QUOTES of the week

‘It does leave one very tired and exhausted, doesn’t it? This horrible pandemic. It’s not a nice result.’

The Queen confesses to NHS staff that Covid left her feeling low in February.

‘You’re like children.

Just settle down.’

National Education Union president Daniel Kebede reprimands his members who demanded the abolition of schools watchdog Ofsted.

‘There was a lunch and I’m not saying I’ve only just sobered up but at the same time

I’m not not saying that.’ J.K. Rowling tweets after a boozy get-together with other women concerned over the trans rights agenda.

‘If our side lets in a goal or three, it isn’t because we’re having a girlie meltdown. It’s because the other 11 girlies were better on the day.’ Broadcaster Libby Purves rejects claims by Northern Ireland women’s football team manager Kenny Shiels that female players are more emotional than men. ‘I was saying words I didn’t even understand, mangling sentences and completely floundering. I was awful.’

Holly Willoughby is candid about her early career in TV.

‘My body is doing incredible things

right now, and I’m not going to be ashamed of that. This time should feel celebratory. Because why should you be hiding your pregnancy?’

Pop star Rihanna

on showing off her baby bump.

‘Chris is very solid, plays things very straight and is charming. But he will need a more expensive suit and haircut.’

Westminster source after Chris Mason is appointed

the new BBC Political Editor.

‘Harrison is a monster of a man – but a very nice monster.’ Hollywood star Mads Mikkelsen is impressed by the fitness of 79-year-old Harrison Ford, his co-star in the new Indiana Jones film.