
Comedian Eric Idle says performers ‘ought to protect ourselves' from AI fakes
He told PA: 'I think it is a very interesting point, and we ought to have protected ourselves by copyrighting our images, I know my wife is very concerned about that.
'She's going to copyright my image, I won't be there, so I don't really give a…'
The rise of AI has seen numerous fake videos appearing to feature well-known celebrities on social media, while other incidents have seen their work digitally recreated.
Last year, Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson said she was 'shocked' and 'angered' at how 'eerily similar' one of the voices on AI platform ChatGPT sounded to hers.
In response, the platform's operator OpenAI said it will 'pause' the use of one of the voices.
Idle said the technology is 'actually not bad' at copying work by old artists such as The Beatles to make a new version, but he felt it could 'only copy' and not create.
He added: 'I was with Professor Brian (Cox), the other night, and he asked it to write a Python sketch, and it was shit, completely unfunny.
'It mentioned a few things which obviously it picked up from Python, but it couldn't put them together in a new and funny manner, and I think that's the weakness with AI.
'I think Stephen Fry says you could ask it to do your World War One story, it could tell you how many bullets were used and how many people were killed, and all what happened every day, but it couldn't tell you as much as a Wilfred Owen poem could tell you in one minute or two, or 14 lines.
'I don't think that it makes much difference with a lot of American television because it's just churned out.
'But I think it can't be Robin Williams. I think it can't be Billy Connolly, I think it can't be Spike Milligan, I think it can't be the really creative comedians.
'So I don't think it can come up with that because what they do, they're doing it out of their own personalities.'
The comedian will return to the UK in September for a solo tour at venues including London's Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Glasgow's Armadillo.
He will pay tribute to late friends George Harrison, Williams and Neil Innes, and perform with a virtual band.
He is best known for his appearances in the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, and its spin-off films Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975), Life Of Brian (1979) and The Meaning Of Life (1983).
Idle also created Beatles parody band The Rutles with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band's Innes, which featured in two mockumentaries in All You Need Is Cash (1978) and The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch (2003).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
41 minutes ago
- Metro
Inside England captain Leah Williamson's romance with Miss USA winner Elle Smith
England captain Leah Williamson will be leading the Lionesses to hopeful victory in the Women's Euro 2025 finals tonight. Leah's England will take on former rivals Spain in St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, two years after losing out on their World Cup attempt. All eyes will be on the England team, including 29-year-old team captain Leah, who was permanently appointed to the post by England manager Sarina Wiegman in 2022. But what do we know about Leah's life away from the pitch? Does she have a girlfriend or partner? When not leading her team to victory, Leah has made headlines for her rumoured romance with former Miss USA Elle Smith. Here's all we know about Leah Williamson's relationship with the 27-year-old beauty pageant winner. American journalist and beauty pageant contestant Elle Smith was crowned Miss USA in 2021. In the run-up to the competition, she was named Miss Kentucky USA that same year, making her only the second woman from Kentucky to win Miss USA. She went on to represent the United States at Miss Universe, ultimately finishing in the Top 10, losing out to India's Harnaaz Sandhu. Although they became romantically linked in 2024, Leah and Elle have not officially confirmed whether they are in a relationship. Speculation that the pair were 'soft-launching' a relationship began in March, when Elle posted a video of her and Leah floating in the ocean together on a paddleboard. This came accompanied by the caption 'happy birthday my love x,' to which Leah responded with a series of emojis. Since then, they have continued to pop up all over each other's social media, including a picture of them celebrating England's 6-0 win against Portugal, back in May. In the black-and-white picture, Leah sits on Elle's lap, with the former Miss USA titleholder's arms around her. In response to the picture, Leah commented: 'We did it🥹🥹🥹' Last month, Elle shared a series of snapshots from their holiday to Majorca together – many of which saw the pair looking very loved-up indeed. These images included a snap of Elle and Leah on a paddleboard together, as well as shots of them all dressed up and headed out for dinner. Leah shared her own carousel of images on her Instagram page, too, which included a number of grabs of Elle smiling and contented. Leah also showed her appreciation when Elle shared a series of snaps posing in her Skims bikini while on holiday in Jamaica for her birthday last month. 'I have no words,' Leah wrote in the comments to the post – to which Elle responded: 'all yours.' More Trending She then commented again soon afterwards, writing: 'Just come for a second viewing.' Elle has shared a message of support ahead of tonight's final, posting a snap of herself in a t-shirt to her Instagram Stories. This wasn't any old England t-shirt either. The message emblazoned on the white tee's front in red writing? 'Live, Laugh, Leah.' 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: How much do women footballers get paid? England player salaries revealed MORE: Why are Mary Earps and Millie Bright not playing for England at Euro 2025? MORE: Who is commentating on England's Euro 2025 final vs Spain? BBC and ITV line-ups


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Princess Charlotte joins dad William in Basel to roar on Lionesses to victory at Euros final
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCESS Charlotte has joined dad William in Switzerland tonight to help roar on the Lionesses to victory. England are set to go head-to-head against Spain in Basel, with football fan Charlotte joining her dad in the stands. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Princess Charlotte and Prince William were spotted in Basel ahead of the Lionesses game Credit: X/@KensingtonRoyal 10 The dad-of-three appeared to be discussing the match with his daughter Credit: PA 10 The pair looked out onto the pitch Credit: PA 10 Princess Charlotte beamed in the stands Credit: PA The pair were spotted in Switzerland this afternoon, where excited fans have been packing out fan zones all day. The princess wore a polka-dot navy dress, while her dad opted for a dapper suit. William was seen beaming in the crowd, ahead of the Lionesses game. The Prince was also spotted shaking hands with fellow fans just before kick-off. Ahead of the final, which starts at 5pm UK time, Prince William joined millions across in England in cheering the Lionesses on. He said: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. "The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! "We are all cheering you on!' His words of support have been echoed by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, who played footie anthem Three Lions in front of Buckingham Palace. The Lionesses have had an incredible run up until now, beating Italy and Sweden to land a spot in the final. Although the bookies have counted out the team several times so far, they've proven that they can beat the odds and win. The Spanish team might be the bookies' favourite to win tonight, but England fans think the Lionesses can pull off another incredible victory. England fans flock to Basel to roar on Lionesses in Euros final The match tonight is expected to be especially tense, as the two teams have previously gone head-to-head in the World Cup final 2025. Sadly, for the Lionesses, Spain won but the Euro final 2025 is a chance for them to get even. 10 Spain's Laia Aleixandri, left, challenges England's Georgia Stanway Credit: AP 10 Sir Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria Starmer at the game Credit: Getty 10 The Prince shook hands with fellow fans Credit: Reuters The match is due to take place in Basel, Switzerland, at the massive St Jakob-Park stadium and an estimated 38,000 fans will be in attendance. Meanwhile, an estimated 16 million Brits will be watching from home, when the game is broadcast on BBC and ITV. A slew of celebrities have cheered the Lionesses on too, with Amanda Holden saying: 'You can do it girls! "The whole country is behind you and we are so proud. Bring it home.' Loose Women's Katie Piper added: 'Good luck Lionesses! You've already inspired so many with your passion, teamwork and fight.' Ahead of the match, England Skipper Leah Williamson revealed that the team feels the support from the nation behind them. She said: 'We're very connected to what it means to the nation because it means the same to us. "The opportunity of tomorrow and what's on offer is the best thing in football — we have a chance to fight for the trophy. 'We recognise the opportunity and we'll do everything we can to take it.' Fans have flooded the stadium already, bearing flags and even bringing cardboard cutouts of their favourite players. At home, pub licenses have been extended to 1am so that Brits can cheer on their team together. 10 England fans have travelled to Basel, Switzerland to cheer on the Lionesses tonight Credit: Louis Wood 10 Excitement is building as supporters participate in the fan walk to St. Jakob-Park stadium Credit: Getty


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham hugs Harper and Victoria on superyacht amid stormy family feud
For months, rumours have rumbled of a bitter split within the Beckham family - but proud dad David looked happy as a clam as he hugged his daughter and wife on a luxury holiday David Beckham looked in good spirits on the high seas as he hugged his daughter and wife during a trip to St Tropez. The 50-year-old sporting legend joined wife Victoria, 51, and daughter Harper Seven, 14, on the deck of a luxury yacht. The sport star looked casual in a sand coloured cap and dark t-shirt - and with a smile stretched across his face. Victoria pouted alongside her husband with her hair loose around her shoulders. While teenage daughter Harper looked pretty in a pink as she wrapped up in a casual hooded top. The trio were spied on the deck of the boat lined up for a photograph together. The famous family are known for heading to the south of France to enjoy a summer break year after year. And they were joined by second son, Romeo, 22 - who reportedly spent the afternoon zipping around the sea on a jet ski. Father, daughter and wife posed and smiled for the cameras as their boat - worth a reported £16 million - bobbed gently on the Mediterranean waters. The Daily Mail shared the sun-soaked snaps which made the family look like they had not a care in the world while enjoying the picturesque French weather. The calm image is in contrast to the stormy headlines that have haunted the Beckham family in recent months. A feud is said to have erupted between the family and eldest son Brookyln - who is married to American Billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz. Fans became concerned for the Beckhams after they noticed Brooklyn and his wife snubbed David during his 50th birthday celebrations in May. In subsequent months, there have been reports that Brooklyn and Nicola have clashed with his younger brothers - while other reports have suggested the family have been at odds since Nicola and her husband got married in 2022. There have also been shady comments and social media quips that have left fans reading into the smallest details for evidence of a feud. On Saturday, social media posts featuring Romeo and his younger sister Harper hinted they were glad to be in the sun and away from feud-fuelled headlines. The duo were spotted heading out for dinner in St Tropez and both cut casual appearances. Romeo was pictured wearing a red baseball cap, teamed with a round neck white sweater. Meanwhile Harper opted for a white hoodie with the word "Seven" emblazoned across the front of it. Both looked in high spirits as they enjoyed an evening out with their parents. While Vicky, Dave and their kids have been lapping up the sun in France, estranged son Brooklyn has been spotted in the UK - far from his Hollywood home. The couple took a leisurely stroll through a picturesque garden where they were spied by fans. Nicola took a candid photo of her husband by a quaint garden well, while they both opted for casual outfits for their trip. One sweet photo shows Brooklyn kissing Nicola as they pose in front of a mirror. Fans noted, however, that the couple enjoyed time in the UK while the rest of the Beckham family were abroad - raising speculation they may have coordinated their trip to avoid a run in.