Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Goose star Dr Ranj played a beaky blinder
No photographs of Prince Andrew or Harry & Meghan visible as she speaks to nation
MOTHER Goose panto performer Dr Ranj Singh swooped in to save a motorcycle stunt rider co-star after her death-defying act went wrong on stage.
There were gasps of horror as she crashed during a high-speed cageriding act, but the former Strictly star saved the day.
Ranj, playing Charlie Goose, is a former A&E doctor. He gave treatment in “his glittery costume” until paramedics arrived.
Director Paul Hendy said: “He was brilliant.”
The rider, Drueicy Madorf was rushed to hospital along with her father, Johnny, who also took a tumble during the show on Saturday.
Neither suffered serious injuries and are expected to resume their roles at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, Kent soon.
WITH her husband in hospital, her son rocked by scandal and the nation split over Brexit, the Queen has had a “testing” 2019, royal sources admit.
And the 93-year-old monarch will acknowledge the rocky road she has endured when she gives her Christmas speech tomorrow.
It comes after Prince Andrew’s car crash interview over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Harry and Meghan’s struggle with public life and the Duke of Edinburgh’s illness, which last night kept him in hospital for a fourth night. The Queen will give her speech with pictures of Harry and Meghan missing from royal snapshots placed next to her.
In what is seen as a reference to Brexit and the deep divisions it has caused across the land, she will talk about reconciliation.
The Queen is to say: “...how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding.
“The path is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.”
A Palace source said: “The Christmas message has always been an opportunity for the Queen to make references to the year experienced by the people and her family, albeit subtly.
“The past 12 months has seen a multitude of events that have set a rocky path for certain individuals and even made some compare it with the famous ‘annus horribilis’ of 1992. From the Duke of Edinburgh’s car crash, William and Harry’s strained relations, the Sussexes’ admissions they are struggling in the spotlight to Prince Andrew’s banishment, it’s been a very testing time for the monarch at the head of the family and she is quite right to admit it’s been a ‘bumpy’ ride at times this year.
“Then there’s the continued uncertainty over politics and Brexit experienced