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Calls for BBC’s Huw Edwards to be knighted after broadcasting ‘masterclass’ following death of HM Queen Elizabeth II
There have been countless calls for Huw Edwards to be knighted for his coverage of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The seasoned broadcaster has been a presenter on the BBC since 1986, and while he has held a number of notable roles during his time working for the corporation, he is mostly-known to UK audiences as the face BBC News at Ten – which he has been since 2003.
Some of the significant events Edwards has delivered the news of to the nation over the years include the election of Barack Obama, the results of the EU referendum, and the Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
But by far one if the most important events was the death HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the 10pm slot is where he is usually most at home, following the announcement by Buckingham Palace earlier yesterday that HM Queen Elizabeth II was “under medical supervision” at Balmoral after her doctors had become “concerned for Her Majesty’s health”, Edwards remained on air for extended periods throughout the day.
Following the release of Buckingham Palace’s statement, the BBC confirmed that all its regular programming had been suspended and that it would be showing rolling news streams until at least 6pm.
Shortly after 6:40pm BST, Edwards confirmed the news that HM Queen Elizabeth II had died aged 96.
Delivering the statement released by The Royal Family to announce HM The Queen’s passing live on air to millions of people watching right across the UK, Huw said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Since the news was confirmed and the world watched as Edwards delivered one of the most important statements in recent British history, famous names and members of the public have been taking to social media in their thousands to share messages of respect for the presenter and praise his long-running service to news reading.
Edwards’ delivery of the news has been called a “masterclass” in broadcasting, and many people have been calling for him to be knighted.
Comedian David Baddiel said on Twitter: “It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.”
Rory Bremner added: “Respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina and professionalism.”
Darryl Morris also said in a tweet: “Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.”
Others shared similar sentiments.
“I wouldn’t go as far as a knighthood but the way he held him self during what was evidently a very hard thing for him to do after covering the last 72 hours of the new PM was nothing short of admirable and professional,” one Twitter user said.
“Bloke deserves recognition. Fair play, Huw Edwards.”
Another Twitter user said: “Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think.”
A third added: “In awe of Huw Edwards, leading the BBC News live broadcast for almost five hours from a single press release. He’s cautious not to generate hysteria but also respectful of the potential severity of the situation. Top class broadcaster.
“And now he reads the biggest news bulletin of his career, with grace, calmness and respect.”
“Hats off to Huw Edwards who has been delivering extraordinary coverage on BBC One since lunchtime. A masterclass in professionalism. I am in awe,” a fourth said.
Another said on Twitter: “Huw Edwards, in the circumstances, was brilliant. If anyone was born to broadcast, it was him. Dignified throughout and visibly upset. A credit to the BBC.”
“What a week for Huw Edwards. His relentless professionalism through Liz Truss’ appointment and now the Queen’s death really is to be admired. If anyone has the right to say they’re tired, it’s him. Hope he has a day off soon,” yet another person said full of praise.
HM Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on 8 September 2022.
During her reign, Elizabeth II served as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – undertaking an important symbolic and unifying role as a head of state, spanning numerous geographical regions, cultures, and religions.
She was not just the longest-reigning British monarch in history, but she was also the first-ever monarch to reign in the UK for 70 years.
She was beloved by many for her sense of duty and devotion to her role.
Featured Image – BBC News
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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
You just love to see it.
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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
Trending
The Chestergate pub in Stockport is at it again with some of the most wonderfully Manc scenes you’ll ever see
Danny Jones
The legendary Chestergate pub in Stockport is back with another belter of a video, following on from their viral belly-flashing clip of 2022.
The Mersey Square boozer has painted yet another quintessentially Northern depiction of UK pub culture with the latest Manc scenes they’ve captured around the karaoke machine.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of stumbling into The Chestergate in Stockport town centre, the long-standing boozer currently operated by publican chain Blind Tiger Inns, you’re seriously missing out.
While it might not be the flashiest of pubs, when it comes to entertainment, it always delivers.
Whether it’s stunts like renaming themselves ‘The Southgate’ whenever the Euros or World Cup rolls around, or the locals just genuinely having a whale of a time no matter what day of the week it is, it really sums up the best of pub culture.
The Chestergate went viral for some of the most British footage ever caught on film back in 2022 and the videos saw a huge wave of love and support flooding in for the pub, as well as a healthy amount of chuckles. Safe to say we were chuffed to see them pop back up on our feed again recently.
Karaoke night at The Chestergate literally never disappoints.
Forget ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ or ‘Champagne Supernova’ for karaoke songs – we’ll take a cacophony of inaudible throwback pop music, whilst another bloke and his hype man try and MC over a totally ill-fitting beat any day of the week.
And that’s handy because you’ll find those kinds of shenanigans happening at this place all the time.
Be it hens and stags, St George’s Day celebrations; a safe-cracking-themed competition, a ‘Texas Hold ‘Em Hoedown’ dance-off, or simply the matchday crowds when the footy’s on, there’s always something going on here.
It’s simultaneously one of the most no-nonsense and somehow a non-stop shenanigan-filled paradise. They also look after their own and consider their regulars part of the family. Case and point: they threw their very own ‘Dancing Queen’ Molly a big bash for her 86th birthday and it’s such wholesome viewing.
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At this point, it’s worth flagging that we have nothing but envy for these folks and anyone who’s just out there having the time of their lives on any random weeknight.
Yes, it produced plenty of laughs for those watching online in recent times but this lot won’t mind one bit – not only is the pub seeing more and more new faces through the door but that’s the whole point of a pub, isn’t it? Going for a pint with your nearest and dearest and having a laugh.
Not only is it very Manchester but it’s Britain at its very best.
We hope to see you at The Chestergate pub in Stockport for a pint or two sometime soon and we’re making a bit of a prat of ourselves, don’t worry, we’re sure they’ll have the cameras ready for you.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — The Chestergate (via Facebook)
Emily Sergeant -
9th September 2022 
