Christmas rules remain under threat as crisis talks break up without agreement

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Strictly Come Dancing producers are reportedly keeping Anton Du Beke on the show's judging panel, meaning Bruno Tonioli might be axed.Due to the pandemic, the 66-year-old Italian native has not appeared on the BBC show in person for the last two years.In 2020 Bruno - who judges the US version of the dancing show Dancing With the Stars - appeared via video link from his home in LA.In 2021, Strictly saw dancer Anton hang up his dancing shoes and take his place at the judging panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.It's been teased that Bruno, who has starred on the show for 16 years and is currently on the Strictly tour as a judge, would not be returning to the hit BBC show this year.In an exclusive chat with The Sun, a source said: "We have been told Anton's contract as a judge is going to be renewed. The bosses were really happy with his performance.""It also hasn't escaped their notice his salary is considerably lower than Bruno's."They revealed that there is a "huge amount of affection" for him on the BBC show and that the decision will "ruffle some feathers".However, because the judging panel format worked well last year, it is believed that bosses are reluctant to switch it up again.The announcement comes after the Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood showed his support for welcoming Bruno back to the show.

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Nurses have warned that relaxing the rules over Christmas could lead to an "unrelenting tsunami" of cases.

All four UK nations have issued a rare joint statement warning the public "this cannot be a normal Christmas".

Michael Gove is joining day-two of crisis talks on the future of plans for up to three households to mix between December 23 and 27. The talks involve all devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.They broke up yesterday after the first summit ended without an agreement.

Christmas period. Yesterday a meeting held by Michael Gove and leaders from the three other UK nations discussed the impact of easing the lockdown tier system – however a decision was not reached.Another meeting between the leaders is set to take place today, Wednesday – on the first day many areas are entering Tier 3 lockdown.According to early reports from a source, leaders acknowledged that "commitment has been made to people and they will expect us to honour it - but there is a need to be stronger and clearer in guidance and messaging.”Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly against any changes to plans over Christmas, according to ITV Political Editor Robert Peston – despite health experts urging the leader to reconsider.

direct to your inboxUrgent talks between UK leaders on the easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas will resume on Wednesday amid increasing pressure to halt the plans over concerns of a fresh spike in cases.Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove discussed the scheduled relaxation with the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Tuesday but they did not confirm a new position.However, a source in the UK Government said there were no plans to change number of days or households allowed to mix in England, with leaders trying to agree on new safety warnings for Christmas.The infection rate has been falling in Greater Manchester over the last few weeks but it is soaring in London amid fears a spike in the south east

direct to your inboxThe lockdown easement over Christmas is 'unlikely' to change in England because Boris Johnson 'doesn't want to punish the North', according to reports.Michael Gove held a meeting with leaders of the devolved nations on Tuesday evening to discuss the Christmas relaxation in rules following calls from public health experts for it to be reviewed.With no final decision confirmed, talks between the governments in Westminster, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are set to resume on Wednesday.A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The leaders of the devolved administrations and Michael Gove met this evening to discuss the arrangements over the Christmas period.“They will reconvene tomorrow to confirm the position.”However ITV's

Christmas rules could be torn up in Scotland as it emerged that nine cases of a new coronavirus strain had been confirmed north of the border.

direct to your inboxMichael Gove is to hold urgent talks the leaders of the devolved administrations this afternoon. The Cabinet Office Minister will lead a conversation over the Christmas rules which will see coronavirus restrictions relaxed for five days from next week.

A call will be held this afternoon to "look again" at coronavirus rates as pressure mounts to cancel Christmas Covid rules.

direct to your inbox The UK has fired a warning shot to Brussels over a no-deal Brexit after readying armed Royal Navy boats to patrol its fishing waters.