Warwick Davis fights back tears while dedicating Bafta award to late wife
British actor Warwick Davis was visibly emotional as he dedicated his Bafta film fellowship award to his late wife at the London ceremony on Sunday, 16 February.
A special mention for 'Sponge' who Davis said had helped him learn to love again since losing his wife Samantha, aged 53, last March.
On accepting his award, Davis said, 'This is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I've been in Star Wars.'
Davis, who was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare bone disorder that results in dwarfism, said he hopes his award is also for his work as an actor as well as his activism.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
43 minutes ago
- Time Out
Gold rats, inflatable balls and community photography: inside the Royal Academy's 2025 Summer Exhibition
If looking at more than 1,700 pieces of art isn't enough for you, there are some great games you can play with yourself while walking around the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition. Spot the famous artist. Guess the price of a painting. Or, my personal favourite: channel interior designer and pick works to 'imaginary decorate' your overpriced rented basement flat in Clapton. The RA Summer Exhibition has been held every year since 1769, and in 2025, it's been coordinated by renowned British-Iranian architect Farshid Moussavi. You'll see architectural drawings, models and nods to our built environment dotted throughout the exhibitoin, not bound by one room. There will be no bright yellow or turquoise walls this year – it's all cleanly white – and the whole thing feels calmer, less cluttered, with more space for works to breathe (and less craning of your neck to see the stuff up top). It is, as usual, open to all. There's plenty of the big dawgs here: you'll see scribbled heads by Quentin Blake, a (Juergen Teller) photograph of Marina Abramović looking all witchy, a warm, washed-over Frank Bowling canvas, a collaged photographic face by Cindy Sherman and much more. But there also is, undoubtedly, a lot of shit art. Horrid, boring geometric neon stencils. Cats. Flat, unfinished-looking canvases. Sculpture which looks like it belongs in Primark's home section. But getting hung up on the crap is not really the point: it's about the spectacle, the discovery, the loose themes you can trace between seemingly randomly placed works. And there is some genuinely great stuff, too – stuff that will stop you in your tracks, from well-known artists, unknown artists, and from artists in between. Here are five of our favourites. 1. Ryan Gander's inflatable balls Before you even enter Burlington House, you'll come face to face with big, black, blow-up balls, which have been set up in the courtyard to look like they've been halted, mid-roll. They're squishy and shiny, and each is adorned with a child-like, hard-to-answer question: 'When do you know you're right?' 'How much is a lot?' 'Do all doors open?' and so on. One is wedged on the roof, another is inside the exhibition, blocking one of the main room's three arches, giving you only two routes to take around this year. These are not only really fun to look at, but they also question your routine and the way you look at art, prompting you to be inquisitive and open-minded before you even enter the building. 2. 101 white rat pelts, Zatorski + Zatorski These are objectively naff, but I appreciate deep, inescapable discomfort these 101 hollowed-out rats bring. Their insides and eyes are brushed with 24ct gold, and they're all arranged, standing up in an outwards-facing circle, as though watching you, or about to attack. It instantly made me think about animal testing, and about the extremes people will go to, for riches. You can't help but feel sorry for the things. 3. Community Dialogue, John Waine There's something about this modest photograph of a Frome community notice board, all posters overlapped and peeling, offering Spanish lessons, flea markets, festivals, short-term lets and fundraisers, which filled me with nostalgia, despite the dates only the flyers only reading 2023. Not sure about the frame though. 4. Rock Pool, Terry Setch This mixed media piece looks like the debris of fishing baskets washed up on the beach, or the rusting rainbow colours of corroded metal rubbing on clothing. The texture is brilliant. Crucially, it makes me want to ask: can I touch it? 5. 'You remained always beautiful', Tracey Emin This is one of two of Emin works in the show: she also has the more prominently placed pastel-painted 'The Crucifixion', but it's this moody, melancholy portrait, tucked away in one of the top corners in the entrance room, which stuck with me. The eyes look downwards and the shoulders are hunched, almost blending into the background; the facial features imperfect, only just distinguishable. The whole thing is uncomfortable to look at and as a result, it carries a real a sense of dread. Moving, memorable portraiture. The 2025 RA Sumer Exhibition is on from June 17 until August 17, 2025. Find out more here.
Daily Record
44 minutes ago
- Daily Record
'I bought fish and chips in popular UK city - Brits were stunned to see the price'
A woman has shared a clip of her chippy tea that she bought in the city of Liverpool, and fellow Brits were left gobsmacked by the price of the traditional dish A woman's pricey fish and chips order from her local chip shop has left online onlookers bewildered. Suzanna, who goes by the TikTok handle @suzannatravelsolo, usually shares content about her travel escapades and recently showcased a classic British dinner. On a visit to her preferred chippy, Suzanna was rather taken with what she found, though the cost of the meal raised eyebrows amongst her audience. She opted for a small serving of fish, accompanying chips, and mushy peas, inviting her followers to divulge the going rate for such a meal in their areas. Additionally, she requested some curry sauce and a bottle of Dandelion and Burdock, followed by the quintessential sprinkling of salt and vinegar before digging in, reports the Mirror. Suzanna queried: "So, how much is fish and chips where you live? We've done this debate before. This was £14 for this, and also I got some bread and butter and a battered sausage, because, you know, I haven't been to the chippy for a long time." Brandishing the meal consisting merely of the fish, chips, and mushy peas, she remarked: "£14 for that." She then prompted her followers to converse on the prices in their locales, especially curious about how it compares to Liverpool's rates. The response to Suzanna's clip included one person commiserating: "£15 last time I had it in SE London." Another shared: "Yorkshire Dales £9.50 fish and chips, £1.30 tea cake, mushy peas £1.70, battered sausage £3.05. Yours looks delicious and a big portion too!" One person responded: "City centre prices are always a bit more expensive, but you can't beat a chippy tea in Liverpool. Couldn't do it without curry sauce, so I'm with you on that one." Another added their two cents, stating: "Kent £10." This was followed by someone else who noted: "£15 for cod and chips near where I'm staying." In the midst of the discussion, Suzanna was attempting to ascertain whether the quoted prices included sides as well, aiming to understand the true extent of the price variations, although it's widely acknowledged that the cost of this beloved dish has soared recently. Reports indicate that the average cost for a regular serving of fish and chips across the UK is approximately £9.88, though there's considerable fluctuation depending on location, with London notorious for the steepest prices, reaching up to £22.50 for a larger portion. Conversely, in West Yorkshire, you might find yourself able to indulge in the cherished dish for a mere £6.70 for a smaller serving. It's worth noting, however, that serving sizes can differ significantly, with some establishments offering up to 12oz of fish and 20oz of chips in a 'regular' portion. It's important to mention that the cost of both cod and haddock has surged by 75% over the past year due to supply chain issues and international events such as the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the potential impact on consumers' wallets, it seems the British appetite for fish and chips remains undiminished. On average, a standard order of cod and chips will set you back about £10.92, while opting for haddock and chips typically costs a tad more at £11.13. Meanwhile, smaller meal portions typically range from £5 to £8, while larger servings could cost you around £11. If you're seeking premium fish and chips, the price can fluctuate anywhere between £25 to £80.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit celebs who quit UK for off-grid lives abroad…from soap actress who runs Thai ‘drug bar' to star who lives in a TENT
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THEY had it all - fame, fortune and adoring fans. But instead of basking in the spotlight, these British stars packed it all in and bid the UK adieu. 20 This week fans were in awe after Noel Edmonds made a stunning return to showbiz Credit: PA 20 The star is now set to showcase his new life in an ITV show Credit: PA 20 Noel is one of the most recognisable faces in British telly Credit: Getty This week fans were left in awe when Noel Edmonds made his big return to showbiz after years away. The last time many saw him was on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, where he was the first star to be booted out of the camp. Now he's back with a brand new ITV show set to focus on his life in New Zealand. The 76-year-old moved there with his wife Liz in 2015. Speaking to The Sun about his triumphant return, he said: "People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' Yes, I'm still here - and living life to the full." On his quiet life away from his TV and radio days, he added: "We have a beautiful home, and in the morning, we wake up to a view of the mountains. "The scenery here is magical. Even after six years, we'll go for a drive and still say: 'Wow'." But he's not the only one to quit fame for a dramatic lifestyle change. From the silver screen to sun-drenched solitude, a string of celebs have turned their backs on showbiz to embrace quiet, off-grid lives elsewhere. Whether it's swapping red carpets for rural cabins or luxury mansions for life among the locals, these former household names are proving there's life after the limelight. Charlotte Renovates A Commercial Kitchen For Her Wellness Retreat Tent life From 2006 to 2019, Jason Gardiner was known as the acid-tongued judge on Dancing On Ice who was not afraid to speak his mind. He infamously left his judging role in the wake of his clash with former contestant Gemma Collins, who he once compared to a "refrigerator". At the time, he said: "I went through some very dark times after it all played out and I realised I wasn't valued in any way, shape or form by ITV." 20 Jason Gardiner was one of the judges on Dancing on Ice before quitting Credit: Rex 20 The former TV star said he lived in a tent in Portugal after quitting Dancing On Ice Credit: Instagram 20 He took a sustainability course and taught families how to be more eco-friendly Credit: thejasongardiner/Instagram Jason, 53, then quit the UK for a life in Portugal, where he studied a biodiversity and sustainability course and began calling himself a 'Nomadic Permaculture Designer'. Speaking to the Mirror, he explained how he travelled to different homes to teach families how to be more eco-conscious. He also opened up about how he was happy to leave the glitz and glamour of his former life behind and live in a tent. "I have gone on many adventures, met the most amazing people and acquired the most amazing qualification," he said. "I have found a new life that isn't about the toxic environment of the TV industry. "My tenure on Dancing on Ice was always marred with controversy and lots of issues, but the problem is, I didn't realise how toxic it was until I left. "It took me a while to decompress from it, I'll be honest." Italian job 20 Kelly Brook was one of the most in-demand women in showbiz Credit: Instagram/iamkb 20 She has since spoken about enjoying her husband's farm in Italy after tying the knot in 2022 Credit: Instagram/iamkb When it comes to glamorous showbiz careers, very few can compare to Kelly Brook's time in the spotlight. From red carpets to TV and radio shows, the 45-year-old was one of the most in-demand women in the industry. However, in 2022, Kelly married longtime beau Jeremy Parisi and partially retreated from life in the limelight. After selling her £1.45million Kent home, she spoke about leaving the UK to enjoy their married life in Italy, her husband's home country. Discussing their "simplified lives" last year, Kelly, who still maintains her home in London, said: "He's got a little farmhouse in Italy that is in need of renovation. "It's an olive oil farm, so we will be getting involved and pressing olives and learning how to cook pizza. I'm learning Italian. "You get to meet the family, and there's some very colourful characters in there." 'High life' 20 Kelli Hollis is best known for her stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer, right Credit: Rex 20 She moved to Thailand, where she runs her own weed shop with her partner Credit: Kelli Hollis / La Choza After a stint on Emmerdale as Ali Spencer from 2011 to 2015, Kelli Hollis' character was killed off-screen in 2018. But the real shock came last year when fans learned about her surprising career change. She is now living in Thailand with her partner, Matt Dawson, where she runs her own cannabis bar - with no plans of coming back to the UK. Speaking about her new enterprise, she said: "I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned]. "But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products. "But that is not to be stoned. I promote ours for rest and for aches and pains for people who don't want to smoke, so I will have mine before bed." I actually don't like the feeling [of being stoned] But to be honest, I have become a little partial to the edibles here, obviously, because I have to test the products Kelli Hollis On TikTok Kelli, 48, proudly shows off her business venture to her 270,000 followers. The bar flogs cannabis and marijuana products and boasts of also selling hash, joints and brownies. In 2023, she posted on TikTok, celebrating one year in Thailand with the caption: "Came for 4 months, now run a weed bar." Speaking about the move in an interview, Kelli said: "We'd been to Pattaya a few times on a holiday, we did a bit of island hopping and in June they legalised marijuana and we found this really cute little shop and got really good friends with the owner and decided to basically set up our own weed shop." She added: "I'll be honest, I've smoked weed since I was about 15, but I'm not a hard-core weed smoker. "I can't do full joints and edibles and all that, so it probably bodes well, or I'd probably smoke all the profits. "It's definitely not something I envisaged, but we've definitely made the right choice." S Club Prepper 20 Hannah Spearritt found fame in British pop group S Club 7 Credit: Getty - Contributor 20 Hannah Spearritt has given a glimpse into her new life in Costa Rica Credit: Instagram 20 She has quit the UK to become a 'prepper and survivalist' Last month former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt went public with her new life as a "survivalist and prepper" in the Costa Rican jungle. She relocated to the central American country with partner Adam Thomas and their daughters, aged three and five, back in January to start afresh after quitting the UK, having fallen in love with it during a trip in 2018. She'd previously admitted it was her dream to move there and buy some land or a farm and live "the simple life" with her kids. In her Instagram image caption she describes herself as: "Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life." LA to Uruguay 20 Rhona Mitra moved to Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Credit: Rex 20 She now lives on a 400-acre farm where she rescues horses Credit: Instagram/iamrhonamitra 20 Rhona has spoken about how lonely it is on the farm Credit: Instagram/iamrhonamitra In 2023, British actress Rhona Mitra, 48, opened up about how she quit Hollywood to settle into a quiet life in Uruguay. The star, who grew up in West London, moved to the States after finding success in the American market. She was the first ever live-action Lara Croft in 1997, and also appeared in films such as Sweet Home Alabama and TV shows including Boston Legal. On Channel 5's Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild in 2023, she explained how she bought a 400-acre farm in Uruguay after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2012. After a two-year recovery period, where she stayed in a cabin, Rhona said she knew she couldn't go back to her Hollywood lifestyle. In the South American country, she built a home with horse manure, where she lives alone and carries out her passion of rescuing horses and other animals in poor condition. Explaining the loneliness it brings, she said: "It'd be easier if there were someone to share the burden with. "I think it's the thing that a lot of people say they want to be part of this life, but I'm not going to give this up. "There is no backtracking, I have to move forward and have somebody that wants to move forward with this life." But Rhona also spoke about some of the difficulties she has faced, including being threatened by her neighbours. "I basically had to babysit the farm and watch it almost 24/7" she said. "I was so exposed and vulnerable in my first years. "I had people cut fences and let their cows in, intimidating me by coming [on her land] and hunting, it felt like bullying." She added: "It's very unusual for a single girl to move to this part of Campo by herself and with no partner, no husband, that's really strange." Off-grid school 20 Charlotte has had an illustrious career after finding fame as a teen singing sensation Credit: Rex 20 Charlotte set up a school that focuses on nature in the annex of her home in Wales Credit: Really Channel/Koska Productions/Discovery Communications) From chart-topping teen to school founder, Charlotte Church, 39, is now teaching kids how to grow veg, care about nature, and be proud of who they are. The former Voice of an Angel star has swapped the stage for the schoolyard, setting up her own eco-friendly education centre in the annex of her house. Back in 2019, Charlotte vowed she'd "work night and day" to create a new kind of school in South Wales - and she's stuck to her word. The result is The Arwen Project, a rural retreat-style set-up where kids learn permaculture, organic gardening, land management and even how to connect with nature. She spent up to seven years researching education before launching the venture, saying the current school system was doing more harm than good. "The more I speak to young people and teachers, the more I think the system… is starting to become actively damaging," she wrote in a blog. "A lot of people leave school thinking they're not good enough, not smart, not capable – and that's heartbreaking." In her school, pupils learn outdoors whenever they can, make their own rules and focus on real-world issues that matter to them. During an LGBTQ+ week, the kids were treated to a talk from drag queen Le Gateau Chocolat, who taught them about allyship and the power of knowing when to "pass the mic." "Especially as white privileged people, we need to know when to step back," Charlotte told the New Statesman. 20 Charlotte at her wellness retreat Credit: Really Channel/Koska Productions/Discovery Communications)
