TV licence: Last News

Paul Whitehouse, 64, shared his thoughts about the BBC on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show today on Radio 2.The Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing star explained he felt like Channel 4 and the BBC were “not in the same league”. Paul spoke to Zoe Ball, 51, about teaming up with comedy partner Harry Enfield, 61, once more to tell the BBC’s centenary story tonight, by digging into the broadcaster’s archives.The show, entitled The Love Box in Your Living Room, is inspired by the work of Adam Curtis and will be a spoof documentary that is comically critical of the BBC in honour of its 100 year legacy. Putting on one of his quirky character voices, Paul told Zoe: “Sorry to get a bit serious with you here, Zoe.“But the BBC is a unique institution and so it was a privilege to mock it, if you like,” he continued.READ MORE:  “And if you look at the output, especially when we’re doing the twos, you know. “You think, ‘This little channel BBC Two - what it’s produced is extraordinary. Absolutely extraordinary.’ “No other channel would have done it,” Paul insisted before aiming a cheeky jibe at a broadcasting rival. “I mean, I know people say Channel 4,” he said.

Russell Kane, 47, has confessed he’d sooner talk about his sex life than make jokes about Brexit or the BBC in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.The Steph’s Packed Lunch star made the remarks in an interview about losing his virginity, a topic that he has been discussing as part of the Boots Taboo Talk podcast. Speaking about whether he ever felt uncomfortable speaking about a topic that was so personal, the Channel 4 media personality confirmed: “No, not for me. “The more taboo or rude or filthy or awkward the subject, the more obvious it's home territory for a comedian. “The only time a comedian is nervous is after speaking about Brexit or Prince Andrew or the BBC or something like that,” he continued. “Then you'll see a comedian sweating. “But if you’ve been asked onto a podcast to talk about your sex life, there’s a queue of comedians around the block happy to talk all about that.”Asked why he thinks comedians find sex easier to talk about than more divisive issues, Russell explained: “It’s easier to be funny about that, because there’s more tension to be released around the embarrassment. “So it’s a bit of a home gig for a comic.

John Cleese, 82, has been vocal in his dislike for the BBC on Twitter, after he walked out of an interview with the broadcaster that he described as “deceptive”.The Monty Python star called out the organisation once more tonight in a scathing tweet. Two hours ago, John asked: “Could anyone tell me whether the BBC Board of Trustees has anyone on it with creative ability?”John’s followers seemed to agree with the sentiment of the tweet, with David replying: “Mr. Cleese, if you do not know the answer to that after all these years, then no one does. “They all sit there shouting ‘Help, help, I'm being repressed!’”Mark added: “Surely they never have had.

Chris Packham made a cheeky reference to the BBC licence fee today on the show.

Tom Hanks openly praised the BBC on The One Show this evening, claiming that you “don’t get that” on American TV.The Hollywood star made the observation after watching a clip of Chris Packham presenting Springwatch ahead of the programme's return tonight on BBC Two. Tom, 65, appeared on the BBC One show today with his co-star Austin Butler, 30, ahead of their upcoming Elvis Presley biopic, which is entitled Elvis.Speaking to Emma Willis, 46, and Jermaine Jenas, 39, Tom expressed his admiration for the BBC.During their interview, the presenters introduced Chris and his Springwatch co-host Michaela Strachan, 56, as they joined them remotely from a Norfolk field. Chris’ stepdaughter Megan McCubbin, 27, also made a brief cameo as she was shown getting up close to some tawny owls in the North East of England. After the presenters had given a preview of this year’s Springwatch, Tom had some thoughts on the show.As Emma started moving on the conversation with the two actors on the sofa, Tom couldn’t help but interrupt her. “Now, I know you’re both very busy…” Emma began. “Can we just say how great the BBC is,” Tom interjected, causing the presenters to laugh at the unexpected interruption.Speaking about Springwatch’s award-winning live coverage of animals in the British country, Tom explained how UK TV differs from shows in the USA.“Now, you’re not going to get that live every night in the United States,” Tom mused.“That is just something else,” he said with a smile, as Emma agreed, “You’re really not are you?”Tom’s praise for the broadcaster comes after calls to “defund the BBC” have succeeded, after the government promised to abolish the licence fee by 2027. The BBC will also be forced to make deep cuts to its show budgets,

BBC News anchor is reportedly commanding £10,000 to £25,000 per engagement through a celebrity agency.The News at Ten anchor, 60, recently hit out after his BBC salary was made public, claiming that he had been angered when his £529,000 salary was announced.Huw had dubbed the decision made by BBC bosses to publish the salaries of staff earning over £150,000 a "nightmare", adding that it had been "very tedious".The Welsh star claims that he had not been embarrassed about his salary, but was left disgruntled after it was revealed, despite taking a "huge pay cut" some years beforehand."If you do get a huge pay cut, it's certainly going to affect you, your psychology, and your attitude towards the work," he told BBC Radio Cymru.Now, it appears

Monty Don, 70, has spoken out on Twitter after “threats” have been made to “tear down the BBC”.The Gardeners’ World presenter has said that although people criticise the public broadcaster, he will continue to “defend” it, as he has a “vested interest” in it.Monty shared an article from The Guardian that said despite “threats” to tear it down, the BBC is “vital” in relaying accurate information during a time of “chaos”.Alongside the post, Monty typed: “I have a vested interest.“But I have worked a lot for ITV and Ch 4 [Channel 4] too and know that the BBC is like family: we may criticise it bitterly but should defend it to the very end.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said he feels “let down” by the BBC over its decision to end the free TV licence for over-75s.