Latest news with #Honesty
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Actor Stifyn Parri finds peace in his garden near Wrexham
Stifyn Parri, from Rhos, near Wrexham, now living in St Fagan's, Cardiff, finds solace in his garden. He shared his love for gardening with presenter Meinir Gwilym on S4C's series, Garddio a Mwy. The episode featuring Mr Parri will air at 8.25pm on Monday, June 2. The actor, who starred in Brookside, began posting pictures of his flowers during the pandemic to lift the spirits of "friends, family, and strangers." He said: "The reaction was so positive I took another photo the following day and I've been posting images on Instagram and Facebook every day since then. "They have become so popular if I haven't posted by eleven o'clock in the morning people have been known to phone up and check I'm alive and well." (Image: Supplied) Despite having no formal gardening training, Mr Parri enjoys experimenting in his garden. He said: "I love pottering in the garden. "I plant things intuitively and if they don't like where they're growing plants will let you know just the same as if they do like their spot." His garden, which backs onto woodland, is filled with seating areas, a barbecue area, and a hot tub. He said: "It isn't the largest garden but I've taken advice from Monty (Don) and created lots of areas. "I think lawns are a waste of time, and space." His favourite flower is Lunaria annua, commonly known as Honesty. He said: "I just love the simplicity of the flower. "It reminds me of home because just about every parlour in Rhosllannerchrugog during my childhood had a display of dried Honesty plants." Mr Parri began his acting career on S4C's Coleg and later joined Channel 4's Brookside as Christopher Duncan, where he made headlines with the first openly gay relationship on British TV. His theatre work includes starring as Marius in Les Misérables in the West End. In 2001, he set up an agency called MR PRODUCER and has produced some of Wales' most prominent live events. He also launched the Welsh ex-pat society, Social Welsh and Sexy (SWS). Two years ago, he presented his BAFTA-nominated documentary, Paid a Dweud Hoyw (Don't Say Gay) for S4C. Later this summer, Mr Parri will play a prominent part in the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. Garddio a Mwy presenter Meinir Gwilym said: "It's a garden with character! "Not only is it full of colour and shapes and textures, the garden is also full of life - reflecting Stifyn perfectly." Series producer Euros Wyn added: "You don't need a degree in horticulture to enjoy some gardening, and I think that the series reflects that."
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Welsh actor who made history with first gay kiss on UK TV uses flower power to raise spirits
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An actor and impresario who made history with British TV's first gay kiss revealed he grows flowers to unwind from the hectic world of showbiz. Stifyn Parri, who hails from Rhos, near Wrexham, and now lives in St Fagan's near Cardiff, loves nothing better than pottering in his garden to switch off and relax. He shared his passion for gardening with television presenter Meinir Gwilym when he was filmed for an item on S4C's flagship gardening series, Garddio a Mwy. The episode featuring Stifyn is being shown at 8.25pm on Monday, June 2, and will then be available on demand on S4C Clic and BBCiplayer and other platforms. According to the larger-than-life star, he posts images of colourful flowers growing in the garden or houseplants he's cultivated as a way of raising the spirits of 'friends, family and strangers.' It all started when everybody was locked down during the Coronavirus pandemic and he said: "The reaction was so positive I took another photo the following day and I've been posting images on Instagram and Facebook every day since then. "They have become so popular if I haven't posted by eleven o'clock in the morning people have been known to phone up and check I'm alive and well," joked Stifyn. Insisting he has no formal gardening training and doesn't know the names of many of the plants growing in the garden Stifyn said: "I love pottering in the garden. I plant things intuitively and if they don't like where they're growing plants will let you know just the same as if they do like their spot. I live outside as much as I do inside. I have adapted the house so that it opens up into the garden. "It isn't the largest garden but I've taken advice from Monty (Don) and created lots of areas. There's many seating areas, a large open sided shed, called The Bus Stop, where there's a table which can seat lots of people. There's a barbeque area, and a hot tub. It had a large lawned area when I moved in but I quickly got rid of the grass and replaced it with raised beds which are jam-packed with plants. I think lawns are a waste of time, and space. "The roses are in bloom right now and look, and smell fantastic and the laburnum tree is looking great when the sun shines through it. "And the garden backs onto woodland which is full of wildlife like owls, hedgehogs and foxes. There is nothing formal about my garden, I'm just trying to work with nature too.' His favourite flower, he said, is Lunaria annua or as it is commonly known Honesty "I just love the simplicity of the flower. It reminds me of home because just about every parlour in Rhosllannerchrugog during my childhood had a display of dried Honesty plants. "I love the vivid purple flowers in the spring and the way the seed heads follow. And of course they self-seed so I'll have plenty more next year.' As an actor he started his career on television as Owen Hughes in the drama series Coleg on S4C and later joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside as Christopher Duncan nearly 40 years ago. While on Brookside, he broke new ground with the first openly gay relationship on British television and made international headlines with the historic on-screen kiss. . Stifyn's theatre work includes starring as Marius in Les Misérables in the West End and George in Metropolis at the Piccadilly Theatre, London. He's also appeared in various productions at Theatr Clwyd, Mold, and toured his One Man Show's throughout Wales, in London and New York. In 2001 he set up an agency called MR PRODUCER and he has produced some of Wales' most prominent live events such as the Opening Weekend of Wales Millenium Centre for BBC Wales and the Welcome 2 Wales Ryder Cup Opening Concert for Sky 1 and Sky Arts. Another claim to fame is that he launched Social Welsh and Sexy or SWS, the Welsh ex-pat society which organised events in London, Spain, New York and Russia. Two years ago he presented his BAFTA-nominated documentary, Paid a Dweud Hoyw (Don't Say Gay) for S4C on the subject of Clause 28. This was a law in force between 1988-2003 which prohibited public institutions from teaching children and young people about anything related to the LGBTQ+ community. Later this summer Stifyn will play a prominent part in the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. During the week-long festival Stifyn will be producing and presenting an outrageous cabaret, 'Stifyn's Steddfod', a panel game, a celebration of 40 years of Les Miserables, and interview with his close friend and celebrated actor Mark Lewis Jones, and help launch the centenary celebrations of Y Stiwt in Rhos. Garddio a Mwy presenter Meinir Gwilym said she thoroughly enjoyed her time in Stifyn's garden. She added: "It's a garden with character! Not only is it full of colour and shapes and textures, the garden is also full of life - reflecting Stifyn perfectly. "And yes, it is also a haven, a place to rest. Gardening in itself is as good a process as meditating every bit I think, and Stifyn says that 'potran in the garden' is one of his greatest pleasures." Made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da, the series will run until late summer and feature a whole host of projects as well as useful hints and tips for gardeners Series producer Euros Wyn added: "We've been producing Garddio a Mwy for a decade, and I think that our viewers enjoy the variety on offer, as well as the programme's down to earth approach. You don't need a degree in horticulture to enjoy some gardening, and I think that the series reflects that.' Garddio a Mwy is broadcast on S4C on Monday evenings at 8.25pm. The programme is also available on demand on S4C Clic and BBCiplayer and other platforms. English subtitles are also available. To check out Stifyn's pictures go to his Instagram account
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Welsh actor who made history with first gay kiss on UK TV uses flower power to raise spirits
An actor and impresario who made history with British TV's first gay kiss revealed he grows flowers to unwind from the hectic world of showbiz. Stifyn Parri, who hails from Rhos, near Wrexham, and now lives in St Fagan's near Cardiff, loves nothing better than pottering in his garden to switch off and relax. He shared his passion for gardening with television presenter Meinir Gwilym when he was filmed for an item on S4C's flagship gardening series, Garddio a Mwy. The episode featuring Stifyn is being shown at 8.25pm on Monday, June 2, and will then be available on demand on S4C Clic and BBCiplayer and other platforms. According to the larger-than-life star, he posts images of colourful flowers growing in the garden or houseplants he's cultivated as a way of raising the spirits of 'friends, family and strangers.' It all started when everybody was locked down during the Coronavirus pandemic and he said: "The reaction was so positive I took another photo the following day and I've been posting images on Instagram and Facebook every day since then. "They have become so popular if I haven't posted by eleven o'clock in the morning people have been known to phone up and check I'm alive and well," joked Stifyn. Insisting he has no formal gardening training and doesn't know the names of many of the plants growing in the garden Stifyn said: "I love pottering in the garden. I plant things intuitively and if they don't like where they're growing plants will let you know just the same as if they do like their spot. I live outside as much as I do inside. I have adapted the house so that it opens up into the garden. "It isn't the largest garden but I've taken advice from Monty (Don) and created lots of areas. There's many seating areas, a large open sided shed, called The Bus Stop, where there's a table which can seat lots of people. There's a barbeque area, and a hot tub. It had a large lawned area when I moved in but I quickly got rid of the grass and replaced it with raised beds which are jam-packed with plants. I think lawns are a waste of time, and space. "The roses are in bloom right now and look, and smell fantastic and the laburnum tree is looking great when the sun shines through it. "And the garden backs onto woodland which is full of wildlife like owls, hedgehogs and foxes. There is nothing formal about my garden, I'm just trying to work with nature too.' His favourite flower, he said, is Lunaria annua or as it is commonly known Honesty "I just love the simplicity of the flower. It reminds me of home because just about every parlour in Rhosllannerchrugog during my childhood had a display of dried Honesty plants. "I love the vivid purple flowers in the spring and the way the seed heads follow. And of course they self-seed so I'll have plenty more next year.' As an actor he started his career on television as Owen Hughes in the drama series Coleg on S4C and later joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside as Christopher Duncan nearly 40 years ago. While on Brookside, he broke new ground with the first openly gay relationship on British television and made international headlines with the historic on-screen kiss. . Stifyn's theatre work includes starring as Marius in Les Misérables in the West End and George in Metropolis at the Piccadilly Theatre, London. He's also appeared in various productions at Theatr Clwyd, Mold, and toured his One Man Show's throughout Wales, in London and New York. In 2001 he set up an agency called MR PRODUCER and he has produced some of Wales' most prominent live events such as the Opening Weekend of Wales Millenium Centre for BBC Wales and the Welcome 2 Wales Ryder Cup Opening Concert for Sky 1 and Sky Arts. Another claim to fame is that he launched Social Welsh and Sexy or SWS, the Welsh ex-pat society which organised events in London, Spain, New York and Russia. Two years ago he presented his BAFTA-nominated documentary, Paid a Dweud Hoyw (Don't Say Gay) for S4C on the subject of Clause 28. This was a law in force between 1988-2003 which prohibited public institutions from teaching children and young people about anything related to the LGBTQ+ community. Later this summer Stifyn will play a prominent part in the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. During the week-long festival Stifyn will be producing and presenting an outrageous cabaret, 'Stifyn's Steddfod', a panel game, a celebration of 40 years of Les Miserables, and interview with his close friend and celebrated actor Mark Lewis Jones, and help launch the centenary celebrations of Y Stiwt in Rhos. Garddio a Mwy presenter Meinir Gwilym said she thoroughly enjoyed her time in Stifyn's garden. She added: "It's a garden with character! Not only is it full of colour and shapes and textures, the garden is also full of life - reflecting Stifyn perfectly. "And yes, it is also a haven, a place to rest. Gardening in itself is as good a process as meditating every bit I think, and Stifyn says that 'potran in the garden' is one of his greatest pleasures." Made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da, the series will run until late summer and feature a whole host of projects as well as useful hints and tips for gardeners Series producer Euros Wyn added: "We've been producing Garddio a Mwy for a decade, and I think that our viewers enjoy the variety on offer, as well as the programme's down to earth approach. You don't need a degree in horticulture to enjoy some gardening, and I think that the series reflects that.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billy Joel's ex Christie Brinkley breaks silence on his brain disorder diagnosis
The Piano Man and his Uptown Girl. Billy Joel's ex-wife Christie Brinkley showed her support for the singer, 76, after he announced he's been diagnosed with a type of brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus. Brinkley, 71, shared an Instagram post Saturday with clips of her and her daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook, 26, at one of Joel's concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The footage included a moment where Sailor — whom Brinkley shares with ex-husband Peter Cook — sang Joel's hit song 'You May Be Right' next to him backstage at his concert. 'Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery,' Brinkley began her caption. 'I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert,' the supermodel continued. 'It made me laugh ..but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing a longs you've lead… you turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison.' Brinkley went on, 'I'm sure I'm speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight, you're OUR piano man And we're always in the mood for your melodies And we all hope you're feeling alright!' 'We Love You, the kids, me and an arena or two!' Brinkley concluded. Joel and Brinkley were married from 1985 to 1994 and share daughter Alexa Ray Joel, 39. Alexa shared her own tribute to her dad following the news of his health diagnosis. 'My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I've ever known… and he's entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength,' she captioned an Instagram post, which featured a black and white painting that seemingly showed Joel holding hands with Alexa as a little girl. 'We love you and we got you, Pop,' she also wrote. The 'Honesty' singer confirmed Friday that he was canceling all his upcoming tour dates due to his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis. The disorder happens when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain, disrupting cognitive functioning, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Joel's statement said that 'this condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.' 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' the message added. Joel previously postponed several tour dates in March due to a 'medical condition.' In February, the Grammy Award winner fell on stage during his concert in Connecticut.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Billy Joel's ex Christie Brinkley breaks silence on his brain disorder diagnosis
The Piano Man and his Uptown Girl. Billy Joel's ex-wife Christie Brinkley showed her support for the singer, 76, after he announced he's been diagnosed with a type of brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus. Brinkley, 71, shared an Instagram post Saturday with clips of her and her daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook, 26, at one of Joel's concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Advertisement 9 Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley backstage at 'Chicago' on Broadway in 2011. FilmMagic The footage included a moment where Sailor — whom Brinkley shares with ex-husband Peter Cook — sang Joel's hit song 'You May Be Right' next to him backstage at his concert. 'Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery,' Brinkley began her caption. Advertisement 9 Sailor Brinkley Cook and Christie Brinkley. Instagram/@christiebrinkley 9 Billy Joel and Sailor Brinkley Cook. Instagram/@christiebrinkley 'I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert,' the supermodel continued. 'It made me laugh ..but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing a longs you've lead… you turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison.' Brinkley went on, 'I'm sure I'm speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight, you're OUR piano man And we're always in the mood for your melodies And we all hope you're feeling alright!' Advertisement 9 Christie Brinkley and Sailor Brinkley Cook at Billy Joel's concert. Instagram/@christiebrinkley 9 Christie Brinkley with her daughter Sailor. Instagram/@christiebrinkley 'We Love You, the kids, me and an arena or two!' Brinkley concluded. Joel and Brinkley were married from 1985 to 1994 and share daughter Alexa Ray Joel, 39. Advertisement 9 Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel in 1983. Getty Images Alexa shared her own tribute to her dad following the news of his health diagnosis. 'My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I've ever known… and he's entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength,' she captioned an Instagram post, which featured a black and white painting that seemingly showed Joel holding hands with Alexa as a little girl. 9 Alexa Ray Joel and her mom Christie Brinkley. Getty Images 'We love you and we got you, Pop,' she also wrote. The 'Honesty' singer confirmed Friday that he was canceling all his upcoming tour dates due to his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis. The disorder happens when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull and presses on the brain, disrupting cognitive functioning, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 9 Billy Joel performs in Las Vegas in Nov. 2024. Getty Images Advertisement Joel's statement said that 'this condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.' 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' the message added. 9 Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden in 2017. Getty Images Advertisement Joel previously postponed several tour dates in March due to a 'medical condition.' In February, the Grammy Award winner fell on stage during his concert in Connecticut.
