I’m a Celebrity recap: ‘Marcia goes to Africa’

In the first episode of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! TV royalty Maureen McCormick struggles with her new reality of being stuck in a South African jungle with a bunch of Australians shes never heard of.

(L-R) Merv Hughes, Laura Dundovic Chrissie Swan, Joel Creasey, Maureen McCormick, Leisel Jones, Lauren Brandt, Andrew Daddo, Tyson Mayr and Barry Hall on episode 1 of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Picture: Nigel Wright Source: Channel 10

THERE are two things you have to hand to the producers of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

Firstly they resisted the urge to use Guns and Roses' Welcome to The Jungle in their opening sequence.

Well done, loved the choppers and the Wagner, nice nod to Apocalypse Now and fun way to blow of some budget.

But moreover they kept just who was going into jungle pretty well hidden, although, most of us could join the dots.

Cricketer probably means either Merv or, well actually, it pretty much just meant Merv.

AFL legend was a broader call but Barry Hall is a great choice (but more of that later).

Joel Creasy is a slight left field call, although I think he's one of this countries funniest and brightest young comedians.

An opinion he almost completely destroyed about three quarters of an hour in when he seemed incapable of figuring out how a gate worked.

As for four time Logie nominee, well that runs the gamut from Bert Newtown to the guy that cleaned my windscreen at the lights this morning.

Barry Hall is a great choice. Picture: Nigel Wright Source: Channel 10

Cricket means Merv ... or Merv. Picture: Nigel Wright Source: Channel 10

Jungle campers ... the cast of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! includes Joel Creasey, Chrissie Swan, Andrew Daddo, Laura Dundovic, Tyson Mayr, Leisel Jones, Maureen McCormick, Merv Hughes, Leisel Jones, Barry Hall and Lauren Brandt. Picture: Nigel Wright Source: Supplied

The rest we all know by now and we can all say, 'well yeah fair enough they're in' and let's face it, you would actually have to have a heart of ice cold granite not to at least say well, 'Good onya for having a crack'.

Oh and let's also get this out of the way Chrissie Swan always bring a smile to my face.

But that wasn't what the first show was about.

It wasn't about the crocodiles. I think we saw one, well maybe from a distance, it wasn't about the maggots, or the out door dunny (although I could have listened to Andrew Daddo talk about poo for at least another five or six nanoseconds).

It was all about Maureen McCormick — she of Marcia Brady of Brady Bunch fame. She helped so many men of my age and younger get through our early adolescence. Hell, it was Marcia "Friggin" Brady people!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Maureen McCormick is the surprising talent in I'm a Celebrity ... Picture: Nigel Wright Source: Channel 10

"Ms McCormick seemed suitably sweet". Source: Supplied

"You got the feeling that she really hadn't Googled the whole concept". Source: Supplied

The only thing that would have gotten me more excited if there was a last minute entrance from Campbell Newman riding naked on a hippo and drinking bourbon from a baboon's skull. Keep an eye out for that, it may just happen in future episodes.

Ms McCormick seemed suitably sweet and just a little confused to the point where you got the feeling that she really hadn't "Googled" the whole concept as thoroughly as she probably should have.

But she seemed fine as our celebrities all gathered at the luxury resort, although she did seem to wince more and more worryingly each time the name Marcia Brady was mentioned.

The Brady Bunch cast, featuring Florence Henderson (Carol) and Maureen McCormick (Marcia). Source: News Limited

Those were the days: Maureen McCormick from The Brady Bunch. Source: News Limited

Which was often, very often accompanied as it was by local women singing that beautiful traditional African song (and I translate loosely) - "There is a chance that not all of you will come back alive".

After that, there was the usual hiking, more hiking, a bit more hiking and good old Chrissie got crap dumped on her for the good of the team. That's probably a lesson she learned from all those years on commercial radio.

What I liked was seeing various people forming friendships, like Maureen and Chrissie, Tyson and everyone (seriously that guy is almost annoyingly good at everything) and the unlikely but enjoyable combination of Joel Creasy with Barry Hall.

In fact that's my two predictions from the first night, once this is over Joel and Barry will tour the clubs in a remake of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple.

And secondly Maureen McCormack will either "tap out" in the first week or she may gather the rest of them around her in some sort of awful cult, Kurtz style.

Demonically leading them into a dreadful heart of darkness until a commando squad is sent in to bring her to justice.

Ah! So that's why they were playing Ride Of The Valkyries at the beginning.

It's all starting to make sense to me now.

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Miracle for mugged disabled man

Victim ... disabled pensioner Alan Barnes, 67, was attacked outside his home. Picture: ITV Tyne Tees Source: Supplied

WHEN a severely disabled pensioner was mugged outside his home, his neighbour felt compelled to act.

Alan Barnes, who is visually impaired and weighs just 38kgs, was knocked to the ground as he put his bins out on January 25.

The 67-year-old British man was left with a broken collarbone and was too afraid to return home.

Shocked at the disgusting attack, 21-year-old neighbour Katie Culter set up a fund to help Barnes.

She expected to raise just 500 British pounds ($967). Instead, the Alan Barnes Fund on website GoFundMe has now passed 211,800 British pounds ($387,000) with donations coming in from around the world.

"I was absolutely amazed at that, I didn't expect anything like that. I haven't really thought about what to spend it on because I didn't expect anything," Barnes told The Mirror.

"I won't be wasting it and I'll use on somewhere else to live."

Alan, who is just 137cm tall, is currently living with his sister because he doesn't feel safe at home.

Fundraiser ... more than 200,000 pounds has been raised for Alan Barnes. Picture: GoFundMe/Alan Barnes Fund Source: Supplied

Barnes, who was born with a number of defects after his mother contracted German Measles while pregnant, said he was grateful to Cutler for setting up the fund.

"I'm really grateful and a thank you doesn't seem to be enough for how I feel," he said.

"I've heard of people getting get well cards but not this."

The experience has also been overwhelming for Cutler.

"I had just put my daughter to bed when I came across Alan's story on Wednesday night and I was really upset by what I had read," the beautician said, according to Mail Online.

"Alan obviously can't defend himself and he must have been so afraid. He comes across as such a quiet, timid, man and I can't imagine how this must have affected him.

"I wanted to do something to help so I went online to set up a fundraising page. I had heard that he was too afraid to go back to his old house so I thought raising a few hundred pound might help him to find somewhere new."

Caring ... neighbour Katie Cutler set up the online donation page. Picture: BBC Source: Supplied

The young mum said she was "lost for words" at the huge outpouring of support for her elderly neighbour.

"It doesn't feel real, I'm so over the moon," Cutler said.

"I think now he could probably buy a nice little bungalow for himself with a nice little garden.

"Also I've had people contact me with regards to donating kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, offering plumbing services and electrical services so I think he is going to have a nice place to live."

Police say they are searching for the alleged attacker.

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Protesters invade tennis final

Police and security remove protesters from Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

PROTESTERS have sparked a major security alert after bursting onto court at the Australian Open, interrupting play and forcing police and security into action during the men's final.

A group of activists calling for the Manus Island detention centre to be closed were interviewed by police and evicted from Melbourne Park.

Security officers circled tennis stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic when members of the group managed to enter the playing area on Rod Laver Arena during the second set.

Andy Murray surrounded by security as protesters disrupt the 2nd set. 19th January 2015. Pic: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

It is believed two protesters entered the court.

One protester was stopped by security and carried off the arena.

Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

The protest — with police and security on high alert due to heightened terror fears in the wake of the Lindt cafe siege in Sydney — forced the temporary suspension of play while the offenders were apprehended.

The protesters unfurled a banner in the stands demanding refugees be freed from the offshore detention and processing centre.

Several protesters interviewed by police wore white T-shirts emblazoned with the mottos ''Australia Open refugees'' and ''Shut down Manus''.

Picture:Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

In statement to media, the group "Australia Open for Refugees" said they were acting in solidarity with refugees who have been protesting in detention on Manus Island.

Karoline Morwitzer said: "We have created this international media spectacle today to expose the torture, abuse, and horrific conditions that are being perpetrated on Manus Island. We will not be silent."

"We are drawing a line with this issue, If we allow this to happen, there is no end to what the government is capable of."

Other refugee support groups have claimed in recent weeks that up to 900 of Manus Islands asylum seekers have been participating in hunger strikes, with numerous reports of self harm and suicide attempts.

Police and security remove protesters from Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

Australian Open chiefs last night condemned the behaviour and said substantial fines and penalties would be explored.

Several VIP's and celebrities were in the crowd including Premier Daniel Andrews, tennis legends Rod Laver and Margaret Court, Hollywood stars Eric Bana and Toni Collette and footy great Leigh Matthews.

Six members of the group were interviewed by police outside the stadium and had their bags searched.

Several protesters were evicted from front row seats.

Australian Open Tennis Mens Final. Source: News Corp Australia

The crowd of about 15,000 fans booed loudly when the protesters tried to ruin their night at the tennis.

World No. 1 Djokovic was up a set and a break when the security breach occurred.

Originally published as Protesters invade tennis final

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Djokovic claims record fifth title

Novak Djokovic has become the first man to win five Australian Opens in the Open era. The world number one continued his perfect streak in Melbourne finals, getting the better of Andy Murray in a brutal battle.

Australian Open runner up Andy Murray acted out in frustration as Novak Djokovic piled on the pressure in the third set of the 2015 final.

Andy Murray's fiance Kim Sears has hit back at critics after her swearing outburst in the semi-finals of the Australian Open by wearing a cleverly titled shirt.

Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy after winning the 2015 Australian Open. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

NOVAK Djokovic has overcome mystery illness, a mid-match court invasion by protesters and Andy Murray's stubbornness to seal Australian Open history.

No man has won more Melbourne Park titles than the Serb, whose fifth crown materialised in extraordinary fashion against perennial runner-up Murray.

And few have done it in more bizarre circumstances as Djokovic claimed his eighth major overall 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-0.

Struggling for balance and coordination while battling illness, Djokovic condemned Murray to his fourth defeat in an Australian Open decider.

Novak Djokovic looks towards his entourage for inspiration. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Watched by Australian sports greats Adam Scott, Sally Pearson, Ken Rosewall, Frank Sedgman, Margaret Court, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Neale Fraser and Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Djokovic was mentally superior.

But his exaggerated physical struggles prompted debate over the legitimacy of his problems.

Murray praised Djokovic generously afterwards.

"Firstly I'd like to congratulate Novak on his fifth Australian Open title," the Scot said.

"It's an incredible record, thoroughly deserved.

"I'll try and come back next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final."

Murray has now lost six of eight grand slam finals, the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon victories being exceptions.

Australian Open runner up Andy Murray acted out in frustration as Novak Djokovic piled on the pressure in the third set of the 2015 final.

Djokovic credited his support crew, headed by Boris Becker, as he joined Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Fred Perry and Ken Rosewall on eight majors overall.

"They sacrifice their lives in order for me to be out here. Without their support, this wouldn't be possible."

"I want to congratulate Andy for a great tournament."

Djokovic's theatrics aside, he was too tough.

He weathered Murray's physicality and tenacity in a match featuring 14 service breaks, refusing to panic as a peculiar match unfolded.

Just as Serena Williams overcame adversity against Maria Sharapova on Saturday night, Djokovic willed himself into second place overall on the Australian honour roll behind Roy Emerson (six titles).

Andy Murray reacts to a Novak Djokovic winner. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

When it was finished, Djokovic cast a glance skywards in tribute to his former coach Jelena Gencic and hurled his racquet into the crowd.

Not even the security breach at 4-3 in the second set, drunken sailor movement nor Murray's grit were sufficient to stop the world champion.

Similarly, the serving crisis which had him trailing 0-2 early in the third set had little impact on Djokovic's resolve.

Instead, against the pattern of a suffocating tight contest over the first two sets, Djokovic reeled off 12 of the last 13 games to destroy Murray.

Djokovic's body language ranged from supremely positive to uncoordinated as he struggled with the mystery affliction.

He struggled for breath between points, occasionally losing footing as his knees buckled amid speculation he was suffering a relapse of a virus.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

In the end it did not matter.

He was simply too tough, too resourceful - and too good.

He took 72 minutes to win the first set and 80 minutes to lose the second bracket.

The third and fourth sets occupied just 67 minutes.

An hour before the match, Djokovic's coach Boris Becker said: "Let's do this."

Initially, Djokovic produced "statement tennis" to dominate the first five games.

But from a posiition of overwhelming strength, he wobbled dramatically as Murray counter-attacked.

Andy Murray's fiance Kim Sears has hit back at critics after her swearing outburst in the semi-finals of the Australian Open by wearing a cleverly titled shirt.

From there until early in the third set, this was a contest of gripping baseline attrition.

In the end, it was a rout as Murray imploded.

Ahead 2-0 in the third, Murray seemed distracted by Djokovic's body language telling himself "don't worry about it" - only to lose serve. And six of the next seven games.

"So many times. How can you do it to yourself, how?" Murray roared at himself.

Against the odds, Djokovic then surged away to lift the Norman Brookes Cup for the fifth time - 2008, 2011,'12, '13 and '15.

The Serb collected $3.1 million and extends his lead at the head of the rankings.

Murray rises to No 4 and earned $1.55 million.

TWISTS: ODD FINAL A COMPELLING WAR OF ATTRITION

EXPLICIT: MURRAY FIANCEE'S SHIRT WOWS THE CROWD

Originally published as Djokovic claims record fifth title

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Refugee protesters disrupt tennis final

Police and security remove protesters from Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

PROTESTERS have sparked a major security alert after bursting onto court at the Australian Open, interrupting play and forcing police and security into action during the men's final.

A group of activists calling for the Manus Island detention centre to be closed were interviewed by police and evicted from Melbourne Park.

Security officers circled tennis stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic when members of the group managed to enter the playing area on Rod Laver Arena during the second set.

Andy Murray surrounded by security as protesters disrupt the 2nd set. 19th January 2015. Pic: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

It is believed two protesters entered the court.

One protester was stopped by security and carried off the arena.

Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

The protest — with police and security on high alert due to heightened terror fears in the wake of the Lindt cafe siege in Sydney — forced the temporary suspension of play while the offenders were apprehended.

The protesters unfurled a banner in the stands demanding refugees be freed from the offshore detention and processing centre.

Several protesters interviewed by police wore white T-shirts emblazoned with the mottos ''Australia Open refugees'' and ''Shut down Manus''.

Picture:Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

In statement to media, the group "Australia Open for Refugees" said they were acting in solidarity with refugees who have been protesting in detention on Manus Island.

Karoline Morwitzer said: "We have created this international media spectacle today to expose the torture, abuse, and horrific conditions that are being perpetrated on Manus Island. We will not be silent."

"We are drawing a line with this issue, If we allow this to happen, there is no end to what the government is capable of."

Other refugee support groups have claimed in recent weeks that up to 900 of Manus Islands asylum seekers have been participating in hunger strikes, with numerous reports of self harm and suicide attempts.

Police and security remove protesters from Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

Australian Open chiefs last night condemned the behaviour and said substantial fines and penalties would be explored.

Several VIP's and celebrities were in the crowd including Premier Daniel Andrews, tennis legends Rod Laver and Margaret Court, Hollywood stars Eric Bana and Toni Collette and footy great Leigh Matthews.

Six members of the group were interviewed by police outside the stadium and had their bags searched.

Several protesters were evicted from front row seats.

Australian Open Tennis Mens Final. Source: News Corp Australia

The crowd of about 15,000 fans booed loudly when the protesters tried to ruin their night at the tennis.

World No. 1 Djokovic was up a set and a break when the security breach occurred.

Police last night arrested a Brunswick West woman, 28 and a Brunswick East woman, 32.

They are expected to be charged on summons under the Major Sporting Events Act with illegally entering a sporting competition space (disrupting a match).

Six others calling for the Manus Island detention centre to be closed were last night interviewed by police and evicted from Melbourne Park.

A man, aged in his 30s and five women aged in their mid 20s to 32, will be slapped with fines for raising a banner at a major sporting event.

Originally published as Refugee protesters disrupt tennis final

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LIVE: Djokovic has upper hand

Australian Open runner up Andy Murray acted out in frustration as Novak Djokovic piled on the pressure in the third set of the 2015 final.

Andy Murray's fiance Kim Sears has hit back at critics after her swearing outburst in the semi-finals of the Australian Open by wearing a cleverly titled shirt.

Novak Djokovic celebrates taking the first set against Andy Murray. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

NOVAK Djokovic has created Australian Open history by lifting a fifth Melbourne Park title.

The Serb is the only player in the Open era (post 1968) to win five Norman Brookes Challenge trophies after securing his eighth major overall.

In an epic first set which lasted 72 minutes Djokovic finally prevailed in an enthralling tie-break.

At times Djokovic looked like his legs had turned to jelly as he struggled to remain steady on his feet.

In the second game of the second set he appeared to roll both ankles and at one stage harmlessly tumbled onto his back at the rear of baseline.

His actions were bizarre as he struggled against Murray who took the second set in a tie-break - 7-6 in a marathon 80 minutes.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the 2015 Australian Open. Source: Getty Images

Djokovic again looked proppy at times during the match but as quickly as he appeared to be struggling, he suddenly showed no signs of discomfort as he took the third set 6-3 in just 39 minutes and then completely dominated the deciding fourth set as Murray produced a disappointing end to the match.

The Scot now has the miserable record of having lost four Australian Open finals, with three of those losses coming at the hands of Djokovic.

EXPLICIT CONTENT: MURRAY FIANCEE'S SHIRT WOWS THE CROWD

SEE HOW A REMARKABLE FINAL UNFOLDED BELOW

Djokovic's triumphs in 2008, 2011, '12, '13 and '15 carries the world champion into second place for the most Australian titles behind Queenslander Roy Emerson, whose six titles - like Jack Crawford's four - all came as an amateur.

Until his 7-6 6-7 6-3 6-0 win over Andy Murray, Djokovic had been tied in second place overall with Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Crawford.

It was Djokovic's eighth Grand Slam singles title which equals Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Fred Perry and Ken Rosewell.

Djokovic went into last night's match with a 7-7 win-loss record in his past 14 Grand Slam finals and 4-0 win-loss record in Australian Open finals. He'd lost five of his past six finals until last year's Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the 2015 Australian Open. Source: Getty Images

And it was just the second time in the Open Era that the No 1 seed and the No 6 seed meet in the final of the Australian Open since the 1979 final when No 1 Gullermo Vilas defeated the No 6 John Sardi.

Murray was ranked World No. 6 when he came into the tournament and would have been World No 3 if he'd won, but despite his loss, is No 4.

Djokovic has now equalled Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer in first place for the most Australian Open final appearances _ five.

The $3.1 million prizemoney has again set Djokovic on course to earn more than $12 million for a fourth consecutive year.

Originally published as Djokovic makes history as Murray folds

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Djokovic makes history as Murray folds

Australian Open runner up Andy Murray acted out in frustration as Novak Djokovic piled on the pressure in the third set of the 2015 final.

Andy Murray's fiance Kim Sears has hit back at critics after her swearing outburst in the semi-finals of the Australian Open by wearing a cleverly titled shirt.

Novak Djokovic celebrates taking the first set against Andy Murray. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: News Corp Australia

NOVAK Djokovic has created Australian Open history by lifting a fifth Melbourne Park title.

The Serb is the only player in the Open era (post 1968) to win five Norman Brookes Challenge trophies after securing his eighth major overall.

In an epic first set which lasted 72 minutes Djokovic finally prevailed in an enthralling tie-break.

At times Djokovic looked like his legs had turned to jelly as he struggled to remain steady on his feet.

In the second game of the second set he appeared to roll both ankles and at one stage harmlessly tumbled onto his back at the rear of baseline.

His actions were bizarre as he struggled against Murray who took the second set in a tie-break - 7-6 in a marathon 80 minutes.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the 2015 Australian Open. Source: Getty Images

Djokovic again looked proppy at times during the match but as quickly as he appeared to be struggling, he suddenly showed no signs of discomfort as he took the third set 6-3 in just 39 minutes and then completely dominated the deciding fourth set as Murray produced a disappointing end to the match.

The Scot now has the miserable record of having lost four Australian Open finals, with three of those losses coming at the hands of Djokovic.

EXPLICIT CONTENT: MURRAY FIANCEE'S SHIRT WOWS THE CROWD

SEE HOW A REMARKABLE FINAL UNFOLDED BELOW

Djokovic's triumphs in 2008, 2011, '12, '13 and '15 carries the world champion into second place for the most Australian titles behind Queenslander Roy Emerson, whose six titles - like Jack Crawford's four - all came as an amateur.

Until his 7-6 6-7 6-3 6-0 win over Andy Murray, Djokovic had been tied in second place overall with Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Crawford.

It was Djokovic's eighth Grand Slam singles title which equals Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Fred Perry and Ken Rosewell.

Djokovic went into last night's match with a 7-7 win-loss record in his past 14 Grand Slam finals and 4-0 win-loss record in Australian Open finals. He'd lost five of his past six finals until last year's Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the 2015 Australian Open. Source: Getty Images

And it was just the second time in the Open Era that the No 1 seed and the No 6 seed meet in the final of the Australian Open since the 1979 final when No 1 Gullermo Vilas defeated the No 6 John Sardi.

Murray was ranked World No. 6 when he came into the tournament and would have been World No 3 if he'd won, but despite his loss, is No 4.

Djokovic has now equalled Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer in first place for the most Australian Open final appearances _ five.

The $3.1 million prizemoney has again set Djokovic on course to earn more than $12 million for a fourth consecutive year.

Originally published as Djokovic makes history as Murray folds

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Greste free from Egyptian prison

Released ... Australian journalist Peter Greste stands inside court's cage in Cairo. Picture: EPA/Khaled Elfiqi Source: News Corp Australia

JAILED Australian journalist Peter Greste has been freed from an Egyptian prison and is on his way home.

"There is a presidential decision to deport Peter Greste to Australia," a senior interior ministry official said.

An airport official said the 49-year-old left Cairo on an EgyptAir flight to Larnaca, Cyprus, that took off shortly after 4pm Sunday local time (1am Monday AEDT).

There is no prospect that Greste would face trial in Australia.

JAILED JOURNO: 'We must shirtfront Egypt on Greste'

JULIE BISHOP: 'Greste might have to see out his appeal hearing'

Greste — who spent 400 days in a Cairo prison — applied to Egyptian officials in December for his deportation.

Greste had been sentenced to seven years jail along with a fellow Al-Jazeera reporter, Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed Fahmy, for allegedly aiding the black-listed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Their Egyptian colleague Baher Mohamed was sentenced to 10 years.

There was no immediate indication of whether Fahmy and Mohamed would also be released.

Jailed ... journalist Peter Greste was sentenced to seven years jail. Picture: Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images Source: Supplied

Greste was eligible for deportation under a recent law enacted by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi allowing the deportation of foreigners to stand trial or serve their sentences in their home countries.

Before Christmas, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had discussed the case with her Egyptian counterpart and was "hopeful" and "optimistic" Greste would be released.

Negotiations to secure Greste's release were run by Saudi Arabia, and King Abdullah's death delayed the processing of the application by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Mr al-Sisi has also been preoccupied with an outbreak of violence by jihadists in the Sinai Peninsula.

Mr Greste's brother Andrew yesterday morning posted on Twitter the family was waiting for official confirmation.

"Until @petergreste butt is on a 747 outside of Egyptian airspace the campaign to free him continues. We've been let down before," he posted.

"I would welcome the news that @petergreste will be deported tomorrow. As yet I have no official confirmation."

Mr Greste added that if his brother did not receive a pardon the family was "pinning our hopes on the application for Peter's deportation".

Family ... Peter Greste's family Juris, Andrew and Lois Greste have been campaigning for his release. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia

Al Jazeera has called on Egypt to also release Fahmy and Mohamed.

"We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom," acting director of the Doha-based network, Mostefa Souag, said.

"The Egyptian authorities have it in their power to finish this properly today, and that is exactly what they must do. Peter's integrity is not just intact, but has been further enhanced by the fortitude and sacrifice he has shown for his profession of informing the public."

Originally published as Jailed Greste free, en route to Australia

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