thedailymirror--2020-12-21--All we know so far as EU bans flights from UK in bid to contain new covid strain

A growing number of European nations have banned flights from the UK in a bid to stop a mutant strain of coronavirus crossing their borders .
It comes after both Essex and London were placed under new Tier 4 restrictions , along with other parts of the south-east and the east of England .
Overall , case rates are up in 90 percent of the 315 local government areas in England , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitting the spread is `` out of control '' .
The way in which the virus has mutated means that it is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists have said .
Here are answers to some key questions on the latest changes to international travel rules : Which European countries have banned flights from the UK ?
France , Germany , Italy , Belgium , Austria , Bulgaria , Finland , the Republic of Ireland , and the Netherlands have all said they will halt flights arriving from the UK .
The Czech Republic has imposed stricter quarantine measures for people arriving from Britain .
When do the flight bans start and how long do they last ?
The Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with it due to last for at least the rest of the year .
Belgium 's prime minister Alexander De Croo issued a flight ban order for 24 hours starting at midnight on Sunday .
Italy 's health minister Roberto Speranza said an order was signed on Sunday blocking flights from Britain and preventing anyone who had been to the UK in the last 14 days from entering Italy .
The order bans plane travel until January 6 .
Austria and Italy have not specified when their plans to halt flights from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was banning flights from the UK starting at midnight , Berlin time , on Sunday , with the German dpa news agency reporting it would remain in place until at least December 31 .
France and the Republic of Ireland has banned all travel from the UK for 48 hours from midnight on Sunday .
Bulgaria said it was temporarily ceasing flights to and from the UK from midnight on Sunday .
Finland is due to suspend all passenger flights with the UK for two weeks from Monday .
What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government said on Sunday that it was imposing a 48-hour ban on flights from Britain to Ireland .
The restrictions come into force at midnight on Sunday .
Is anyone exempt from the bans ?
Ireland 's transport minister Eamon Ryan said ferries will continue to operate for freight between Britain and Ireland .
`` We need haulage coming in to keep our shelves full but other passengers will be restricted , '' he said .
Repatriation flights will be put in place for those who were due to fly back from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said exemptions from its flight ban include repatriation flights of planes and their crews , postal , freight or empty flights and aircraft carrying medical personnel .
The Bulgarian embassy in London said on its website that Bulgarian citizens and their families , as well as permanent residents in Bulgaria , were able to enter the country subject to a 10-day quarantine if they fly through a different country or enter Bulgaria on land or by sea .
What other countries are banning flights ?
Colombia is among the non-EU countries to suspend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Ivan Duque said on Sunday .
The South American country is currently experiencing its own rise , with cases having surpassed 1.5 million confirmed cases on Sunday .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a special cabinet meeting on Sunday to consider a ban on UK travellers .
It has been decided that travellers from the UK , South Africa and Denmark will not be allowed to enter Israel from Sunday , The Jerusalem Post reports .
The ban is until further notice .
El Salvador has banned travellers entering the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Africa in the last 30 days or whose flights included a layover in those countries , Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on Sunday .
Bukele made the announcement on Twitter , linking to a story about how European countries had closed their borders to Britain .
What discussions are taking place between governments ?
An EU crisis meeting has been called for Monday to discuss the coordination of the response to coronavirus among the 27 member states .
The UK 's Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) regards other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their own governments .
It was previously understood to be in touch with international partners and monitoring the situation closely .
But late on Sunday night No 10 revealed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to chair a meeting of the UK Government 's Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday .
Why is this all happening ?
A mutant strain of coronavirus sweeping across London and the south east of England has prompted the EU nations to start restricting inbound flights from the UK .
Mr De Croo said Belgium 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , adding : `` There are a great many questions about this new mutation and if it is not already on the mainland . ''
The German embassy in London tweeted that flight restrictions were the result of `` the coronavirus mutation '' .
On Saturday , Mr Johnson said there was `` no evidence '' the new variant `` causes more severe illness or higher mortality '' but `` it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily '' .
He said the new strain could be up to 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variant .
Eurostar said it was unable to run trains from London to Paris , Brussels , Lille or Amsterdam on Monday or Tuesday .
Trains to London from Paris will continue to operate , with the rail company saying it planned to resume services to and from the UK on Wednesday .
Eurotunnel said that its last shuttle service departing for France would leave at 9.34pm , with access to its UK site prohibited from 10pm .
Dover 's ferry terminal has also closed to `` all accompanied traffic leaving the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border .
Am I allowed to travel abroad from England ?
If you are living in one of the newly created Tier 4 areas , which encompasses London and parts of the south east and east of England , you must not travel abroad .
Government guidance states people can only travel internationally if you are `` legally permitted to do so , for example , because it is for work '' .
Across England people are advised to stay local and avoid travelling outside their area .
For those living in Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the guidance advises potential international travellers to `` carefully consider whether they must travel abroad '' .
It advises them to `` follow the rules in their area '' and consider the public health advice in the country they plan to visit .
Someone living outside Tier 4 can transit into or through a Tier 4 area to travel abroad if they need to .
People are also warned to check travel advice from the FCDO and what rules are in place at their destination .
For many countries the FCDO is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

What are the new Christmas rules for tier 4 areas?
What are the new Christmas rules for tier 4 areas?
News of the mutated strain of coronavirus in the UK has led to a swathe of European countries banning Brits from entering their borders, as Matt Hancock admitted the spread is "out of control"
UK to EU flight ban: What we know so far in battle to contain new mutant covid strain
A growing number of European nations have banned flights from the UK in a bid to stop a mutant strain of coronavirus crossing their borders.
It comes after both Essex and London were placed under new Tier 4 restrictions, along with other parts of the south-east and the east of England.
Overall, case rates are up in 90 percent of the 315 local government areas in England, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitting the spread is "out of control".
The way in which the virus has mutated means that it is now able to spread much more easily, scientists have said.
Here are answers to some key questions on the latest changes to international travel rules:
Image: PA) PA)
Which European countries have banned flights from the UK?
France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, the Republic of Ireland, and the Netherlands have all said they will halt flights arriving from the UK.
The Czech Republic has imposed stricter quarantine measures for people arriving from Britain.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
When do the flight bans start and how long do they last?
The Netherlands ban came into force on Sunday morning, with it due to last for at least the rest of the year.
Belgium's prime minister Alexander De Croo issued a flight ban order for 24 hours starting at midnight on Sunday.
Italy's health minister Roberto Speranza said an order was signed on Sunday blocking flights from Britain and preventing anyone who had been to the UK in the last 14 days from entering Italy. The order bans plane travel until January 6.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Austria and Italy have not specified when their plans to halt flights from the UK would take place.
Germany said it was banning flights from the UK starting at midnight, Berlin time, on Sunday, with the German dpa news agency reporting it would remain in place until at least December 31.
France and the Republic of Ireland has banned all travel from the UK for 48 hours from midnight on Sunday.
Bulgaria said it was temporarily ceasing flights to and from the UK from midnight on Sunday.
Finland is due to suspend all passenger flights with the UK for two weeks from Monday.
What is the situation with Ireland?
The Irish Government said on Sunday that it was imposing a 48-hour ban on flights from Britain to Ireland.
The restrictions come into force at midnight on Sunday.
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Is anyone exempt from the bans?
Ireland's transport minister Eamon Ryan said ferries will continue to operate for freight between Britain and Ireland.
"We need haulage coming in to keep our shelves full but other passengers will be restricted," he said.
Repatriation flights will be put in place for those who were due to fly back from the UK this week.
The German government said exemptions from its flight ban include repatriation flights of planes and their crews, postal, freight or empty flights and aircraft carrying medical personnel.
Image: PA) PA)
The Bulgarian embassy in London said on its website that Bulgarian citizens and their families, as well as permanent residents in Bulgaria, were able to enter the country subject to a 10-day quarantine if they fly through a different country or enter Bulgaria on land or by sea.
What other countries are banning flights?
Colombia is among the non-EU countries to suspend all flights to the United Kingdom, President Ivan Duque said on Sunday.
The South American country is currently experiencing its own rise, with cases having surpassed 1.5 million confirmed cases on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a special cabinet meeting on Sunday to consider a ban on UK travellers.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
It has been decided that travellers from the UK, South Africa and Denmark will not be allowed to enter Israel from Sunday, The Jerusalem Post reports.
The ban is until further notice.
El Salvador has banned travellers entering the country who have been in the UK or South Africa in the last 30 days or whose flights included a layover in those countries, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on Sunday.
Bukele made the announcement on Twitter, linking to a story about how European countries had closed their borders to Britain.
What discussions are taking place between governments?
An EU crisis meeting has been called for Monday to discuss the coordination of the response to coronavirus among the 27 member states.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regards other countries' travel restrictions as a matter for their own governments.
Image: PA) PA)
It was previously understood to be in touch with international partners and monitoring the situation closely.
But late on Sunday night No 10 revealed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to chair a meeting of the UK Government's Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday.
Why is this all happening?
A mutant strain of coronavirus sweeping across London and the south east of England has prompted the EU nations to start restricting inbound flights from the UK.
Mr De Croo said Belgium's flight ban was "out of precaution", adding: "There are a great many questions about this new mutation and if it is not already on the mainland."
The German embassy in London tweeted that flight restrictions were the result of "the coronavirus mutation".
Image: PA) PA)
On Saturday, Mr Johnson said there was "no evidence" the new variant "causes more severe illness or higher mortality" but "it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily".
He said the new strain could be up to 70% more transmissible than the old virus variant.
Are international train and ferry links running?
Eurostar said it was unable to run trains from London to Paris, Brussels, Lille or Amsterdam on Monday or Tuesday.
Trains to London from Paris will continue to operate, with the rail company saying it planned to resume services to and from the UK on Wednesday.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Eurotunnel said that its last shuttle service departing for France would leave at 9.34pm, with access to its UK site prohibited from 10pm.
Dover's ferry terminal has also closed to "all accompanied traffic leaving the UK" after France moved to shut its border.
Am I allowed to travel abroad from England?
If you are living in one of the newly created Tier 4 areas, which encompasses London and parts of the south east and east of England, you must not travel abroad.
Government guidance states people can only travel internationally if you are "legally permitted to do so, for example, because it is for work".
Across England people are advised to stay local and avoid travelling outside their area.
For those living in Tier 1, 2, and 3 areas, the guidance advises potential international travellers to "carefully consider whether they must travel abroad".
It advises them to "follow the rules in their area" and consider the public health advice in the country they plan to visit.
Someone living outside Tier 4 can transit into or through a Tier 4 area to travel abroad if they need to.
People are also warned to check travel advice from the FCDO and what rules are in place at their destination. For many countries the FCDO is advising against "all but essential travel".


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Ariana Grande's second engagement ring is 'flawless £261,000 five carat diamond'

Ariana Grande 's new diamond engagement ring that is worth three times the value of the one from her previous proposal , according to reports .
The 27-year-old pop star has accepted her boyfriend Dalton Gomez 's hand in marriage and flashed a huge rock as she declared that they will be together “ forever n then some.
” Dalton , 25 , has made sure that when he put a ring on it , he did it in style with a `` flawless '' diamond and pearl affair which is reportedly worth $ 350,000 ( £261,000 ) .
Ariana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for less than a year , with much of that time being spent in lockdown together due to the coronavirus pandemic .
An expert in engagement rings has told Hollywood Life that the ring is `` practically flawless '' and is worth three times the value of the $ 96,000 ring that Ariana had with comedian Pete Davidson , during their brief engagement .
CEO of Miss Diamond Ring , Michelle Demaree , who is a Los Angeles based engagement ring concierge , said there was significance to the pearl being with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grande ’ s engagement ring is a striking five carat colorless oval with a stunning elongated 1:45 ratio and top VS clarity , practically flawless like her.
” Michelle continued : `` Her unique diamond and pearl setting has a rare offset South Sea pearl which must have some significance .
`` This is easily a multiple six figure rock worth $ 250,000 to $ 350,000 .
It embodies their authentic love for one another and at the end of the day that ’ s all that matters . ''
The pearl is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ring that Ariana 's grandmother had made for her in 2014 , which used a pearl from her grandfather ’ s tie pin .
Ariana 's grandfather passed away in 2014 and while the singer has not spoken about the details of her engagement ring , Michelle says that if it is a pearl from her grandfather , this would make the ring `` priceless '' .
It is thought that Ariana and Dalton have been dating since the beginning of the year , with him being the 'mystery man ' in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was n't until he appeared in her Stuck With U music video in May that their relationship was confirmed .
On Sunday , Ariana shared the news on Instagram that they were engaged with a photo of her hand with the ring looking resplendent on her finger .
Ariana had previously been engaged to Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson in 2018 .
This was only to last four months before they called it off and Ariana replaced the diamond with a friendship ring .
Do you have a story to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Ariana Grande 'madly in love' with boyfriend Dalton Gomez as 7 month romance heats up
Ariana Grande 'madly in love' with boyfriend Dalton Gomez as 7 month romance heats up
Ariana Grande has got engaged to boyfriend Dalton Gomez and they have splashed the cash on a ring that is worth three times the value of her ring with Pete Davidson
Ariana Grande's new diamond engagement ring that is worth three times the value of the one from her previous proposal, according to reports.
The 27-year-old pop star has accepted her boyfriend Dalton Gomez's hand in marriage and flashed a huge rock as she declared that they will be together “forever n then some.”
Dalton, 25, has made sure that when he put a ring on it, he did it in style with a "flawless" diamond and pearl affair which is reportedly worth $350,000 (£261,000).
Ariana has been dating real estate broker Dalton for less than a year, with much of that time being spent in lockdown together due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
An expert in engagement rings has told Hollywood Life that the ring is "practically flawless" and is worth three times the value of the $96,000 ring that Ariana had with comedian Pete Davidson, during their brief engagement.
CEO of Miss Diamond Ring, Michelle Demaree, who is a Los Angeles based engagement ring concierge, said there was significance to the pearl being with the diamond.
She said: " Ariana Grande ’s engagement ring is a striking five carat colorless oval with a stunning elongated 1:45 ratio and top VS clarity, practically flawless like her.”
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Michelle continued: "Her unique diamond and pearl setting has a rare offset South Sea pearl which must have some significance.
"This is easily a multiple six figure rock worth $250,000 to $350,000. It embodies their authentic love for one another and at the end of the day that’s all that matters."
The pearl is believed to be a tribute to a ring that Ariana's grandmother had made for her in 2014, which used a pearl from her grandfather’s tie pin.
Ariana's grandfather passed away in 2014 and while the singer has not spoken about the details of her engagement ring, Michelle says that if it is a pearl from her grandfather, this would make the ring "priceless".
It is thought that Ariana and Dalton have been dating since the beginning of the year, with him being the 'mystery man' in the background of some of her Instagram photos.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
It wasn't until he appeared in her Stuck With U music video in May that their relationship was confirmed.
On Sunday, Ariana shared the news on Instagram that they were engaged with a photo of her hand with the ring looking resplendent on her finger.
Ariana had previously been engaged to Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson in 2018.
This was only to last four months before they called it off and Ariana replaced the diamond with a friendship ring.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Perishers - 21st December 2020

Perishers - 21st December 2020

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Perishers - 21st December 2020 Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
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thedailymirror--2020-12-21--How lockdown changed UK's lifestyle - Scalextric, berets and drizzling honey

Lockdown living has changed the nation as comfy slippers and honey drizzlers are in and killer heels and suitcases are out .
A trends report has given a fascinating glimpse into life behind front doors as Brits have adapted to the new normal , ditching alarm clocks and lunchboxes once essential for work and instead snapping up tellies and childhood toys like Scalextric .
The Shop Live Look report by John Lewis paints a picture of a lifestyle inspired by the “ Netflix effect ” as hit shows like The Crown have sent sales of chintzy curtains up by 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Gambit starring Anya Taylor-Joy as orphan Beth Harmon who breaks through in the male dominated world of chess , sent sales of chess sets rocketing by 121 % since the saga hit screens in October .
And demand for berets increased by 65 % as viewers became captivated by Emily in Paris with Lily Collins in the title role .
According to the research , homes became cinemas as sales of tellies were up 45 % since March .
As millions adapted to staying in , online shopping almost doubled from accounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the beginning of the year to 70 % with 8-10pm the most popular browsing hours .
Kitchens became offices and as workers missed their premium on-the-go coffee , they invested in barista style machines with sales of coffee makers rising by 22 % while breakfast took on a luxury feel as cereal bowls , butter dishes , toast tongs and honey drizzlers also flew off shelves .
And with no pressure to dress up for work , sales of heels tumbled by 64 % , clutch bags were down by 56 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for slippers leapt by 48 % .
Analysis of data over the last 12 months from pre-Covid-19 Britain to now found athleisure became the new working from home uniform as sales of loungewear and leggings rocketed by 1,303 % while demand for ironing boards fell by 26 % .
And as men wore more casual clothes , braces were down by 58 % , city slicker armbands to keep shirt sleeves in place dipped by 60 % while cummerbunds - once a posh night out staple - plunged by 83 % .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joggers and hoodies as the department store said they still “ treated ” themselves to sexy undies and lacy all-in-one bodies .
Hardly surprising then that the report is predicting 2021 will be the year of a baby boom as searches for “ new baby ” gear increased by 274 % year-on-year .
And as families gave up on booking a summer holiday this year , interest in suitcases slumped by 69 % , but sales of mood enhancing SAD lamps increased by 81 % as Brits used the lights to banish the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found we rediscovered the art of letter writing as sales of stationery jumped by 85 % , writing sets and notecards were up by 227 % and demand for calligraphy pens rose by 406 % year-on-year .
Simon Coble , trading director at John Lewis said : “ There ’ s no question 2020 will be remembered as the year that changed everything .
`` The global Covid-19 pandemic has transformed every aspect of our lives - how we shop , live , socialise and work .
“ It has been a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became their castles .
`` We couldn ’ t venture out into the world , so we brought the world into our homes .
`` We ’ ve stayed in , hunkered down , decked out and spruced up our living spaces .
“ We ’ ve treated ourselves to new technology , from coffee machines to TVs .
`` And we ’ ve freed ourselves from the tyranny of the waistband by embracing comfortable clothing .
”

Hundreds pile into non-essential shops for last minute supplies ahead of tier 4 lockdown
Hundreds pile into non-essential shops for last minute supplies ahead of tier 4 lockdown
Playing Scalextric in your beret while drizzling honey? It must be 2020... as the Shop Live Look report by John Lewis finds how lockdown changed the nation
Lockdown living has changed the nation as comfy slippers and honey drizzlers are in and killer heels and suitcases are out.
A trends report has given a fascinating glimpse into life behind front doors as Brits have adapted to the new normal, ditching alarm clocks and lunchboxes once essential for work and instead snapping up tellies and childhood toys like Scalextric.
The Shop Live Look report by John Lewis paints a picture of a lifestyle inspired by the “Netflix effect” as hit shows like The Crown have sent sales of chintzy curtains up by 20%.
Gripping drama The Queen’s Gambit starring Anya Taylor-Joy as orphan Beth Harmon who breaks through in the male dominated world of chess, sent sales of chess sets rocketing by 121% since the saga hit screens in October.
Image: Netflix) Netflix)
And demand for berets increased by 65% as viewers became captivated by Emily in Paris with Lily Collins in the title role.
According to the research, homes became cinemas as sales of tellies were up 45% since March.
As millions adapted to staying in, online shopping almost doubled from accounting for 40% of John Lewis sales at the beginning of the year to 70% with 8-10pm the most popular browsing hours.
Image: Netflix) Netflix) Image: Collect) Collect)
Kitchens became offices and as workers missed their premium on-the-go coffee, they invested in barista style machines with sales of coffee makers rising by 22% while breakfast took on a luxury feel as cereal bowls, butter dishes, toast tongs and honey drizzlers also flew off shelves.
And with no pressure to dress up for work, sales of heels tumbled by 64%, clutch bags were down by 56% and lipstick by 54% while demand for slippers leapt by 48%.
Analysis of data over the last 12 months from pre-Covid-19 Britain to now found athleisure became the new working from home uniform as sales of loungewear and leggings rocketed by 1,303% while demand for ironing boards fell by 26%.
Image: Collect) Collect)
Image: Netflix) Netflix)
And as men wore more casual clothes, braces were down by 58%, city slicker armbands to keep shirt sleeves in place dipped by 60% while cummerbunds - once a posh night out staple - plunged by 83%.
But women still dressed to thrill under their joggers and hoodies as the department store said they still “treated” themselves to sexy undies and lacy all-in-one bodies.
Hardly surprising then that the report is predicting 2021 will be the year of a baby boom as searches for “new baby” gear increased by 274% year-on-year.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Image: Collect) Collect)
And as families gave up on booking a summer holiday this year, interest in suitcases slumped by 69%, but sales of mood enhancing SAD lamps increased by 81% as Brits used the lights to banish the blues.
Analysis of data by experts found we rediscovered the art of letter writing as sales of stationery jumped by 85%, writing sets and notecards were up by 227% and demand for calligraphy pens rose by 406% year-on-year.
Simon Coble, trading director at John Lewis said: “There’s no question 2020 will be remembered as the year that changed everything.
Image: Collect) Collect)
Image: Collect) Collect)
"The global Covid-19 pandemic has transformed every aspect of our lives - how we shop, live, socialise and work.
“It has been a year in which people’s homes truly became their castles.
"We couldn’t venture out into the world, so we brought the world into our homes.
"We’ve stayed in, hunkered down, decked out and spruced up our living spaces.
“We’ve treated ourselves to new technology, from coffee machines to TVs.
"We’ve rediscovered forgotten pleasures such as letter writing.
"And we’ve freed ourselves from the tyranny of the waistband by embracing comfortable clothing.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Ashley Banjo 'more than happy' to keep filling in for Simon Cowell on BGT

With the Britain 's Got Talent Christmas special gracing telly schedules on the big day , fans are desperate to know what role Simon Cowell will play .
Head honcho Simon was unable to make it back to the UK for the main show earlier this year after suffering a brutal accident that saw him dashed to hospital .
And speculation is rife amid rumours of a video call cameo .
But Simon can rest easy knowing that his seat is being kept warm by BGT alum and Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo .
The star stepped in at the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has proved a hit with fans since .
Now ITV have opted to bring him back for Christmas , Ashley 's told that he 's keen to keep going as long as Simon wants him .
`` It 'll just be nice for him to be back , '' Ashley remarked , looking to next year , `` He 's such a powerhouse and I 'm so glad he is feeling better now after his accident .
`` At the same time , if he wants me to continue for him , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's presence on the judging panel has caused quite a stir .
Diversity Black Lives Matter-themed performance sparked a flood of positivity - as well as upwards of 24,000 complaints .
Logged to Ofcom , the broadcast regulator ruled not to investigate ITV .
It told the Mirror : `` We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine , an area where freedom of expression is particularly important .
`` Diversity 's performance referred to challenging and potentially controversial subjects , and in our view , its central message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unity .
`` Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylised and symbolic of recent global events , and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation – but rather a message that the lives of black people matter . ''
The routine became the second most complained about TV moment of the decade - second only to Roxanne Pallett 's `` punch-gate '' on 2018 's CelebrityBig Brother , which received 25,237 .
*Britain 's Got Talent : Christmas Spectacular airs on Christmas Day at 8pm on ITV @

When is Simon Cowell returning to Britain's Got Talent?
When is Simon Cowell returning to Britain's Got Talent?
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Ashley Banjo has told that he's willing to keep sitting in for Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent as the music mogul makes his recovery after suffering a nasty accident in August
Ashley Banjo 'more than happy' to keep filling in for Simon Cowell on BGT after accident
With the Britain's Got Talent Christmas special gracing telly schedules on the big day, fans are desperate to know what role Simon Cowell will play.
Head honcho Simon was unable to make it back to the UK for the main show earlier this year after suffering a brutal accident that saw him dashed to hospital.
And speculation is rife amid rumours of a video call cameo.
But Simon can rest easy knowing that his seat is being kept warm by BGT alum and Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo.
The star stepped in at the last minute after Simon's accident, and has proved a hit with fans since.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Now ITV have opted to bring him back for Christmas, Ashley's told that he's keen to keep going as long as Simon wants him.
"It'll just be nice for him to be back," Ashley remarked, looking to next year, "He's such a powerhouse and I'm so glad he is feeling better now after his accident.
"At the same time, if he wants me to continue for him, I'm more than happy."
Ashley's presence on the judging panel has caused quite a stir.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Image: mattfrost) mattfrost)
Diversity Black Lives Matter-themed performance sparked a flood of positivity - as well as upwards of 24,000 complaints.
Logged to Ofcom, the broadcast regulator ruled not to investigate ITV.
It told the Mirror: "We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.
"Diversity's performance referred to challenging and potentially controversial subjects, and in our view, its central message was a call for social cohesion and unity.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylised and symbolic of recent global events, and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation – but rather a message that the lives of black people matter."
The routine became the second most complained about TV moment of the decade - second only to Roxanne Pallett's "punch-gate" on 2018's Celebrity Big Brother, which received 25,237.
*Britain's Got Talent: Christmas Spectacular airs on Christmas Day at 8pm on ITV.


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Rita Ora toned down flirting in new Masked Singer after Chameleon 'heartbreak'

Rita Ora has laughed that she pulled back on the flirting during the newest series of The Masked Singer .
The show , which is set to return to our screens come January , sees a panel guessing which famous faces are hidden behind goofy costumes , as they sing their hearts out to stay in the competition .
And last year 's saw Rita strike up quite a connection with the man dubbed Chameleon for his costume , who was eventually unmasked as Darkness singer Justin Hawkins .
Chameleon handed her a rose during one show as Rita rattled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she 's reigned it in this year , pal Davina McCall claims .
`` Rita was very restrained as far as flirting this year , '' she laughed , `` No one caught her eye in that way ! ''
Rita added : `` I thought I 'd found my Prince Charming last season , what happened ?
!
`` I did n't have those expectations this season , I did n't want to be heartbroken again . ''
Jonathan Ross recalled : `` I think there were a lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting thing about that was I do n't think Chameleon was initially trying to charm the panel , I think Rita just liked the look of Chameleon and then Chameleon picked up on that and brought her a rose ! ''
The three are joined this year by Mo Gilligan , who 's replacing Ken Jeong from the first series .
And Joel Dommett is back on hosting duties , promising `` absolute madness '' in January .
2021 's show will see a whole new host of celebs dressed up as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Blob , Bushbaby , Dragon , Grandfather Clock , Harlequin , Robin , Seahorse , Swan , Viking , Sausage and Badger have all joined .
The show has been a hit with different versions across the world , including across the pond .
`` It 's not very often that you do a show where you 've got an example before you to understand hopefully how good it is , '' Joel remarked .
`` So , with it being so massive in the States I was hoping it was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is and it 's great .
I 'm just so glad that people really responded to it . ''

EAMONN HOLMES 'GIVES AWAY' IDENTITY OF THE MASKED SINGER CONTESTANT AHEAD OF NEW SERIES
EAMONN HOLMES 'GIVES AWAY' IDENTITY OF THE MASKED SINGER CONTESTANT AHEAD OF NEW SERIES
Masked Singer star Rita Ora has joked that she toned down the flirting during the new series after last year's 'Chameleon' left her 'heartbroken'
Rita Ora toned down flirting during new Masked Singer after Chameleon 'heartbreak'
Rita Ora has laughed that she pulled back on the flirting during the newest series of The Masked Singer.
The show, which is set to return to our screens come January, sees a panel guessing which famous faces are hidden behind goofy costumes, as they sing their hearts out to stay in the competition.
And last year's saw Rita strike up quite a connection with the man dubbed Chameleon for his costume, who was eventually unmasked as Darkness singer Justin Hawkins.
Chameleon handed her a rose during one show as Rita rattled off gushing comments about his physique.
But she's reigned it in this year, pal Davina McCall claims.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"Rita was very restrained as far as flirting this year," she laughed, "No one caught her eye in that way!"
Rita added: "I thought I'd found my Prince Charming last season, what happened?!
"I didn't have those expectations this season, I didn't want to be heartbroken again."
Jonathan Ross recalled: "I think there were a lot of people trying to charm the panel but the interesting thing about that was I don't think Chameleon was initially trying to charm the panel, I think Rita just liked the look of Chameleon and then Chameleon picked up on that and brought her a rose!"
Image: ITV) ITV)
Image: ITV) ITV)
The three are joined this year by Mo Gilligan, who's replacing Ken Jeong from the first series.
And Joel Dommett is back on hosting duties, promising "absolute madness" in January.
2021's show will see a whole new host of celebs dressed up as a whole new host of characters.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Image: ITV) ITV)
Alien, Blob, Bushbaby, Dragon, Grandfather Clock, Harlequin, Robin, Seahorse, Swan, Viking, Sausage and Badger have all joined.
The show has been a hit with different versions across the world, including across the pond.
"It's not very often that you do a show where you've got an example before you to understand hopefully how good it is," Joel remarked.
"So, with it being so massive in the States I was hoping it was going to be big here and it really is and it's great. I'm just so glad that people really responded to it."


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Corrie's Charlie de Melo spills on Christmas baby bombshell for Imran and Toyah

Coronation Street 's Imran and Toyah are due for a baby bombshell this Christmas .
After struggling to have children of their own and deciding to become foster parents , the couple were torn over what to do when they were finally given the go-ahead just as Toyah 's sister Leanne lost her son Oliver after a tragic battle with the rare mitochondrial disease .
But now , the on-screen couple are set for a shake up as they 're handed a baby boy named Mason to foster during the festive period .
Speaking about his new storyline , Imran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will mean to Imran and Toyah , played by Georgia Taylor , and the effects it will have on their loved ones .
He said : `` I think [ Imran will make a good foster parent ] .
I think he 's got the makings of a good dad .
He 's professional and able to provide a stable base but I think he can also be quite light and would n't be an authoritarian-type person either .
I think he would balance quite well , as would Toyah .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only imagine that will be a helpful thing . ''
On Christmas Eve , Imran and Toyah will welcome baby Mason into their home .
Charlie said : `` It 's panic stations initially because it 's a very last-minute placement .
`` This idea of a foster child coming in is all quite abstract to them , they 're trying to deal with logistical stuff and then it 's like , 'Here 's a little person ' .
`` Any parents watching it will be like , 'Yeah , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imran will be worried about Toyah after the couple discover they 'll only have Mason for a short while .
He said : `` I think that would be something that would 100 % be playing on the back of his mind because Toyah 's relationship with children and her want to have children has been such a huge part of her life and quite a destructive part of her life .
`` Although steps have been made and she 's healthier in that regard , I think it would perhaps be irresponsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when it comes to having this particularly short-term foster situation where you come in and bond and they 're gone , and have that rip and tear of that kind of dynamic .
That would be difficult for anybody , particularly for someone who 's been wanting a child in their life for so long . ''
The couple will be offered another child very quickly after Mason is taken back , and Imran makes a decision without consulting Toyah first .
When asked if that was the right thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He 's trying to do right by her but he is also making an executive decision about them as a couple and with the best will in the world that 's only going to lead to upset .
`` It 's a mistake that he 's made with Toyah in the past and she 's dragged him over the coals for it before in as kindly a way as she could , so it 's the kind of road to hell paved with good intentions .
`` He 's trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so is essentially being , at best , patronising . ''
Imran and Toyah have been worried about the effect that their fostering duties could have on Leanne after the loss of her child .
And what the couple do n't know when they welcome baby Mason is that Leanne is still on the street when they think she is n't .
Charlie said thinking Leanne is n't around is a relief for the couple .
He spilled : `` I think for Toyah in particular because she 's been enveloped in Leanne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the idea of bringing a child into our little family felt cruel and I think having a bit of distance and having Leanne away was good .
`` It could be a case of Mason comes and goes whilst Leanne 's not even there so it 's trying to put it off , trying to divorce the two situations a bit . ''
Charlie also gushed about working with Georgia as he spoke about the relationship between Imran and Toyah .
He said : `` First and foremost working with Georgia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal level that 's something that I love .
`` The two of them , they came together as such opposites and as time 's gone on they 've kind of just ended up finding a nice sort of equilibrium and middle ground between them whilst , I do n't think , sacrificing what made them who they were .
`` It 's hard to say really because on paper I do n't necessarily think they would work because she can be seen as this sort of hippie dippy and flighty , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least , and him in the past has been this smug , womanising lawyer .
`` When they were paired together they were able to just compliment each other in a sort of chalk and cheese way I guess and the slightly less appealing parts of their personalities seemed to melt away and they accentuate the best in each other . ''
Charlie also spoke about the reaction to his character 's impassioned speech as he defended Yasmeen Metcalfe at her trial for the attempted murder of her abusive husband Geoff .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He explained : `` When I read it I knew that it was good , and it was sort of a bit Aaron Sorkin-y , like A Few Good Men-ish in the way it was written so I was really excited on a personal level because of that .
I think [ Geoff actor Ian Bartholomew ] was as well .
`` But that 's when it 's in the abstract and you 're sort of visualising someone else doing it , and then the crushing realisation that 'Oh damn , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got to do this ' .
`` I was mostly terrified if I 'm honest and the fact it has gone down well is very , very thrilling .
It 's a huge relief really and I 'm very grateful . ''
Charlie agreed that his character was finally saying everything to Geoff that viewers have been dying to say to him for months .
He said : `` Being able to dress down an abuser like that in a very public way , that was incredibly cathartic for me at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It seems like it 's resonated with a lot of people as well as the whole story did . ''

WARNING - CONTAINS SPOILERS: Coronation Street star Charlie de Melo revealed what's coming up for his character and on-screen partner Toyah Battersby at Christmas, and how it'll effect everyone around them
Coronation Street's Imran and Toyah are due for a baby bombshell this Christmas.
After struggling to have children of their own and deciding to become foster parents, the couple were torn over what to do when they were finally given the go-ahead just as Toyah's sister Leanne lost her son Oliver after a tragic battle with the rare mitochondrial disease.
But now, the on-screen couple are set for a shake up as they're handed a baby boy named Mason to foster during the festive period.
Speaking about his new storyline, Imran actor Charlie de Melo revealed what it will mean to Imran and Toyah, played by Georgia Taylor, and the effects it will have on their loved ones.
He said: "I think [Imran will make a good foster parent]. I think he's got the makings of a good dad. He's professional and able to provide a stable base but I think he can also be quite light and wouldn't be an authoritarian-type person either. I think he would balance quite well, as would Toyah.
"As someone who works in mental health I can only imagine that will be a helpful thing."
On Christmas Eve, Imran and Toyah will welcome baby Mason into their home.
Charlie said: "It's panic stations initially because it's a very last-minute placement.
"This idea of a foster child coming in is all quite abstract to them, they're trying to deal with logistical stuff and then it's like, 'Here's a little person'.
"Any parents watching it will be like, 'Yeah, it's difficult'."
Charlie confessed that Imran will be worried about Toyah after the couple discover they'll only have Mason for a short while.
He said: "I think that would be something that would 100% be playing on the back of his mind because Toyah's relationship with children and her want to have children has been such a huge part of her life and quite a destructive part of her life.
"Although steps have been made and she's healthier in that regard, I think it would perhaps be irresponsible of Imran to not at least consider that when it comes to having this particularly short-term foster situation where you come in and bond and they're gone, and have that rip and tear of that kind of dynamic. That would be difficult for anybody, particularly for someone who's been wanting a child in their life for so long."
The couple will be offered another child very quickly after Mason is taken back, and Imran makes a decision without consulting Toyah first.
When asked if that was the right thing to do, Charlie confessed: "Probably not.
"He's trying to do right by her but he is also making an executive decision about them as a couple and with the best will in the world that's only going to lead to upset.
"It's a mistake that he's made with Toyah in the past and she's dragged him over the coals for it before in as kindly a way as she could, so it's the kind of road to hell paved with good intentions.
"He's trying to do right by her but by doing so is essentially being, at best, patronising."
Imran and Toyah have been worried about the effect that their fostering duties could have on Leanne after the loss of her child.
And what the couple don't know when they welcome baby Mason is that Leanne is still on the street when they think she isn't.
Charlie said thinking Leanne isn't around is a relief for the couple.
He spilled: "I think for Toyah in particular because she's been enveloped in Leanne's heartbreak in such a big way, the idea of bringing a child into our little family felt cruel and I think having a bit of distance and having Leanne away was good.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"It could be a case of Mason comes and goes whilst Leanne's not even there so it's trying to put it off, trying to divorce the two situations a bit."
Charlie also gushed about working with Georgia as he spoke about the relationship between Imran and Toyah.
He said: "First and foremost working with Georgia is an unparalleled joy, so on a personal level that's something that I love.
"The two of them, they came together as such opposites and as time's gone on they've kind of just ended up finding a nice sort of equilibrium and middle ground between them whilst, I don't think, sacrificing what made them who they were.
"It's hard to say really because on paper I don't necessarily think they would work because she can be seen as this sort of hippie dippy and flighty, or she has been in the past at least, and him in the past has been this smug, womanising lawyer.
"When they were paired together they were able to just compliment each other in a sort of chalk and cheese way I guess and the slightly less appealing parts of their personalities seemed to melt away and they accentuate the best in each other."
Charlie also spoke about the reaction to his character's impassioned speech as he defended Yasmeen Metcalfe at her trial for the attempted murder of her abusive husband Geoff.
He said it was something he never expected.
He explained: "When I read it I knew that it was good, and it was sort of a bit Aaron Sorkin-y, like A Few Good Men-ish in the way it was written so I was really excited on a personal level because of that. I think [Geoff actor Ian Bartholomew] was as well.
"But that's when it's in the abstract and you're sort of visualising someone else doing it, and then the crushing realisation that 'Oh damn, this is going to be me, I've got to do this'.
"I was mostly terrified if I'm honest and the fact it has gone down well is very, very thrilling. It's a huge relief really and I'm very grateful."
Charlie agreed that his character was finally saying everything to Geoff that viewers have been dying to say to him for months.
He said: "Being able to dress down an abuser like that in a very public way, that was incredibly cathartic for me at least to get the opportunity to do that.
"It seems like it's resonated with a lot of people as well as the whole story did."
* Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Brits' favourite Christmas movies include It’s a Wonderful Life and Die hard

It ’ s a Wonderful Life , a tale of despair turning to hope , has been voted the best Christmas movie .
BBC Radio 2 listeners picked the 1946 classic from a list of 25 festive films .
It tells the story of kind-hearted George Bailey , played by James Stewart , who has given up on living when his guardian angel intervenes .
Critic James King said : “ It ’ s what Christmas is all about : Friendship , kindness and the importance of family .
“ It ’ s still warming hearts of all ages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Die Hard , with Bruce Willis , was second , followed by The Muppet Christmas Carol , Home Alone , Elf and Love Actually .
Mr King added : “ It ’ s great to see vintage favourites such as White Christmas and Scrooge in the Top 12 .
`` It proves we ’ re happy to ignore what ’ s new or cool in the festive season.
” Films on the list include Miracle on 34th Street , The Polar Express and the hilarious National Lampoon ’ s Christmas Vacation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Sounds .
• None It ’ s a Wonderful Life was such a flop on its release it closed the studio that made it .
It was also denounced for being “ communist ” , demonising bankers and overplaying problems of “ the common man ” .

THE BEST CHRISTMAS FILMS OF ALL TIME
THE BEST CHRISTMAS FILMS OF ALL TIME
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BBC Radio 2 listeners picked their top 12 with The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Elf and Love Actually following from the 1946 classic and Bruce Willis's famous action comedy
It’s a Wonderful Life, a tale of despair turning to hope, has been voted the best Christmas movie.
BBC Radio 2 listeners picked the 1946 classic from a list of 25 festive films.
It tells the story of kind-hearted George Bailey, played by James Stewart, who has given up on living when his guardian angel intervenes.
Critic James King said: “It’s what Christmas is all about: Friendship, kindness and the importance of family.
“It’s still warming hearts of all ages and feels especially poignant after a tough 2020.”
Image: Handout) Handout)
Die Hard, with Bruce Willis, was second, followed by The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Elf and Love Actually.
Mr King added: “It’s great to see vintage favourites such as White Christmas and Scrooge in the Top 12.
"It proves we’re happy to ignore what’s new or cool in the festive season.”
Image: Getty) Getty)
Films on the list include Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express and the hilarious National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
A countdown of the movies is on BBC Sounds.
It’s a Wonderful Life was such a flop on its release it closed the studio that made it. It was also denounced for being “communist”, demonising bankers and overplaying problems of “the common man”.
12 films of Christmas
1) It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)
2) Die Hard (1989)
3) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
4) Home Alone (1990)
5) Elf (2003)
6) Love Actually (2003)
7) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1990)
8) Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
9) White Christmas (1954)
10) The Polar Express (2004)
11) Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
12) Scrooge (1951)


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Center Parcs announces it is closing all UK village sites over Christmas

Center Parcs has announced it will be closing all of its UK villages over Christmas due to the latest rules brought in by the Government to help curb rising coronavirus cases .
The UK villages will shut from Monday and will remain closed until `` at least '' January 7 , the holiday provider confirmed .
Center Parcs said it was closing the sites `` with the priority of keeping our guests and staff as safe as possible '' , Nottinghamshire Live reports .
The decision comes after Boris Johnson announced new lockdown measures to tackle the rising Covid-19 case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 4 areas .
Christmas was also thrown into doubt after the Prime Minister announced the Christmas bubble policy has been reduced from five days of indoor household mixing to just one day on Christmas Day .
Anyone who was planning on spending Christmas at one of Center Parc 's villages should be sent an email either today or tomorrow .
A statement from Center Parcs reads : `` Following the update from the Prime Minister last night ( December 19 ) it is clear that the threat of the virus with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delicate stage .
`` It is therefore with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close all our UK villages from Monday , December 21 until at least January 7 , 2021 .
`` Our decisions throughout the pandemic have been with the priority of keeping our guests and staff as safe as possible .
`` Latest Government advice in all tiers is to avoid non-essential travel outside of local areas and we certainly do not wish to encourage this .
`` We know how disappointing this news will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of year .
`` We have not made this decision lightly , but there is clearly concern around the new variant being moved around the country .
`` All guests impacted by the closure period will receive an email from us today ( December 20 ) with instructions on how to cancel activities and restaurant reservations and how to reschedule with a discount to the value of £100 or cancel with a full refund . ''
All guests due to arrive between December 21 and January 7 will have the option to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and claim a full refund .
Anyone who has made a booking will be contacted by Center Parcs and will need to fill out a form .
If you are looking to contact Center Parcs directly , opening times for calls , social and webchat are as follows :

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Phoebe Ram, Sam Truelove)

Center Parcs has said it is 'with a heavy heart' it is closing its UK villages from Monday until at least January 7 due to the stricter coronavirus rules imposed by Boris Johnson
Center Parcs announces it is closing all UK village sites over Christmas
Center Parcs has announced it will be closing all of its UK villages over Christmas due to the latest rules brought in by the Government to help curb rising coronavirus cases.
The UK villages will shut from Monday and will remain closed until "at least" January 7, the holiday provider confirmed.
Center Parcs said it was closing the sites "with the priority of keeping our guests and staff as safe as possible", Nottinghamshire Live reports.
The decision comes after Boris Johnson announced new lockdown measures to tackle the rising Covid-19 case rates, including shutting non-essential shops in Tier 4 areas.
Christmas was also thrown into doubt after the Prime Minister announced the Christmas bubble policy has been reduced from five days of indoor household mixing to just one day on Christmas Day.
Image: Center Parcs/PA Wire) Center Parcs/PA Wire)
Anyone who was planning on spending Christmas at one of Center Parc's villages should be sent an email either today or tomorrow.
A statement from Center Parcs reads: "Following the update from the Prime Minister last night (December 19) it is clear that the threat of the virus with the new variant is now at an extremely delicate stage.
"It is therefore with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to close all our UK villages from Monday, December 21 until at least January 7, 2021.
"Our decisions throughout the pandemic have been with the priority of keeping our guests and staff as safe as possible.
"Latest Government advice in all tiers is to avoid non-essential travel outside of local areas and we certainly do not wish to encourage this.
"We know how disappointing this news will be for our guests, especially during this time of year.
Image: Center Parcs) Center Parcs)
"We have not made this decision lightly, but there is clearly concern around the new variant being moved around the country.
"All guests impacted by the closure period will receive an email from us today (December 20) with instructions on how to cancel activities and restaurant reservations and how to reschedule with a discount to the value of £100 or cancel with a full refund."
Affected villages include Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest, Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest.
All guests due to arrive between December 21 and January 7 will have the option to change dates with £100 discount or cancel and claim a full refund.
Anyone who has made a booking will be contacted by Center Parcs and will need to fill out a form.
If you are looking to contact Center Parcs directly, opening times for calls, social and webchat are as follows:
Christmas Eve – 9am to 1pm
Christmas Day – closed
Boxing Day – closed
December 27 – 10am to 3pm
December 28 – 10am to 3pm
December 29 – 9am to 5.30pm
December 30 – 9am to 5.30pm
December 31 – 9am to 1pm
January 1 – closed


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Covid vaccines ‘still effective’ against fast-spreading mutant strain

EU experts claim the new Covid-19 vaccines will still be effective against the mutant strain of the virus .
Germany ’ s health minister , Jens Spahn , said the information emerged following a meeting with EU experts in Berlin on Sunday .
He told broadcaster ZDF that ‘ according to everything we know so far ’ the new strain ‘ has no impact on the vaccines ’ which will remain ‘ just as effective ’ .
The news comes after London and parts of the south east were plunged into a new Tier 4 to tackle the mutant strain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that the tougher restrictions were needed as the new variant could be up to 70 % more infectious than the main strain .
Mr Spahn 's reassurance was referring in particular to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine , which the NHS started rolling out across the UK early this month .
It reads : `` This genetic variant does not seem to entail , at this stage of knowledge , a heightened seriousness or a resistance to the vaccine . ''
However they questioned Mr Johnson 's claim about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ‘ has not been demonstrated at this stage ’ .
The Pfizer-BioNTech jab , which is from Germany , has also been approved in the US and is close to being given the green light by the European Medicines Agency .
The news of the mutant strain in the UK has resulted in Italy , The Netherlands , Belgium , Germany , France , Ireland , Austria , Israel , Bulgaria and El Salvador banning flights from the UK .
While anyone who have spent 24 hours or more in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to self-isolate .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) said nine cases of the mutated virus have been detected in Denmark , while the Netherlands and Australia have both confirmed one each .
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain .
We are raising funds for Save the Children UK , so it can buy gifts for some of the country 's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Kid 's Christmas appeal will make a difference .
It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open .
Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school .
• Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10 • Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020 , Save the Children , 1 St John ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales ( 213890 ) , Scotland ( SC039570 ) and IOM ( 199 ) Italy has detected a single case in a person returning from Britain .
Germany , which holds the EU ’ s rotating presidency , has organised an emergency meeting of experts to discuss the country 's response to the new threat on Monday , a health ministry spokesman said .
The meeting will be held under the European Council ’ s IPCR crisis response scheme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental or terrorist emergencies among others .
Mr Johnson is reportedly holding a COBRA meeting on Monday morning to discuss the situation regarding international travel and freight flows after Dover closed its ports .
Dr Susan Hopkins , of Public Health England , warned the new variant had already spread to Wales , Scotland and other parts of England .
She said that while many regions had cases of the new strain , these were in much smaller numbers than in London , Kent and parts of Essex .
The Health Secretary Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of control ' and has urged the 17.7million people living in Tier 4 to behave like they have the virus .

Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, made the announcement in particular to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine following a meeting with EU experts in Berlin on Sunday
Experts claim coronavirus vaccine is still effective against new mutant strain
EU experts claim the new Covid-19 vaccines will still be effective against the mutant strain of the virus.
Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, said the information emerged following a meeting with EU experts in Berlin on Sunday.
He told broadcaster ZDF that ‘according to everything we know so far’ the new strain ‘has no impact on the vaccines’ which will remain ‘just as effective’.
The news comes after London and parts of the south east were plunged into a new Tier 4 to tackle the mutant strain which has been described as 'fast-spreading'.
Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that the tougher restrictions were needed as the new variant could be up to 70% more infectious than the main strain.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Mr Spahn's reassurance was referring in particular to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which the NHS started rolling out across the UK early this month.
The French Government supported Mr Spahn's claim in a statement.
It reads: "This genetic variant does not seem to entail, at this stage of knowledge, a heightened seriousness or a resistance to the vaccine."
However they questioned Mr Johnson's claim about the infectiousness of the new virus saying it ‘has not been demonstrated at this stage’.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The Pfizer-BioNTech jab, which is from Germany, has also been approved in the US and is close to being given the green light by the European Medicines Agency.
The news of the mutant strain in the UK has resulted in Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Austria, Israel, Bulgaria and El Salvador banning flights from the UK.
While anyone who have spent 24 hours or more in the UK before flying to the Czech Republic will have to self-isolate.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said nine cases of the mutated virus have been detected in Denmark, while the Netherlands and Australia have both confirmed one each.
Support our appeal and help save Christmas for thousands of children The Mirror needs your help to save Christmas for thousands of children in Britain. We are raising funds for Save the Children UK, so it can buy gifts for some of the country's most vulnerable kids and offer Christmas meals to hard-up families. Every penny you donate to our Save a Kid's Christmas appeal will make a difference. It could mean one less child going without a hot Christmas meal or pay for the only gift they will get to open. Or it could help buy books and learning packs for kids who risk falling behind at school. To support: Call: 0800 8148 148
Visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk/mirror
Text MIRROR5 TO 70008 to donate £5 or MIRROR10 TO 70008 to donate £10
Send a cheque payable to Save the Children UK to Freepost Daily Mirror Christmas Appeal 2020, Save the Children, 1 St John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4AR. The Save the Children Fund is a charity registered in England and Wales (213890), Scotland (SC039570) and IOM (199)
Italy has detected a single case in a person returning from Britain.
Germany, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, has organised an emergency meeting of experts to discuss the country's response to the new threat on Monday, a health ministry spokesman said.
The meeting will be held under the European Council’s IPCR crisis response scheme, which can be invoked for health, environmental or terrorist emergencies among others.
Mr Johnson is reportedly holding a COBRA meeting on Monday morning to discuss the situation regarding international travel and freight flows after Dover closed its ports.
Dr Susan Hopkins, of Public Health England, warned the new variant had already spread to Wales, Scotland and other parts of England.
She said that while many regions had cases of the new strain, these were in much smaller numbers than in London, Kent and parts of Essex.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the new strain is 'out of control' and has urged the 17.7million people living in Tier 4 to behave like they have the virus.


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Harlequins crushed as Racing 92 move to banish ghosts of past European failures

T ’ WAS the nightmare before Christmas as Finn Russell ’ s Racing 92 handed Harlequins their heaviest ever home defeat in Europe .
The Scotland star and his X-factor pals from across the Channel cut Quins to ribbons to dump them out of the Champions Cup .
This was men against boys as Racing , beaten in three of the last five finals , helped themselves to a magnificent seven tries .
Quins were dire and team boss Paul Gustard admitted : “ There was not one facet of the game where we performed .
“ There are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coaching staff included .
We played against a team that was very good and we were anything but .
“ We were way off .
Off in the warm-up , quiet , no bounce about us .
No talk , no noise , no energy .
Unfortunately we saw the consequences of that .
A really really poor performance.
” This was as complete a win as you will see , from the moment Teddy Thomas waltzed through a non-existent defence on Racing ’ s first attack for what Gustard termed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gulf in class was apparent long before the rampant Parisian outfit claimed the four-try bonus point with half an hour still to play .
Every time they went to their lineout drive they seemed to score and Russell led Quins such a merry dance that at no point was the result ever in doubt .
Unbeaten Wasps apart , this has been a poor tournament for English clubs so far .
Gloucester , Exeter and Bristol have one win apiece yet have their work cut out to make the knockout stages .
Against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go right .
Nothing did .
They trailed 20-0 at half-time and two games into this competition have yet to register a first half point .
Any hope of a resurgence ended 38 seconds after the restart when Simon Zebo scored and from there the only question was how big a gubbing this would be .
The Londoners ’ body language was poor and Chris Ashton ’ s crass late challenge on Thomas , which overturned a consolation try for Alex Dombrandt , pretty well summed things up .
By contrast Racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henry Chavancy later admitting they are a team on a mission to avenge their defeat in last season ’ s final .
Nobody shone brighter than Russell , whom former Quins star Ugo Monye hailed as the “ most naturally gifted fly-half in world rugby ” .
Russell liked that , but passed the praise onto his forwards .
“ I imagine for teams facing us it ’ s quite daunting to come up against that power , ” he said .
Quins were not about to disagree .

T’WAS the nightmare before Christmas as Finn Russell’s Racing 92 handed Harlequins their heaviest ever home defeat in Europe.
The Scotland star and his X-factor pals from across the Channel cut Quins to ribbons to dump them out of the Champions Cup.
This was men against boys as Racing, beaten in three of the last five finals, helped themselves to a magnificent seven tries.
Quins were dire and team boss Paul Gustard admitted: “There was not one facet of the game where we performed.
“There are a lot of upset people, myself and the coaching staff included. We played against a team that was very good and we were anything but.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“We were way off. Off in the warm-up, quiet, no bounce about us. No talk, no noise, no energy. Unfortunately we saw the consequences of that. A really really poor performance.”
This was as complete a win as you will see, from the moment Teddy Thomas waltzed through a non-existent defence on Racing’s first attack for what Gustard termed an “unbelievably soft” score.
The gulf in class was apparent long before the rampant Parisian outfit claimed the four-try bonus point with half an hour still to play.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
Every time they went to their lineout drive they seemed to score and Russell led Quins such a merry dance that at no point was the result ever in doubt.
Unbeaten Wasps apart, this has been a poor tournament for English clubs so far. Gloucester, Exeter and Bristol have one win apiece yet have their work cut out to make the knockout stages.
Against opposition of this quality Quins needed everything to go right. Nothing did. They trailed 20-0 at half-time and two games into this competition have yet to register a first half point.
Image: PA) PA)
Any hope of a resurgence ended 38 seconds after the restart when Simon Zebo scored and from there the only question was how big a gubbing this would be.
The Londoners’ body language was poor and Chris Ashton’s crass late challenge on Thomas, which overturned a consolation try for Alex Dombrandt, pretty well summed things up.
By contrast Racing were a joy to watch - captain Henry Chavancy later admitting they are a team on a mission to avenge their defeat in last season’s final.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Nobody shone brighter than Russell, whom former Quins star Ugo Monye hailed as the “most naturally gifted fly-half in world rugby”.
Russell liked that, but passed the praise onto his forwards.
“I imagine for teams facing us it’s quite daunting to come up against that power,” he said. Quins were not about to disagree.
HARLEQUINS - Try: Steele. Con: Smith.
RACING - Tries: Thomas, Le Guen, Zebo, Colombe, Taofifenua, Baubigny, Trinh-Duc. Cons: Machenaud 3, Trinh-Duc 2. Pens: Machenaud 2.


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Anna Friel says her four-year relationship was 'killed in two weeks of lockdown'

Anna Friel has spoken out about the effect the coronavirus lockdown had on her relationship .
The 44-year-old actress , who rose to fame as Beth Jordache in Channel 4 ’ s Brookside , has said that her four year relationship had broken down within two weeks of them being forced to spend all their time together .
This came after the Emmy award-winning actress had predicted that a lot of couples would not last the lockdown due to new stresses and strains that would be put on them Speaking to You magazine , Anna revealed : `` A relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down after about the first two weeks… '' She went on to say that they quickly became an emotional victim of the pandemic .
Anna continued : `` When we went into lockdown , I remember thinking : 'God , there ’ s going to be so many people breaking up during this . '
`` While I like to keep my private life incredibly private , I think there ’ s going to be such a fallout at the end of all this that it ’ s important to say , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all of us and it is difficult . '
'' While Anna does not name who her former partner is , she has been linked to 42-year-old Regimental Corporal Major Mark Jaworski .
It has been reported that they have been together since meeting at a charity dinner in Windsor , in 2018 .
Jaworski served with the Life Guards Regiment of the Household Cavalry at Combermere Barracks in Windsor , which boasted Princes William and Harry as members of its Blues and Royals section .
He now trains recruits at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anna has said that she has spent the time during lockdown to reflect on her life at home with her 15-year-old daughter Gracie , from her relationship with actor David Thewlis .
She continued : `` Maybe I ’ m being more reflective because you don ’ t normally have time to stop and analyse these things .
You just keep moving .
`` Now you can really overthink stuff , so nothing feels without worry .
`` Even if you ’ re in a relationship , some of my friends are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re used to a life of being busy . ''
She has also shared her worries about her daughter leaving home at her earliest opportunity , as her 16th birthday is on the horizon .
Anna said : `` I ’ m dreading it .
I left home at 16 .
`` I always joke with Gracie : 'Mummy will get a house for you and I ’ ll live in the garden .
I can help with the grandchildren . '
'' Do you have a story to sell ?
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Actress Anna Friel has revealed that her love life was turned over in just a fortnight after lockdown forced her to reevaluate her relationship
Anna Friel says her four-year relationship was 'killed in two weeks of lockdown'
Anna Friel has spoken out about the effect the coronavirus lockdown had on her relationship.
The 44-year-old actress, who rose to fame as Beth Jordache in Channel 4’s Brookside, has said that her four year relationship had broken down within two weeks of them being forced to spend all their time together.
This came after the Emmy award-winning actress had predicted that a lot of couples would not last the lockdown due to new stresses and strains that would be put on them
Speaking to You magazine, Anna revealed: "A relationship I was in for four years broke down after about the first two weeks…"
She went on to say that they quickly became an emotional victim of the pandemic.
Image: annafriel/Instagram) annafriel/Instagram)
Anna continued: "When we went into lockdown, I remember thinking: 'God, there’s going to be so many people breaking up during this.'
"While I like to keep my private life incredibly private, I think there’s going to be such a fallout at the end of all this that it’s important to say, 'I’m human, it happens to all of us and it is difficult.'"
While Anna does not name who her former partner is, she has been linked to 42-year-old Regimental Corporal Major Mark Jaworski.
It has been reported that they have been together since meeting at a charity dinner in Windsor, in 2018.
Jaworski served with the Life Guards Regiment of the Household Cavalry at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, which boasted Princes William and Harry as members of its Blues and Royals section.
He now trains recruits at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey.
Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images) Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Anna has said that she has spent the time during lockdown to reflect on her life at home with her 15-year-old daughter Gracie, from her relationship with actor David Thewlis.
She continued: "Maybe I’m being more reflective because you don’t normally have time to stop and analyse these things. You just keep moving.
"Now you can really overthink stuff, so nothing feels without worry.
"Even if you’re in a relationship, some of my friends are still suffering from extreme loneliness because they’re used to a life of being busy."
She has also shared her worries about her daughter leaving home at her earliest opportunity, as her 16th birthday is on the horizon.
Anna said: "I’m dreading it. I left home at 16.
"I always joke with Gracie: 'Mummy will get a house for you and I’ll live in the garden. I can help with the grandchildren.'"
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Ed Sheeran teases fans with comeback as he announces cryptic 'Christmas present'

Ed Sheeran teased his return to music with a new single tomorrow – his first release in nearly 18 months .
The musician , 29 , has sent fans wild with a cryptic social media post about giving them a “ Christmas present ” on Monday .
Ed - who became a father for the first time in August - devastated fans when announced he 'd be stepping back from performing last year , in order to prioritise his family life .
But now he has left his avid listeners thrilled and excited after he shared a post on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forefront of music .
In a new Instagram post shared on Sunday , Sheeran wrote : “ 11am GMT tomorrow .
A Christmas present.
” On his Instagram story , he shared the same message , followed by a short clip of him settling down to play his guitar .
The star last shared new music in 2019 with his star-studded ‘ No.6 Collaborations Project ’ album , which saw him team up with the likes of Stormzy , Justin Bieber , Camila Cabello and Cardi B .
Although it has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow , radio station Power Radio tweeted that the musician would release a new single called ‘ The Afterglow ’ .
His teaser comes just days after he signalled he is to emerge from retirement .
A fan account on Instagram issued a lengthy theory about Ed returning to music ahead of the release of a new album rumoured to be called ‘ Subtract ’ – with the star himself responding to the theory .
The fan wrote : “ Okay so here are my thoughts about subtract and Ed coming back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 18 month break started at the end of the divide tour or when he posted the note .
If it ’ s August 2019 , it ’ s very plausible that Ed ’ ll be back on Christmas Eve , ‘ cause we all know that that ’ s when he posted his note last year.
” The fan went on to speculate that it would be too early for Ed to return as the past nine months have been taken out by coronavirus related lockdowns – and they added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daughter named Lyra , in August .
The fan continued : “ [ Manager , Stuart Camp ] said in the podcast that subtract is probably gon na come out around August 2021 .
If they ’ re still planning on releasing it then , I just see no point in Ed already coming back in December .
“ If his break started after his note , it would normally end in June 2021 .
This just makes way more sense to me : he comes back in June with the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one or two more singles in July ( and August ) and then puts out subtract in August.
” They went on to reiterate their theory that new music won ’ t be released before the end of 2020 , adding : “ There ’ s still a chance that he actually will come back next week , but I guess we ’ ll just have to wait and see.
” To the shock and surprise of the fan , and many others , the flame haired man himself responded to the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ All very valid questions , but you 'll know at least one answer soon x ” .
The response threw fans into a frenzy of excitement , with many interpreting Ed ’ s short answer as confirmation that new music will be coming soon .

Ed Sheeran puts one of his paintings up for charity auction
Ed Sheeran puts one of his paintings up for charity auction
Ed Sheeran- who became a father for the first time in August - devastated fans when announced he'd be stepping back from performing last year, in order to prioritise his family life
Ed Sheeran teased his return to music with a new single tomorrow – his first release in nearly 18 months.
The musician, 29, has sent fans wild with a cryptic social media post about giving them a “Christmas present” on Monday.
Ed - who became a father for the first time in August - devastated fans when announced he'd be stepping back from performing last year, in order to prioritise his family life.
But now he has left his avid listeners thrilled and excited after he shared a post on Sunday to signal his imminent return to the forefront of music.
In a new Instagram post shared on Sunday, Sheeran wrote: “11am GMT tomorrow. A Christmas present.”
On his Instagram story, he shared the same message, followed by a short clip of him settling down to play his guitar.
The star last shared new music in 2019 with his star-studded ‘No.6 Collaborations Project’ album, which saw him team up with the likes of Stormzy, Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello and Cardi B.
Although it has not been officially confirmed what Ed will be releasing tomorrow, radio station Power Radio tweeted that the musician would release a new single called ‘The Afterglow’.
His teaser comes just days after he signalled he is to emerge from retirement.
Image: Europa Press via Getty Images) Europa Press via Getty Images)
A fan account on Instagram issued a lengthy theory about Ed returning to music ahead of the release of a new album rumoured to be called ‘Subtract’ – with the star himself responding to the theory.
The fan wrote: “Okay so here are my thoughts about subtract and Ed coming back.
“One big question is whether Ed’s 18 month break started at the end of the divide tour or when he posted the note. If it’s August 2019, it’s very plausible that Ed’ll be back on Christmas Eve, ‘cause we all know that that’s when he posted his note last year.”
The fan went on to speculate that it would be too early for Ed to return as the past nine months have been taken out by coronavirus related lockdowns – and they added that the star welcomed his first child, a daughter named Lyra, in August.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The fan continued: “[Manager, Stuart Camp] said in the podcast that subtract is probably gonna come out around August 2021. If they’re still planning on releasing it then, I just see no point in Ed already coming back in December.
“If his break started after his note, it would normally end in June 2021. This just makes way more sense to me: he comes back in June with the lead single(s), release maybe one or two more singles in July (and August) and then puts out subtract in August.”
They went on to reiterate their theory that new music won’t be released before the end of 2020, adding: “There’s still a chance that he actually will come back next week, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Image: Getty) Getty)
To the shock and surprise of the fan, and many others, the flame haired man himself responded to the post.
Ed wrote in the replied section: “All very valid questions, but you'll know at least one answer soon x”.
The response threw fans into a frenzy of excitement, with many interpreting Ed’s short answer as confirmation that new music will be coming soon.


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Liverpool win two awards at Sports Personality of the Year as Klopp honoured

Liverpool 's remarkable achievements in 2020 were recognised with two awards during the BBC 's Sports Personality show .
The Reds were crowned Premier League champions in late June and went on to win the top flight by a remarkable margin of 18 points , having failed to win only six of 38 matches .
Jurgen Klopp was the mastermind behind the triumph and led his side to match numerous records throughout the campaign , including the most wins ( 32 ) and most home wins ( 18 ) in a season .
The Liverpool boss was present to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night , while his title-winning side received the Team of the Year accolade .
Accepting the award , Klopp said : `` When the coach of the Team of the Year becomes the Coach of the Year then I had an outstanding team on the pitch obviously .
`` Hendo ( Jordan Henderson ) nearly mentioned all of them , but my coaching staff is obviously the main reason why all the things worked the way they work , so I 'm really happy .
`` Usually you win a prize as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all my contenders were from all different kind of sports and I never before won something like that .
It 's really nice .
`` On behalf of my coaches , I accept it obviously and take it home to Liverpool .
Thank you very much . ''
The award is Klopp 's second within the space of a week , adding to his Best FIFA Men 's Coach prize on Thursday .
The German was delighted his squad was also recognised as the Team of the Year , saying : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did an incredible job .
Will Liverpool win the Premier League again this season ?
Have your say here .
`` It 's a mix of talent , character , desire and plus the power of the club , which is really a big one .
That all comes together , so we could become champion and it was a great moment , to be honest . ''
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson - who finished second to Lewis Hamilton in the Sports Personality of the Year voting - added : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Looking from the inside , the lads deserve it because of how hard they work every single day , wanting to improve , push each other to succeed .
`` But I 'd also like to mention the team that you wo n't see on the pitch , which I think needs a special mention because they do everything behind the scenes for us to go and perform .
The likes of the medical team , fitness team , grounds staff , kitchen staff , security .
`` Everybody at the training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to go and play football to the best of our ability on the pitch .
Without them , we would n't have been successful in the last few years . ''
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and captain Jordan Henderson were on hand as the Reds' sensational Premier League title win was honoured with two awards on Sunday night
Liverpool win two awards at Sports Personality of the Year as Jurgen Klopp honoured
Liverpool's remarkable achievements in 2020 were recognised with two awards during the BBC's Sports Personality show.
The Reds were crowned Premier League champions in late June and went on to win the top flight by a remarkable margin of 18 points, having failed to win only six of 38 matches.
Jurgen Klopp was the mastermind behind the triumph and led his side to match numerous records throughout the campaign, including the most wins (32) and most home wins (18) in a season.
The Liverpool boss was present to receive the Coach of the Year award on Sunday night, while his title-winning side received the Team of the Year accolade.
Image: PA) PA)
Accepting the award, Klopp said: "When the coach of the Team of the Year becomes the Coach of the Year then I had an outstanding team on the pitch obviously.
"Hendo (Jordan Henderson) nearly mentioned all of them, but my coaching staff is obviously the main reason why all the things worked the way they work, so I'm really happy.
"Usually you win a prize as a football coach, this time obviously all my contenders were from all different kind of sports and I never before won something like that. It's really nice.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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"On behalf of my coaches, I accept it obviously and take it home to Liverpool. Thank you very much."
The award is Klopp's second within the space of a week, adding to his Best FIFA Men's Coach prize on Thursday.
The German was delighted his squad was also recognised as the Team of the Year, saying: "I think my team deserves it honestly because they did an incredible job.
Image: PA) PA)
Will Liverpool win the Premier League again this season? Have your say here.
"It's a mix of talent, character, desire and plus the power of the club, which is really a big one. That all comes together, so we could become champion and it was a great moment, to be honest."
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson - who finished second to Lewis Hamilton in the Sports Personality of the Year voting - added: "It means a lot to the team.
"Looking from the inside, the lads deserve it because of how hard they work every single day, wanting to improve, push each other to succeed.
"But I'd also like to mention the team that you won't see on the pitch, which I think needs a special mention because they do everything behind the scenes for us to go and perform. The likes of the medical team, fitness team, grounds staff, kitchen staff, security.
"Everybody at the training ground do everything every single day for us to go and play football to the best of our ability on the pitch. Without them, we wouldn't have been successful in the last few years."
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-12-20--Emmerdale Christmas spoilers - Bombshell secret, wedding drama and attack horror

Emmerdale is delivering an hour-long special on Christmas Day , with plenty of action happening across the festive period .
From wedding bells and heartache to affair drama , it 's all kicking off in true soap fashion .
Charity Dingle plots revenge on what should be Chas and Paddy 's big day , while Al Chapman 's mystery woman is finally exposed .
Soap boss Jane Hudson promised fans would not see a twist coming , predicting viewers will be gasping and screaming over something that happens on Christmas Day itself .
But what is happening in the lead-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village events ... Charity Dingle is still on self-destruct , and teams up with Mackenzie by stashing stolen goods .
Chas catches them in the act , but what will she do ?
Jamie Tate returns from a trip and is gutted when his mum Kim claims he 's made the family look like a laughing stock .
Elsewhere , after Liv 's recent seizure Paul feels uneasy when she brings up her driving lesson .
Moira offers her brother Mackenzie a place to stay when he reveals he 's leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to where they 've stashed the stolen goods , but can she trust him ?
Paul explains to Liv that he thinks she should n't be driving , knowing full well she might have another seizure .
Elsewhere , Laurel is full of self-loathing , Paddy realises he has n't sent out wedding invites and Andrea is annoyed at Kim .
Mackenzie tells a sickening lie to Moira , when she almost catches him at the barn with the stolen goods .
Paul tells Aaron about Liv 's seizure and she 's furious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his son Vinny .
Paddy panics as none of the surprise wedding plans seem to be going his way , while Noah despairs that mum Charity is no longer interested in him .
Moira and Mackenzie end up clashing during a sweet moment , as old memories and resentments resurface .
Priya wants Al all to herself this Christmas , unaware of his secret - as he sends one last message to his mystery woman .
Vinny urges his dad to accept his addiction , but Paul retaliates with violence leaving him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Millie spend some time at Home Farm on Christmas Day , while Harriet remains paranoid after moving Malone 's body .
Cain and Moira share a romantic step forward , as Paddy panics after more setbacks with the wedding .
Chas meanwhile has a blazing row with Charity , as she tries to make her see her son Noah is being neglected .
It 's the big one - and Al 's mystery lady is finally exposed it seems .
Meanwhile Kim is left furious , when Jamie suggests he and Andrea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern , and Charity decides to take revenge on Paddy for not inviting her to the wedding .
As the Dingles plan to surprise Chas with the secret wedding , will Charity ruin everything ?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV , with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays .

Emmerdale spoilers confirm a pretty eventful Christmas in the village, with several characters taking centre stage
Emmerdale is delivering an hour-long special on Christmas Day, with plenty of action happening across the festive period.
From wedding bells and heartache to affair drama, it's all kicking off in true soap fashion.
Charity Dingle plots revenge on what should be Chas and Paddy's big day, while Al Chapman's mystery woman is finally exposed.
Soap boss Jane Hudson promised fans would not see a twist coming, predicting viewers will be gasping and screaming over something that happens on Christmas Day itself.
But what is happening in the lead-up? Here's your daily guide to the village events...
Image: ITV) ITV)
Monday December 21 - 7pm
Charity Dingle is still on self-destruct, and teams up with Mackenzie by stashing stolen goods.
Chas catches them in the act, but what will she do?
Jamie Tate returns from a trip and is gutted when his mum Kim claims he's made the family look like a laughing stock.
Elsewhere, after Liv's recent seizure Paul feels uneasy when she brings up her driving lesson.
Tuesday December 22 - 7pm
Image: ITV) ITV)
Moira offers her brother Mackenzie a place to stay when he reveals he's leaving the village.
Later he and Charity head to where they've stashed the stolen goods, but can she trust him?
Paul explains to Liv that he thinks she shouldn't be driving, knowing full well she might have another seizure.
Elsewhere, Laurel is full of self-loathing, Paddy realises he hasn't sent out wedding invites and Andrea is annoyed at Kim.
Wednesday December 23 - 7pm
Image: ITV) ITV)
Mackenzie tells a sickening lie to Moira, when she almost catches him at the barn with the stolen goods.
Paul tells Aaron about Liv's seizure and she's furious - leading to her exposing his gambling to his son Vinny.
Paddy panics as none of the surprise wedding plans seem to be going his way, while Noah despairs that mum Charity is no longer interested in him.
Christmas Eve - 6:45pm (hour long)
Image: ITV) ITV)
Moira and Mackenzie end up clashing during a sweet moment, as old memories and resentments resurface.
Priya wants Al all to herself this Christmas, unaware of his secret - as he sends one last message to his mystery woman.
Vinny urges his dad to accept his addiction, but Paul retaliates with violence leaving him distraught.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Jamie convinces Andrea to let daughter Millie spend some time at Home Farm on Christmas Day, while Harriet remains paranoid after moving Malone's body.
Cain and Moira share a romantic step forward, as Paddy panics after more setbacks with the wedding.
Chas meanwhile has a blazing row with Charity, as she tries to make her see her son Noah is being neglected.
Christmas Day - 6pm (hour long)
Image: ITV) ITV)
It's the big one - and Al's mystery lady is finally exposed it seems.
Meanwhile Kim is left furious, when Jamie suggests he and Andrea should get back together.
Harriet sparks concern, and Charity decides to take revenge on Paddy for not inviting her to the wedding.
As the Dingles plan to surprise Chas with the secret wedding, will Charity ruin everything?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.