Rod Stewart makes political statement at Glastonbury hours after backing Farage

Sir Rod Stewart made a political statement just minutes into his energetic set at the Glastonbury Festival. After belting out a few of his hits, the star took a moment to pause and soak up the atmosphere.

He took off his jacket after complaining about the heat and shared with fans: "Thank you, thank you, I am so excited, I can hardly breathe. There's been a lot about the Middle East in the news recently, quite rightly so. I want to draw your attention to Ukraine for a minute. The next song is called The Love Train. Get on board The Love Train."

The comments came hours after he expressed his support for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The forever young singer told The Times in an interview: "We're fed up with the Tories. We've got to give Farage a chance. He's coming across well."

On Mr Farage, he added: "What options have we got? I know some of his family, I know his brother, and I quite like him."

The singer also addressed Prime Minister Sir KeirStarmer's attempt to reset Britain's relations with the EU, saying: "Starmer's all about getting us out of Brexit and I don't know how he's going to do that."

His remarks came after Glastonbury organisers issued a statement saying they were "appalled" by comments made by punk duo Bob Vylan, who called for "death" to the Israeli military during a performance on Saturday.

The rapper chanted "free, free Palestine" and "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]" during the band's Glastonbury set.

BBC viewers took to social media to comment on the Sailing singer's performance, with one noting: "Why are people trying to cancel Rod Stewart for saying we should give Nigel Farage a chance? I don't agree with him on that, but that's no reason to try to cancel him or wish harm on him. Disagreeing with someone shouldn't mean silencing them. He seems a good man."

Another said: "Like him or not. Rod Stewart has still got it!! He's a showman, a great entertainer, and can work a crowd. You go Rod!! Big shout out to his Band."

Some else penned: "I hope everyone at #Glastonbury tells Rod Stewart exactly what they think of him and his support for Farage." Journalist India Willoughby remarked: "I note the BBC are censoring Kneecap - but Rod Stewart can declare his support for Reform, Farage, and - previously - Enoch Powell."

Glastonbury Festival coverage can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and listened to on BBC Sounds.