Warning: video contains flash photography.

Conservative councillor stands by opinion of “fat and ghastly” Gemma Collins

Senior Conservative councillor Susan Hall tweeted about Gemma Collins while the Towie star was briefly in the jungle on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. 

Her tweets read: “who on earth is that fat blond woman Gemma?” and “OMG this fat woman Gemma is ghastly, really ghastly..” [sic]

A petition on the chang.org website calls for Hall to step down and apologise for the “disrespectful, hurtful and offensive” comments. It has just over 250 signatures. 

However, Hall has not apologised, telling ITV “I didn’t know who she was. People say would you say it to her face? Yes I would. I meant it. I still do.” 

The councillor said the petition against her was “clearly politically motivated” and “trial by twitter jury” was a sad thing. 

Previously outstanding East London COE school to be put into special measures 

A Church of England school in east London previously rated outstanding is expected to be put into special measures.

Concerns have been raised over the sixth-form Islamic society at Sir John Cass Foundation and Redcoat school in Stepney.

The school is thought to have failed for not safeguarding and monitoring pupils.

Free education protest ends with 11 arrests 

Eleven arrests were made at Parliament Square yesterday after thousands of students marched through the capital protesting against education cuts, tuition fees and student debt.

Flares were used by some of the protesters and various missiles were thrown at the police.

Three officers suffered minor injuries. 

“Pick-up artist” barred from UK by Home Office

The Home Office has barred controversial US "pick-up artist" Julien Blanc from entering the UK.

The self-styled "dating guru" holds classes claiming to teach men how to attract women but his methods have been deemed by many as sexually exploitative.

Mr Blanc has apologised, saying his intention was taken “out of context.” 

Seven die after early snowstorm in US 

At least seven people have died after a massive early season snowstorm struck parts of Michigan, upstate New York and New Hampshire.

The city of Buffalo was badly hit, with up to six feet of snow falling. The governor of New York declaring a state of emergency.

Another storm is expected to strike again today.

NBC cancels Cosby gig after assault allegations 

NBC announced they have canceled an upcoming gig with veteran comedian Bill Cosby, after recent accusations of historical sexual assault.

It comes a day after online streaming company Netflix  said it was postponing Cosby's stand-up comedy special due to be released next week.

The 77-year-old is still set to go ahead with a performance in Florida tomorrow. Cosby’s lawyers said he would not be commenting on the allegations. 

Morrisons Christmas pudding beats Harrods offering 

In a blind taste test, a supermarket Christmas pudding has beaten the best that Harrods and Fortnum & Mason have to offer.

The £3.99 "Jewelled Fruit Christmas Pudding" from Morrisons was the cheapest of eleven premium puddings tested by experts and came out as the favourite.

Each pudding was judged on its appearance, aroma, taste and texture.

Jimmy Ruffin dead, aged 78

Jimmy Ruffin, the legendary Motown performer famous for his hit What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, has died at the age of 78.

After a successful career in the United States, the singer moved to the UK in the 1980s, where he recorded songs with Paul Weller and Heaven 17.

Battersea Cats and Dogs home puts fat cat on diet 

Battersea Cats and Dogs home has taken in its fattest ever cat and put him on a diet for Christmas. 

Nick-named “Texas”, the morbidly obese eight-year-old long haired weighs 26 pounds.

In order to cater for him, Texas's pen had to be kitted out with specialist equipment.