From Trump to tortoise train delays: The biggest talking points of 2024

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Words by ITV News' Sam Leader

As 2024 draws to a close, it's time for reflection on a year defined by dramatic elections, cultural phenomena, and unforgettable events that will undoubtedly fuel conversations around dinner tables this Christmas.

Whether you hang on to every gem of celebrity gossip or keep an eagle eye on global political shifts, there was a lot to talk about this year.

A recent study commissioned by Readly, a digital magazine and newspaper app, has revealed the topics most likely to spark debates, laughter, and even disagreements this festive season.

The year’s political landscape was one of seismic changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election and Labour’s success in the UK general election were the standout events.

Donald Trump's election and the shooting in Pennsylvania were a big talking point Credit: AP

However, it was the shocking incident where Trump was shot in the ear that became one of the most unforgettable moments of 2024.

But it might be best to avoid bringing it up around the dinner table, as according to the study, political discussions are most likely to cause arguments during the Christmas holidays, with 31% of respondents admitting that disagreements about elections and policy changes regularly arise.

Entertainment provided a much-needed escape for many this year. Taylor Swift’s UK tour swept the nation into a frenzy, as her live shows sold out instantly, leaving fans desperate for tickets.

Equally nostalgic was the reunion of legendary rock band Oasis, whose comeback was met with huge excitement and made tickets almost impossible to find.

Baby Reindeer didn't just break the internet, it was also a top talking point for Brits in 2024 Credit: AP

TV lovers were also in for a treat - the Netflix phenomenon Baby Reindeer captured the public’s attention and became one of the most talked-about shows of the year.

If sport is more your thing, Luke Littler, the teenage darts sensation, made headlines by reaching the PDC Darts Final, earning him fans across the country.Similarly, the Olympics delivered its fair share of headlines, from an Australian breakdancer scoring zero to a pole vaulter’s unfortunate equipment-related mishap.

In a more lighthearted turn, 2024 was full of viral moments. The “Willy Wonka experience,” where attendees were left disappointed by a poorly executed event, became an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons.

Rachael Gunn, breakdancer for Australia at the Olympics, became a talking point after her performance Credit: AP

Not all events were cause for celebration.

The unexpected death of One Direction star Liam Payne in Argentina was one of the most shocking moments of the year, leaving fans worldwide in disbelief. For 37% of those surveyed, this tragic news was the most memorable event of 2024.

While news and entertainment provide much discussion material at the table, the study found that not all topics are welcome during festive gatherings.

Along with politics, family matters, religion, and finances are among the subjects most likely to lead to arguments.

Even relationships ranked highly, with 11% citing romantic matters as a source of tension at the dinner table.

Let's see what 2025 has in store.The biggest talking points of 2024:

1. Donald Trump winning the US election2. Labour win the UK General Election3. Donald Trump being shot4. Liam Payne dies in Argentina5. Oasis reform and tickets become gold dust6. Swiftie Fever as Taylor Swift’s tour sweeps the UK7. First blind contestant on Strictly8. Luke Littler reaching the darts final9. Popularity of Baby Reindeer on Netflix10. Nigel Farage being hit with milkshake11. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck split12. The ‘Willy Wonka experience’13. Rachael Gunn the Australian scores zero in the breakdancing at the Olympics14. A pole vaulter fails because of unfortunate incident15. Snoop Dogg appears at the Olympics16. Banksy’s provocative art17. Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury split18. Australian breakdancer Raygun19. The rioter hit with a brick20. The mysterious disappearance of wasps21. ‘Brat Summer’22. Winner of 'World's Ugliest Dog' contest announced23. Ryan Gosling dresses as Beavis and Butthead24. Tortoise causes train delay25. Adult only crisps released

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