A woman who alleges she was raped by Russell Brand when she was 16 has come forward publicly, waiving her anonymity to campaign for changes to age of consent laws. According to BBC News, Mia Latter was among six women who made allegations against Brand in 2023 as part of an investigation by the Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches programme, where she had been identified under the pseudonym 'Alice'. Brand denied all allegations at the time.
The allegations emerged following Brand's conviction and sentencing on Monday to 10 and a half years imprisonment for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Notably, none of the six women from the 2023 media investigation were complainants in his recent criminal trial.
Brand's case has dominated UK newspaper coverage this week, with several publications reporting on developments following his sentencing. News.com.au reported that Brand was transferred from HMP Wandsworth to HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire five days after sentencing, following concerns about his safety in custody. A transfer to HMP Wakefield had reportedly been considered but ruled too dangerous.
What are the concerns about Brand's prison placement?
The Sun on Sunday quoted a former prison governor expressing concern about Brand's transfer to what was characterised as a lower-security facility. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on individual prisoner placements, citing standard policy.
What other stories dominated the Sunday newspapers?
Wayne Rooney's forthcoming appearance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! featured prominently across multiple front pages. The former England footballer revealed that abandoning alcohol six months prior had produced significant physical and mental health improvements. The Liverpool Echo reported that Rooney had lost more than 20 kilograms since quitting drinking. The Sunday Mirror noted that his wife Coleen had responded positively to the changes.
The Independent reported that Rooney participated in a skydiving challenge filmed for the show's opening episode, despite having previously described jumping from a helicopter as his greatest fear.
The Daily Star employed wordplay in its coverage, while reporting that Rooney was considered a favourite to win the competition once filming began in Australia. The 2026 series features 11 contestants alongside Rooney, including Joanna Page, Ricky Wilson, Ade Adepitan and Mariella Frostrup.
What EU-related stories appeared in the Sunday press?
The Sunday Express devoted significant front-page space to analysis of potential UK-EU relations, reporting on modelling that examined possible household impacts of rejoining the European Union within a decade. The analysis had not yet been published at the time of reporting. Andy Burnham, the subject of the coverage, has previously indicated that a mutually beneficial arrangement with the EU could be negotiated, potentially resembling
the Brexit that people thought they were voting forin 2016. A UK-EU summit was scheduled for the following week.
What other political and international stories made headlines?
The Sunday Telegraph led with Conservative accusations that Labour was promoting European Union ideology through universities by rejoining the Erasmus Plus funding scheme. The paper reported that the initiative would enable universities to apply for funding to deliver courses designed to
promote European citizenship. A Labour representative countered that
teaching students about EU institutions and how they work is not the same as promoting a pro-EU viewpoint.
The Telegraph also covered Wales's historic rugby victory over the All Blacks, their first win against the New Zealand team in 73 years. Additionally, the paper reported that Friday's US airspace shutdown had resulted from
an upgrade to remove copper wire.
What other government matters featured in Sunday coverage?
The Mail on Sunday reported that a Number 10 speechwriter had been observed using ChatGPT to assist in preparing a keynote address. According to the Mail, the individual was spotted using the artificial intelligence tool by another passenger.
When does I'm a Celebrity begin?
The 26th series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! is scheduled to premiere at 9pm on Monday, 16 November, on ITV1 and ITVX.
Key Facts
- Mia Latter, one of six women who alleged misconduct by Russell Brand in 2023, has publicly identified herself and is campaigning for age of consent reform
- Brand was transferred to HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire five days after receiving a 10-and-a-half-year sentence for rape and sexual assault
- Wayne Rooney has lost over 20 kilograms since quitting alcohol six months ago and will compete on I'm a Celebrity alongside 10 other contestants
- The 2026 series of I'm a Celebrity begins on 16 November on ITV1 and ITVX
