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Jeremy Paxman's grilling of a British government minister, in which he asked the same question 14 times, has been shortlisted…

Jeremy Paxman's grilling of a British government minister, in which he asked the same question 14 times, has been shortlisted for the Royal Television Society's Television, Sports and Journalism Awards.

Paxman repeatedly pressed Michael Howard, Home Secretary at the time, on BBC2's late night news analysis show Newsnight.

Deirdre Rachid's three-week stretch in prison, which has gripped Coronation Street viewers, ended yesterday. Deirdre (actress Anne Kirk bride) is out on bail pending an appeal and has celebrated in the Rovers Return. Her plight moved one fan to send a cheque for £5,000 to help free her. Startled staff at Granada TV opened an envelope to find the cheque made out to "The Deirdre Rachid Appeal Fund". They telephoned the bank and returned the cheque - with thanks.

The Duchess of York has parted company with her newly-appointed executive assistant after just six weeks. Stephanie Klipsham (43), who was Fergie's press spokeswoman, left after a forthright telephone conversation with her boss, who is holidaying in the Bahamas.

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Her workload had been considerable and included house-hunting for Fergie and her daughters.