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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."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team 'due' for success
San José Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena stands on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem before a match against the Columbus Crew on April 26. (Jason Mowry / Getty Images) The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. Advertisement They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. Read more: Commentary: Bruce Arena aims to achieve the seemingly impossible with San José 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. Advertisement 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. Advertisement It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. Read more: LAFC and Galaxy each won something notable in their El Tráfico draw Advertisement 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. Advertisement 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.' This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team ‘due' for success
The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former BBC Executive, Producer Alan Yentob Dies at 78: ‘We Have Lost One of the Great Creative Spirits of Our Time'
The family of broadcaster, producer and long-time BBC executive Alan Yentob has announced he died on Saturday. He was 78. Yentob joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and went on to have a distinguished career, holding a number of senior and influential positions, including controller of BBC One and BBC Two; director of television; head of music and arts; director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children's; and creative director. His commissions include 'Absolutely Fabulous,' 'Have I Got News for You' and the classic adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice.' He also launched kids' channels CBBC and CBeebies. More from Variety Gary Lineker Will Depart Sooner Than Planned After Antisemitism Controversy, BBC Confirms BBC Chief Tim Davie Commits to CIISA Standards in Anti-Bullying Push Susan Sarandon, Mike Leigh Among 600+ Signatories of Open Letter Demanding That BBC Air Delayed Gaza Medics Documentary He made his name on the arts series 'Arena' and also edited and presented the arts documentary series 'Imagine' from 2003. Yentob was presented in 2024 with a U.K. honor, a CBE, for services to the arts and media. His wife Philippa Walker said: 'For 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.' BBC director-general Tim Davie said: 'Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy. 'For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From 'Arena' to 'Imagine,' from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life. 'He believed profoundly in the BBC's role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts – accessible to all. '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. '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. '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. 'We have lost one of the great creative spirits of our time. But his programs, his voice, and the generations he inspired, will live on. 'Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
