Remembering big moments of 2025

From VE Day commemorations to a sporting success story and political intrigue to turmoil at the BBC, we round up the events from the first half of the past year

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Millions marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with street parties, community events and royal celebrations.

Four generations of the royal family paid tribute to Second World War veterans and waved to crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony during an appearance which featured a Red Arrows flypast.

Sir Keir Starmer joined France and Canada in condemning Israel's military offensive in Gaza. The Prime Minister, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Premier Mark Carney, called for a halt to Israel's offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Gary Lineker's early exit from the BBC was confirmed following a row over his use of social media. The 65-year-old had been due to front the corporation's coverage of the 2026 World Cup but he stepped down after he shared - and later deleted - a post about Zionism which had featured a picture of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult.

Cowboy Carter, having missed out on the prize four times previously.