Latest news with #AlanYentob
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Weekly quiz: How did this ship end up in a Norwegian garden?
This week saw Elon Musk part ways with the White House, Gary Lineker present his final Match of the Day, and the world of television pay tribute to former BBC presenter and executive Alan how much attention did you pay to what else happened in the world?Quiz collated by Ben Fell. Fancy testing your memory? Try last week's quiz, or have a go at something from the archives.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sir Tom Jones hails 'wonderful man' in tribute after beloved BBC star dies
The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday that Alan had died at the age of 78 with a heartfelt statement. Sir Tom Jones has paid tribute to Alan Yentob after the legendary BBC executive and television presenter died over the weekend. The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday that Alan had died at the age of 78 with a heartfelt statement. Sir Tom, 84, turned to social media to pay tribute to the "talented and knowledgeable" Alan. Posting to Instagram, the 'Delilah' singer wrote: "The very sad loss of Alan Yentob is immeasurable. What a talented, knowledgeable, instinctive and wonderful man. He opened unexpected doors for me for which I am forever grateful. A true rarity in the creative world, the likes of which will not be seen again." He concluded with the words: "Rest in peace Alan, you will be missed, Tom Jones". As reported by the Express, Tom made an appearance on Alan's prominent BBC Two programme 'Imagine', where, in a sincere exchange in 2010, the interviewer delved into the crooner's life story. Tom spoke about his rise from his modest roots as a miner's son in South Wales to his emergence as an international singing sensation and a symbol of virility. During his illustrious career, Alan depicted and chatted with a plethora of significant figures in culture and creativity for television series including 'Omnibus', 'Arena', and 'Imagine', featuring personalities such as David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry. His roles extended to being in charge of both BBC One and Two - and he also fulfilled duties as the corporation's creative director and head of music and arts. Alan's bereaved spouse, Philippa Walker, announced his passing, revealing: "For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, and he was exciting. "He was curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide." Dawn French also paid tribute to her former BBC colleague Alan, writing: "We've lost a tip top chap. Our advocate from the start... Alan Yentob." Alan's wife Philippa said in a statement at the weekend: "For [our children ] Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting. He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sir Tom Jones pays heartfelt tribute to 'wonderful man' after beloved star dies
Sir Tom Jones has penned an emotional message after the death of the BBC executive and television presenter Alan Yentob, who sadly died at the age of 78 earlier this week Sir Tom Jones has paid a poignant homage to the legendary BBC executive and television presenter Alan Yentob, who died over the weekend. The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday with an heartfelt statement, announcing that Alan had died at the age of 78. The 'Delilah' singer, 84, turned to social media to pay tribute to the "talented and knowledgeable" Alan. Posting to Instagram, Tom wrote: "The very sad loss of Alan Yentob is immeasurable. What a talented, knowledgeable, instinctive and wonderful man. He opened unexpected doors for me for which I am forever grateful. A true rarity in the creative world, the likes of which will not be seen again." He concluded with the words: "Rest in peace Alan, you will be missed, Tom Jones". In the past, Tom made an appearance on Alan's prominent BBC Two programme 'Imagine', where, in a sincere exchange in 2010, the interviewer delved into the crooner's life story, reports the Express. Tom spoke about his rise from his modest roots as a miner's son in South Wales to his emergence as an international singing sensation and a symbol of virility. During his illustrious career, Alan depicted and chatted with a plethora of significant figures in culture and creativity for television series including 'Omnibus', 'Arena', and 'Imagine', featuring personalities such as David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry. His roles extended to being in charge of both BBC One and Two, as well as fulfilling duties as the corporation's creative director and head of music and arts. Alan's bereaved spouse, Philippa Walker, announced his passing, revealing: "For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, and he was exciting. "He was curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide." Dawn French also paid tribute to her former BBC colleague Alan, writing: "We've lost a tip top chap. Our advocate from the start... Alan Yentob." Alan's wife Philippa said in a statement at the weekend: "For [our children] Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting. He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide."
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Salman Rushdie Says He's "Pleased" Attacker Got Maximum 25-Year Sentence
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Sir Salman Rushdie is pleased with the 25-year sentence for his attacker. Hadi Matar, Rushdie's assailant, was convicted of attempted murder and assault. Rushdie was stabbed multiple times, leaving him blind in one eye. Booker Prize-winning author Sir Salman Rushdie has said he is "pleased" that the man who brutally attacked him on stage in 2022 has been handed the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The 77-year-old Indian-born British author was stabbed multiple times during an event at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, leaving him blind in one eye. Rushdie testified at the 2025 trial of Hadi Matar, a US citizen who was convicted of attempted murder and assault earlier this year. Matar was sentenced to 25 years for the attack on Rushdie and an additional seven years for injuring another man who was on stage at the time. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Monday, Rushdie said, "I was pleased that he got the maximum available, and I hope he uses it to reflect upon his deeds." "AI Could Imagine a Conversation Better Than Reality" Rushdie also spoke about working with the late BBC producer Alan Yentob on a unique 2024 documentary, which used artificial intelligence to simulate a fictional conversation between the author and his attacker - a concept inspired by Rushdie's memoir Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder. "I thought if I was to really meet him and ask questions, I wouldn't get very much out of him... So I thought, I could open that conversation myself - probably better than a real one would go," Rushdie said, referring to the AI-generated dialogue. He added that the animation was "very startling" and "certainly made a point". Remembering Alan Yentob Rushdie paid tribute to Alan Yentob, who passed away on Saturday, calling him an "unbelievable champion of the arts" and "a giant of British media". "He will be remembered as a maker of great programmes and an enabler of great programmes as well," Rushdie said.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dawn French leads tributes to 'tip top' BBC colleague in moving post
Alan Yentob, the former director of television and BBC presenter, died earlier this week - and now Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has paid tribute to the BBC icon Dawn French has honoured her friend and former colleague Alan Yentob with a touching tribute following his death at the age of 78. The beloved BBC presenter and ex-director of television passed away, leaving behind his wife Philippa Walker and their children. Philippa's heartfelt statement read: "For [our children] Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting. He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide." As the entertainment world mourns, Dawn French, famed for her role in The Vicar of Dibley, posted a touching photo on X - formerly known as Twitter - with Alan and Jennifer Saunders. the Express. Alan's illustrious career with the BBC began in 1968 as a trainee, leading to numerous high-profile positions. He was instrumental in launching children's channels CBBC and CBeebies, as well as popular shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, and the iconic Pride and Prejudice adaptation. John Simpson, host of Unspun World, joined the chorus of tributes, expressing his sorrow: "Very sad to hear that my good friend Alan Yentob has died. He was such good company, and a wonderful interviewer and documentary-maker. I shall miss him greatly." BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid a heartfelt tribute to Alan, labelling him a "towering figure" in the world of broadcasting. As excitement about Alan's illustrious career bubbles over, Davie called him "a creative force and a cultural visionary". In his own words: "He shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leaves a lasting legacy." Davie warmly remembered Alan as more than just an innovative creator; he recounted, "But Alan was more than a pioneering creative - he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others." Adding to the accolades, Davie emphasised how working alongside Alan could elevate one's vision and ambition: "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up - a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre." Tim Davie concluded the homage to the beloved figure by saying, "Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn't performative - it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us."
