Strictly Come Dancing’s history of ageism rows and scandals as show waltzes into yet another controversy after Nadiya Bychkova, 36, was axed
Daily Mail
PR guru Mark Borkowski has said that with Tess and Claudia going in a matter of months, Britain is now watching the ‘slow death’ of Strictly and the presenters are fleeing a ‘dying format’ to protect their own careers.
‘This is the slow death of Strictly’, he said.
‘ITV can hear the death rattle. Stars are wary after all the recent headlines. People have seen the writing on the wall, who wants to be the last act in a long-running variety show, thanking a studio audience that’s already halfway to bed?
‘The exit of Claudia and Tess is brand preservation. Timing is everything and nothing kills a career faster than loyalty to a dying format’.
He added: ‘When you’ve fronted a juggernaut that’s starting to creak under its own sequins, the smartest move is to waltz off while the music still sounds half-decent’.
A clanger about cats could sink Jessie Buckley’s Oscar campaign
The Telegraph
The run-up to the Oscars ceremony is a “crucial time” for the nominated actors, explained Mark Borkowski, a British PR consultant. “That is the time to strategically manage what you say and what you do during this time, because everybody wants a soundbite from you.”
Mr Borkowski said that the “number one piece of advice” he gave to celebrities before an interview was to “never comment on cats and dogs. No pets, particularly cats and dogs”.
“People judge celebrities on their relationship with their pets and particularly it comes down to cats and dogs,” he added.
Could the comments cost her an Oscar? “It’s a sharp lesson in the intricacies and the strategic campaigns you have to manage during that time. Her team has struck me as being quite naive to allow that amount of access to her,” added Mr Borkowski.
A clanger about cats could sink Jessie Buckley’s Oscar campaign
‘I’m a celebrity crisis PR and I know disgraced Huw Edwards’ desperate last move’
The Express
However PR consultant and Celebrity Crisis Manager Mark Borkowski doesn’t believe that was his intention as he revealed what Edwards could do possibly now that he is no longer in the spotlight. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: “I don’t think he did [attempt a relaunch]. You see, anything like that is about the nuance, and it’s what people perceive that action to be,” he said.
Mark acknowledged it would be impossible for Huw to make a comeback in his previous profession. “I think there are certain people who are irredeemable. And whether you’re Jeffrey Epstein or Huw Edwards, you are what you have done,” he said.
“There are certain things that are not recoverable. It is what you do, not what pictures you put out or whatever [that will shape the opinion of you], but what you do. Probably one of the greatest historic examples is John Profumo,” Mark said.
“He was part of a honey trap with Russian spies and whatever and disappeared from public view, but did a huge amount of good charitable work after that,” Mark said.
“That is his legacy. His legacy isn’t whether or not people in the public eye are writing good things about him. He quietly got on with it, and that’s that’s what you have to deal with.
“Where someone is used to being in the limelight all the time and cravings that limelight again when it’s gone it comes down to what you are as a human being.
“That’s also partly what reputation managers have to do is deliver bad news to people or come up with some extraordinary idea that reclaims someone’s reputation,” he said.
Inside Armie Hammer’s Life Five Years After ‘Cannibal’ Scandal: Therapy, Dating and Money ‘Struggles’ (Exclusive)
US Weekly
Others still have their doubts about a comeback. On his podcast, The Armie Hammertime (which he launched in October 2024 and is now on hiatus), Hammer shared several provocative views, including admitting that he “loved marijuana roofie-ing people.” And in Frontier Crucible, his character sexually assaults a woman — an odd choice to kick off his showbiz return. “You cannot say, ‘I understand the harm [I’ve done]’ and then reenter the conversation by reenacting it,” says PR expert Mark Borkowski. “It’s tone-deaf, bordering on self-sabotage.” An insider tells Us Hammer understands “the sensitivity and why people might question the optics,” noting that the role required serious reflection and “wasn’t chosen lightly. He was just really eager to work again and get back to what he loves doing, acting.”
He’ll have to be strategic about what he does next. “Will he ever be where he once was? Probably not,” says Borkowski, “but Hollywood doesn’t need you to be spotless — just useful.” The first source says Hammer doesn’t feel “entitled” to forgiveness: “His focus is on taking responsibility, continuing the work and earning trust through consistent actions over time, regardless of the outcome.” The insider adds that Hammer still struggles with daily life challenges, “like any other human being,” but is committed to his recovery path and “just being a positive person in others’ lives.”
Armie Hammer’s Life Post-Scandal: Therapy, Fatherhood and Acting Again (Excl) | Us Weekly
‘Build a narrative and fight back’: Mandelson draws on own advice for crisis management
The Guardian
The crisis PR consultant Mark Borkowski said the instruction of Mishcon de Reya was a sign that Mandelson believed that “attack was the best form of defence”. He suggested the police would be under pressure over what now appeared to have been a “performative arrest”.
Up until the search of Mandelson’s homes in early February, the peer had dealt with media queries personally. The change of approach did carry risks, Lyons said, and certainly the continued drama was a thorn in the side of Starmer’s government as it sought to reset.
“It’s understandable why the peer wants to present himself as the victim of an injustice – and mentioning his desire to stay with his husband and dog was a nice human touch,” he said. “But the danger is, given all that has come out, this approach only serves to anger the police while further alienating the public. I’m sure he will be at pains to present himself as cooperating fully going forward.”
Meet the next Gen Beckhams: How Romeo, Cruz and Harper are poised to take family ‘dynasty’ into new era
Hello Magazine
“The Beckham brand has evolved into a dynasty, and Cruz and Romeo are entering their imperial phase with surprisingly good timing,” the leading PR expert Mark Borkowski tells HELLO!.
“David and Victoria have done something incredibly difficult in the age of instant backlash and overexposure: they’ve raised two sons who are entering the fame economy without looking as though they’ve been focus-grouped into existence.”
Mark Borkowski adds of Romeo: “He is carving out a route that feels less like inherited celebrity and more like someone who understands the fashion world’s appetite for narrative. He’s got the look, the access and, crucially, the restraint, which is rare for second-generation fame. If they maintain this trajectory, they’re not going to be lumped in with the usual nepo-baby clichés.”
Speaking about the trio’s earning potential, Mark Borkowski says that they are certain to increase the family’s fortunes. “A billion-dollar outcome is possible, but it will depend entirely on whether each of them can establish authentic gravity beyond the family narrative,” he says.
Exclusive: ‘Nepo baby’ Harper Beckham is on the cusp of a ‘billion-dollar enterprise’
Hello Magazine
Victoria Beckham has built a fashion and beauty empire worth hundreds of millions, and is defined by her polished style and natural approach to make-up. While her sons have pursued music and modelling avenues, her youngest and only daughter seems poised to follow in her famous mum’s footsteps – and could become the “next big beauty mogul” with billion-dollar potential, according to experts.
Harper Beckham, 14, has – much like her mum – shown a passion for makeup and skincare as she’s grown up in the public eye, often supporting Victoria’s brand and filming beauty tutorials posted to her mum’s social media.
“Harper researches for hours and has a real interest in beauty products,” Victoria once told HELLO! Fashion about her daughter’s interest in the industry. And it appears a debut beauty range from the teen could potentially be on the horizon after HIKU BY HARPER was reportedly filed for trademark application by Victoria’s company in October 2025.
Meanwhile, leading PR expert Mark Borkowski says that Harper and her brothers, Cruz and Romeo, are certain to increase the family’s fortunes. “A billion-dollar outcome is possible, but it will depend entirely on whether each of them can establish authentic gravity beyond the family narrative,” he tells us.
Exclusive: ‘Nepo baby’ Harper Beckham is on the cusp of a ‘billion-dollar enterprise’ | HELLO!
Prince William and Kate face ‘rebuilding Royal Family integrity’, says PR expert
Daily Express
Prince William and Princess Catherine are set to face “rebuilding the Royal Family’s integrity”, claims one PR expert. As the King’s eldest son, William is next in line to the throne, with Catherine ready to stand next to him one day as Queen.
The Royal Family are currently facing a crisis with the Firm trying to distance itself from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, especially in the wake of his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday. Speaking of Catherine and William, public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski has said the royal couple will be faced with the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the Royal Family?”.
William and Kate face ‘rebuilding Royal Family integrity’ | Royal | News | Express.co.uk
Prince William and Princess Kate hit red carpet at BAFTAs as they shrug off Andrew arrest scandal blighting Royals
The Sun
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said Kate and Will bear the weight of the future of the royal family amid Andrew’s downfall.
“The heavy weight of this burden on the royal family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do,” he said.
Crisis Consultant Shares How Princess Kate and Prince William Can Fix the “Royal Family’s Reputation” Problem After Andrew’s Epstein Scandal
Marie Claire
Speaking to the Daily Mail, crisis consultant Mark Borkowski alleged that, as the future King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales need to “establish the integrity of the Royal Family.”
The consultant continued, “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the Crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.”
“The pressure on William to communicate what the Royal Family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders,” Borkowski said. “The heavy weight of this burden on the Royal Family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William Can Mend Royal Reputation | Marie Claire
William admits he’s ‘not in calm state’ during BAFTAs appearance with Kate after Andrew arrest
LBC
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski spoke on the impact of the ongoing Epstein after Andrew’s arrest on Thursday 19 February, saying that as the future of the monarchy, the couple will need to set out their vision for the institution.
“Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.“
He said the couple faced the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”, as Andrew is investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
William admits he’s ‘not in calm state’ during BAFTAs appearance with Kate after Andrew arrest | LBC
It’s up to William and Kate to rebuild royals’ integrity after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal, PR expert says
The Independent
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the couple faced the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”.
He added: “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.
“The pressure on William to communicate what the royal family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders. The heavy weight of this burden on the royal family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.”
Prince William and Kate face pressure to restore royal family reputation after Andrew arrest
The Mirror
PR crisis consultant Mark Borkowski says Prince William and Kate face the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?” following Prince Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct.
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the couple were confronted with the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”
He added: “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.
“The pressure on William to communicate what the royal family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders. The heavy weight of this burden on the royal family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton warned to ‘rebuild’ royal family after Andrew arrest
Daily Star
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the couple faced the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”.
He added: “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.
“The pressure on William to communicate what the royal family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders.
“The heavy weight of this burden on the royal family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton warned to ‘rebuild’ royal family after Andrew arrest – Daily Star
It’s up to Kate and William to save the Royal Family: ‘Pressure falls squarely’ on Prince and Princess of Wales to rebuild integrity of the monarchy over next 50 years, says PR guru
Daily Mail
With the former prince’s approval rating at a record low over his relationship with the convicted paedophile, crisis consultant Mark Borkowski has said William and Kate face having to somehow ‘establish the integrity of the royal family’.
He added: ‘Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.
‘The pressure on William to communicate what the royal family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders.
‘The heavy weight of this burden on the Royal Family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.’
Princess Eugenie and Beatrice ‘hold crisis talks’ after Andrew Windsor’s arrest
Daily Star
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the couple faced the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”.
He added: “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.
“The pressure on William to communicate what the royal family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders.”
Princess Eugenie and Beatrice ‘hold crisis talks’ after Andrew Windsor’s arrest – Daily Star
Kate makes first public appearance since arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
The Independent
Kate and William will have the task of rebuilding the “integrity of the royal family”, which has been damaged by Andrew’s friendship with Epstein, a PR expert earlier suggested.
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the couple faced the question of “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”
He added: “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.
“The pressure on William to communicate what the royal family is going to be over the next 50 years falls squarely on his shoulders.
“The heavy weight of this burden on the royal family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.”
Princess Kate attends England v Ireland Six Nations match in first public appearance since Andrew arrest
Irish Mirror
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski suggested the couple must address “how do they establish the integrity of the royal family?”. He added: “Really, what do William and Kate do? What do their generation do with the crown, with all its soft power, its affairs of state, it’s beginning to feel a little bit like a European monarchy.”
The responsibility for communicating the direction of the royal family over the coming 50 years rests firmly on William’s shoulders.
“The heavy weight of this burden on the royal family’s reputation lies with William and Kate and what they’re going to do.”
Sarah Ferguson’s dirty laundry’s just been hung out – she now ‘only has one option left’
Daily Express
“It’s a bit of a double blow for her because not only are the Epstein emails that have come out excruciatingly embarrassing, but it’s timed with the release and the success of Andrew Lownie’s book, Entitled,” says PR expert Mark Borkowski. “It’s like every bit of dirty laundry has been hung out to dry, and it gets worse; it’s the drip-drip of reputational damage that she is suffering.”
Sarah Ferguson’s bleak future as scandal forces her ‘into hiding’ | Royal | News | Express.co.uk
Ryan Reynolds’ ex Scarlett Johansson is latest star to be dragged into Blake Lively’s legal war with Justin Baldoni
Daily Mail
PR expert Mark Borkowski told Us Weekly that the celebrities whose names have been dragged into the case have ‘minimal’ risk when it comes to their reputation.
He then noted that ‘their irritation levels will be off the charts,’ however.
Daily Mail has also reached out to Reynold’s reps for comment, but did not immediately hear back.