35 minutes ago From constant scandals to its best shows ending – how 2024 turned into the BBC’s annus horribilis

With star names such as Gary Lineker, Kirsty Wark and Mishal Husain leaving, a slew of others embroiled in legal troubles and a sharp drop in income, this has been a dreadful 12 months for the broadcaster. But could it get worse?The BBC’s three top earners this year will never be repeated. They are: Gary Lineker (who will step down from Match of the Day at the end of the 2024-25 season), Zoe Ball (resigned from Radio 2 breakfast show), Huw Edwards (convicted of accessing indecent images of children). It is a striking degree of churn for their biggest names.But four more of their highest-paid employees will also be absent next year: Mishal Husain (resigned to go to Bloomberg TV), Kirsty Wark and Martha Kearney (semi-retired) and Steve Wright (who died in February). There is also significant doubt about whether three of the likely recipients of the biggest pay cheques from BBC Studios (which, by claiming independent commercial status, does not have to make public pay disclosures) will...

Politics

35 minutes ago Michael Owen sends urgent message to Ruben Amorim after 'stupid' decision by Man United star

Latest Manchester United news and gossip as Michael Owen criticises one United player after the defeat to Bournemouth

Politics

44 minutes ago DHS chief criticises social media rhetoric surrounding UnitedHealthcare CEO murder

Alejandro Mayorkas has criticised social media rhetoric following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as “extraordinarily alarming.”

Events

57 minutes ago Alan Shearer convinced Ruben Amorim has raised awkward complaint with Man Utd board

Manchester United suffered their seventh Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday as they were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford

Events

65 minutes ago Ruben Amorim given alarming Manchester United prediction ahead of January transfer window

Manchester United suffered a demoralising 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday - a result that leaves them down in 13th in the Premier League table

Sport

67 minutes ago Even as we mourn in Magdeburg, the AfD is trying to cynically exploit the Christmas market attack | Thomas Vorreyer

For years I’ve watched the far-right party mobilise in my home town. I fear Friday’s terrible events will galvanise it furtherOn Saturday afternoon in Magdeburg a man stood outside Johanniskirche (St John’s church), contemplating a lake of candles, flowers and soft toys. Then he loudly voiced his disbelief. “And then they say he supported the AfD. As if. You just can’t believe the media any more.”People had gathered here to mourn. The photo of a dead nine-year-old boy was being shown around. Used rescue blankets piled up at the roadside as police guarded the now empty market.Thomas Vorreyer is a Berlin-based journalist with a focus on East German politicsDo you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...

Events

1 hour ago I tried the viral £10 M&S festive main shoppers are swapping Christmas dinner for

Retailers are constantly coming up with new ideas to bring a little sparkle to the festive dinner table

Economics

1 hour ago Man United board 'must have' had complaint from Ruben Amorim after latest defeat

Manchester United suffered yet another damaging defeat this campaign, this time coming at the hands of Bournemouth who recorded a 3-0 win at Old Trafford for the second season running

Politics

2 hours ago How Ruben Amorim's start at Manchester United compares to Old Trafford predecessors

Amorim has lost half of his opening six Premier League matches in charge of United

Politics

2 hours ago Manchester United blasted for £21m mistake as INEOS sent January transfer message

United have been told Ruben Amorim needs support in the January transfer window

Economics