Pressure builds on Captain Tom’s daughter over missing millions as TV bosses film probing documentary
CAPTAIN Tom Moore’s inspiring journey from British Army officer to Covid fundraising hero was always destined for the screen.
But no one could have predicted that story would end up featuring in a hard-hitting documentary on charity finances.
I can reveal that ITN has begun work on an investigation called Captain Tom: Where Did The Money Go? following Hannah Ingram-Moore’s confession that she had pocketed £800,000 from her father’s three book deals.
Question marks also hang over how the family funded a spa and pool complex at their Grade II-listed home in Bedfordshire and why payments of tens of thousands of pounds were paid to firms run by Ms Ingram-Moore and her husband.
Now the 90-minute film for Channel 5 promises to uncover exactly how each penny of the £40million raised from the British public was ultimately used.
Andy Dunn, executive Producer at ITN Productions said: “Nobody can forget the enormity of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s achievement during Covid, raising tens of millions for the NHS.
“It was a global phenomenon and he inspired so many.
“This documentary will examine Captain Tom’s legacy, paying tribute to the man who won the nation’s hearts but also unpick the claims and allegations that have thrown his charitable foundation into turmoil.”
Federico Ruiz and Adrian Padmore of Channel 5 and Paramount+ added: “Like everyone else in the country, we’ve been gobsmacked by the developments in this story.
“The deeper you dig, the further the rabbit hole goes. Where did the Captain Tom money go?
“Forget what you already know; after watching this doc you’ll be seriously questioning every single penny you’ve ever given away for a good cause.”
Tearfully opening up to Piers Morgan on Talk TV this month, Ingram-Moore spoke of her “regret” over building a spa and pool complex, despite planning applications being submitted in the foundation’s name.
On the books, Ms Ingram-Moore told Piers: “These were my father’s books, and it was honestly such a joy for him to write them, but they were his books.
“He had an agent and they worked on that deal, and his wishes were that that money would sit in Club Nook, and in the end…” Morgan asked: “For you to keep?”, and she replied, “Yes. Specifically.”
Captain Tom, who served in the Second World War, became a nationally celebrated figure after raising £38.9m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday during the height of the Covid national lockdown.
He died in 2021.
The prologue of the book reads: “Astonishingly at my age, with the offer to write this memoir I have also been given the chance to raise even more money for the charitable foundation now established in my name.”
A TV source said: “Captain Tom – the war hero, the light in Britain’s darkest days.
“He was knighted by the late Queen, won a Pride of Britain Award and even reached Number 1 in the charts.
“But with allegations swirling, has the whole legacy been tarnished?
This deep dive by ITN will seek to uncover the truth – it’s going to be a must-watch.”
WOBBLE BOX FOR STEPHEN
AFTER shooting to fame reclining on a sofa, Stephen Lustig-Webb faced a huge challenge as a contestant on Dancing On Ice.
But it has proven to be a step too far for the Gogglebox star after it was revealed this weekend that he had broken his ankle in a “freak accident”.
My exclusive pictures show Stephen was more than a little wobbly as he practiced ahead of the ITV show’s return next year.
Wearing a helmet and pads, the former Channel 4 star – who quit last month as a Goggleboxer alongside husband Daniel, is more doddery than dancer.
At least he’s got a nice settee to rest up on.
Bad luck, mate.
Bizbit
BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner Viggo Venn told the panel that his dream was “to become a British comedian” – and it now looks like he has made it come true.
The Norwegian funnyman tonight begins his first UK tour at the Milton Keynes Stables.
The run continues until February.
DUO TO DEBUNKDIE HARD
MOST of us are happy to suspend our belief to enjoy brilliant TV and films – but for the rest of us, Sky Max has two new instalments debunking the farcical for its Unofficial Science Of… series.
After delving into the madcap stunts of Home Alone last Christmas, I can reveal the ludicrous action scenes of Bruce Willis’ classic Die Hard and Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones are the next flicks to be put under the microscope.
Comedians Chris Ramsey and Paul Chowdhry will look at Die Hard and scientifically assess its stunts, including rooftop escapes and walking over shattered glass.
Along the way, the pair will set out to answer the biggest question of all: is Die Hard a Christmas film?
Chris said: “As a die-hard Die Hard fan, I’m chuffed to be working on this amazing project!
“It’s honestly one of my favourite films of all time, and this is almost like I get to be in it a bit, which is incredible!
“Who wouldn’t want to have a go at some of the most iconic action sequences to ever exist? Don’t try this at home!”
Then Greg James and Maisie Adam will take on Indy’s poisonous darts, attempt to outrun giant boulders and survive fireballs.
Greg James said: “I spent most of my childhood completely obsessed with recreating special effects and stunts and as I’ve grown up, life got in the way of carrying this on.
“So, when Sky asked if I wanted to see how some of the most impressive and famous stunts in the history of cinema were made, I’ve never said “YES PLEASE” quicker.
“Maisie and I are going to have so much fun.”
Whilst both duos explore the stunts of the films, Alex Brooker returns to explore the sets and meet iconic cast members to hear their favourite behind-the-scenes memories.
The first Unofficial Science special, which looked at the bonkers DIY death traps of Kevin McAllister in Home Alone, was Sky’s biggest original entertainment launch of 2022.
If anyone can top that, it’s Bruce Willis.
KNEESY DOES IT, MONTANA
MONTANA BROWN’s brush with the wild ended in her being medically withdrawn from Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last night.
I can reveal that, behind the scenes, the Love Island star dislocated her knee helping comic Zoe Lyons through a challenge.
She told me: “I was attempting to carry Zoe on my own, dragging her across the floor, and I felt my foot get caught in something.
“I heard my knee pop. I was writhing on the floor in pain.”
But it wasn’t all bad news for Montana, who yesterday revealed that she became pregnant days after she left the Vietnam jungle.
Last night, viewers also saw Towie’s James Argent quit, while Zoe was culled by ex-US marine Rudy Reves.
Suffering from trench foot, James said: “My feet were mashed. I couldn’t walk, it was constant agony.”
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins continues on Channel 4 on Sunday.
LEE: I WAS FISH OUT OF WATER
LEE MACK was thrilled to guest feature in BBC Two hit Gone Fishing – even though he couldn’t catch anything because he’s a vegan.
I revealed how the comic covered for pal Bob Mortimer when he was taken poorly with shingles and headed out on to the lake with regular co-host Paul Whitehouse.
But it wasn’t to everyone’s taste.
Chatting at the Princes Hall, in Aldershot, for the RHLSTP podcast, Lee said: “The people didn’t get Bob and they didn’t get fishing, as I’m a vegan so I wouldn’t fish.
“So you’d lost two of the three elements which make that show good.
“Thank f*** Paul turned up!”
At least we all had a good laugh.
Bizbit
NETFLIX will air a behind-the-scenes documentary following Kevin Hart and Chris Rock’s joint stand-up shows.
Headliners Only, which streams from December 12, will show the two comics as they prepare for a week of four sold-out shows in New York in summer 2022.