thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Tom Kerridge says pubs in England should be allowed to open regardless of tiers

Celebrity landlord Tom Kerridge is backing a new bid to save Britain 's battered boozers - calling on the government to let them re-open in a Covid-secure way no matter what tier they are in .
The TV chef is supporting calls to relax rules that have forced thousands of pubs to shut .
While pubs which serve meals can open to households in Tier 2 - traditional 'wet ' pubs have been forced to close .
Now an industry coalition , including the Campaign for Real Ale , is calling for an urgent rethink .
Launching the Pubs Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs be allowed to reopen - regardless of tier .
Mr Kerridge , who runs a pub in Marlow , Buckinghamshire , last night issued a stark warning : “ Without greater Government support our unique pub culture will be under significant threat - and we will see many pubs close their doors forever . ''
Today a coalition including the Campaign for Real Ale , the British Beer and Pub Association , and the British Institute of Innkeeping called for urgent action .
Launching the Pub Matters campaign , they called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demand a rethink .
Mr Kerridge , who is supporting the movement , said : “ The one thing we have all missed during lockdown is human connection and social interaction which , above all else , is everything that the Great British pub provides .
`` Yet despite the important role that many pubs play in our local communities - and the significant investments that many pub landlords have made to re-open COVID-secure premises - it looks like most of us will be unable to visit our local this Christmas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weigh heavily on people who have already faced a year of loneliness and social isolation due to the ongoing pandemic .
`` The Great British pub is recognised around the world as a uniquely British institution .
It is something we should be very proud of and should aim to protect for generations to come .
“ I fear that without greater Government support our unique pub culture will be under significant threat , and we will see many pubs close their doors forever . ''
Locking the country down in March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're taking away the ancient and inalienable right of freeborn people of the United Kingdom to go to the pub .
“ These are places where people come together and indeed the whole purpose is to bring people together .
`` But today for now we need to keep people apart . ''
The battle-weary pub industry has been decimated since , through forced closures and new restrictions banning alcohol sales without the purchase of a 'substantial meal ' .
It is estimated that 2,500 pubs have shut this year - double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are currently around 41,000 vacant pubs across England and Wales .
The Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA ) fears the impact of a dry Christmas for its wet-led pubs could be “ catastrophic ” .
Chief executive Tom Stainer said : “ Despite the fact that many publicans have spent thousands ensuring their pubs are COVID-secure , hundreds are still unable to reopen under the current guidelines .
“ This is not only hurting local businesses , but also the wellbeing of the people using them .
Pubs need fair treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the festive period .
“ Pubs have repeatedly demonstrated that they are willing to invest thousands and introduce new protocols and procedures to keep their patrons safe .
“ Pubs are n't just a friendly boozer - they are intrinsic to local communities , providing a family and social setting for many who are alone and isolated over the Christmas period .
“ We are now urging the Government to provide a proper financial support package for pubs and brewers , and to allow people to socialise safely in COVID-secure pubs , regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wonston Arms in the Hampshire hamlet of Wonston , near Winchester .
The CAMRA pub-of-the-year has been a public house since the 1800s but is now facing an uncertain future .
Under Tier 2 rules , it can not open because it does not serve food .
As with other traditional non-food pubs , Mr Todd , 52 , was handed a £1,000 grant by the government this month .
But he branded the cash offer as “ derisory ” .
He said : “ It doesn ’ t cover a sausage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay £550 for a licence to play background music .
So it ’ s half gone already.
” Mr Todd spent thousands installing a heated Covid-secure space outdoors that he can not use under the current rules .
His non-food pub was also unable for any support under the VAT cut for the hospitalist sector or Eat Out To Help Out subsidy scheme .
Mr Todd said : “ I want Boris Johnson to come to the Wonston and see how safe it is .
“ Putting a meal in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer - so why have these rules ?
“ I love my job but I don ’ t love the way I ’ ve been treated .
“ Financially , it ’ s been carnage .
We ’ ve not had an income since March .
“ I ’ ve got that bad feeling in my stomach every morning - I just feel marginalised and unwanted .
“ Bluntly , I 'm not so sure I want to carry on .
More and more publicans will feel that way if this lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 69 , have flooded MPs inboxes with messages about why their pub matters this Christmas Mr Garth , from Ampthill , Beds , said : `` This blasted Covid lockdown has achieved what The Grinch , Ebeneezer Scrooge , Miracle of 34th Street ’ s Jack Duff and a million more miserable gits have tried and failed to do – and robbed us of Christmas .
`` The Government needs to throw the licensed trade a lifeline before it is too late and our way of life changes forever.
” David Davies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told local MP Rosie Cooper : “ As I ’ ve got older and having lost so many dear friends it is heart-warming to see their spouses being brought to the pub on Christmas Day lunchtime .
“ Without the local pub , these long-lasting friendships would never have been forged.
” MPs including Labour ’ s Charlotte Nicholls have vowed to take the pub fight to parliament .
She said : “ The pub sector faces an existential threat due to restrictions that make trading almost impossible , even for pubs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Government to provide an adequate financial package of support in mitigation .
“ Pubs are the heart of our communities .
They are where we come together to celebrate when times are good , and where we can go to find comfort among friends when they 're bad .
“ Every pub closure is not only a tragedy for their owners and their staff , but for the whole area they serve , and this can not and should not be seen as a price worth paying to keep other sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government keeps shifting the goalposts , leaving pubs who have spent thousands to make their venues Covid-secure still unable to trade and without even providing evidence to justify the restrictions being imposed despite repeated requests.
” “ The Government needs to urgently step up with a meaningful package of support , and to work with the sector to ensure that any restrictions can be properly evidenced or be removed.
” Also supporting the campaign are the Society of Independent Brewers , the Independent Family Brewers of Britain and UKHospitality .
To find out @ @ @ @ @ @

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR PUBS, CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN ENGLAND FROM DECEMBER 2?
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR PUBS, CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN ENGLAND FROM DECEMBER 2?
Mr Kerridge, who runs a pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, last night issued a stark warning that the current lockdown could result in many pubs in England closing for good
Tom Kerridge says pubs in England should be allowed to open regardless of tiers
Celebrity landlord Tom Kerridge is backing a new bid to save Britain's battered boozers - calling on the government to let them re-open in a Covid-secure way no matter what tier they are in.
The TV chef is supporting calls to relax rules that have forced thousands of pubs to shut.
While pubs which serve meals can open to households in Tier 2 - traditional 'wet' pubs have been forced to close.
Now an industry coalition, including the Campaign for Real Ale, is calling for an urgent rethink.
Launching the Pubs Matter campaign, they want to see Covid-secure pubs be allowed to reopen - regardless of tier.
Image: BBC/Bone Soup Productions) BBC/Bone Soup Productions)
Mr Kerridge, who runs a pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, last night issued a stark warning: “Without greater Government support our unique pub culture will be under significant threat - and we will see many pubs close their doors forever."
Today a coalition including the Campaign for Real Ale, the British Beer and Pub Association, and the British Institute of Innkeeping called for urgent action.
Launching the Pub Matters campaign, they called on pub-goers across the country to flood MPs to demand a rethink.
Mr Kerridge, who is supporting the movement, said: “The one thing we have all missed during lockdown is human connection and social interaction which, above all else, is everything that the Great British pub provides.
"Yet despite the important role that many pubs play in our local communities - and the significant investments that many pub landlords have made to re-open COVID-secure premises - it looks like most of us will be unable to visit our local this Christmas.
“This is a reality that will weigh heavily on people who have already faced a year of loneliness and social isolation due to the ongoing pandemic.
Image: BBC/Bone Soup Productions) BBC/Bone Soup Productions)
"The Great British pub is recognised around the world as a uniquely British institution. It is something we should be very proud of and should aim to protect for generations to come.
“I fear that without greater Government support our unique pub culture will be under significant threat, and we will see many pubs close their doors forever."
Locking the country down in March, Boris Johnson told the nation: "We're taking away the ancient and inalienable right of freeborn people of the United Kingdom to go to the pub.
“These are places where people come together and indeed the whole purpose is to bring people together.
"But today for now we need to keep people apart."
The battle-weary pub industry has been decimated since, through forced closures and new restrictions banning alcohol sales without the purchase of a 'substantial meal'.
Image: BBC/Bone Soup Productions) BBC/Bone Soup Productions)
It is estimated that 2,500 pubs have shut this year - double the number of closures in 2019. There are currently around 41,000 vacant pubs across England and Wales.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) fears the impact of a dry Christmas for its wet-led pubs could be “catastrophic”.
Chief executive Tom Stainer said: “Despite the fact that many publicans have spent thousands ensuring their pubs are COVID-secure, hundreds are still unable to reopen under the current guidelines.
“This is not only hurting local businesses, but also the wellbeing of the people using them. Pubs need fair treatment and better financial support to get through the festive period.
“Pubs have repeatedly demonstrated that they are willing to invest thousands and introduce new protocols and procedures to keep their patrons safe.
“Pubs aren't just a friendly boozer - they are intrinsic to local communities, providing a family and social setting for many who are alone and isolated over the Christmas period.
“We are now urging the Government to provide a proper financial support package for pubs and brewers, and to allow people to socialise safely in COVID-secure pubs, regardless of tiers."
Matt Todd runs the Wonston Arms in the Hampshire hamlet of Wonston, near Winchester.
The CAMRA pub-of-the-year has been a public house since the 1800s but is now facing an uncertain future.
Under Tier 2 rules, it cannot open because it does not serve food.
As with other traditional non-food pubs, Mr Todd, 52, was handed a £1,000 grant by the government this month. But he branded the cash offer as “derisory”.
He said: “It doesn’t cover a sausage. I’ve had this month to pay £550 for a licence to play background music. So it’s half gone already.”
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Mr Todd spent thousands installing a heated Covid-secure space outdoors that he cannot use under the current rules.
His non-food pub was also unable for any support under the VAT cut for the hospitalist sector or Eat Out To Help Out subsidy scheme.
Mr Todd said: “I want Boris Johnson to come to the Wonston and see how safe it is.
“Putting a meal in front of someone won’t make it any safer - so why have these rules?
“I love my job but I don’t love the way I’ve been treated.
“Financially, it’s been carnage. We’ve not had an income since March.
Image: BBC/Bone Soup Productions) BBC/Bone Soup Productions)
“I’ve got that bad feeling in my stomach every morning - I just feel marginalised and unwanted.
“Bluntly, I'm not so sure I want to carry on. More and more publicans will feel that way if this lack of support continues.
Pub-goers including Charlie Garth, 69, have flooded MPs inboxes with messages about why their pub matters this Christmas
Mr Garth, from Ampthill, Beds, said: "This blasted Covid lockdown has achieved what The Grinch, Ebeneezer Scrooge, Miracle of 34th Street’s Jack Duff and a million more miserable gits have tried and failed to do – and robbed us of Christmas.
"The Government needs to throw the licensed trade a lifeline before it is too late and our way of life changes forever.”
David Davies, 71, from West Lancashire, told local MP Rosie Cooper: “As I’ve got older and having lost so many dear friends it is heart-warming to see their spouses being brought to the pub on Christmas Day lunchtime.
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)
“Without the local pub, these long-lasting friendships would never have been forged.”
MPs including Labour’s Charlotte Nicholls have vowed to take the pub fight to parliament.
She said: “The pub sector faces an existential threat due to restrictions that make trading almost impossible, even for pubs in lower tiers, and an abject failure by the Government to provide an adequate financial package of support in mitigation.
“Pubs are the heart of our communities. They are where we come together to celebrate when times are good, and where we can go to find comfort among friends when they're bad.
“Every pub closure is not only a tragedy for their owners and their staff, but for the whole area they serve, and this cannot and should not be seen as a price worth paying to keep other sectors of the economy open.
“The Government keeps shifting the goalposts, leaving pubs who have spent thousands to make their venues Covid-secure still unable to trade and without even providing evidence to justify the restrictions being imposed despite repeated requests.”
“The Government needs to urgently step up with a meaningful package of support, and to work with the sector to ensure that any restrictions can be properly evidenced or be removed.”
Also supporting the campaign are the Society of Independent Brewers, the Independent Family Brewers of Britain and UKHospitality.
To find out more and take part visit whypubsmatter.org.uk


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Oxford Covid vaccine has 'pretty high' chance of being available this month

The Oxford coronavirus vaccine has a “ pretty high ” chance of being available in Britain by the end of this month , its developer has said .
Sarah Gilbert , lead researcher on the programme , suggested she was hopeful the jab will be the second to be approved by UK regulators soon .
Approval for the jab - developed with pharma giant AstraZeneca - could speed up the UK ’ s vaccine rollout dramatically .
Britain has ordered on 100million doses of the Oxford jab on top of 40million of the Pfizer vaccine , which is already being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK ready for use are 800,000 of the Pfizer jab - enough for 400,000 people .
But asked by the BBC 's Andrew Marr if he will receive the Oxford jab by the end of the year , Prof Gilbert replied : “ Well , it depends on the age group you ’ re in , [ priority groups ] .
`` So I think the chances are pretty high . ''
She said Britain needs multiple vaccines to quell any problems with the supply of raw materials in future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple irons in the fire , is what we really need , '' she added .
While the Pfizer jab must be stored at minus 70 degrees , the Oxford jab can be stored and transported more easily .
But the Oxford jab is still being evaluated .
Trials suggested it was 62 % effective for some participants , but 90 % effective for a small group of reportedly younger participants who were accidentally given a different dose .
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) was due to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few days .
Dr June Raine , chief executive of the MHRA , would not give a timescale for the vaccine ’ s approval last week .
But she told MPs there was a `` very active review '' ongoing and `` we ’ re working continuously round the clock ” .
The UK has drawn up a priority list of around 20million of the most vulnerable people , including everyone over 50 .
Boris Johnson has claimed the jab will have an impact `` before Easter '' and ministers hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
But experts have warned lockdown and social distancing measures ca n't be lifted all at once .
Many are understood to be concerned about the impact of lifting all the rules when only the most vulnerable have had the vaccine .
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty this week warned there would only be a `` gradual retreat '' from coronavirus rules .
One senior source said people must not have `` unrealistic expectations '' that `` everything ’ s going to be completely normal by April - it won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source told the Mirror they expected some coronavirus rules to continue into the summer .
Prof Gilbert said : `` I think it 's going to be very difficult to really eradicate this virus , and not see it circulating at all .
“ But we 're certainly going to be able to reduce it to the level where it 's not causing the problems that it does now . ''

Lead researcher Prof Sarah Gilbert suggested she was hopeful the jab will become the second to be approved for use in the UK
Oxford coronavirus vaccine has 'pretty high' chance of being available this month
The Oxford coronavirus vaccine has a “pretty high” chance of being available in Britain by the end of this month, its developer has said.
Sarah Gilbert, lead researcher on the programme, suggested she was hopeful the jab will be the second to be approved by UK regulators soon.
Approval for the jab - developed with pharma giant AstraZeneca - could speed up the UK’s vaccine rollout dramatically.
Britain has ordered on 100million doses of the Oxford jab on top of 40million of the Pfizer vaccine, which is already being rolled out.
Currently the only doses in the UK ready for use are 800,000 of the Pfizer jab - enough for 400,000 people.
Image: PA) PA)
But asked by the BBC's Andrew Marr if he will receive the Oxford jab by the end of the year, Prof Gilbert replied: “Well, it depends on the age group you’re in, [priority groups].
"So I think the chances are pretty high."
She said Britain needs multiple vaccines to quell any problems with the supply of raw materials in future.
“Having multiple shots on goal, multiple irons in the fire, is what we really need," she added.
While the Pfizer jab must be stored at minus 70 degrees, the Oxford jab can be stored and transported more easily.
But the Oxford jab is still being evaluated. Trials suggested it was 62% effective for some participants, but 90% effective for a small group of reportedly younger participants who were accidentally given a different dose.
Image: PA) PA)
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was due to receive more data on the Oxford jab in the last few days.
Dr June Raine, chief executive of the MHRA, would not give a timescale for the vaccine’s approval last week.
But she told MPs there was a "very active review" ongoing and "we’re working continuously round the clock”.
The UK has drawn up a priority list of around 20million of the most vulnerable people, including everyone over 50.
Boris Johnson has claimed the jab will have an impact "before Easter" and ministers hope to lift restrictions "from the spring".
But experts have warned lockdown and social distancing measures can't be lifted all at once.
Image: John Lawrence/REX/Shutterstock) John Lawrence/REX/Shutterstock)
Many are understood to be concerned about the impact of lifting all the rules when only the most vulnerable have had the vaccine.
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty this week warned there would only be a "gradual retreat" from coronavirus rules.
One senior source said people must not have "unrealistic expectations" that "everything’s going to be completely normal by April - it won’t be."
A second senior government source told the Mirror they expected some coronavirus rules to continue into the summer.
Prof Gilbert said: "I think it's going to be very difficult to really eradicate this virus, and not see it circulating at all.
“But we're certainly going to be able to reduce it to the level where it's not causing the problems that it does now."


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Body found after huge search launched for missing 16-year-old boy

A body has been found in woodland as police and volunteers search for a missing 16-year-old boy .
Lucas Webb was reported missing from Barham in Canterbury , Kent , yesterday afternoon , prompting a huge search .
His family have been informed , police said .
Around 100 volunteers joined search and rescue teams trying to find the missing teenager .
Last night a helicopter was seen flying over the village in an effort to find Lucas .
In a heartbreaking update this afternoon , a spokesman for Kent Police said : `` Kent Police attended woodland near Barham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the body of a boy was located .
`` He was pronounced deceased at the scene .
`` Formal identification has not yet taken place , however , the family of a 16-year-old boy who was reported missing on Saturday 12 December have been informed .
`` The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner . ''
Kent Police said in a statement yesterday afternoon : `` Officers are appealing for the public ’ s help in trying to locate a missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 16 was last seen in Barham in Canterbury at about 1.30pm on Saturday 12 December .
`` Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 12-0947 . ''
Responding to a police appeal on Facebook , one distraught mum posted : `` My son is upset that his friend is missing & we ’ re able & willing to help in any way we can . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Around 100 volunteers this morning joined a search for missing teen Lucas Webb, who was last seen in Barham in Canterbury, Kent, yesterday afternoon
A body has been found in woodland as police and volunteers search for a missing 16-year-old boy.
Lucas Webb was reported missing from Barham in Canterbury, Kent, yesterday afternoon, prompting a huge search.
His family have been informed, police said.
Around 100 volunteers joined search and rescue teams trying to find the missing teenager.
Last night a helicopter was seen flying over the village in an effort to find Lucas.
Image: UkNewsinPictures) UkNewsinPictures) Image: KentLive) KentLive)
In a heartbreaking update this afternoon, a spokesman for Kent Police said: "Kent Police attended woodland near Barham at 11.30am on Sunday 13 December 2020, where the body of a boy was located.
"He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
"Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, the family of a 16-year-old boy who was reported missing on Saturday 12 December have been informed.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner."
Image: UkNewsinPictures) UkNewsinPictures)
Kent Police said in a statement yesterday afternoon: "Officers are appealing for the public’s help in trying to locate a missing teenager from Canterbury.
"Lucas Webb, 16 was last seen in Barham in Canterbury at about 1.30pm on Saturday 12 December.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 12-0947."
Responding to a police appeal on Facebook, one distraught mum posted: "My son is upset that his friend is missing & we’re able & willing to help in any way we can."


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Mum in frantic appeal as family face third Christmas 'living out of black bags'

A desperate mum says there 's 'no end in sight ' as her family face their third Christmas 'living out of black bags and boxes ' in emergency accommodation .
Margaret Maughan , a single parent from Ennis , Co Clare , is afraid to unpack or put up a tree as the family may have to move from their current AirBnB home with little notice .
The 27-year-old , along with her son Kevin , eight , and seven-year-old Shakira , have already been placed in seven different emergency accommodation locations since the beginning of the year , Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s no end in sight for us at the moment .
We just want a place we can call home .
“ Somewhere that my children would be comfortable .
For such young kids they are so full of anxiety , they don ’ t know where they are going to be tomorrow .
“ They shouldn ’ t have the worries that they do .
They have been homeless since they were three and four-years-old .
They can ’ t remember having their own home .
“ They haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I told them that because of Covid they are only able to get surprises .
That ’ s the way it has to be this year.
” The family lost their privately-rented home when the landlord sold it and Margaret was unable to find a new property with rent low enough to be covered by her Housing Assistance Payment allowance .
Margaret said : “ Rental prices are just crazy.
” The family first featured on the front of the Irish Mirror this time last year when Kevin asked for Batman toys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa .
But Margaret said “ not a thing has changed '' and she just wants somewhere to call “ home ” for her kids who are suffering with anxiety due to a lack of stability .
“ We are still going from pillar to post and are still in the same situation , '' she said .
This will be my children ’ s third Christmas in emergency accommodation .
“ We are currently in an Air BnB and the landlord is extremely nice , but the way it is , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave .
“ I was lucky enough that people stopped going away due to Covid , so the owner said we could stay here , but once things start back up and he gets busy we will have to go .
“ Since January we have been in seven different types of emergency accommodation , from B & Bs to hotels.
” Margaret said she hasn ’ t put up any Christmas decorations as they might have to leave their current accommodation at any time .
“ Last year , we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew we were going to be there for Christmas , so we got a little tree and did our best , '' she said .
“ But this year we really don ’ t know when we are going to be leaving this Air BnB .
There is no security .
I have no tree up as it ’ s pointless putting one up because we could be asked to leave tomorrow .
“ We are currently living out of black bags and boxes , there ’ s no point in unpacking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ – they are missing out on so much and it ’ s so unfair .
“ I feel bad for that and blame myself , but it ’ s not for the lack of trying .
I ’ m trying constantly to get us a home .
“ We are blessed where we are at the moment because I can cook .
My kids can have food cooked for them and don ’ t have to eat chips and takeaway .
“ They call their room here their ‘ room ’ , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone tomorrow.
” She hit out at the Government saying they have done nothing to address the homeless situation despite the pandemic leading to even more people losing the roofs over their head .
Margaret said : “ The Government doesn ’ t care .
It has been all empty promises from them .
“ I know we are living through a global pandemic and that has put an awful lot of setbacks on everything , but even without Covid this Government wasn ’ t doing anything .
“ Now more than ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high , too .
“ What makes it harder this year are there are so many more homeless people who have lost their jobs due to Covid and ended up not being able to afford their homes .
“ I feel for all those people because I know how it is , my heart goes out to them .
“ There are so many more homeless families this year .
People from every background can become homeless.
” Calling on the Irish Housing Minister Darragh O ’ Brien to meet with her and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said : “ The Government needs to pull the finger out and start addressing this problem .
“ Kick the boards off houses that have them and put homeless people in them .
Richard Boyd Barrett from political party People Before Profit said it ’ s “ shocking and shameful ” that young children should have to face Christmas in emergency accommodation .
He told the Irish Sunday Mirror : “ The homeless crisis has been running for seven years at this stage and the Government promises and policies have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge suffering for families and children which is inexcusable .
”

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Emma McKinney, Lorraine King)

Margaret Maughan, a single parent from Ennis, Co Clare in Ireland, said she is afraid to unpack or put up a Christmas tree as the family may have to move from their current Airbnb home with little notice
Desperate mum in frantic appeal as family face third Christmas 'living out of black bags'
A desperate mum says there's 'no end in sight' as her family face their third Christmas 'living out of black bags and boxes' in emergency accommodation.
Margaret Maughan, a single parent from Ennis, Co Clare, is afraid to unpack or put up a tree as the family may have to move from their current Airbnb home with little notice.
The 27-year-old, along with her son Kevin, eight, and seven-year-old Shakira, have already been placed in seven different emergency accommodation locations since the beginning of the year, Irish Mirror reports.
She said: “There’s no end in sight for us at the moment. We just want a place we can call home.
“Somewhere that my children would be comfortable. For such young kids they are so full of anxiety, they don’t know where they are going to be tomorrow.
“They shouldn’t have the worries that they do. They have been homeless since they were three and four-years-old. They can’t remember having their own home.
“They haven’t written their lists to Santa yet. I told them that because of Covid they are only able to get surprises. That’s the way it has to be this year.”
The family lost their privately-rented home when the landlord sold it and Margaret was unable to find a new property with rent low enough to be covered by her Housing Assistance Payment allowance.
Margaret said: “Rental prices are just crazy.”
The family first featured on the front of the Irish Mirror this time last year when Kevin asked for Batman toys for Christmas in a heartbreaking letter to Santa.
But Margaret said “not a thing has changed" and she just wants somewhere to call “home” for her kids who are suffering with anxiety due to a lack of stability.
Image: irishmirror WS) irishmirror WS)
“We are still going from pillar to post and are still in the same situation," she said.
This will be my children’s third Christmas in emergency accommodation.
“We are currently in an Airbnb and the landlord is extremely nice, but the way it is, if he gets a booking, we have to leave.
“I was lucky enough that people stopped going away due to Covid, so the owner said we could stay here, but once things start back up and he gets busy we will have to go.
“Since January we have been in seven different types of emergency accommodation, from B&Bs to hotels.”
Margaret said she hasn’t put up any Christmas decorations as they might have to leave their current accommodation at any time.
“Last year, we were in a B&B – I knew we were going to be there for Christmas, so we got a little tree and did our best," she said.
“But this year we really don’t know when we are going to be leaving this Air BnB. There is no security. I have no tree up as it’s pointless putting one up because we could be asked to leave tomorrow.
“We are currently living out of black bags and boxes, there’s no point in unpacking.
“My children are full of anxiety – they are missing out on so much and it’s so unfair.
“I feel bad for that and blame myself, but it’s not for the lack of trying. I’m trying constantly to get us a home.
“We are blessed where we are at the moment because I can cook. My kids can have food cooked for them and don’t have to eat chips and takeaway.
Image: PA) PA)
“They call their room here their ‘room’, but it’s not and could be gone tomorrow.”
She hit out at the Government saying they have done nothing to address the homeless situation despite the pandemic leading to even more people losing the roofs over their head.
Margaret said: “The Government doesn’t care. It has been all empty promises from them.
“I know we are living through a global pandemic and that has put an awful lot of setbacks on everything, but even without Covid this Government wasn’t doing anything.
“Now more than ever the homeless situation is at an all-time high, too.
“What makes it harder this year are there are so many more homeless people who have lost their jobs due to Covid and ended up not being able to afford their homes.
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)
“I feel for all those people because I know how it is, my heart goes out to them.
“There are so many more homeless families this year. People from every background can become homeless.”
Calling on the Irish Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to meet with her and see the situation her family is in, she said: “The Government needs to pull the finger out and start addressing this problem.
“Kick the boards off houses that have them and put homeless people in them.
Richard Boyd Barrett from political party People Before Profit said it’s “shocking and shameful” that young children should have to face Christmas in emergency accommodation.
He told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “The homeless crisis has been running for seven years at this stage and the Government promises and policies have come to nothing.
“There’s huge suffering for families and children which is inexcusable.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Neighbours legend Mark Little now living in a remote farmhouse in Wales

Neighbours legend Mark Little is now living in little Welsh farmhouse miles from anywhere - and he could n't be happier .
Viewers of the Aussie soap will best remember Mark popping next door to see Kylie Minogue , Jason Donovan , Guy Pearce and the gang - but now there is n't a neighbour in sight .
After leaving the show , Mark went on to take over from Chris Evans to co-present the Big Breakfast with Zoe Ball .
He then went on to star in numerous films and acclaimed theatre shows - winning a Laurence Olivier Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But these days the 61-year-old ex-Ramsey Street favourite has long since said goodbye to the showbiz lifestyle .
Mark - who played Joe Mangel in the hit show - is completely unrecognisable on his farm as he gets away from his old life .
Under a bushy beard , he 's living miles from anywhere `` finessing a magic acre in the wilderness '' somewhere south of Lake Vyrnwy in Powys .
Mark has been an increasingly vocal political activist and anti-fascism campaigner in recent years , reports Wales Online .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his farmhouse and he tweeted : `` I have been way out of the loop .
And what a loopy loop it is .
`` We have moved HQ and have been finessing a magic acre in the wilderness .
I have been as busy as a farmer '' We are now Anarchists Of The Forest and proud to be Welsh . ''
He loves his place - and the previously London-based star told fans all about the move .
`` We bought before the pandemic and spent six months of lockdown selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It has been torrid avoiding Covid and fascism ... but we survive ... a beautiful spot just south of lake Vyrnwy .
`` It was in a state but we are making it pretty ... lovely part of the world ... far from the madding crowd ... real . ''
Mark won a Laurence Olivier Award in 2000 - and now has a new life focus , as well as more facial hair !

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Nathan Bevan, Sam Elliott)

Actor Mark Little won a Laurence Olivier Award in 2000 but now has a new life focus - as well as more facial hair - as he has settled down somewhere south of Lake Vyrnwy in Powys
Neighbours legend Joe Mangel's remote life as he looks unrecognisable in new role
Neighbours legend Mark Little is now living in little Welsh farmhouse miles from anywhere – and he couldn't be happier.
Mark, 63, was best known for playing Ramsey Street favourite Joe Mangel. He left the soap in 2005 but later briefly reprised his role last year, brining Mark back to viewers' screens for the soap's finale.
During his time as Joe, actor Mark sported a short, dark hair 'do and a clean shaven look. But, he now looks very different to how Neighbours fans would recognise him, donning long silver, wavy locks and a full silver beard.
Since leaving the soap, not only has Mark taken on a new look but he's embarked on a new lifestyle, too.
Mark recently appeared on the BBC as he attended the cricket at Edgbaston for a Test match special.
Mark was dressed up for the occasion as he wore a smart shirt and a bright yellow and green tie as he joined commentator Jonathan Agnew at Edgbaston on the View from the Boundary podcast.
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Mark has undertaken an number of gigs in the limelight since leaving Neighbours.
After leaving the show, Mark went on to take over from Chris Evans to co-present the Big Breakfast with Zoe Ball.
He then went on to star in numerous films and acclaimed theatre shows - winning a Laurence Olivier Award in 2000 for his one man show.
But, he did at one point leave his life of showbiz behind to opt for a quieter way to spend his days.
Image: Rex Features) Rex Features)
After his Neighbours days, he moved to a farmhouse in Wales – living miles from anywhere "finessing a magic acre in the wilderness" somewhere south of Lake Vyrnwy in Powys.
Mark has been an increasingly vocal political activist and anti-fascism campaigner in recent years, reports Wales Online.
He couldn't love life any more in his farmhouse and he tweeted: "I have been way out of the loop. And what a loopy loop it is.
"We have moved HQ and have been finessing a magic acre in the wilderness. I have been as busy as a farmer
"We are now Anarchists Of The Forest and proud to be Welsh."
He loves his place - and the previously London-based star told fans all about the move.
"We bought before the pandemic and spent six months of lockdown selling up and moving out," he said.
"It has been torrid avoiding Covid and fascism...but we survive...a beautiful spot just south of lake Vyrnwy.
"It was in a state but we are making it pretty...lovely part of the world...far from the madding crowd...real."


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Girl, 11, shares video showing tiny B&B room where family have lived for months

An eleven-year-old has revealed the stark reality of what it 's like to live in a hotel room with her brothers and mum in a harrowing video of her makeshift life .
Aya , from Birmingham , holds up her phone to capture the tiny space she has lived in for six months with mum Emal and little brothers Awab , eight , and six-year-old Abdulrahman .
Big brother Ahmed , 14 , has a separate single room next door .
The family have pushed the beds together so they can use it not just to sleep but to eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BirminghamLive reports .
The family , whose identity has been protected upon request by Aya 's mum , fled from conflict-torn Sudan in search of a better life in Birmingham .
They were renting a flat but their landlord then told them they would have to leave as he was planning to sell .
Six months on and the family are still crammed in the hotel room as they wait for something to free up on the social housing list .
Aya 's 15-second video shows how the room has no desk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other than sleep .
They have an en-suite bathroom where there is a shower and sink that doubles as a kitchen one as they wash their dishes in it too .
The hotel also falls short of a garden or play area where the family could go for some fresh air , something which made the family 's hotel stay even more difficult during the pandemic .
It 's for kids like Aya and her siblings that BirminghamLive launched their Christmas Brumwish campaign last month .
Their mission was to ensure every single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will wake up in a B & B room like this on Christmas morning have a gift from Birmingham - with love .
Aya 's video opens in the doorway of the shared room and pans along one wall , a shelf piled high with food , utensils and belongings that spill out from underneath .
There 's a fridge , and clothes piled up on the floor , with no storage in sight .
Aya , bright-eyed and full of smiles , is nonetheless stoic about her living conditions .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
I have no privacy at all , '' says Aya over a WhatsApp video call .
Her school day starts early - Aya is up at 6am every weekday , waking the rest of the family to share a cold breakfast before heading to the bus stop outside to catch the first of two buses just before 7am .
Her school , in the Handsworth area , is the furthest away from their B & B on Hagley Road , an hour 's journey by bus , while her little brothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .
Despite the distance , Aya has never allows herself to get to school late .
`` I never miss any school , '' she says proudly .
`` I am paranoid that I will be late , so I sometimes get an earlier bus so I get there early . ''
Her day is long - it is 5pm before she gets off her last bus home , her three brothers back before her .
They all miss the space and freedom a house would bring .
`` We just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not terrible , it is just the room is so small and we ca n't do much together .
`` We like to play together , we like to play games together , we would really like our own rooms for privacy and stuff .
We manage to play some silly games but it 's not the same .
`` We normally like cooking together but we ca n't do that in the hotel .
`` I ca n't study properly , there is no desk so we sit on the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really hard .
`` It makes us sad .
I sometimes really need my own space and privacy . ''
Aya tells me mum is struggling too , despite her warm and upbeat demeanor .
`` It 's hard for her , my brothers like to jump around and are noisy , she ca n't have a quiet space , and they make the place messy because they are young and do n't really know how to behave in a small place .
`` They want to move out , they do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day my little brother says to my mum , when can he have his own room ? ''
She said her school friends know she is living in a hotel , it is not something she is ashamed of : `` They do n't like to visit much , there are no opportunities to do much here , that is all .
With coronavirus it is restricted anyway . ''
While schools were closed , it was especially hard for Aya .
`` Sometimes I did n't fully understand the work so needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I much prefer to be in school .
`` We have access to the internet in the hotel but we have to pay for it , we get a bundle , they have a rule to make you pay for it .
`` There is no space to do my homework , and it 's hard to focus because of that .
`` We are grateful for the council 's help but we all just really want somewhere to call home , '' she said .
They are bidding for properties through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family homes are few and far between , and there are so many other families in the same boat .
Mum Elam is proud of her amazing kids but says she wants to offer them more than life in a B & B room , after coming so far to start a new life .
`` It is very difficult .
There is just one kitchen and many families , so at 5pm or soon after the children come home but there is no space in the kitchen .
`` Sometimes we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food from outside and it is not healthy or good for us . ''
She said there is little interaction with other families in the hotel due to covid restrictions but , she says , `` there are many of us here . ''
Domestic chores are a mammoth challenge : `` I have to wash our clothes in the bathroom or sometimes go to the launderette and that is very expensive .
`` We do n't have the space to dry the clothes I wash , it is difficult .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dark and we are indoors all the time .
`` This is all we have , '' she says , waving her hand around the room .
This is where we live , eat , play , study , sleep , everything . ''
The family is far from alone as there were 428 family households living in B & B accommodation in Birmingham back in June - double the number in April .
But it is understood updated government data at the end of the month will show the numbers are even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll on families .
Of those living like Aya 's family , around half have been there at least six weeks - the maximum time councils hope to rely on this temporary solution .
It 's a source of huge frustration to the city council , who have been on a mission to reduce use of B & Bs .
In May last year , we exposed the awful conditions for some kids , living in seedy B & Bs with bedbugs , mould and damp , alongside drug addicts and alcoholics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spiralled again this year because of a dire shortage of social housing .
Saidul Saeed , from Citizens ' UK Birmingham , has been supporting Aya and her family and raising their plight , and others like them , with the city council and other partners .
`` We have been championing the cause of homeless families across the city for some years because it is a scandal .
This is a scandal for our city , with so many people struggling .
`` We think there is more that needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharon Thompson , cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods at Birmingham City Council , said : “ First and foremost , we are working to prevent homelessness wherever possible . ''
But she stressed Birmingham is far from alone as the housing crisis is an issue affecting the whole nation .
She went on : “ In 2020 , pressures brought about by Covid-19 have meant that we have seen more and more families approaching us due to changing financial and personal circumstances .
`` While this has unfortunately meant that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & B accommodation , we have worked hard to ensure that everyone is placed in decent housing and we are looking to prioritise families so that children can continue in their schools and grow up in as much of a stable environment as possible . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Jane Haynes, Claire Gilbody-Dickerson)

THE B&B ROOM A HOMELESS FAMILY ARE HAVING TO LIVE IN
THE B&B ROOM A HOMELESS FAMILY ARE HAVING TO LIVE IN
Aya, from Birmingham, shares a hotel bedroom with her two brothers and mum but the space is so limited that their bed has become where they sleep, eat, study, talk and play
An eleven-year-old has revealed the stark reality of what it's like to live in a hotel room with her brothers and mum in a harrowing video of her makeshift life.
Aya, from Birmingham, holds up her phone to capture the tiny space she has lived in for six months with mum Emal and little brothers Awab, eight, and six-year-old Abdulrahman. Big brother Ahmed, 14, has a separate single room next door.
The family have pushed the beds together so they can use it not just to sleep but to eat, study, talk and play too, BirminghamLive reports.
The family, whose identity has been protected upon request by Aya's mum, fled from conflict-torn Sudan in search of a better life in Birmingham.
They were renting a flat but their landlord then told them they would have to leave as he was planning to sell.
Six months on and the family are still crammed in the hotel room as they wait for something to free up on the social housing list.
Aya's 15-second video shows how the room has no desk, wardrobe or space to do anything other than sleep.
They have an en-suite bathroom where there is a shower and sink that doubles as a kitchen one as they wash their dishes in it too.
The hotel also falls short of a garden or play area where the family could go for some fresh air, something which made the family's hotel stay even more difficult during the pandemic.
It's for kids like Aya and her siblings that BirminghamLive launched their Christmas Brumwish campaign last month.
Their mission was to ensure every single one of the 1,000 or more children will wake up in a B&B room like this on Christmas morning have a gift from Birmingham - with love.
Aya's video opens in the doorway of the shared room and pans along one wall, a shelf piled high with food, utensils and belongings that spill out from underneath.
There's a fridge, and clothes piled up on the floor, with no storage in sight.
Aya, bright-eyed and full of smiles, is nonetheless stoic about her living conditions.
"It's not terrible but it's not good. I have no privacy at all," says Aya over a WhatsApp video call.
Her school day starts early - Aya is up at 6am every weekday, waking the rest of the family to share a cold breakfast before heading to the bus stop outside to catch the first of two buses just before 7am.
Her school, in the Handsworth area, is the furthest away from their B&B on Hagley Road, an hour's journey by bus, while her little brothers and teenager Ahmed are at city centre schools.
Despite the distance, Aya has never allows herself to get to school late.
"I never miss any school," she says proudly. "I am paranoid that I will be late, so I sometimes get an earlier bus so I get there early."
Her day is long - it is 5pm before she gets off her last bus home, her three brothers back before her.
They all miss the space and freedom a house would bring.
"We just want a house really.
"This hotel is not terrible, it is just the room is so small and we can't do much together.
"We like to play together, we like to play games together, we would really like our own rooms for privacy and stuff. We manage to play some silly games but it's not the same.
"We normally like cooking together but we can't do that in the hotel.
"I can't study properly, there is no desk so we sit on the floor or the bed. Sometimes that is really hard."It makes us sad. I sometimes really need my own space and privacy."
Aya tells me mum is struggling too, despite her warm and upbeat demeanor.
"It's hard for her, my brothers like to jump around and are noisy, she can't have a quiet space, and they make the place messy because they are young and don't really know how to behave in a small place.
"They want to move out, they don't like to live here.
"Every day my little brother says to my mum, when can he have his own room?"
She said her school friends know she is living in a hotel, it is not something she is ashamed of: "They don't like to visit much, there are no opportunities to do much here, that is all. With coronavirus it is restricted anyway."
While schools were closed, it was especially hard for Aya.
"Sometimes I didn't fully understand the work so needed a teacher to explain it, so I much prefer to be in school.
"We have access to the internet in the hotel but we have to pay for it, we get a bundle, they have a rule to make you pay for it.
"It is difficult.
"There is no space to do my homework, and it's hard to focus because of that.
"We are grateful for the council's help but we all just really want somewhere to call home," she said.
They are bidding for properties through the council's social housing platform, but family homes are few and far between, and there are so many other families in the same boat.
Mum Elam is proud of her amazing kids but says she wants to offer them more than life in a B&B room, after coming so far to start a new life.
"It is very difficult. There is just one kitchen and many families, so at 5pm or soon after the children come home but there is no space in the kitchen.
"Sometimes we have no choice, we have to get food from outside and it is not healthy or good for us."
She said there is little interaction with other families in the hotel due to covid restrictions but, she says, "there are many of us here."
Domestic chores are a mammoth challenge: "I have to wash our clothes in the bathroom or sometimes go to the launderette and that is very expensive.
"We don't have the space to dry the clothes I wash, it is difficult.
"It is worse when it is cold and dark and we are indoors all the time.
"This is all we have," she says, waving her hand around the room. This is where we live, eat, play, study, sleep, everything."
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)
The family is far from alone as there were 428 family households living in B&B accommodation in Birmingham back in June - double the number in April.
But it is understood updated government data at the end of the month will show the numbers are even higher with the lockdown taking a financial toll on families.
Of those living like Aya's family, around half have been there at least six weeks - the maximum time councils hope to rely on this temporary solution.
It's a source of huge frustration to the city council, who have been on a mission to reduce use of B&Bs.
In May last year, we exposed the awful conditions for some kids, living in seedy B&Bs with bedbugs, mould and damp, alongside drug addicts and alcoholics.
The situation improved markedly - but has spiralled again this year because of a dire shortage of social housing.
Saidul Saeed, from Citizens' UK Birmingham, has been supporting Aya and her family and raising their plight, and others like them, with the city council and other partners.
"We have been championing the cause of homeless families across the city for some years because it is a scandal. This is a scandal for our city, with so many people struggling.
"We think there is more that needs to be done," he said.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods at Birmingham City Council, said: “First and foremost, we are working to prevent homelessness wherever possible."
But she stressed Birmingham is far from alone as the housing crisis is an issue affecting the whole nation.
She went on: “In 2020, pressures brought about by Covid-19 have meant that we have seen more and more families approaching us due to changing financial and personal circumstances.
"While this has unfortunately meant that we have had to place some people in B&B accommodation, we have worked hard to ensure that everyone is placed in decent housing and we are looking to prioritise families so that children can continue in their schools and grow up in as much of a stable environment as possible."


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Cech set to come out of retirement to play for Chelsea 18 months after quitting

Petr Cech is set to make a stunning return and line up for Chelsea 's development squad against Tottenham in a Premier League 2 game on Monday .
The 38-year-old retired from playing in 2019 after garnering a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation .
Since last June he has been working for the Blues as a technical and performance advisor , but was recently surprisingly included in their Premier League squad as emergency cover .
He has been keeping himself fit , and is regularly seen participating in first-team training .
And according to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting line-up for the match at Kingsmeadow on Monday .
Cech is regarded as a Chelsea legend after making 494 appearances over 11 seasons at the club between 2004-2015 .
He won four Premier League titles , four FA Cups and a Champions League during a glittering spell at Stamford Bridge , but it comes as something of a shock that he appears to be performing a U-turn on his retirement .
Speaking about his former teammate in October , Blues boss Frank Lampard said : `` Pete ’ s been training with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think that was pretty much common knowledge , and he is training a lot of days with them which is invaluable for their experience .
`` It helps with their training and it helps me to know that he is passing on that quality and experience to the goalkeepers .
`` We had a space in the squad , we know this year looks like no other because of Covid and what it might do to selection and isolation through the year , so it was a very easy decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is there if we need him .
`` He is very fit , he is still relatively young , he probably could have carried on playing . ''

The 38-year-old was registered on the Blues' squad list as emergency cover in October and looks set to make his first competitive appearance for nearly two years
Petr Cech set to come out of retirement to play for Chelsea again 18 months after quitting
Petr Cech is set to make a stunning return and line up for Chelsea's development squad against Tottenham in a Premier League 2 game on Monday.
The 38-year-old retired from playing in 2019 after garnering a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
Since last June he has been working for the Blues as a technical and performance advisor, but was recently surprisingly included in their Premier League squad as emergency cover.
He has been keeping himself fit, and is regularly seen participating in first-team training.
And according to The Athletic Cech will be included in the starting line-up for the match at Kingsmeadow on Monday.
Cech is regarded as a Chelsea legend after making 494 appearances over 11 seasons at the club between 2004-2015.
He won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League during a glittering spell at Stamford Bridge, but it comes as something of a shock that he appears to be performing a U-turn on his retirement.
Speaking about his former teammate in October, Blues boss Frank Lampard said: "Pete’s been training with the goalkeepers for a little while now. I think that was pretty much common knowledge, and he is training a lot of days with them which is invaluable for their experience.
Image: PA) PA)
"It helps with their training and it helps me to know that he is passing on that quality and experience to the goalkeepers.
"We had a space in the squad, we know this year looks like no other because of Covid and what it might do to selection and isolation through the year, so it was a very easy decision. Pete still does his day job but he is there if we need him.
"He is very fit, he is still relatively young, he probably could have carried on playing."


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Shearer names two "top-class" strikers Man Utd should sign after goalless derby

Alan Shearer named Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe as two `` top-class '' strikers Manchester United should pursue after they played out a goalless draw with Manchester City .
United have scored freely in many of their matches against so-called weaker Premier League sides this season , but have struggled in front of goal against 'Big Six ' clubs .
The Red Devils have managed just one goal across their fixtures with Tottenham , Chelsea , Arsenal and Manchester City , and registered just two shots on target in Saturday 's derby .
Shearer believes United 's strike force of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the most of Bruno Feranandes ' creativity .
The Premier League 's record goalscorer also highlighted Edinson Cavani 's age as a concern as he assessed United 's attacking options .
`` Cavani , they ’ ve got him .
He ’ s 34 in February , '' Shearer told Match of the Day .
`` Greenwood may be that man in two or three years time because he ’ s got fantastic potential .
`` But I think they need a top-class centre forward in this team .
Get the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a hectic season so far - so make sure you do n't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter !
All the latest transfer news and big stories will land straight into your inbox .
You wo n't miss out .
To sign up , put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link .
`` Greenwood and Rashford should be in and around that six yard box , there ’ s no one there , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruno .
`` He needs more options , he needs a forward in there who will put the ball in the back of the net .
`` They ’ ve got to get in there more often .
It was far , far too easy an afternoon for [ John ] Stones and for [ Ruben ] Dias .
That ’ s what I think they ’ re lacking and it showed today . ''
Shearer was then quizzed on who he would bring to United in an ideal world and replied : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dortmund 's Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain 's Mbappe are the two most exhilarating attacking prospects in Europe .
United were recently handed an unexpected boost in the race for Mbappe , while the Red Devils are set to battle Manchester City for Haaland 's signature next summer .
Who should Manchester United prioritise between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe ?
Have your say here .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

The Red Devils have managed only one goal in four Premier League games against 'Big Six' clubs this season and registered just two shots on target against Manchester City
Alan Shearer named Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe as two "top-class" strikers Manchester United should pursue after they played out a goalless draw with Manchester City.
United have scored freely in many of their matches against so-called weaker Premier League sides this season, but have struggled in front of goal against 'Big Six' clubs.
The Red Devils have managed just one goal across their fixtures with Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, and registered just two shots on target in Saturday's derby.
Shearer believes United's strike force of Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford is not making the most of Bruno Feranandes' creativity.
The Premier League's record goalscorer also highlighted Edinson Cavani's age as a concern as he assessed United's attacking options.
"Cavani, they’ve got him. He’s 34 in February," Shearer told Match of the Day . "Greenwood may be that man in two or three years time because he’s got fantastic potential.
"But I think they need a top-class centre forward in this team.
Image: BBC) BBC)
Get the latest football news straight into your inbox! It's been a season of mayhem and thrill - so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter! All the latest transfer news, headlines and hard-hitting analysis will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out. To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
"Greenwood and Rashford should be in and around that six yard box, there’s no one there, no one at all, nothing on for Bruno.
"He needs more options, he needs a forward in there who will put the ball in the back of the net.
"They’ve got to get in there more often. It was far, far too easy an afternoon for [John] Stones and for [Ruben] Dias. That’s what I think they’re lacking and it showed today."
Shearer was then quizzed on who he would bring to United in an ideal world and replied: "Haaland or Mbappe."
Borussia Dortmund's Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain's Mbappe are the two most exhilarating attacking prospects in Europe.
United were recently handed an unexpected boost in the race for Mbappe, while the Red Devils are set to battle Manchester City for Haaland's signature next summer.
Who should Manchester United prioritise between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe? Have your say here.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--'Bonkers' Christmas-mad gran transforms herself into real-life Elf on the Shelf

A Christmas-crazy gran did n't allow the coronavirus lockdown to stop her from carrying out an annual pub crawl where she is dressed like Santa ’ s little helper .
Council enforcement officer Alison Campbell celebrated her fifth festive season as a ‘ real life elf on the shelf ’ despite the bars in Belfast being closed because of Covid-19 .
The 58-year-old even persuaded 10 members of her family to dress up , too – raising money for the Alzheimer ’ s Society Elf Day last weekend , as well as celebrating the 90th birthday of a relative with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few of the hilarious antics so far performed by Alison , who has donned her green and red costume every day between December 1 and Christmas Eve since 2016 , LincolnshireLive reports .
She dragged along her 60-year-old husband , Stephen , a part-time student safety officer , as her personal photographer .
Determined not to let the tough coronavirus restrictions in her home town of Belfast , Northern Ireland , spoil her fun , she said : ” Where there ’ s a will there ’ s a way.
” In previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance in her elf costume everywhere from the local fire station to the Titanic museum and even crossed the sea to Newcastle in 2018 to visit her brother , David Griffiths , who lives there .
Alison has been forced her to stay closer to home due to the pandemic but she was not going to let pubs only being open for takeaways hold her back .
She said : “ It ’ s been difficult as , until December 11 , we ’ re in lockdown here .
“ So , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite them being closed , and have a dry pub crawl .
“ There are photos of me standing by the gates , gazing in through the windows and looking very glum as I couldn ’ t go inside.
” She added : “ It ’ s very sad as a lot of these bars also might not open again.
” Alison was inspired to become a real life elf on the shelf after her daughter , Clare , 37 , a mature physiology student and daughter-in-law , Gemma , 37 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which parents leave an elf in different locations around the house for their children to find .
She said : “ My daughter and daughter-in-law were doing it with their kids and , when I was in Primark one day , I saw a costume and thought to myself , ‘ I ’ m going to be a real-life elf ’ .
“ Anyone who knows me will realise that isn ’ t a strange thought , ” she laughed .
“ My family think I ’ m bonkers , but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look back and think , ‘ Granny really was mad , ’ that ’ s fine .
A huge fan of the festivities , even before she became a Christmas elf , Alison loved wearing seasonal jumpers and celebrating every moment she could .
“ I absolutely love Christmas and dressing up , ” she said .
“ My husband is a bit of a bah-humbug and doesn ’ t quite get it , so all of this is also designed to get him involved as he takes all the photographs.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accompany me , but we do have so much fun doing it , ” she said .
“ I saw Santa with some kids earlier this month and he was very happy for Stephen to take my photo with him and one of his elves – it was hilarious.
” Instead of just donning her pointy ears for fun , this year Alison roped most of her family into dressing up as elves to raise money for the Alzheimer ’ s Society ( AS ) – which had an official Elf Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 90th birthday celebration for a relative , various family members turned up outside Alison ’ s house in costume – with those in her support bubble also allowed inside – raising £540 for the charity through a JustGiving page .
She said : “ The Alzheimer ’ s Society really matters to me , as I have a relative with the illness and lockdown has been very hard for them .
“ We had our little do , without breaking any Covid rules , on Saturday and it was a real laugh.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a few nibbles outside and sang happy birthday , ” she said .
Alison plans to keep raising money by posting photos of her elf antics to her Instagram account between now and Christmas Eve .
She is planning to have a few more photos taken at Belfast landmarks , such as the Beacon of Hope statue , City Hall and Joy ’ s Entry .
On Christmas Day Alison will hang up her elf costume to enjoy the special day with close family members while wearing an outfit bought by Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been a tough year for everyone and I hope my real life elf on the shelf spread a little joy .
It certainly made me laugh – it ’ s one Christmas joke that never wears thin !
” To donate to Alison ’ s JustGiving page visit here .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Nisha Mal, Lorraine King)

Council enforcement officer Alison Campbell, 58, from Belfast, celebrated her fifth festive season as a ‘real life elf on the shelf’ despite bars being closed because of Covid-19
'Bonkers' Christmas-mad gran transforms herself into a real-life Elf on the Shelf
A Christmas-crazy gran didn't allow the coronavirus lockdown to stop her from carrying out an annual pub crawl where she is dressed like Santa’s little helper.
Council enforcement officer Alison Campbell celebrated her fifth festive season as a ‘real life elf on the shelf’ despite the bars in Belfast being closed because of Covid-19.
The 58-year-old even persuaded 10 members of her family to dress up, too – raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society Elf Day last weekend, as well as celebrating the 90th birthday of a relative with the illness.
These are just a few of the hilarious antics so far performed by Alison, who has donned her green and red costume every day between December 1 and Christmas Eve since 2016, LincolnshireLive reports.
She dragged along her 60-year-old husband, Stephen, a part-time student safety officer, as her personal photographer.
Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life)
Determined not to let the tough coronavirus restrictions in her home town of Belfast, Northern Ireland, spoil her fun, she said: ” Where there’s a will there’s a way.”
In previous years the mum-of-two has made a guest appearance in her elf costume everywhere from the local fire station to the Titanic museum and even crossed the sea to Newcastle in 2018 to visit her brother, David Griffiths, who lives there.
Alison has been forced her to stay closer to home due to the pandemic but she was not going to let pubs only being open for takeaways hold her back.
She said: “It’s been difficult as, until December 11, we’re in lockdown here.
Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life)
Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life)
“So, I decided to go to the bars, despite them being closed, and have a dry pub crawl.
“There are photos of me standing by the gates, gazing in through the windows and looking very glum as I couldn’t go inside.”
She added: “It’s very sad as a lot of these bars also might not open again.”
Alison was inspired to become a real life elf on the shelf after her daughter, Clare, 37, a mature physiology student and daughter-in-law, Gemma, 37, a full-time mum started playing the game, in which parents leave an elf in different locations around the house for their children to find.
Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life) Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life)
She said: “My daughter and daughter-in-law were doing it with their kids and, when I was in Primark one day, I saw a costume and thought to myself, ‘I’m going to be a real-life elf’.
“Anyone who knows me will realise that isn’t a strange thought,” she laughed.
“My family think I’m bonkers, but, in the future, if my grandchildren look back and think, ‘Granny really was mad,’ that’s fine.
“I’m actually happy with that.”
Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life) Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life)
A huge fan of the festivities, even before she became a Christmas elf, Alison loved wearing seasonal jumpers and celebrating every moment she could.
“I absolutely love Christmas and dressing up,” she said.
“My husband is a bit of a bah-humbug and doesn’t quite get it, so all of this is also designed to get him involved as he takes all the photographs.”
“He has no choice, he has to accompany me, but we do have so much fun doing it,” she said.
Image: PA Real Life) PA Real Life)
“I saw Santa with some kids earlier this month and he was very happy for Stephen to take my photo with him and one of his elves – it was hilarious.”
Instead of just donning her pointy ears for fun, this year Alison roped most of her family into dressing up as elves to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society (AS) – which had an official Elf Day on December 4.
Combining fundraising with a 90th birthday celebration for a relative, various family members turned up outside Alison’s house in costume – with those in her support bubble also allowed inside – raising £540 for the charity through a JustGiving page.
She said: “The Alzheimer’s Society really matters to me, as I have a relative with the illness and lockdown has been very hard for them.
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)
“We had our little do, without breaking any Covid rules, on Saturday and it was a real laugh.”
“We enjoyed some hot chocolate and a few nibbles outside and sang happy birthday,” she said.
“It was great fun.”
Alison plans to keep raising money by posting photos of her elf antics to her Instagram account between now and Christmas Eve.
She is planning to have a few more photos taken at Belfast landmarks, such as the Beacon of Hope statue, City Hall and Joy’s Entry.
On Christmas Day Alison will hang up her elf costume to enjoy the special day with close family members while wearing an outfit bought by Stephen.
She added: “It’s been a tough year for everyone and I hope my real life elf on the shelf spread a little joy. It certainly made me laugh – it’s one Christmas joke that never wears thin!”
To donate to Alison’s JustGiving page visit here.


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Gas explosion destroys entire house as emergency services rush to scene

A man has been injured after a suspected gas explosion destroyed a house , prompting a huge emergency services response .
Shocking pictures show the wreckage of the building in Bourne , Lincolnshire , following the blast , which happened shortly before 9.15am today .
Police said a male occupant has minor injuries and is shaken , Lincolnshire Live reports .
In a statement police said : `` We are in attendance at what is believed to be a gas explosion on Holly Drive in Bourne .
`` A man has minor injuries and is a little shaken .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house has been severely damaged .
This was reported to us at 9.13 am . ''
Roads around the scene have been closed off .
Incredibly no neighbouring homes were evacuated , police said .
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blast , which caused the front of the two-storey house to collapse .
Three people were injured in an explosion that levelled a house and sparked a massive fire , forcing neighbours to flee their homes .
A witness helped a family escape following the blast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and was heard three miles away , at about 7.30am on Saturday .
Dramatic pictures posted online show a huge wall of flames moments after the explosion in Illingworth , near Halifax and smouldering piles of debris after the property was `` flattened '' .
`` There is literally nothing left of the house , '' one resident wrote on Facebook , while another man said the property `` had disappeared '' .
The blast was so powerful it shook the ground about a mile away , another local said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their teenage son , and everyone has been accounted for in the aftermath .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Jack Lacey-Hatton, Dave Burke)

A man suffered minor injuries following the huge blast in Bourne, Lincolnshire, with dramatic pictures showing the scale of the damage
A man has been injured after a suspected gas explosion destroyed a house, prompting a huge emergency services response.
Shocking pictures show the wreckage of the building in Bourne, Lincolnshire, following the blast, which happened shortly before 9.15am today.
Police said a male occupant has minor injuries and is shaken, Lincolnshire Live reports.
In a statement police said: "We are in attendance at what is believed to be a gas explosion on Holly Drive in Bourne.
"A man has minor injuries and is a little shaken. There were no other injuries.
"The house has been severely damaged. This was reported to us at 9.13 am."
Roads around the scene have been closed off.
Incredibly no neighbouring homes were evacuated, police said.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blast, which caused the front of the two-storey house to collapse.
Three people were injured in an explosion that levelled a house and sparked a massive fire, forcing neighbours to flee their homes.
A witness helped a family escape following the blast, which shook homes like an "earthquake" and was heard three miles away, at about 7.30am on Saturday.
Earlier this month a similar explosion levelled a home in West Yorkshire.
Image: Tony McElroy) Tony McElroy)
Image: SWNS) SWNS)
Dramatic pictures posted online show a huge wall of flames moments after the explosion in Illingworth, near Halifax and smouldering piles of debris after the property was "flattened".
"There is literally nothing left of the house," one resident wrote on Facebook, while another man said the property "had disappeared".
The blast was so powerful it shook the ground about a mile away, another local said.
The home was occupied by a couple and their teenage son, and everyone has been accounted for in the aftermath.


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Joe Biden's 'exorcism' of Trump as he orders for White House to be disinfected

President-elect Joe Biden has ordered an `` exorcism '' of Donald Trump 's administration in the White House over fears coronavirus may have lingered on surfaces .
Mr Biden is said to have ordered a deep clean of the mansion in Washington DC after the outgoing president and several members of his circle tested positive for Covid-19 .
A team in hazmat suits will spray the 55,000 square ft residence with disinfectant after Trump leaves in January .
With the virus having the potential to stick to surfaces for prolonged periods , carpets , curtains and furniture will all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is set to move in with his family in January after wiping out his Republican opponent in the November 3 election .
It comes as the US hit its record of coronavirus deaths as they neared 300,000 on Saturday .
White House historian Kate Andersen Brower said : `` There is a five-hour window between presidents .
`` That ’ s when 95 staff will have to pack up all the Trump possessions and move the Bidens in .
They will clean or replace everything . ''
`` The incoming President and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furniture from a secret warehouse , '' Ms Andersen Brower told CNN .
Biden has already announced a tougher crackdown on the virus as he called on all Americans to wear a mask to curtail the spread of Covid-19 for his first 100 days of presidency .
A member of the transition team was quoted by the MailOnline saying : `` Mr Trump ’ s administration has been riddled with the coronavirus .
The Bidens are taking no chances .
`` The entire property will be deep-cleaned down to replacing doorknobs and taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can linger on hard surfaces so the entire residence and executive offices will be wiped clean with disinfectant to exorcise any trace of Team Trump . ''
There are currently 16.2 million recorded Covid-19 infections in the US .
The reported `` exorcism '' follows reports of four people being stabbed and more than 20 arrested as clashes broke out between Trump supporters and counter-protesters in Washington DC .
Anti-fascist groups met conservatives as they marched in protest against Biden 's victory , which they denounced as being tainted by fraud despite failing @ @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden reportedly ordered a deep clean of the White House before his family arrives in the 132-room mansion. It follows Donald Trump testing positive for Covid-19
President-elect Joe Biden has ordered an "exorcism" of Donald Trump's administration in the White House over fears coronavirus may have lingered on surfaces.
Mr Biden is said to have ordered a deep clean of the mansion in Washington DC after the outgoing president and several members of his circle tested positive for Covid-19.
A team in hazmat suits will spray the 55,000 square ft residence with disinfectant after Trump leaves in January.
With the virus having the potential to stick to surfaces for prolonged periods, carpets, curtains and furniture will all be replaced by the incoming administration.
Mr Biden is set to move in with his family in January after wiping out his Republican opponent in the November 3 election.
It comes as the US hit its record of coronavirus deaths as they neared 300,000 on Saturday.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
White House historian Kate Andersen Brower said: "There is a five-hour window between presidents.
"That’s when 95 staff will have to pack up all the Trump possessions and move the Bidens in. They will clean or replace everything."
"The incoming President and First Lady get to choose their new furniture from a secret warehouse," Ms Andersen Brower told CNN.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Biden has already announced a tougher crackdown on the virus as he called on all Americans to wear a mask to curtail the spread of Covid-19 for his first 100 days of presidency.
A member of the transition team was quoted by the MailOnline saying: "Mr Trump’s administration has been riddled with the coronavirus. The Bidens are taking no chances.
"The entire property will be deep-cleaned down to replacing doorknobs and taking down soft furnishings.
"The virus can linger on hard surfaces so the entire residence and executive offices will be wiped clean with disinfectant to exorcise any trace of Team Trump."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
There are currently 16.2 million recorded Covid-19 infections in the US.
The reported "exorcism" follows reports of four people being stabbed and more than 20 arrested as clashes broke out between Trump supporters and counter-protesters in Washington DC.
Anti-fascist groups met conservatives as they marched in protest against Biden's victory, which they denounced as being tainted by fraud despite failing to provide any such evidence.


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Strictly's Jamie favourite to go as James Jordan calls semi-final 'worst ever'

Jamie Laing is the hot favourite to leave Strictly Come Dancing tonight as James Jordan claimed Saturday 's semi-final was the worst in the show 's 16-year history .
Made In Chelsea star Jamie is set to miss out on the final according to bookmakers as viewers and contestants brace themselves to discover who has narrowly missed out on next week 's final .
After a night of mixed performances and reviews , Jamie is 2-5 with Coral to be eliminated on Sunday night .
His odds to win the show have now drifted to 50-1 with the reality favourite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depart later .
Good Morning Britain 's Ranvir Singh is next in the betting to go with odds of 3-1 after her disappointing Jive scores .
It came after outspoken ex Strictly professional James hammered the semi-final .
In a tweet during last night 's show , James said : `` I 'm going to put this out there and say it 's the worst semi final I have ever seen on Strictly - sorry .
Many will say bitter , I say honest . ''
He went on to call Bill Bailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels 'no one deserves to get to the final more ' than Maisie Smith .
`` Bill - I have to be true to myself & say - that was s*** .
Lost his balance many times , looked too frenetic , posture was terrible and footwork was non existent .
The production value was there but the dance was not .
He 's been favourite to win for ages but feel he 's worst tonight , '' said James .
In the outright market for the Glitterball Trophy , HRVY is Coral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Billy is very close behind the singer at 11-8 , with EastEnders actress Maisie 5-1 to grab the glory .
“ Jamie Laing is odds-on in the betting to be the unfortunate contestant to leave this weekend and miss out on a place in the final .
He is likely to face Ranvir Singh in the dance-off , ” said Coral ’ s John Hill .
With a place in the final up for grabs , it 's a tense time for all involved Viewers have been making their feelings known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some were n't happy on Saturday night .
Some even accused the show of `` stitching up '' HRVY and Janette by giving them such a difficult dance on the semi-finals .
They danced the Rumba - rarely seen in the programme because it is incredibly difficult technically .
The singer and the pro dancer received just 23 for their routine , pushing them right down to the bottom of the leaderboard .
Many thought HRVY , real name Harvey Lee Cantwell , did an incredible job despite the tough circumstances .

STRICTLY FANS ACCUSE SHOW OF 'FIX' AS HRVY IS GIVEN ‘ESPECIALLY HARD’ RUMBA
STRICTLY FANS ACCUSE SHOW OF 'FIX' AS HRVY IS GIVEN ‘ESPECIALLY HARD’ RUMBA
Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is the bookies favourite to get the chop this week as the stars await to see who has made next week's final
Strictly's Jamie Laing favourite to go as James Jordan calls semi-final 'worst ever'
Jamie Laing is the hot favourite to leave Strictly Come Dancing tonight as James Jordan claimed Saturday's semi-final was the worst in the show's 16-year history.
Made In Chelsea star Jamie is set to miss out on the final according to bookmakers as viewers and contestants brace themselves to discover who has narrowly missed out on next week's final.
After a night of mixed performances and reviews, Jamie is 2-5 with Coral to be eliminated on Sunday night.
His odds to win the show have now drifted to 50-1 with the reality favourite predicted to be the latest celeb to depart later.
Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh is next in the betting to go with odds of 3-1 after her disappointing Jive scores.
It came after outspoken ex Strictly professional James hammered the semi-final.
In a tweet during last night's show, James said: "I'm going to put this out there and say it's the worst semi final I have ever seen on Strictly - sorry. Many will say bitter, I say honest."
He went on to call Bill Bailey's display s**** - but said he feels 'no one deserves to get to the final more' than Maisie Smith.
"Bill - I have to be true to myself & say - that was s***. Lost his balance many times, looked too frenetic, posture was terrible and footwork was non existent. The production value was there but the dance was not. He's been favourite to win for ages but feel he's worst tonight," said James.
Image: BBC/Guy Levy) BBC/Guy Levy)
In the outright market for the Glitterball Trophy, HRVY is Coral's new favourite at 5-4.
Funnyman Billy is very close behind the singer at 11-8, with EastEnders actress Maisie 5-1 to grab the glory.
“Jamie Laing is odds-on in the betting to be the unfortunate contestant to leave this weekend and miss out on a place in the final. He is likely to face Ranvir Singh in the dance-off,” said Coral’s John Hill.
With a place in the final up for grabs, it's a tense time for all involved
.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Viewers have been making their feelings known as the show reaches a crucial point - and some weren't happy on Saturday night.
Some even accused the show of "stitching up" HRVY and Janette by giving them such a difficult dance on the semi-finals.
They danced the Rumba - rarely seen in the programme because it is incredibly difficult technically.
The singer and the pro dancer received just 23 for their routine, pushing them right down to the bottom of the leaderboard.
Many thought HRVY, real name Harvey Lee Cantwell, did an incredible job despite the tough circumstances.
To win Strictly Come Dancing - Coral bet
5-4 HRVY
11-8 Bill Bailey
5-1 Maisie Smith
10-1 Ranvir Singh
50-1 Jamie Laing


thedailymirror--2020-12-13--Louis van Gaal tells Donny van de Beek he made a mistake joining Man Utd

Van de Beek , 23 , once again had to settle for a spot on the bench as United drew 0-0 with Manchester City on Saturday evening .
The highly-rated Netherlands midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax for £40million last summer but has made just two starts in the Premier League .
He was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby despite United sorely lacking creativity in the drab draw .
Van Gaal believes his compatriot 's latest snub is further evidence that it was a mistake to join United .
`` I hope his time will come , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good choice , '' the former United boss told Dutch television channel Ziggo , per Football Oranje . '
I said that right away .
If you have Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes , what position should Van de Beek be in ?
`` He does n't have the qualities of Pogba and Fernandes .
And now you see that Pogba often does n't start .
Where should Van de Beek play then ?
Get the latest news straight into your inbox !
It has been a hectic season so far - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter !
All the latest transfer news and big stories will land straight into your inbox .
You wo n't miss out .
To sign up , put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link .
`` I think you could have seen that beforehand .
There are so many teams , which could have done better justice to him , also in the top .
He is a boy with many qualities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League starts , Van de Beek has made six appearances off the bench in the top flight .
He also saw limited action in the Champions League , starting just half of United 's group-stage games .
The Ajax academy graduate was introduced at half-time against RB Leipzig in midweek with the Red Devils already 3-0 down .
Van de Beek 's introduction helped kickstart United 's attackers , but their late rally was too little , too late and they exited the Champions League with a 3-2 defeat .
The player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid earlier this year and an agreement was in place , but the coronavirus outbreak foiled the deal at the eleventh hour , clearing the way for his move to United .
Did Donny van de Beek make a mistake joining Manchester United ?
Have your say here .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Van de Beek watched on from the substitutes' bench as United drew 0-0 with Manchester City, while he has made just two starts in the Premier League since his £40million transfer
Donny van de Beek made a mistake joining Manchester United last summer, claims former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.
Van de Beek, 23, once again had to settle for a spot on the bench as United drew 0-0 with Manchester City on Saturday evening.
The highly-rated Netherlands midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax for £40million last summer but has made just two starts in the Premier League.
He was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby despite United sorely lacking creativity in the drab draw.
Van Gaal believes his compatriot's latest snub is further evidence that it was a mistake to join United.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"I hope his time will come, but I don't think he made a good choice," the former United boss told Dutch television channel Ziggo , per Football Oranje.
'I said that right away. If you have Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, what position should Van de Beek be in?
"He doesn't have the qualities of Pogba and Fernandes. And now you see that Pogba often doesn't start. Where should Van de Beek play then?
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Get the latest football news straight into your inbox! It's been a season of mayhem and thrill - so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter! All the latest transfer news, headlines and hard-hitting analysis will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out. To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
"I think you could have seen that beforehand. There are so many teams, which could have done better justice to him, also in the top. He is a boy with many qualities."
As well as his two Premier League starts, Van de Beek has made six appearances off the bench in the top flight.
He also saw limited action in the Champions League, starting just half of United's group-stage games.
The Ajax academy graduate was introduced at half-time against RB Leipzig in midweek with the Red Devils already 3-0 down.
Van de Beek's introduction helped kickstart United's attackers, but their late rally was too little, too late and they exited the Champions League with a 3-2 defeat.
The player was on the verge of joining Real Madrid earlier this year and an agreement was in place, but the coronavirus outbreak foiled the deal at the eleventh hour, clearing the way for his move to United.
Did Donny van de Beek make a mistake joining Manchester United? Have your say here.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.