9 unforgettable events that brought the nation together during the 1980s
4 . First national breakfast TV show launches - 1983
It's how millions of people start their day, yet breakfast TV has only been around since the 1980s. It was in January 17, 1983 that Breakfast Time, the UK's first national breakfast television programme, first aired on BBC One. The first hosts Frank Bough, Selina Scott and Nick Ross set the tone for breakfast TV as we still know and love it, ditching suits for more casual clothes and presenting from the comfort of the sofa as they delivered the now familiar mixture of hard news and light entertainment. The commercial rival TV-am launched just two weeks later on ITV. | John Minihan/Daily Express/Photo: John Minihan/Daily Express/
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Daily Mirror
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Where Soldier, Soldier cast are now - booze battles, affairs and tragic death
Soldier, Soldier was a huge TV hit in the 90s and made stars of Robson Green and Jerome Flynn who went on to have a number one hit and huge success in Hollywood Soldier, Soldier star Marise Wipani has tragically died aged 61. The actress, who also appeared in Xena: Warrior Princess, died on her birthday on Friday. Her Facebook page announced the news of her death in a sad message to friends and family. It read: "Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends. "She just wanted to say....I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Good byyye, good luuuck, good God!!! Quote from Driving Miss Daisy." Her cause of death was not shared in the post. ITV's Soldier, Soldier was a massive telly hit in the 90s, captivating viewers with its fictional insight into the ups and downs of the British Army. Set within the made-up 1st Battalion The King's Fusiliers regiment, it delved into the professional and personal dramas of the show's ensemble. The standout stars were Robson and Jerome, who enjoyed a brief but significant music career, sparked by an episode where they performed Unchained Melody. With Simon Cowell's support, their rendition topped the charts for seven weeks and became 1995's best-selling single. They both exited the show in the fifth series, but it continued for another two seasons before wrapping up in December 1997. It ran for seven series and captured the nation's attention. Since the show ended, the stars have had varied fates. Here's a look at what the cast have been up to... Robson Green - Fusilier Dave Tucker Robson was already familiar to viewers for his role as Jimmy Powell on BBC One's Casualty when he scored the part of Fusilier Dave Tucker, reports the Express. This role propelled him to mega-stardom and chart-topping success. He and co-star Jerome Flynn had a short but massive music career which saw them become the first act to have their initial three singles enter the charts at number one. Since leaving the show, angling fanatic Robson has presented numerous fishing shows. He has also appeared in BBC Three's supernatural drama Being Human, as well as BBC One's Waterloo Road. His current role sees him playing DI George Keating in ITV's hugely popular '50s set detective drama Grantchester. Off screen, Green's personal life has been quite eventful; he wed Alison Ogilvie in 1991, but their marriage ended by 1999 amid reports of Green's affair with Pamela McDonald, who was then the wife of Emmerdale 's Ian Sharrock, known for his role as Jackie Merrick on the soap. He met his second wife, former Page 3 model Vanya Seager, during a recording session at BMG Records in 1995. They went on to have a son, Taylor Seager-Green and tied the knot in 2001. However, a decade later they issued a statement saying their marriage had "irretrievably broken down" and that they were separating. Jerome Flynn - Lance Corporal Paddy Garvey After getting his breakthrough in London's Burning Jerome found huge fame with Soldier, Soldier and in his music career with co-star Robson Green In more recent times Jerome resurrected his acting career, impressing audiences globally with his role in Game of Thrones and gracing ITV's Ripper Street. His career took another thrilling turn in 2019 when he shared the big screen with Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry in the action thriller John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. Off-screen, the star has never married nor had children, but he's created a new-age holiday retreat named Trefacwn in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion, which its website claims radiates "an ancient healing energy palpable to all who visit". Denise Welch - Marsha Stubbs Denise became a household name as Marsha Stubbs on the show back in 1993 and continued to grace the screens for two years until 1995, by then already recognised from her stints in Byker Grove and Spender. Post Soldier, Soldier, she starred in Coronation Street as Natalie Barnes, causing a stir across the nation when she became embroiled in the breakdown of Kevin and Sally Webster's marriage. Since then, Denise's career has thrived with roles in hit series like Holby City, Down To Earth, Waterloo Road, and Hollyoaks. She is also no stranger to reality TV and has appeared on Dancing On Ice and she won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012. A familiar face now on Loose Women, Denise openly shares her struggles with alcoholism on the show and is well appreciated for her candour. Behind the scenes, Denise is a mother to two sons with her former spouse Tim Healy, one being Matty, the frontman of The 1975, and she's currently married to artist Lincoln Townley. Annabelle Apsion - Joy Wilton Annabelle might not have been a well-known figure to audiences during her time on Soldier, Soldier with only a few minor roles under her belt, but today she stands as one of televisions most recognisable figures, noted for a myriad of iconic roles since departing the series in 1995. A year on from her exit, she portrayed Jenni Hicks, a mother who tragically lost her two daughters in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in the docudrama Hillsborough. She also shared the silver screen with Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp in From Hell, where she played Polly Nichols, Jack the Ripper's first known victim. In 2002, she made a brief yet unforgettable appearance on Coronation Street as Patricia Hillman, the ex-wife of serial killer Richard Hillman, who met a gruesome end at his hands. Despite her impressive acting portfolio, until recently she was most recognised for her role as Monica Gallagher in Channel 4's Shameless. However, these days she is best known for her portrayal of Mayor Violet Buckle in BBC One's Call The Midwife. Paterson Joseph - Fusilier Eddie "Horatio" Nelson Paterson Joseph was just beginning to make a name for himself when he featured in one episode of Soldier, Soldier in series four in 1994. That same year, he appeared in an episode of BBC's Casualty before becoming a regular on the show three years later. Over his 45-year career, he has become one of the most recognisable faces in British drama, playing roles such as Reuben in William and Mary, alongside Martin Clunes, the Marquis de Carabas in Neverwhere, Alan Johnson in Peep Show, Lyndon Jones in Green Wing; and Shorty in the first episode of Jericho. Like many other esteemed British actors, he has appeared in Doctor Who in the 2005 two-part episodes Bad Wolf and The Parting of the Ways. He played Rodrick, a contestant on a futuristic version of The Weakest Link game show. Most recently, he dazzled audiences in cinemas as Arthur Slugworth in Wonka. Away from the spotlight, he shares his life with wife Emmanuelle Joseph and their child. He also holds the esteemed position of Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University. Holly Aird - Corporal (later Sergeant) Nancy Thorpe Holly, a veteran actress since childhood, boasted an impressive resume by the time she joined Soldier, Soldier. Post-departure, she captivated viewers as Carla in Dressing For Breakfast and became widely recognised for her role as forensic pathologist Frankie Wharton in BBC1's Waking the Dead. Her recent credits include roles in A Discovery Of Witches and Four Lives, and last year she shone in the Idris Elba-led Apple TV production Hijack. In her personal life, Holly was married to Rome actor James Purefoy from 1996 until 2002 and is currently wed to Toby Merritt since 2004. Samantha Morton - Clare Anderson Samantha Morton first graced our screens in Soldier, Soldier, making an immediate impact despite appearing in just four episodes. A mere four years later, she captured the nation's attention in ITV's Band Of Gold. Since then, she has graced the silver screen in Hollywood blockbusters like Minority Report with Tom Cruise, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age alongside Cate Blanchett. Expanding her talents, she has also ventured into producing and directing throughout her thirty-year career. Her outstanding contributions were honoured at this year's BAFTAs with the prestigious fellowship, where she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech: "representation matters". Away from the spotlight, she's a mother to three children, including actress Esmé Creed-Miles.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Doctor Who fans in disbelief over 'disrespect' of iconic star Jenna Coleman
Fans of Doctor Who have been left in a state of disbelief at the 'disrespect' of former companion and viewer favourite Clara Oswald. This came as a special episode of the spin-off documentary series Doctor Who: Unleashed celebrated 20 years of the sci-fi drama's rebooted iteration. First airing on BBC One on March 26 2005, Doctor Who returned to screens after an absence of 16 years, introducing Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor, and Billie Piper as companion Rose Tyler. The rest, as they say, is history – and Doctor Who recently wrapped up its most recent series, with Ncuti Gatwa stepping down as the Fifteenth Doctor during a surprise regeneration. Looking back over 20 years of filming in Cardiff, last night's Unleashed paid tribute to Doctors and companions past. 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. However, many fans were disappointed by one particularly glaring omission – namely, the curious absence of Clara Oswald, as played by Jenna Coleman. Clara was initially introduced as a companion to the Eleventh Doctor, as played by Matt Smith. First appearing in the Series Seven episode Asylum of the Daleks in 2012, Jenna's enigmatic appearance (playing one of three different people who shared a similar name, but the same face) turned into a full-time companionship under the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi). Clara departed the TARDIS in Series 9, with the 2015 finale Hell Bent being her last in a starring role. However, she did return for the Twelfth Doctor's final episode, showing up for a cameo in the 2017 Christmas special, Twice Upon A Time. As such, Clara is one of the rebooted Doctor's longer-serving companions… making her absence from this week's celebration seem particularly odd. 'I'm in utter disbelief over how little time was dedicated to the 12th Doctor's era in the new Unleashed ep, only a little under 2 minutes in an hour long special,' wrote DWfigurephotos on X. The user continued: 'The episode 'Blink' alone got more time dedicated to it than Peter's entire run! 🤦♂️ Also no Clara AT ALL?!' 'I know the Doctor temporarily lost all his memories of Clara, but it seems that the makers of Doctor Who Unleashed have forgotten about her completely,' said MrDavidEBrown. 'Is it just me or is it odd that the #DoctorWho Unleashed 20th Anniversary Special didn't even mention Clara. It just skipped over her completely. I can understand if Jenna Coleman wasn't available, but to not even mention or show the character seems really strange,' commented JovialVulcan. 'The whole time when Jenna Coleman played Clara, was skipped over. Her name not mentioned & only a glimpse of her from the distance in a scene from 'Deep Breath'. I wonder why that was?' said PayneNotes1. Also missing from the line-up was Series 3 and 4 companion Martha Jones, as played by Freema Agyeman. Surprisingly, Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday didn't rate a mention either, although she did appear in the background during an interview with Ncuti and Varada Sethu. Former companions who were included in this love letter to Cardiff-era Who included Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, who played Amy and Rory Pond during Matt Smith's run on the show. Representing Peter's time, Pearl Mackie also addressed her time as Bill Potts, while Jodie Whittaker's TARDIS-mate Mandip Gill provided some insight of her own. Catherine Tate may not have appeared in an interview, but showrunner Russell T Davies and the documentary did at least acknowledge her existence. Meanwhile, as the most recent companion, Varada joined Ncuti on the red carpet to discuss their stints on the show. As perhaps the Doctor's most well-known companion, Billie Piper joined David Tennant as they reflected on their time in the TARDIS together. Both have returned to the show since their exit, with David starring in three special episodes last year after (re)regenerating from Jodie's much-maligned Thirteenth Doctor. His three-episode return culminated in the show's first bi-generation – heralding the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa as the show's Fifteenth Doctor. More Trending In shocking scenes during this month's series finale, Ncuti stepped down from the show after only two seasons – apparently regenerating into Billie Piper as the episode ended. Whether Billie is actually the Doctor remains to be seen, but her return to the show has left fans worried for its future. View More » Amid rumours that David Tennant might come back (again!) some have suggested that the show is 'running out of ideas' and coasting on its past. 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: 'I had to snort pure glucose': Inside BBC's outstanding 80s crime drama MORE: BBC's 'brilliant' true crime drama made me question my own morals MORE: Divisive horror movie full of 'grotesque monsters' now streaming on BBC iPlayer
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Hugh Bonneville's life off-screen from real name to split from wife of 25 years
Hugh Bonneville's life off-screen from real name to split from wife of 25 years Hugh Bonneville will soon be back on our TV screens in the new series of BBC's The Gold, but what do we know about the star away from the cameras? Hugh Bonneville is set to grace our telly screens once again in the new series of BBC's The Gold, reprising his role as Brian Boyce for a second stint. The 61-year-old actor will be sharing the screen with the likes of Tom Cullen, Charlotte Spencer and Jack Lowden in the crime drama, which is set to premiere on BBC One on Sunday, June 8. All six episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer for fans to binge-watch. Aside from The Gold, Hugh is most recognised for his roles in Downton Abbey and the Paddington films, having become a familiar face on our screens over the years. Let's delve into Hugh's life, including his career and marriage split.... Hugh Bonneville is famed for starring in shows such as Downton Abbey (Image: Getty ) Hugh's early years Born on 10 November 1963 in Paddington, London, Hugh's full name is Hugh Richard Bonniwell Williams. Article continues below His mother was a nurse and his father was a urological surgeon. Hugh received his education at Dulwich College School in London, followed by Sherborne School, reports the Express. Subsequently, he attended Corpus Christi College at Cambridge, graduating with a 2:2 in theology. Hugh then pursued his studies at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He was also a member of the National Youth Theatre. When he embarked on his acting career, Hugh opted to go by Richard Bonneville, a combination of his middle names. This was due to the existence of a playwright named Hugh Williams. He later switched Richard to Hugh, thus adopting Hugh Bonneville as his stage name. What has Hugh starred in? Hugh launched his acting career in theatre, with his first professional stage appearance at the Open Air Theatre. He then joined the National Theatre in 1987, before becoming a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991. In 1994, Hugh featured in an episode of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, and made his film debut later that same year in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. He then starred in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997. Hugh has been seen in TV series such as Take a Girl Like You, Armadillo, The Commander and Midsomer Murders. He starred in Iris alongside Kate Winslet, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hugh starred as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey (Image: Universal ) In 2010, Hugh began starring in Downton Abbey, as Robert, Earl of Grantham. He appeared in the series until 2015 and also starred in the 2019 movie. Fans will also recognise Hugh as Mr Brown in the Paddington films. Marriage split Hugh tied the knot with Lucinda Williams in 1998. The couple have a son, Felix. In September 2023, Hugh and Lucinda, affectionately known as Lulu, announced they had decided to separate after 25 years together. Earlier this year, it was reported that Lucinda had retained the family home in West Sussex while Hugh had moved into a bachelor flat located in Soho. Since the end of his marriage, the Downton Abbey star has been linked to Canadian actress Claire Rankin as well as vegan influencer Heidi Kadlecova. Hugh's current relationship status is not known. Hugh and ex-wife Lucinda Williams (Image: Getty ) Weight loss Hugh has been candid about his weight struggles throughout his career, undergoing noteworthy transformations for various roles. Reflecting on past experiences, Hugh has talked about slimming down for roles, especially recalling the dramatic weight loss for his Notting Hill audition. Hugh had recently dropped 9kg when he tried out for the character of Bernie. Speaking to YP, Hugh shared an anecdote where the director reached out to discuss his physique as Bernie was expected to be larger than what Hugh was at the time. Despite this, Hugh affirmed he was "not going back". For his audition as Bernie, the affable stockbroker in Notting Hill, having just lost 9kg, Hugh received a call from the director which prompted, "We need to have a conversation about your weight." Article continues below After starring in 2008's Bonekickers, Hugh significantly changed his lifestyle, losing 16 pounds and even challenging himself by taking part in a 52-mile walking contest. Additionally, he has completed the arduous 100km South Downs walk. The Gold is set to make its debut on BBC One on Sunday, 8 June at 9pm. Series one can be streamed currently on BBC iPlayer.
