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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC viewers reduced to tears as University Challenge host Amol Rajan sobs over bereavement 'too painful to think about' in emotional new documentary
BBC viewers were reduced to tears as University Challenge host Amol Rajan sobbed over a bereavement 'too painful to think about' in an emotional new documentary. Amol Rajan Goes To The Ganges, released on BBC One last night, followed the journalist and broadcaster, 41, on a life-changing trip to his birth country of India. The hour-long documentary came after the British-Indian presenter lost his father three years ago and struggled to come to terms with it. So, despite being a non-believer, he decided to take a pilgrimage to an important Hindu festival in his birthplace to reconnect with his heritage and process his grief. The Today programme host broke down ahead of his emotional journey, admitting: 'I've avoided thinking about him because it's too painful.' His vulnerable confession resonated with viewers at home, who took to social media to say how much they related to his experience of grief. One wrote on X: 'Eight minutes in, I am sobbing. I hope you find acceptance and healing. Lost my dad two years ago so feel your pain. Grief is a long road.' Another added, during the broadcast: 'May have already shed a tear.' Someone else said: 'Both my parents died over the last five years. Both were highly religious and I'm an atheist now. Getting quite teary myself with the parallels. 'Your mum is lovely. Incredible experience you had.' Amol did not take his emotional journey alone - his mother accompanied him and provided a steadying presence throughout its ups and downs. He noticed on the trip his mother, a practising Hindu, 'seemed to have an emotional toolkit that I lacked'. Viewers were just as enamoured of her, writing on X: 'Your mum is a force of nature and so lovely. Really enjoying the programme.'; 'This is a wonderful programme, I love your sincerity and sensitivity - and your mum is a treasure!'; So, despite being a non-believer, he decided to take a pilgrimage to an important Hindu festival in his birthplace to reconnect with his heritage and process his grief The Today programme host broke down ahead of his emotional journey, admitting: 'I've avoided thinking about him because it's too painful' His vulnerability resonated with viewers at home, who took to social media to say how much they related to his experience of grief 'Your mum is wonderful and loved her advice for you to enjoy and chill on your journey.' Amol was touched by fans' admiration of his mother, posting on X during the broadcast: 'If you're one of the thousands of people watching this on BBC One and thinking my mum is a legend, I confirm you are absolutely correct.' To a suggestion she do the famous Thought For The Day segment on Radio 4's Today programme, which he hosts, he replied: 'My mum is the most extraordinary person. She'd be fantastic.' He had also posted to X ahead of the broadcast: 'This is on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 9pm and I'd be genuinely honoured if you watched it. Thank you.' The journalist also reposted a large amount of the kind viewer comments to his own page, clearly touched by the outpouring of support. The programme primarily focussed on his pilgrimage to the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu religious festival. Held every 12 years, this year's event was set to be the largest gathering in human history, with Amol joining more than 500million pilgrims from across the globe. It was also due to see a once-in-a-lifetime alignment of planets in the solar system, which last occurred 144 years ago. Viewers were just as enamoured of her on social media Amol was touched by fans' admiration of his mother, posting on X during the broadcast to echo viewers' praise for her He had also posted to X ahead of the broadcast: 'This is on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 9pm and I'd be genuinely honoured if you watched it. Thank you' As the synopsis of the programme reads, the pilgrims' goal is 'to bathe in the sacred waters where the Ganges, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati meet, to purify their soals and gain salvation for themselves and their families'. It continues: 'By taking part in this ritual, it's said Amol can release his father's soul from the never-ending cycle of life and death.' But not everything goes to plan in his journey to the Ganges river, due to circumstances beyond his control. It sees Amol 'assess whether to make it to the river at all, and if he can't, what this will mean for his own journey through grief'. It comes just after another new emotional documentary recently hit home for British viewers. Netflix viewers 'broke down in tears after just two minutes' of watching Grenfell: Uncovered - and have insisted 'it's essential viewing'. The documentary, which follows what unfolded as the tower of flats burned down on June 14, 2017, and the devastating aftermath, landed on the streamer last week. In that time, many have already watched the one hour and 40 minutes programme, which has survivors and experts talking about what happened that day. In that time, many have already watched the one hour and 40 minutes programme (pictured, the trailer), which has survivors and experts talking about what happened that day And they have rushed to X to praise it as 'powerful', with one writing: 'To say I enjoyed it isn't really correct but to dig into why it happened and how damning the evidence [is] makes it essential viewing. 'I hope the victims and their loved ones get the justice they deserve.' Another wrote: 'I implore you all the watch the Grenfell: Uncovered documentary on Netflix. 72 deaths. eight years later. Still no justice.' Someone else said: 'Grenfell: Uncovered (Netflix) broke me. Every last bit of this was/is so easily avoidable. Every last bit. 'I can't tell if I'm more angry or heartbroken. How horrific.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amol Rajan reveals how new documentary helped as he grieved dad's death
Amol Rajan has said making a pilgrimage to the Ganges for his new TV documentary helped him confront his dad's death. The University Challenge host's father died three years ago and he told how he had struggled with his grief, saying it "can really screw you up". So this year, Rajan travelled to India for the largest religious festival in history, the Kumbh Mela, to help him deal with his loss. Speaking on The One Show, he said the special journey had "made a big difference". Rajan was on the BBC programme on Monday, 23 June, and told how he took part in the Hindu pilgrimage earlier this year as he filmed Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges. "My dad died three years ago and I think anyone watching this, you guys, if you have lost a parent, the first time you go through grief can really screw you up," he said as he chatted to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp. "In my case it really, really did. "And I think that one of the natural reactions to grief is you try not to think about it because it's too sad because you miss that person too much. "After three years I just thought, you know what, I need to confront this a little bit, I need to stop denying it. And this was a chance to think about my dad, to reconnect with a kind of Hindu heritage but also just to try and sort of like, really confront my grief, and to stop sort of denying it. And I think it worked." Turning to fellow guests Michelle Collins and Sean Hayes, he quipped: "I mean, I look like a happy guy now don't I?" He added that the pilgrimage "made a big difference". "We got to the confluence of these rivers in India and it was truly, truly, truly magical. "I'd just say to anyone, even if you are not interested in Hinduism necessarily or pilgrimages, if you've been through grief and you are a little bit scared to confront it, I think this film is about someone who says, you know what, at some point you've got to face up to it," he said. "It does get easier," the TV star went on. "The weird thing about grief is that it's universal and everyone will go through it but every grief is particular, every grief is a grief for a particular relationship." Read more: Amol Rajan University Challenge viewers notice something 'impressive' about host Amol Rajan University Challenge fans convinced questions are getting 'longer and longer' Sir Ian McKellen reveals the only University Challenge question he has ever got right Discussing the festival, which was attended by half a billion people, Rajan said it was "completely nuts". "I was born in India, Hindu family, grew up here, not particularly religious, in fact I'm an atheist," he said. "But Hindus believe that every 12 years the lining up of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Earth, with the Moon, creates this special cosmic energy and it's all above those rivers, where these rivers have this amazing energy and if you bathe in the rivers, then Hindus believe you can basically emancipate your relatives from the cycle of death, birth and rebirth. "This was like, the twelfth, 12 yearly one, so it was like, the most auspicious thing for 144 years." Rajan also shared that his family had an "awkward moment" when it came to scattering his dad's ashes after he was cremated. "We spread his ashes in the river close to here, so the Thames in London," he said. "Rivers have a particular significance in Hinduism. "We had a slightly awkward moment where my mum said that the container was biodegradable and it turned out it wasn't, so I've got this idea that my dad is just bobbing along in the Thames somewhere!" The One Show airs at 7pm on BBC One on weekdays. Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges airs on Wednesday, 25 June at 9pm on BBC One.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dermot Murnaghan's life away from news desk after devastating diagnosis
Sky News anchor, Dermot Murnaghan, took to social media on Monday to confirm the sad news that he has been diagnosed with stage four advanced prostate cancer Dermot Murnaghan is one of the UK's most respected newsreaders, anchoring shows for both the BBC and Sky in his impressive career. However, sadly, the father-of-four, who shares children, Kitty, Molly, Alice and Jack, with his wife Maria, has today announced he's been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer as well wishes from his colleagues and fans pour in. Dermot, 67, who insisted he was "responding positively" to treatment and "feeling well" is one of the most recognisable faces on TV. However, away from the news desk, he's lead an incredibly busy life, including a successful stint on quiz show Eggheads, a surprising appearance on University Challenge - and a love of cycling, which unfortunately ended up in a hit and run... READ MORE: Dermot Murnaghan's health woes in full from pitbull horror to cancer diagnosis Involved in a hit and run Back in 2017, Dermot took a brief leave of absence from his Sky News show after being involved in a hit-and-run. He was knocked off his bike while cycling in Kentish Town in Northwest London, which left him grazed and bruised, but thankfully, okay. Taking to Twitter, now X, with a photo of his bloodied face, Dermot wrote: "Here's why I haven't been on air for two days. A hit and run in Kentish Town yesterday. Police were fantastic.". The veteran broadcaster, who is a keen cyclist, received a ton of well wishes from his famous friends, who told the star they were thinking of him. Former colleague and political editor, Tom Boadle, replied: "Good gritty look that. Hope it heals nice and quick!" Meanwhile, Sky's Anna Jones, said: "Ouch! Hope you heal quickly, Dermot." Surprise appearance on University Challenge Stepping away from the news desk, the seasoned journalist popped up on University Challenge in 2016 alongside a handful of University of Sussex alumni. The star-studded series included a host of famous faces such as Jonathan Ross' brother, Paul Ross, actress Rachael Stirling and comedian, Dom Joly. Sadly, Sussex, featuring Dermot, comedian Hattie Hayridge, principle of Edinburgh University Sir Timothy O'Shea, and barrister Alex Bailin, were rinsed when they lost 245 to 35 against Kent University. Eggheads icon Dermot was also part of another iconic quiz show, but fared much better when he returned to his presenting roots when he when hosted Eggheads on BBC Two from 2003 to 2014. He delivered each question on the much-loved quiz show with a subtle smirk and his notorious catchphrase: "You're playing for something money can't buy - the Eggheads' reputation," which earned him a legion of loyal fans, who loved tuning into the show each evening. True crime star Dermot has delivered a whole host of crime stories as a newsreader. However, in 2020, he decided to take a closer look at the UK's murky underworld in his documentary series Killer Britain with Dermot Murnaghan. The series fascinated viewers with stories of rage, jealousy, obsession, deception and more as Dermot has unpacked some of the country's biggest murder investigations. The show, which sees Dermot delving into some of Britain's most chilling murder cases, has run for four series on Sky, with a fifth starting in May 2025. Arsenal fan When he's not reading the news to the nation, Dermot cheers on his beloved Arsenal football team. The proud Gooner wed his wife, Maria, in Camden, and still lives in North London close to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking previously to The Standard about the place he calls home, he said: "We originally lived in Islington, but moved a little further north for more space and leafiness as the family grew — a classic north London migration. I had to stay within proximity of Arsenal, and I'm still walking distance from the Emirates."
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The Chase star unveils exciting career news away from quiz show
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 Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp Jenny Ryan, a household name and star of The Chase, is showcasing her talents at the Edinburgh Fringe. With a long history of competing on shows like University Challenge, Mastermind, Only Connect, and Weakest Link, Jenny has solidified her reputation as a quiz whiz. However, she's now stepping into the spotlight with a brand-new project. On Instagram, she announced: "MAMMA MIA I'm hitting the Edinburgh Fringe again with a BRAND NEW SHOW for 2025!" "Do I believe ABBA exist? Do you think I was Björn Yesterday? Find out 30 July-17 August at @thepleasance." The Edinburgh Fringe has teased her show, hinting: "Imagine a world where Swedish pop sensations ABBA never really existed... What if we're living in it?" (Image: ITV) Jenny Ryan's show promises to be a thought-provoking and hilarious exploration of her theory of the Mamma Mia multiverse. Edinburgh Fringe teased: "She's given this concept considerable thought, possibly too much. Who really penned Waterloo? Was Andy Garcia a child soldier? "Is ABBA Voyage a collective hallucination? How did that horse get into Meryl Streep's basement? And, crucially, what's Gillian McKeith's role in all of this? A singalong comedy investigation/cry for help." This hour-long performance will take place at the Cabaret Bar at Pleasance Courtyard. Fans flooded Jenny's Instagram comments section with well-wishes. (Image: BBC) Mariacummings72 posted: "Awww that's sounds really exciting Jenny." Shannonsaysnope exclaimed: "I'm in Edinburgh for the first weekend and booked tickets for the Saturday so I am b***** excited! !". Vixleyton couldn't hide their excitement, saying: "YES! Cannot wait! ! !". Her sing-along comedy show was initially teased following Eurovision's final in May with a sneak peek in London. While Jenny's comedy skills are well-known, fans might be surprised to learn that she has also showcased her musical talent on Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief, featuring alongside fellow chasers Anne Hegerty, Shaun Wallace, and Mark Labbet. In 2019, Jenny competed in The X Factor Celebrity and charmed the entire country, finishing in third place in the grand finale. The Chase airs on ITV on weekdays at 5pm
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC star 'wades through rivers of people' as tragedy leaves 30 dead
BBC journalist faces huge decision as catastrophe strikes and 30 die during filming epic spiritual journey in India to explore grief and spiritualism 'My dad was my hero, totally and utterly,' says Amol Rajan as he recalls the toughest journey of his life. Earlier this year, the broadcaster, 41, joined 500 million pilgrims from across the globe to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Northern India, the world 's largest religious gathering. While on his journey, he explores his Indian and Hindu heritage and grieves for his beloved father, P Varadarajan, who died three years ago from pneumonia. 'I revered him growing up as I did my beloved mum,' says the University Challenge host. 'Both him and my mum were from very, very, very poor, very, very big families. My dad was one of 11 from a very poor part of southeast India called Tamil Nadu, and he gave up everything to come to this country because he wanted a better life for his two sons.' Amol grew up in West London and is forever grateful for the opportunities that his father gave him. 'I always had this idea in my head that if I worked really hard, I'd be able to kind of pay him back,' shares Amol. 'Then, very suddenly, three years ago, he got pneumonia and died. This was really shocking to me because it was the first time I'd ever lost someone I'd loved. It's the first experience of grief I've ever been through and I really thought I was going to get the time with my dad to kind of say thank you.' The grief hit Amol hard and left him wondering how to shape the rest of his life. 'It felt very much like that was the end of the first part of my life… and it was only when he died that I entered adulthood,' he says. 'I think that one of the things that I wanted to go to the Kumbh Mela to do, was to confront my grief, reconnect with my dad, but also to try and work out what the next 38 or 40 years of my life would have to do with the first half.' The grief was so intense, Amol shut it out. Then he decided to face it head on and honour his dad by attending the 2025 Kumbh Mela, which has been proclaimed a Maha (Great) Kumbh Mela, the first in 12 years, because of the way the planets are aligned. 'The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage, which is the biggest gathering of humanity anywhere ever, where people go bathing in a sacred river,' explains Amol. 'Every 12 years is a special one because of the alignment of Jupiter with the Moon, the Sun and Earth.' Bathing in the holy rivers at the Kumbh Mela is believed to absolve sins and release souls from the cycle of rebirth, bringing them closer to moksha, or spiritual liberation. This is what Amol hoped to achieve for his father as part of his pilgrimage. Amol explains, 'I thought that if I went to the biggest pilgrimage in the history of the world and tried, along with tens of millions of other people, to jump in the holy water, that'd be quite a good way of forcing myself to think about my dad and also to do what you can do at the Kumbh Mela, which is you can release his spirit from the eternal cycle of death and rebirth.' For Amol, the experience wasn't just emotionally wrought, it was physically terrifying when a huge crush saw at least 30 people lose their lives. 'At any one time you are essentially with about 70 million people – the population of Britain – in a small, makeshift, temporary megacity about 15 miles squared,' he explains. 'It's crowded. It's noisy. There are Tannoys going off all day, every day, and the sensory overload is really overwhelming. You really don't sleep. 'A lot of people will know there was a crush on the most auspicious day, where 30 people were tragically reported to have died and I was just yards away when the horror took place. The journey that followed, where we're trying to wade through these rivers of people, is the most physically terrifying thing I've ever done.' It left Amol unsure of whether it was safe to continue making his film. The pilgrimage tested Amol to his limits, but he knows his father would have been proud. 'My dad would have loved it,' he says. 'I don't know whether my dad would have fully believed the deep Hindu belief, which is that you can, by bathing in those cosmic waters at that special auspicious time, emancipate yourself from the endless cycle of death, birth and rebirth, but a little part of him would have liked it. And a little part of him would have liked the idea of me doing it on his behalf.'
