MMU strips Lawrence Jones of doctorate following rape convictions

Notorious former UK government spin doctor Alastair Campbell was pondering legal action against the BBC 20 years ago over its reporting of the controversies surrounding the Iraq War.

The BBC‘s latest Agatha Christie adaptation concluded last night neck-and-neck in the ratings with ITV‘s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? from over the Easter Weekend.

It’s 1969 when the midwives and nurses of Nonnatus House return to help deliver lots more babies - and some of their best scenes yet. Series thirteen of Call the Midwife returns with a guest appearance from comic Rosie Jones and two new faces join the team. All our old favourites are back too - and writer Heidi Thomas tells us what’s coming up.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has spoken about why he believes eco-friendly tours make “business sense” in the music industry.The British band embarked on their ‘Music Of The Spheres‘ tour last year with a renewed focus on environmental sustainability.The new initiatives included cutting direct emissions by 50 per cent compared to their last tour in 2016 and 2017, using 100 per cent renewable energy and having solar installations at every venue.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky enjoyed a family day out as they visited Aspen, Colorado, just a couple of days after Christmas.The Umbrella singer, 35, was snapped doting on her two children RZA, one, and Riot Rose, four months, as she sported a rather relaxed look. Rihanna donned a grey jumper for the occasion and kept her hair back in braids. She added some glamour to the low-key ensemble with some diamond earrings.

Carol Kirkwood, the popular BBC Breakfast weather presenter, has tied the knot! The 61 year old star got married in a "romantic and intimate" ceremony just after Christmas. Carol, who was previously married to Jimmy Kirkwood from 1990 to 2008, described her wedding day as "one I will never forget". So, who is the lucky man? Well, Carol's new husband is Steve Randall.

Emily Andre has shared a rare glimpse at her two young children on holiday as they prepare to ring in the New Year in the UAE.The proud mum, who is pregnant with the couple's third child together, tends to keep nine-year-old Amelia and seven-year-old Theo out of the spotlight, but on Thursday she decided to share a sneak peek at their getaway. Peter Andre and Emily announced in October that they are expecting their third child together and have since been giving fans a glimpse of their latest pregnancy journey on social media. As they enjoy a family holiday together, Peter, who shares son Junior, 18, and daughter Princess, 16, with his ex Katie Price, told his 1.8 million followers he'd be back online on 31st to celebrate the New Year.

Rosie Marcel, who stars in BBC's Holby City, has shared that her husband was rushed to hospital after suffering a plural effusion and a partially collapsed lung.The actress, known for playing Jac Naylor, posted worrying pictures of paramedics at their home on Instagram. In one photo, Rosie's husband Ben Stacey is seen sitting on their cream sofa while a paramedic attends to him, along with the caption: "And now this." Rosie captioned another one of the images: "My poor hubby has a plural effusion and a partially collapsed lung." She explained that he was sent home from the hospital earlier but his pain worsened, leading them to call an ambulance. "He was sent home this morning but the pain worsened and we had to call an ambulance.

Love Island finalist Paul Knops looks unrecognisable and completely different five years on from starring on the hit ITV2 dating show. Former reality star Paul found fame on the programme in 2018 when he finished in second place alongside Scottish beauty Laura Anderson. But things quickly turned sour when they decided to split and Paul accused the ex air hostess of moving on with Islander Max Morley "weeks" before he ended their romance.

Christmas can be a lonely time for some people, but Love Actually star Hugh Grant made sure to give a group of Londoners something to smile about. Hugh, 63, who features in newly-released film Wonka, helped out in the Big H&F Christmas Day Lunch earlier this week.The initiative helps over 500 locals in London's borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, who otherwise would have spent the festive period on their own.

Eminem has requested a protective order against The Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon as part of an ongoing trademark dispute.The case began earlier this year when the US rapper filed an opposition to a trademark request for the Reasonably Shady podcast hosted by the reality TVstars.The rapper – real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III – argued in documentation that his brand would be “damaged” if they were granted the trademark for their show, because he is known under the monikers Slim Shady and Shady.The rapper also owns the trademark for the term “Shady” for use on merchandise.Bryant and Dixon responded by asking the court to dismiss the rapper’s opposition and insisted that he be deposed, meaning he would have to testify under oath or by written statement.Eminem reportedly filed the protective order earlier this month in an attempt to avoid an in-person deposition.According to a filing seen by People, it would be “unduly burdensome” for the rapper to be deposed due to his “limited knowledge of the subjects at issue”.The filing suggested that someone else who has a “superior knowledge to Mathers on the relevant topics” might be a better alternative, including Eminem’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg.The documents also argued that the motion was “premature and procedurally improper,” as they “have yet to serve” Mathers.In a statement shared to People, Bryant and Dixon’s attorney Andrea Evans said: “It seems obvious to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be made available to be deposed.”Evans added that their team would “like to question Mathers at least about his use of the expressions Slim Shady and Shady”.“It’s unclear to us that Mathers can be the owner of the trademarks and file

Taylor Swift from the accusation that she is a “distraction” to the Kansas City Chiefs .The American football team have lost three out of their last four contests, which included a 20-14 loss on Christmas Day (December 25) to the Las Vegas Raiders.After the defeat last week, Fox sports personality Skip Bayless tweeted that it was “about time to call Taylor Swift a distraction”. The pop star cheered on boyfriend and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce from the stands at the Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri.However, ESPN’s Elle Duncan defended the pop sensation from the claims on her podcast. “Do not blame Taylor Swift for being a ‘distraction’, for Travis Kelce not playing well, for the Chiefs playing good,” she said on the The Elle Duncan Show (via Deadline).

Police are appealing for information following a robbery at a shop in East Kilbride.

A former Team GB football star tragically died just days before Christmas, leaving her wife and young daughter “at a complete loss”.

Anybody with British Gas, Octopus, EDF, OVO and other energy companies has been reminded to do one vital task at home before prices are set to rise in the New Year.

Scots have been urged to seek support if they are struggling with their energy bills - ahead of a new price hike coming into force on New Year's Day.

A mother said she has been left with “nightmares” after being attacked by a massive dog in the middle of the street.

Instagram alongside a photo of himself holding up a black and white image of his late father.“This will be a tribute to the man, his family, his love of boxing, and his legendary career as an actor.

A teacher who began an inappropriate relationship with his pupil - which turned sexual shortly after she had graduated - has been banned from the profession. Thomas Moss was a chemistry teacher and head of Year 10 at the Belvedere Academy girls school in south Liverpool until May 2022 when he resigned having been suspended in March of the same year.

Dozens of celebrities have opted to spend the festive period abroad this year, with the Maldives proving to be the most popular holiday destination. Stars such as Charlotte Crosby and Molly-Mae Hague have headed to the country in South Asia with their loves ones, as well as Kate and Rio Ferdinand, who jetted off with their children for Christmas. Former The Only Way Is Essex star Billie Shepherd is also among the celebs flocking to the Maldives.

While your Christmas lunch and the Boxing Day buffet may now be a distant memory, this January you'll want to pencil in a date to pay a visit to a rather special food festival. When it comes to indulging in comfort food, a hearty, homemade pie always ticks the box, so it will be music to many people's ears to hear that one Greater Manchester boozer is dedicating the first two months of the year to this no-nonsense, pub-grub staple.

Claudia Winkleman has made an admission about her position on The Traitors as she prepares to ditch the sequins for a black cloak once more. The reality show became a runaway hit last year and is set to return for a second series next month (January).

Jemma Lucy has sparked rumours she has split from boyfriend Nicholas Sinclair, just a couple of weeks after banning him from visiting her in hopsital. Earlier this month the Ex On The Beach star, 35, was rushed into her local hospital's accident and emergency department, later sharing that she hadn't wanted her boyfriend to come with her. And now it seems that the pair might have called time on their romance, with Jemma removing all trace of Nicholas from her social media.The pair had often shared rather racy snaps together on their Instagram pages, but now these have been removed from both accounts.

A gang of thieves struck in a terrifying raid at Jack Grealish's Cheshire mansion while he played for Manchester City. Members of the City winger's family were said to be in the multi-million pound property during the break-in on Wednesday night, while they watched him play in the club's 3-1 away win at Everton.

Helen Flanagan has admitted to not 'feeling herself' as she revealed she suffered a blunder as she jetted off on her post-Christmas break. The actress admitted to having a 'weird' festive season this year as she was without her children for the first time.

Gogglebox star Lee has shared some glimpses of his Christmas with his rarely seen partner Steve, as fans of the show questioned co-star Jenny's whereabouts. Lee, who features alongside Jenny in his caravan in Hull, shared some sweet snaps with his partner Steve as they drank wine and enjoyed the festive period.The duo, who rarely share snaps together, looked happier than ever as they were seen grinning from ear to ear while sipping on some wine. Informing his followers that he has spent Christmas in Cyprus, Lee captioned the post: "What day is it haven’t a clue it’s between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve but loving been home in Cyprus with my man".

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has thrilled fans by sharing the 'best news' with his fans and followers weeks after the latest series came to an end. The dancer appeared during the final of the BBC One dance contest earlier this month following his unexpected exit from the 2023 series.

England footballer Gemma Wiseman has died at the age of 33, leaving her wife Laura and daughter, aged 3, “devastated”. Gemma was found dead by a member of the public just days before Christmas, with her body discovered on Rackheath, just outside Norwich, on December 16. An inquest into her death was opened on December 28 at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall.

Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood's mansion was targeted by burglars just two days after Christmas Day, as the Manchester City footballer played a match against Everton. Emergency services, including a police helicopter rushed to his home on Wednesday night but the group of robbers managed to escape with items worth a significant amount of cash Jack played the full 90 minutes in City's 3-1 win over Everton that night, and found out about the break-in just after the final whistle and dashed back home. Sasha and a number of Jack's relatives were at home when the burglary occurred, although luckily no one was hurt during the incident.

ITV has reportedly discussed increasing security in a bid to ensure Holly Willoughby feels "secure" as she returns as the host of Dancing On Ice. It comes after claims that the 42-year-old presenter has been offered a huge new contract by ITV, after quitting This Morning earlier this year. Now the TV star has reportedly been offered heightened security amid her return as bosses want to make sure she feels "completely secure" on the show, according to The Sun.

EastEnders fans have been gripped by the thrilling Christmas Day episode, which saw one Walford resident turn into a killer, and are now wondering what Linda Carter's future is on the show.The extended episode of the popular BBC One soap showed Linda, played by Kellie Bright, fatally stab Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), in an attempt to save Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).The shocking scenes also involved other Albert Square residents Denise Fox, Kathy Beale, Stacey Slater, Suki Panesar, and Nish Panesar. Keanu was stabbed by Linda with a carving fork after Denise had hit Nish with a champagne bottle - but Suki managed to revive Nish after Sharon had declared him dead. After Keanu's death, the ladies started arguing over who had killed him, and who was an accessory to his death.

Childish Gambino has confirmed that he will be releasing a new album “soon”.The rapper – real name Donald Glover – has not released an album since 2020’s ‘3.15.20’, which featured guest appearances from Ariana Grande, 21 Savage and more.The artist was leaving the Greenwich Hotel in New York this week when he was asked by TMZ what fans can expect next, to which he replied “[an] album”.He added that the new record would be coming “soon”, but did not reveal any more details. It comes after the ‘This Is America’ artist appeared to be teasing something on a mysterious Instagram account earlier this month.On the anniversary of Childish Gambino’s 2013 sophomore full-length, ‘Because The Internet’, an Instagram account supposedly credited to the rapper started an impromptu Instagram Live stream.The 30-second broadcast reportedly only featured audio without footage.

Ellise Shafer Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired Turkish streaming service BluTV, the company announced on Friday. For the past three years, Warner Bros.

Party season is well under way and whether you are having a New Year’s Eve party, or enjoying some quiet drinks, we’ve got the perfect cocktail recipes that will get you in the festive spirit without having to worry too much about the calories. Just take a look at our delicious recipes.

Hundreds of youngsters in war-torn Ukraine enjoyed surprise Christmas boxes sent from Scotland.

'Nervous? About them, are you joking?'