Chiltern Firehouse: Pizza oven was cause of fire
A fire that tore through a luxury London hotel favoured by celebrities was caused by wood falling from a pizza oven.The Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, which was due to host a post-Bafta Film Awards party on Sunday evening, was partially destroyed by the fire on 14 February.The flames spread through the four-storey hotel in central London via ducting, damaging parts of the ground floor and half of the second floor and destroying the third floor and roof, London Fire Brigade said.The fire service said the fire was starting accidentally "by burning wood falling from a pizza oven and igniting the void between the basement and ground floor".
The five-star hotel in Marylebone was a former fire station in the 1880s.London Brigade assistant commissioner Paul McCourt said: "Crews worked incredibly hard for over eight hours in arduous conditions. "Presented with a complex fire in a historically significant building, formerly Manchester Square Fire Station, firefighters successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties."Around 100 people were evacuated and no injuries were reported. More than 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines were called to the scene.
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Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Original EastEnders cast now from Hollywood fame to tragic overdose and murder
Here's a look at where the stars are now, 40 years on from the soap's debut EastEnders is a quintessential British soap, deeply embedded in UK culture with its beloved characters, intricate family dramas, and decades of tradition familiar to generations of viewers. Since its dramatic launch in 1985, the show has seen significant changes - both on and off screen. From treasured icons who have sadly passed away, to cast members who found stardom in Hollywood or stepped away from the limelight completely, here's a glimpse at the original EastEnders cast and their whereabouts now, 40 years on. Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) At the heart of many major storylines, pub landlord 'Dirty Den' is one of the most iconic characters in British soap history. In reality, Leslie Grantham's life was fraught with controversy even before joining the show, reports the Daily Record. While serving in the British army in West Germany in 1965, Leslie attempted to rob a taxi driver and ended up shooting him in the head. He was convicted of murder and spent 10 years behind bars, deciding to pursue acting after his release. Post-EastEnders - which concluded due to an internet sex scandal he was embroiled in - he appeared in two UK tours of a stage adaptation of Beyond Reasonable Doubt, starred in police drama series The Bill, and made a cameo in the 25th anniversary episode of EastEnders. Leslie passed away in 2018, aged 71, from lung cancer. Dot Cotton (June Brown) Few characters in the annals of British soap are as iconic - or as cherished - as Dot Cotton. Portrayed by June Brown, Dot was introduced in 1985 as a laundrette worker with a complex son and a strong moral compass. June Brown remained with the show, intermittently, for 35 years. Her last on-screen appearance was in 2020 when Dot left Walford for Ireland. The BBC made it clear that the door was always open for her return, even leaving her dressing room untouched. However, June passed away in April 2022 at the age of 95. Her influence was so profound that Dot's off-screen death was treated with great respect in a special episode later that year. June, who had been partially sighted in her later years, was awarded an MBE in 2008 and a lifetime achievement award at the 2005 British Soap Awards. Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) Pauline was the heart of Albert Square's longest-standing family, the Fowlers. Pauline's storylines covered domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, and family tragedy - culminating in her dramatic death on Christmas Day 2006, after being hit with a frying pan and left to die in the snow. Wendy Richard, a veteran of Are You Being Served? stayed on EastEnders for over two decades. Her departure marked the end of an era. She was diagnosed with cancer shortly after leaving the show and died in 2009, aged 65. Wendy had received an MBE in 2000 and remains one of the soap's most iconic faces. Angie Watts (Anita Dobson) Anita Dobson, the original Queen Vic landlady, portrayed Angie with raw emotional depth, particularly during the infamous 1986 Christmas Day episode where Den handed Angie divorce papers. Despite pleas from producers for her to stay, Anita left in 1988. Angie was later killed off-screen in 2002, having died from alcohol poisoning. Now 75, Anita has enjoyed a successful career in theatre and TV, including roles in Doctor Who and Call the Midwife. She married Queen guitarist Brian May in 2000 and remains one of the most respected actors to have emerged from the show. Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) Bill Treacher's character Arthur Fowler was the everyman of EastEnders: kind, flawed, and a victim of life's pressures. After being warned that the stress of filming could be fatal, Bill asked to leave the show in 1995. Arthur was written out in a powerful storyline that ended in his death from a brain haemorrhage. Bill went on to appear in George and the Dragon alongside Patrick Swayze and continued acting until the early 2000s. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 92. Nick Cotton (John Altman) John Altman's character Nick Cotton, with his sneering grin and leather jacket, was EastEnders' first true bad boy. John played Nick across multiple stints from 1985 to 2015. Nick Cotton's final appearance saw him meet a grim end due to a heroin overdose, marking the end of one of EastEnders' most notorious characters. Now 72, John has since appeared in The Real Marigold Hotel and indie films, and continues to work in horror and theatre. Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, was introduced as Den and Angie's adopted daughter. Known for her glamour, Sharon was at the heart of many love triangles and betrayals throughout the 1990s. Letitia left the show in 1995, returned in 2001, left again in 2006, and came back for good in 2012. Now 57, she remains a central figure in Walford, with major storylines as recently as 2024. Off-screen, Letitia is fiercely private but is one of the few original characters still part of the current cast. Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) Michelle Fowler, played by Susan Tully, made headlines from her first appearance due to her storyline involving teenage pregnancy. Susan played her until 1995, after which she stepped away from acting entirely. She re-emerged behind the camera, directing episodes of Silent Witness, Line of Duty, and The A Word. Now 57, she is considered one of the UK's most respected TV directors. When Michelle returned to the show in 2016, she was played by a new actress, Jenna Russell. Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin) Ethel Skinner, a lovable gossip and former music hall star, brought a touch of old-school glamour to Albert Square. One of her most poignant storylines unfolded in 2000, when, terminally ill, she asked her dear friend Dot to assist her in ending her life - a plot twist that sparked controversy for the BBC. This episode also marked Gretchen Franklin's final performance as Ethel. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 94, having reportedly requested that her character never be recast. Pete Beale (Peter Dean) Pete Beale, played by Peter Dean, was a rough-around-the-edges but well-intentioned character who was married to Pat and later Kathy, and frequently clashed with his son Ian. Peter portrayed Pete until 1993, when the character was killed off-screen in a car accident as part of a dramatic plot twist introduced by new producers. Peter later expressed his disappointment at not being able to film his exit, stating that he was "devastated" by the decision. Following his departure from EastEnders, Peter made a few television appearances, including The Real EastEnders, but largely stepped back from the spotlight and is now in his early 80s. Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt) Lofty Holloway, played by Tom Watt, stood out in Albert Square as a kind-hearted and socially awkward character who was painfully sincere. His departure from the show in 1988 was similarly low-key, with a letter and a farewell. Tom Watt made a surprise return to the show in 2019 for Dr. Legg's funeral, but has otherwise pursued a career as a football writer and ghost-wrote David Beckham's autobiography. Although he is rarely seen on screen these days, he has found success behind the scenes in sports broadcasting. Lou Beale (Anna Wing) Lou Beale, played by Anna Wing, was the matriarch of the Beale family and a central figure in the early days of EastEnders. The Beale family's matriarch was the first character to be crafted for EastEnders, and she met her end in 1988 - but not before giving her loved ones a piece of her mind. She even managed to bury the hatchet with her adversary Pat. Post-EastEnders, Anna continued her stage career, landed various television roles, and starred alongside Orlando Bloom in The Calcium Kid. She also bagged roles in critically acclaimed films and was honoured with an MBE in 2006. Anna passed away at 98 due to natural causes. Sue Osman (Sandy Ratcliff) As one half of Walford's inaugural married couple, Sue Osman found herself at the heart of one of EastEnders' earliest and most distressing storylines - the unexpected cot death of her baby. This impactful storyline helped cement the show's reputation for confronting real-world issues directly. Sue grappled with mental health issues in later episodes before being written out in 1989. Off-screen, actress Sandy Ratcliff struggled with addiction, but later retrained as a counsellor. She passed away in 2019, aged 70. Simon Wicks (Nick Berry) A teenage heartthrob, Simon Wicks rapidly became one of EastEnders' most beloved early characters. His romantic entanglements, familial disputes, and musical prowess earned him a fleeting pop career – including a No. 1 hit with Every Loser Wins. Nick Berry, who bid farewell to EastEnders in 1990, went on to star in Heartbeat and eventually helmed his own production company. Now at 61, Nick prefers a tranquil life, far removed from the glare of showbiz. Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) Fans of EastEnders held Dr Legg, played by Leonard Fenton, close to their hearts as the serene doctor of Albert Square, contributing soothing solace throughout the series' formative years. Though he withdrew from regular appearances in 1997, he continued to pop up for weddings, funerals, and pivotal events. His last scene in 2019, marking the character's death from pancreatic cancer, offered a touching goodbye to dedicated viewers. Leonard Fenton himself passed away in 2022, aged 95. Mary Smith (Linda Davidson) "Mary the Punk," portrayed by Linda Davidson, stood out on EastEnders as an iconic single mother sporting vivid hairstyles, unapologetic sass, and a whirlwind existence. While Mary's narrative on parenting woes and sex work was ahead of its time, her departure in 1988 was without much ado. Linda swapped her acting hat for behind-the-scenes roles within the BBC in the 1990s, and later thrived in top-tier positions at digital giants, including the Jamie Oliver Group. Tony Carpenter (Oscar James) Oscar James, notable as EastEnders' Tony Carpenter, broke new ground as one of the first Black characters to grace Walford's streets. The hot-headed builder, entangled in family drama, stayed for just two years. After his stint on the Square, Oscar's career saw a mixed bag ranging from roles in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the Bard's plays. At 82, he's withdrawn from the spotlight of acting. Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih) Ali Osman, the taxi driver portrayed by Nejdet Salih, had a tumultuous journey in Walford, grappling with gambling issues, financial woes, and the tragic loss of his son Hassan. His relationship with Sue was a key element of the early drama on the show. After leaving the Square in 1989, Nejdet made sporadic TV appearances and later landed a role in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, continuing to act occasionally. Kelvin Carpenter (Paul J. Medford) Kelvin Carpenter, played by Paul J. Medford, was one of the Square's most intelligent teenagers, juggling school, ambition, and working-class resilience. He was notable for being a rare positive representation of Black youth on television in the 1980s. Medford left the show in 1987 to attend university and transitioned into stage roles before moving into an executive career. Since 2019, he has been serving as a vice-president at Nickelodeon. Debbie Wilkins (Shirley Cheriton) Shirley Cheriton's character, Debbie Wilkins, was the Square's artistic, middle-class outsider - a university-educated character who contrasted with her less academic neighbours. Cheriton left the show in 1987 after a brief stint and never returned. She largely retreated from the limelight but took on a few roles on stage and TV, including the 2009 comedy FM. She is now 69 years old. Andy O'Brien (Ross Davidson) Ross Davidson's character, Andy O'Brien, a gentle-natured nurse, made EastEnders history by becoming the first character ever to be killed off - in a dramatic road accident in 1986. Davidson later starred in Brookside and Hollyoaks before succumbing to brain cancer in 2006, aged 57. Saeed Jeffrey (Andrew Johnson) Saeed Jeffrey, portrayed by Andrew Johnson, was Walford's shopkeeper who had a brief and tumultuous stint on the Square. His arranged marriage to Naima and cultural struggles stirred up controversy both within and outside the show, leading to his departure after just ten months. Post EastEnders, actor Andrew Johnson relocated to the US where he featured in popular shows like Murder, She Wrote and Inspector Morse before retiring from acting. Now aged 70, his most recent known screen role was in 2019.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Tom Daley rules out having more children as he opens up on 'protecting' son Robbie
Tom Daley rules out having more children as he opens up on 'protecting' son Robbie Tom Daley and his husband Dustin Lance Black are parents to sons Robbie, seven, and two-year-old Phoenix but the former Olympic diver has ruled out expanding their brood Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black (Image: BANG Showbiz ) Tom Daley has declared that his family feels complete with no plans for additional children. The 31 year-old ex-Olympic diver, along with his partner Dustin Lance Black, 50, find their household perfectly fulfilling with sons Robbie, seven, and two-year-old Phoenix. When asked by Hello magazine about expanding their family, Tom said: "Family of four is good." The boys are regular features on Tom's social media with Robbie showing a penchant for the spotlight. But the former Team GB diver is cautious about exposing them to its drawbacks such as bullying. Tom said: "Robbie's got a lot of personality but there's also a part of me, with everything I went through as a kid, that wants to protect him as much as possible." Retiring post-Paris Olympics in August 2024 with an impressive five Olympic medals, including gold, the diving sensation started his sports journey at seven. Now he is determined to encourage his sons to pursue what they love, insisting he and Lance will back them whatever it might be. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Article continues below He said: "I want to be led by what they want to do. The way you can be your happiest is finding something you're passionate about, that you love to do, and then making it something you do every day. That's my hope for them." Tom has candidly shared his struggles with an eating disorder in his documentary Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds. Although he considers himself "fine" nowadays his relationship with food remains complex and he must continually manage his "expectations" following his retirement from competitive diving. He said: "Once you've had an eating disorder you always have a very different relationship with food – you question everything you eat, the amount of exercise you're doing, the calories you're burning.. Article continues below "Rationally when I look at myself I know I'm fine but that's not what the eating disorder sees. "The irrational part of your brain makes you question everything you do, making yourself not eat and then binge-eating. "Now that I'm retired, I have to adjust to not being able to train six hours a day six days a week and alter my expectations of what I need to do to maintain my happiness and health."
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Press and Journal
A summer of spectacle and fun: Here's all the events you can look forward at P&J Live
Summer in Aberdeen is going to be a busy one, with P&J Live offering a packed schedule of top events. From sporting stars to retro gigs, collectibles and big business events to major art exhibitions and ice skating, there should be a little something for everyone. The venue is one of the largest events spaces in Scotland. That has helped it attract acts such as Girls Aloud, Peter Kay, Bryan Adams and Olly Murs, Aberdeen Comic Con and Offshore Europe in recent years. Below is a breakdown of some of the biggest events and shows coming to the P&J Live this summer. June 19 Bringing together the best and brightest women in energy for a full-day experience designed to empower, connect and inspire. June 21 A night full of madness, the event combines the traditional game of bingo with a hilarious live show. June 21 The Paw Patrol crew are back and this time they are searching for treasure on an epic adventure. June 28 The international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA's number one hits to the stage. It is celebrating its 20th year. July 12 – August 10 An immersive attraction which brings the works of Vincent Van Gogh to life. It combines more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon's paintings with state-of-the-art technology and a special soundtrack July 13 This event will kick off the new season with exclusive fan experiences, giving attendees unique access to current players, club legends and a packed room of interactive activities. July 17, 18, 19; August 8 A 50-minute Pilates class against the immersive backdrop of Van Gogh's artistic masterpieces. July 18 A two-hour guided painting session with a drink as well as access to the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. July 22, 26; August 2 A 50-minute yoga class against the immersive backdrop of Van Gogh's artistic masterpieces. August 23 Calling all Lego fans, National Brick Events is back in Aberdeen with activities, displays and tutorials. August 24 For the first time ever, Pokemania is coming to Aberdeen offering an unmissable experience for collectors, traders and fans alike. The marketplace will be filled with top vendors and rare cards. September 2–5 The biennial event is committed to advancing the offshore energy sector's transition to a sustainable future. September 11 A black tie dinner for businesses looking to put their sports trivia to the test to be crowned 2025 champions. September 15 Multi-platinum award-winning musician Tom Grennan is coming to the P&J Live, with his concert coinciding with the release of his fourth album, Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn't Want To Be. September 27–28 Experience high-speed action and full-throttle excitement, as Hot Wheels vehicles are brought to life to perform jaw-dropping stunts. September 30 2000s boybands McFly and Busted face off in an epic battle on stage with classic hits like 'Year 3000', 'Air Hostess', 'Star Girl' and 'Five Colours in Her Hair'. October 3–5 The inaugural caravan, motorhome and outdoor leisure show will be held in Aberdeen this year. October 10 John Bishop will be marking his 25th anniversary in comedy with shows across the UK priced at just £25 per ticket. October 16 An unforgettable, fun-filled family adventure starring Europe's largest walking dinosaurs to ever roam the stage. October 18 A collective of 12 classically trained artists brought together by their love of rock music and immense talent, clad in rock warrior costumes. October 23 The show includes hits like 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun', 'The Edge of Heaven', 'Tainted Love', 'Love Shack', 'Living on a Prayer', 'The Final Countdown' and 'Don't You Want Me?'. October 24 Michael Starring Ben, the hit theatre production starring the UK's ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman, is coming to Aberdeen. October 24 Returning with live performances to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Pink Floyd album Wish You Were Here. October 31 – November 2 The event's 7th edition will continue its tradition of showcasing the biggest names in CrossFit and Strongman for a weekend of competition and community. The 2024 event brought large crowds and some of the biggest names in feats of strength to the city. November 7 X Factor icons JLS are returning to tour alongside special guest Example. Expect hits such as 'Beat Again', 'The Club is Alive', 'Everybody in Love' and 'She Makes Me Wanna'. November 14 Scottish footballing legends from Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United and Rangers will compete head-to-head in an action-packed six-a-side indoor tournament. The Dons were crowned winners during last year's event at P&J Live. November 15 Iconic 2000s boyband Five are back together for the first time in 25 years, performing hits like 'Keep On Movin'', 'Let's Dance' and 'If Ya Gettin' Down'. November 15 A tribute show highlighting the power of Motown, featuring music from Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. November 22 Produced by The Dubliners' John Sheahan – renowned fiddle player and legendary Irish icon – this new show packs 50 years of songs, stories and craic. November 27-30 Combining some of Disney's most beloved stories including Encanto, Moana and Frozen with the spectactular of ice skating and costumes. December 6 Comedian and presented Jimmy Carr, known for his iconic laugh, is back on tour with his newest show, Laughs Loud. December 7 One of the UK's most beloved British bands Madness is embarking on a tour to celebrate their legendary career with hits like Our House, It Must Be Love, House Of Fun. December 10 The popular Christmas movie is being brought to the stage, with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film. December 14 Katy Ellis, a self-obsessed 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers, promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.
