Flesh and Code is an utterly jaw-dropping listen: best podcasts of the week
Broadcasting's most wickedly fun duo reunite for a gossipy new podcast. Maria McErlane joined Graham Norton on his radio shows for 13 years, answering listeners' dilemmas.They're back at it, starting with a man who is confused by his girlfriend's nudist father. Cue some quite helpful but very funny advice. Hollie RichardsonWidely available, episodes weekly
The agony – mental and physical – of IVF patients whose pain drugs were stolen by a nurse underpinned the first series of the New York Times's podcast. Susan Burton's bewildering follow-up turns to women who say they felt everything during their caesareans, beginning with the story of a midwife, Clara, and her 'unfathomable' pain during the procedure. Hannah J DaviesWidely available, episodes weekly
'This is the most detailed amount of food anybody has ever sent,' gasps Grace Dent as she's joined by singer-songwriter Joy Crookes in the opening to the new series of the Guardian's food podcast. It's a lively chat as they work their way through snacks placed lovingly on trays by Crookes' mum, from lamb biryani to bhorta. ADWidely available, episodes weekly
Sign up to What's On
Get the best TV reviews, news and features in your inbox every Monday
after newsletter promotion
This scholarly podcast from Warwick University's Keith Hyams and Jessica Sutherland is all about how to strengthen democracy in our increasingly shaky world. Things get underway with philosopher and Oxford professor Jonathan Wolff, on the dangers of populism and the risks of curating your own news diet. HJDWidely available, episodes weekly
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BBC 'told John Torode to resign and blame mental health issues' after 'racism allegation' and he REFUSED: MasterChef star reveals he too was ruled against alongside co-host Gregg Wallace
John Torode was asked to resign from MasterChef by the BBC and blame mental health after he was accused of misconduct, it has been claimed. Gregg Wallace 's co-presenter came out last night to admit an allegation of using racist language had been upheld against him - but denied all wrongdoing. It has now emerged Mr Torode reportedly refused to quit when urged to stand down over the weekend. A source told The Sun the MasterChef star, 59, was asked by the BBC and production company Banijay to pretend he had mental health issues. Taking to Instagram last night, Mr Torode, who has hosted the BBC1 cooking show with Wallace since 2005, said he was 'shocked' by the allegation which stated he 'used racial language' in a social situation. A source close to Mr Torode told The Sun the presenter was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. It is claimed the witness said Mr Torode apologised instantly and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time, but the incident had been brought up during Wallace's inquiry, the source said. Mr Torode to Instagram to say: 'For the sake of transparency I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion' The source went on to explain 'shockingly' Mr Torode was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was informed on Friday it would be upheld. Mr Torode was reportedly called by The BBC on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back and he was told to have his answer by Monday. The source said: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star.' Mr Torode said in last night's social media post: 'Following publication of the Executive Summary of the Investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld. 'For the sake of transparency I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. 'The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards.' Mr Torode went on to say he had 'absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe it happened'. He added: 'I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.' The allegation is understood to have been upheld in a report as part of a review into the behaviour of Mr Torode's former co-presenter Gregg Wallace. It comes after Wallace hit out at the BBC as the probe upheld more than half of the complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him, with the presenter warning he 'won't be the last' to be cancelled. The report into Wallace's behaviour on the cooking show upheld 45 out of 83 complaints made, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', leaving the BBC to admit it 'could and should have' acted sooner on the MasterChef host. The damning investigation also found that two complaints about the behaviour of 'other people' were upheld. While apologising for any 'distress' he caused, Wallace has taken aim at the MasterChef broadcaster, which he claims has valued 'protecting its legacy' over 'protecting people'. Warning that it was 'dangerous' to be a 'working-class man with a direct manner' in the world of broadcasting, he said he 'won't be the last' to face cancellation. The presenter said: 'In the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.' Patrick Holland, CEO of MasterChef production company Banijay, said he was 'extremely sorry' to those who had been impacted by Wallace's behaviour and added that the report makes the star's 'return to MasterChef untenable'. Wallace's statement, supplied to the PA news agency before being published on Instagram, noted that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' anyone and that he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused'. He said his 'late autism diagnosis' - which he received while he stepped back from MasterChef at the end of last year - has helped him to understand how he communicates and how he is perceived. He said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. 'I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended. 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. 'Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them.' Wallace's fiery statement comes just days after he said he would 'not go quietly' in a post which has since been deleted from his Instagram page. The BBC said the investigation into a 'substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct' over 19 years highlighted behaviour that falls below the corporation's values. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour - both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC,' a spokesman added. 'We accept more could and should have been done sooner.' The corporation would not confirm whether they will broadcast the series of MasterChef they filmed with him last Autumn. A spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Downing Street welcomed the fact the BBC had 'severed ties' with Wallace, adding: 'We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.' The seven-month investigation, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, heard 83 allegations from 41 complainants against Wallace, all relating to his time on the cookery programme. It also found that 10 standalone allegations were made against 'other people', from 2012 to 2019, with two claims, relating to swearing and racist language being upheld. The majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94 per cent) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. Only one allegation was substantiated post 2018. The majority of substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour. A smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated. One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the allegations against Gregg Wallace were 'horrendous and appalling', and she welcomed the BBC's decision to end its association with the MasterChef presenter. The investigation team found evidence that during the period from 2005 to 2024, six complaints were raised with the production company and 6 with the BBC (four of which had also been raised with the production company). However, the investigator found that 'there was a tendency to address the concern informally on a case-by-case basis and not therefore consider each issue as additive to any prior allegations or to matters which had been observed by senior members of staff'. More formal action was taken by the production company in 2015 and the BBC in 2017. Wallace was diagnosed with autism during the time of the investigation and the report found that this was 'highly relevant' in the context of the findings. They said: 'Mr Wallace's neurodiversity diagnosis is considered highly relevant in the context of the findings made, particularly regarding his use of humour as a 'masking' technique and his difficulty in reading social cues. 'Mr Wallace accepts that his diagnosis may help to explain some of his actions, but he does not wish to hide behind it.' The categories of allegations were separated in seven categories which included inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), sexually explicit comments, being in a state of undress, sexualised comments made to or about someone, culturally insensitive / racist comments, bullying, unwanted physical contact. The majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, however, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress and unwelcome physical contact were also substantiated. Out of the 45 upheld complaints, 27 occurred between 2005 to 2011, 17 from 2012 to 2018 and just one from 2019 to 2024. Overall, the report concluded that 16 sexually explicit comments, 12 inappropriate comments, two sexualised comments to or about someone and four culturally insensitive/racist comments were made. One incident of unwelcome physical contact and three incidents of being in a state of undress were also substantiated. While, seven cases of bullying were upheld. Prior to 2016, the investigation found that there was little or no formal training or clear escalation procedures in place, leading to underreporting of inappropriate behaviour. It also added that concerns were not always flagged to Wallace meaning he was 'not necessarily aware that his behaviour had caused offence'. The report found that many contestants felt unable to speak out on MasterChef because 'their desire to do well in the competition, meant that they were unlikely to complain or allow their reactions to show.' Karen Baxter, the head of investigations at Lewis Silkin, who conducted the report did find that after the BBC warned Wallace about his behaviour in 2017 that he did change his behaviour. She said: 'There is evidence which shows that Mr Wallace took some proactive steps to modify his behaviour, seek guidance from colleagues on his choice of language, and to remove himself from work-related social situations.' Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016 where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking particularly amongst freelance staff. ' A spokesman for the BBC said: 'We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. 'In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future. 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour - both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner. 'We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour. 'Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority. 'The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production. 'At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. 'In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards. 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' John Torode, The BBC and Banijay UK have been contacted for further comment on the 'mental health' allegation and whether Mr Torode had been asked - and refused - to step down.
Daily Mail
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
King Charles and Prince Harry aides 'peace summit' part of 'charm offensive by the Sussexes to turn around their negative public image'
A meeting between King Charles and Prince Harry 's senior aides came amid a charm offensive by the Sussexes to turn around their negative public image, the Mail understands. Harry and Meghan's new chief of communications, Meredith Maines, met with Tobyn Andreae, the King's communications secretary, at the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) a three-minute walk from Clarence House, the monarch's London residence on Wednesday. Also present was Liam Maguire, who runs the Sussexes' PR team in the UK. Images of the rendezvous raised hopes of a reconciliation between Harry, 40, and his father, 76. The extraordinary summit came after Ms Maines, who is head of Harry's household in Montecito, California, flew to the UK earlier in the week for a series of meetings alongside Mr Maguire, their new 'UK and Europe communications manager'. These included British business and charitable partners, as well as a host of London-based press and television journalists. Their itinerary suggests that the couple - Harry in particular - are launching a new charm offensive on the UK in a bid to turn around their negative public image. The Mail understands it was subsequently suggested that a meeting with Buckingham Palace's director of communications, Mr Andreae, might be possible while Ms Maines was in the UK. This is not as surprising as it might initially seem. The extraordinary summit came after Ms Maines, who is head of Harry's household in Montecito, California, flew to the UK earlier in the week for a series of meetings alongside Mr Maguire, their new 'UK and Europe communications manager (pictured) Even after the Sussexes' acrimonious departure from the Royal family, tentative 'lines of communication' were kept open between the palace press office and the duke and duchess' PR team on occasional matters of importance. However in recent years these have all but dwindled out in the wake of Harry's repeated and increasingly vitriolic attacks on his family, as well as the institution of the monarchy. His latest, with the BBC, in which he blamed his recent decisive defeat in the British courts over his ongoing security in the UK on an 'establishment stitch-up' and insensitively raised the issue of how long his father has to live, went down extremely badly in royal circles. While understandably wary, it is understood that the palace believed a tentative meeting was sensible in the circumstances - if only to re-open those channels once again with yet another new Sussex PR team, following another series of enforced departures both in California and the UK. There was 'considerable surprise' and a 'weary resignation' amongst senior courtiers to see details and pictures of Wednesday's meeting, which was such a closely-guarded secret, published in the media at the weekend. Senior officials on all sides have repeatedly declined to say whether Prince William's team at Kensington Palace were aware that the meeting was going ahead, even if they were not represented. One source stressed to the Mail that the relationship between father and son was 'inevitably different' to that of the siblings. It has also been noted that while angry and not wishing at present to make any sort of personal overtures to his brother, William has on a number of occasions over the years made magnanimous gestures of kindness towards him, despite huge provocation, including inviting Harry and Meghan to meet mourners and collect flowers at Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth. A source said the summit was only the 'first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction' Harry is next due back in the UK in September for the annual WellChild events, raising the prospect of meeting his father for the first time in 18 months. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham is another opportunity for a public reconciliation. The Duke is said to have sent email invitations to Buckingham Palace in the hope that it will give the King sufficient time to fit the event into his busy schedule. While the meeting was significant, it is understood it was largely to 'open a channel of communication' after Harry said in a BBC interview his father would not speak to him, and to discuss how to avoid media clashes and conflicts around calendar dates. Harry and Meghan are said to be frustrated after the meeting was caught on camera in pictures published by the Mail on Sunday. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex denied leaking details of the rendezvous.
Daily Mail
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Nicole Scherzinger, 47, sizzles in a fringed black dress as she leaves her hotel in New York City
Nicole Scherzinger sizzled in a figure-hugging dress as she was seen leaving her hotel in New York City on Monday. The former Pussycat Doll, 47, looked incredible as she strutted in her ankle-length, backless black dress. She added inches to her frame as she slipped into a pair of black Christian Louboutin platform heels. To accessorise, the actress upped the glamour with a pair of large diamond dangly earrings. In an elegant display, Nicole slicked back her raven tresses into a sleek ponytail which trailed down her back. Her appearance in the city comes after she flaunted her incredible body in a skimpy swimsuit, as she rung in her birthday over the weekend earlier this month. The Tony winner - who has 'shelved her upcoming solo album' - jumped to her Instagram page to upload a clip as she spent time on the sandy shore of a beach to ring in the special milestone. The beauty showcased her toned figure wearing a black and white-striped bikini top as well as matching bottoms. Nicole's long, dark locks were parted to the side and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in natural waves. The performer struck a variety of poses for the camera as she had a blast while waves crashed down around her at the tropical destination. At one point, Nicole also added a large hat on top of her head as the warm sun shone down on her. The star added text over the reel which read, 'POV: People born in 2000 are turning 25... and so am I.' And in the caption of the post, the songstress penned to her 7.1 million followers: '46 you were Golden!✨.' Nicole additionally shared another video as she flashed her sculpted abs while meditating near the ocean. The Broadway performer was filmed sitting cross-legged near the shallow water as the sun began to set in the distance. The camera moved around behind Nicole to offer a scenic view of the orange sun setting far off in the horizon. 'Reflecting with deep gratitude as another year rises on the horizon,' she wrote. 'So grateful for every breath, for every sunrise and sunset. Thank you God for another year.' Along with enjoying a relaxing beach day, the beauty further celebrated her birthday with a group of pals inside what appeared to be a club. She uploaded snippets from the bash and put on a leggy display wearing a dazzling ensemble with shimmering, tasseled details. Nicole danced the night away while indulging in tasty snacks such as savory pizza and sipped on refreshing drinks. 'Thank you so much for all the birthday love and wishes❣️,' the singer typed out alongside the reel as Lizzo's track Birthday Girl played in the background. When it comes to her fit physique, the former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls has previously opened up about her fitness regime. Scherzinger's long, dark locks were parted to the side and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in natural waves During a past interview with Women's Health, Nicole expressed, 'I like to switch it up and try new things, but most recently, I've just been pretty consistent with more HIIT workouts.' However, she still likes to branch out to try out other routines when it comes to fitness. 'I love doing everything from SoulCycle spinning and climbing to boxing and dance cardio. It's really good to always keep your body guessing and to always switch it up.' Scherzinger also dished on her diet, which includes intermittent fasting and having balance. 'If I have some frozen fruit laying around, I'll make an oat milk smoothie. Sometimes I'll put turmeric powder in it, which is delicious and anti-inflammatory.' She also indulges in yummy snacks, such as Cheetos and allows herself to enjoy desserts. 'I love red velvet cake with cream cheese icing; carrot cake with cream cheese icing... I love muffins and cake.' Nicole has been keeping busy and recently won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance in Sunset Blvd. She has taken on the lead role of Norma Desmond in the production and will play the character until July 20. While recently talking to People, Scherzinger recalled returning to the stage one day after her Tony win. 'I had never experienced anything like that in my life. It was absolutely incredible,' she expressed. The star added that the audience would often erupt into a standing ovation during the show. Following one song, Nicole said, 'I think it was, like, a three- or four-minute standing ovation. After a while, I was like, "This is embarrassing. You all need to sit down."' However, the singer explained that she was grateful for the moment and called it 'rewarding.' 'It was saved up over a lifetime, and it all happened in that moment, and it just richly, deeply filled my heart and my soul. It was beyond rewarding. I'll never forget it. Everything just felt on fire.' She continued, 'The cast was fired up, obviously, winning the Tony for best show, revival. I mean, that was huge. Everybody just felt the energy. 'It was a lot of work that we had put into it. It was beautiful. Everything was just on another level. It was vibrating and it was crazy. It was beyond electric.' Nicole is reportedly also in 'early talks' for a Las Vegas residency amid her Broadway success. A source told The Mirror this month, 'Nicole is achieving all her career dreams this year. 'She's conquered Broadway and won a well-deserved Tony, but Nicole has no plans to slow down her career, not when she's in her absolute prime and in such demand.' The residency - which has yet to be officically finalized - will be similar to her time at Carnegie Hall later this year in October, which includes a live band as she performs a blend of pop and Broadway tracks.
