BBC VERSION RECOGNISES CHRISTINE KEELER WAS ‘UNFAIRLY’ VILIFIED BY SOCIETY
by AMIT ROY
THERE is one character missing in the BBC’s retelling of the John Profumo scandal – Ayub Khan.
The Pakistani president was present on that fateful weekend, July 8-9, 1961, when John Profumo, secretary of state for war in Harold Macmillan’s government, met 19-year-old Christine Keeler, in the swimming pool at Cliveden, Lord Astor’s country estate in Berkshire.
Keeler was a guest of the society osteopath Stephen Ward, who had also invited Yevgeny Ivanov, a naval attaché at the Russian embassy in London.
The outlines of the story from 1961-63 are well known and form what is probably Britain’s most notorious sex scandal. It was claimed security was an issue because it was alleged that Keeler was sleeping with Profumo while she was also involved with Ivanov. At first, Profumo denied the affair in a statement to the Commons, but later resigned after admitting he had lied. The events led to Macmillan’s resignation as prime minister and the Tory defeat in the 1964 general election, which ushered the Labour leader Harold Wilson to power.
Ward, who was charged with living off immoral earnings of Keeler and other girls, took a fatal overdose before what would almost certainly have been a guilty verdict. Keeler was sent to prison for six months for perjury.
Both charges were concocted.
More than half a century on, it is recognised that what happened was a classic stitch up by an upper class establishment which sought to protect its own. Ward, whatever his other faults, was not living off immoral earnings nor was Keeler a prostitute as she was widely depicted.
The current six-part series, The Trial of Christine Keeler, attempts to tell the story from Keeler’s point of view. The drama has been written (Amanda Coe), directed (Andrea Harkin/ Leanne Welham), produced (Rebecca Ferguson/ Kate Triggs) and commissioned (Charlotte Moore) by women, with the actresses Sophie Cookson and Ellie Bamber cast as Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies, the 19- and 17-year-olds at the centre of the story.
Coe recalled: “It so happened that I’d just been on holiday and one of the books I’d read, and very much enjoyed, was the excellent Richard Davenport-Hines book, An English Affair. It is a brilliant cultural history of the Profumo Affair, looking at all the different aspects of it in terms of where British society was at that time and why it was such a flashpoint. I’d been thinking, wouldn’t it be great to make a drama about that?”
The book, An English Affair: Sex, Class and Power in the Age of Profumo, published in 2013, attempts to separate fact from fiction.
In the chapter called “Hacks”, on the role played by journalists, the author says: “The Profumo Affair was made in Fleet Street more than in Wimpole Mews (Ward’s address) or Cliveden. It was incited, publicised and exploited by journalists.
The fatal convergences began in 1960, when Yevgeny Ivanov arrived as assistant naval attaché at the Russian embassy in London. He was less coarse than most communist diplomats, although a rumbustious drinker. In pursuance of his duty to manipulate ‘agents of influence’, he visited the offices of the Daily Telegraph, where he met the editor, Sir Colin Coote, who was a patient of StephenWard’s. Coote, who knew that Ward was keen to visit the Soviet Union, invited Ivanov over luncheon at the Garrick Club. Ivanov began meeting Ward socially.”
The author writes of the weekend when Profumo meets Keeler, who was dismissed at the time as “common”.
“On the weekend of 8-9 July 1961, Ward organised a party at Spring Cottage (on the Cliveden estate). His Saturday guests included … Keeler.
“A more formal party was held at the big house. …The President of Pakistan, Field Marshal Ayub Khan, on his way to Washington to confer with the Kennedy administration, was guest of honour. Profumo, as Secretary of State for War, was invited for the whole weekend with his wife (the actress Valerie Hobson) for their first Cliveden visit.”
Legend has it that Profumo first spotted Keeler when she was either naked or in the process of taking off her costume. Their meeting and subsequent affair should shake British politics.
Davenport-Hines writes: “Keeler’s vivid tale that she and another woman had clambered onto the shoulders of Astor and Ayub Khan in the pool later aroused Anglo-Pakistani diplomatic ructions.”
He goes on: “On Sunday morning, July 9, while Astor took Ayub Khan to inspect the Cliveden stud, some of his guests mingled with Ward’s guests at the swimming pool, Ivanov had a swimming race with Profumo. When Profumo asked Keeler for her telephone number, she directed him to Ward. The osteopath, who seemed pleased by the approach, said his number was in the telephone directory.”
In 1989, there was a movie called Scandal, with Joanne Whalley as Keeler. In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage musical Stephen Ward at the Aldwych Theatre in 2013, Keeler was portrayed by Charlotte Spencer. The musical had a bit role for General Ayub Khan, Pakistan president (1958-1969). It’s not known if he crossed the line of control.
In an interview, Keeler described the Sandhurst-trained Ayub as “more British than the British”. Keeler, who died two years ago, aged 75 and was quite unrecognisable as the ravishing beauty she had once been, knew of the BBC drama on the scandal and only asked not to be treated as a “victim”.
The iconic image of the scandal is a photograph taken by Lewis Morley of an apparently naked Keeler straddling a chair. “Despite looking like she was naked … she had in fact worn knickers,” confirmed scriptwriter Coe.
“When explaining why it’s important to look at this story now, we only have to look at the Me Too and Windrush stories to see why it’s relevant. She was vilified in the court of public opinion and there’s some restitution in seeing her side”.
Keeler was also condemned for having a black boyfriend at one stage, so the drama also touches on racism.
Sophie Cookson said about playing the role of Keeler: “With this amazing third wave of feminism, it’s such an exciting and pivotal moment to be looking at this story with a female gaze…it feels like she is being released and is finally free to tell it how it was.
“She attempted to self-abort her child when she was still a teenager. She had the most tragic life. To forever be known as this girl, this whore, this prostitute – which she absolutely was not – was just disgraceful. It makes me so angry!”
Ben Miles, who plays Profumo, agreed: “Christine was utterly vilified in the press and by society and Profumo assumed that he would be untouchable throughout, because most people who were wearing judges’ wigs at the time were probably old school friends of his. The ‘old boys’ network looked after their own.”
Wireless Festival 2025 runs from 11–13 July in Finsbury Park, London
Drake to headline all three nights of the sold-out event
New acts include ODUMODUBLVCK, SahBabii, Darkoo and Uncle Waffles
Up to 150,000 attendees expected across the weekend
Final line-up revealed ahead of 20th anniversary festival
Further acts have been confirmed for the 2025 edition of Wireless Festival, as Finsbury Park prepares to host the three-day music event from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the UK’s biggest urban music festival, which has evolved into a major platform for rap, R&B, afrobeats and grime.
The 2025 event made headlines after it was announced that Canadian rapper Drake would headline all three nights — a first for the festival — sparking record-breaking ticket sales. The festival sold out within minutes.
Who's performing this year?
The full line-up now includes a mix of global headliners and emerging talent. Previously announced artists include:
Burna Boy
PARTYNEXTDOOR
Summer Walker
Vybz Kartel
Boy Better Know
Popcaan
Leon Thomas
BigXThaPlug
Lancey Foux
Nemzzz
Spice
Masicka
Newly added names to the roster include Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK, Atlanta’s SahBabii, and UK-based artists Darkoo and Odeal. Saturday’s Old Spice Stage will be headlined by Fimiguerrero, while Uncle Waffles, a leading figure in the amapiano scene, will close the festival on Sunday.
Also joining the line-up are rising R&B artists SAILORR and Nippa, along with a wave of homegrown UK talent including Chy Cartier, kwn, Len, YT, and Skeete.
New experiences and installations
In addition to live performances, festival goers can engage with Pass the Aux, a music-sharing installation on site. The setup allows attendees to print Polaroid song recommendations, inspired by West African studio photography. The project is a collaboration between the V&A Museum and artist-in-residence Michael Akuagwu.
Festival background and impact
Wireless began in Hyde Park as a rock and pop festival, but since relocating to Finsbury Park in 2019, it has cemented its reputation as a leading celebration of hip-hop, afrobeats, and youth culture.
Despite ongoing opposition from local campaigners, Festival Republic signed a five-year deal with Haringey Council in 2023 to continue hosting Wireless at the site. The council has defended the partnership, noting that the event generates significant income for park maintenance.
Last weekend, the park hosted major rock gigs, and further electronic music events are scheduled in August featuring Honey Dijon, CamelPhat, and ANOTR.
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This film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner
First reactions to Superman (2025) praise its action, humour and emotional tone
Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Superman
Premiered in Los Angeles ahead of 11 July theatrical release
Fans and critics call it a strong launch for the new DC Studios era
Superman early reviews call it “exciting” and “hopeful”
Following its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night, the first social media reactions to Superman have begun to emerge — and they are largely positive. Though full reviews will be published closer to the 11 July release date, critics, journalists and early viewers have shared their first impressions online.
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What fans and critics are saying
“A terrific start for the new DC Studios,” – Erik Davis, Fandango Film journalist Erik Davis praised Superman as a promising launchpad for DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“Loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humour and levity,” – Perri Nemiroff, Collider Collider’s Perri Nemiroff highlighted the film’s balance of action and character-driven storytelling.
“Superman delivers on heart, humour and heroism. David Corenswet is perfectly cast,” – @TheNerdyCritic on X A fan reaction emphasised the emotional tone of the film, calling it a “Superman story we’ve been waiting for”.
“Hopeful, fun, and visually impressive — Superman is back!” – @FilmFanCentral Another viewer on social media described the reboot as a return to form for the character and the franchise.
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Meet the new Superman cast
Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The cast also includes:
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard
James Gunn’s first film under new DC Studios
Directed by James Gunn, this film marks the first cinematic release under the new unified DC Universe banner, co-led by Gunn and Peter Safran since their appointment in October 2022.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn said:
“People are looking for heroes right now... Superman is that.”
Safran added earlier this year that Superman is intended to bring clarity and cohesion to the DC brand, following years of fragmented storytelling by different creative teams.
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What’s next for DC Studios?
Superman launches the new DC Universe (DCU), with upcoming projects including:
Lanterns, an HBO Max series focused on Green Lantern
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set to release in 2026
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Superman releases in cinemas worldwide on 11 July 2025.
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The brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement
Neena Gupta posts a video wearing Kolhapuri chappals gifted by late actor Laxmikant Berde
Joins Kareena Kapoor in highlighting resemblance to a Prada sandal design
Luxury brand showcased similar footwear at Milan Fashion Week without reference to Indian origins
Both actresses emphasised the value of original handmade designs
Neena Gupta backs Kolhapuri chappals after Prada controversy
Veteran Indian actress Neena Gupta has weighed in on the ongoing conversation around Prada’s recent footwear collection after actress Kareena Kapoor earlier pointed out the brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement.
In a video shared on Instagram, Gupta showcased a pair of handmade Kolhapuri chappals gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. Sharing the story behind the slippers, she said, “So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. Once I did something with Laxmikant Berde—I don't remember what it was—so I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said yes. So he got them for me. This is the most beautiful slippers I have ever had. Most beautiful and handmade. I love them. Thank you, Laxmikant. You are not there anymore, but love you.”
Gupta concluded her post with a caption that read, “Real toh real hota hai..”, praising the authenticity and craftsmanship of traditional Indian footwear.
Gupta’s post comes shortly after Kareena Kapoor’s Instagram story where she posted a photo of her Kolhapuri chappals with the caption, “Sorry not Prada…but my OG Kolhapuri.” The comment was interpreted as a subtle response to Prada’s new sandal design, which many users online noted bore a strong resemblance to the traditional Indian style.
Prada presented the footwear at its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan on 22 June. The design, referred to as ‘Toe Ring Sandals’, did not include any reference to its resemblance to the Indian Kolhapuri chappals, sparking debate over cultural appropriation and lack of credit to traditional artisans.
Current projects
Kareena Kapoor was last seen in Singham Again, alongside Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff.
Neena Gupta recently appeared in Metro In Dino, which was released on 4 July.
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Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.
Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.
Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.
Katy Perry with longtime friend Michael Kives during her getawayTwitter/info katy perry
Katy Perry seen in good spirits on yacht holiday
While the news of her separation from Bloom was still fresh, Perry looked relaxed and comfortable aboard the luxury yacht in Italy. She was spotted embracing former Hollywood agent Michael Kives, now a well-known investor, who is a close friend. Also on board was venture capitalist Ben Schwerin.
Photos showed Perry bonding with Daisy, holding her in her arms and smiling. The mother-daughter duo wore coordinated floral outfits earlier during the trip. Fans online praised Perry’s appearance and her apparent strength through the transition, with one user writing, “She hasn’t aged at all. Absolute queen energy.”
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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom breakup confirmed
The outing came just days after Perry and Bloom issued a joint statement confirming their breakup. Their representatives shared that the couple had been "shifting their relationship over the past many months" and would now focus on co-parenting. They added, “Orlando and Katy will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is, and always will be raising their daughter with love, stability, and mutual respect.”
The pair had been together for nearly nine years, first meeting in 2016 at a Golden Globes afterparty. Their on-off romance included a brief breakup in 2017, a Valentine’s Day engagement in 2019, and the birth of their daughter in August 2020. Their wedding plans were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were never rescheduled.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom focus on raising their daughter with love and respect Getty Images
Orlando Bloom reflects on loneliness post-split
While Perry vacationed in Italy, Bloom made headlines of his own, attending the high-profile wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez solo. He later posted cryptic quotes about loneliness and emotional darkness to Instagram, including lines from Carl Jung: “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness…”
Sources told Us Weekly that while the breakup wasn’t contentious, it had been a long time coming. “There was tension for months,” one insider noted, adding that Katy felt a sense of relief not having to face another divorce, referring to her previous marriage to comedian Russell Brand, which ended in 2012.
Orlando Bloom to attend Jeff Bezos wedding alone as split rumours with Katy Perry grow Getty Images
Perry breaks down during final Australia show
In the days leading up to the yacht trip, Perry concluded her Australia leg of the Lifetimes tour. At her final show in Adelaide, she reportedly became emotional, holding her hands in the shape of a heart and thanking fans: “Thank you, Australia, for always being there for me.”
Her absence from the Bezos-Sánchez wedding was initially chalked up to a scheduling conflict, but it added to speculation about the status of her relationship with Bloom. The couple’s recent decision to rent out their Montecito home to Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger further fuelled separation rumours before the announcement was made official.
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Despite the personal changes, Perry seems to be navigating the transition surrounded by loved ones, doing it with strength, clarity, and a sense of calm.
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Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Netflix 'Beckham' UK Premiere
Brooklyn Beckham is unlikely to attend Harper’s 14th birthday amid ongoing family tensions.
He recently skipped David Beckham’s 50th celebration to attend Nicola Peltz’s father’s birthday in the US.
Insiders say Harper is especially hurt as she shares a close bond with Brooklyn.
Brooklyn reportedly feels distant from the Beckham family and more connected to Nicola’s side.
The Beckham family is preparing to mark Harper’s 14th birthday this week, but the occasion is expected to be bittersweet. Brooklyn Beckham is not expected to join the celebrations, sparking concerns about a deepening rift between him and the rest of his family.
Once a close-knit unit, tensions reportedly began brewing after Brooklyn married American heiress and actress Nicola Peltz in 2022. Since then, his growing bond with Nicola’s family and increasing distance from his own has been a source of strain, insiders claim.
An old Instagram story of Victoria BeckhamInstagram Screengrab
Harper Beckham affected by Brooklyn’s absence
Among those most affected by Brooklyn’s ongoing estrangement is his youngest sibling, Harper. According to a source close to the family, the two shared a special relationship growing up, with Harper often looking up to Brooklyn as more than just a big brother.
“Harper’s really felt the shift,” the insider said. “She’s always adored Brooklyn. The family hoped Nicola would naturally bond with Harper too, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Now, the thought of Brooklyn missing her birthday is genuinely upsetting for Harper.”
David Beckham, Victoria Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham attend the Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall/Winter 2018-2019 showGetty Images
Prioritising the Peltz family over Beckham milestones
Brooklyn’s decision to attend the 83rd birthday celebration of Nicola’s billionaire father, Nelson Peltz, instead of joining his father David’s 50th birthday bash in London raised eyebrows and stirred speculation. While Victoria and David celebrated with close friends like Tom Cruise, Eva Longoria, and Guy Ritchie, Brooklyn was thousands of miles away in New York, posing for photos with Nicola and her father.
Nicola posted a heartfelt tribute to her dad on Instagram, calling him “the most loving and supportive father,” in a post that made no mention of the Beckhams. That same month, Brooklyn also marked the fifth anniversary of his proposal to Nicola, again with no public nod to his own family.
Victoria and David still hopeful for reconciliation
While David and Victoria are reportedly hurt, they have not given up hope of a reunion. They are said to be especially saddened by the emotional toll the situation is taking on Harper. “For Victoria, it’s not even about the drama anymore, it’s about family,” the source added. “She’d love nothing more than for Brooklyn to be there for Harper. But it’s just not looking likely.”
Past efforts to bring the family back together have faltered. Brooklyn and Nicola have missed several key family gatherings, and his absence on social media during those occasions has not gone unnoticed.
Brooklyn feels he ‘doesn’t fit’ with the Beckhams anymore
Sources close to Brooklyn suggest his growing alignment with Nicola’s family is not just about proximity but emotional comfort. “He doesn’t feel his family ever truly accepted Nicola,” one insider said. “Now that he’s become so close with her parents, especially Nelson, it’s like he’s found a new place to belong.”
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz attend the Mugler Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show Getty Images
The source added that Brooklyn did not set out to distance himself, but that marriage changed his priorities. “He still loves his siblings, but he’s a husband now, and that comes first.”