this is bbc news. the headlines at five... fomer bbc director general, lord hall, resigns as national gallery chairman — saying continuing in the role would be a "distraction" following the inquiry into panorama's interview with princess diana. wider surge testing has been rolled out in five west london boroughs due to a rise in coronavirus cases linked to the indian variant. the first convoys of humanitarian aid have arrived in gaza, hours after a ceasefire between israel and palestinian militants came into effect. animal rights protesters have been blockading four mcdonald's distribution centres in the uk. and get your best sequins out — the final rehearsals are done and the pyrotechnics are ready. the eurovision finalists compete tonight after a pandemic—enforced break.

and coming up in the film review — mark kermode looks at the week's new movie releases, including his take on angelina jolie's new �*survival thriller.�* good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the former bbc director general lord hall has resigned as chairman of the national gallery after facing criticism over panorama's interview with princess diana in 1995. tony hall was the corporation's head of news at the time when martin bashir used lies and fake documents to secure the interview. in a statement, lord hall said continuing in his role

at the gallery would be a distraction to the institution. meanwhile, princess diana's brother earl spencer has confirmed to the bbc that he has written to the met police commissioner again, asking her to investigate the corporation over the interview. he's been in thatjob less than a year, but that statement came through about lunchtime today, saying he had always had a strong sense of public service and, as you say, to continue in that role, at the national gallery, in his words would have been a distraction to an institution he cared about. he also said he was very sorry for the events of 25 years ago, and said he believed leadership meant taking responsibility. this resignation came just a few hours after the conservative chair

of the commons digital culture, media and sport select committee, julia knight said there remained serious questions for the bbc to answer. in particular about its treatment of whistle—blowers but also about why martin bashir was reappointed by the bbc in 2016 when, of course, lord hall was the director—general of the bbc. and why martin bashir went on to be promoted to the role of religion editor. and princess diana's brother saying that he wants police to look again in case there was any criminality? that's right. earl spencer has confirmed to the bbc today that he has written to the commissioner of the metropolitan police, cressida dick, sort of following up on an earlier contact with the met in january and saying that he would like them to open an investigation into the actions of the corporation and of course he believes that his sister was the victim of fraud.

and also of blackmail. now, we did speak to the met today, and they would not really comment on this. they wouldn't say whether they had received this or not, and they didn't say whether they were looking into a specific complaint which was issued earlier in the week. we have incidentally had a statement from the bbc today addressing specifically that issue of the treatment of whistle—blowers. the statement said there has been radical change over the past 25 years. "we have now had a thorough and industry—leading whistle—blowing "scheme which provides clear and independent routes to raise "concerns if necessary." that statement also stressing that the bbc had also issued an unreserved apology to earl spencer and his family. prince william has spoken of the importance of scotland to him in the days following the death of his mother. he's made the comments in a speech to the general assembly of the church of scotland in edinburgh.

william said he had been at balmoral when he was told the news, and says that still in shock, he found sanctuary in the service at crathie kirk that morning. he says in the days that followed he found comfort surge testing for coronavirus is being introduced in more parts of england after cases of the indian variant were detected. people living and working in parts of west london are being asked to take a test even if they have no symptoms. most cases of the indian variant are concentrated in the north west of england. our health correspondent, jim reed reports. targeting a rise in covid infections in greater manchester. rochdale is one of more than a dozen areas of england and scotland that health officials are now focusing on, trying to suppress the virus with extra testing and vaccination. i'm pleased that they have done it for all ages, so we can at least...

cos i think it's kind of the idea of, the older ages had it for a long time, because the older ages might be more affected, but it doesn't stop young people from being affected as well. quite excited cos i know it's been quite a long wait, so i'm quite eager to get it done, because once the first one is out the way it's out the way and it's easier to get it done when it's offered than for an waiting for appointment to be scheduled. part of the rise could be due to a relaxation of restrictions last week, part to a variant of the virus first found in india. scientists think it can spread more easily, but how much more is not yet clear. in rochdale, extra vaccines are now being offered to anyone over the age of 18. as director of public health what i can see is that once i the virus gets into our communities, it will take hold very quickly. - so myself and our senior team have been working really closely- with regional colleagues to put | in place this surge vaccination| programme this weekend and we have full details of that _ on our rochdale council website. new variants of coronavirus are being detected in some unlikely places.

health authorities are now monitoring more sewage samples like this to give an early warning sign that infections are rising in certain areas. well, we have seen a new variant first spotted in yorkshire, a very small number of cases, and we don't have any additional information that suggests that it's more dangerous or more transmissible. but, of course, this is part of our vigilance, part of the surveillance operation that we have across the whole country now, so that we can spot these things really early. in west london, another four boroughs have been added to the list for extra surge testing to suppress the indian variant. that includes brent, where wembley stadium will host european championship matches next month. that's it — well done. scientists do appear to have increasing confidence that our current vaccines are effective against it. so the message is to get the jab when called and not to pass up the chance of that second dose. jim reed, bbc news. dr helen wimalarathna

is a molecular epidemiologist at the university of buckingham. she says it's very important for younger adults to get vaccinated to stop the spread of new variants of covid. it is important that those of us who are perhaps in a younger age group who think that our own personal risk of serious illness and the consequences are not that great, we understand there is really good evidence now, today there is evidence out from the public health england that actually, having your two doses of the vaccination prevents infection and it really reduces transmission by over 80%. which is so important. it's really important we all play our part in doing something for the population, notjust for our own protection. what is the argument for... is there an argument for concentrating on areas of higher risk? maybe places like greater manchester, to make sure that those young adults are a priority?

so, i think there should be certain outreach programmes, there should be perhaps, you know, a drive in areas where there has been maybe poor take—up, but we have to remember vaccination is not a quick fix. where we've got high concentrations of the so—called indian variant, vaccinating today won't solve the problem tomorrow. we know takes the body a long time to build up these antibodies and we need a second dose to have the best protection that we can. so, it is important, but it's only part of the strategy. perhaps we will, unfortunately, need to consider some of those things like more rigorous social—distancing, and perhaps losing some of the freedoms we are beginning to enjoy. and in the last hour — government figures show the uk has recorded a further 2,694 cases of covid—i9. a further 6 people were reported as having died within 28 days

of a positive covid test. most people travelling from the uk will not be allowed to enter germany from tomorrow because of the rise in cases of the indian variant here. german citizens and residents, as well as others with an exceptional reason, can still enter but have to quarantine for two—weeks. our correspondent in berlin, damien mcguinness explains why the german government has taken this decision. the economy is starting to open up over this weekend. people can now start sitting out on terraces, beer gardens are opening up, outside eating is allowed, all sorts of cultural, sporting activities. that's because the infection rates here in germany have really come down. the vaccine roll—out has sped up. now, almost 40% of the population have had at least one dose. but the worry is that the indian variant could come into germany. now, at the moment, about 2% of new infections are of the indian variant. that's what officials here say. and there is a real concern that, if the indian variant spreads here in germany,

as it has done in parts of england, then that could really stop the progress of fighting the pandemic in germany. and that's why, overnight, german officials announced that travel from britain or from the uk to germany is effectively banned. the only exception are residents of germany or german citizens coming back to germany, and they will have to isolate at home for two weeks. so, a big restriction, it will cause a lot of problems, make it almost impossible for many people to go from the uk to germany until the indian variant is controlled. i think that is what the german government is looking for. three men and a teenage boy have been arrested in connection with violent disorder in swansea on thursday evening. south wales police said the arrests were made suspicion of unlawful

violence and remained in custody. seven police officers were injured and families described being trapped in their homes after violence erupted in mayhill area of the city. the scottish government says it's working to rectify a security flaw which could allow people to edit covid vaccination status certificates. people in scotland travelling to a foreign country can download the vaccination status forms from the nhs scotland portal. they show the dates of vaccinations and which jabs were given to an individual. but a security glitch means personal details can be altered. a spokeswoman for the scottish government says they're looking into rectifying the issue. un officials have given a grim assessment of the humanitarian situation in gaza, saying it will take years to recover from the 11—day conflict with israel. it comes as aid has been arriving in gaza after the ceasefire between israel and palestinians came into effect. around £13 million has been pledged for humanitarian supplies and reconstruction. at least 248 palestinians were killed and tens of thousands have been displaced. there was also some damage in israel — and 12 people

there have been killed. laila barhoum from the charity oxfam is on the ground in gaza and explained what help is needed. the most urgent needs for people now is to have a life—saving support. many people have lost access to many basic needs, and this includes access to water and safe drinking water, and also this includes access to electricity. many people who are displaced already still, and schools who have lost their houses and their house is also badly damaged, there is also lots of need to livelihood support and making sure that people have enough for access for their early recovery steps. there is lots of people calling for psychosocial support on psychological services with increased trauma and anxiety building up in children and adults equally. the damage is messy. you see lots of the main road that have been destroyed. you know that it will takes weeks if not months for repair.

you see lots of big apartment buildings and houses destroyed. lots of streets are blocked and cars can't enter. arriving in a car that would take five minutes, it will take maybe half an hour because you have to take around. there's lots of destruction, lots of people still in schools, and it's a reminder it will take weeks to come back but we are seeing many workers trying to put together the water infrastructure, making sure people are getting the minimum of their needs. a representative from oxfam in gaza. jan egeland is from the norwegian refugee council — which has a base in gaza. he says, for palestinians, the repercussions of the violence go beyond the devastated infrastructure. it's a traumatised population, but no one more traumatised than the children. i mean, these children dream of being doctors and nurses and engineers and teachers and farmers. you know, they are locked in hopelessness because they are crammed together, 2 million people

in a place smaller than... you know, i think it's the fifth of the extension of london. 2 million people, there is no place to hide when there are attacks. they cannot leave this cage. we need to understand that if either people were secure there needs to be an end to the occupation, end to the blockade, end to the siege, end to the illegal settlements on occupied land on the west bank, etc etc. and here we need us, uk, european, arab leadership, because the parties seem to be incapable of reaching the solutions that will shield their own populations from future harm. jan egeland.

a photograph posted this week on two public instagram accounts purports to show princess latifa, the daughter of the ruler of dubai, who has not been seen or heard from in months. the bbc is unable to verify the photo, and no further information has been provided, but a friend of latifa's says that it is the princess in the picture. in february, bbc panorama broadcast secret video testimony from her in which she said she was being held as a hostage and feared for her life. the headlines on bbc news... fomer bbc director general lord hall resigns as national gallery chairman — saying continuing in the role would be a "distraction" following the inquiry into panorama's interview with princess diana. wider surge testing has been rolled

out in five west london boroughs due to a rise in coronavirus cases linked to the indian variant. the first convoys of humanitarian aid have arrived in gaza, hours after a ceasefire between israel and palestinian militants came into effect. animal rights protesters have been blockading four mcdonald's distribution centres in the uk to stop deliveries to the fast—food chain's 1,300 uk outlets. animal rebellion said about 50 activists were using trucks and bamboo structures to stop lorries leaving depots in hemel hempstead, basingstoke, coventry and heywood in greater manchester. with more on animal rebellion and why they're carrying out this action, here's our correspondent sima kotecha they believe in protecting the environment. that's what they campaign for and today, they have been protesting, as you rightly say, outside four mcdonald's depots across england, calling on mcdonald's to adopt a plant—based menu. what is their underlying aim? because they say that they are a non—violent civil disobedience group. that's right, yes. like i said, they want mcdonalds to change its menu, basically. they are calling on other fast—food chains and restaurants to do the same. they say the environment is in danger at the moment, there is a shortage of animals, and a quote here from

the spokesperson, he says, he feels "the meat and dairy industry is destroying the planet." "that the only sustainable and realistic way to feed 10 billion people is with plant—based diet." so, what they've done is they've erected some structures made out of bamboo sticks, some of the protesters are hanging onto the top of the structures, in protest. we've got people lying down at the bottom of the structure and we've got lorries barricading the entrance into these depots. what has mcdonald's said? so, mcdonald's has said it's causing disruption. that is what the aim was for animal rebellion. they said to me earlier this morning they wanted to cause significant disruption to the macdonald supply chain. mcdonald's says, "well, there you have it, it is." it has issued an apology to

customers that have been affected. i have been speaking to people who enjoy a mcdonald's who say this does not deter them enjoying their burger or big mac. so it's, you know, a controversial issue and if people don't get their mcdonald's there is some anger there, but animal rebellion feel they have a cause that is worth campaigning for. the queen has visited the royal navy's new aircraft carrier — the hms queen elizabeth — as it prepares for its first major deployment. her majesty was in portsmouth this morning to see the the warship which has cost £3 billion. it'll leave the naval base this evening to begin a seven—and—a—half month deployment in the far east. the tour will involve port stops in places including oman and singapore. ministers hope the mission will strengthen ties with allies and boost trade in the region. tonight's the night of the eurovision song contest — back after it's absence last year due to the pandemic. the netherlands is hosting the 65th edition — and there'll be an audience of some three and a half thousand fans , all tested beforehand for coronavirus. from rotterdam, anna

holligan sent this report. the final sequins are in place. last—minute alterations made. humming and vocal warm-ups. now warming up for the biggest stage of their lives. they've travelled from across the continent, from north to south. so much love. i really appreciate all the days here, and i think from today till the end of the competition, it is going to be the best days of our lives. from rock... ..to pop. there's all kinds of everything here. i'm going to take you right into the heart of the action now, because this is backstage, where the artists come between performances to relax and rehearse. and the usual eurovision fever is heightened this year, because, of course, it was cancelled last

year because of covid. so, the usual nerves, anticipation, excitement, well, they're feeling it here more than ever. lithuania, they are my favourite group, i love them. the netherlands! yay! who do you want to win? um, malta. how does that go? malta isje me casse. # di di di dididi didididi di di #. but who are the bookies' favourites? it's all about france versus italy. france has a stunning singer named barbara and she's showing her skin in a bustier. the song's about stepping out of the shadows and into the light. the rush of freedom and emancipation — it is a glorious moment, a warm embrace. now, from the warm embrace, we go to italy spitting in your face! while most people may not be into this kind of hard—edged rock, they do crave being among people and that's what italy gives you. and then there's malta. this is a pure pop song from an 18—year—old named destiny. it's all about the power of saying no.

it's about a woman in a bar and a man is trying to make advances and she's, like, "no, i'm not your honey". in the end, it's up to them and you. you'll have a chance to vote for your number one during tonight's grand final. anna holligan, bbc news, inside rotterdam's ahoy arena. so, will the uk have a chance of winning, and who are the fans most looking forward to seeing perform? well, we can discuss this all now with two eurovision superfans — will 0'regan and tom chinnery whojoin me now from salford. look at you with your flags and your berlin's! ., ., ., look at you with your flags and your berlin's!— -- i berlin's! have we done enough? -- our berlin's! have we done enough? -- your balloons- _ berlin's! have we done enough? -- your balloons. let's _ berlin's! have we done enough? -- your balloons. let's see _ berlin's! have we done enough? -- your balloons. let's see in - berlin's! have we done enough? -- your balloons. let's see in this - your balloons. let's see in this interview, shall we? you caught the

bug early fit eurovision? i interview, shall we? you caught the bug early fit eurovision?— bug early fit eurovision? i did. i u-rou bug early fit eurovision? i did. i a-rou in bug early fit eurovision? i did. i group in ireland _ bug early fit eurovision? i did. i group in ireland as _ bug early fit eurovision? i did. i group in ireland as the - bug early fit eurovision? i did. i group in ireland as the farmer's sun. in ireland we didn't have the bbc so we didn't have all those light entertainment shows but each year eurovision came round and it was the biggest thing ever. i got the bug early in 1992 or 1993 and from then on i've never missed a year. from then on i've never missed a ear. , ., , ., , ., year. they were the golden years for ireland, year. they were the golden years for ireland. one — year. they were the golden years for ireland. one day. — year. they were the golden years for ireland, one day, but _ year. they were the golden years for ireland, one day, but tom, - year. they were the golden years for ireland, one day, but tom, how- year. they were the golden years for. ireland, one day, but tom, how much convincing did you need to? i was ireland, one day, but tom, how much convincing did you need to?— convincing did you need to? i was a eurovision sceptic _ convincing did you need to? i was a eurovision sceptic for _ convincing did you need to? i was a eurovision sceptic for many - convincing did you need to? i was a eurovision sceptic for many years, | eurovision sceptic for many years, no real— eurovision sceptic for many years, no real reason but some people just don't _ no real reason but some people just don't seem — no real reason but some people just don't seem to enjoy the much book when _ don't seem to enjoy the much book when i _ don't seem to enjoy the much book when i met— don't seem to enjoy the much book when i met will his sheer passion convinced — when i met will his sheer passion convinced me and this celebration of music_ convinced me and this celebration of music across europe and beyond is such a _ music across europe and beyond is such a glorious and fun event that you just _ such a glorious and fun event that you just want to take passing and enjoy— you just want to take passing and enjoy and — you just want to take passing and enjoy and i've been a fan boy since about— enjoy and i've been a fan boy since about 2012 — enjoy and i've been a fan boy since about 2012-— enjoy and i've been a fan boy since about 2012. ., .., ., ., about 2012. so, a convert. you did a aood 'ob about 2012. so, a convert. you did a good job there. _

about 2012. so, a convert. you did a good job there, will! _ about 2012. so, a convert. you did a good job there, will! is _ about 2012. so, a convert. you did a good job there, will! is it _ about 2012. so, a convert. you did a good job there, will! is it really - good job there, will! is it really all the music that you live? some of it is a little bit dodgy sometimes. what is it about the event you like? i think eurovision is huge and it's gotten bigger and bigger and bigger. there was the competition element, performance element, staging element, so much that goes into it, as well as finding out about the country that is hosting its because they always use it as a platform to show off how beautiful the nation is. there are so many things in it but at the heart of this regardless of what anyone says it is a song contest regardless and it is not a country contest, even though you vote for each country. it is country contest, even though you vote for each country.— vote for each country. it is a beautiful — vote for each country. it is a beautiful place _ vote for each country. it is a beautiful place to _ vote for each country. it is a beautiful place to enjoy - vote for each country. it is a i beautiful place to enjoy music vote for each country. it is a - beautiful place to enjoy music from different_ beautiful place to enjoy music from different countries and cultures and to hear— different countries and cultures and to hear things you wouldn't normally hear on _ to hear things you wouldn't normally hear on the — to hear things you wouldn't normally hear on the british chart, you hear other— hear on the british chart, you hear other things — hear on the british chart, you hear other things that should be in a british— other things that should be in a british chart because it is a celebration purely of music. how much of a _ celebration purely of music. how much of a treat _ celebration purely of music. how much of a treat is _ celebration purely of music. firm? much of a treat is graham norton's commentary?—

commentary? sometimes it is brilliant, sometimes - commentary? sometimes it is brilliant, sometimes it - commentary? sometimes it is brilliant, sometimes it is - commentary? sometimes it is i brilliant, sometimes it is graham typicaiiyw — brilliant, sometimes it is graham typically... but it is still light—hearted and not putting the show— light—hearted and not putting the show down but making it more fun and enjoyable _ show down but making it more fun and enjoyable for the listener. and show down but making it more fun and enjoyable for the listener.— enjoyable for the listener. and he takes everybody _ enjoyable for the listener. and he takes everybody along. _ enjoyable for the listener. and he takes everybody along. from - enjoyable for the listener. and he | takes everybody along. from eight o'clock mitre italy and you are in it, sat down on the claim for the night. it it, sat down on the claim for the niuht. , . it, sat down on the claim for the ni. ht, , ., ., ., it, sat down on the claim for the niuht. , ., ., ., ., ., night. it is an amazing feat of commentary _ night. it is an amazing feat of commentary on _ night. it is an amazing feat of commentary on his _ night. it is an amazing feat of commentary on his part, - night. it is an amazing feat of commentary on his part, i - night. it is an amazing feat of. commentary on his part, i have night. it is an amazing feat of- commentary on his part, i have to say, and it was when terry wogan used to do it too. your favourites? i have three favourites, france, iceiand — i have three favourites, france, iceiand and _ i have three favourites, france, iceland and italy. very different reasons, — iceland and italy. very different reasons, very different songs, but they are _ reasons, very different songs, but they are all— reasons, very different songs, but they are all really beautiful and well performed songs and ijust seem to really— well performed songs and ijust seem to really enjoy them. i well performed songs and i 'ust seem to really enjoy them._ to really en'oy them. i would say for me to really enjoy them. i would say for me italy _ to really enjoy them. i would say for me italy are _ to really enjoy them. i would say for me italy are my _ to really enjoy them. i would say for me italy are my number - to really enjoy them. i would say for me italy are my number one, to really enjoy them. i would say - for me italy are my number one, then france, and then malta, who have had first took part in the contest 50 years ago and this could be their shot at the winter night.- years ago and this could be their shot at the winter night. neither of ou have shot at the winter night. neither of you have mentioned _ shot at the winter night. neither of you have mentioned the _ shot at the winter night. neither of you have mentioned the uk - shot at the winter night. neither of you have mentioned the uk entry, |

you have mentioned the uk entry, james newman, embers. 50. you have mentioned the uk entry, james newman, embers. so, james has done an absolutely _ james newman, embers. so, james has done an absolutely amazing _ james newman, embers. so, james has done an absolutely amazing job. - james newman, embers. so, james has done an absolutely amazing job. this . done an absolutely amazing job. this is the _ done an absolutely amazing job. this is the first— done an absolutely amazing job. this is the first time we have tried this new bbc— is the first time we have tried this new bbc partner with bmg to send an artist he _ new bbc partner with bmg to send an artist he was recognised and has a record _ artist he was recognised and has a record deai~ — artist he was recognised and has a record deal. he is an award—winning songwriter— record deal. he is an award—winning songwriter who has been nominated for grammys and we should be really, really _ for grammys and we should be really, really proud _ for grammys and we should be really, really proud of the song he has put forward _ really proud of the song he has put forward it — really proud of the song he has put forward. it is a phenomenal song, he has done _ forward. it is a phenomenal song, he has done very, very well. this is the first— has done very, very well. this is the first time we're trialling this and this— the first time we're trialling this and this is— the first time we're trialling this and this is what the country is hidden — and this is what the country is hidden in _ and this is what the country is hidden in the past, for example sweden — hidden in the past, for example sweden and the netherlands who have actually _ sweden and the netherlands who have actually taken the song contest and thought— actually taken the song contest and thought this is a music contest and put forward — thought this is a music contest and put forward some zip proud of and they've _ put forward some zip proud of and they've done really well so we're trying _ they've done really well so we're trying that on fingers crossed it will do — trying that on fingers crossed it will do well. we trying that on fingers crossed it will do well.— trying that on fingers crossed it will do well. ~ ., ., ., ~ ., ., will do well. we are looking forward to seeinr will do well. we are looking forward to seeing an — will do well. we are looking forward to seeing an improvement - will do well. we are looking forward to seeing an improvement in - will do well. we are looking forward to seeing an improvement in the . to seeing an improvement in the school site forjames because absolutely deserves it. i school site forjames because absolutely deserves it.- school site forjames because absolutely deserves it. i am glad ou have absolutely deserves it. i am glad you have got _ absolutely deserves it. i am glad you have got a — absolutely deserves it. i am glad you have got a little _ absolutely deserves it. i am glad you have got a little flag - you have got a little flag especially for him. that is very patriotic! i especially for him. that is very atriotic! ., �* , especially for him. that is very patriotic!_ have i especially for him. that is very patriotic!_ have a| patriotic! i am british. have a wonderful— patriotic! i am british. have a wonderful party— patriotic! i am british. have a wonderful party for _ patriotic! i am british. have a wonderful party for two - patriotic! i am british. have a wonderful party for two and l patriotic! i am british. have a - wonderful party for two and thank you for making all that effort with

your berlin's new flights. lovely to talk to you and thank very much. if you're a music lover, you're spoilt for choice tonight. 0n bbc one you've got eurovision, whilst online there's a special programme from the organisers of glastonbury festival. coldplay, damon albarn and george ezra arejust some of the acts who have recorded sets for "live at worthy farm" — a mini version of the main event which has been cancelled for a second year in a row. 0ur entertainment correspondent colin paterson has been behind the scenes. the glastonbury festival, not normally associated with peace and tranquillity. the grass is pretty long, kind of mid—calf length. yeah, it's, may so everything is pure, peak life. the festival boss, emily eavis, gave us a tour of the fan—free site. so here we are on worthy farm. you can see the pyramid stage here, it's all systems go. glastonbury was cancelled for the second year in a row, but now music has returned,

just without crowds. every day this week acts have arrived... drum fill. ..to prerecord their sets for tonight's live stream. it's going to be a really specialfilm, whichjust, you know, celebrates the farm and the festival, and shows all these artists in a completely different way, without the audience, but here, on worthy farm. the only way for people to see the event is to pay £20 for an online ticket. it is a way of kind of, you know, kind of balancing out a bit from our losses. we lost £5 million, you know, so it's an enormous amount. we're obviously not to get that back, but it's a way of giving work to people, getting a little bit of money back in the pot and doing something really creative and interesting. the return of glastonbury in any form is also hugely important for the crew, many of whom have hardly worked for more than a year. it's been an incredibly difficult time for a lot of people, so to be able to do this and employ

the number of people we've been able to employ on this has meant so much to me personally, to send those emails and make those calls, to say "we've got a job for you", that's meant the most to me in this whole project, definitely. that field there was the first place i ever camped, - in the dragon field. it's also clear how much it means to the acts, including wolf alice. moaning lisa smile plays. wolf alice have played at three glastonburys, the last time on the pyramid stage. the venue for this is on a rather different scale. this is quite a place to play a gig. i know, right? it feels like... it's going to feel like a dream. is this you? this is me, this is my musical cave. i'm really excited, actually, about playing in the round, i've always wanted to go to a wolf alice show, i feel like i'll finally be able to watch us play. # cause it's lies

after lies after lies... and they are delighted to be doing their part to help the festival. glastonbury is one of the most important cultural events that we have in the united kingdom, and worldwide, especially for music but also there's tonnes of stuff, dance and theatre, that goes on here, stand—up. and to not have that, yeah, it's a big hole in the social calendar. glastonbury is, of course, going head—to—head with one other major music event tonight — eurovision. that's why they have decided to run repeats of the live stream tomorrow. we love eurovision, and, actually, a lot of people were like, look, we really want to watch yours, and so we want to do both. maybe you need to book abba, then you can have the ultimate eurovision—glastonbury mashup. yeah. obviously, i love abba. and get ready to dust off your wellies — glastonbury is set to return in full nextjune. the line—up's already 90% in place.

the fields — they'll be somewhat busier. colin patterson, bbc news, worthy farm. now it's time for a look at the weather with helen willets. good afternoon. this was the view taken just a few hours ago. some sunshine around. equally today, some showers. it is not as wet as it was yesterday. the rain is finally clearing away from the south coast. a scattering of showers. more likely it will be cloudy skies with fair weather cloud. this low pressure through the space of 48 hours but over 100 millimetres to some places. behind it, we have been plunged into a northerly wind, so although that is easing, it is obviously chilly air. temperatures around the 12—14 mark, and showers are around. the odd one will be heavy, but by and large they will be scattered. some places could escape dry with some good spells of brightness or even some strong may sunshine. through the fine evening, temperatures will fall away. chilly air, as i say, so we will see a colder night on the cards. could be some frost on the cards, as we had in scotland last night, but more

widely ground frost across many central and northern areas. not the west, because as you can see, by morning we have the next band of rain moving into northern ireland. and that will push its way eastwards through the day. it should be windy, on that weather front for an hour so because it is this area of low pressure driving it in. you can see that area of rain, it will be three orfour hours of rain for most of us, and the wind will pick up free time. brightness and eastern areas and it might well stay fine and bright. as we saw yesterday across the northern isles for much of the day. some showers ahead of the rain, but dry and bright weather. rain clearing to sunshine and showers for northern ireland, but for many it will be fairly active weather for a few hours. temperatures 11—14. by monday, that rain stuck across northern and western parts of scotland, a couple of decent drier days here, but the rain to come in, lots of slow moving showers elsewhere. back to the sunshine and showers scenario. between, as the wind eases off through the week, we

will feel the warmth of the may sunshine, but we will not expect temperatures to get much about the mid to high teens. that low pressure just starting to move out in the north sea, so that's where the focus for the showers will be. just a hint that we might see pressure building later in the week. that wiljust quiet the weather down by looks as though at times we will have showery rain and quite a bit of cloud. as ever, you can find out more details, particularly regional, on the website.

good evening. the bbc�*s former director general, lord hall, has resigned as chairman of the national gallery — following criticism over panorama's interview with princess diana in 1995. tony hall was the corporation's head of news at the time when reporter martin bashir used deception to secure the interview. lord hall led an internal investigation into initial complaints, a year after the interview was broadcast. that was described as "woefully ineffective" this week by an independent inquiry. here's our home editor, mark easton.

former bbc director—general, tony hall, has not yet appeared publicly to answer questions about his role in the bashir scandal, specifically about what the dyson report called his "woefully inadequate" investigation into martin bashir�*s conduct in 1996. today, though, we learned that lord hall has stepped down from his role as chair of the national gallery. in a statement he said... tony hall was director of bbc news and current affairs at the time of the panorama interview and described martin bashir as an honest and honourable man even though he knew the reporter had

faked documents and lied on a number of occasions. he was director—general and editor in chief at the bbc in 2016 when mr bashir was rehired by the corporation as religious affairs correspondent. and lord hall then promoted him to religion editor in 2017. decisions to be investigated by mps. i have to say there are lots of questions and also, i would want to know what precisely did he do in hisjob? he wasn't on air a great deal during his time as correspondence or religious editor and one would have to ask why was it that he was even promoted while back at the bbc? princess diana's brother, earl spencer, has revealed that he's written to the commissioner of the metropolitan police asking the force to look again at the circumstances surrounding her bbc panorama interview. his letter to dame cressida dick claims his sister was the victim of blackmail and fraud. scotland yard has already said it's looking at the dyson investigation to see if there is any significant new evidence to support a criminal investigation. there is already a government review

into public broadcasting in britain, but ministers are suggesting that the bashir scandal may require specific reform of bbc governance. what really matters for the bbc is that they put in place what is needed to ensure that this sort of thing can never happen again. the current bbc director—general, tim davey, has written to staff saying the scandal leaves the corporation with much to reflect on, although there are now significantly stronger processes and governance in place, he says, the bbc must also learn lessons and keep improving. and mark's here. what do you make of this resignation? well, lord hall was a bbc man through and through. he started as a trainee in the early 1970s. he rose to edit what was then the nine 0'clock news at the age of 34. he was director of news and current affairs at the bbc for over a decade before he left to head the royal opera house and then return to the

bbc as director—general in 2013. leaving public life will be a huge blow for him, but his resignation todayis blow for him, but his resignation today is not the first prompted by the scandal and it may not be the last. this deceit happened a quarter of a century ago and yet its reverberations are still being felt very much today.— very much today. thank you very much. surge testing for coronavirus is being introduced in more parts of england after further cases of the indian variant were detected. most of the incidents are concentrated in the north west of england. meanwhile, people travelling from the uk won't be allowed into germany from tomorrow because of a rise in cases of the indian variant here. german citizens can still enter, but they'll have to quarantine for two—weeks. a picture has emerged that appears to show princess latifa, the daughter of the ruler of dubai, who's not been seen or heard from for months. the unverified image shows her sitting between two women at a shopping mall

in the united arab emirates. in february, the bbc�*s panorama programme broadcast a secret video from the princess, in which she said she was being held hostage and feared for her life. the queen has been meeting the crew of the royal navy's new flagship, hms queen elizabeth, as the carrier prepares for its first major deployment. the £3 billion warship carrying eight new stealth fighter jets and other aircraft will leave portsmouth for asia tonight. from portsmouth, our defence correspondent, jonathan beale, reports. this morning, the longest serving monarch arrived on britain's largest warship. hms queen elizabeth, stand at ease. two queen elizabeths, her majesty bidding farewell to the crew of the aircraft carrier she named and commissioned, about to sail east halfway round the world. moored alongside, an american destroyer, one of six warships that'll accompany her to the pacific.

the navy says it's the most powerful uk maritime deployment in a generation and the embodiment of global britain. so this is a tangible expression of how the country can go out into the world and so we have a fantastic new capability. and when we deploy, it speaks to our values, our interests, what we stand for. the carrier's already been training with the latest f35s... ..there are more usjets on board than british ones. the government says that a sign of strength, not weakness. during the seven—month voyage, they are expected to launch their first combat missions over iraq. the government sees this as a symbol, notjust of global britain, but of military power. but in sailing east, it insists it's not looking for a confrontation with china. it's more about boosting trade and diplomatic ties in the region. but does this deployment signify a big shift in foreign policy? a tilt towards asia?

diplomacy is often about theatre and this is a great piece of theatre. it's a very impressive piece of british engineering, it's a powerful military asset. but making there and back to the indo—pacific is not a strategic shift, it's a gesture. tonight, hms queen elizabeth will set sail on her 26,000 mile voyage. it does mark a new era for the navy, but will it redefine britain's place in the world? jonathan beale, bbc news, portsmouth. the latest government figures on covid—19 show 2,694 new infections in the latest 24—hour period — which means an average ofjust under 2,500 cases per day, in the last week. six deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, of people who'd had a positive covid test within the prevous 28 days.

the average number of deaths per day in the past week is six. the total number of people who've died in the uk is now 127,716. just over 208,000 people have received a first dose of a vaccine in the latest 24 hour period, and in total, almost 38 million people have now had their firstjab. that's 71.6% of the adult population. the number of people who've had their second dose recently is just over 411,000 which takes the overall number who've had their second jab, to more than 22 million. that means nearly 42% of the adult population is fully vaccinated. football and stjohnstone have won the scottish cup for only the second time in their history. they beat hibernian in the final, which was played at hampden park in glasgow without fans. 0ur reporter chris mclaughlin was there. green against blue in scottish football's scottish final but no

fans inside this sign. with covic numbers are rising in glasgow, no fans either. sean rooney's winner secured them the league cup in february and he was at it again on the half hour at hampden. the first blow of the — the half hour at hampden. the first blow of the scottish _ the half hour at hampden. the first blow of the scottish cup _ the half hour at hampden. the first blow of the scottish cup final. - the half hour at hampden. the first blow of the scottish cup final. the | blow of the scottish cup final. the club were prepared to upset the odds again. they had the perfect chance to put it beyond reach late on. the penalty given. what about this for a double save? the sainz held firm at the other end and the oldest trophy in association football, back in the hands of the man from perth. until 2014, stjohnstone had never won a major honour. now today it is a cup double for the club who regularly play in front of crowds of around 4000. a phenomenal achievement. it

is stjohnstone's cup. chris mclaughlin, bbc news. that's it for now. we're back after eurovision with a later—than—usual news, at quarter to midnight. now on bbc one it's time for the news where you are. have a good evening.

hello and welcome to the film review with me, mark kermode, rounding up the best movies available in cinemas and in the home. uk cinemas reopened this week, with films that have previously been available on streaming services such as minari, mortal kombat and raya and the last dragon playing alongside new releases like those who wish me dead. why'd they put you in a fire tower? well, i'mjust lucky, i guess. angelina jolie plays smoke jumper hannah, combating forest fires in montana. hannah is a wild card, haunted by guilty memories of a mission in which she misjudged the wind, with grim consequences.

having been sent to spend a season alone atop a fire tower, her path conveniently crosses with that of a young boy, lost and on the run after his father was targeted by sinister hitmen, played by aidan gillen and nicholas hoult. give �*em something else to worry about. music sting loosely adapted from a novel by michael koryta and directed by taylor sheridan, whose credits include the 0scar—nominated screenplay for hell or high water, this is solidly pedestrian stuff — a by—the—numbers, box—ticking affair spiced up by shoot—outs, lightning strikes and some very impressive fire—scapes. we can't go through that! that eats everything in its path! none of it is particularly believable, withjolie looking far too much like a movie star to convince as a battle—scarred firefighter. still, her character is far more convincing than the hit men, who were essentially upmarket,

b movie caricatures, killing everyone they meet whilst complaining about the scenery in entertainingly daft fashion. he's still on duty — you can try him on your radio. 0n the other hand, you have medina senghore stealing the show as the most indomitably bad—assed mother—to—be since francis mcdormand's marge gunderson in fargo. no masterpiece, then, but distracting popcorn fare, tailor—made to be seen on the big screen. 0n the subject of indomitable women, sigourney weaver achieved iconic status as ripley in the alien movies — a role which earned her an academy award nomination. she's had two further 0scar nods for working girls and gorillas in the mist, and starred in such varied fair as ghostbusters, the ice storm and the cult sci—fi spoof galaxy quest. in her new movie my new york year, from the 2014 memoir byjoanna rakoff, weaver plays old—school literary agent margaret, whose most high—profile client is reclusive catcher in the rye

authorjd salinger. well? i like it. really? but what do you make of it? i'm not sure what you mean. well, it's not a kids' book, is it? no, no. it's about kids for grown—ups. it's about female friendship. but will adults buy a book about kids? can i sell it? into margaret's agency comesjoanna, a college grad played by once upon a time in hollywood co—star margaret qualley, who has never read salinger but aspires to be a poet. she's set to work dealing with salinger�*s fan mail, ensuring that no—one gets to the writer, while keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. over phone: don't get stuck answering the phone, - joanna! you're a poet! what follows is a whimsical drama in which salinger befriendsjoanna over the phone and encourages her to concentrate on her writing, despite margaret's fierce insistence that she must never telljerry that she's a writer.

there are echoes of the master—slave relationship at the heart of the devil wears prada, although this has none of the bite of that acerbic novel—turned—film. instead, it settles for something more twee — a nostalgic world observed with dewy—eyed wonder by a character who, although based on real life, never seems real. is it on? but weaver has fun as the imperious grande dame who cannot abide computers and whose withering look is worth the price of admission. it's in cinemas now. a decade ago, saw 3d, the seventh film in the torture—packed franchise, promised to be the final instalment. fat chance! after 2017's jigsaw, we now have a ninth movie, portentously entitled spiral: from the book of saw. what is that?

"play me." digitally modified voice: hello, detective banks. directed by darren lynn bousman, who held episodes two, three and four, this new chapter stars chris rock, promising to do for the saw franchise what 48 hours did for buddy cop movies. he's zeke, a wisecracking detective whose dad, played by samuel ljackson, was a legend in the force. i could've killed you. faced with a jigsaw—style copycat targeting the police, loner zeke, who's watching his back after turning in a dirty cop, finds himself paired with a wide—eyed rookie played by max minghella. detective banks. zeke initially hates the rookie because, hey, that's what cliched movie cops do. but gradually, he comes to respect him because, hey, that's what cliched movie cops do. based on a script that has been polished by rock — and remember, there are some things you just can't polish —

spiral seems to be pulling in two different directions. 0n the one hand, there's rock doing his post—eddie murphy procedural shtick, and on the other, there's the elaborate set pieces in which people get horribly tortured by ridiculously complicated machinery while a puppet explains the plot on a tape. when's the last time you saw your father? the saw franchise may be predicated upon these set pieces, but it would help if they actually made sense and didn't leave you wondering a, how the killer designed, built and then set up all this machinery without anyone noticing, and b, what exactly the point of the traps is, particularly one that seems to offer the victim the choice between death and, er, death, without even the possibility of cake. most importantly, for all its grotesquery, nothing in spiral is scary, with its plot twists provoking not shocks but groans. it's in cinemas now. meanwhile, over on netflix, we have army of the dead, the latest from zack snyder,

who recently scored an online hit with his director's cut ofjustice league. is there anybody else here who hasn't killed a zombie? well, we all know the basics. zombies, shamblers, the undead — whatever you want to call them — when it comes to killing them, it's all about the brain. brain. 0ne comes at you, shoot in the brain. it's that simple. any questions? yes. what if i took a big rock and smashed it into the head? would that work? best known for such comic book—inspired movies as 300, watchmen, and batman v superman, snyder cut his teeth on a remake of george romero's zombie classic dawn of the dead. in army of the dead, he conjures a satirical world in which a zombie outbreak has been confined to the walled—off environs of las vegas, a place that's always been hell on earth, but is now doubly so. what the...? shh! with a nuclear strike looming, muscle—bound dave bautista leads a ragtag troop back into vegas

to raid a vault in one of the casinos, and also to try to save a mother who went missing in sin city some weeks earlier. it's not too late to go back. with so many zombie movies in the past few years, it's unsurprising that army of the dead — of which a prequel and a spin—off anime—style series are on the way — seems so unoriginal, lifting riffs from everything from romero's movies to world war z to return of the living dead part iii. what's more surprising is just how much snyder and his co—writers have pinched not only from john carpenter's escape from new york and escape from la, but also from james cameron's 1986 gem aliens, which similarly spliced genres to altogether more gripping effect. bickering squad entering a deserted area full of temporarily dormant beasties? check. let's remember the team. parent—child jeopardy reconciliation theme? check. that's crossing the line.

duplicitous company man who can't be trusted? check. foolhardy return to rescue someone as the clock counts down to a nuclear blast? check. the difference is that while aliens was a nail—biting combination of horror movie and war movie, this not—very—humorous horror heist hybrid settles for altogether more goofy splatter thrills, contempt to throw blood and entrails around without ever getting beneath the surface of the story. but when it comes to snyder's films, surface is everything, as is length, with army of the dead clocking in at a bloated 2.5 hours when it could have been in and out in 89 minutes. oh, and note to film—makers — putting a gurning cameo by trump's former press secretary sean spicer in your movie is never a good idea. ever. army of the dead is on netflix now. i'll leave you with news of rare beasts, in which star of stage, screen and pop charts

billie piper adds writer—director to her cv. speaks breathily: even though i feel scared and angry, - i still love and respect myself. a post—fleabag era tale of dysfunctional male—female relationships tinged with humour and a hint of horror, it's an ambitious work boosted by an exceptional cast. so, why are you single, pete? i find women intolerable. right. piper plays mandy, a single mum living with her own mum, played by kerry fox. when mandy goes out on a date with uptight workmate pete, played by leo bill, he tells her that he finds women intolerable but he refuses to be without one — something that should send her running for the hills. instead, she embarks upon a masochistic relationship with pete while simultaneously trying to reconcile with her selfish father, played by david thewlis, and to raise her anxiously twitchy son. every wife, respect your husband!

there are stylistic echoes of craig roberts�*s eternal beauty, in which piper and thewlis co—starred, both in the mix of tragedy and comedy and in the heightened theatrical reality which occasionally tips over into fantasy. i want a man! at times, this super stylised performative approach can seem distracting, and some audiences will struggle to engage with the characters, but the examination of modern gender roles is intriguing, entertaining and honest. and while mandy may be an uncertain character riddled with self—doubt, piper's direction is bold and confident, suggesting that a future career behind the camera awaits. rare beasts is in cinemas and online now. that's it for this week. thanks for watching the film review. stay safe, and i'll see you next week. how'd you get in here? are you forgetting who the landlord is? yeah, but that doesn't give you the right to just walk in here anytime you want. renters got rights. you start paying some rent,

you can get some rights. good afternoon. at least we had respite from the persistent rain today, although we still had a few showers. and as we go into sunday, we have got another band of rain coming in. it will be a chilly start. we have had some showers through the day, and those will continue through the evening at and then fade away. under the starry skies, temperatures are going to fall at close to freezing. we had a foster last night in scotland, it will be generally chilly overnight with ground frost and many central and northern areas. though further west we already have the next band of rain coming into northern ireland by morning. it turns went quite quickly the northern ireland. a bright start further east, and holding onto some drier weather through the day, but the rain pushes its way eastward, putting into western scotland and western england, wales. for a time, there will be hefty downpours and some quite gusty winds as well.

temperatures will not be any great shakes, 13 or 14 are best because of the cloud. it turns bright and shower the northern ireland and a day of heavy showers on monday.

this is bbc news. the headlines at six... fomer bbc director general, lord hall, resigns as national gallery chairman — saying continuing in the role would be a "distraction" following the inquiry into panorama's interview with princess diana. wider surge testing has been rolled out in parts of london and the north east due to a rise in coronavirus cases linked to the indian variant. the first convoys of humanitarian aid have arrived in gaza, hours after a ceasefire between israel and palestinian militants came into effect. whipsnade zoo launch an investigation after two brown bears escape from their enclosure and are shot by wardens. and get your best sequins out — the final rehearsals are done and the pyrotechnics are ready. the eurovision finalists compete tonight after a pandemic—enforced break.