Well, it was yet another fascinating week at UK LIVE as we passed more milestones on our journey to deliver common sense to all of you lovely people out there in the big, wide world.
Of course it was very solemn as the week began with Remembrance Sunday and the recognition of our fallen heroes and current Armed Forces personnel. It was brilliant to see Nigel Farage laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on Sunday as we remembered those who gave their lives for our futures. As I’m sure November does for many of you, it always brings back memories of loved ones and the sacrifices they made so that we could enjoy the fruits of their victories all those years ago.
I was delighted to speak to our good friend Hugh Andrée this week about the plight of veterans and their families and how he, through his organisation weServed, is helping military families with discounted energy bills. If it wasn’t for all of you and your influence it would never have happened.
Jeff Banks was able to announce the winning entry for our amazing prize to spend an afternoon with him while being measured up for your own personal fragrance. There were so many amazing entries and so many incredible stories we wanted to give everyone the prize - but sadly we couldn’t. The winner though is Oonagh, who is living with cancer and has been a listener since the beginning of UK LIVE. We can’t wait to meet her. And we will bring you details as soon as we know them.
Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, popped in for the first time in the studios and we were able to spend a good deal of time discussing the state of the nation.
Amongst the highlights of the week also was the news that UK LIVE subscriptions are ramping up as more and more people are discovering our incredible mix of news, humour, entertainment and fun. Politics doesn’t have to be awful - even though the government is an utter shambles.
I was invited to a few evenings out as the Christmas party season swings into view.
We were joined in the studio on Friday by Ranald Macdonald, the founder and CEO of Boisdale restaurants who is launching a talent competition to find the next big musical act. You can find details of how to enter right here on Substack.
And on Friday afternoon Boisdale were kind enough to host our early Christmas party attended by the entire team of production editors, on-screen talent, reporters and, of course, myself, Puch and Charlotte too. It was a very elegant event and no one even got out of hand. So well done everybody.
Next week I’ll be appearing at a charity event which I hope you will join me in supporting for orphans around the world. But we won’t forget our own kids here in the UK too.
With all the madness of the TV celebrity world going insane there has never been a better time for common sense to prevail. Let’s face it, you don’t need Russell Brand and David Walliams when you have UK LIVE.
To cap it all I took delivery of my new book INDEPENDENCE DAY which is now on sale at Amazon. Three books in as many months. All bestsellers thanks to you. It’s been quite extraordinary.
On my first anniversary of leaving Talk I think I can say I’ve never been happier.
Loads more news to come next week but for now, thank you for being a part of this great project.
Brilliant year, keep going!
Great photos !
Here's to the next stage of UK Live!👏👏