HARRY COLE: During a TV documentary about life in the Foreign Office, the head of the Diplomatic Service, Sir Simon McDonald, made it clear that he relished his position of power.

Shostakovich's 11th Symphony here receives a performance of exceptional eloquence from the Manchester-based BBC Philharmonic under their chief guest conductor, the Finn John Storgårds.

The BBC, another key Premier League partner, has also complained to the European Commission about Saudi Arabia regarding TV piracy, which could scupper state's bid to buy Newcastle.

Mr Dowden urged director-general Tony Hall to 'uphold the highest standards in relation to integrity and impartiality' in the wake of the Panorama programme which featured five left-wing activists.

Intimacy coach Duchess Iphie analysed the sex scene from the second episode of BBC's Normal People, telling FEMAIL seeking consent and mutual nudity made it the perfect on-screen moment.

Don't the older generation realise that the enforced coronavirus lockdown is proof that the elderly are valued, that the nation is trying to protect us and keep us safe, ESTHER RANTZEN, 79, writes.

SPORTS AGENDA: Big, unexpected news out of the BBC on Friday when, in an illuminatingly terse email, staff were informed that Radio 5 Live Sport editor Mike Carr had left the building.

The 21-year-old, who stars as Marianne in the hit BBC drama, was spotted taking a stroll during the lockdown with her actor boyfriend Tom Varey who appeared as Cley Cerwyn in Game Of Thrones.

Britt Ekland, now 77, was married to British comic actor Peter Sellers from 1964 to 1968. She's spoken candidly for the first time about their fights and his controlling ways in a new BBC documentary.

BBC viewers were shown heartbreaking images of gibbons in tiny cages on Primates. It focused on trade in Malaysia, where the capture of gibbons is decimating the wild population.

Sadiq Khan is at the mercy of militant unions which are demanding a new deal for workers amid warnings London's transport network will be 'rapidly overwhelmed' once the lockdown eases.

Speaking to People on Monday, the Punisher star, 38, spoke candidly about the age gap between his character Benjamin Grenne and Julia Day (played by Julia Ormond) in the drama.

Tonight's Horizon: The Great British Intelligence Test on BBC Two revealed University Challenge star Bobby Seagull, 26, from London, has an 'extremely average' size brain.

He is the breakout star of the BBC's new teenage sex drama Normal People - but actor Paul Mescal has admitted he only got the part after fibbing to BBC producers about whether he could drive.

People living in larger homes could pay more for their TV Licence if plans to base its costs on council tax bands are approved. A household charge was 'probably the future,' the source said.

Sim Harris, 64, had been waiting for a visa at the embassy in South Kensington, West London, when six armed men stormed the site and took him and 25 others hostage.

A row was triggered after Lord Sugar posted a tweet suggesting followers buy a Stylsmile teeth whiteening toothbrush kit, which costs £149.99, as a Christmas present. He failed to note his ownership.

Jonathan, from Glasgow, told how homeless charities and street groups 'stopped going out' when the coronavirus hit in March in new BBC Three documentary Stacey Dooley: Lockdown Heroes.

Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who won her seat for Nottingham East in December, returned to a home in Nottinghamshire a month ago, pledging to help out in her former role amid the Covid-19 crisis.

PAUL BRACCHI: Antonia Staats, the girlfriend of Professor Neil Ferguson, was telling the general public to 'Stay at home' during lockdown, while she visited the Prof's flat twice.

The Normal People star, 24, discussed the reaction to the BBC series and his character Connell during a recent interview with Grazia magazine.

Rhys McCole, from Greenock, took to social media last night to confirm he was still alive after BBC News Scotland falsely reported on his death.

The story of adultery has gripped a nation where cheating on a spouse was illegal just five years ago.

The DJ, 29, showcased her toned figure in a mint green midi skirt with a daring thigh-high slit.

the Normal People star, 24, who plays Connell Waldren was left stunned on Thursday as James Corden revealed on Twitter that the Sally Rooney adaptation 'changed my life'.

Fans have been clamouring for another instalment since the show aired earlier this month but the pair were not giving away any hints about whether a follow-up could be in the pipeline.

The BBC's head of television sport Philip Bernie's comments came after the departures of several veteran presenters such as John Inverdale, 62, led to accusations of a 'cull'.

Jeonbuk Motors are taking Suwon Bluewings and supporters have jumped at the chance to watch some live action for the first time since football was suspended in March.

They star together as DI Kate Fleming and DS Steve Arnott in Jed Mercurio's BBC police TV series Line Of Duty. 

TfL, who operate London's underground network, are 'running the maximum frequency' of services possible. Fewer trains means commuters have been forced to cram into over-crowded carriages.

The actor, 43, made his name playing the sadistic Jim Moriarty in the BBC series Sherlock and feared he would become typecast as the villain.

The radio presenter, 49, raised eyebrows once again as she appeared on The One Show on Thursday in a plunging pink satin dress.

The broadcaster may be forced to hold off on awarding the gong for this year with what promised to be an action-packed calendar severely disrupted due to the pandemic.

PATRICK MARMION: Okonedo is a shrill, manipulative Cleopatra, queen of the 'treat 'em' mean, keep 'em keen' school of seduction.

Commuters on Britain's railways may have to book allotted times to travel to stop overcrowding once coronavirus lockdown measures start to ease. Rail operators are said to be considering a new app.

TV producer and chief executive of WhizzKid Entertainment Malcolm Gerrie, from Newcastle upon Tyne, had no idea why he'd been invited onto BBC Breakfast until his son Olly surprised him.

BBC celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Victory In Europe Day (VE Day) with a star-studded celebration live from Buckingham Palace on Friday.

It had promised to be one of the most feverish summer transfer markets in several years, with blockbuster names moving all over the place and sagas galore. But coronavirus changed that.

Current Derby player-coach Rooney set aside his personal friendship with Juventus talisman Ronaldo and reasoned that Messi is the better player due to his ability to 'torture' his opponents.

Eden Hazard has recovered well from an ankle injury but the timeframe for when he can return to action is unclear, according to Belgium national team boss Roberto Martinez.

Coronavirus has placed footballers, managers and clubs in limbo - but that is a state Paul Pogba, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United are used to regarding the future of the midfielder.

Whilst Rakitic, who has been in and out of the starting XI this season, hopes the season can be concluded, he believes Barca should be awarded the title if play cannot continue this summer.

The Colombian playmaker is widely expected to leave the club this summer after suffering from a string of injuries and poor form, and his countryman believes he would be a perfect fit at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid are weighing up playing their remaining home fixtures at the ground of their reserve side Castilla - with a capacity of over 75,000 fewer seats than their iconic Bernabeu.

James Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez, Mariano Diaz, Alvaro Odriozola, Alphone Areola and Nacho Fernandez will also be shipped out. Zinedine Zidane is hoping to raise £105million.

Spain's top-flight clubs have been told they will be able to return to training provided they comply with the strict protocols that have been laid out by the Spanish government. 

Although Gareth Bale would likely draw a hefty sum, Real Madrid reportedly want to hang on to him for now as they make preparations for a season without a major acquisition.

Barca will consider playing their remaining LaLiga fixtures at the 6,000 capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium if Madrid go ahead with plans to play at the 6,000 capacity Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.

The Moroccan has thrived on loan at the Bundesliga side, providing 10 assists and finding the net three times in 25 league appearances this season.

Despite reports claiming Ruiz's valuation has been lowered to £52m , Goal claim Madrid are exploring cheaper ways to recruit the midfielder amid a testing financial time for the club brought on by coronavirus.