Latest news with #Jeremy
Spectator
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
I've rekindled my love affair with England
Late spring. Sitting in the armchair in the living room, I was chilly and disconsolate. My middle daughter was seven-and-a-half months pregnant and unwell. The pregnancy had triggered two serious autoimmune disorders. She'd been successfully treated for thyroid cancer a few years before, but this new disease was attacking her lower spine; she was exhausted and in almost constant pain. At times she couldn't pick up her two-year-old daughter. I could barely afford to fill up the car, never mind pay for parking and a flight back to England, and every night lay awake worrying. Beside the chair to the left, a live rock wall, and in front, a wood-burner. To one side of the stove, on a table-easel, was a framed print; the last and most optimistic in a series of allegories I painted during my immediate post-marital separation years. The five works depict the same semi-naked woman turning away from a sparse and gloomy interior towards a bright landscape (hope) in the distance, but with each new work, the interior became lighter and more colourful, and the landscape moved closer. Next to the print, a painted concrete cast of Tintin's dog Snowy. On the other side of the fire, a plaster tortoise and a small copy in oils of the Victorian symbolist painter G.F. Watts's 'Delusive Hope'. Hope or, to the more pessimistic, 'delusive hope' was the last of the 'evils' to escape from Pandora's box. In Watts's painting, a blind girl sits on a rock trying to play a tune on a broken lyre. An email appeared on my phone. Would I be interested in hosting one of the Spectator writers' dinners? I looked at the blind girl playing the single string on her lyre and re-read the message. It was definitely for me and, although doubtful anyone would turn up, I said yes. A date was set. I tried not to think about the prospect of no one coming and forgot about it until I was told it had sold out. Sixteen Spectator readers bought tickets. A couple of weeks later I learned from the Times's Diary the evening was also the one in which Sarah Vine was holding a launch party for her book about being married to the editor of this magazine, Michael Gove, and by chance – or not – Vine's ex-friend Emily Sheffield (Samantha Cameron's sister) was hosting a big party as well. And it was Boris Johnson's birthday. After some thought I couldn't decide which of these four events would be more terrifying. I needn't have worried. The evening was jolly and there were a couple of familiar faces, Nicola and Woody, whom Jeremy and I met on the 2015 Spectator cruise from Venice to Athens. A bonus. Alasdair came down especially from Glasgow and I, sometimes mocked as a young nurse for reading the Times or the Glasgow Herald on lunch breaks, was particularly pleased to meet two Spectator-reading nurses, Siobhan and her friend Caroline. My only regret was to yield to the request from features editor Will to tell the dinner guests my entry to Jeremy's 2011 puerile and offensive joke competition. It was how Jeremy and I met; the winners were invited to his first book launch. The joke was bad enough 14 years ago. What kind of fool would recount a misogynist joke in public these days? Three glasses down I hoped the tide of wokery was, if not exactly ebbing, turning at least, and thought too that Spectator readers more than most, would laugh. They did. Being a woman helped. Imagine a bloke telling the one about the man who goes to the doctor worried that his wife is dead which ends with the punchline: 'Well, doctor, the sex is still the same but the ironing's piling up…' The following day I headed to Oxfordshire to see my middle daughter and meet my grandson for the second time. Since he was born in the middle of May, he's almost doubled in size and is now smiling and cooing and holding his head up. My little granddaughter ran into my arms, and my daughter, although still tired and on fortnightly injections, is almost completely pain-free and 80 per cent more energetic than she was. We had an early dinner in the garden of The Fish in nearby Sutton Courtenay and another day went to a bougie family festival. The sun shone and rekindled my love affair with England. As a child, because my father was dead and my mother worked full time and had a boyfriend I feared and loathed, I spent the summer holidays away from Scotland with my grandparents in Staffordshire. Between the ages of eight and 11, I stayed on an aunt's farm, helping with housework and stable duties and learning to ride on a palomino pony called Silver. Eventually I was proficient enough to be allowed out alone to explore the bridle paths on an old 16-hand chestnut mare called Monica. She was a gentle creature and allowed me some of the happiest moments of my childhood. Occasionally in my mind's eye I catch a glimpse of myself, aged ten, trotting along sun-dappled lanes on that big steady horse. Back home in Provence the summer rentals I manage have begun. Although quieter than previous years, they'll provide a little income and I've received two, possibly three, new commissions for paintings. For now at least, the copy of 'Delusive Hope' is no longer the dominant image in the room.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Huge 80s star stages astonishing comeback after shock realisation about world'
The godfather of alternative comedy Alexei Sayle has lost none of his Marxist zeal or rage against the establishment – and says his firebrand act is needed more than ever to resist what he calls an 'assault on free speech and comedy'. After over 30 years delivering acidly funny rants at the state of the nation, the 72-year-old veteran of The Comic Strip and The Young Ones is more troubled than ever about the widening gap between the rich and poor – and there's no chance of him getting off his soapbox. 'I would like to retire – but the world keeps getting worse,' he says with a chuckle. 'So what am I supposed to do?' Politics has always been his schtick, and even now, he takes his alternative comedian job spec seriously. He believes comedy is one of the first casualties of an authoritarian society. 'They don't like a laugh,' says Alexei. 'But healthy ones encourage criticism. Comedy is a pressure valve – it's a way to let off steam about the injustice of the world. And comics should also point out injustice.' We meet in a park near his house in Bloomsbury, the literary quarter of central London, where he lives with his wife Linda and their beloved 18-year-old Maine Coon cat, Wilf. The bald, bovver-booted tight-suit wearing bouncer look has gone and been replaced by a slightly avuncular look. Completely white haired and with a beard trimmed into a Lenin point (his barber's idea), he's also wearing a Panama which gives him the air of a professor on his holidays, especially as he's waving a wooden stick. 'It's my martial arts staff – I do Tai chi,' he says, twirling it around expertly. Apparently it's not a peaceful hobby at all. 'No, it's a way of killing people very slowly,' he deadpans. It's been a while since Alexei has been on the stand-up comedy circuit after his comeback tour in 2022 was rudely interrupted by the pandemic. But his delightful travels around the UK with his Strangers On A Train series last year on Radio 4 has found him a whole new audience. He also hosts a monthly podcast with co-host Talal Karkouti, and has even gone viral with the youngsters with his TikTok videos where he explains Marxist theory through interpretative dance. Bringing his surreal side to a brand new medium, Alexei demonstrates the 'bourgeoiose boogie' followed by 'cornered beast' while teaching about how capitalists steal the profits of workers' hard work. 'I mean they're proper viral – we're up to about seven million views,' he says. 'We're going to do more of those, more internet stuff, hopefully another series of Imaginary Sandwich Bar, and maybe some live gigs.' And, Alexei reveals, he's waiting for 'Jeremy to get the new party together'. Always a committed Corbynist, there's no love lost between the comic and the current Labour line-up. 'When Jeremy has finally talked to everybody in the country, and the new party, people's popular front emerges, then I will also throw myself into that until they stop me.' He twirls his Tai chi staff ominously – then accidentally drops it. 'I've also written a poem for the Prime Minister – it's called I Hate Keir Starmer,' he announces, and starts discussing whether he should read it out to the audience when he appears on the Voices of Solidarity stage at the Troxy Theatre in East London on Saturday. Performing on the night alongside Alexei will be comedian and former heart surgeon, Bassem Youssef, singer Paloma Faith, actress Juliet Stephenson and host Jen Brister to raise desperately needed funds for health workers under siege in Gaza. Since October 2023, more than 1,580 health workers have been killed in Gaza and all proceeds from the night will go to Health Workers 4 Palestine. 'It's gonna be a great evening of music and comedy and people will be doing good by coming to see it,' he promises. There will also be a silent auction with expensive items donated by Cate Blanchett and Gary Lineker – while Alexei, naturally, is offering a pint. As a Jewish man, Alexei feels it's important to attend and 'bear witness' to what is happening on the central London protest marches over Gaza. He's spent so many years supporting the march, it's practically his social life these days. But he feels compelled to fight what he calls the creeping authoritarianism in this country. 'You know, if I say I support Palestine Action, I can go to prison for 14 years?' he casually mentions. 'I feel sympathy with younger artists who are caught in a bind about whether to speak out or not,' he adds. 'I can understand why they don't and I really admire the ones who do, like Kneecap, Paloma Faith and Dua Lipa.' Despite his view that the BBC 'has allowed itself to be intimidated' over the Kneecap incident, the veteran comic concedes the broadcaster has always been supportive. 'Radio 4 is a kind of natural home for me,' he says. He's been commissioned for a sixth series of Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar, which he says is the work he's most proud of over his entire career. 'There's a budget put aside for next year,' he confirms. 'It takes me like two years to write it. So we'll see whether I'm in prison or not!' Unlike younger artists, Alexei says he's free to speak his mind because, 'I've made my mark in my career,' but he also made his career out of ranty monologues when he was young in the 1980s. 'Yes but the situation has become more critical,' he explains. 'You see how the Labour government has reacted to Just Stop Oil for instance, closing down the space for protest. 'And that ultimately is to do with the growing gap between rich and poor. It's inequality. It's a manifestation of that really. Gaza and fossil fuel protests. It's all part of the same thing.' All that marching has clearly kept the comic fit. 'I'll be 73 in a few weeks and I'm in good shape physically.' Born in 1952 in Liverpool to fully paid-up members of the Communist Party of Great Britain, Molly and Joseph Sayle, he doesn't get back home so often these days. 'Not since my mum died,' he says. Being brought up in a Communist household by a mother who swapped her 'extreme Orthodox Jewish religion for another' certainly set him apart from his Anfield neighbours. At Christmas she even told him Lenin came down the chimney with presents. 'I embraced the difference, really,' he shrugs. 'It was like growing up in any cult. You think you've got the answers to the world's problems.' He briefly considered becoming a teacher, but his entry into the hallowed halls of stand-up is the stuff of comedy legend. He answered an advert in Private Eye in 1979 and became a compere of The Comedy Store on a tiny little stage in a Soho strip club where acts like Rik Mayall and French & Saunders started their careers. The comedy industry has changed beyond recognition since those ground-breaking days. 'It's a massive industry now, and like any industry, it's become homogenised.' Instead of coming up the hard way and being heckled on stage, many comics now start their careers on social media. In this 'old dog learns new tricks' phase of his career, Alexei could certainly teach the kids a few things. 'I've seen the odd comic who is great on social media, but if you go and see them live, it's painful,' he says, looking pained. 'Friends that I still have in the industry say that is a problem. They look great in an edited clip on YouTube, but they can't sustain anything and act really.' Beyond the stand-up and theatre work, Alexei's also a seasoned character actor and has appeared in everything from Gorky Park and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade to Carry On Columbus. But it's his time with his old Comic Strip friends when alternative comedy took over BBC Television Centre that he recalls with the most fondness. 'The Young Ones was an extraordinary time,' he says. 'It was tremendously exciting and we were all friends. 'At one point I was making my own series, and Jennifer was making the first series of ABFAB, and Nigel was working on something. It was like we almost had the run of the BBC. He adds, 'I still see Nigel and Peter a lot these days.' Still mourning the loss of Rik Mayall who died of a heart attack aged 56 in 2014, he met up with his old comedy crew at Robbie Coltrane's memorial last year. The Scottish actor, who died in 2022, was a regular on the 1980s TV show The Comic Strip Presents along with Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Peter Richardson and Alexei. 'Rik's death was a real shock. Terrible,' Alexei shakes his head sadly. 'I remember speaking to Dawn at Robbie memorial and saying it was a real feeling of family. I think she felt that even if we don't see each other, we've all been through something profound together.' He's never really been away, but it's great to have Alexei back where he's needed – showing us the alternative view to the mainstream. • The UK's largest cultural fundraiser for Palestine, Voices of Solidarity, which will take place at London's Troxy Saturday July 19, 2025 (7pm). Tickets from
North Wales Live
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
ITV confirm Who Wants to be a Millionaire future with Jeremy Clarkson announcement
Jeremy Clarkson is poised to return for more episodes of ITV's Who Wants to be a Millionaire, as well as a brand new spin-off show. The star of Clarkson's Farm has been confirmed by bosses to host the UK premiere of Millionaire Hot Seat, in addition to an extended run of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Millionaire Hot Seat is a high-speed version of the global Millionaire format, demanding players to think strategically and respond under pressure as they race against the clock and each other. The show has enjoyed long-standing ratings success in Australia, with over 2,500 episodes broadcasted. A variation on the classic Millionaire format, it features six contestants competing for a chance to win big, but there's no room for hesitation. The rules are straightforward, but the gameplay is relentless. Contestants sit in a queue around the eponymous Hot Seat, but only the person in the Hot Seat can face Jeremy and answer questions on the Million Pound Money Ladder. The contestant must answer correctly to ascend the ladder, but if they answer incorrectly, they're out and the top prize decreases. If they pass, they remain in the game, but move to the back of the line and may not get another turn. If a passed question goes to the next player, the contestant must answer, Get it right, they stay. Get it wrong, they're out, reports Gloucestershire Live. Only the top prize remaining on the ladder can be won, and the player tackling that question must answer it correctly to take home the cash. Filming for the UK version is set to kick off this November, with a UK launch planned for 2026. ITV has also commissioned 19 new episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, including seven celebrity specials. Katie Rawcliffe, ITV's Director of Entertainment and Daytime Commissioning, said: "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone." She added that commissioning a new spin-off format to capitalise further on the brand's success was an obvious decision, especially given the success of Millionaire Hot Seat in other territories. Matthew Worthy, Co-CEO of Stellify Media, said: "It is an honour to produce Millionaire for ITV." He described Millionaire Hot Seat as the main show's cheeky younger sibling, promising more Jeremy, more money-ladder moments, but with a whole new tone, pace, and feel.
Metro
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Jeremy Clarkson launching 'ruthless' Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ITV spin-off
ITV has announced that Jeremy Clarkson will be presenting a 'brutal' new Who Wants To Be A Millionaire spin-off series. The 65-year-old has been keeping busy on Diddly Squat Farm after the fourth season of his hit Amazon Prime Video series dropped in May. However, it appears the former Top Gear star will have his hands full presenting 18 episodes of a new game show. Based on the classic quiz, Millionaire Hot Seat will see six players compete against the clock and one another as they answer questions in a bid to win a big cash prize. The format – which has been described as a fast-paced version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – will see contestants queue for the Hot Seat where one person at a time will face Jeremy. They then have to answer questions on the Million Pound Money Ladder. If they answer a question correctly they are allowed to move up the ladder, but a wrong answer will see them kicked out. The passed question is then given to the next player who has to answer it correctly to stay in the game. In a ruthless twist, only the top prize left on the ladder can be won and the player answering the question has to get it right to take it home. Filming for the show is set to begin this November, with it hitting UK screens in 2026. The format has already proved to be popular in Australia, where more than 2,500 episodes have been filmed. But it appears the classic format of the show is still also a hit with ITV bosses, who have ordered 19 more episodes, including seven celebrity specials. ITV boss Katie Rawcliffe said in a statement: 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone. 'Commissioning a new spin off format to further capitalise on the brand's success and popularity was a no brainer, especially with Millionaire Hot Seat already doing so well in other territories also.' Meanwhile, Matthew Worthy, co-CEO of Stellify Media who produce the series, added: 'It is an honour to produce Millionaire for ITV. 'Millionaire Hot Seat is the main show's cheeky younger sibling, and gives us more Jeremy, enjoying more money-ladder moments – but with a whole new tone, pace, and feel.' More Trending This comes after Jeremy brazenly revealed his new beer advert that was 'banned' on TV and radio. The Clarkson's Farm star hired a 34-strong choir of farmers to sing a classic opera tune about his Diddly Squat Farm's Hawkstone lager, who swear throughout throughout. After learning that the advert is 'not compliant' with broadcasting regulations, the former Top Gear presenter hit out at the advertising authorities for being the 'fun police'. View More » Millionaire Hot Seat will air on ITV in 2026. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Sensational' sci-fi thriller now free to stream for the first time on ITVX MORE: I'm a TV critic – I was so wrong about Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters MORE: ITV's new series where celebrities dive with sharks leaves viewers 'questioning their sanity'
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? undergoes major revamp as bosses reveal 'twist'
ITV's staple gameshow Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? will return next year, but bosses have also commissioned a spin-off with a big twist in-store for viewers Hit gameshow Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? will return to screens next year - but bosses have promised a twist. The ITV1 staple, which was initially hosted by Chris Tarrant during its initial run, has been fronted by Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson since it was revived in 2018 and has gone on to become one of the most successful gameshows in the world in its near 30-year history. However, the next series of the hit show will mark the UK debut of the franchise spin-off Millionaire Hot Seat, which has already been part of its format in Australia for more than 2,500 episodes. The format requires players to think tactically and answer under pressure as they compete against the clock – and each other. During the segment, contestants sit in a queue whilst only the person in the Hot Seat can face Jeremy and answer questions on the Million Pound Money Ladder. To stay in the game, a player must continuously answer questions correctly, or pass and face being sent to the back of the queue, but an incorrect answer will send them out entirely. Only the top prize can be won, and the player must answer it correctly in order to win the cash prize. Whilst the classic version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire airs in hour-long episodes, its spin-off promises something of a snappier format, with 18 half-hour editions having been commissioned. Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV said: ' Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has reached 18 million viewers on ITV so far this year alone. ' Commissioning a new spin-off format to further capitalise on the brand's success and popularity was a no brainer, especially with Millionaire Hot Seat already doing so well in other territories also.' The move, facilitated by Stellify Media, the Sony Pictures Television joint venture, will also be accompanied by 19 episodes of the series in its regular format, seven of which will be celebrity specials. Filming for the spin-off is expected to commence in November, and it is expected to air at some point in 2026, and the Clarkson's Farm star will be at the helm of both. Matthew Worthy, Co-CEO Stellify Media, said: 'It is an honour to produce Millionaire for ITV. Millionaire Hot Seat is the main show's cheeky younger sibling, and gives us more Jeremy, enjoying more money-ladder moments - but with a whole new tone, pace, and feel." Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? made its debut in 1998, and has so far seen six contestants win the top prize of £1 million, including former Eggheads star Judith Keppel. The series even inspired a TV drama, called Quiz, which looked at the events surrounding fraudulent contestant Charles Ingram. The drama aired in 2020 with Michael Sheen as Chris Tarrant and Matthew Mcfayden as the army major.
