueVkgqjuWV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Reese’s Book Club (@reesesbookclub)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reid’s novel tells the story of a rock band’s rise to fame in the 1970s, led by titular character Daisy Jones played by Riley Keough (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mad Max: Fury Road</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The miniseries is expected to air on Amazon Prime Video sometime this year.</span></p> <p><strong>4. Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughn (Netflix)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sara Vaughn’s 2008 thriller is hoped to arrive on Netflix sometime this year as a six-episode series. The book follows the crumbling marriage of James, a Home Office minister, and Sophie, after James’ affair comes to light. Meanwhile, young barrister Kate prosecutes some of the UK’s most serious cases of sexual assault.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The producers behind </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Big Little Lies</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Gone Girl</em></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are on board, and the series’ main cast will include Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery, Rupert Friend, and Naomi Scott.</span></p> <p><strong>5. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty (Hulu)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following the success of Liane Moriarty’s </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Big Little Lies</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as a series, another of her bestsellers is hitting the small screen. Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans will join the series, which follows nine strangers who gather at a remote health resort run by shady host Masha (Kidman).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The series has been filmed in Byron Bay, New South Wales and is set to debut on Hulu from August 18.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Instagram</span></em></p>

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Coroner investigating death of BBC presenter after COVID jab

<p>An investigation has been launched into the death of a British journalist who her family says died from complications after having had the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.</p> <p>BBC presenter Lisa Shaw died on Friday and according to her family, she had been treated for blood clots days after her first jab.</p> <p>A coroner is now looking into the claims.</p> <p>The current fact-of-death certificate shows the vaccine as one of the possible reasons being considered, reports the BBC.</p> <p>Newcastle's senior coroner Karen Dilks released the document which confirms an investigation into Shaw's death will take place and lists a "complication of AstraZeneca Covid-19 virus vaccination" as a consideration.</p> <p>Shaw, who worked for BBC Radio Newcastle, was not known to have any underlying health problems.</p> <p>In a statement her family said: "Lisa developed severe headaches a week after receiving her AstraZeneca vaccine and fell seriously ill a few days later.</p> <p>"She was treated by the RVI's [Royal Victoria Infirmary] intensive care team for blood clots and bleeding in her head.</p> <p>Tragically she passed away, surrounded by her family, on Friday afternoon. We are devastated and there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that can never be filled. We will love and miss her always.</p> <p>"It's been a huge comfort to see how loved she was by everyone whose lives she touched, and we ask for privacy at this time to allow us to grieve as a family."</p> <p>The BBC has described Shaw as a "brilliant presenter" who was "loved by our audiences".</p> <p>"We've lost someone special who meant a great deal to a great many people," it said.</p> <p>The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said vaccine benefits exceed risks for most people.</p> <p>In a statement a spokesperson for the MHRA said: "We are saddened to hear about the death of Lisa Shaw and our thoughts are with her family.</p> <p>"As with any serious suspected adverse reaction, reports with a fatal outcome are fully evaluated by the MHRA, including an assessment of post-mortem details if available.</p> <p>"Our detailed and rigorous review into reports of blood clots occurring together with thrombocytopenia is ongoing."</p> <p>The blood clots linked to the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are considered extremely rare.</p>

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"It had no bearing on anything": Martin Bashir responds to Princess Di accusations

<p>Veteran journalist Martin Bashir has said he "never wanted to harm" Diana, Princess of Wales, with his now disgraced BBC Panorama interview, telling the Sunday Times newspaper, "I don't believe we did."</p> <p>In the 1995 world exclusive interview, Princess Diana confirmed Prince Charles' relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles and described in frank detail how she believed royal life had made her bulimic.</p> <p>An independent investigation published 25 years later by the BBC and led by retired judge Lord Dyson called the tactics Bashir used to secure the sit-down "deceitful".</p> <p>The report revealed the then-32-year-old journalist forged documents to suggest Palace staff were being paid to spy on the princess.</p> <p>Bashir then allegedly presented those documents to Diana's brother, Earl Charles Spencer, who then introduced him to Diana.</p> <p>The report also found an internal BBC inquiry in 1996 covered up Bashir's malpractice.</p> <p>Bashir left his role at the BBC earlier this month citing health reasons before the findings were released Thursday.</p> <p>Speaking to the Sunday Times, he said him and Diana "were friends" and continued to be close after the interview was broadcast, with the princess even paying a visit to his wife at the hospital shortly after the birth of their third child.</p> <p>“We loved her. That’s what we wanted to protect, and that’s why I have never taken money, never said anything, never written anything,” he said.</p> <p>“Everything we did in terms of the interview was as she wanted, from when she wanted to alert the palace, to when it was broadcast, to its contents ... My family and I loved her.”</p> <p>In the<span> </span><em>Sunday Times</em><span> </span>interview, Bashir expressed his sorrow over showing the fake bank statements to the princess’ brother, but insisted I didn’t harm the princess.</p> <p>“Obviously I regret it, it was wrong. But it had no bearing on anything. It had no bearing on (Diana), it had no bearing on the interview,” he said.</p>

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Princes Harry and William condemn BBC wrongdoings against Princess Diana

<p><span>The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex have condemned the BBC after a report into how they secured an interview with Princess Diana was released.</span><br /><br /><span>Prince William welcomed the report, saying the 1995 Panorama interview was obtained using “deceitful” methods”.</span><br /><br /><span>The royal said it "contributed significantly" to Princess Diana's "fear, paranoia and isolation" in her final years.</span><br /><br /><span>He also went on to say the interview was a "major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse".</span><br /><br /><span>Prince Harry released his own statement, saying "our mother lost her life because of this and nothing has changed".</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841349/princess-diana-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7108567cb2be45ac84fcc53f83b23ed5" /><br /><br /><span>Princess Diana referred to her ex-husband’s affair during the interview where she famously said: "there were three of us in this marriage…it was a bit crowded".</span><br /><br /><span>Lord Dyson’s report has concluded that Bashir used "deceitful behaviour" in a "serious breach" of BBC guidelines to obtain his interview with Princess Diana.</span><br /><br /><span>The 127-page report found that Bashir "deceived and induced" Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer into introducing him to his sister.</span><br /><br /><span>The BBC has offered a "full and unconditional apology" and admitted to "clear failings".</span><br /><br /><span>Prince William issued a statement via Kensington Palace hours after the report's release.</span><br /><br /><span>"It is my view that the deceitful way the interview was obtained substantially influenced what my mother said," he said.</span><br /><br /><span>"The interview was a major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse and has since hurt countless others.</span><br /><br /><span>"It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBC's failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her.</span><br /><br /><span>"But what saddens me most, is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she had been deceived."</span><br /><br /><span>Two years later, Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris.</span><br /><br /><span>"She was failed not just by a rogue reporter, but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions," William's statement said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRGEqaFLqT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRGEqaFLqT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by 𝗖ody 𝗧rimboli 𝗦alon (@ct.salon)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>Prince Harry released his own statement, saying: "The ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life.</span><br /><br /><span>"To those who have taken some form of accountability, thank you for owning it.</span><br /><br /><span>"This is the first step towards justice and truth. Yet what deeply concerns me is that practices like these - and even worse - are still widespread today.</span><br /><br /><span>"Our mother lost her life because of this, and nothing has changed.</span><br /><br /><span>"By protecting her legacy, we protect everyone, and uphold the dignity with which she lived her life.</span><br /><br /><span>Lord Dyson, who is a former Master of the Rolls, was hired by the BBC's director-general Tim Davie, to look into an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the interview.</span><br /><br /><span>It is alleged that Bashir had ordered falsified bank statements to win the trust of Earl Spencer.</span><br /><br /><span>Earl Spencer then introduced Bashir to Princess Diana at a friend's home in Knightsbridge, in central London, on September 19,1995.</span><br /><br /><span>The world exclusive interview would take place two months later.</span><br /><br /><span>Bashir was seen as a relatively unknown journalist at the time, but somehow managed to secure the scoop of the century.</span><br /><br /><span>He mocked-up bank statements that showed payments totalling nearly $20,000 going into an account owned by Earl Spencer's former head of security.</span><br /><br /><span>The cash sums were intended to show that Earl Spencer's security head was in the pay of a tabloid newspaper and also the British security services.</span><br /><br /><span>Earl Spencer had provided a dossier of evidence to Lord Dyson, including notes from that first meeting between Princess Diana and Bashir.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841350/princess-diana.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/953e7a00d6ed4f58ade6c57b205cc495" /><br /><br /><span>Prince William went on to say, "It is my firm view that this Panorama programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again.</span><br /><br /><span>"It effectively established a false narrative which, for over a quarter of a century, has been commercialised by the BBC and others.</span><br /><br /><span>"In an era of fake news, public service broadcasting and a free press have never been more important. These failings, identified by investigative journalists, not only let my mother down, and my family down; they let the public down too."</span><br /><br /><span>In a statement Bashir has apologised "over the fact that I asked for bank statements to be mocked up".</span><br /><br /><span>However he maintains they had "no bearing whatsoever on the personal choice by Princess Diana to take part in the interview".</span><br /><br /><span>Bashir has resigned from the BBC as its religion editor, on the grounds of ill health following heart surgery back in 2020.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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