CHILDREN in Need’s boss has quit and launched a scathing attack over its past support for a Scottish Government-funded trans charity hit with child sex scandals.
Rosie Millard, 59, resigned – after six years at the head of the charity – with a devastating letter to the board, reports The Times.
It is understood the writer and broadcaster slammed Children in Need’s Chief Executive Simon Antrobus following his response to criticism over awarding £466,000 worth of grants to under-fire LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS).
The charity supports gay and trans people aged 13 to 25.
In 2009, the former LGBTYS boss James Rennie was convicted of child sex assaults.
Rennie, from Edinburgh, was ordered to serve life with a minimum of 13 years in jail, but that was reduced to a minimum of eight and a half years on appeal.
Children in Need started funding the charity with a grant of £24,000 seven months later.
A second man Andrew Easton, 39, was convicted this year of sharing indecent images of children, including some of newborn babies.
He pleaded guilty this year after speaking online to someone who he believed to be a vulnerable 13-year-old whom he called “baby boy”.
It was revealed Easton contributed to an early version of the “coming out” guidance given to Scottish schools in 2010, although LGBTYS said he had never been an employee or a volunteer.
Grants from Children in Need were suspended in May after Millard alerted them to the 2009 case.
It withdrew funds three months later following a review.
Millard has since alleged there has been “institutional failure” over Children in Need’s decision to fund the organisation.
She also accused Antrobus of failing to respond “with the necessary level of seriousness,” and of only cutting the funds over fears of negative publicity.
LGBT Youth Scotland is propped up by Scottish Government and other devolved public funding, with £1.2 million paid to the charity by the taxpayer in the 2023-24 financial year alone.
Its latest accounts show £484,541 of Scottish Government grants for the past year, £370,218 from Scottish councils, and £330,264 from the NHS.
LGBT Youth Scotland works with hundreds of Scottish schools.
Its latest accounts say it enrolled 31 organisations and 25 schools into its “LGBT Charter programme” in 2023-24.
It had previously boasted that more than 200 Scottish secondary schools – more than half the national total – and more than 40 primaries had signed its charter.
The charity’s latest accounts say: “LGBT Youth Scotland ran 23 youth groups in the year across Scotland and delivered 1,630 hours of youth work, across 11 local authority areas, through 815 group work sessions, using our blended approach.
“In addition, we delivered 1,286 1:1 asset based coaching sessions face to face, digitally, or on the telephone and an additional 686 young person’s engagements through our Live Chat service.”
Last night BBC Children in Need spokesperson said: “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of all children and young people.
“When allegations were made in relation to LGBT Youth Scotland their grant was immediately suspended with the full support of the board and a review began.
“In order to do this thoroughly and fairly the review took three months and culminated in the decision to withdraw funding.
“The Children in Need board of trustees are supportive of the actions taken by the CEO and senior leadership team and stand by the decisions made.
“Rosie at all times retained the board’s support.
“In the wake of her resignation, in order to ensure any lessons learnt are captured, the trustees have instigated a review of ways of working between the board and executive in which Rosie has kindly agreed to participate.”
The latest revelation sparked calls for the Scottish Government to cut its funding for LGBTYS.
Scottish Conservative shadow equalities minister Tess White MSP said: “Taxpayers will be appalled that their money is continuing to fund an organisation mired in controversy.
“At a time when the SNP are making brutal cuts to services Scots rely on, every penny of public funds must be accounted for.
“SNP ministers should show some common sense and withhold money from LGBT Youth Scotland, like charities and organisations have done until they sort themselves out.
“Failing to do so is a dereliction of duty.”
Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said the Scottish Government was “running scared” of acting to halt funding to LGBT Youth Scotland.
He said: “The Scottish Government, local councils and health boards should immediately suspend funding to the organisation.
“There is nothing progressive, and equal opportunities are not advanced, by propping up an organisation that has proven itself as not fit for purpose and is riddled with safeguarding concerns.”
Chief executive of LGBTYS Mhairi Crawford said Millard’s resignation letter “demonstrates the ideologically driven nature of her attacks on our organisation”.
She added: “We are pleased to see confirmation that Children in Need’s investigations into the work of LGBT Youth Scotland found nothing to report.
“Time and time again, those with anti-inclusivity motives point to historic allegations in attempts to destroy our reputation.
“Allegations that have been investigated and cleared by Police Scotland, and proven to have had no link to our work.”
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
We previously told how a Scots council had been urged to cut ties with the controversial LGBT charity over fears it could push so-called “trans ideology” onto young kids.
Two schools in East Dunbartonshire – Milngavie Primary and Craigdhu Primary – are to take part in a pilot alongside LGBTYS despite the charity being targeted towards young people aged between 13 and 25.
However, there are concerns that the teaching of gender self-ID to young kids in classrooms could harm their development.
In a letter to the council’s chief executive, Ann Davie, Scottish Tory MSP Pam Gosal called on the local authority to “re-examine” their decision to allow the pilot to go ahead.
AS Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh raced to support bandmate Cheryl at Liam Payne’s funeral, it was clear the trio are closer than ever.
Paying their respects to the tragic One Direction star, the father of Cheryl’s beloved son Bear, the girls proved their 22 year friendship truly is unbreakable, as they showed up to comfort the devastated singer.
Despite starting Girls Aloud with Nadine Coyle and the late Sarah Harding in 2002, the bond between Cheryl, Nicola and Kimberley has always appeared stronger, with Cheryl calling them “the best friends anyone could ever ask for.”
Cheryl, 41, and Kimberley, 43, even had sons Cole and Bear just months apart and have raised their boys together, with Kimberley noting that she and Cheryl “parent in the same way.”
That’s not to mention Nicola, 39, having input too, helping to babysit and often joining their families for a slap up Sunday lunch.
So why has this been the one showbiz friendship that has weathered the storms of fame? It seems the ladies’ unshakeable, playful bond, from cute nicknames and cheeky banter to motherhood and naughty bum grabs might be the answer.
Nicole, Kimberly and Cheryl have never been short of praise for one another, often bigging each other up publicly and giving a glimpse into their friendship with cute selfies on social media.
It led fans to affectionately label Cheryl and Kimberley ‘Chim’, a hybrid of their names, with many hoping the pair were enjoying a secret love affair.
The mania was fuelled in no small part by cheeky pics of Cheryl grabbing Kimberley’s bum, or shots of them with their arms wrapped around each other’s waists.
It certainly didn’t help when Cheryl admitted in 2019 to enjoying a secret kiss with Kimberley.
“I snogged Kimberley once,” she confessed. “It was a drunken night out, but still, I have a lot of explaining to do to Bear.”
Despite a cheeky peck, the girls have always remained just friends, with Cheryl calling Kimberley her “safety network” and “soulmate” and referring to both Kimberley and Nicola as “amazing, inspiring, gorgeous souls.”
Meanwhile, Nicola labeled Chez a ‘superwoman’ following her split from Liam in 2018.
Kimberley has revealed the ladies often get together for catch ups, but with the reality of motherhood and family life taking over, their girlie time is never without its interruptions.
Recalling one hilarious day-date, Kimberley explained how Nicola ended up babysitting her sons, Bobby, ten, Cole, seven, and three year old Nate.
By Joanne Kavanagh, Showbiz Reporter
It was a romance that caused a media storm.
One Direction hunk Liam Payne was only 14 when he met former X Factor judge Cheryl during the show in 2008.
But it wasn’t until 2016 – when the Girls Aloud singer was divorcing her second husband – that the pair got together despite their ten-year age gap.
The couple made their relationship official in May of that year when they appeared at Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Gala in Paris.
In 2017, Liam paid a sweet tribute to his girlfriend by getting a tattoo of her eye on his arm.
Cheryl was pregnant at the time and gave birth to a boy on March 22, 2017.
She posted a picture on Instagram of Liam cradling their 7lb 9oz baby and captioned: “On Wednesday Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy looking like a dream.”
One pal told The Sun: “Liam didn’t leave Cheryl’s side throughout the birth, and like her, he is besotted with their new son and can’t wait to take him home.
“This is the perfect Mother’s Day for Cheryl.”
The Sun revealed in May 2017 that the couple named their son Bear.
They decided on the unusual name after spending a week getting to know him.
In February 2018, The Sun broke the news that Liam’s constant travelling to promote his solo career had placed a huge strain on the relationship, and the pair were ready to split.
That same month, Cheryl said “none of it matters” as she shrugged off questions about her crumbling romance with Liam during a BBC Breakfast interview.
They then put on a united front together at the Brit Awards where they smiled on the red carpet and Cheryl joked about the couple’s ‘safe word’.
However, by July 2018, Cheryl and Liam made the decision to split.
A pal told The Sun: “Cheryl and Liam worked really hard on their relationship – they had troubles earlier this year and were able to get through them.
“But they’re in different stages of their lives and, after a lot of careful thought, came to a decision that it’s best for everyone if they do go their separate ways.”
Liam and Cheryl released a statement confirming their break-up which read: “We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s been a tough decision for us to make.
“We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together.”
“Nicola came over for a little spa date, we had a facial treatment at mine, but I’m not sure it was quite as relaxing as she was hoping for,” Kim said.
“The reality was she was on childcare duties while I had my facial. I could hear what was going on with my eyes closed and Bobby was making her do flying in the air, jumping on her back like Superman, making her run around, playing guns and all sorts… so I’m not sure it was the most relaxing spa date she has ever had.”
When it comes to motherhood, Cheryl and Kimberley have found that raising their sons has inevitably brought them closer together.
Cheryl gave birth to little Bear just three months after Kimberley had her second baby, Cole, and the boys are best buds as a result.
Speaking when the kids were smaller, Kimberley said, “It’s actually lovely to be going through (parenthood) at the same time.
Go around in our scruffs. Chill in the house with the kids. Make a cup of tea, gossip, watch reality TV
Nicola Roberts
“Cole and Bear are just starting to be proper buddies. They’re giving each other their dummies, passing each other food. It’s very, very cute.”
Kimberley previously said the boys “usually see each other about once a week” and explained she and Cheryl have a similar outlook on having kids.
“She’s so warm, like me,” she said. “I think when you’re really close to somebody, you feel like you do kind of all parent in the same way.”
When Girls Aloud announced their reunion gigs earlier this year, Nicola couldnt resist some cheeky banter at Cheryl’s expense, proving just how comfortable the pals are with each other.
When Nicola shared the news on her Instagram, a fan remarked, “I did not expect to be back in my fangirl life at 31 years old… but I’m SO here for it.”
To which Nicola shot back, “I don’t think Chez expected to be singing Love Machine past 30 but she’s so here for it.”
The reunited noughties pop group put together a set list of all their biggest hits.
ACT ONE
ACT TWO
ACT THREE
ENCORE
The quip was a hilarious reference to an infamous comment Cheryl had made about singing their hit song in the future.
Speaking in a 2006 documentary, she said, “There’ll be no reunions, though. Could you imagine? 30-odd-year-old (singing ‘I’m just a love machine’? Nah. No thanks.”
Nicola has revealed the girls gather round each other’s houses for Sunday roasts, with Cheryl her pick for best chef.
When asked in 2017 who made the better grub, Nic said, “I don’t want to upset anyone, but I’m going to say, because Kim has two babies, she’s a little bit more slapdash. She’s kind of like: ‘whatever’s in the fridge, we’ll pull that out and mix something up’.
“Whereas Cheryl is more, ‘I’m cooking a roast’ and the potatoes are done to perfection, she’s timed everything, everything’s well thought out, she’s stuffed the chicken with lemons. Sorry Kim!”
Nic added that the gang relish down time. “We just chill at the house, that’s all we do,” she explained.
“Go around in our scruffs. Chill in the house with the kids. Make a cup of tea, gossip, watch reality TV.”
LIDL Ireland fans are set to rush to the middle aisle as major Christmas range lands in store today from just €9.99.
The new festive range includes real Christmas trees, stands and wreaths all for a bargain price.
Shoppers can now get a stunning Irish-Grown Christmas Tree for only €24.99.
The tree from Forest Fresh is grown in Wicklow and stands at 6 feet tall.
It reads on Lidl’s website: “Not only are these beautiful Irish trees incredible value, but they have also been certified by Bord Bia under the Sustainable Horticulture Assurance Scheme.
“All trees are grown in Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow and are shaped and pruned as they grow to ensure that they are in tip-top Christmas tree shape.”
For those looking something a bit smaller this Christmas, Lidl’s got you covered with the Medium Christmas Tree available in stores now.
It has a pot size of 26 cm and a plant height of 60 to 80cm.
The bargain supermarket also has a potted Christmas tree in stores for only €14.99.
After the festive season, you can keep the tree in its pot and continue to care for it, allowing it to grow.
This option is more environmentally friendly as you can replant the tree in your garden or keep it as a houseplant.
The pot size is 21 cm while the plant height is 75cm.
Apart from trees, Lidl has great deals on wreaths and Christmas tree stands.
Their Christmas Wreath’s start off at just €9.99, making it the perfect addition to your home this season.
What’s more, their Christmas tree stands are currently on sale.
Shoppers with Lidl Plus can get a discount from €24.99 to €19.99, making it even more of a bargain.
It reads on Lidl’s website: “For trees up to 2.5m high – trunk diameter 3 to 12cm.
“Easy-to-fill 2.5L tank and water level indicator with overflow warning.”
But shoppers must be quick, as it is only available in stores until November 27.
This comes after Lidl Ireland bosses have dropped a selection of Christmas clothing in stores today – and there’s something for all the family.
Some fabulous items have dropped from light up jumpers to comfy sofa throws.
Get the party started with the Ladies’ Christmas Jumper Dresses only €9.99.
Available sizes XS to L, choose from a Mrs Claus, elf or gift wrap design.
Their Ladies’ Christmas Cardigan is perfect for adding another layer to your party look.
Retailing at €12.99, the cute cardigans are available in a selection of designs in sizes XS to L.
The retailer has also released a selection of Men’s Christmas Jumpers just €9.99.
Ranging in sizes S to XL, the “soft knitted” jumpers have a loose fit.
Lidl Plus shoppers can snap up the Kids’ Light-Up Christmas Jumper for just €6.39.
A LUCKY Lotto player is celebrating a life-changing €7,028,440 jackpot win after last night’s draw.
The massive win makes the player the 10th Lotto jackpot winner of 2024.
And there is a new location joining a list of winning counties including Dublin, Louth, Wexford, and Limerick.
The lucky winner has been found in none other than Galway.
It also marks the 30th National Lottery millionaire created this year alone.
The winning numbers from last night’s draw were 7, 10, 12, 19, 21, 32, with the bonus number 9.
Lotto bosses have confirmed that the store where the winning ticket was sold will be revealed this Friday, November 22.
The announcement comes as excitement builds for a special EuroMillions draw set to take place on Friday.
In a thrilling twist, 100 new millionaires are guaranteed across nine participating countries in a unique EuroMillions raffle event.
Each winner will walk away with an incredible €1 million, and Ireland is in the running to take a slice of the fortune.
Sarah Ruane, spokesperson for the National Lottery, said: “Friday’s EuroMillions draw is going to be an incredibly exciting event.
“On top of the estimated €190 million jackpot on offer, the draw will guarantee 100 brand new millionaires in the draw across the participating EuroMillions game members.
“It’s been an incredible year for players with thirty National Lottery millionaires being made in 2024 so far.
“There will be huge excitement in the build-up to Friday’s draw which could be life-changing for one or more EuroMillions players in Ireland.”
The special raffle includes players from Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.
Every EuroMillions ticket bought for Friday’s draw will come with a unique raffle code, automatically entering players into the millionaire-making event.
Irish players also stand a chance to win in the Ireland Only Raffle, which will see 10 players scoop €5,000 each.
National Lottery players are urged to buy their tickets early to avoid missing out on the historic draw.
Tickets can be purchased in-store, online, or via the National Lottery app.
The National Lottery has had an incredible year, with €227.9 million raised for good causes in 2023, supporting projects in sport, youth, health, education, and more.
Since its establishment 37 years ago, over €6.5 billion has been raised for good causes across Ireland.
CAROL Vorderman sent in a cringeworthy voice note to I’m A Celebrity about her “jungle man” Melvin Odoom.
The Radio One DJ admitted fancying his “dream woman” Carol – and even asked her out live on TV.
He acted out his desired ‘date’ with Carol to campmates – after admitting he’d been too shy to say hello to the former TV presenter.
Tulisa Contostavlos encouraged him to “grab the bull by the horns” – and act out how he’d ask her.
Melvin said: “You look sensational today, you’re actually glowing. Listen, I’ve booked a restaurant for next week. It’s going to be Thai food, all expenses paid and I’m going to send a cab to your house for about 8 o’clock. See you there.”
Reacting to the bizarre moment Melvin did role play with Tulisa, she sent a voice note in to spin-off show Unpacked.
Carol said: “Melvin, or should I say Jungle Man.. Melvin Vorderman… It sounds the same to me.
“Right, question. Have you been spying on me because just last night I had a little Thai food.
“I had pad Thai, quite a lot of it, with a little chicken satay on the side.
“It was delicious, Jungle Man.
“Anyway keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing a brilliant job. See you on the other side.”
The Unpacked hosts were left cringing over the message.
Sam Thompson said: “I don’t know what to think of that.”
Kemi Rodgers shouted: “What is going on?”
BEFORE we start today, I just want to talk about some of the most horrendous things that I’ve seen across social media and people’s comments on articles about Tulisa.
I think it’s absolutely horrendous, some of the things people are saying about her… the way she looks, “What’s happened to her face?” It is just disgusting.
I don’t know why people think they have some sort of God-given right to comment on people in the public eye’s appearance.
Not knowing the reasons behind why her face may look different to what it was a few years ago, just needs to stop, it is disgusting.
She’s gone on a show. She hasn’t asked for abuse, and I tell you what, I hope she comes out and calls every one of those trolls out that have been so disgusting to her.
It’s not acceptable, it’s not on, and it’s really not kind at all. You just need to stop with it because, you know, it’s not right at all, and it makes me so angry.
So, back to more positive things about last night’s show. Tulisa. Once again, I just think she’s such a strong character, and last night she really showed that she was a true camp leader. I don’t think there’s anyone that rivals her, apart from Jane (let’s see the tattoo!)
Tulisa, this did make me laugh actually, she even tried to be matchmaker for Melvin. Will Carol Vorderman fall for him? Well, actually I’m not sure who even cares.
Oh, Dean, I really hoped that he would succeed tonight because I didn’t really want to have to talk to him again, and I feel a bit bad.
But before the bullying headlines start, with their nonsensical headlines, I’m preempting.
I’m here to talk and give opinion on the show, so that is literally the end of it, that’s all I’m doing is I’m giving my opinion on I’m a Celebrity. So don’t even start with those brilliant headlines because it’s not right and absolutely not true.
So Dean, cos obviously you’ve now got a nickname called Teabag Dean, I have to say, I’m not surprised at all that he’s been chosen to do another trial.
The public have found their weak link and they are really testing him to see whether he will crack. I know the trial with Grace was really tough, but his screaming made me wanna scream too. And not with him, but at him.
Come on, just get a grip, get on with it. The hunger is really gonna start kicking in soon and, if Dean messes up Lethal Lab, I think the campmates might actually put him in the pot for dinner.
I get that he might have been petrified doing that trial, but everyone knows full well what this show’s about. You know what you’re gonna have to endure when you sign up for it.
So, what is the point in doing it if you’re just gonna play chicken? It just doesn’t make any sense to me.
And finally, we learn that there are two new faces in the camp, Maura and Reverend Coles.
I’m not sure how either of these are gonna fit in with the rest of the camp yet – or not, maybe.
But I really hope that they’ve been put in to ruffle some feathers because the camp really needs a bit of drama at the minute. It’s a bit dull and it’s a bit wet. I suppose it’s just like the weather in the jungle.
But we really can’t be relying on ‘teabag-gate’ for entertainment.
So, come on guys, ramp it up a bit. We need some entertainment.
AS Rebekah watches the show with a keen eye, she's shared her predictions for what's to come.
Hero: Danny “the trouser snake” Jones and Oti.
Villain: Teabag Dean.
Next trial: Sorry, it’s gonna have to be Coleen.
