Holly Valance was photographed with former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson at the "Unite the Kingdom" rally in London on Saturday and praised the turnout, calling it a moment of "redemption" for the activist.
Valance, the former Neighbours actress and pop singer who has in recent years become a public supporter of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, told the Daily Telegraph Australia she was "very proud and pleased for Tommy, this is his redemption. Finally." She added she was "still reeling from such a historic moment in British history" and said she would not forget "Three million people who love the nation standing together to sing Jerusalem."
Organisers and authorities gave markedly different characterisations of the event, which police said drew between about 110,000 and 150,000 people. Around 5,000 people mounted a counter-protest described by organisers as anti-racism. Metropolitan Police said 24 people were arrested on suspicion of offences including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.
Clashes between supporters of Robinson and counter-demonstrators broke out on Whitehall and near Trafalgar Square, where officers used batons and lines of mounted police to try to contain crowds and create exit routes for those seeking to leave. Police reported 26 officers were injured, four seriously. A glass bottle appeared to strike a police horse during one confrontation, causing the rider to stagger, according to witness descriptions.
The rally featured a stage of speakers and guests who expressed anti-immigration and nationalist views, including Robinson, former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins, and far-right politicians from Europe. Tesla and X owner Elon Musk made a guest appearance and was interviewed onstage; he told the crowd they must "fight back" or "die," according to video of the event. Other international figures present included Eric Zemmour of France, Morten Messerschmidt of Denmark's People's Party, Petr Bystron of Germany's Alternative for Germany, and Poland's Dominik Tarczynski. Television personality Ant Middleton also appeared; he is a candidate for London mayor.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violent scenes and said anyone taking part in criminal activity would face prosecution. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said symbols used by some at the rally had been turned into emblems of "violence, fear and division" and said the government would not stand for assaults on police. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said ministers were determined to work to "start to bring communities back together again," while acknowledging the issue had not yet been solved.
Valance, 42, has in recent years moved in political circles previously uncommon for her entertainment career. She attended former US president Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in April 2022 with her estranged husband, property developer Nick Candy, and Mr Farage, and held a fundraiser for Mr Trump in London in June 2024. Mr Candy became Reform UK's treasurer last December after leaving the Conservative Party. Valance and Candy, who have two daughters, were reported in June to be separated and heading for divorce after 13 years of marriage.
Police said the size of the Robinson crowd made parts of Whitehall too congested for officers to control access as they tried to prevent clashes and allow safe egress for counter-protesters. Projectiles were thrown by some attendees toward counter-demonstrators as officers attempted to keep the groups apart. Later in the day, more than 100 helmeted officers, supported by dozens of mounted police, pushed supporters away from Trafalgar Square toward Embankment station as the crowd dispersed.
Organisers and participants framed the demonstration in different terms. Supporters presented it as a protest against migration and a defence of national identity; critics called it an organised far-right gathering that incited violence and racist rhetoric. The Metropolitan Police said it would review policing of the demonstration and investigate offences detected during the event. Prosecutors and the force did not immediately say whether further arrests were expected as inquiries continued.
The scale of the rally and the involvement of high-profile international figures and British public personalities have intensified debate about the role of such demonstrations in UK politics, law enforcement's capacity to police mass protests, and the connections between public figures and political movements. Ministers and opposition politicians said they would monitor inquiries and consider steps to address community tensions in the aftermath of the clashes.