Beloved BBC music star who performed for millions dies aged 74 as tributes flood in
'MOST INTENSE SADNESS' Beloved BBC music star who performed for millions dies aged 74 as tributes flood in
A BELOVED BBC music star who performed for millions has died aged 74 as tributes flood in.
Composer and conductor Ronald Corp OBE tragically died on the morning of May 7.
Advertisement
The music icon had a high-flying career with the BBC Concert Orchestra was spotted on TV for its eight-week orchestra program BBC Proms.
He also was the musical director for both the London Chorus in 1994 and the Highgate Choral Society.
The London Chorus released an emotional tribute for their former director.
They wrote on their website: "It is with the most intense sadness that we announce that our beloved Musical Director, Ronald Corp, died on the morning of 7th May at Bath.
Advertisement
"Ron was not simply a highly talented musician, as a composer, conductor and chorus master.
"He was a genuine friend to us all: motivated at all times by the sincerity of his love of music and of the people with whom he made it."
Fans of the beloved composer have taken to social media to share express their sympathies.
One wrote: "Very sad to hear the news of the death of conductor, Ronald Corp OBE - a very sensitive and dedicated conductor, so at home in music by our home-grown composers. (He was also a composer, himself.) @BBCRadio3 @ArcheryPromos @TheLondonChorus."
Advertisement
Another shared: "The death has been announced, aged 74, on 7th May of Ronald Corp OBE.
"Composer, conductor and Anglican priest he is probably best known for his work with British light classical music notably including Robert Binge (Sailing By, Elizabethan Serenade etc)."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
14 minutes ago
- Metro
Strictly's La Voix is already getting hate – and the reason is depressing
Finally, Strictly Come Dancing has its first drag queen contestant in a regular season – La Voix. Real name Chris Dennis, the 45-year-old Drag Race star is reality TV royalty and the perfect choice to throw the first heel and wig through the glass ceiling of Strictly. She competed on RuPaul's Drag Race UK just last year, but has long been an icon in the community — easily one of the most well-known queens in the country. Unfortunately, the predictable hate she's received just for being her loud and proud self is a sign of the awful times we live in now. I truly hope it doesn't get to her, and that she can make history on the BBC's flagship entertainment show. I was familiar with La Voix before Drag Race. She'd competed on Britain's Got Talent in 2014, reaching the semi-finals with the London Gay Band — long before drag was as popular in the UK as it is now. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Even without the platform that is Drag Race, she still managed to land big TV gigs on WOW's Queen of the Universe and ITV's Queens For The Night. But I didn't truly know her until Drag Race. I knew the name, but I didn't know the full extent of the talent. To say she was robbed of winning her series feels unfair – given the innovation and brilliant mind of champion Kyran Thrax — but La Voix was one of the best queens Drag Race has ever seen, on either side of the Atlantic. She's going to bowl Strictly fans over, if not with her moves, then with her soft heart and. La Voix is a triple-threat performer — dancer, singer, and actor — and has the sharpest humour of anyone who's taken to the BBC ballroom. But the importance of her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing can't be underestimated, even if it feels long overdue. In 2019, Courtney Act made history as the first ever drag queen on Australia's version of Strictly, called Dancing with the Stars. Unsurprisingly to anyone who watched her on Drag Race, she was sensational and an enormous hit with viewers, finishing in second place with her partner Joshua Keefe. It wasn't until a year later that Strictly welcomed its first same-sex couple, Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, then John Whaite and Johannes Radebe the year after that. Then on Christmas Day last year, Drag Race's Tayce competed in the show's annual one-off special. Not only was she absolutely sensational — she won. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It was a pivotal moment for drag, but part of me felt disappointed that it was happening in the special and not the main event. The latter is watched by so many more viewers and their names become fixed in people's homes for months. If there hadn't been a drag queen in this series, it would have felt like a kick in the teeth. It's a shame Tayce wasn't invited back — not only for the viewers' benefit, but because she clearly deserved it too. But thank god for La Voix, who will be the perfect representative of the drag community — a queen who was destined for Saturday night telly. And it's needed now more than ever. The drag community has been under attack for years. As soon as the culture started to become mainstream – through drag brunches and drag queen story time – it was deemed a threat to society. It's a heartbreaking battle and it's nowhere near over. Earlier this month, two drag queens were escorted out of a library by police because the overbearing chants of protesters won. Lady Portia Di'Monte — known as 'Northern Ireland's First Lady of Drag' — and Miss Dora Belle were booked by the library to read to children. Many parents would have taken their children specifically for drag story time, and I have no doubt their kids loved every second of it. But no matter how harmless — even beautiful — drag proves itself to be, its protesters seem to win more and more. Northern Ireland's Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, later said the event was 'not appropriate for children' and 'should not have taken place'. The queens were reading The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo, yet they were treated as though they were performing explicit excerpts from gay erotica. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Naturally, then, it was no surprise to see the reaction to La Voix being announced as the seventh star signing up for Strictly 2025. I don't think any of the comments on the BBC's announcement are worth repeating — we've heard them time and time again — but they were devastatingly predictable. I'm thrilled the BBC is making a statement with this line-up — that it won't bow down to the loud minority who complain week after week, pitchforks sharpened, that La Voix has no right to be on its biggest show. A show that is camp as Christmas and celebrates diversity more than any other. But I hate that it's still a statement at all. I'm so tired of the LGBTQ+ community — particularly the drag and trans community — being a statement simply by existing. More Trending I hate that the response to La Voix taking part in a dance contest was so predictable. Thank god she has the resilience of a warrior. Perhaps if Strictly Come Dancing had welcomed a drag queen to the stage sooner, there would be many viewers who haven't experienced the joy of drag that might have been won over by now. Six years behind its Australian counterpart feels like a long time, but at least it is time. This is a landmark moment for the LGBTQ+ community and if there is a drag queen out there who can take the crown, it's La Voix. View More » Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: I had to give up sport – it'll be different for my daughters MORE: Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova shares major health update after 'scary' fall MORE: The Apprentice's Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner on Strictly
Metro
14 minutes ago
- Metro
Who is Thomas Skinner? Strictly backlash and controversies explained
Thomas Skinner has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing amid plenty of uproar. The BBC show has landed some big names for the upcoming series, ranging from former Love Island star Dani Dyer to Doctor Who legend Alex Kingston. However, many fans have been left furious after the 34-year-old former Apprentice candidate was unveiled for the Latin and ballroom show. Skinner has been criticised for his outspoken political views in the past, and Strictly viewers have been quick to complain about his casting on social media. 'This might be the worst casting call in years,' complained @thejasvalentine, while @109mph quipped: 'April Fools was 134 days ago…' Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. It's fair to say not everyone is pleased to see him in the lineup, but why? Here's everything you need to know. Thomas Skinner rose to fame on The Apprentice in 2019, making it to week nine of the programme. He impressed viewers and Lord Alan Sugar himself on the series, with the business mogul describing him for his 'honourability' and 'say it as it is' nature. At the time of filming, he owned The Fluffy Pillow Company, which sold beds, mattresses and his own design for memory foam mattresses. Skinner made the most of his time in the spotlight, catching on with his 'bosh' catchphrase and amassing a large social media following. He's also appeared on the likes of Celebrity MasterChef and 8 Out of 10 Cats, even if he's got his fair share of critics. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Skinner's day job still revolves around pillows, although the company has changed over the years. In 2022, he resigned as director of Bosh Beds, which has since dissolved. Now, according to Companies House he's a director at The Fluffy Pillow Company, which specialises in mattresses, beds and pillows. Skinner has been open about his past, which includes a conviction for handling £40,000 worth of stolen goods in 2011. He has written on X: 'Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it.' In recent weeks, Skinner claimed he'd faced 'death threats' and 'vile comments' about his children after sharing a series of posts on social media in which he said, 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and that 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. 'Absolutely disgusting booking. Shameful BBC,' said @RyanJL after the recent announcement, while fan page @concontextSCD_ asked: 'Right so who in the Strictly production team signed up Thomas Skinner?!' And @alexanderls3 ranted: 'I'm so serious, I loved this years #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing.' Others have defended the booking, with one user describing the move as 'a superb signing for common sense and decency'. Skinner addressed the recent backlash in a statement when he thanked the 'legends' supporting him. Skinner wrote: 'Never in a million years did I think I would Recieve the amount of messages of support (and the also amount of hate) 😂 But thank you to everyone. You're absolutely legends. 'I'm gonna sit and have a few cold ones and take in what's actually going on. Life is crazy. Gotta grab everything with both hands and take it for what it is. Hope you have a wonderful afternoon. Love you all. Bosh❤️ (sic)' Earlier this week Skinner met US vice president JD Vance, who is currently holidaying in the Cotswolds. 'Unreal night with JD and his friends and family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about,' he tweeted. During the 2024 United States presidential election, Skinner expressed support for then-Republican candidate Donald Trump. 'I love Trump I think he is brilliant, that's my opinion. I think it's good he is back in charge, it will be good for the UK economy,' he said. In terms of his own politics, he has defended the notion of national pride, while sparking criticism for writing that it 'was not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country'. He has also claimed London was 'hostile', 'tense' and 'not safe out there anymore'. Thomas Skinner married his partner Sinead Chambers over three years ago, in May 2022. At the time, they already had a 19-month old son together, and in June 2023 they welcomed twin daughters into the world. He missed their birth as they were born four weeks early, and he was in North Carolina to manage a West Ham Legends team when his wife had 24 hours to undergo an emergency C-section. You are enough. You are loved, valued, and worthy exactly as you are. Never forget that your light makes the world brighter just by being in it. Keep going, you beautiful person, you've got this. Bosh❤️(Love this old picture of Sinéad and me, 8 years ago in Amsterdam) — Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 10, 2025 The first flight out wasn't for five hours, so Tom decided to go back to the football match – which was part of the TCT Tournament – just in time for kick-off. More Trending 'They had all these wires hanging out of them, all these tubes,' he told The Sun as he recalled arriving at the hospital once he was able to fly home. 'I thought, 'Bless your little cotton socks, I'm never not going to be there for you ever again – and I will never let you down.'' View More » Metro has contacted the BBC for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Strictly's La Voix is already getting hate – and the reason is depressing MORE: Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova shares major health update after 'scary' fall MORE: Strictly 2025 line-up confirms Arsenal star and Game of Thrones legend
.png%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26trim%3D90%2C0%2C0%2C0%26crop%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
14 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Lewis Capaldi recalls being 'ghosted' by Justin Bieber in first radio interview in two years
The star sat down with radio hosts to talk about his return to music Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi has revealed he was 'aired' by Justin Bieber after a celebrity party, in his first British radio interview in two years. The star also spoke to Capital Breakfast's presenter Chris Stark about working with Calvin Harris, his return to music, and how the last two years have felt like his 'uni experience'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He described spending a 'super night' with Bieber at a party in Los Angeles, only to be ghosted by the American artist the next day. 'Justin Bieber comes over and said 'hey man, what's going on?' And I said, 'you don't remember my name.' And he said, 'of course I do, you're Lewis Capaldi,' he recalled. 'Me and Bieber had this super night together, like really lovely evening together. We didn't spend the night together, but we hung out and I'm like 'me and the Biebs are gonna be best pals, this is huge.' 'And he's like 'man make sure I get your number tomorrow.' And I was like 'me and the Biebs, this is huge.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I text him maybe the most sucking up his a*** text. I said, 'Just wanted to jump on bro, last night was so special, great guy, so nice to hang out with you, such a dude.' Blah blah all this stuff. 'He likes it and doesn't reply. So if you're out there Bieber, wherever you are, text me back please. 'Bieber aired me.' Lewis Capaldi took a break from music after struggling with Tourette's Syndrome and anxiety | PA The West Lothian star took a step back from performing in 2023, after he was unable to finish his performance on the Glastonbury festival's Pyramid stage when he struggled to manage the symptoms of his Tourette syndrome. After a return to the public eye at this year's festival, he announced a UK tour with two Scottish arena shows later this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He told Stark: 'I feel great. I feel this buzz and enthusing for everything I'm doing. I'm happy to back doing it.' 'I've done a lot of growing up in the last year and a bit. Weirdly I felt like the last two years I had off, I was getting better, but I was having my sort of uni experience. 'Because I went and toured when everyone was at uni, there were times when I kicked the a*** out of it, going out and having nights out here and London.' Capaldi also said he'd 'love' to do a song with Scottish superstar DJ Calvin Harris. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said he recorded a song for Harris but it was 'not for public consumption', and that he was too much of a people pleaser to tell Mr Harris he didn't like his version of the song. He then confessed that didn't reply to the DJ when he asked what he thought of it. He said he'd 'love' to do a song with him in future, but would want Harris to sing on it. Capaldi also spoke about his comeback to music in a separate interview with the Heart Scotland Breakfast show with Des Clarke. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Asked about his decision to make his return at Glastonbury, the singer joked: 'I didn't know if I would come back to begin with. 'But a year in I realised that I'm living a lifestyle that I can't afford.' He also revealed he didn't want his parents or managers 'anywhere near' his dressing room before the show. 'Not because they're going to put bad juju on me, it was more I can really feel people's nervous energy. Do you know what I mean?' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Capaldi has lined up a 10-date arena tour around the UK and Ireland in September, with shows planned for Glasgow's OVO Hydro as well as Aberdeen's P&J Live.
