Latest news with #GylesBrandreth
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Margaret Thatcher festival's programme of events revealed
More details have been announced of a festival to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Margaret Thatcher. The former Conservative prime minister was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire in 1925 and died in April 2013, aged Fest will begin in her home town on 13 October and will include a drag show and talks by former minister Edwina Currie and TV personality Gyles Brandreth. South Kesteven District Council leader Ashley Baxter said the aim of the festival was to "promote political debate and drive footfall to Grantham". The council said Thatcher Fest would cover the "history, conflict and divisive politics of her time in power."Thatcher was the UK's first female prime minister and held the post from 1979 until her resignation in said: "We're working with all kinds of community organisations to make sure people know the centenary is happening."Regardless of what you think of her views and policies, a woman getting to the position of prime minister in 1979 is astonishing."It's not something everyone would want to celebrate - she is one of the most polarising figures of recent political history." Guildhall Arts Centre line-up Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, 13 October: A drag show starring Matt Tedford as The Iron Lady, reimagining the evening of the Section 28 vote with Thatcher getting lost in Soho and accidentally becoming a cabaret junior health minister Edwina Currie hosting an evening of chat and memories of her time in government, 14 OctoberQuite A Centenary, 17 October: Hosted by TV personality, author and former MP Gyles Brandreth, celebrating three British icons - Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth II and Winnie the Reagan, Gorbachev: Power, Politics, and the end of the Cold War, 15 October: Hosted by York St John University professor, Dr James Cooper. Other ticketed events Walking Talks: The Thatcher Years - guided walks of Grantham - various dates in OctoberThe Iron Lady: cinema screening at Kesteven and Grantham Girls School - 13 and 16 OctoberLiving Over the Shop: Grantham Dramatic Society present a gossip's view of Margaret Thatcher at Christ Church, Finkin Street/Grantham Museum - 15 and 18 OctoberMargaret Thatcher: Alternative Voices - Music and poetry at Grantham Museum 18 OctoberAll tickets are available through the Guildhall Arts Centre website or from the Guildhall Box Office in Grantham. Ticketless events Thatcher Postcard Exhibition: Union Street Gallery will hosts a collection covering various side of the story, political moments, and illustrated images throughout OctoberMargaret Thatcher display: Discover her early life, legacy, and local roots at Grantham Library, 13 to 18 OctoberGrantham in the 1920s and 1930s - local history talk at Christ Church Finkin Street, 14 October at 16:00 GMT Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Edinburgh Live
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
ITV This Morning star interrupts show and walks off as presenter pleads 'don't'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info This Morning's Gyles Brandreth left presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley stunned when he stormed off the ITV studio during Monday's live broadcast. The 77-year-old broadcaster suddenly abandoned his chair whilst discussing "ghostworking" - a term used to describe staff members who appear occupied but achieve very little. Brandreth had been explaining another workplace phenomenon, telling viewers: "As well as ghostworking, have you heard about revenge quitting? This is an interesting phenomenon - one in seven people admit to revenge quitting, this is where an employee walks out at the most inconvenient time." To illustrate his point, he joked before disappearing from view: "So it's been lovely knowing you all." Cat immediately responded with mock desperation: "Oh Gyles, don't," pleading with him to remain for the next segment about wedding photography. "Come back and talk about wedding photos," she urged, according to Wales Online, reports the Mirror. Ben joined in with amusement, making reference to Brandreth's earlier comments about the expense of being a grandfather: "Who is going to pay for the grandkids if you storm out?". Ben and Cat have been presenting This Morning together since March of last year, taking over from Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, with regular contributions from Brandreth and other media figures discussing topical issues. In 2023, the programme was embroiled in scandal after Schofield admitted to an affair with a younger male colleague, an event he termed "unwise but not illegal". Nonetheless, Gyles Brandreth has shared his sincere joy at being part of the This Morning team. He had previously conveyed his contentment, stating: "We are very happy to be here. Can I say that as well? This is a happy place to work. I enjoy coming in here and have done since I began coming in." A staple on This Morning since 2021, the Celebrity Gogglebox star is celebrated not just for his sharp wit but also for his eye-catching jumpers, consistently providing amusement and bewilderment to the audience. His remarks came after Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond spoke out about This Morning's recent prominence in the media. Dermot acknowledged: "We happen to be in the news at the moment and of course we appreciate that, but just from both of us and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you." Alison concurred, adding: "We really do and that's exactly what we're going to do."
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
This Morning star eyes up role as the new Cat Deeley - insisting 'I'm always there and work harder than anyone else'
A This Morning star has revealed she's eyeing up a permanent role on the show just like Cat Deeley as she insisted she works 'harder than anyone else'. The former reality star, 37, has become a fan-favourite on the long-running ITV daytime show after being introduced to viewers several years ago. Ashley James is a regular face on the sofa, and appears on This Morning's daily current affairs segment 'This Morning's View'. The mum-of-two is usually paired with ex-MP Gyles Brandreth, with the two giving their opinions on the day's stories to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. Now Ashley has thrown her hat in the ring to be the show's next female presenter. Speaking to The Sun, she candidly said: 'I've always said that I'm always there when the time comes. 'I would always love to host This Morning.' Ashley added that she only follows where her interests are, and she will always 'work harder than anyone else'. Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, took over as main anchors of This Morning in March 2024, following the high-profile exits of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Ashley made her first TV debut in 2012, landing a role in E4's Made In Chelsea, however, she departed just a year later. In 2018 she took part in Celebrity Big Brother, alongside the likes of Malika Haqq, Amanda Barrie, Ann Widdecombe and India Willoughby. The series was eventually won by drag queen Courtney Act, as Shane Jenek scooped the crown. Ashley is known for sharing honest insights into her life with fans and in May shared a brutally honest behind-the-scenes look at her prep for the Bafta TV awards. From late night dress fittings 'because my body isn't sample size' to sneakily hidden yoghurt stains from feeding her kids, Ashley was sure to highlight the 'lack of glamour'. The presenter also shared snaps of her being covered in an 'endless amounts' of breast tape, as well her skin the morning after and precariously trying to take off her t-shirt after her hair and make-up had been done. Back in March, Ashley opened up about her personal struggles with her self-worth and body image, admitting it took her a 'really long time' for her to accept herself. She is determined to ensure her two-year-old daughter, Ada, never faces those same battles and is committed to breaking free from the societal pressures that often leave women feeling inadequate. Speaking candidly about her journey towards self-acceptance, Ashley explained how important it is for her to protect Ada from the toxic culture of body image obsession. She exclusively told MailOnline: 'I really don't want my daughter to ever feel like she's not enough or to ever critique herself, especially when, you know, we can't change our body shape. 'Women are so much more than our bodies, and we should be learning how to respect ourselves and strength.
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV This Morning host pleads 'oh don't' as star walks off set midway through segment
One star of This Morning shocked his colleagues as he disappeared off screen during the ITV programme on Monday Gyles Brandreth left This Morning presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley stunned when he abruptly left the set during Monday's ITV show. The 77-year-old presenter chose to exit the discussion as it shifted towards "ghostworking" - the concept that employees pretend to be busy whilst actually doing very little. Gyles then mentioned: "As well as ghostworking, have you heard about revenge quitting? This is an interesting phenomenon - one in seven people admit to revenge quitting, this is where an employee walks out at the most inconvenient time." He then illustrated his point by humorously exiting the studio, off camera, stating: "So it's been lovely knowing you all." Cat implored him with a surprised, "Oh Gyles, don't," urging him to return for the next part of the show. "Come back and talk about wedding photos," reports Wales Online. Ben chuckled and joked, commenting on Gyles' recent gripes about the costs of being a grandfather: "Who is going to pay for the grandkids if you storm out?" Gyles frequently joins the hosts, who stepped into Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's shoes in March last year, alongside other broadcasters and journalists to discuss current affairs on the programme. Despite the show facing scandal in 2023 when Schofield confessed to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger male colleague, Gyles has expressed how much he values being part of the This Morning team. He previously exclaimed: "We are very happy to be here. Can I say that as well? This is a happy place to work. "I enjoy coming in here and have done since I began coming in." The Celebrity Gogglebox star became a familiar face on This Morning starting from 2021, and his choice of lively jumpers has consistently amused the audience. His remarks about the programme were made following Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond's comments on This Morning being the subject of media buzz. Dermot had remarked: "We happen to be in the news at the moment and of course we appreciate that, but just from both of us and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you." Alison chimed in with: "We really do and that's exactly what we're going to do." This Morning is on ITV weekdays at 10am and on ITVX
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
This Morning star interrupts show and walks off set as presenter pleads 'don't'
This Morning star Gyles Brandreth disappeared from the set on Monday morning's ITV show, with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley begging him to return This Morning's Gyles Brandreth gave hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley a shock when he walked off the ITV set mid-discussion on Monday morning. The 77-year-old television personality abruptly left his seat when the conversation shifted to "ghostworking", a concept describing employees who appear busy but accomplish little. Gyles introduced another workplace term, saying: "As well as ghostworking, have you heard about revenge quitting? This is an interesting phenomenon - one in seven people admit to revenge quitting, this is where an employee walks out at the most inconvenient time." Demonstrating the act, he quipped before vanishing from the shot: "So it's been lovely knowing you all." Cat quickly interjected with a playful plead: "Oh Gyles, don't," urging him to stay for the upcoming discussion about wedding photos. "Come back and talk about wedding photos," she said, reports Wales Online. Ben chimed in with laughter, referencing a previous admission by Gyles about the costs of grandparenthood, asking: "Who is going to pay for the grandkids if you storm out?" Since stepping in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as hosts of This Morning since March last year, Ben and Cat are regularly joined by Gyles and other media personalities to explore current affairs. In 2023, the show found itself amidst controversy following Schofield's acknowledgment of an affair with a younger male colleague—an incident he described as "unwise but not illegal". Despite this, Gyles expresses his genuine pleasure being part of the This Morning family. He previously expressed his delight, saying: "We are very happy to be here. Can I say that as well? This is a happy place to work. "I enjoy coming in here and have done since I began coming in." As a regular fixture on This Morning since 2021, the Celebrity Gogglebox star is not only known for his witty remarks but also for his vibrant jumpers, often leaving viewers both entertained and perplexed. His comments about the show followed Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond's address regarding This Morning's recent presence in the headlines. Dermot had mentioned: "We happen to be in the news at the moment and of course we appreciate that, but just from both of us and the whole team here, the crew, the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you." Alison echoed his sentiments, adding: "We really do and that's exactly what we're going to do."
