thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Clara Amfo Becomes A New Strictly Come Dancing Frontrunner After Topping Leaderboard With Dazzling C

Clara Amfo Becomes A New Strictly Come Dancing Frontrunner After Topping Leaderboard With Dazzling Charleston

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Clara Amfo has emerged as a new Strictly Come Dancing frontrunner after topping the leaderboard and picking up some of the first 10s of the series.
The Radio 1 DJ and professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec wowed the judges as they took to the floor with their Charleston on Saturday night.
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The routine, set to Julie Andrews’ Baby Face, earned them a total of 29 points out of a possible 30, after both Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke awarded it 10s.
Clara was seen fighting back tears after the scores were revealed, telling host Claudia Winkleman: “Sorry, I’m [trying not] to cry. I had so much fun.
“This guy is going to be one of my best friends for life. I love dancing with him and tonight was for you and for all your amazing teaching.”
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Saving the best till last. Two 10s and the highest score of the series so far for Clara and Aljaž!@claraamfo @AljazSkorjanec pic.twitter.com/Y9dRYOPzXF — BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 14, 2020
Anton – who was standing in for regular judge Motsi Mabuse while she self isolates – was full of praise for the routine, saying: “When you rehearse a dance all week, you want it on Saturday night to go like that.
“I have had a wonderful night and you have topped it off, thank you very much indeed.”
Shirley also said that Clara had undergone a “transformation”, while Craig Revel Horwood said he wanted to see them perform the dance again in the final.
Clara was not the only contestant to pick up 10s this week, however.
Bill Bailey and his partner Oti Mabuse were awarded a 10 from Shirley for their Street Commercial routine to Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.
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The pair picked up a total of 27 points for their performance, placing them joint-second on the leaderboard.
Singer HRVY and his partner Janette Manrara also netted 27 points for their Salsa to BTS’ Dynamite, for which Shirley also scored them a 10.
At the other end of the table was JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden, who received just 17 points for their Jive, while Max George and Dianne Buswell were second from bottom after they were awarded 20 points for their American Smooth.
The Wanted singer was also responsible for a rather sweary moment during Saturday’s show, when he dropped the F-bomb after completing his routine, prompting an apology from Claudia.
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Find out who is next to leave Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday at 7.25pm on BBC One.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Tributes Paid To Des O'Connor Following His Death, Aged 88

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Tributes from across the entertainment world have been paid to Des O’Connor, following his death at the age of 88.
The entertainer died in hospital on Saturday following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire last week.
Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88 Robbie Jack via Getty Images
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RIP Des O’Connor, 88.
A wondrously talented, warm, funny, charming man. Truly one of the nicest people in showbiz.
What very sad news.
Thanks for all the fun, Des. pic.twitter.com/wMQX5nC8c1 — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 15, 2020
RIP Des O'Connor. So sad this morning to hear that darling Des has passed away. He was the host of Countdown for a couple of years and was a joy to work with. Lively, funny, he ALWAYS wanted to entertain people. I will remember him most tho for his brilliant chat shows...1/2 — Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) November 15, 2020
in the days when families would gather round the telly to watch , Des O'Connor was the King. We'd cry laughing when Freddie Starr would pretend to be behaving and things would go badly wrong. Des will surely be entertaining the angels now.
Rest In Peace & Laughter my friend ❤ — Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) November 15, 2020
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Such sad news. Des O’Connor was never afraid to laugh at himself and that was part of his charm. Whether it was Eric Morecambe ridiculing him, or Freddie Starr smashing his studio set up, Des always laughed along. Another part of my childhood telly viewing gone. RIP Des O’Connor pic.twitter.com/ZzLarNiTm6 — Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) November 15, 2020
Always loved Des O'Connor. Cheerful and kind man. RIP Des. — Julian Clary (@JulianClary) November 15, 2020
RIP Des O’Connor. A lovely man...🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/18QItazenv — Danny John-Jules🇩🇲 (@DannyJohnJules) November 15, 2020
Des O'Connor was such a nice, nice man. The ultimate professional, an impeccable entertainer, skilful, stylish, self-deprecating, fun to be with, lovely to know. One of the best. RIP Des - a privilege & a real pleasure to have known you. Thanks for the fun https://t.co/cX35TBGAGh — Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) November 15, 2020
Very sad news to hear Des O’Connor has died, to be on his show in 2012 was a highlight after watching him throughout my childhood. An icon on TV, a gentleman and one of the best! Rest in peace Des x pic.twitter.com/aMdq9hTf77 — Olly Murs (@ollymurs) November 15, 2020
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So sorry to hear of the death of entertainer, comedian and all round lovely man Des O’Connor. Des was the entertainer l saw most on telly when l was a kid growing up, l send my deepest condolences to the Family and Friends of Des ☹ R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/4YPJvI2hYy — 🌈 Angela Rayner 🌈 (@AngelaRayner) November 15, 2020
RIP Des O’Conner. He was a terrific show biz all-rounder and his support for and love of comedy talent inspired me. He’ll be missed. — Jonathan Ross (@wossy) November 15, 2020
Ah the saddest news. Proper stalwart and legend. Met him a few times, when I was starting out, and he was always so supportive and generous with his time. Will miss that cheeky knowing smile. Rest in peace Des. https://t.co/dGATBUQmIR — Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) November 15, 2020
I’m so sad to hear that the wonderful Des O’Connor has died. He was a true pro and a gorgeous person. My love to Jodie and all his family at this sad time. Rest in peace Des. You are sorely missed already #RipDesOConnor — Kate Robbins (@KateRobbins) November 15, 2020
Now Des O'Connor. :-( Never took himself too seriously, which I always liked. That generation of variety stars are slowly slipping away. — Stephen McGann (@StephenMcGann) November 15, 2020
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RIP the legendary Des O’Connor. He was 88 pic.twitter.com/NVjiMIf1j9 — Kay Burley (@KayBurley) November 15, 2020
I once asked a retiring colleague who they had enjoyed working with the most over all their years in TV and they said Des O’Connor without hesitation. We loved watching him as a family growing up. Proper entertainer. My thoughts are with his family this morning. pic.twitter.com/19bcLVFm8c — Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) November 15, 2020
Gorgeous memories of singing ‘Something Stupid’ with Des O’Connor. Thanks for the memories you lovely man❤ pic.twitter.com/qIWtAf8tKR — Kim Wilde (@kimwilde) November 15, 2020
RIP Des O’ Connor. It’s worth remembering how brilliant he is at his own expense in these sketches: https://t.co/NZKOAgCH7L — David Baddiel (@Baddiel) November 15, 2020
He was a lovely man. His daughter was in a band, he would turn up looking really dapper at The Greyhound or some other grubby music venue to support her. 🙌 TV legend Des O'Connor dies aged 88 | ITV News https://t.co/wkYc7g2gha — Right Said Fred (@TheFreds) November 15, 2020
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So sorry to hear that Des O’Connor has passed away. He was a great entertainer and more importantly a very nice person. R.I.P. — Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) November 15, 2020
Des O’Connor. Veteran twinkler. An absolute joy to meet over the years. Snapped here - where else - but the @LondonPalladium Condolences to Jodie and family #RIPDes pic.twitter.com/7goWAllpp0 — Richard Arnold (@RichardAArnold) November 15, 2020
Des’ former co-host Melanie Sykes also shared a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram, calling it an “education and privilege” to have worked with him.
The pair presented Today With Des And Mel on ITV between 2002 and 2006.
Des’ agent Pat Lake-Smith confirmed news of his death on Sunday morning.
She said he had been recovering well but his condition suddenly deteriorated and he died in his sleep.
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Des presented his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years before teaming up with Melanie to host Today With Des And Mel in 2002.
His other TV credits include Take Your Pick and Countdown, while he also released 36 albums over his career.
He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--The Trump Presidency Is Ending Just Like It Started – By Lying About Crowd Sizes

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In an echo of a moment that set the tone for the Trump presidency nearly four years ago, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Saturday vastly overstated the size of a crowd that had formed to support the embattled president.
By a not insignificant 980,000 people.
In a tweet, McEnany gushed that the “Million MAGA March” in Washington to protest Trump’s election loss had more than a million marchers, a wildly off the mark claim that wasn’t even supported with the pictures that accompanied her post.
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AMAZING!
More than one MILLION marchers for President @realDonaldTrump descend on the swamp in support.
Best base in political history — we LOVE you guys!!! ❤🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vU65nqCSns — Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) November 14, 2020
It wasn’t even physically possible – The National Park Service issued a permit to march organisers for 10,000 people in Freedom Plaza, where participants gathered, DCist reported.
Trump’s own estimate of the crowd size was initially “hundreds of thousands” and he later revised this to “tens of thousands.”
McEnany 11:16 AM: “More than one MILLION marchers”
Trump 3:24 PM: “Hundreds of thousands of people”
Trump 12:00 AM: “Tens of thousands of people” pic.twitter.com/cu8jdOzAQD — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) November 15, 2020
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The claim is reminiscent of previous White House press secretary who – on the first full day in the job – stood in front of the world’s media and brazenly lied about the size of the crowd at Trump’s inauguration in January 2017.
Several other US cities saw gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College and popular vote victory, PA Media reports.
Cries of “stop the steal” and “count every vote” continued in spite of a lack of evidence of voter fraud or other problems that could reverse the result.
After night fell, the relatively peaceful demonstrations in Washington turned from tense to violent – egged on by the president himself who urged police to “do your job and don’t hold back” against “ANTIFA SCUM”.
ANTIFA SCUM ran for the hills today when they tried attacking the people at the Trump Rally, because those people aggressively fought back. Antifa waited until tonight, when 99% were gone, to attack innocent #MAGA People. DC Police, get going — do your job and don’t hold back!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2020
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Videos posted on social media showed fistfights, projectiles and clubs as Trump supporters clashed with those demanding they take their banners and leave.
The tensions extended into Sunday morning. A variety of charges, including assault and weapons possession, were filed against those arrested, officials said.
Two police officers were injured and several firearms were recovered.
Trump himself had given an approving nod to the gathering on Saturday morning by dispatching his motorcade through streets lined with supporters before rolling on to his Virginia golf club.
People chanted “USA, USA” and “four more years”, and many carried American flags and signs to show their displeasure with the vote tally and insistence that, as Trump has baselessly asserted, fraud was the reason.
“I just want to keep up his spirits and let him know we support him,” said one loyalist, Anthony Whittaker of Winchester, Virginia.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Melanie Sykes Pays Heartbreaking Tribute To Former Co-Host Des O'Connor: 'It Was An Education And Pr

Melanie Sykes Pays Heartbreaking Tribute To Former Co-Host Des O'Connor: 'It Was An Education And Privilege'

The pair presented ITV daytime chat show Today With Des And Mel between 2002 and 2006.
After news of Des’ death was announced on Sunday, Mel said it was an “education and a privilege to work with him” as she shared memories of their time together.
Des O'Connor and Mel Sykes PA
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She wrote on Instagram: “Des had the softest hands of anyone I ever met and the kindest of hearts.
“He had talent in every fibre of his being and was stubborn as a mule. He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague.
“When he chose me to be his co host on the ‘Today’ daytime show it was one the greatest days of my professional life. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed.
“We worked long hours but always laughed lots, not least because when it it was showtime he would always tell me I looked like robbers dog! These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. Darling Des you will be forever missed.”
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Des’ agent confirmed he died in hospital on Saturday following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire last week.
Pat Lake-Smith said he had been recovering well but his condition suddenly deteriorated and he died in his sleep.
Des presented his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years before teaming up with Mel in 2002.
His other TV credits include Take Your Pick and Countdown, while he also released 36 albums over his career.
He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Des O'Connor Dies Aged 88

Des O'Connor Dies Aged 88

Pat Lake-Smith said: “He was recovering well and had been in great spirits, visited by his family – in accordance with hospital lockdown regulations – and looking forward to going home. Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep.”
Paying tribute to the “talented” and “kind” TV personality, she said Des was “so well loved by absolutely everyone”.
“Des was the ultimate entertainer. He loved being on stage – entertaining a live audience. He always said the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music. He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. On stage he starred at almost every leading venue throughout the world.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Anton Du Beke Gets The Thumbs Up From Strictly Come Dancing Viewers After Judging Debut

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Anton Du Beke’s debut on the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing was met with a positive reaction from viewers on Saturday night.
The professional dancer filled in for regular judge Motsi Mabuse, who has been forced to miss two weeks of the BBC ballroom show as she is currently self isolating after an “urgent” trip to Germany.
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It was the first time Anton – who had already been eliminated from this year’s competition with partner, former home secretary Jacqui Smith – had sat on the panel, having previously voiced his desire to do so on numerous occasions over the years.
Anton Du Beke made his debut on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel on Saturday BBC / Guy Levy
Sitting alongside Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas, he passed judgement on this week’s routines and dished out scores – including a 10 for Clara Amfo and Aljaz Skorjanec’s Charleston routine.
On social media, Anton was widely praised for his judging debut...
Anton Du Beke is a lovely judge.
Can we keep him? #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing pic.twitter.com/MFf3zqf26w — Traylor Holmes (@TraylorHolmes) November 14, 2020
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Loving Anton as a judge! Haha go on lad! ❤🙌🏻 #Strictly — Kelvin Fletcher (@kelvin_fletcher) November 14, 2020
Please tell me other people physically cheered in their living room when Anton was announced?
Anyone? Please?#StrictlyComeDancing #strictly pic.twitter.com/F0nQaaR7wO — Jess // UK Travel & Culture (@thecrownwings) November 14, 2020
Please please please BBC make Anton a permanent judge on Strictly. He is encouraging, funny and balanced. 🥰🥰👏👏 — penny robertson (@26robmusk) November 14, 2020
Anton, you are so right for the judging role and certainly brought a fantastic fun atmosphere to the program #Strictly — Grumpyone (@Mel424326851) November 15, 2020
Let's not forget that Len Goodman & Anton come from the School of Brucie in terms of showbiz talent. That's why the showbiz stardust they bring is connecting with folk tonight. Show business is far more than looking pretty and being autocue savvy. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing — Mark Vernon (@MVernon_21) November 14, 2020
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MAKE ANTON A PERMANENT JUDGE IMMEDIATELY PLEASE #Strictly pic.twitter.com/TY623jhoh4 — Kate Baldock (@radiokate1) November 14, 2020
Yes, Anton! Literally the only downside to you being a permanent judge is we wouldn't have the pleasure of watching you dance (and my dream of dancing with you on Strictly would be well and truly shot down!). You're a joy in all forms. — Charlotte Wilson (@larleywilson) November 14, 2020
We need Anton as a permanent judge!
Dream lineup next series of Craig, Anton and Motsi please!#strictly — Bea Maddison (@BGM4594) November 14, 2020
#Strictly we just love Anton!
Thank you for making our evening great — Mike Beer (@MikeBeer6) November 14, 2020
Anton Du Beke looks and sounds like he was born to sit at that judging table. The King Of Ballroom. Yes Anton #AntonDuBeke #Strictly — Lizzielou 🤷🏻♀🐻 (@LizzieAllen1) November 14, 2020
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Anton has been great so far as a judge and I like that he has been praising the pros as well as the celebs because he knows how much it takes to do the routines as well 👏 everyone seems to forget about them alot 😏 #Strictly — Hannah (@hannahfun1) November 14, 2020
#Strictly is Anton the new Len? Loving his presence — Vicky Brayne (@DukeyDogNo1) November 14, 2020
You’ve been missing out b/c current judges’ line up is 👌🏾. Motsi is a breath of fresh air, Bruno is mr Strictly. Anton was amazing and generous to his colleagues — Imanie (@MissImanie) November 15, 2020
They should keep Anton when Motsi comes back and have 4 judges, he's been great! #Strictly — Michael✌💫 (@michaelvbrownie) November 14, 2020
After the show, Anton tweeted: “Well, my loves, how did I do?! Scores please! Such a phenomenal show tonight too, what a joy to judge! Loved it!!”
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Well, my loves, how did I do?! Scores please! 😉 Such a phenomenal show tonight too, what a joy to judge! Loved it!!🕺💃👏👏👏😘 https://t.co/yaLt9FJAFT — Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) November 14, 2020
Prior to taking on the role, Anton said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am.“I am so thrilled for so many reasons.
“I just love, love, love the show as everybody knows and to be asked just to fill in for Motsi for the next couple of weeks is just an absolute honour.”
He also described his temporary job as the “biggest compliment”.
Anton, who has been a professional on Strictly since its inception in 2004, previously made a play for a role on the judging panel in 2017, when he was in the running to replace head judge Len Goodman. However, Shirley was later announced as his replacement.
Saturday’s show saw Motsi make an appearance via video link at the end of the show to give an overview of her thoughts on this week’s routines.
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Motsi Mabuse is currently self isolating BBC / Kieron McCarron
Announcing she would not be appearing in the studio earlier in the week, she wrote on Instagram: “Earlier this week I needed to travel to Germany for an urgent reason. I will of course be following the UK government guidelines and self-isolating for 14 days.
“I’ll be watching from home and by the power of technology, should be in your living rooms.”
Motsi later revealed on Instagram that her dance school in Germany, where she usually lives, had been the target of a break-in.
She is not the only judge who has been absent from the panel this year.
Regular Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli is also missing from the series due to travel restrictions, as he’s currently also a judge on the US version of the show.
However, he continues to appear on the results show via video link to give his verdict on the week’s performances.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Trump Stokes Violence In Stunningly Vicious Tweet As Clashes Erupt In US Capital

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President Donald Trump urged Washington DC police not to “hold back” in cracking down on “antifa scum” in a shockingly violent tweet late Saturday.
Trump was reacting to street confrontations that erupted Saturday night between leftover members of a march earlier in the day protesting his loss in the presidential election, and counterprotesters.
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At least 20 people were arrested throughout the day, including four on gun charges, The Washington Post reported.
Two police officers were injured, and a man in his 20s was in critical condition after he was stabbed in the back.
The Proud Boys hate group clashed at various times with counterprotesters, witnesses reported.
In one videotaped scene a large number of men in what appeared to be typical clothing worn by the Proud Boys battled with counterprotesters and chanted: “F**k antifa.”
Is THIS what trump meant when he hold his terrorist Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by?"
THEY ARE RIOTING.
WHERE'S THE OUTRAGE?pic.twitter.com/fYHVPZ7lpM — BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) November 15, 2020
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Though Trump spent the middle of the day golfing at his club in Sterling, Virginia, he claimed to know exactly what happened in Washington.
He tweeted that “antifa scum ran for the hills” earlier in the day because people at the “Trump Rally ... aggressively fought back.” But they returned to “attack innocent MAGA people.” He urged: “DC police, get going — do your job and don’t hold back!!!”
ANTIFA SCUM ran for the hills today when they tried attacking the people at the Trump Rally, because those people aggressively fought back. Antifa waited until tonight, when 99% were gone, to attack innocent #MAGA People. DC Police, get going — do your job and don’t hold back!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2020
Critics on Twitter were appalled that Trump seized the opportunity to yet again inflame violence.
Trump, stop this right now. For the love of God, do not descend our country into violence and Civil War. — Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) November 15, 2020
Worst President in American history. — Paul 👻 (@pablo_honey1) November 15, 2020
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Please do not not incite violence.
Act like a president that you wish you could be. — David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) November 15, 2020
Oh what a surprise that Trump is once again trying to fuel CHAOS and mayhem! Rather than act like a LEADER and attempt to reduce tension he does the exact opposite & makes things worse. The sooner he is OUT of the White House, the better! Bring on January 20! — MURRAY🧢🇺🇸 (@murray_nyc) November 15, 2020
Donald Trump is using his platform to incite violence. He needs to be suspended as a matter of public safety. — Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) November 15, 2020
Shame on you for igniting violence on your way out of office. #SoreLoser — Republicans for Joe Biden 🇺🇸 (@RepsForBiden) November 15, 2020
Oh what a surprise that Trump is once again trying to fuel CHAOS and mayhem! Rather than act like a LEADER and attempt to reduce tension he does the exact opposite & makes things worse. The sooner he is OUT of the White House, the better! Bring on January 20! — MURRAY🧢🇺🇸 (@murray_nyc) November 15, 2020
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Several other US cities saw gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College and popular vote victory, PA Media reports.
Cries of “stop the steal” and “count every vote” continued in spite of a lack of evidence of voter fraud or other problems that could reverse the result.
After night fell, the relatively peaceful demonstrations in Washington turned from tense to violent.
Videos posted on social media showed fistfights, projectiles and clubs as Trump supporters clashed with those demanding they take their banners and leave.
The tensions extended into Sunday morning. A variety of charges, including assault and weapons possession, were filed against those arrested, officials said.
Two police officers were injured and several firearms were recovered.
Trump himself had given an approving nod to the gathering on Saturday morning by dispatching his motorcade through streets lined with supporters before rolling on to his Virginia golf club.
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People chanted “USA, USA” and “four more years”, and many carried American flags and signs to show their displeasure with the vote tally and insistence that, as Trump has baselessly asserted, fraud was the reason.
“I just want to keep up his spirits and let him know we support him,” said one loyalist, Anthony Whittaker of Winchester, Virginia.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Max George Casually Drops The F-Bomb Live On Strictly Come Dancing

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Max George turned the air blue on Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing, after casually dropping the F-bomb live on air.
The former Wanted singer got a little carried away after he finished performing his American Smooth with partner Dianne Buswell on the BBC ballroom show.
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Max could be heard shouting “fucking get in” as he celebrated completing the routine, prompting an apology from host Claudia Winkleman.
“We would like to apologise for some language earlier that involved Max,” she said.
“I don’t know the details, I don’t know if you heard, if you did, we are deeply sorry.
“Even if you didn’t hear, we’re sorry on every level.”
Max later took to social media to issue his own apology as well, insisting he “got a little bit lost in the moment”.
Max and Dianne had performed an American Smooth BBC/Guy Levy
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He tweeted: “Hope you enjoyed the dance guys!!!! I may have got a little bit lost in the moment and said a bad word.
“Apologies if that was the case! Much love!!!”
Hope you enjoyed the dance guys!!!! I may have got a little bit lost in the moment and said a bad word. Apologies if that was the case! Much love!!! X — Max George (@MaxGeorge) November 14, 2020
One person who did not enjoy Max and Dianne’s dance, however, was judge Craig Revel Horwood.
He said he was “disappointed” in their effort, adding: “You lack any sense of style, actually, of flair, that this particular dance needs.
“Your arms are extremely haphazard, your hands are like spatulas on the end of them, darling.”
The pair’s performance earned them 20 points and placed them second from bottom in the leaderboard.
Clara Amfo and Aljaz Skorjanec topped this week’s leaderboard with 29 points out of a possible 30 for their Charleston.
Find out who is next to leave Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday at 7.25pm on BBC One.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--‘There’s No Disguising It’s Tough’: Life And Death On The Frontline Of Covid’s Second Wave

“I’ve been a doctor for more than 20 years and I have never seen anything like this.”
The UK is in the midst of a serious surge in Covid-19 infections for the second time in less than a year.
In November, more than 20,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the UK each day, with one early exception. Deaths from the virus are also on the rise once more – on Wednesday, the daily coronavirus death toll neared 600 for the first time since May.
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But what is it like on the frontline of the second wave – and how does it compare to the tsunami of infections and deaths faced by the NHS in the spring?
As a major hospital in the north-west of England – one of the hardest hit spots in the UK – it feels as if Covid-19 has never truly left the Royal Bolton Hospital since March, say staff.
“The first wave of coronavirus was a steep, sharp rise,” said Andy Ennis, chief operating officer at the Royal Bolton Hospital, at the end of October.
“The second wave has been different – it has been much slower. But it’s a rising swell – and it’s building each day, each week.”
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Official data would suggest the wave is now approaching its crest. The most recent NHS figures reveal that on November 10, there were 146 Covid-19 patients in Bolton NHS Foundation Trust beds – a startlingly similar figure to the peak of 148 patients recorded in April.
However, the number of the very sickest coronavirus patients – those requiring ventilation – has yet to reach the levels seen in the spring, with 14 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds, compared to a high of 22 in April.
But for Dr Rizwan Ahmed, a respiratory consultant and the hospital’s clinical lead for respiratory medicine, the second wave has already felt more challenging than the first.
Dr RIzwan Ahmed is a respiratory consultant at the hospital Supplied: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Unlike the first surge, Ahmed and his respiratory team are not only treating Covid-19 patients, but carrying out clinics and procedures amid a “big backlog” from the spring.
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There has also been an influx of severe non-Covid respiratory patients that Ahmed and his team usually treat – including those with severe pneumonia, asthma and cancer.
“In the first wave, everyone was scared – they didn’t come to hospital. In the second wave, people are coming to hospital, so we have had to maintain a ‘clean’ area for respiratory patients.
“To do this, we have had to expand the bed base, so the number of medical wards has increased.” Meanwhile, there are more and more respiratory patients on other wards that Ahmed and his team of doctors need to help.
It has been an exhausting year, and staff are getting tired – especially junior doctors.
“They are seeing a lot of death, a lot of suffering, which I wouldn’t expect a junior doctor to see in such a short period,” Ahmed continued.
“It [the pandemic] has taken a big toll on the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. That is something that is quite evident.
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“I don’t think any of us could have imagined this coming. I haven’t seen this before and I don’t think any of my colleagues have seen this before.”
“I keep thinking I’m in a dream, that I’m on a film set,” said Dr Lucy Bates, a critical care consultant at the hospital. “It’s hideous, it’s really hideous.
“I’ve been a doctor for more than 20 years and I have never seen anything like this.”
As the first wave of the virus subsided, “we kind of thought things might steady out”, Bates said.
“We knew that this disease wasn’t going away and had prepared ourselves for the long haul. But we thought that we had got a little bit of control and things were steadying out.”
Dr Lucy Bates has been on the frontline of both the first and second wave of coronavirus as a critical care consultant Supplied: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
But at the start of September, Covid-19 admissions started creeping up once more. With the knowledge gained during the first wave, there are differences in the hospital’s preparation this time.
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“We feel more prepared,” said Claire Partridge, the matron of the critical care unit. “We know a lot more about coronavirus – we know how the virus works, there are now treatments.
“So we feel secure knowing what we’re dealing with.” In recent months, treatments such as dexamethasone and remdesivir – a drug once used to try and treat Ebola – have become common.
Bates has also noticed an increase in the number of patients in ICU able to be treated with high flow oxygen and CPAP, rather than ventilation, which is seen as a “last resort”.
“But we are still seeing patients that come into the hospital needing oxygen,” she said. “A fair number of them get so unwell and lacking in oxygen that they end up with us and on a ventilator. Sadly, we are seeing people dying.”
“I just want people to listen. I just want the general public of our country to take a step back and not think: ‘I don’t care if I get it, because I will probably be okay.’
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“They should think: ‘What if I do get it and pass it unwittingly to someone at the petrol station or in the supermarket? And what if that person goes into hospital and either dies or prevents another person getting a place in hospital?’.
“There’s such a lot of ramifications to the attitude of: ‘I’ll take my chance, just let it run its course.’ It isn’t as simple as that,” she added.
It’s something that is clear to the hospital’s chief operating officer Ennis – especially as the UK heads into its coldest months.
Unlike the surge of infections in the spring, the NHS is now tackling the joint pressures of winter and the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
“We are entering our usual winter period now. If you lay Covid on top of that, organisations are going to struggle.”
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Ennis continued: “We want to keep as much activity going as possible. We don’t want people waiting long periods for their operations, whether they are for cancer or they’re a hip replacement. They still need doing, because people’s lives are affected by these things.”
The more people comply with the rules, the more services the NHS can keep going for their family members, he said.
As of Monday, the Royal Bolton Hospital, alongside trusts across Greater Manchester, was once again forced to postpone planned, non-urgent operations at the hospital as the joint pressures of Covid and winter hit staff and resources – though urgent treatments and cancer operations will continue as normal.
Since the peak of the first wave, the hospital has made some major changes to make sure it can keep as many surgeries and procedures going as possible through the second surge, Ennis explained.
Andy Ennis, COO of the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, says it has been an extremely tough year for staff at the hospital Supplied: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
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“We have commissioned a lot of our surgical activity down in the local independent sector hospitals just down the road from us, so we can keep our patients safe that way,” he said.
While the operations are taking place in private hospitals, such as Bolton’s Beaumont Hospital, they are still being carried out by NHS staff. “That just helps to keep things going and away from the Covid site, if you like.”
In some cases, surgical teams will be made up from staff across Greater Manchester as hospitals try and share out the pressures of Covid, he said.
Dr Clare Garnsey, a consultant cancer specialist and surgeon, knows first-hand how vital it is that life-saving treatments and operations continue amid the second wave.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have tried to prioritise cancer care so that people who are diagnosed with cancer or the progression of a cancer do get the treatment they need,” she said.
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“Cancer care and the breast unit has never suspended treatment during either wave and we have continued to provide the majority of cancer treatments that we did before the pandemic.”
However, during the first wave, there was a huge drop in the number of people coming forward with cancer symptoms, with NHS figures showing that urgent GP referrals dropped by 60% in April.
“The public seemed reluctant about seeking medical attention – I think they were worried about contracting Covid by attending the hospital,” Garnsey, an oncoplastic breast surgeon, said.
“But early diagnosis of cancer saves lives and it often allows far less invasive treatments.”
During the second wave, there has not been the same drop in cancer referrals to the Royal Bolton Hospital “at all”.
“That’s very good news as we want people to know that cancer services are safe and open for patients to attend,” Garnsey said.
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“In the second wave, things are calmer and more organised because we have PPE, we have social distancing set up. We have areas of the hospital where all patients are tested for Covid before they come in.
“So it is very safe now to come into hospital for elective, planned cancer operation.”
But whether it’s in ICU, on the wards or in the hospital’s cancer department, Royal Bolton Hospital staff’s determination to treat patients and keep them safe has had an impact.
“We are really acutely aware of how pressure is on staff,” said Ennis. “Our winter started last October, so we are now a year into this, because we have had no break.
“So we are really acutely conscious of the impact on our nursing and healthcare staff, but also our cleaning staff, our porters – everybody is feeling that pressure.”
“They are remarkable, they astound me everyday in their ability to absorb,” he added.
The hospital has made great efforts to support staff mentally and physically. “But there’s no disguising that it’s tough.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--7 Great Food Delivery Boxes That'll Brighten Up Your Lockdown Week

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Dinner has become an event in our house during the second lockdown –something carefully planned, anticipated and prepared, breaking up the monotony of the day.
But continually coming up with new, exciting ideas when you’re staring at the same supermarket shelves or online delivery baskets can be difficult.
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If you too are in need of some cooking inspo and want to make dinner something to look forward to, a food delivery box could be the answer.
Delivery boxes often contain ingredients you may not have considered buying in a regular shop – forcing you to expand your culinary repertoire. Many also help you to support small businesses and wholesalers, and offer more sustainable options than the supermarket stalwarts.
You can also pat yourself on the back for reducing your contact with others in your local Tesco or Morrison’s aisle and freeing up a supermarket home delivery slot for a vulnerable person who really needs it.
Convinced it’s the treat you need? Here are just seven of the great options out there:
Fruit And Veg
OddBox Oddbox
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Oddbox is a food-waste-fighting fruit and veg delivery box scheme, working with growers across the UK to rescue produce at risk of going to waste.
Inside each box you’ll find a mix of fresh seasonal produce ranging from imperfect and surplus produce to out of specs and trial varieties.
Prices start at £10.99 and you can opt for fruit and veg, fruit only or veg only, in sizes small, medium and large.
Delivery: London, south and south-east England. Postcode checker available at www.oddbox.co.uk
Abel and Cole Abel and Cole
Abel and Cole is one of the best-known names in the food delivery game. Its small fruit and veg box (pictured above) is priced at £14.25.
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There are lots of fruit and veg variations and sizes available and handily, you can also ‘build your own box’ if there’s something specific you’d like. Abel and Cole also offer the option to add pantry essentials, such as rice and pasta, dairy, plus household goods (such as laundry detergent) – useful for anyone in a vulnerable group who’s doing all their shopping from home, but fancies shaking things up.
Delivery: nationwide. Find out more at abelandcole.co.uk
Meat Boxes
Pipers Farm Pipers Farm
If you’re looking for a sustainable meat box, you can’t go far wrong with Pipers Farm; the deliveries come in 100% recyclable packaging and the brand is committed to using “regenerative farming techniques”, nurturing the land and working with 25 small-scale farming families.
You’ll find a number of options but the ‘essentials meat box’ at £40 is a good place to start. It even comes with a carton of bonus Jersey milk.
Delivery: nationwide. Find out more at pipersfarm.com
Flat Iron Flat Iron
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Flat Iron has launched its own delivery scheme while doors to the restaurant remain closed. Contents of each ‘butcher’s box’ have been selected by Flat Iron’s head of beef, Fred Smith, and hand prepared in the butchery by in-house butcher, Calum Eades. Each box contains a mixture of prime steaks and secondary cuts, plus burgers and a traditionally prepared hind-quarter roasting joint.
It’s not the cheapest at £90 per box, but boxes have been selling out. A limited number of boxes becomes available at the start of each week.
Visit shop.flatironsteak.co.uk to get your hands on one.
For Fish Lovers
David Nash/ ChalkStream
ChalkStream grows award-winning English trout on the Test and Itchen Rivers in Hampshire. Slow grown for two years in fast flowing pure chalk stream water, the brand describes its artisan-farmed trout as “lean, well defined trout low in fat”.
A number of boxes are available, containing everything from trout steaks to smoked trout pâté. Prices start at £25.
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Delivery: nationwide. Find out more at chalkstreamfoods.co.uk
Knock Knock Knock Knock
Smith & Brock usually supply hotels and Michelin star restaurants in London with top quality seasonal produce. They rapidly pivoted their business at the start of lockdown in March 2020, by launching Knock Knock, a premium grocery box delivery service giving Londoners at home access to exciting ingredients.
The company offers a number of food boxes, including the roast dinner box, a cheese and charcuterie box and a pasta box. But it’s their seafood box (pictured above costing £50) that’s really got our mouths watering.
Delivery: London only. Prices start at £18.50. www.knock-knock-groceries.com
For new ideas
Feast Box Feast Box
Feast Box is a great way to expand your repertoire of dishes and try ingredients you may not normally buy to shake up your weekly meals.
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Expect to find ingredients such as Peruvian aji amarillo peppers, fresh curry leaves, galangal, Sichuan pepper, okra and more.
Recent recipes have includes Cantonese pork, cauli steaks and channa masala, ginger chicken, Korean fried tofu and beef and mushroom dashi stew.
Recipes start at £5 per person and you can choose from 12 new recipes each week. You’ll need to sign up to a commitment-free subscription, but this can be cancelled after your first box if you wish.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--These Simple Interior Design Hacks Could Give You A Real Mood Boost

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With many of us stuck indoors right now, our relationship with our home hangs in the balance. We either feel safe and comforted, or frustrated and trapped.
“A home provides security and an escape – and, when well-designed, can be beneficial to our well-being,” says Niki Schafer, an interior designer who has penned a book on interior design psychology. “However, if it’s just the same old space and you’re used to having a much wider selection of environments from which to access different feelings, then the closed-in feelings can set in.”
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Research published this year found a link between diverse, new experiences and increased happiness – so it’s no surprise that being stuck in our homes, not really doing much, can have a negative impact on how we feel.
Add that to the fact our sleep is generally disrupted and our screen-time is up, and you’ve got a recipe for low mood.
The study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, revealed people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines – so when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.
Researchers monitored participants in New York and Miami for three to four months using GPS tracking, asking them to text in how happy or sad they felt. On days when people had more variability – visiting more places and spending roughly an equal time in these locations – they reported feeling more positive.
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While the study was conducted pre-Covid and prior to the huge restrictions it’s imposed on our lives and movement, the researchers did suggest even small changes that introduce greater variability into our physical or mental routine – such as exercising at home, going on a walk around the block, and taking a different route to the grocery store – may yield similarly beneficial effects.
These are just some of the things we can still be doing in lockdown to get a sense of exploration and newness in our lives. But what about a change of scene, even inside our homes?
JZhuk via Getty Images
Schafer believes even small changes around the home can give us a mental lift – although there isn’t any research to show this, it’s purely anecdotal. “These needn’t be expensive or complex,” she says. “How does it feel to change the bed and tidy up the bedroom? Isn’t it better to see a fresh seasonal plant at the front door? Doesn’t it feel good to know the attic is tidy or the space under the bed isn’t jammed full of useless stuff?
“Changing cushions, adding a new throw, buying new bedlinen or moving furniture around can make us smile. The new view can make us appreciate our entire environment. You may not even need to see the result, just knowing the fridge is clean and the cutlery drawers are organised will give you a sense of satisfaction.”
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Let’s walk you through what you can do in each room if you’re craving a change.
Sort out your bedroom
Lots of people don’t have the satisfaction of being able to move loads of furniture around in different rooms in their home – in fact, for many in flat or house shares, the bedroom is both a place of work and rest right now.
But there are changes people can make. “The bedroom tends to be a room that has few layout options, unless it’s really big,” says Schafer. “A change of bedlinen is the easiest way to make changes to this room. New cushions and a furry or woollen throw at the end of the bed can make a difference.”
She also recommends adding a dressing table and organising hair and beauty products on it, which can not only be incredibly satisfying, but can double up as a work space if you’re stuck for places to sit (for the sake of your body, you really don’t want to be working on your bed if you can help it). Make sure you put your laptop and work gear away at the end of a day, restoring the area to a dressing table so you don’t feel tempted to do ‘just a bit more’.
Therapists and psychologists are huge advocates of splitting your work space from your rest space to draw a physical line between the two. If you are working from your bed, your brain may start to associate that part of your room with being awake, alert and productive, rather than being relaxed and falling asleep.
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Rearrange your living room
Unlike your bedroom, the living room can be easier to rearrange furniture-wise. Schafer urges people to create a good spot to make the most of the morning sun – grab your favourite armchair and move it by a window, for example.
If you’re lucky enough to have a nice view out of the window, whether of the garden or the evening sky, you could face your armchair to it, or even your work desk. We know that spending time in nature is incredibly powerful for wellbeing and can help reduce stress, so surely being able to look at it throughout the day (as opposed to a blank wall) won’t hurt?
Carrie Barron, a psychiatrist from Austin, Texas, is a big believer in rearranging furniture to boost your energy and mood – although it’s all anecdotal, she says many people (women in particular) tell her they feel better for it.
“An impact on the environment, whether an imprint or a removal, lifts mood, provides concrete satisfaction, and instills a sense of effectiveness,” she wrote in Psychology Today. “Inner and outer harmony happen when pieces are placed in a way that makes sense for you. As you rearrange your personal space, you hone your aesthetic and identify what you truly love, want, or need. Such specificity brings relief.”
Some things to think about when rearranging furniture include: the room’s purpose, where your largest pieces will sit, where the focal point in the room is (is it a fireplace, a TV, a large window?), and how to create a sense of symmetry.
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Let there be light
With winter coming and daylight hours dwindling, environmental psychologist and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers recommends working near a window if you can. “The light is more powerful in winter because it’s limited,” he says. “I often suggest people switch up their home office next to a bigger window with more light. When the day is shorter, it’s more important. It really boosts motivation and gets us feeling like we’re not in deep, dark winter.”
A study of how light and colour influences the mood of indoor workers found mood was at its lowest when lighting was experienced as much too dark.
Mood then improved and reached its highest level when the lighting was experienced as just right, but when it became too bright the mood declined again. If you’re struggling with the darker days, adding a couple of lamps to the mix might help to introduce more light without it feeling too clinical – they tend to give a softer light to a room than the much-maligned “big light”.
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Organise the kitchen
The kitchen is not really an area that you’d associate with moving around – mainly because the units are pretty fixed unless you’re planning to do some expensive renovations. But Schafer points out that this space can still be de-cluttered and organised better.
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“New accessories can add a boost,” she says. “Candles and room infusers can inject new smells and feelings of calm.”
Colour code your cookbooks on a shelf, sort your drawers out, clear your oils and spices into a cupboard so they’re not just sat on the side, empty out your cupboards of tinned goods from 1997.
A tidy space does really help keep a tidy mind. A study of 80 people found they made more errors when working in a messy environment than in a tidy environment. So there are definite benefits to keeping things neat and accessible – whether your workspace, kitchen or any other area in your home.
Serhii Akhtemiichuk via Getty Images
Think about colour
Getting a change of scene doesn’t just have to be about rearranging furniture or tidying up. If you’re up for a project, perhaps you could paint a feature wall – or even your whole room. “Colour has huge impacts on our wellbeing and health and has been researched extensively,” says Schafer. “Greens and blues make us calmer. Blue is also a productive colour. Neutrals are calm and relaxing.
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“Pinks, reds and oranges are lively colours and good for raising spirits – better for the areas you eat and chat, than where you sleep and rest.” She adds: “White is clinical and cold unless it is filled with textures.”
You can also add warmth to a space using texture – this can be achieved with cushions, throws, rugs, as well as introducing natural fibres, wall hangings, curtains and woven baskets to the space. If painting isn’t an option, colourful vases, vibrant plant pots, artwork or posters can add a burst of colour, too.
With winter upon us, Schafer is a big believer in “bringing colour and life into the home”. One way of achieving this is by bringing the garden indoors, she says.
“House plants remind us that we need to look after ourselves as we do them – with water, fresh air and good light.” A study published earlier this year by scientists in Japan, a plant on your desk can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
“Try growing vegetables from seeds,” Schafer adds. “They’re not aesthetically pleasing in tiny pots along the window sill but there’s no greater power than knowing you’ve grown the food on your plate.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--No, Young People Aren't All Sticking To The Second Lockdown. Here's Why

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This year has been a whirlwind – no one could have predicted we would spend months in lockdown. When a national emergency was initially announced in March, I made an effort to follow rules, especially as I live with my family.
By summer, as the number of deaths started to drop and the weather began to warm up, some young people started to break the restrictions to see friends. I’ll admit I was tempted to do the same, but waited until lockdown officially eased in my area before meeting up with mine.
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Fast forward to November, and we’re now in the middle of a second national lockdown in England. Pubs, restaurants and cafes have been forced to shut again and non-essential shops with them. For my age group, this hits hard.
Sara*, a 23-year-old youth coordinator from Leicester, was in the final year of university in spring and summer, and remembers feeling lonely and isolated. She now works in the mental health sector with girls aged between 11 and 18, but admits that, away from work, she is not fully complying with lockdown rules.
Mike Egerton - PA Images via Getty Images
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“Doing all that work can be draining so I have to meet up with at least one friend to help with my stress-load and mental well-being,” says Sara. She is breaking the rules for her own well-being, she says, but is still concerned for others. “I am worried about getting the virus and passing it on to my family. However, we all hold the risk – for example, when we go to shops for essentials.”
Martina*, 22, who runs her own PR and social media firm in London, also says her mental health suffered significantly earlier this year. “The first lockdown taught me how much I relied on human interaction to cope with day-to-day life,” she says. ”I’ve now found myself in a predicament where I’m having to force myself to do the minuscule things like text back, or answer a call.”
She is visiting friends, she says, because “I don’t think my mental health can afford to do another lockdown without breaking a little rule here and there.”
Asked if she feels guilty, Gordeen says no. She doesn’t think rules have been consistent. “One minute they’re telling us to ‘eat out to help out’ and the next, they’re saying we should stay in our houses to avoid a £200 fine,” she says.
“I believe in being sensible. I’m not leaving my house every day to see a bunch of people. I think I actually come into contact with more people doing a grocery shop than I do hopping in an Uber and going straight to my friend’s house.”
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For Bunmi*, student living arrangements that have proved the final straw. “Our landlady has started harassing us and is even threatening to evict us,” says the 19-year-old undergraduate in her second year at the University of Bristol.
“She’s admitted to watching us come and go from the property. She has a security camera above the door which we weren’t aware of.”
Bunmi is moving home to London, where she plans to spend the rest of lockdown with friends. “I don’t think I can be confined in this flat for more than a few days,” she says. ”Living here is very stressful as the property is basically falling apart.” At first, she felt guilty at the prospect of breaking lockdown. “Then I realised if I stayed in this hostile environment without being able to go out often, my mental health would sharply decline.”
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For others, the motivations can be more pragmatic. Like many single people, Rebecca* says lockdown has made dating harder. The 21-year-old has been intent on finding someone to bubble up with for lockdown. “This might sound ridiculous but I wanted to secure a lockdown bae so I went on five dates last week and two of them went past the lockdown deadline,” she tells Huffpost UK.
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
She questions politicians trying to impose a second lockdown in the first place. “I feel like the government has been incompetent and inconsistent, so them asking us to change our behaviour periodically again is just a joke,” says Rebecca. “It’s looking likely they’ll open it up for Christmas again for us to spend money. So I don’t see the point of not seeing the odd friend weekly, as long as neither of us has symptoms.”
Christel, 24, who works in marketing in London, is confused by some of the messaging from scientists. “I don’t really trust the science. I’ve been extremely weary. I was also shocked to see there wasn’t a spike in cases during the Black Lives Matter protests.”
She doesn’t fear getting the virus and passing it on to people, Christel says, as she thinks she had it in February. “However I do take precautions,” she adds.“I only go see the friends and family that I’ve been seeing these last few months.”
As she only sees close friends and family, she doesn’t feel guilty. “I don’t go out every day, I might see people twice a week max! My other activities include bike riding and walking by myself so I’m not breaking the rules completely, I guess.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Why It Was Important For My Son To See CNN Anchor Van Jones Cry

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“Your son cries a lot,” read the note my son’s first-grade teacher sent home last year.
I skimmed ahead looking for the part about my kid failing all his classes including lunch, or the section about how he’d instigated dance parties during math class. You know, the bad news. None of that was there, because he hadn’t made any of those choices. The only choice my then 6-year-old had made was to be emotional.
I thought about all the times I’d reassured him that all his feelings had value. Now, his teacher was sending the opposite message.
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Like learning his new math, I’ve been trying to work out this problem ever since: Can my son, as a boy, be supported in feeling all his feelings?
Whether my little guy is laughing or crying, he feels his feels fully. In his toddler days, while watching The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, he cried in earnest when Rabbit was separated from the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood crew. Then there are the moments where he laughs so long he throws up, stops for a minute, and laughs some more. My kid is not afraid to feel all his feelings at home, in the grocery store or even at school — for now.
When I noticed my son’s emotional palette included as many colours as his ginormous Lego sets, I wanted to support him in learning to use them all. We talked through why it was okay to feel sad about Rabbit being lost and explained that laughter created connection. I never thought to discourage specific emotions for my son simply because of his gender ― or that other people might do it for me.
So, I didn’t set boundaries based on emotional stereotypes or use limiting phrases like “boys don’t cry” in my parenting. I could sense how those words would strip him of the confidence he was only just starting to build in his emotional self. I wanted to support his emotional needs.
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With my husband and immediate family on board, we made the choice to reiterate over and over (and over) that there’s nothing inherently weird or wrong in expressing how you feel. Yep, in our house we are Free To Be You And Me.
I thought others besides my own inner circle would easily hop on board and help me out in my quest to encourage my son in his healthy emotional expression. Instead, when my son’s emotions fall outside the traditional male stereotype, he’s often met with confusion, gawking stares and occasionally even scolding, because he’s not “acting like a man.”
I’ve been surprised that over the years, kids in his class have commented on the fact that he’s quick to cry if he’s sad. My heart sank at the start of remote learning this year when he told me he was most nervous about “accidentally” crying during a Zoom class. Then there are the adults who don’t even know my kid but still choose to comment.
“Boys don’t cry,” the stranger in the coffee shop said to my son, who was super sad that he wasn’t getting a chocolate chip cookie.
I had been kneeling next to him while he cried, doing my best to validate his feelings when the man decided to weigh in. My son stared at him and so did I. I could feel every part of my body, including my eyelashes grow hot with anger.
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I wished we could somehow unhear that limiting phrase, but it was too late because I could see my kid processing what it was supposed to mean. Was this one of those key moments that would change him forever? Hoping I could wield some sort of magical mom power to safeguard his open heart, I said firmly, “Well this boy does and I think it’s great.”
I’m not going to lie, I’m scared. My son is seven years old now, and he’s at the age where external influences are becoming more impactful. Traditional masculine stereotypes are everywhere, and he’s looking to those images for inspiration, instead of finding it within himself like he’s always done. Where were the heroes for him to look up to and emulate as his sensitive heart grew? I wasn’t sure where to look anymore.
Then, I found one.
When my husband and I first watched CNN anchor Van Jones cry on-air after Joe Biden was announced the president-elect, we were moved to tears along with him. His raw moment of honesty grabbed our hearts and we held our breath listening to him speak his truth. Watching this adult man be confident enough to feel his feelings in front of the world made me think of my little guy. I wanted that for him.
That’s when it occurred to me there might actually be a hero here to show him how it’s done.
“Would you come with me and watch this man on the TV?” I asked my son in the middle of his Lego playing.
He must have detected a seriousness in my voice because without hesitation, he said “sure” and grabbed my hand. I explained gently that he didn’t have to watch the whole thing, but that I’d like him to see this news anchor’s response to all that had been going on today. He nodded.
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I had no idea what to expect. I thought maybe my kid would politely watch 30 seconds, decide this show was for adults, and run back to finish his Lego project. I was wrong.
He stood transfixed. He watched Jones partner strength with vulnerability, be true to his feelings, and cry it out. My kid didn’t understand the political rhetoric or every subject Mr. Jones touched upon, but he caught the emotion behind it all.
I leaned over and said the phrase I’d said more times than I’d tucked him in to bed at night: “You see, it’s always all right to cry.” He nodded — his eyes never leaving the television.
Later that night, my seven-year-old asked me why that man had been crying. His question opened the door to a positive conversation about feeling feelings, working through them, and, of course, why it’s totally fine to cry. After we were done talking, he said, “Got it,” and I realised he did.
I may have to look a little harder for nontraditional male role models for my kid, but they’re out there. Trying to teach my son how to live a full emotional life at this age is important in shaping his adulthood, and I’m not going to stop in my quest to support that.
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I’m so very thankful to men like Van Jones for being the emotionally available role models my son needs.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--Small Axe: Your Guide To Steve McQueen's Eagerly-Anticipated Mini Series

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After much anticipation, Oscar award-winning director Sir Steve McQueen’s new mini series Small Axe finally debuts on BBC One this weekend.
Focusing on London’s West Indian community, the individual stories span nearly 30 years and highlight events that have shaped the landscape of Black British history.
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The anthology consists of five hour-long feature films – Mangrove, Lovers Rock, Red, White And Blue, Alex Wheatle and Education.
BBC/McQueen Limited/Parisa Taghizadeh
Here is everything you need to know.
“The opportunity to tell Black British stories of this nature and present them to the world is unparalleled”
Conceived by McQueen, the series also features co-writing credits from author and playwright Courttia Newland and Alastair Siddons.
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Speaking exclusively to HuffPost UK, Newland explained how important a mini series like this was for television.
“The opportunity to tell Black British stories of this nature and present them to the world is unparalleled, and hopefully the beginning of a sea change. From the outset, I knew the importance of this project, but as well as unearthing struggles and pain, we rediscovered jokes, mannerisms, phrases and rituals which meant we also had a lot of fun.
“Our cinematographer Shabier Kirchner says this was ancestral, and I felt it in my bones from the moment we started. They were in the room with us, guiding us every step of the way.”
Steve McQueen directed Small Axe BBC/McQueen Limited/Kieron McCarron
Speaking on working with McQueen – the director behind such films as 12 Years A Slave and Widows – Newland said: “It was an honour and privilege in the truest sense of the word, something I’ve wanted to do since I saw Western Deep almost 20 years ago.”
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Upon the series’ announcement last year, McQueen spoke about his determination to get these stories filmed. “I felt these stories needed to be shared. I wanted to re-live, re-evaluate and investigate the journeys that my parents and the first generation of West Indians went on to deliver me here today, calling myself a Black British person.”
Speaking later to Esquire magazine he continued: “These stories have shaped the landscape of Britain. That’s how big these stories were. The fire was in me to tell them, and as a film-maker, as an artist, without that fuel called passion, at least for me, there’s no reason to do anything.”
Small Axe boasts an outstanding cast of talent
Some of the UK’s brightest acting talent have taken roles in the series including John Boyega, (24: Live Another Day, Star Wars) Letitia Wright, (Black Panther, Black Mirror), Michael Ward, (Top Boy, Blue Story), Naomi Ackie (The End Of The F**king World) Malachi Kirby, (Roots) and newcomers Frances Lovehall and Kenyah Sanday.
On landing the role of former Metropolitan Police Superintendent Leroy Logan MBE and working with McQueen in Red, White and Blue, Boyaga wrote on Instagram: “Had the joy of teaming up with Steve McQueen for his hotly-anticipated series Small Axe. Here’s a first look! Black British History will be televised.”
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And Leroy Logan who Boyega portrays in Red, White And Blue posted on Twitter his excitement about his life story being part of the project.
Never in my wildest dreams would I’ve thought my life story would get to the attention of film director Steve McQueen, starred by John Boyega & part of the @bbctvcentre Small Axe series. You couldn’t make this up & I’ve had to pinch myself. #ArtFollowsLifehttps://t.co/Xm9cYh5H7O pic.twitter.com/IHd204zBZm — Leroy Logan MBE (@LeroyLogan999) August 4, 2020
The first story to air of the five will be Mangrove
Based on the true story about a group of Black British activists dubbed The Mangrove Nine who were tried, then acquitted for inciting a riot at a protest in 1970.
The trial made history by becoming the first judicial acknowledgement of behaviour motivated by racial hatred within London’s Metropolitan Police. The stars of Mangrove include Letitia Wright and Malachi Kirby.
Mangrove tells the story of a group of activists who were tried and acquitted for inciting a riot BBC/McQueen Limited/Kieron McCarron
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Sunday 15 November at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Episode two: Lovers Rock
This fictional tale is an ode to 1970s London’s burgeoning Black British reggae scene and youth culture.
Lovers Rock explores the musical freedom and love that Black Londoners found in house parties when they were unwelcome in white nightclubs.
Micheal Ward and Amarah-Jae St. as Franklyn and Martha BBC/McQueen Limited/Parisa Taghizadeh
The film highlights the social unrest that was unfurling around them at that time while celebrating the arrival of the musical genre that is Lovers Rock. Bafta 2020 rising star winner Micheal Ward leads.
Sunday 22 November at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Episode three: Red White And Blue
This is the true story of former Metropolitan Police Superintendent Leroy Logan MBE, and his life as a policeman in 80s and 90s London.
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John Boyega stars in Red, White And B BBC/McQueen Limited/Will Robson-Scott
When he sees his father assaulted by two policemen Logan finds himself driven to revisiting a childhood ambition to become a police officer – an ambition borne from the naïve hope of wanting to change racist attitudes from within.
John Boyega takes the lead as Logan and Steve Toussaint also stars.
Sunday 29 November at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Episode four: Alex Wheatle
This is the true story of award winning writer Alex Wheatle.
A young Black boy in the care system with no family or love who finally finds a sense of identity and community when he emerges himself in music and DJing in Brixton.
But he is forced to confront his past when he is sent to prison during the 1981 Brixton uprisings and finally sees a path to healing.
Director Steve McQueen with Sheyi Cole BBC/McQueen Limited/Will Robson-Scott
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Sheyi Cole and Jonathon Jules star in this autobiographical tale.
Sunday 6 December at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Episode five: Education
The final instalment in the Small Axe series is a coming of age story that looks at the British education system through the eyes of a 12-year-old Black Londoner.
Education focuses on the unofficial segregation policy that was at play at that time, which prevented many Black children from having the education that they deserved by sending them to school for those with ‘special needs’ until a group of West Indian women take matters into their own hands. Bafta award winner Naomi Ackie and newcomer Kenyah Sandy stars.
Sunday 13 December at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
The series has been met with huge critical acclaim
Three of the five films in the series, Lovers Rock, Mangrove and Red, White And Blue premiered at the 58th New York Film Festival last September with Lovers Rock opening the festival – a feat that was well received by fans and critics alike.
The first entry in Steve McQueen's SMALL AXE anthology opens up the 58th New York Film Festival with love, vibrancy & humanity#LoversRock #NYFF58 #FilmTwitter https://t.co/zcVza2ffzK — Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) September 17, 2020
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Watch the trailer...


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-15--The Crown Director Reveals The Diana Scene That Left Him 'Biting His Fingers In Agony'

“I don’t know what the reality is - it’s probably nowhere near as exciting as what we’ve created,” laughs Benjamin Caron, executive producer on the fourth season of The Crown, and director of two of the episodes. “That’s when I love The Crown: when we push it slightly. It feels simple but we’re pushing the boundaries of drama and creating a spectacle.”
This is the mission statement behind the creation of the splashiest season yet, which features Charles and Diana’s wedding, and the tense relationship between The Queen and Margaret Thatcher.
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Alongside dollops of dramatic license, the show’s depiction of the royals is strengthened by research gained “anecdotally”, says Benjamin.
One scene that epitomises the show’s creative approach is in the third episode, titled Fairytale, in which Diana greets the royals at Buckingham Palace.
“It’s awkward, it’s painful, I had my hands over my mouth biting my fingers with agony when I was filming that scene,” says Benjamin. “It’s cold, hurtful, lonely, all that pain – I think that’s where The Crown is at its best.
“I knew when I read that scene how I wanted to photograph it,” he explains. “Everyone talks about Diana being a sacrificial lamb, it just felt like that she was under this big spotlight in amongst the family, and the awkwardness around that. The movement of the camera represented her spinning out of control.”
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Emma Corrin as Princess Diana and Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles in The Crown Netflix
He says of the royal family’s treatment of Diana in the scene: “I genuinely think it’s part of how they get their kicks a little bit: pulling the rug from under people. If you’re going to be part of this family, this is what you’re going to have to get used to. They like to play with people a bit. They see that as friendly banter.
“You’ve got to appreciate where they’re coming from or the whole scene doesn’t feel truthful... People don’t like tall poppies, so anyone that pokes their head up too high, they’ll get pulled down. Certainly in aristo circles I’ve seen that. It’s a bit of roughing up - it’s still really mean, but it’s sort of done with love.”
Episodes are lavished with plenty more striking Diana scenes. Another features the princess, played by relative newcomer Emma Corrin, being introduced to Charles for the first time while wearing a disguise. The look and style of the scene was inspired by Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“That scene originally wasn’t as magical,” says Benjamin, although it ended up “leaning slightly into the more magical, wondrous side”.
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“My instant reaction to that scene was thinking about Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, that moment where Leonardo DiCaprio sees Claire Danes through the fish tank and they catch eyes, how enchanting that was,” he explains.
Princess Diana when she first meets Prince Charles Des Willie/Netflix
Was the reality of how Charles and Diana actually met playing on his mind? “I know that he was dating her sister, we know that she was around at that time, so they probably would have met, any more than that, I have no idea.”
Creating these fictitious scenarios, rather than re-enacting royal events from history – such as the actual wedding – has always been the enticing challenge for Benjamin, writer Peter Morgan and the wider creative team. For those that wish to watch the wedding of Charles and Diana, it’s on YouTube, reminds Benjamin.
“My approach to these events is always in emotional terms,” he explains. “It’s really easy to get drawn into the pomp and ceremony, for me it’s always about the characters, the emotions and thats what I believe our audience relate to.”
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Benjamin Caron directing some of the cast on set Netflix
Instead of recreating the lavish 1981 marriage of Charles and Diana, which happened speedily after a rumoured 10 or 12 dates, Benjamin’s lighter touch could be felt in a montage of scenes of Diana twitching the curtain to look over a packed Mall full of well-wishers. All the while, Charles looks sullen as a courtier helps him with his outfit.
“There’s a scene in The Godfather with a very similar image where the main character looks out the window at the Statue of Liberty, and I wanted Diana to look out and feel the weight of the crown and the expectation, with the reflection of the Victoria Monument in the window,” says Benjamin.
“You have the wedding dress, we knew the wedding dress was going to be such a big symbolic moment, and for me it represented in so many ways. The size of it was almost the suffocation of Diana and the crown and what that meant: you see her standing there in a big wedding dress, repressive, suffocating...”
Another moment revealing of Diana’s struggles takes place during a lunch the princess has with Camilla. A younger Camilla appears hedonistic, while on the opposite end of the table, Diana is contemplating her bulimia as she stares down at a rich dessert.
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Diana's marriage to Charles takes place in season four Netflix
“Bulimia can sometimes be shown on screen just as the vomiting side of things, but that’s not true: there’s all the processes that happen before that moment, the feelings that drive you there, the eating, all the various stages before and after,” says Benjamin. “I hope the scene shows bulimia for what it really is: a mental illness. It’s got to be shown the right way, not glamourised.”
While it was important to portray the darker parts of her story, Benjamin believes Charles and Diana were both in love with one another, but perhaps at different times. He calls the season “a whole examination of what being in love is”.
One scene that has a much lighter feel in episode three (Benjami directed episode one, Gold Stick, and episode three, Fairytale) shows Diana alone, dancing freely around the palace. In order to capture Diana’s spirit, Emma Corrin suggested they do away with choreography altogether and just try shooting her dancing spontaneously.
Emma Corrin as Diana, alone in the palace Netflix
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″It was me and her in a room, and literally one camera man,” recalls Benjamin. “Everyone else left and I gave her permission to just close her eyes and lose herself in the music. She ended up listening to Cher, Believe. I wanted her to just completely let go. She came to me with that. I love that impulse in her, I love the idea that she just wanted permission to let herself free and that’s what you see in that moment.”
There’s another reason for manifesting such lavish imagined realities: “All our memories are questionable, aren’t they?” poses Benjamin. “I can barely remember what happened yesterday, let alone 30 years ago.”
And another reason too, but this time more existential – are audiences driven to the royals because their lives really aren’t so different from our own? Some critics have said of the fourth season that it veers further into soap opera territory than the series has done before.
“Ultimately it’s incredibly relatable,” believes Benjamin. “It holds a mirror up to our own lives otherwise people wouldn’t be interested. It’s just the stakes are higher and they live in bigger houses.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Marie Stopes UK Finally Changes Name To Cut Ties With Eugenicist

Dan Kitwood via Getty Images Placards placed outside the Marie Stopes Abortion Clinic by a pro-choice group in London.
The UK’s largest abortion provider, Marie Stopes, has announced that it is finally changing its name, breaking its ties with Marie Stopes herself, who was known to support eugenics.
Marie Stopes UK will now become MSI Reproductive Choices, or MSI for short, as part of a wider change by its parent organisation, formerly known as Marie Stopes International.
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This follows a number of petitions that have emerged from this year’s Black Lives Matter protests, calling for streets to be renamed due to ties with slave-traders, plus the decision by Mars to ditch the name Uncle Ben’s rice.
MSI said the year had sparked introspection about the past, after years of pressure on the organisation to clarify its position in relation to the woman from which it takes its name.
“Marie Stopes was a pioneer for family planning; however, she was also a supporter of the eugenics movement and expressed many opinions which are in stark contrast to MSI’s core values and principles,” Simon Cooke, CEO for MSI Reproductive Choices said.
“The name of the organisation has been a topic of discussion for many years and the events of 2020 have reaffirmed that changing our name is the right decision. As we look to the future, we are reflecting our fundamental focus in our new name, MSI Reproductive Choices.”
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PETER MUHLY via Getty Images
MSI was founded in 1976 by Dr Tim Black, Jean Black and Phil Harvey, who opened their first clinic on the site of the original Marie Stopes’ Mothers Clinic in central London, naming the organisation in recognition of the origins of the building and Marie Stopes’ pioneering work in family planning.
Stopes, a non-medical doctor, had opened the clinic in 1921 despite opposition from the male-dominated medical establishment and the Catholic church, to offer women better access to contraception.
But Stopes’s views on eugenics, which she outlined in two of her books, Married Love and Wise Parenthood, have long tainted the organisation.
The same year that she opened her London clinic, Stopes became a life fellow of the Eugenics Education Society and on several occasions she argued the case for compulsory sterilisation of people deemed unfit for parenthood.
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MSI said its new name is designed to “put choice front and centre”, better reflecting its 2020 ethos. It comes during a year when anti-abortion protesters have ramped up “intimidating” and “distressing” vigils in front of clinics.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-17--Dame Judi Dench Reveals Her First Time Meeting Geoffrey Palmer Didn't Get Off To The Best Start

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Dame Judi Dench has revealed that her first meeting with the late Geoffrey Palmer didn’t exactly get off to the best start.
The two actors appeared opposite one another in the long-running sitcom As Time Goes By, in which they played a former couple who reunited after 38 years apart.
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As Time Goes By ran for nine series between 1992 and 2005, but in a new interview with Radio Times, Dame Judi admitted that she and Geoffrey – who died earlier this month, aged 93 – had a bit of an awkward moment during their first meeting.
She told the magazine: “We met for lunch to discuss the show, he got us off to a good start when he informed me that they’d wanted Jean Simmons for the part, but she’d declined!”
Despite their shaky start, Dame Judi became firm friends with her co-star, who she says was a “remarkable actor”.
“He’s unsurpassed as far as comedy is concerned, aided by that lugubrious face and his amazing voice,” she said.
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Dame Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer Kirsty O'Connor - PA Images via Getty Images
Dame Judi previously paid her respects to Geoffrey earlier this month, revealing he was frequently getting her into trouble on the set of As Time Goes By.
“Oh my goodness how we laughed,” she said. “There were a lot of outtakes. He got me into endless trouble.
“I have admired him all my life. How lucky to have been in something with him for so long.”
Radio Times also featured a tribute from Geoffrey’s Butterflies co-star Wendy Craig, who said: “Geoffrey was a cool actor – he didn’t push it. Everything was understated. He had a great sense of comedy and I’ve never met an actor with a better sense of timing.
“The most beautiful thing was his voice. It was unmistakable, with its smooth, seductive, perfect diction. It’s no wonder he was used on those car commercials.”
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Wendy Craig pictured earlier this year VICTORIA JONES via Getty Images
In addition to As Time Goes By, Dame Judi and Geoffrey both appeared in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, in which he played Admiral Roebuck, and she reprised her role as M.
Read more in the new issue of Radio Times, on sale now.
Radio Times


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-16--Boris Johnson Claims Scottish Devolution Has 'Been A Disaster North Of The Border'

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Boris Johnson has faced a backlash for calling devolution in Scotland “a disaster north of the border”.
The Sun reported the comments were made to around 60 Tory MPs from northern England on Zoom and that the prime minister thought the transfer of power had been “Tony Blair’s biggest mistake”.
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SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon criticised the remarks and Douglas Ross, who leads the Conservatives in Scotland, insisted that “devolution has not been a disaster”.
Devolution has not been a disaster. The SNP’s non-stop obsession with another referendum - above jobs, schools and everything else - has been a disaster. https://t.co/WEOJubpDVG — Douglas Ross MP (@Douglas4Moray) November 16, 2020
Downing Street sources did not deny Johnson made the comments during a discussion with the Northern Research Group of backbenchers.
Johnson called the MPs from Downing Street, where he is self-isolating after coming into contact with an MP who later tested positive for coronavirus, as he tries to “reset” his leadership after a turbulent year from coronavirus and in-fighting at No 10.
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In response to the comments, which included Johnson saying he could not “see a case” for handing down more powers, Scotland’s First Minister suggested independence was the best answer for the devolved administration.
Sturgeon tweeted: “Worth bookmarking these PM comments for the next time Tories say they’re not a threat to the powers of the Scottish Parliament – or, even more incredibly, that they support devolving more powers.
“The only way to protect & strengthen @ScotParl is with independence.”
Worth bookmarking these PM comments for the next time Tories say they’re not a threat to the powers of the Scottish Parliament - or, even more incredibly, that they support devolving more powers. The only way to protect & strengthen @ScotParl is with independence. https://t.co/Hk7DqoFeuY — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 16, 2020
The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “The Tory mask has well-and-truly slipped after Boris Johnson was caught red-handed claiming that Scottish devolution is a mistake.
“The Tory government is undertaking a full scale assault on Scotland’s devolution settlement with its power grab bill. The Prime Minister’s disdain only serves to underline the growing threat we face.
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“Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process – demonstrating that we will never be treated as an equal partner in the UK. It is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland’s interests is to become an independent country.”
Ross countered the prime minister’s comments, which come just a few months before the Scottish parliament elections next year.
The Moray MP, who plans to stand in the vote to become an MSP in May, said: “Devolution has not been a disaster.
“The SNP’s non-stop obsession with another referendum – above jobs, schools and everything else – has been a disaster.”
Only last month the UK’s three devolved administrations raised concerns over the Westminster Government’s UK Internal Market Bill, with the Scottish government describing the legislation as a “power grab”.
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The prime minister called the MPs who represent constituencies in northern England as he tries to unite the party after facing sustained criticism throughout the pandemic, and bitter in-fighting inside Downing Street culminated in the departure of his chief aide, Dominic Cummings.
Asked about his comments on devolution, a No 10 source said: “The PM has always supported devolution but Tony Blair failed to foresee the rise of separatists in Scotland.
“And leaving the EU means we must strengthen and protect the UK economy with the UK Internal Market Bill.
“Devolution is great – but not when it’s used by separatists and nationalists to break up the UK.”
The House of Lords Select Committee on the constitution warned the Bill could “destabilise” devolution, with peers suggesting ministers listen to the concerns and amend it – or scrap the relevant powers entirely.
Analysis of a study examining public opinion at the beginning of November also suggested the pursuit of Brexit is undermining support for Scotland remaining in the UK.
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Shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray criticised Johnson’s remarks as he defended devolution as “one of Labour’s proudest achievements”.
“This confirms that Boris Johnson doesn’t believe in devolution and would put the future of the United Kingdom at risk,” the Labour MP said.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-16--Is Boris Johnson Ignoring The Scientists Again?

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A few weeks back, Boris Johnson used PMQs to attack Labour’s Kate Green for suggesting her party should not “let a good crisis go to waste”. But given all the talk about a “reset” of his government following the departure of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain, Johnson himself is trying to use the self-inflicted No.10 meltdown as a chance to re-position his administration.
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That reset (or rebrand or even relaunch) was signalled in an unusual Downing Street press release overnight that was headlined ‘Government Sets Out Commitments For Coming Weeks’. Unusual, in that most releases are about a specific announcement, not a broad brush reassurance that the PM will be, er, being very active being prime minister.
The press release breathlessly told us that the PM would “chair key Covid meetings” (no, really) and would meet the Northern Research Group of backbench MPs to ensure they “understand” his “personal ambition for levelling up the country” (ie a repeat of his vaguest mantra of all).
It further added that Johnson would: publish his Ten Point Plan on climate change (though without a speech to flesh it out); make clear on Brexit that he is “confident that we will prosper” if no deal is agreed with Brussels; and (my favourite this) that he and Rishi Sunak would “be making major decisions in the days ahead” on spending review plans.
But in yet another of those delicious ironies that seem to dog this government, this blizzard of (apparent) action was somewhat derailed by the news that Johnson had been told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate because of his contact with covid-positive MP Lee Anderson. The newly-minted Covid Action Man’s performative politics will have to be performed via jerky Zoom calls from his No.10 office.
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Although Matt Hancock was keen to say Johnson was indeed following the rules on self-isolation, the more important question is whether the PM is in this predicament because he’d failed to follow the rules on social distancing. The rules he sets for the rest of us, remember, and the rules the scientists have drafted with good reason.
Coming into close contact with someone with Covid may be said to be just bad luck, of course. But the rules, particularly in lockdown and particularly for a prime minister who is meant to be leading the effort against the virus, are designed to prevent such bad luck. Keeping two metres from others even in the workplace is advised, but there is concrete evidence the PM failed to do just that in Anderson’s case.
No.10 insists it is a “Covid secure workplace” but that seems to mean it has hand sanitiser stations, a one-way system and a few signs around the place. What really makes a workplace safe is if its workers stick to the rules, and that Lee Anderson photo plainly shows two of them not doing that. There was a heroic attempt by the PM’s spokesman today to suggest that because the photo showed them “side by side rather than face to face”, the pic wasn’t so bad.
But the “ping” (an email to the PM rather than an app notification) from the test and trace service told its own story, as did the fact that two political aides and several other MPs were told to self-isolate as a result of the meeting last Thursday. Clearly the meeting featured “close contact” as defined by spending more than 15 minutes less than 2m apart from someone.
Just as the PM blithely talked about continuing to handshake staff in a hospital at the start of the pandemic (I was in that press conference and distinctly recall one of Chris Whitty’s eyebrows shaping itself into an exasperated question mark), it seems his “hail fellow well met” style of politics once again seems to run against his medics’ advice. Just as he ignored Sage’s advice to implement a circuit-breaker lockdown earlier, it seems he’s taken a casual approach on his own conduct.
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Anyway, Johnson is now set to have his next two PMQs reduced to Zoom-only experiences, which will make the whips-organised cheers sound even less authentic. I note that when Keir Starmer was forced to self-isolate, he was advised he couldn’t take part in PMQs because Jacob Rees-Mogg had insisted that frontbenchers should be there in person. Funnily enough, the rules may be changed in time for this Wednesday.
More importantly, the PM’s 14-day quarantine (in case you were wondering, he’s allowed to use his No.10 office by going in and out via the Rose Garden from his No.11 flat) ends at midnight next Thursday. That will be after the government sets out its post-lockdown plans next week, and after the crunch vote by MPs on whether to renew, amend or extend the lockdown due to end on December 2.
Why’s that a problem? Because an in-person Johnson was likely to have led from the front, with a passionate plea to his backbenchers (and to the country) to back his alternative arrangements. Which brings us to his biggest challenge of all: just what kind of tiered system will England get after December 2? Today, test and trace medic Susan Hopkins talked of “strengthening” the current tiers, adding Tier 1 (represented by many lockdown-sceptic Tories) has “very little effect” on the virus. Will the PM do that?
Yet another irony is that the government is still working out whether the 14 day self-isolation period is too long. The Guardian last week had a fantastic story that Chris Whitty was ready to accept a 10 day period, but Dominic Cummings (ace epidemiologist that he is) wanted it to be slashed to seven days, and then zero days as long as they took a rapid test and proved negative.
Today, Downing Street could not answer when asked if the PM is going to have either a rapid or slower test, possibly because they know if he’s released from quarantine early that would leave a nasty taste for the public forced to suck up a fortnight at home.
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There’s an even bigger danger lurking though, and one that Hopkins touched on inadvertently at the No.10 briefing. She said that if the lockdown is working “we will start to see cases decline over the next week”. There are some tentative signs of success in Liverpool, but nationally the figures are not encouraging. On Matt Hancock’s figures today, cases are still going up, not flattening or going down. Hancock repeated his line that it was “too early” to tell, but he’s running out of time.
No.10 today insisted the lockdown regulations would expire on December 2, come what may: “We’ve talked about it as a regionalised approach and that’s what it’s going to be.” Yet note exactly what Hopkins had said: “As long as we start seeing cases decline, then we can start making a judgment about what are the right decisions that we make and the opening up decisions that happen on December 2.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-11-16--Grenfell: ‘Dishonest’ Firm 'Overengineered' Fire Safety Test On Cladding Panels, Inquiry Hears

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Manufacturers of flammable insulation used on Grenfell Tower committed a “fraud on the market” by “overengineering” to pass a fire safety test and erroneously marketing the material as being safe, the public inquiry into the disaster has heard.
Jonathan Roper, the former assistant product manager at Celotex, told proceedings the firm was “dishonest” after it rigged a cladding fire safety test to achieve a pass for its Rs5000 insulation product.
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After a first test failure in January 2014, a second system passed in May 2014, which the firm used to claim the combustible rigid foam boards were safe for use on high-rise buildings, the inquiry has heard.
On Monday, the inquiry heard Celotex added a 6mm fire-resisting magnesium oxide board to a cladding test rig made up of 12mm fibre cement panels for the second test.
The inquiry heard 8mm fibre cement panels were added over the magnesium oxide to “conceal” its presence, making the whole system almost flush – but for the 2mm difference.
Roper agreed with the inquiry’s chief lawyer Richard Millett QC that the decision to use “a thinner layer was to make it less noticeable there was something else behind it”, which would aid to “see off any prospect of anyone asking questions”, about its make-up.
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Millett asked: “Did that not strike you at the time as dishonest?”
Roper said: “Yes it did.
“I went along with a lot of actions at Celotex that, looking back on reflection, were completely unethical and that I probably didn’t potentially consider the impact of at the time.
“I was 22 or 23, first job, I thought this was standard practice albeit it did sit very uncomfortably with me.”
Business studies graduate Roper said his superiors ordered the removal of any mention of the magnesium oxide in marketing literature, which he agreed was “misleading and intended to mislead”.
Millett asked: “Did you realise at the time that if this was how the test was to be described to the market it would be a fraud on the market?”
Mr Roper said: “Yes I did.
“I felt incredibly uncomfortable with it. I felt incredibly uncomfortable with what I was asked to do.”
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Mr Roper said there was no-one in the firm he could tell about his concerns.
Jonathan Roper, former assistant product manager at insulation makers Celotex, giving evidence to the Grenfell Tower inquiry in London. PA
He added that the matter led him to quit his position in product management and move into sales, telling the inquiry: “I felt entirely uncomfortable but equally useless in the whole lead up from testing through to marketing through to launch.
“It was one of the contributory factors for me leaving my role as product manager because I felt so uncomfortable … and I knew there was going to be a level of questioning that came into things post-launch that would essentially mean I would have to lie for commercial gain again.”
He has told the inquiry that all his work was overseen by product manager Paul Evans, and that the motivation for getting the Rs5000 product to market was to compete with rival firm Kingspan and its K15 insulation.
The inquiry has previously heard Celotex saw Grenfell as a “flagship” for its product and cynically exploited the “smoke of confusion” which surrounded building regulations at the time.
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Celotex, part of the French multinational Saint-Gobain group, has maintained it promoted Rs5000’s use on buildings taller than 18m only on a “rainscreen cladding system with the specific components”, used when it passed the fire safety test.
In its opening statement for module two of the inquiry, the firm said: “In the course of investigations carried out by Celotex after the Grenfell Tower fire, certain issues emerged concerning the testing, certification and marketing of Celotex’s products … These matters involved unacceptable conduct on the part of a number of employees.”
Module two, the latest stage in the inquiry, is scrutinising the production, testing and sale of the materials used in the tower’s revamp which resulted in the June 2017 fire, killing 72 people.