Browsing: Celebrities

Lineker has stood by his comments (Picture: PA)

Gary Lineker has shared that he ‘does not fear suspension by the BBC’ over his Nazi Germany comments, and stands by his criticism of the Government’s immigration policy.

The Match of the Day presenter blasted the government’s newly announced controversial policy to stop illegal boats carrying migrants from reaching the UK on Tuesday.

The footballer-turned-pundit had responded to a video by Braverman on Twitter in which she called to ‘stop the boats’ with a new Illegal Migration Bill, calling it an ‘immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.’

When asked by reporters on Thursday if he stands by his tweet, Lineker replied: ‘Course’.

When asked ‘Do you fear getting suspended?’ he replied: ‘No’.

‘Good heavens, this is beyond awful,’ he wrote.

‘There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.

‘This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?’

His comments were widely condemned by Tory politicians, who urged the BBC to take action.

It was later reported that Lineker had been spoken to by the BBC following the comments, with some reports claiming his job could be at risk, while Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been asked to respond on interviews with the likes of Good Morning Britain and BBC Breakfast.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

More to come…

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.

Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

MORE : Gary Lineker’s Nazi Germany comments causes major free speech row on Good Morning Britain

MORE : Gary Lineker ‘refusing to delete tweet comparing UK to Nazi Germany and ignoring BBC calls’

Fiddler On The Roof star Chaim Topol has died (Picture: Getty Images)

Actor Chaim Topol has died at the age of 87.

The actor was best-known for starring as Tevye in the classic 1971 film Fiddler On The Roof.

Topol’s death was confirmed on Wednesday by president of Israel Isaac Herzog, who paid tribute to the star as ‘one of the giants of Israeli culture.’

Golden Globe winner Topol had reportedly been diagnosed with dementia in 2022.

Throughout his decade-spanning career, the actor had made a name for himself in Israel and abroad, particularly in the United States, where he also starred in the Broadway revival of Fiddler, for which he was nominated for a Tony.

Paying tribute to the film and stage actor, president Herzog described him as ‘one of the most outstanding Israeli stage artists, a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.

The acclaimed actor had starred in both the film and stage version of the show (Picture: Bettmann Archive)

Topol’s death was confirmed by the president of Israel (Picture: Getty Images)

Throughout his ‘glorious career,’ Topol represented the Israeli people ‘with great respect,’ Herzog continued in a translated statement.

Topol led charities Jordan River Village and Variety Israel, which assisted sick and disabled children, with Herzog recalling how he got to know him ‘closely’ during the foundation of the organisation.

‘Topol was one of the giants of Israeli culture and he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his dear family and all his loved ones. Of blessed memory.’

Topol has clinched two Golden Globes throughout his career (Picture: Getty Images)

Topol’s impressive career began in Israel when he was cast in a starring role in comedy Sallah Shabati, for his he won a Golden Globe for most promising male newcomer.

He went on to find fame in the US, appearing in 1975 adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Galileo and 1980 sci-fi film Flash Gordon.

His second Golden Globe was won in 1971 for his work in Fiddler On The Roof, with the Tony nomination coming in 1991.

More: TrendingMissing pensioner’s remains found in park 13 years after he vanishedBritney Spears’ Doberman ‘gets loose and bites elderly man’Brianna Ghey was ‘found unresponsive in park after fatal stabbing’, inquest hears

In 2015, the ‘giant of Israeli culture’ was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state.

He is survived by wife Galia, to whom he has been married for 58 years,  and the couple’s three children, daughters Anat and Ady and son Omer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : X Factor’s Mary Byrne treated in hospital after ‘explosive’ tour bus motorway crash: ‘I’m so grateful I’m alive’

MORE : Bruce Willis’ wife issues heartfelt plea about approaching actor in street following dementia diagnosis