Brigitte Bardot has died aged 91. The French screen icon rose to fame in the 1950s with And God Created Woman, became a global symbol of style, and later devoted herself to animal welfare. Tributes note her lasting influence on film and popular culture.

TUC chief Paul Nowak urges Starmer to make the cost‑of‑living crisis the top priority, warning disillusioned voters could turn to Reform UK and Nigel Farage if living standards don’t improve before local elections. A poll suggests most voters see this as Britain’s biggest issue.

King Charles’s Christmas message struck an optimistic note, praising shared values and community heroes of all backgrounds. He saluted service personnel and volunteers, urged kindness, unity and respect for life, and said common purpose can make the future more hopeful.

Fresh emails reportedly show an account signed “A” at Balmoral asking an associate to find “inappropriate” companions, intensifying scrutiny on a senior royal’s past associations and prompting renewed questions over judgement and accountability.