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The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse Becomes BBC’s Most Watched Programme on Christmas Eve

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse Becomes BBC’s Most Watched Programme on Christmas Eve

The animated adaptation of Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling book captivated four million viewers on Christmas Eve.

The BBC One adaptation of Charlie Mackesy’s heartwarming illustrated book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse was the most-watched programme on Christmas Eve, attracting an average of four million viewers.

The short film, which reimagined Mackesy’s iconic illustrations through hand-drawn animation, touched on themes of kindness, friendship, hope, and courage. The author expressed his gratitude, saying: “I’m deeply moved and thankful that so many watched it. I truly hope they enjoyed it. Thank you all – I could never have imagined this.”

The film featured an all-star cast, including Idris Elba as the voice of the fox, Tom Hollander as the mole, Gabriel Byrne as the horse, and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as the boy. The production was led by Hollywood director J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot Productions, with an original score by Isobel Waller-Bridge.

Originally published in 2019, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse explores the journey of its four characters as they form an unlikely bond while searching for a home. The book was named Waterstones’ Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Non-fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year.

Mackesy, a 59-year-old artist, has previously collaborated with Nelson Mandela on a lithograph project and is involved with a honey enterprise in Zambia. His latest exhibition, featuring 60 original works of art inspired by the book, is currently on display at Sotheby’s.

Brentford vs Tottenham Player Ratings: Ivan Toney Shines Despite Late Spurs Comeback

Brentford vs Tottenham Player Ratings: Ivan Toney Shines Despite Late Spurs Comeback

Brentford almost secured a significant win on Boxing Day but Tottenham managed to salvage a draw with a late equaliser.

Brentford seemed set to earn another remarkable victory when they took control at the Brentford Community Stadium, with Vitaly Janelt and Ivan Toney putting them in the driving seat. However, Tottenham mounted a late comeback to snatch a point from a losing position.

Here are the player ratings for Brentford in their Boxing Day derby against Tottenham:

David Raya – 6: A generally solid performance, despite the frustration of conceding in the second half.

Mathias Jorgensen – 7: A clever assist for Toney’s goal but had little influence as Spurs rallied.

Ethan Pinnock – 7: Stayed composed even as Spurs pushed for an equaliser late on.

Ben Mee – 6: Unfortunately deflected the ball into the path of Spurs’ equaliser, but performed well otherwise.

Mads Roerslev – 6: Strong in the first half as Brentford dominated, though he faded as the match progressed.

Mathias Jensen – 7: Played a key role in controlling midfield during the opening hour.

Christian Norgaard – 7: A solid display, showcasing Thomas Frank’s tactical nous.

Vitaly Janelt – 8: Dominated midfield alongside his teammates and took a decisive part in the first-half control, adding a goal to his tally.

Rico Henry – 7: Maintained pressure down the left flank with a consistent effort.

Bryan Mbeumo – 7: A constant threat on the ball, providing pace and skill while working tirelessly off it.

Ivan Toney – 8: Delivered a classic goal and demonstrated excellent link-up play, shrugging off the distraction of off-field betting charges.

Substitutes:

Samman Ghoddos (for Jensen, 67) – 6: Contributed to Brentford’s fight for a point as they lost control in the latter stages.

Josh Dasilva (for Norgaard, 82) – 6: Came on during the chaotic conclusion and had to work hard.

Yoane Wissa (for Mbeumo, 82) – 6: Helped out in defence as Tottenham piled on the pressure.

Kim Jong Un Threatens Nuclear Action Amid Rising Tensions with US and South Korea

Kim Jong Un Threatens Nuclear Action Amid Rising Tensions with US and South Korea

North Korean leader signals readiness to deploy nuclear weapons in response to military drills, criticising US and South Korea.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has warned that his country is prepared to use nuclear weapons in the event of military conflict with the United States and South Korea. His remarks were made during a speech to war veterans, marking the 69th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The speech appears to be aimed at strengthening national unity within North Korea, a nation currently grappling with severe economic hardships exacerbated by the pandemic.

North Korea is expected to escalate its threats against the US and South Korea as the two allies prepare to expand their joint military exercises, which the North sees as rehearsals for an invasion. Kim Jong Un emphasised that the country’s nuclear forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat and are ready to mobilise swiftly and decisively in defence of the nation.

In his address, Kim accused the US of demonising North Korea to justify its aggressive stance, calling the US-South Korea military drills a prime example of Washington’s “double standards” and “gangster-like” behaviour. He also lambasted South Korea’s new president, Yoon Suk Yeol, branding him a “confrontation maniac” and accusing his government of pursuing extreme military policies. Since taking office, President Yoon has sought to strengthen South Korea’s military ties with the US and enhance its defence capabilities, including developing the capacity for pre-emptive strikes against North Korea’s nuclear threats.

Kim Jong Un further warned that any military action against North Korea would be a “dangerous suicidal attempt” and vowed that the Yoon government would face “immediate punishment” and “annihilation” if such actions were taken. The North Korean leader’s rhetoric comes amid growing concerns over the advancement of his country’s nuclear capabilities, with experts suggesting that Kim’s threats are partly aimed at gaining international concessions and consolidating support within the country.

In April, Kim stated that North Korea might use nuclear weapons pre-emptively if provoked, and has since overseen the test-launch of missiles capable of striking both the US mainland and South Korea. This escalation forms part of Kim’s broader strategy to assert North Korea’s strength and deter perceived threats from the US and its allies.

The North Korean regime also continues to grapple with internal challenges, including an economy devastated by the pandemic, border shutdowns, and international sanctions. In addition, the country officially acknowledged its first Covid-19 outbreak in May, although details on the scale of the crisis remain unclear, as North Korea’s healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle widespread illness.

Minneapolis Revises Abortion Clinic Ordinance Following Free Speech Lawsuit

Minneapolis Revises Abortion Clinic Ordinance Following Free Speech Lawsuit

City Amends Law Restricting Access to Clinics After Legal Challenge by Anti-Abortion Activists

Minneapolis has amended an ordinance that previously prohibited obstructing entrances and driveways to abortion clinics, following a lawsuit by anti-abortion activists who argued it violated free speech rights.

The City Council quietly revised the law this month, clarifying that constitutionally protected activities are exempt. Additionally, the city agreed to cover the plaintiffs’ legal expenses. Brian Gibson, CEO of Pro-Life Action Ministries, claimed this change signified the city’s acknowledgment of violating freedom of speech.

Pro-Life Action Ministries dispatches “sidewalk counsellors” to Planned Parenthood locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other areas to dissuade individuals from undergoing abortions. The ordinance, initially introduced in 2022, aimed to safeguard patients at the Planned Parenthood facility in the Uptown neighbourhood from activists who approached vehicles entering the parking lot. Gibson maintained that their volunteers never blocked any entrances but would offer literature or initiate conversations.

Minneapolis was the only city in Minnesota with such a rule. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, aimed to overturn the ordinance and discourage other cities, including St. Paul, from implementing similar measures.

On 5 December, during a City Council meeting, the ordinance was amended to exempt “any person or group engaging in conduct protected by the United States Constitution, the Minnesota Constitution, or federal or Minnesota law.” However, the law continues to prohibit the physical obstruction of clinic entrances, aligning with the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act).

Aisha Chughtai, vice president of the City Council, emphasised that the amendment preserves access to healthcare, including abortions, while safeguarding First Amendment rights.

Peter Breen, head of litigation for the conservative Thomas More Society representing the plaintiffs, hailed the revision as a victory for free speech. The group plans to seek legal fees estimated at around $600,000.

Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood North Central States stated that despite the amendment, patients remain protected from individuals blocking or obstructing access.

The Thomas More Society continues to challenge similar ordinances nationwide, including in Florida, New York, California, and Michigan, and has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review a related case in Illinois.

Day Care Tragedy: Teacher Killed as Cars Crash into Play Area in Texas

Day Care Tragedy: Teacher Killed as Cars Crash into Play Area in Texas

Vehicle Accident at San Antonio-Area Preschool Leaves One Dead and Six Injured, Including Toddlers

A tragic accident at a day care centre near San Antonio resulted in the death of a teacher and injuries to another employee and five toddlers after two cars crashed into a play area, authorities reported.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as parents were departing a holiday event at the preschool in Boerne. According to officials, the collision happened when a parent, after placing her children in her car, suddenly accelerated for reasons yet to be determined. Her vehicle struck another car in the parking area, propelling both vehicles through a fence and into the play area where children were present.

The teacher who tragically lost her life was identified as 22-year-old Alexia Rosales. A 23-year-old staff member and five one-year-old children sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical attention, as confirmed by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Javier Salazar described the event as “a very tragic accident,” emphasising that the cause of the unexpected acceleration remains under investigation.

Ange Postecoglou Defends Fraser Forster After Costly Mistakes in Carabao Cup Victory

Ange Postecoglou Defends Fraser Forster After Costly Mistakes in Carabao Cup Victory

Tottenham’s Manager Backs Goalkeeper Despite Blunders Against Manchester United

Ange Postecoglou has shown strong support for Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster following two critical mistakes in Spurs’ dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. The match saw Forster make errors that nearly cost his side a three-goal lead, but the victory secured Tottenham’s place in the semi-finals, where they will meet Liverpool.

Forster’s first mistake came when a poor pass allowed Bruno Fernandes to set up Joshua Zirkzee for a tap-in. His second blunder followed when Amad Diallo blocked his clearance, sending the ball into the net. Despite these missteps, Forster had been in strong form recently while standing in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario.

Postecoglou acknowledged Forster’s disappointment but praised his overall contributions. “He’s been exceptional for us up until this point,” said Postecoglou. “Although the mistakes were tough, he’s a big guy who has been vital for us in this period, and I can’t praise him enough.”

The Tottenham boss also highlighted the team’s resilience amidst a string of injuries, with several key players unavailable. “We’ve had less rest than Manchester United, and yet we still found a way to win. We are operating with 10 players off the senior list, which is almost unmanageable,” Postecoglou explained. “Despite the challenges, we’re still playing at a high level. This period of adversity will ultimately lead to significant growth for the squad.”

Record Four Million Britons Heading Abroad for the Holidays

Record Four Million Britons Heading Abroad for the Holidays

Travel experts predict busiest festive season for UK departures, with Sunday expected to be the peak day for travel.

This festive season, an estimated four million Britons are preparing to celebrate Christmas and New Year abroad, according to the travel industry body, Abta. The busiest day for departures is forecast to be this Sunday, with Christmas Day expected to be the quietest.

Abta’s analysis reveals that winter sun destinations such as the Canary Islands, southern Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Dubai remain the top choices for many. Meanwhile, skiers are flocking to resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, while popular city breaks include Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, and Prague.

Heathrow Airport anticipates a record number of passengers this December, surpassing last year’s high of 6.7 million. Other major airports, including Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, and Bristol, are also expecting substantial numbers of travellers over the holiday period.

Mark Tanzer, CEO of Abta, encouraged holidaymakers to plan ahead for their travels, as public transport and roads are expected to be extremely busy. He said, “Millions are heading overseas to spend quality time with loved ones, whether they’re after some winter sun or guaranteed snow.”

Tanzer stressed the importance of allowing extra time to reach departure points, as congestion is expected on both public transport and the roads. Friday will likely be the busiest day on the roads for festive travel, with the AA estimating 23.7 million journeys to be made.

The AA also identified several congestion hotspots, including the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol and the M25 around Heathrow. Rail engineering works are expected to exacerbate the situation, as several train lines will be closed, affecting key stations.

In terms of air travel, EasyJet is forecasting its busiest-ever Christmas period, with up to 4.1 million passengers expected to board flights from airports across Europe.

Additionally, disruption at the Port of Holyhead in North Wales, caused by storm damage, will force travellers to find alternative routes to and from Ireland until mid-January.

Net Migration to Fall to 300,000 in the Coming Years, Says Migration Expert

Net Migration to Fall to 300,000 in the Coming Years, Says Migration Expert

Professor Brian Bell predicts significant decrease in migration numbers within the next two to three years, with 300,000 as the long-term average.

Professor Brian Bell, the chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), forecasts that net migration to the UK will decrease significantly over the next few years, potentially reaching around 300,000 annually. Speaking to the PA news agency, Bell expressed his confidence that migration figures will experience a “rapid decline,” stabilising at this level for the next decade or two, provided no significant policy changes are made.

In the year leading up to June 2023, net migration reached a record high of 906,000, with the difference between arrivals and departures being 166,000 higher than originally estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, the numbers dropped by 20% in the following year, with the latest figures for June 2024 showing 728,000 migrants.

Bell emphasised that the overall trend is “very clearly downwards” and expects this to continue, possibly accelerating in the next 12 to 24 months. He attributed this decline to a steady decrease in Home Office visa issuance numbers, predicting that migration numbers will settle at about 300,000, which he views as a sustainable long-term average.

Geopolitical factors such as international humanitarian crises or visa restrictions in other countries could influence UK migration numbers, Bell explained. He noted that while short-term fluctuations may occur, policy should focus on long-term averages when addressing migration.

The Labour Party’s Sir Keir Starmer has also pledged to reduce immigration numbers, though he refrained from setting specific targets. Migration Minister Seema Malhotra stated that net migration had quadrupled over the past five years and reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing numbers, ensuring that immigration is managed in conjunction with the UK’s skills and labour market policies.

NASA Extends Astronauts’ Mission in Space Due to Launch Delays

NASA Extends Astronauts’ Mission in Space Due to Launch Delays

Homecoming for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams postponed until at least March due to crew replacement issues.

NASA has announced an extended stay for its astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, meaning they will remain in space for several more weeks. Their return to Earth, originally expected in February, has now been delayed until late March or possibly April. The two astronauts, who launched on Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June, were initially scheduled for a short, week-long mission to the International Space Station. However, their mission extended from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to delay the return of the Starliner capsule, which had encountered several issues.

NASA confirmed that the delay in their return is due to a hold-up in the launch of their replacement crew, which was originally set for February. SpaceX has encountered additional preparations needed for its new capsule, leading to a push in the launch schedule. The new crew is now expected to launch no earlier than late March, pushing back Wilmore and Williams’ planned return.

Originally, the plan was for the astronauts to return alongside two others after the February crew mission. However, as the new capsule is still being prepared, NASA decided to wait for it to be ready, rather than using a different spacecraft for the return journey. This decision aims to maintain a smooth transition, as NASA prefers to have overlapping crews aboard the space station.

Typically, astronauts spend around six months aboard the space station, although some missions extend up to a year. For Wilmore and Williams, their extended mission will now last nearly 10 months.

Yung Filly Faces Reckless Driving Charge Amid Ongoing Sexual Assault Allegations in Australia

Yung Filly Faces Reckless Driving Charge Amid Ongoing Sexual Assault Allegations in Australia

The British rapper is accused of driving at excessive speeds while dealing with serious charges of rape and assault.

British rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has been charged with reckless driving in Australia while simultaneously facing serious allegations of rape and assault. The 29-year-old, known for his social media influence and musical career, was caught speeding at 98mph in a 60mph zone in November.

The incident occurred on Roe Highway near Kalamunda Road, where a speed camera captured his vehicle breaking the speed limit. Following the alleged offence, the rapper had his car impounded. Yung Filly will appear in court next Thursday, facing charges for reckless driving, coinciding with a court hearing for a separate sexual assault case.

At the time of the speeding incident, Barrientos was out on bail after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Perth hotel following a nightclub performance in September. Local reports suggest that the rapper was extradited from Brisbane to Perth to attend the hearing.

In October, Barrientos was formally charged with four counts of rape, three counts of assault, and one count of strangulation. He was given strict bail conditions, including daily reporting to police and remaining within Western Australia. He has also been prohibited from posting about the case on social media.

The charges led to professional consequences for Yung Filly. His podcast, The Chunkz and Filly Show, had a scheduled live performance cancelled, and his contract with FootAsylum was suspended. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the contract was paused due to the serious nature of the charges. Additionally, the Football Association cancelled an online cooking series involving Yung Filly.

Born in Colombia and raised in the UK, Barrientos first gained fame in 2017 by releasing content online and as a member of the YouTube collective Beta Squad. He later achieved musical success with tracks like Confidence and won a Mobo Award for Best Media Personality in 2021. He also appeared on television in shows such as Soccer Aid and The Great Celebrity Bake Off.

Yung Filly has not publicly commented on the latest allegations or the driving charge. Representatives for the rapper have been contacted for a statement.