BBC Insiders Alarmed Over Funding Deal That Blows $100M Hole In Budget & “Threatens Independence”

Paul Scholes issued a damning verdict on misfiring Manchester United after the Reds drew another blank in a listless defeat to West Ham.

EXCLUSIVE: Pinewood, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), and Sky have sounded the alarm over a so-called UK film “studio tax” that they argue could torpedo Britain’s status as a rival to Hollywood.

Måneskin have commemorated the end of their ‘Rush!’ tour in Manchester, by paying tribute to Oasis with a cover of ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’.At the show, frontman Damiano David and guitarist Thomas Raggi took to the b-stage, armed with an acoustic guitar, as David spoke about his love for the musicians the city has produced. “This fucking city gave birth to a lot of very, very good artists,” he said, to a roar of applause.

Baileys is a popular drink enjoyed by many every Christmas, but fans are being warned not to do one thing with their beverage that experts claim could "wreak havoc" during the holiday.

Bobby Brazier has made it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing finals with the help of his professional dancing partner, Dianne Buswell. For the last few months, the 20 year old EastEnders actor has won the hearts of the Strictly judges and the nation, thanks to his top notch dancing skills, bubbly personality and cheeky smile.

Nigel Farage's dreams of being crowned King of the Jungle on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! are looking shaky.The outspoken campmate was hoping to win against all odds, but it seems like viewers might not choose him as their champion among the final three. Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson is the top pick, according to Ladbrokes, who have him as the favourite at 4/11 to win.

Good afternoon Insiders, here we go again with a busy old week in TV and film. Max Goldbart penning the newsletter. Read on and sign up here.

Ryan Thomas has shared his sadness over a 'last' while Gemma Atkinson also appeared emotional over the end of Steph's Packed Lunch. Both former soap stars have made regular appearances on the Channel 4 show which is set to air for the last time on Friday (December 8).

Naman Ramachandran The annual license fee for the BBC will rise by £10.50 ($13.20) to £169.50 ($213.35), lower than what the corporation expected, causing a funding gap of £90 million ($113 million). As revealed in the BBC’s annual report, the bulk of its income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.74 billion, £60 million down from last year. The licence fee was been frozen for two years at £159.50.

The BBC‘s licence fee will not rise by as much as previously promised, the UK government has confirmed, condemning the corporation to a difficult year that could see more cuts and less shows commissioned. The government has, meanwhile, launched a review into the BBC’s funding model.

Tory immigration minister Robert Jenrick has resigned over the UK government's Rwanda deal.

British TV vet Samir Shah has been unveiled as the new BBC Chair, coming with a major decision on the licence fee imminent.

Strictly Come Dancing fans believe Layton Williams could have been handed a ‘death sentence’ by the show’s producers ahead of the semi-final. The 29 year old actor and his pro dance partner Nikita Kuzmin have been told they have to dance a Rumba and a Charleston on Saturday night’s showdown - and viewers of the hit BBC programme know they are among some of the most demanding routines contestants can face.

The BBC is staring down the barrel of another real terms funding cut after the UK government signaled its intention to renege on the 2022 license fee deal.

From chatty cop Lizzie Maddox in Lewis to Waterloo Road ’s warm-hearted headteacher Kim Campbell, Angela Griffin often shines as likeable characters. However, the former Corrie star takes on the role of a cold, uncaring detective in a new Paramount+ thriller – and admits it was a welcome change. Angela, 47, plays DI Aline Edgeworth, who is investigating multiple murders in an idyllic seaside town in which local doctor Tom (Spencer and Poldark star Jack Farthing) is the main suspect.

Geri Horner has shared photos from inside the incredible star-studded bash that she organised for husband Christian Horner's 50th birthday. Spice Girl Geri, 51, arranged a surprise party for her Formula One Team Principal husband at Mount St restaurant in Mayfair, with a guest list that would put most awards ceremonies to shame.

Shonda Rhimes, CEO and founder of Shondaland, who is behind such hit series as Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, said the writers’ strike, for her, “wasn’t complicated at all. “I consider myself to be a writer, first and foremost. So I was a writer on strike. And I was very aware that I [was] not on strike the way a lot of people [were] on strike,” she said.

Strictly Come Dancing fans claim to know 'why' Nigel Harman is struggling to impress the judges. Viewers of the BBC One dance contest have claimed Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke have been 'harsh' on the actor over the weeks.

Josie Gibson has been dealt a crushing blow in the race for this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! jungle crown, with the This Morning presenter no longer being the favourite to win the ITV show. According to the latest odds from Ladbrokes, Josie, 38, has been overtaken by Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 31, with the bookies slashing odds on him to just even-money, making him the new favourite to be crowned King of the Jungle.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Chinese films “Trending Topic” and “The Invisible Guest” will be given theatrical releases in Malaysia and Singapore in the coming month. This step follows agreements between Chinese streamer iQiyi and Malaysian cinema chain GSC and Singaporean distributor Clover Films.