Latest news with #GriffRhysJones
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Griff Rhys Jones declares Not The Nine O'Clock News deserves more respect
Griff Rhys Jones believes his iconic comedy series 'Not The Nine O'Clock News' has been erased from history by the BBC. The satirical sketch show was broadcast on BBC Two from 1979 to 1982 and starred Griff, Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson and Griff's late comedy partner Mel Smith, who died from a heart attack in July 2013 at the age of 60. At its peak it was attracting up to 18 million viewers an episode, but it is never repeated by the BBC and Griff says it's because the corporation doesn't want to pay him and the writers. Appearing on the 'Who's Tom and Dick' podcast, he said: 'The funny thing is it's not repeated. I don't think it's so topical that's it not. 'I think the reason is that it's written by a lot of people. The BBC finds it easy to repeat things like 'The Young Ones' now and the history of comedy is slightly being re-written as a result of that. 'People say, 'Oh Griff, you're amazing, you were in 'The Young Ones' playing Bambi, you know Bamber Gascoigne.' I go, 'Yeah, I think that's was an afternoon of my life, I don't remember much about it.' 'The thing is we were in a show that was 10 times the size of 'The Young Ones' at the time, absolutely massive, but it was written by so many people that the BBC have now sort of wiped it. They don't want to get involved in paying the rights of all those people. 'In fact, they went through the Millennium or some sort of thing of BBC Two and they didn't even mention it, it's just crazy because it was huge. It was like 18 million people watching at one point and that was with a difficult, edgy show. You're not talking about just a family favourite, you're talking about the one that kids said, 'Mummy, daddy, I want to stay up and watch it.' 'No, you can't, it's not for you.' 'It was a huge thing and lasted in people's memory for a long time but it was so long ago.' And Griff doesn't believe that 'Not The Nine O'Clock News' is snubbed from the repeat schedule because it is politically incorrect. The comedian - who went on to create 'Alas Smith and Jones' with Mel after 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' - said: 'Going back we laughed at gays, not offensively, but it was a sort a thing. We dressed up as women, but everyone did. They're all coming on dressed as women, Dick Emery, Les Dawson, every single sketch they were dressed as a woman. 'When we didn't have enough women I was dressed up as a woman, so I was the other singer in ABBA, but we had Pamela so it wasn't very often. But it was a bit more trans, I was expected to be a convincing woman, not a Les Dawson woman, or a Monty Python woman or even a Dick Emery woman.'
ITV News
23-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Why actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones wants to preserve a Norfolk Kwik Fit garage
"Once it's gone, it's gone forever": Russell Hookey met with the great-granddaughter of the architect behind the building The actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones is warning that one of the oldest reinforced concrete buildings in Britain is under threat unless it is better protected. The building, 33-39 St James Street in King's Lynn, is currently a Kwik Fit garage and has been added to this year's Top Ten Endangered Buildings List, which highlights buildings under threat. According to the Victorian Society, the building is an "extraordinary example of modernist design and concrete construction". The society's president Griff Rhys Jones said, "It's extraordinary, it's a very early modernist building, and as such it might be of European significance." The Grade II-listed building, built in 1908, was designed by Norfolk-based architect A.F. Scott. It was listed in 2019 on the advice of Historic England and because of its clean lines and lack of decoration, it is considered a precursor to the post-First World War European Functionalism movement. Scott had already designed the now-demolished Chamberlin's factory in Norwich in 1903, which was the first reinforced concrete building in East Anglia. His great-granddaughter, Judith Merrill said that Scott was "very much one of his kind." "He was an individualist" she said. "He rode a bicycle - it's said he had the first pneumatic tyres in Norwich and cycled miles around Norfolk in them. "He was well ahead of his time, and it needs preserving, because once it's gone, it's gone forever." The St James Street building is now leased by Kwik Fit, although according to the Victorian Society a large part of the building is in long-term disuse and deterioration. The society is now urging the investment company which owns the building to take action to protect it. 'This bold and brilliant building is an unheralded but pioneering example of early modernism" said the society's director, James Hughes. "It deserves urgent attention, not just to preserve its fabric, but to celebrate its place in European architectural history," he added. A spokesperson for Kwik Fit said the building is "structurally sound" based on inspections which are carried out at least once a month. "Naturally we would prefer the property to be fully utilised, but our operations don't require the entire building," they added. "We have attempted to let out the space we do not use.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Penarth: Derelict Victorian hotel on most-endangered list
A Grade II listed hotel has been placed on a list of the 10 most endangered buildings in the Hotel in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, dated back to about 1865 as part of the Mercantile Marine Offices and played a central role in the town's industrial, maritime, and social the surrounding area's transformation into a thriving marina and past proposals for redevelopment, the hotel remains derelict. Now on sale for £2.25m, the Victorian Society, which compiled the list, said it may be the "final opportunity to restore a vital piece of Penarth's maritime and architectural heritage". Griff Rhys Jones, president of the Victorian Society, also expressed disbelief that the "handsome hotel" in a "posh and sought-after" area still awaits restoration. He said the "elegant" building was a valuable heritage asset in need of care. According to Mr Jones, Penarth's rise as a prosperous Victorian town began with the construction of its docks in 1865, which also helped it thrive as a seaside resort. Built at the same time, Marine Hotel served dock workers, tourists, and likely Allied forces during World War since the early 1980s, the once-grand Grade II listed building has remained derelict for over 40 years as previous redevelopment plans, including a £6m boutique hotel scheme, have failed to materialise. James Hughes, Director of the Victorian Society, said Marine Hotel is an "irreplaceable link to Penarth's proud dockside past". "After four decades of decay, this sale is a last chance to bring the building back from the brink and give it the future it deserves," he said.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Call to preserve historic Methodist hall that housed the Que Club
A listed Methodist hall that had a second life as a music venue for famous acts in the 1990s and 2000s has been placed on a list of endangered Methodist Central Hall, a red brick and terracotta building in Birmingham's city centre, first opened in 1903 and became the Que Club in club hosted gigs by David Bowie and Blur, as well as acid house rave nights, before it closed in Victorian Society has put the local landmark on its annual list of endangered buildings, voicing concern that it had "slipped into decline" since the venue closed and faced an "uncertain" future. "The old Que needs a new life," actor Griff Rhys Jones, the society's president, said in a charity campaigns to preserve Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales, as well as advising planning authorities on proposals that could affect listed buildings from those eras. Around 100 Methodist Central Halls were built between 1886 and 1945 in cities across the UK in order to create venues where concerts, films, comedy events, and prayers were on offer, according to the Victorian halls were part of a drive to steer city-dwellers away from pubs and alcohol, the society Grade II-listed hall, on Corporation Street, is partly known for the terracotta reliefs around its porch, which depict scenes from the life of Methodism's founder, John Victorian Society said the building was currently on the market after a project to convert it into a hotel had stalled despite receiving planning permission in 2022."It needs friends and it needs some noise," Jones building is also on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, which notes that the building is vacant except for retail businesses on its ground floor and its "condition has deteriorated following recent storms".Others on the society's list of endangered buildings include:Bosworth Park Water Tower, Market Bosworth, LeicestershireTorquay Pavilion, Torquay, DevonBirley Spa, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield33 – 39 St James Street, King's Lynn, NorfolkFormer Marine Hotel, Penarth, GlamorganGibson Street Baths, Newcastle-upon-TyneAldermaston Court, Aldermaston, BerkshireEdgerton Cemetery Chapel, HuddersfieldGwalia, West Derby, Liverpool Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Wales Online
Landmark former hotel 'most at risk' building in Wales
Landmark former hotel 'most at risk' building in Wales The Victorian Society have released their most endangered buildings of 2025 and this semi-derelict former beauty is on it Marine Building, former Marine Hotel at the end of Penarth Marina (Image: Richard Swingler ) One of Wales' most historic buildings listed has been added to The Victorian Society's "most at risk" buildings register for 2025. The former Marine Building also known as the Marine Hotel, which is Cadw listed is located in a prime position overlooking Cardiff Bay and adjacent to the barrage lock gates, at the very end of Penarth Marina. Every year the heritage preservation society produces a list of the buildings in England and Wales it considers most in need of rescuing, chosen because they are at high risk of being demolished, falling into disrepair or suffering significant damage. The Marine Hotel has been rightly added to the list as it is an extremely run down state. It has lain empty for over 40 years and is now in serious need of attention. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: Stunning designer home with incredible sea views and a brilliant surprise in the garden YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The 18-year epic renovation project by Griff Rhys Jones that turned a derelict farm into dream properties Article continues below Dating back to around 1865 and boasting a grand French-renaissance style façade possibly designed by architect Samuel Dobson. The building was awarded its Grade II listed status by Cadw in 1986 for its group value with the next door Custom House. With the construction of Penarth docks from 1865, Penarth flourished not only as a centre for coal exportation but as a popular and genteel Victorian seaside town, resulting in numerous grand buildings appearing including the Marine Hotel and Customs Office, which formed part of the Mercantile Marine Offices. Redevelopment of Penarth docks began in the 1980s (Image: Seabreeze Homes, Penarth ) Likely constructed by the Taff Vale Railway - its monogram is still visible - the Marine Hotel was among several grand establishments serving both dock workers and tourists and included the Esplanade Hotel, Royal Hotel, Washington Hotel, Glendale, and Lansdowne. The building is said to have played a pivotal role in the town's industrial and social history and likely served in WWII when the docks became an American naval base supporting the D-Day landings. The building went on to be used as apartments and offices during its later use. But while the disused dock was redeveloped from 1987 into Penarth Marina boasting docks, moorings and homes, the Marine Building remained empty and now, decades later, is only home to foliage, birds and wildlife, with numerous floors collapsing as a result of the state of the roof - all of which can be seen just be strolling past it. The rundown building is owned by the family who own and operate The Custom House restaurant next door (Image: Google street view ) In 2001 the Marine Building was acquired by Cardiff restaurateur the late Martin Martinez who owned the adjoining Custom House and restaurant. In 2015 WalesOnline reported that the family had submitted restoration plans worth £6m to Vale of Glamorgan Council in a bid to transform the empty building, creating a boutique hotel with 55 four-star rooms and a 100-seater cafeteria-wine bar overlooking the marina. Nataniel Martinez, Director of The Custom House, commented at the time: "Now the plan is to develop the adjoining site. With planning permission due to expire in 2017 we would work to commence in 2016 but at the moment we require extra funding which we hope will be in place by then. The development will take two years and be completed by 2018." Read more of that 2015 article here. At that time Vale of Glamorgan County Council had granted planning for the building to be including a rear extension and retaining the historic façade and a catch up of progress in 2023 saw both sides of the story keen for the building to be saved but with funding the main challenge. The building has been empty for over 40 years and for sale for four with E J Hales for £2,250,000 (Image: Mirrorpix ) A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said at the time the local authority was "keen to get the building back into use" and officers had been working with the owners towards that aim. But fast forward to 2025 and there's only one change to the façade - the addition of a for sale sign because the building has been on the market for over four years and is currently for sale with E J Hales for £2,250,000 with a member of staff telling WalesOnline there had been "little interest" so far. Now The Victorian Society has added its voice to the call to save the historic building as it deteriorates further. Griff Rhys Jones, Victorian Society President said: "What? In posh and sought-after Penarth? This handsome hotel seeks care and attention? After failed schemes and stop- start suggestions, buildings do start to look tired, and developers start looking for excuses, but some enterprise must surely recognise the value in this elegant building and its amenities. Griff Rhys Jones, president of The Victorian Society, in Pembrokeshire where he has restored and saved a hamlet of historic buildings (Image: Griff Rhys Jones ) "A classic case of added value in the heritage building itself, with history and glamour thrown in. We are pleased to help advertise its availability for a sensitive restoration to its former glory." James Hughes, director at The Victorian Society, said: "The Marine Hotel is an irreplaceable link to Penarth's proud dockside past. After four decades of decay, this sale is a last chance to bring the building back from the brink and give it the future it deserves." Griff adds an extra layer of reasons why buildings, such as the Marine Hotel should be saved for everyone's benefit. He says: "I also think that it's really important for people to realise putting up a new building is a hugely carbon dense operation and recycling our rubbish, putting things into five different bags and boxes, is at the top of our every day agenda, it should be at the top of the agenda in buildings too. "It's not about the past, it is entirely about the future. We don't want generations to come to say 'what happened to that beautiful building or town?' - we want to make our towns and cities places worthwhile to visit, to be in, to live in - that's the future and saving buildings like Marine Hotel is at the core of it. "Of course it is about investment but it's investment for the future, so what I'd also say is the more that we can say as a group the more is achieved, so I'd say j oin The Victorian Society, join your local amenities society - we particularly need more young people expressing their beliefs in the qualities of the character of these heritage buildings because it gives it a voice for the future, one that can't be ignored by politicians as a voice that doesn't count." The Victorian Society's Top 10 Endangered Buildings 2025 Marine Hotel, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan Bosworth Park Water Tower, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire Torquay Pavilion, Torquay, Devon Birley Spa, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield 33 – 39 St James Street, King's Lynn, Norfolk Former Methodist Central Hall, Corporation St, Birmingham Gibson Street Baths, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Aldermaston Court, Aldermaston, Berkshire Edgerton Cemetery Chapel, Huddersfield Gwalia Villa, West Derby, Liverpool The Victorian Society is not the only heritage charity keen to see the Marine Building be rescued and restored, as it is also currently featured on the Save Britain's Heritage website. Liz Fuller, buildings at risk officer, told WalesOnline in December 2024 that the charity is also trying to raise the building's profile because it is "incredibly important and worthwhile". She said: "Even in its currently dilapidated state Penarth's Marine Building has unmistakable architectural elegance and drama. Buildings of this history, quality, and design give places identity and interest for both locals and visitors alike. Their sensitive and imaginative rescue has the potential to spark exponential benefits, restoring to use an important element of the community's history and bringing new visitors and new revenue to the area." For more homes and property television stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Article continues below Find your own property, maybe even a big renovation project, for sale here:
