and tonight is the main event — bbc sports personality of the year is on from 7 o'clock on bbc one this evening. the bbc sport website will build up to the show from 5 o clock. that's all the sport for now. it could be interesting to see who wins that one. thank you very much indeed. that was just bought. now let's get your weather. sarah keith lucas... things are looking windy and wintry out there for the rest of the day. wintry showers are falling as snow in one or two places. this is the picture in north yorkshire from one of our weather watchers earlier on. temperatures out there in the chilly side, somewhere between four to 10 degrees. it is feeling cold when you add on the showers. through tonight

as the showers work their way northwards and eastwards we could cic stretches particularly for parts of northern england and southern scotland. further south it should be frost free. sunshine and showers on monday with most of the showers in northern ireland and western scotla nd northern ireland and western scotland with snow over higher ground. england and wales looking mostly dry with some sunshine. more cloud and a few showers towards a south—east later on. that rain lingers first thing into tuesday but clears away with not a bad day on tuesday with some sunshine around and top temperatures of about 4 degrees.

hello, this is bbc news with me, ben brown. the headlines... the labour leader, jeremy corbyn, has apologised to supporters, for his party's heavy defeat in the general election. as boris johnson prepares for thurday‘s queen speech, the government is to enshrine in law, a commitment to raise spending on the nhs in england. nicola sturgeon has renewed her call for a second referendum on scottish independence, saying the people of scotland mustn't be kept in the union — against their will. a british man has been killed and his son wounded after being shot during a suspected robbery outside a five—star hotel in buenos aires. the longest united nations climate talks on record have finally ended in madrid, with a compromise deal, on the key question of increasing the global

response to curbing carbon. now on bbc news... the travel show goes behind the scenes of the renovation work at the houses of parliament... this week on the travel show: i'm in the uk to see up close how one of the nation's most iconic landmarks is getting a much—needed face—lift. 0h! oh my word. look at that! and with the festive season just around the corner, we are in london's historic burlington shopping arcade, as a famous face helps it celebrate its 200th christmas. before i head east, to norfolk‘s thursford spectacular, putting my feet to the test at britain's biggest christmas show.

we're starting this week right in the middle of london, and inside the landmark that, for generations, has been notjust a source of beauty but of power, too. they used to call this the mother of parliaments. the palace of westminster was first built in 1016, but until the 19th century it looked very different. a massive fire and a victorian rebuild created the gothic spires that have made the building famous. that is the 900—year—old heart of the uk establishment, and one of it's most recognisable

landmarks, which you might know from scenes like this. the ayes to the right, 202. the noes to the left, 228. recently, coverage of the ongoing, and often heated, brexit debates have brought images of this building into homes all over the world. order! order. but, the building is falling apart. crumbling plasterwork riddled with asbestos and even in the chamber itself, the inner sanctum of british lawmaking, there are leaks. i want to finally finish my comments... the roof's leaking! ..with a leaky roof in the background. the sitting is now suspended and no photographs please! rain sounds the palace of westminster has been a unesco world heritage site since 1987, and in 2015 a joint committee determined that the longer essential works were put off,

the higher the risk that the building could suffer a sudden catastrophic failure. the cost of repair has been estimated at 5.5 billion. even just the annual maintenance bill stacks up at a whopping £30 million. it is daunting for the man in charge of conservation, who meets me in the ancient westminster hall. this is the oldest part of the houses of parliament, it dates from 1099 and was extensively refurbished by richard ii in 1395 and finished off by henry iv in 1402. and it was high time it had a bit of attention, starting off with straightening the steps out over there, for example, sorting out the floor which was sinking in one corner and the roof is actually in quite good shape but it was rather dirty so we thought we should get up there and every so often a bit fell off. we used to have fly— pasts, and little pieces of timber would drop off, and that is not really conducive to public health and safety, so to speak.

that does sound like quite a challenge. it's a huge logistical challenge. it is always very difficult in a building that has seen intensive use. this is the seat of parliament, the legislator has primacy over everything we do, and we have to consider that. and so you tend to get a backlog of maintenance, because there isn't much time to do it in. one of the most famous parts of the whole site is the elizabeth tower, which contains big ben — a bell, not a clock, as many think. shutterbugs coming here on holiday will have been disappointed for the past two years as the whole thing has been encased in scaffolding. restoring it has been a colossaljob. we're going over the top of portcullis house, and when we get to level 25 of the scaffolding, which is about 50 metres up, you go past the clock faces. oh my very word! look at that! that's enormous, how big is that?

that's about just over eight metres in diameter. you can drive a double—decker bus through it. was it originally natural stone? yes. and we found as we were painting our analysis of the dialframe itself, we went back through the colours and we found that this was the blue that was the original colour. and we carried out extensive repairs, we're about halfway through those as well. so, has it been a straightforward process? did they leave instructions on how to fix this thing? no, obviously no instructions. i think the team that i feel particularly for are the clock mechanics who have taken apart the clock mechanism for the first time in its history and now have to put it back together, and there are an awful lot of pieces that need to go back together. they are a phenomenally talented group of guys so i have no doubt that they will do it and do it very well. just behind the clock face lies the main event. the enormous chunk of cast—iron i'm up here to see. i guess that's it! that is big ben. the name is apt.

the bell is 13 tonnes in weight which is phenomenal. feel the thickness of it, you can't even appreciate looking at it from the outside. can i have a look under? you can. oh, wow! that is... 12 inches, maybe. maybe slightly more. that is an impressive bell. in the past, you have only been allowed up into the tower by contacting your mp and only if you are a uk resident. the powers that be have not yet decided if they will be relaxing those rules when it reopens. as they come up the top of the stairs there will be a glass box, and just above you will be the quarter bell so it will be a really interesting viewpoint and one that will probably scare a few people, and you can also see up to big ben which previously,

there was an old bridge structure which wasn't particularly impressive so we replaced it. it kinda gives you that visibility of big ben when you come to the top, it will be a real wow moment when people come up the stairs. u nforg etta ble, really. i can imagine after all those stairs, you would want something that is a wow moment. 324 steps. you get a bit of a break halfway just to catch your breath, but having walked it a few times i thought my fitness level would improve and it would be easier, but it is not. it is stilljust as hard when you get to the top. so it better be worth it when you get here. thankfully, it really is. restoration on the tower is set to continue until 2021, and the palace of westminster, years after that. but it has been such a privilege to come up here and see this up close and i cannot wait for the scaffolding to come down. it ought to be revealed and for everyone to get the chance to see it, too.

but in the meantime, limited because of the houses of parliament, back on the ground, are still available for visitors from around the world. it's all getting nice and festive here in the uk. if you are planning a trip you have some last—minute gifts to buy, here are some european christmas markets we recommend. croatia's capital zagreb has become a huge citywide christmas market. a massive event that has seen it win awards for the last three years in a row. the theme this time is the nutcracker, which includes an escape room and a walk—through cave to get you in the mood. our tip, head for zrinjevac park which has a more traditional croatian feel, to try out what some of the croats eat at this time of year. if you are looking for winter wonderlands, salzburg

in austria isn't a bad shout. its market has roots going back to the late 15th century. you'll get all the usual mulled wine, wooden huts, gingerbread, and so on, but the activities here are pretty good too. they have organised singalongs in the main square, readings of children's christmas stories and traditional wind music performed high above the square. bruges' ice rink has been replaced by an artificial one this year, that is said to be much more eco—friendly. the annual ice sculpture festival has also been cancelled, because city authorities said it was too energy inefficient. but this little belgian town is so fairytail beautiful at this time of year, it is still well worth a visit. and the tiny alpine town of bolzano reckons it has got italy's biggest christmas market. the organisers go big on rustic and traditional.

there are about 80 stalls, most selling locally—made gifts. it is all set around a nativity scene in a real wooden stable. still to come on the travel show: as christmas nears, we are off to meet the people behind one of london's most historic shopping arcades. and i'm heading to the east of england to take to the stage in britain's biggest christmas show. so, don't go away. now, at this time of year london's streets packed with last—minute christmas shoppers and, perhaps, the most famous is regent street, which this year celebrates its 200th birthday. butjust off regent street you'll find somewhere else celebrating, too. it's the burlington shopping arcade that first opened back in 1819. we went to visit as it

geared up for christmas in its own unique style. hello, my name is mark lord, i am the head beadle at the burlington arcade here in the heart of mayfair. i think the beadles keep a great tradition. i love the way they stop people running, they don't let you sing and whistle, all that stuff makes it very different to most arcades.

we have some very good customers and great characters. arnold schwarzenegger is a great customer of ours. bought several pairs once, didn't want to carry them around with him, was going to come back, we said what time are you coming back? as he left he turned and went and went, "i'll be back". my predecessors have told me the stories of when fred astaire danced in the arcade because someone bought some parker slippers. marilyn monroe was filming with laurence olivier. his butler brought her here because apparently sir lawrence and ms munroe did not get on very well. we have all types of people. we have people from the prime minister to famous actresses, and just normal people. in 2006, i popped in here because it was time for me to look for an engagement ring, so a remembered burlington arcade, i popped in.

and i was looking at the jewellery and i couldn't find the shoeshiner. i said, "do know where the shoeshine guy is?" and they said he hasn't come around for the last three months. i said, "you are missing the point, i am a shoeshiner, i would love to be involved here. and from that, 13 years later, i'm here." you could travel the world and look at lots of different luxury retail stores and streets and they all look very similar, burlington arcade is a unique thoroughfare. it's not too big. it is not a shopping mall. it's very human in terms of size. wejumped in anothertime, because almost nothing has changed in terms of decor. it's like being in a fairy tale or in a movie.

five, four, three, two, one! cheering. they remind us of a winter wonderland, really, and it's amazing the effect the christmas lights can have on people. even after my 17 christmases in the arcade, it still gives you a tingle on the back of your spine when you are here and you see the joy on people's faces and just a little skip in their step. it has a very, very, very special atmosphere. now i'm heading 130 miles east, to norfolk.

this part of the country is known for its beautiful countryside, and a network of waterways known as the norfolk broads. but as the winter chill draws on, it is the tiny village of thursford, which since 1977, has made christmas specialfor over six million people. and around this time of year you might be thinking of heading somewhere christmassy, like sa nta's grotto. few places mostly scale of the thursford christmas spectacular. each day during the festive season up to 50 coach loads of visitors come in here to see britain's biggest christmas show. # let the drums roll out # let the trumpet call # while the people

shout # strike up the band...# with 2000 pom—poms and 1.5 million rhinestones, this is a show to remember for the 110,000 people who come here during the festive season. now in its 43rd year, this family—run production was started as one man's vision. it's a journey to christmas eve, basically, in music, song, and dance. but through its popularity through the years it's had to come forward. so now it starts on november six. it is basically a nonstop extravaganza of music, dance, and song. i had a friend in king's college cambridge who was one of the king's college choral scholars, which was a school for norfolk at the time. and just 400—500 people turned up. but it was just in the middle of this building here. so it started with one show, then went to two, then four, then eight, ten, 16, and so on. the show still takes place injohn‘s

converted farmyard barn. and he begins preparing its christmas show injanuary. this year, over 3000 west end and broadway artists auditioned to be part of the company of over 120 performers. and, today, i'm going to bejoining them for the big finale. but first, a crash course in learning my steps. the front, one, two, three... five, six, seven, eight. hands, hands, bow, stand left foot. one, two, three, four, five... and then make your way back out. thank you so much for teaching me. i hope i don't cause any disruption later. you were great. you will be great. what is it like for you to perform in a show like this? it is a little bit different, isn't it? it's very different. i'm one of the singers in the show.

i did the show last year and fell in love with it. so i'm back this year. it's just such a variety. even as a singer i do lots of musical theatre stuff but this has lots of classical in there as well. it's nice to get that kind of mixture. one thing that is incredible is we are celebrating christmas for two months every day. you would think it would get a little tedious, but it doesn't. because every show we have 1400 people watching and they are all there to celebrate christmas and it is just amazing to do shows every day, twice a day. applause. i understand that this is quite a production. we are talking about over 100 performers. what kind of logistical challenges are there for you guys backstage? it's a massive one. there are thousands and thousands of costumes in the show. every single musician, singer, dancer, variety act, they have all got 10—15 costumes each. and so, with backstage buzzing, this afternoon's christmas spectacular is about to start.

# i've been dreaming of christmas time. # every day through the year. # trees shine in every window. # children all dream of reindeer hoofprints in the snow. # i've been longing for christmas time. # when hearts are warm and filled with joy. # there's love for all to share. # as gifts... this is suzy, she is going to help

me get into my costume. # the best time of the year... i have to go onstage now. let's hope i remember my steps. music plays.

0h! ok, so i didn't fall over, i didn't forget the steps, and i didn't cause any kind of incidents. so as far as i'm concerned, job done. i must say, being up there, looking out at the audience, standing, clapping, enjoying themselves, everyone singing, it really was something a bit special. and i didn't fall over. yes!

well, that's it for this week's travel show. coming up next week... we will be looking back at some of our favourite moments of the year, like when mike climbed up one of nature's giants in california. condors get this view. condors, and us. it's incredible. and when ade went full throttle in dubai. oh yes! so do join us then. and in the meantime, from all of us here at the travel show, we wish you a very happy festive season and, until next time, it's goodbye.

good afternoon. it is quite a windy, showery and chilly day out there today. some showers have been falling as sleet and snow over high ground, particularly in the north. this picture behind me comes from weather watchers in cumbria, taken earlier today. shower and cloud around, some sunshine to be enjoyed. as we had through the evening and tonight, some showers. there is a risk of ice forming, especially in parts of northern ireland, scotland and northern england. in the afternoon, some sunshine and plenty of showers rattling in across southern england, wales and northern england. heavy

showers, temperatures in double figures in the south, typically 4—6d in the north. sunny spells, wintry showers in western scotland. kirsty winds out there, 40—50 mile an hour gusts. it will feel chilly. heavy showers rattling through. thunderstorms and hail in the south. ice likely through northern england and southern scotland in particular. in the north, some icy stretches. temperatures freezing through tonight. it should stay frost free in the south, and through the week ahead, still looking unsettled. sunshine and blustery showers. wednesday is the driest day of the week. things turn mild with rain towards the end of the coming week but on monday, plenty of showers in northern ireland and western scotland, falling as snow over high ground. in england and wales, a decent day. try with sunshine. cloud

in the south—east that arrives later on. temperatures of 4—10d on monday. this area of low pressure brings this weather front close to the south—east. through monday and into tuesday. uncertainty about how far west it will get but we will see some cloud and patches of rain in east anglia and the south—east on tuesday. that should fade. elsewhere, missed an fog to start the day. that will clear. still quite chilly, only 49 degrees. but lighter winds. then, through the middle part of the week towards next weekend, plenty more showers on the outlook here. temperatures creeping up outlook here. temperatures creeping up so things eventually turn milder. breezy and work towards the end of the week. be careful of that ice risk in the north tonight.

this is bbc news, i'm shaun ley. the headlines at 2pm: jeremy corbyn apologises for his part in labour's performance at the general election as wigan mp, lisa nandy, becomes one of those hoping to succeed him as party leader. the reason that i'm thinking about it is because we just had the most shattering defeat where you really felt, in towns like mine, like the earth was quaking and we've watched the entire labour base just crumble beneath our feet. as boris johnson prepares for thurday‘s queen speech, the government is to enshrine in law, a commitment to raise spending on the nhs in england. the national health service is the number one focus of this government when it comes to domestic policy. nicola sturgeon renews her call for a second referendum