Our weekly list of unmissable news brand content includes a TV presenter being awarded an MBE, the end of an era for Sir Lenny Henry and top London date ideas ahead of Valentine’s Day…
1. City of love
With Valentine’s Day coming up, Metro helps inspire readers to plan original date ideas to impress their beloved around London. From romantic wanders to exploring exhibitions, there’s Cupid-approved fun to be had.
The Natural History Museum is bringing back its Valentine’s Day event with numerous science stations to explore, including special treat of cocktails, a dance class and a harpist serenading you.
Romantic strolls are always a good go-to date, so check out Kew Gardens’ annual Orchids Festival. Or, if you fancy a trip to Venice on a budget, take a romantic stroll across North London’s Little Venice with your loved one — no travel costs!
2. Handing over the red nose
Sir Lenny Henry is stepping down from presenting Comic Relief after 39 years as he thinks it is “time to give someone else a go”, the Evening Standard reported.
The comedian and actor, has presented the show since he co-founded Comic Relief in 1985.
He will remain involved behind the scenes and will continue as a Honorary Life President — a role he has held since 2017.
“It doesn’t mean I won’t do things for Comic Relief in the future, but I think it is time for someone else to host the night. It is the right thing to do, give someone else a chance.”
On who might be his successor, he added: “Dave Chapelle, David Tennant, Ncuti Gatwa. There are so many people coming up that deserve our attention. There are a lot of people who could easily present Comic Relief.”
3. The political oust
In the latest episode of the ‘Stories of our times’ podcast, host Luke Jones deep dives into the latest politics news joined by guest Steven Swinford, political editor at The Times. The pair report on how a former adviser to prime minister Rishi Sunak is working with a secret group of Tories to remove him from office before the general election.
4. McCall for MBE
TV presenter Davina McCall has been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting.
McCall revealed to the Mirror that Princess Anne has always been one of her favourite royals and shared her “gung-ho” attitude to life.
She said: “She is a very positive, no-nonsense woman and I really like her for that, so I was thrilled when it was her. I always found her rather inspiring growing up — to be presented with an award by her was a real treat.”
5. Secret to the perfect brew?
The Independent shares on TikTok the secret to a great cup of tea. According to an American academic, the secret isn’t sugar or the right tea leaves but salt.
Professor Michelle Francl’s suggested a pinch of salt in a brew makes it taste less bitter. The sodium ion in salt blocks the chemical mechanism that gives tea a bitter taste.
Join the Independent’s journalist Holly Patrick and US video journalist Reann Philogene as they put the academic theory to the test.
