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TV presenter Derbyshire apologises for saying she will break rule of six at Christmas

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TV presenter Victoria Derbyshire has apologised for saying she would break the rule of six so her family could celebrate Christmas together.

The former Radio 5 live presenter, originally from Ramsbottom, told the Radio Times that she would break the restriction – designed to stop the spread of coronavirus – if it was still in place at Christmas.

She said: “If the Rule of Six is still in place at Christmas, we’re breaking it to have the rule of seven. We just are.

“Joining me, my husband and our two boys will be my mum, her partner and my husband’s dad. It’s fine. We’ll do it knowing what the risks are. We’re not stupid.

“We’re going to be sensible and buy a thermometer gun. But we have to be together at Christmas. It feels almost irresponsible saying that, but I don’t think we’re alone in feeling that way.

“We need to see my elderly mum and my husband’s elderly dad. We just do.”


However, the presenter this morning took to Twitter to apologise.

She wrote: “Good morning. I’m starting the day by saying I’m sorry: a few weeks ago the Radio Times asked me (amongst other things) what would potentially happen at Christmas with my own family if the rule of six was still in place….

“I talked about my mum, her partner & my dad-in-law spending it with us – making seven in our home in a Tier One area (medium). It was hypothetical – however I was totally wrong to say it & I’m sorry. We’ll of course continue to follow whatever rules are in place on Dec 25th.”

Earlier this year, Derbyshire’s self titled current affairs show on BBC Two was axed as part of a round of BBC cuts.

Derbyshire left BBC Radio 5 Live in 2014 to present the show on BBC Two and the BBC News Channel. It won a number of accolades, including a Bafta and RTS Awards.

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