sources have told the bbc the prime minister said he would rather let thousands of bodies pile high in the streets than have another lockdown. borisjohnson was on a trip to wrexham today. he insists he didn't make the comments in october last year. no. but, again, ithink the important thing i think that people want us to get on and do as a government is to make sure that the lockdowns work. another day of damaging claims, another day of denial. another day when the government is having to defend the prime minister conduct itself. labour call the prime minister's comments a disgrace and a new low. also tonight... iran sentences nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe to another year in prison,

dashing hopes she'd be coming home. in india, doctors say people are dying from covid in the streets while desperate families queue to buy their own oxygen. restrictions ease further in scotland, as restauraunts, pubs and bars welcome customers indoors — but only until 8pm. paris? they don't even speak english there. and after a night like no other at the oscars, anthony hopkins is the oldest best actor winner at the age of 83. and coming up on the bbc news channel, the return of the invincibles. arsenal legends thierry henry, dennis bergkamp and patrick vieira alljoin a bid to buy the club.

good evening and welcome to the bbc news at six. sources have said to the bbc that, as england went into a second lockdown last autumn, the prime minister said he would rather see "bodies pile high" than take the country into a third lockdown. the prime minister denies it. the government was criticised for delaying the lockdown, during which tens of thousands more people died. labour say the prime minister has degraded his office and that his comments are a disgrace. it comes amid a storm of allegations against the prime minister by his former closest aide dominic cummings — and a growing row over who paid for the refurbuishment for the refurbishment of the prime minister's downing street flat. here's our political editor laura kuenssberg. are you ready? politics is notjust are you ready? politics is not 'ust a name, are you ready? politics is not 'ust a game. but �* are you ready? politics is not 'ust a game. but a fi are you ready? politics is not 'ust a game, but a constant �* a game, but a constant back—and—forth over the most serious of decisions. borisjohnson is alleged, in the autumn, to have made the most serious of remarks, suggesting around the time of the second lockdown that the bodies of

those dying of coronavirus could just pile up. did he? h0. those dying of coronavirus could just pile up. did he?— just pile up. did he? no, but, auain, just pile up. did he? no, but, again. the _ just pile up. did he? no, but, again, the important - just pile up. did he? no, but, again, the important thing - just pile up. did he? no, but, again, the important thing i. just pile up. did he? no, but, - again, the important thing i think people want us to get on and do as a government is to make sure that the lockdowns work. x�*t�*et government is to make sure that the lockdowns work.— lockdowns work. yet back in early autumn, lockdowns work. yet back in early autumn. it _ lockdowns work. yet back in early autumn, it was _ lockdowns work. yet back in early autumn, it was tense. _ lockdowns work. yet back in early autumn, it was tense. ministers l lockdowns work. yet back in early i autumn, it was tense. ministers and advisers divided over whether to lockdown again after coronavirus rose. after arguments, borisjohnson did rose. afterarguments, borisjohnson did agree to introduce restrictions. you must stay at home, you may only leave home for specific reasons. but several sources, familiar with private conversations at the time, say the prime minister did then suggest he would let bodies piled high in their thousands rather than repeat the process again. at the time, dominic cummings was by boris johnson's side. now the prime minister's a former chief adviser is very firmly out of government and very firmly out of government and very firmly out of government and very firmly on the warm path —— warpath. there are a list of

dangerous claims stacking up a downing street's door, notjust about the prime minister's attitude during the pandemic but about how contracts were awarded, what promises he made and how and who paid for an expensive makeover of the downing street flat, where he lives above the shop. theresa may gave a rare glimpse of her flat in her last week of office, but the pink sofa and beige carpets were moved out when borisjohnson and his fiancee moved in. it is claimed tory donors initially picked up the tab for tens of thousands of pounds of renovation. if so, that should have been declared and that hasn't happened yet and the most senior civil servant in the country wasn't willing to shed much light on it for mps this afternoon. i willing to shed much light on it for mps this afternoon.— mps this afternoon. i asked you whether or _ mps this afternoon. i asked you whether or not _ mps this afternoon. i asked you whether or not you _ mps this afternoon. i asked you whether or not you were - mps this afternoon. i asked you whether or not you were aware | whether or not you were aware whether or not you were aware whether or not any private donations had been used to refurbish the flat. i mean that is a straightforward yes or no, really. 50. i mean that is a straightforward yes or no. really-— or no, really. so, as i said, the prime minister _ or no, really. so, as i said, the prime minister has _ or no, really. so, as i said, the prime minister has asked - or no, really. so, as i said, the prime minister has asked me l or no, really. so, as i said, the| prime minister has asked me to conduct — prime minister has asked me to conduct a —

prime minister has asked me to conduct a review into how this has been _ conduct a review into how this has been done — conduct a review into how this has been done and ask that i share the details _ been done and ask that i share the details of— been done and ask that i share the details of those conclusions with the committee.— the committee. after months of claims, downing _ the committee. after months of claims, downing street - the committee. after months of claims, downing street now- the committee. after months of| claims, downing street now says the committee. after months of - claims, downing street now says the prime minister paid out of his own pocket, but we don't know when or where he got the money. for the opposition, sparks flying in downing street are a political gift. we opposition, sparks flying in downing street are a political gift.— street are a political gift. we have not lots of street are a political gift. we have got lots of investigations - street are a political gift. we have got lots of investigations going . street are a political gift. we have got lots of investigations going on j got lots of investigations going on but we haven't got anything that is looking at the pattern of behaviour and, day after day, there are new allegations of sleaze, of favours, of privileged access. we need a full investigation to get to the bottom of that and, most importantly, make recommendations about change because we need to change the rules. boris johnson we need to change the rules. boris johnson has _ we need to change the rules. boris johnson has sometimes _ we need to change the rules. boris johnson has sometimes been proud of pushing political convention. downing street is adamant that, in all senses, regulations were followed but with a long list of claims against him, it isn't yet clear if he was always following the rules. laura, questions on so many fronts

for the prime minister, how much trouble is he in? i for the prime minister, how much trouble is he in?— trouble is he in? i think this is very tricky _ trouble is he in? i think this is very tricky territory _ trouble is he in? i think this is very tricky territory indeed - trouble is he in? i think this is very tricky territory indeed for| trouble is he in? i think this is - very tricky territory indeed for the government, notjust because of the nature of the stories that have emerged today but because we have got into a political pattern, where, day after day, other things seem to be coming. there is a sense almost that it be coming. there is a sense almost thatitis be coming. there is a sense almost that it is a bit like open season on the government in terms of people who may or may not have an agenda wanting to get things out in the open that may, in some circumstances, be quite harmful to the government and borisjohnson's administration. we should also say downing street has repeatedly said that, on all of these many different fronts, they are sure nothing was wrong but there has been a sense, until the last 2436 hrs that, for most voters, people know that boris johnson is somebody who has been sometimes proud of the idea that he does things in a different way to other politicians and many conservatives i have talked to suggested that somehow any of the

floors, orany suggested that somehow any of the floors, or any of his misbehaviour, may somehow be priced in, but there is the odd hint here or there that that confidence is really starting to change. some of the serious questions that have been posed have not yet been given full answers and one cabinet minister said to me the real concern is there is nothing they can do to control it and no one can be, tonight, quite sure what or when something else will emerge. laura kuenssberg, thank you. the british—iranian aid worker nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe has been sentenced to a further year in prison in tehran on charges of propaganda against the regime. last month, she completed a five—year sentence following spying charges, raising hopes she would be allowed home tojoin her daughter and husband in the uk. the foreign secretary says the furtherjail term is inhumane and wholly unjustified. our world affairs correspondent caroline hawley is here. this is a massive blow to the family, who must be wondering if nazanin will ever be allowed home? i spoke to richard ratcliffe this afternoon, he had been expecting a

guilty verdict but he says this is worse than they had feared. a one—year sentence and, subsequent to that, another year of a travel ban so they are looking at possibly not seeing her until 2023. of course, they had been desperately hoping she would be freed in march, when that five year sentence was finished but richard said to me the goal posts keep changing and they are not sure how they are going to break it to six—year—old gabriella. it to six-year-old gabriella. so if the coal it to six-year-old gabriella. so if the goal posts — it to six-year-old gabriella. so if the goal posts keep _ it to six—year—old gabriella. so if the goal posts keep moving, is there any sign this stalemate can be resolved? . , any sign this stalemate can be resolved?— any sign this stalemate can be resolved? . , , . ., , . resolved? that is such a difficult cuestion. resolved? that is such a difficult question- the — resolved? that is such a difficult question. the family _ resolved? that is such a difficult question. the family is - resolved? that is such a difficult question. the family is really - question. the family is really caught in a geopolitical quagmire nightmare. richard has always said she is being held as collateralfor a long standing military debt that the uk owes to iran, but now he says he believes her fate the uk owes to iran, but now he says he believes herfate is the uk owes to iran, but now he says he believes her fate is also tied to the negotiations in vienna over trying to revive iran's nuclear deal with the outside world, whereby it would comply with the nuclear deal in return for the lifting of sanctions. very, very complicated.

borisjohnson has said that the uk will redouble its efforts to get her home and will be working with the americans on that, but he also said it was wrong that she has been given this second sentence, it was wrong that she was being held in the first place. at the moment, she is still at her parents�* home and nobody knows when she will actually go back into jail. knows when she will actually go back into “ail. ., ., ., ~ , ., the indian government says there is no need to panic despite doctors saying people are dying in the streets and desperate families try to buy oxygen on the black market as hospitals run out. the country is struggling with record coronavirus infections, more than 350,000 have been recorded in the past day. 0ur india correspondent rajini vaidyanathan reports. in gujarat, it has come to this. they hired van, now a makeshift ambulance. with no doctors available, this man is doing all he can to save his aunt himself. people

have been left to fend for themselves, as india's health care system crumbles. it is a horror story on repeat. in delhi, this man waits outside the hospital with his relative. we have been to a few, but they won't admit him, he said. we are standing here with our oxygen in the middle of the road, without any hope. hope is in short supply, but some help is on its way. ventilators and oxygen concentrators from the uk government are due to land in delhi tonight. even regional rivals pakistan and china have put aside their differences with india, as theyjoin their differences with india, as they join the their differences with india, as theyjoin the list of countries pledging help. but it's not nearly enough to meet demand. health experts say the peak is weeks away and fear that case numbers could triple. and fear that case numbers could trile. , ., ., ., , , triple. there is a lot of suffering auoin on triple. there is a lot of suffering going on in _ triple. there is a lot of suffering going on in india _ triple. there is a lot of suffering going on in india at _ triple. there is a lot of suffering going on in india at the - triple. there is a lot of suffering | going on in india at the moment. what do your projection say for how

long this will continue?— long this will continue? there is a lot of suffering. _ long this will continue? there is a lot of suffering. in _ long this will continue? there is a lot of suffering. in fact, _ long this will continue? there is a lot of suffering. in fact, i - long this will continue? there is a lot of suffering. in fact, i think. lot of suffering. in fact, i think every family is grieving because there is someone in every family who has died. the current projections are this will go on for a while longer, probably another three to four weeks before we see a peak and a reversal. i have no idea how the systems will cope.— a reversal. i have no idea how the systems will cope. and, in the uk, some doctors _ systems will cope. and, in the uk, some doctors are _ systems will cope. and, in the uk, some doctors are also _ systems will cope. and, in the uk, some doctors are also lending - systems will cope. and, in the uk, some doctors are also lending a i some doctors are also lending a hand. this doctorfrom coventry some doctors are also lending a hand. this doctor from coventry runs a medical charity in india. he has been taking hundreds of calls from patients in rural areas. the? been taking hundreds of calls from patients in rural areas.— patients in rural areas. they are frightened. _ patients in rural areas. they are frightened, they _ patients in rural areas. they are frightened, they say _ patients in rural areas. they are frightened, they say my - patients in rural areas. they are frightened, they say my motherj patients in rural areas. they are l frightened, they say my mother is gasping, my mother is not able to breathe, what to do?— breathe, what to do? these fires will keep on _ breathe, what to do? these fires will keep on burning. _ breathe, what to do? these fires will keep on burning. mothers i breathe, what to do? these firesl will keep on burning. mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters. friends and colleagues. how many more lives will be claimed and could moore have been done to save them?

—— could more. rajini vaidyanathan, bbc news. the latest government figures on coronavirus show 2,064 new infections in the latest 24—hour period, which means an average of 2,309 new cases per day in the last week. there were 1,781 people in hospital with coronavirus over the seven days to last thursday. six deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours of people who'd had a positive covid—i9 test within the previous 28 days. the average number of deaths per day in the past week is 23. the total number of uk deaths is now 127,434. 79,695 people have received a first vaccine dose in the latest 24—hour period and a total ofjust over 33.75 million people have now had theirfirstjab. while the number of people who've had their second dose of the vaccine in the latest 24—hour period, is 260,801, which takes the overall

number who've had their second jab, to nearly 12.9 million. around half a million 44—year—olds in england are being invited to book their covid jab as the vaccine rollout continues. the nhs said it would set out when 40 to 43—year—olds would be eligible in the coming days, as vaccine supply allows. our health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. a large vaccination centre at wimbledon football club in south—west london today. staff here say they've had a rush of younger people booking appointments, as 44—year—olds were invited for vaccines in england for the first time. it's just fantastic to know that there are more cohorts coming through and people then are offered vaccination and that means safety. but why has the vaccination programme only opened up to a single new year group this time? 44—year—olds, instead of everyone in their 40s? well, one answer may be found here. although the number of doses being

given remains relatively stable, hundreds of thousands of people are now being prioritised for their second jabs, seen here in dark blue. the danger is if we extend that period between the first and the second vaccination, so called prime and boost, that we might have a situation where the protection really goes down, that's why it's so important to have that second dose. another challenge is that people in their 40s make up a vastly larger age group than any of the older groups who have already been for vaccinations. there is no doubt that the roll—out of the uk's vaccination programme has been rapid. already, 90% of people at risk of dying of covid—19 have received one dose. the big question is will the younger generation, who are at less risk risk of coronavirus, be as enthusiastic for the jab?

the good news is that vaccine hesitancy seems to be falling in great britain. figures comparing february with march showing young people, who are among the most sceptical, it dropped from 17 to 12% and, in the black population, it halved from a high of 44% to 22. and to ensure as many young people as possible are vaccinated, this government advert is running for the first time today. 35 to 39—year—olds have now been invited for vaccination in northern ireland. nhs england says a decision on all 40—year—olds will be made in the next few days, based on factors such as vaccine supplies. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. the time is 18:15. our top story this evening: sources tell the bbc the prime minister did say he would rather let thousands of bodies pile high in the streets than have a third lockdown. coming up:

at the oscars, the coveted best picture award coming up in sportsday on the bbc news channel: more players pull out of cricket's indian premier league, as covid cases continue to surge in the country, with concerns growing that the tournament may not be able to be completed. there's been a further easing of lockdown in parts of the uk. after four months, scottish restaurants, pubs and cafes are welcoming back customers — and unlike the rest of the uk, they can open indoors, but only until 8pm, and alcohol will be served only to customers seated outside. non—essential shops, gyms and swimming pools are also reopening. and travel restrictions have been relaxed, allowing trips to other parts of the uk. 0ur scotland correspondent lorna gordon reports. scotland is reopening for business. after so many months of shuttered shops and closed doors, colour, cash and people are returning to the streets.

for some, today means family reunions. well, it's coming to see my granddaughter, who i haven't seen for two years. and this was the day i thought, "right, get on a train, scotland is now open for visitors." where have you come from? lancaster. for others, it's a chance to celebrate with friends. we've all taken the day off, and the following day, so we can revel in edinburgh's brilliant hospitality. scotland's not exactly been known for its outdoor dining culture, but covid is changing all that, and today feels like a big step back towards normality. cheers! 0utside, as well as indoors, hospitality is restarting here, but the scottish government says the risk of transmission is greater inside, so strict controls remain in place. the industry disputes this. nick wood, who runs over 20 venues, says the restrictions mean it's too financially challenging for some to reopen straightaway.

at the moment, i can't serve alcohol inside and i have to shut inside at eight o'clock. 0utside, i can serve alcohol till ten. until we can serve alcohol indoors, there's a huge amount of our venues that just won't be viable at all. all retail in scotland can now reopen. after months away from the till, staff in this shop just glad to be back at work. it was a bit like waking up from a long nap, kind of everything's a bit like relearning how tojust work in a shop again, it's a bit sort of strange, but also very nice. it's a familiar space. guest houses, b&bs, hotels and campsites are ready to welcome back visitors in this, the biggest push to open scotland's economy since this latest lockdown started easing. for many, though, it will still be a soft start. i do have somebody coming in today, later on, and then it's a slow trickle. and in the middle of may, when the restaurants can then more, i think they're allowed to serve alcohol indoors, that's when i've got more bookings. rules on masks and social—distancing remain, but this is still a big

change to life in scotland and, all going well, further easing is planned for the months ahead. lorna gordon, bbc news, edinburgh. in wales, lockdown restrictions are also being eased for outdoor activities. pubs, cafes and restaurants can reopen to customers — allowing up to six people from six different households to sit outside. attractions such as zoos and theme parks have also opened. and a maximum of 30 people can attend outdoor receptions for weddings and funerals, and take part in organised sports. 0ur wales correspondent hywel griffith has the latest. in three, two, one. launching out of lockdown and into business. this new zip wire in aberdare welcomed its first ever customers this morning, after what's been a bumpy ride. having to change their opening date several times. colin was one of the first down the line. absolutely awesome! oh, it was fabulous. i thought it might have been a bit faster than it was,

but it was brilliant. built on the site of an old coal mine, this zip wire was eventually —— originally meant to open injuly last year, but the pandemic kept pushing plans further and further into the future, until today finally arrived. they are now fully booked for the next three weeks. i really, really think that people are going to enjoy this. that's welcome news for caitlin, who's been desperate to start her newjob. i'm really excited. like, i didn't really sleep last night because it's one of those things where everyone is just going to be rushing in, really excited. high spirits, and plenty of wine and beer too, as pubs and cafes around wales started up outdoors service again. after months of meeting online, it was a chance for sophie and her colleagues to see each other face—to—face again and not worry about pressing mute. it just feels a bit less forced.

you know, when we're talking online, it's normally about work and stuff but, you know, you get to spend a bit more time getting to know people personally outside. so when i've been chatting to you online, you've been forcing it? yeah, it's been a bit forced! oh, it's fantastic, it's been a really long winter. - so i think we were last out, _ ithink, in december, novembertime. so, yeah, coming back out — in the sunshine l as well — it's fantastic. it isn't your first rodeo! the weather has, so far, been kind to those who make their living outdoors. a sudden drop in temperature could cool demand but, for now, there's little to dampen the exhilaration of being open at last. hywel griffith, bbc news, aberdare. the former chief executive of the post office has given up her public roles, following the it scandal which led to the wrongful convictions of former postmasters. paula vennells is stepping down from the boards of morrisons supermarket and home furnishing shop dunelm. she's also withdrawing from her work as an ordained minister in the church of england.

a case brought by the serious fraud office against two former executives at the private security firm serco has collapsed, after the sfo declined to offer evidence against them. it's the latest in a series of cases where the sfo hasn't been able to secure a conviction. a judge ordered that nicholas woods and simon marshall be acquitted. they had been accused of concealing £12 million in profits from electronically tagging criminals. two former paratroopers have gone on trial for the murder of a man in belfast nearly 50 years ago. joe mccann, who was 24, was a member of the group known as the official ira. 0ur ireland correspondent emma vardy is in belfast. well, the prosecution of former british soldiers who were stationed here in northern ireland during the 30 years of conflict known as the troubles is a very emotive and controversial issue. and today, we saw two former paratroopers coming back to northern ireland, appearing

here in court, where they entered not guilty pleas in relation to that incident which happened nearly five decades ago. now, in court, they are referred to ask soldier a and soldier sea and the circumstances were that in 1972, they were on patrol in belfast when police asked for help to bring about the arrest ofjoe mccann, known to be a member ofjoe mccann, known to be a member of the official ira, but when he ran away, the soldiers opened fire and joe mccann was killed —— and soldier c. the prosecution's argument in this case was that shooting was not justified to bring about the arrest, orfor justified to bring about the arrest, or for sale threat —— offer self defence, while the defence case was that use of force was reasonable. —— all for self defence. there was also the former government defence ministerjohnny mercer mp who left the government over the treatment of veterans, he believes former soldiers should be protected from prosecutions like these, while at the same time there are many victims and relatives groups in northern

ireland who think cases like this are an important part of dealing with the past. this case is due to last for about the next four weeks. emma, in belfast, thank you. serious concern about rugby players who've gone on to suffer permanent brain damage has been growing in recent years. now dozens of former elite players — including wales' record try scorer shane williams and england's world cup winner ben kay — have joined a study looking into the early warning signs of dementia. some footballers are also going to be monitored, as part of research by the alzheimer's society. 0ur health editor hugh pym reports. rugby is a contract sport and this isjust a training rugby is a contract sport and this is just a training session. the amateur team london scottish lions preparing to start playing for real as lockdown eases. there are strict protocols to deal with concussion and head injuries, but in previous decades, there was less awareness of the risks. and alzheimer's society study will monitor the brain health of retired top level players. taking

part will be ben kay, part of england's world cup winning team in 2003. $5 england's world cup winning team in 2003. �* , ., ., 2003. as someone that will undoubtedly _ 2003. as someone that will undoubtedly have _ 2003. as someone that will undoubtedly have suffered. 2003. as someone that will - undoubtedly have suffered head trauma, mild head trauma while i was playing rugby, ifi trauma, mild head trauma while i was playing rugby, if i can be part of the process that examines how that might affect not just sports people, but anyone who has suffered head trauma in their life at some point, then absolutely, i want to throw my weight behind it. if} then absolutely, i want to throw my weight behind it.— weight behind it. 50 retired elite -la ers weight behind it. 50 retired elite players aged _ weight behind it. 50 retired elite players aged between _ weight behind it. 50 retired elite players aged between 40 - weight behind it. 50 retired elite players aged between 40 and i weight behind it. 50 retired elite players aged between 40 and 59 weight behind it. 50 retired elite - players aged between 40 and 59 will be added to an existing study with people from the wider population in that age group. they will have scans and other tests every two years. the condition of the rugby play as will be assessed against the rest of the group. the former welsh international shane williams is already part of the study. his brain scans were shown in a bbc wales documentary last year on rugby and concussion. documentary last year on rugby and concussion-— concussion. there was always that fear of, concussion. there was always that fear of. what _ concussion. there was always that fear of, what were _ concussion. there was always that fear of, what were they _ concussion. there was always that fear of, what were they going - concussion. there was always that fear of, what were they going to i fear of, what were they going to find on — fear of, what were they going to find on the scans really? but i am

so glad _ find on the scans really? but i am so glad i— find on the scans really? but i am so glad i done it, i find on the scans really? but i am so glad i done it, lam find on the scans really? but i am so glad i done it, i am so glad i cantake— so glad i done it, i am so glad i can take part in this study because if i can take part in this study because if i can— can take part in this study because if i can help — can take part in this study because if i can help people moving forward, then i_ if i can help people moving forward, then i have — if i can help people moving forward, then i have done something right. a fee then i have done something right. fee former footballers, including alan shearer, will be included in the new study. dawn astle's father geoff are still died, heading a football was listed as a cause. she says research should have started much sooner. says research should have started much sooner-— says research should have started much sooner. this is a irreparable brain damage _ much sooner. this is a irreparable brain damage and _ much sooner. this is a irreparable brain damage and footballers - much sooner. this is a irreparable brain damage and footballers are| brain damage and footballers are dying because of it. and for far too long, certainly, we feel, certainly the family of my dad, that it has been swept under a carpet. world ru:b , been swept under a carpet. world rugby. which _ been swept under a carpet. world rugby, which runs— been swept under a carpet. world rugby, which runs the _ been swept under a carpet. world rugby, which runs the global- been swept under a carpet. world rugby, which runs the global game, says it continually reviewed evidence to ensure the best possible player outcomes. the football association said a new concussion substitute policy came from doctors working in the game. but players of both sports believe a lot more ground needs to be covered to give them more understanding of the

risks. hugh pym, bbc news. after an oscar ceremony like no other, the biggest winner of the night was the film nomadland, with its director chloe zhao becoming the second woman to be named best director, and the first of asian descent. sir anthony hopkins also became the oldest best actor winner at 83, while daniel kaluuya is the first black british actor to win an oscar in the supporting category. 0ur arts editor will gompertz has more. the oscars 2021 pulled into la's union station for a pandemic—era showy live event presented a bit like a movie — but the script lacked surprises, and there was a stumbled start by nominee and guest presenter regina king. ah. laughter 0oh. live tv, here we go! the mood was more low—key art house, rather than hollywood blockbuster. fitting, then, that nomadland — an elegiac film about a widowed woman seeking solace on the open road — was the night's big winner. it's writer—director chloe zhao became only the second woman

in the 0scars' 93—year history to win the best director award. this is for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold on to the goodness in themselves. the film's star, frances mcdormand, took home the leading actress 0scar — the third in her career — and then, when the film won best picture, told millions of tv viewers to go to the movies. take everyone you know into - a theatre, shoulder—to—shoulder, in that dark space, and watch every film that's represented _ here tonight. the 83—year—old sir anthony hopkins became the oldest ever leading actor oscar winner for his remarkable performance as an old man with dementia in the father. oh, i was a dancer. were you? yes. dad. what? you were an engineer. what do you know about it? yes, tap dancing was my specialty. he chose not to attend, which was another blow to an underwhelming show.

still, he was delighted, as he said in a video posted on social media today. thank you all very much. ha! i really did not expect this. so, ifeel very privileged and honoured. thank you. daniel kaluuya was another british success, picking up the best supporting actor oscar for his portrayal of fred hampton, chicago's black panther leader, injudas and the black messiah. you can murder a liberator, but you can't murder liberation! to chairman fred hampton, what a man! how blessed we are that we lived in a lifetime where he existed, d'you know what i'm saying? emerald fennell — familiar to many as camilla parker bowles in the crown — continued a good night for the brits by winning the best original screenplay 0scar for her revenge drama promising young woman. oh, my god, he's so heavy, and he's so cold! _ laughter best supporting actress went to youn yuh—jung, who played the mischievous grandma in a gently—paced american dream movie, minari.

hollywood will be hoping next year's 0scars will be celebrating films seen at the cinema, rather than on a tv at home, but in a world of streaming, people will still feel the magic of going to the movies. will gompertz, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. here's susan powell. thank you, fiona. finally, some rain in ourforecast, it thank you, fiona. finally, some rain in our forecast, it has been so dry in our forecast, it has been so dry in recent weeks. evening sunshine and fine weather at the moment, but low pressure has been progressing across scotland through the day tomorrow. tomorrow, is sides further south and it will take the chance of rainfall along with it, into the south—west by wednesday and a greater chance of seeing showers then and across the south east and east anglia for thursday. the rain comes in the form of showers, so somewhat hit and miss, some areas see heavy downpours and some areas won't see much at all, drier spells in between. but the cloud spilling south over the uk tonight makes for

a milder night, aside for counties of southern england and