Latest news with #InConversation
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gavin and Stacey crew member whose death shook star was 'prolific' DJ as tributes paid
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne shared recently that a crew member from the BBC show had died and his former colleague has since been named as musician Rob Picton Tributes have been paid to a former Gavin and Stacey crew member who died recently. Mathew Horne has been among those reflecting on the news, with him having choked up whilst discussing the loss an event this week. Mathew, 46, who played Gavin Shipman, became emotional whilst on stage at an event held on Thursday. The actor announced that one of the drivers who worked on the sitcom's finale, which aired back in December, had died recently. He referred to his late colleague simply as Rob. The crew member is understood to be Rob Picton, who's been named elsewhere. Although having worked as a driver on the BBC show, he's known as a DJ, producer and club promoter in Wales, and has been the subject of tributes. It's yet to be announced how Rob, also known as Joe Blow, died. Last month, he posted about his health on social media, telling fans that he had been experiencing esophagitis, which involves the inflammation of the esophagus, and had been sent home from work previously due to chest pains. He wrote on July 17: "To everyone who has been trying to get hold of me, I will be back in touch, I'm not ignoring you. Got sent home from work a few days ago with chest pains and been wiped out ever since with Esophagitis." Rob shared that he would have to miss some events as a result. He also said: "Its sucks not being able to swallow food or drink without being in excruciating pain, as anyone who knows me knows its my favourite thing to do." Over a week later though, Rob appeared to be back at work. He posted about at a rave event in Cardiff that he is understood to have organised and thanked fans for their support. Gavin and Stacey star Mathew paid tribute to his late former colleague at a talk in Taunton earlier this week. The actor took part in an In Conversation event at Taunton Brewhouse in Somerset on Thursday. As reported by the Sun, he apologised to the audience at one point, saying that he had been "distracted" after hearing about his colleague's death. He said: "Earlier on ... we had a driver on the finale called Rob and he was in his early 40s... and I found out via the WhatsApp group earlier that he has passed away and I got slightly distracted there." Mathew described the news as "really sad" and reiterated that he had got distracted over the loss. He added: "He was a really lovely guy and he's left a four-year-old behind and that is really, really, really sad." There have been tributes to Rob this week, including on BBC Introducing with Adam Walton. Adam Walton said that he had the "privilege" of playing Rob's music, including as a member of groups, on the BBC Radio show for more than 25 years. He further paid tribute and expressed his condolences to those who knew Rob. Adam said at one point: "Rob was a great and prolific emcee, and his loss is seismic for his friends and collaborators and obviously for his family and community."
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Oprah Winfrey returns to Auckland for one-off show at Spark Arena
Oprah Winfrey has announced she is returning to New Zealand for a one-off 'In Conversation' show at Auckland's Spark Arena later this year. It's 10 years since she last made a public appearance in New Zealand, with her 'An Evening with Oprah' sell-out show at the same venue in December
United News of India
28-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
SC Judges launch Legal Aid Scheme for soldiers' families in Srinagar
Srinagar, Jul 27 (UNI) In a historic judicial outreach, a delegation of Supreme Court judges visited Kashmir for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The occasion marked the launch of the Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025, a pioneering initiative to provide proactive legal aid to the families of defence and paramilitary personnel. The program was organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Presiding over the event was Justice Surya Kant, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court and Executive Chairman of NALSA. He was joined by Justices P.S. Narasimha, Rajesh Bindal, and N. Kotiswar Singh, who collectively underscored the judiciary's unwavering commitment to expanding access to justice in frontier regions. In a major highlight, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai also joined his fellow judges in Srinagar today. He presided over two significant events, one--'In Conversation with the Bar', a NALSA-led interactive session at 10:30 am at SKICC, bringing together legal professionals from the region. CJI also attended the Mega Alumni Meet, held at 2:00 pm at the Convocation Complex, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, reaffirming the Supreme Court's connection with legal academia and bar associations in Jammu & Kashmir. Launching the Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025, Justice Surya Kant said, 'You serve the country at the borders; we will take care of your family at home. Soldiers brave enemy fire and harsh terrains. If their families face legal difficulties while they serve, it is the judiciary's duty to ensure they do not suffer silently.' Citing Article 39A of the Constitution, he said that legal aid is not charity, but a constitutional promise to ensure justice for all, especially those who serve on the frontlines. The key features of the Yojana include setting up of Legal Aid Clinics at District, State, and Central Sainik Boards. A dedicated network of nodal officers, legal aid counsels, and PLVs, including ex-servicemen, trained to handle defence-related legal issues empathetically. Digital integration through e-Lok Adalats, online mediation platforms, and virtual legal services to ensure fast and remote access to justice. Justice Kant noted that discussions with the Defence Ministry are already underway to ensure smooth operationalisation of these clinics across the country. He quoted Kashmiri poet Mahjoor, calling on the nation to 'create the glory of a new spring' by embedding unity, compassion, and justice into the legal framework. The event featured addresses by Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the J&K High Court, and Supreme Court judges Justice P.S. Narasimha, Justice Rajesh Bindal, and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, showcasing a united front by the higher judiciary. Also addressing the gathering were Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman of J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Chairperson of Ladakh Legal Services Authority, Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, Northern Army Commander, who welcomed the scheme as 'a vital and timely support system for soldiers and their families' Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was also present at the occasion, He called the scheme 'a major step in digital and inclusive justice' J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha pledged full administrative support The event was part of the North Zone Regional Conference on 'Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals', making Srinagar the symbolic launch pad of a national promise. From the sacred land of saints, the Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 sends out a clarion call: that while our soldiers protect the nation's borders, the Indian judiciary will protect their rights at home. The programme stands as a living testament to NALSA's motto: 'Access to Justice for All.' UNI SNG SSP
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Bill will reflect on extraordinary career in special show
Bill Bailey will be among those interviewed as part of the celebrations It's an exciting time as we announce the final show for the Gilded Balloon special In Conversation shows to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... On the final day of the Festival, one of comedy's most distinctive voices, Bill Bailey, will be interviewed by Mhairi Black. A comedian, actor and musician, Bill will reflect on his extraordinary career so far, his Gilded Balloon memories, his beloved role as Manny in Black Books, his Strictly Come Dancing win and his many appearances at the Fringe. Mhairi Black will also return to Gilded Balloon for a new Work-in-Progress show following her sold out debut last year. Bill Bailey and Kris, his wife, have been my friends since the early 90s when Bill split up from the double act The Rubber Bishops and performed his first solo show at Gilded Balloon. I'm so proud of his achievements over the years and in no way has he changed, he is still the lovely, happy man I met all these years ago. I have had many adventures with Bill and Kris in Bali where they got married, in Holland, Australia and Montreal. In 2002 Bill, Kris, myself and eight other friends went on a sailing trip around the spice islands on the Banda Sea. We went diving and Bill was my dive buddy. It was a thrilling trip and made us friends for life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mhairi Black, the youngest Westminster MP for nearly 10 years, sold out her debut show last year, which we then toured around Scotland as well as Soho Theatre in London and now she returns with a Work-In-Progress to see what it's like to not talk about politics. We thought Mhairi and Bill would make a great pairing, from very different backgrounds and at different stages of their career, and for Mhairi to be on the other side of the interview for once! With special shows from the fantastic Smack The Pony, Alan Davies, Rosie O'Donnell, Lewis MacLeod and Caroline Rhea, I'm thrilled to present this eclectic mix of comedy icons and rising stars at Fringe. With our special one-off In Conversation events featuring Bill Bailey and Jenny Eclair who have been an integral part of Gilded Balloon's history to rising stars on the Scottish scene like Glasgow's Alana Jackson, Kim Blythe, Rosco McClelland and Paul Black – these are all special shows that should not be missed.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Peter Kay fans given apology by venue amid disappointment over gig ticket chaos
Peter Kay and Sara Cox are uniting for two special events at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre in Salford later this year, with tickets having gone on sale for the shows this morning Fans were issued an apology over "issues" related to tickets for two Peter Kay events that went on sale earlier today. Some had expressed difficulty in securing seats for the comedian 's upcoming two shows with radio host Sara Cox. Peter, 51, and Sara, 50, are set to appear at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre in Salford on September 14. Tickets for Peter Kay In Conversation with Sara Cox, which will have a matinee and an evening show, went on sale at 10am today. A number of fans however posted on social media about apparent issues shortly after tickets were due to be available, prior to the shows selling out. One person wrote on X: "Got my ticket in basket. Been stuck on pay page ever since." Another fan, who later shared that they had managed to get a ticket, wrote at the time: "Was in queue, then it crashed. Still not working." Someone else said: "Got mine this morning after after a lot of trouble trying to get some." A fourth person wrote: "Had 3 tickets in basket and then couldn't finish purchase and when tried to get back in everything almost gone. Guess I won't be spending my bday celebration at the Lowry." One fan said: "No luck for me." The Lowry issued an apology over the situation on Instagram earlier today. In an initial statement shared this morning, the theatre and gallery complex said that it would try to resolve "issues" with booking tickets that it was aware of. The post, which was then shared by accounts for Peter on social media earlier today too, read: "We are aware of the issues this morning regarding booking tickets. Please bear with us while we try to rectify the problem." It then concluded: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused." In a subsequent post, the Lowry expressed gratitude for fans' patience with the situation. It said: "Thank you for your patience while we resolve the issues with our ticketing system this morning. Please do keep trying - seats are still available." Then, around three hours after its initial post, the Lowry announced that the two shows had sold out. It once again referenced the prior issues, writing at the time: "Peter Kay in conversation with Sara Cox is now sold out! Thank you for your patience while we resolved the issues with our ticketing systems." It's been announced that Peter and Sara will reflect on his life and career during the two shows. It's been teased that it will includd discussing his upcoming memoir Peter Kay's Diary, which is scheduled to be released in October. Peter's memoir was announced earlier this month. As reported at the time, it's been described as his "most personal and hilarious book yet," with it said to take readers on a "laugh-out-loud journey through his life, month by month". The shows at the Lowry will be specially recorded for broadcast, it's also been announced, "bringing the laughter and stories to a nationwide audience". Organisers have also said that all profits will be in aid of Bolton Hospice & Crescent Foodbank Bolton.
