Ministry of Justice data shows an all-time high of 87 people were let out from behind bars too early last year - and more than 300 over the past five years.
Lythgoe, 75, who found fame as 'Nasty Nigel' judging ITV talent programme Popstars and later produced Pop Idol and its US spin-off American Idol , denied Ms Abdul's claims.
The NHS has been battling a 'tidal wave' of winter bugs, with doctors complaining patients are already having to be treated in corridors amid low capacity.
The actor, 85, who suffered a number of injuries after falling off the stage during a performance of Player Kings in June , was decked out in a colourful costume.
The White House has ruled out foreign adversaries and hobbyists as the cause of the drone invasion in New Jersey , leaving many residents to speculate it could be aliens.
Revellers came out in earnest to celebrate the penultimate Saturday before Christmas kicks off in Leeds and at the infamous annual Santacon pub crawl in London.
More than a third of its free places will be cut by 2027 as aid is cut from £9.7 million to £8.65 million despite the college sitting on a £553 million endowment fund.