Today: Filipino minister accuses Thomas Markle Sr of being a possible sex offender as authorities investigate child abuse images, Storm Boelo kills two men and leaves 161,000 homes without power, Strictly bosses rethink Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe as hosts, Sir Elton John serenades David Furnish at a Venice birthday party with Brooklyn Beckham present, plus Blaze the rescue cat wins Best in Show at the Manchester Championship Cat Show. Your briefing for Monday 26 October, from the Daily Mail, with the best of your comments.
(00:00) Today's headlines
(00:30) Thomas Markle abuse investigation
(01:38) Storm Boelo deaths and chaos
(02:50) Strictly host line-up rethink
(03:33) Sir Elton John Venice party
(04:32) Blaze wins Manchester Cat Show
Thomas Markle accused by Filipino minister
A Filipino minister has accused Thomas Markle Sr, 82, of being a possible sex offender of the grossest kind as authorities examine a trove of child abuse images allegedly linked to the former Hollywood lighting technician. Markle admitted to The Mail on Sunday that he paid for sex while living in the Far East but denied sleeping with underage girls. Meghan Markle sent him a letter last December stating he would never meet his grandchildren.
Storm Boelo kills two men in UK
Storm Boelo killed two men in separate incidents. A man in his twenties died in Mill Hill, north London, when a tree crushed his car just after midday on Sunday. Earlier, a sixty-year-old man was killed in Dumfries, Scotland, when gale-force winds brought down a tree on a minor road. More than 161,000 homes are without electricity as railway lines were shut and flights cancelled across the UK.
Strictly bosses consider host changes
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reconsidering the host line-up just four weeks into the series with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. The trio was brought in to attract younger viewers, but sources say the show has become a laughing stock and traditional viewers have switched off. Producers are now discussing possible changes to the presenting team after disappointing audience reactions.
Elton John serenades David Furnish in Venice
Sir Elton John hosted a black-tie birthday celebration for husband David Furnish’s sixty-fourth birthday at Elton’s Club in Venice. Brooklyn Beckham attended as one of Elton’s ten godchildren, joined by Nicola Peltz. Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner before Elton John performed at the piano, serenading David Furnish and making the evening a memorable family event. No other Beckhams were present at the party.
Blaze rescue cat named Best in Show
Blaze, a black-and-white rescue cat, was named Best in Show at the Manchester Championship Cat Show. Blaze triumphed in both the household pet and pedigree pet sections, beating contenders including cream Burmese Rossikhan Repete and blue tortoiseshell Devon Rex kitten Watchout Bits N Bobs. The event drew dozens of feline competitors and celebrated the achievements of rescue cats alongside pedigree breeds.
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