Latest news with #Beeb
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani on ‘extended leave' as bullying scandal rages on
UNDER-FIRE BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has taken an 'extended period of leave' in the wake of bullying allegations. The show's Bafta-winning Editor, who stands previously accused of shaking a female colleague and aggressive behaviour, has stepped back following 5 Under-fire BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has taken an 'extended period of leave' in the wake of bullying allegations Credit: BBC 5 Employees have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process Credit: BBC There have also been a series of top level crisis meetings held within the corporation on how best to contain the developing crisis on one of its staple formats. In an email to internal staff, Director of Programming John McAndrew thanked colleagues for their 'positivity' during this 'stressful time' - and informed them of Frediani's decision. Last night a source said: 'It's been an incredibly challenging past few months for everyone involved with BBC Breakfast - from crew to on-screen talent. 'Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect. Read More on BBC Breakfast 'He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss. 'BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team. 'Right now, it's imperative that the BBC gets its house in order and ensures everyone is happy.' He needed time to reflect. It is understood Frediani had been on holiday but mutually decided to take an extended break. Most read in News TV Earlier today, meanwhile, Deadline confirmed The Sun's story concerning the internal review about the culture on the show. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV The battling Corporation has drafted in an external lawyer from top firm PwC to help speak to staff. Employees have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process. The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. 'In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart. Series of scandals EX-BBC News presenter Huw Edwards got a suspended jail term after admitting last July that he made indecent images of children. He had been suspended on full pay for five months. The Beeb said it should have acted faster when the scandal emerged in July Graziano Di Prima was sacked last July after we revealed he kicked his Strictly dance partner Zara McDermott in 2023. It came after Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying by Amanda Abbington, who requested footage of their rehearsals in early 2024. Complaints of verbal abuse against him were upheld, but physical aggression claims were not. He quit amid a probe. Former footballer Jermaine Jenas was axed from Match Of The Day last August after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues. He insisted 'nothing physical ever happened', but wife Ellie later divorced him. Other controversial Strictly celebs include opera singer Wynne Evans, accused of an 'inappropriate' sexual remark about Janette Manrara in January. Despite clearing his name in The Sun, the Beeb did not renew his Radio Wales contract. This month, the BBC suspended actor Jamie Borthwick over a slur against disabled people made on the Strictly set. 'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. But some stars, like 'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.' Naga, 50, is She is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the 'toxicity as the status quo'. Meanwhile, it is claimed Charlie, 62, takes a more laidback approach and 'finishes filming then leaves'. The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week. A source added: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways. 'She is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy — and is always trying to help others behind the scenes. 'Everyone feels like unless you're in Fredi's circle of favourites, you're likely to get a rough ride.' In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie were 'good friends', amid reports they had fallen out. 5 The battling Corporation has drafted in an external lawyer from top firm PwC to help speak to staff Credit: BBC 5 Monday's front page this week 5 It is understood Frediani had been on holiday but mutually decided to take an extended break Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Phil Tufnell's frank five-word answer to controversial Question of Sport exit
Phil Tufnell was one of three stars that were replaced on A Question of Sport in 2020 along with Sue Barker and Matt Dawson in a controversial shake-up of the show It did not come as a shock to Phil Tufnell when the BBC dropped himself, Sue Barker and Matt Dawson from A Question of Sport in 2020. The 59-year-old cricket icon had been a staple member of the show ever since he was named as a team captain in 2007. After 13 years he, Barker and Dawson were told that they would not be continuing in their role as the Beeb wanted to shake up the format and the personnel of the show. Barker was replaced by Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuinness, while Tufnell and Dawson made way for Olympian Sam Quek and rugby's Ugo Monye. After the revamped format was put on the shelf in 2023, former Football Focus host Dan Walker took to social media and suggested the BBC had "alienated their core audience while searching for a new one" with their decision-making. Tennis icon Barker, who had presented the show for more than 20 years, has also admitted that she was unhappy with the way in which they were let go by the BBC. While speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Tufnell admitted he was not left speechless when the decision was broke to him. He told Wales Online: "You can't do things forever." Tuffers explained: "They had been talking about it and what have you. I wasn't really involved in it. We'd all been doing it for a while. Well, more than a while, around 13 or 14 years I'd been captain. "They fancied a bit of a refresh. We were just sort of like, 'Okay, well, there you go. Thanks very much for the memories. I thoroughly enjoyed every single show. Loved every minute of it.' "Now we're doing the theatre show. It's not called a Question of Sport, of course. We're all good friends, all got a very similar sense of humour. "We all get on very well so it's great to be back recreating it a little bit. Obviously, you think to yourself, 'Oh crikey,' but we wished everyone the best. It was part of our lives." In a statement released at that time, the BBC said: "We would like to thank Sue for her enormous contribution as the show's longest reigning host over the last 24 years, and Matt and Phil for their excellent team captaincy over 16 and 12 years respectively. "Together they have ensured A Question of Sport remains a firm favourite with the BBC One audience. Sue, Matt and Phil's final series will be broadcast next year." When the show was shelved in 2023, a BBC spokesman hinted at the possibility of its revival by stating the decision was "not the final whistle." Tufnell said he would like to see the show return to the nation's screens, but would not expect a phone call from the BBC if it did. He added: "I hope it does come back. It was part of my childhood. It had been going for 55 years, a long time. "I loved the show when I was on it and I loved it as a boy. It was one of those little half hours that you sat round with your family. "Hopefully, it comes back. I'd be delighted to sit down and watch it. Whether we do it again, I'm not so sure. But, we've had our time, haven't we?" Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Who is on Question Time? Full BBC line-up for tonight
Question Time has confirmed the line-up for this week's episode - see who 📺 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Question Time is back with another episode this week. Fiona Bruce will host another topical debate. But who will be on the panel this time? Question Time will be tackling the challenges of 'growing up in the 21st Century' this week. The BBC has confirmed the line-up for its flagship debate programme. Debuting back in 1979, it has been a firm weekly fixture of the Beeb's TV schedule in the decades following. The latest episode will feature a YouTube star as well as political stalwarts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But who exactly is on the Question Time panel this week? Here's all you need to know: What to expect from Question Time this week? Fiona Bruce, the host of Question Time | BBC Fiona Bruce will once again be hosting the latest episode of the topical debate show. It will be broadcast from Greenford in north-west London this week, according to Radio Times . It is set to be a 'special programme on the challenges of growing up in the 21st Century'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who is on Question Time this week? The line-up for the latest episode of the long-running BBC show has been revealed. It includes the following: Peter Kyle MP David Willetts Katharine Birbalsingh Jack Thorne TommyInnit What are the Question Time panellists known for? This week's edition of Question Time, features a mix of politicians and other public figures. If the name Jack Thorne rings a bell it is because he was one of the minds behind 2025's blockbuster hit Adolescence. Thorne is also known for writing the Harry Potter stage play - the Cursed Child. He also penned another Netflix series this year in Toxic Town - starring Jodie Whittaker. Peter Kyle is a current member of Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet and holds the position of Secretary of State for Science and Technology. He is the MP for Hove and Portslade (formerly just Hove) and was first elected at the 2015 general election. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From the other side of the political aisle is David Willetts. He was Minister of State for Universities and Science under David Cameron between 2010 and 2014 - and is now a Conservative Peer. Willetts is the president of the Resolution Foundation - which is a think-thank aiming to improve the standard of living of low- to middle-income families. He served as an MP from 1992 to 2015, when he was made a peer. Britain's so-called strictest headmistress Katharine Birbalsingh is the co-founder of the Michaela Community School in Wembley, London. She was also appointed as the chair of the Social Mobility Commission in 2021 and received a CBE in 2020. TommyInnit is a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, comedian and author - he started uploading streams online in 2013 and has had billions of views since. The internet star, real name Tom Simons, made his name with his Minecraft streams but is now also known for his stand-up comedy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He will also be the only member on the panel born in the 21st century - and is just 21 years old. Which contrasts with the more mature ages of the other panelists this week. How to watch Question Time tonight? The latest episode will be first broadcast on BBC News and iPlayer at 9pm, it has been confirmed. It will be repeated on BBC One and 10.40pm and is set to run for approximately an hour. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Who is on Question Time? Full BBC line-up for tonight
Question Time has confirmed the line-up for this week's episode - see who 📺 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Question Time is back with another episode this week. Fiona Bruce will host another topical debate. But who will be on the panel this time? Question Time will be tackling the challenges of 'growing up in the 21st Century' this week. The BBC has confirmed the line-up for its flagship debate programme. Debuting back in 1979, it has been a firm weekly fixture of the Beeb's TV schedule in the decades following. The latest episode will feature a YouTube star as well as political stalwarts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But who exactly is on the Question Time panel this week? Here's all you need to know: What to expect from Question Time this week? Fiona Bruce, the host of Question Time | BBC Fiona Bruce will once again be hosting the latest episode of the topical debate show. It will be broadcast from Greenford in north-west London this week, according to Radio Times . It is set to be a 'special programme on the challenges of growing up in the 21st Century'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who is on Question Time this week? The line-up for the latest episode of the long-running BBC show has been revealed. It includes the following: Peter Kyle MP David Willetts Katharine Birbalsingh Jack Thorne TommyInnit What are the Question Time panellists known for? This week's edition of Question Time, features a mix of politicians and other public figures. If the name Jack Thorne rings a bell it is because he was one of the minds behind 2025's blockbuster hit Adolescence. Thorne is also known for writing the Harry Potter stage play - the Cursed Child. He also penned another Netflix series this year in Toxic Town - starring Jodie Whittaker. Peter Kyle is a current member of Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet and holds the position of Secretary of State for Science and Technology. He is the MP for Hove and Portslade (formerly just Hove) and was first elected at the 2015 general election. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From the other side of the political aisle is David Willetts. He was Minister of State for Universities and Science under David Cameron between 2010 and 2014 - and is now a Conservative Peer. Willetts is the president of the Resolution Foundation - which is a think-thank aiming to improve the standard of living of low- to middle-income families. He served as an MP from 1992 to 2015, when he was made a peer. Britain's so-called strictest headmistress Katharine Birbalsingh is the co-founder of the Michaela Community School in Wembley, London. She was also appointed as the chair of the Social Mobility Commission in 2021 and received a CBE in 2020. TommyInnit is a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, comedian and author - he started uploading streams online in 2013 and has had billions of views since. The internet star, real name Tom Simons, made his name with his Minecraft streams but is now also known for his stand-up comedy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He will also be the only member on the panel born in the 21st century - and is just 21 years old. Which contrasts with the more mature ages of the other panelists this week. How to watch Question Time tonight? The latest episode will be first broadcast on BBC News and iPlayer at 9pm, it has been confirmed. It will be repeated on BBC One and 10.40pm and is set to run for approximately an hour.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
How to apply for Race Across the World 2026?
Race Across the World is looking for future contestants - and you don't have long to apply 🌍 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Race Across the World will be back next year. Applications for the sixth series are open now. But how long do you have left to apply for it? After a truly mammoth journey across China, Nepal and India the latest series of Race Across the World has come to an end. Mother and son duo Caroline and Tom secured the win after a very dramatic final leg. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you have been watching at home and feel like you could actually do a better job, applications for the next season are already open. Here's all you need to know: How to apply for Race Across the World 2026? Race Across the World finalists Caroline and Tom | BBC The curtains have been drawn on yet another season of the BAFTA winning show. The latest winners have been crowned and the reunion special has taken place. It means that attention is starting to turn towards the future of the show. A third version of the celebrity spin-off is due to be broadcast later in the year - potentially arriving around the same time as the Celebrity Traitors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However the BBC is already looking for the teams to take part in the sixth series of Race Across the World - which is expected to air in 2026. On its website , the Beeb adds: 'We are looking for teams of two to apply and all applicants must be over the age of 18 on the date of submitting their application.' It adds: 'We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you're a seasoned traveller or total novice. We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, to what lengths you would go to win. 'Maybe you're looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you've lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or want to explore a particular part of the world.' When is the deadline to apply for Race Across the World? If you are considering dropping in an application for the next season of the hit BBC show, you still have time. The deadline is just over two weeks away (at the time of publishing on June 19). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Race Across the World series six applications close on Sunday, July 6 2025. All you need to do to apply is fill out a form on the BBC's website and cross your fingers that you and your teammate make it.
