Latest news with #Queen'sBirthdayHonours
Otago Daily Times
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Creative companions to launch fest programme
Kiwi artist and author Dick Frizzell will be part of a special event in Queenstown next month. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Two of the country's most celebrated visual artists, and great mates, will launch this year's Queenstown Writers Festival programme. Painter Dick Frizzell's coming to Queenstown to discuss his new memoir, Hastings, with Central Otago's Sir Grahame Sydney on August 31. Writers fest chair Tanya Surrey's delighted the titans of Aotearoa art have agreed to be part of the programme launch, details of which will be revealed after the pair's chat. Frizzell's known for his kiwiana paintings, including 'Mickey to Tiki', along with landscapes and still life, but he's also a gifted story-teller — Hastings, his fifth book, is a childhood memoir and love letter to a small regional town and his parents. Described as "funny, big-hearted and sharply drawn", it includes 30 short stories, each conjuring a moment of his Hawke's Bay childhood. Kiwi artist and author Sir Grahame Sydney will be part of a special event in Queenstown next month. Meantime Sir Grahame — knighted in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to art — is known from his decades painting Central Otago landscapes, but he's also authored several books. He can't remember meeting Frizzell, but remembers considering himself a "little faraway regionalist painter from the insignificant south", describing Frizzell as a "trendy, contemporary, up and out there famous Aucklander". While Sir Grahame says Frizzell was "much older than me", Mountain Scene understands the age gap's about five years. He says Frizzell was "all the things I wasn't" — "charismatic and confident and probably as rich as Croesus", and he boasted a "fabulous" head of hair. Sir Grahame says he's got "immense admiration" for Frizzell's many talents. While best known as an artist, he's also a "wonderful" writer and a "demon" ukulele player. "The only thing he can't do is sing," he quips. Tickets for the festival launch with Frizzell and Sir Grahame went on sale Thursday, via Eventfinda.
STV News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
John Torode sacked from Masterchef after allegation of racist language upheld
John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK have confirmed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. A statement from Banijay UK said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. PA Media John Torode after being made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace (Kirsty O'Connor/PA) A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
John Torode sacked as BBC MasterChef presenter
Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. A statement from Banijay UK said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. READ MORE: Media expert raises fears over BBC Gaza documentary review 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. READ MORE: What we learned from the new poll putting Corbyn party on 15% 'This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity.
Western Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
John Torode's contract on MasterChef not renewed, BBC and Banijay UK confirm
Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. John Torode after being made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace (Kirsty O'Connor/PA) A statement from Banijay UK said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity.
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Lorraine Kelly undergoing invasive surgery as she posts shock video from hospital bed
She is a staple of morning TV, having hosted her own show on ITV for more than a decade. No wonder then that worried fans were quick to reach out to Lorraine Kelly as she revealed she had been rushed to hospital for surgery. In a video filmed from her hospital bed and posted online, the 65-year-old telly queen revealed she is having her reproductive organs removed after a period of illness. And despite stating she would see fans 'soon', there is no indication as to whether or not the procedure will see her take a period of leave from her daytime chat show. Wearing a simple operating gown, she said: 'Hi there, it's Lorraine here. Just wanted to let you know I'm having a wee procedure today. 'I've not been feeling all that well for a little while. I've had scans and tests and I have to have my ovaries and my tubes taken out.' Seeking to reassure worried fans, Kelly added: 'It is purely preventative; it's going to be through keyhole surgery, which is incredible. 'I have been very well looked-after and I'll obviously see you really soon. I'm going to be totally fine, so see you soon.' News of Kelly's ill health will come as a shock to fans of her long-running TV show Kelly has risen to become one of the most popular figures on UK TV. Born in Glasgow's Gorbals, the former reporter at the East Kilbride News has presented the daily ITV show of her name for the past 15 years. In 2020, she was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity. Last night, as showbiz pals rallied around her, a senior medical figure told the Mail on Sunday that Kelly's description of the procedure she was to undergo was no minor matter. And he suggested it could see the presenter take a significant period off work to recover. The retired consultant at a major hospital said: 'It is not a minor thing to have your ovaries and tubes removed. 'In a 65-year-old woman, the fact that this procedure is going ahead suggests a number of ailments I would not wish to speculate on.' An Oophorectomy, where ovaries either side of the pelvis are removed, is usually conducted to prevent disease. The Scots medic added: 'The one thing I can be sure about is that she will need to take a significant time off work to recover from this.' Showbiz friends were quick to send messages of support to the mother-of-one. Presenter Julia Bradbury wrote: 'Wishing you a speedy recovery, Lorraine, and good luck with the post-op rehab.' Vanessa Feltz added: 'Thinking of you and sending love. Let me know if you fancy a visit. Love you.' Susanna Reid added: 'Sending you all the love in the world.' Kelly has been enjoying one of the happiest periods in her life, after becoming a grandmother for the first time last year. Her 30-year-old daughter, Rosie, gave birth to a baby girl last August, called Billie Kelly Smith-White. As recently as Wednesday of last week, the presenter attended a reception for a cancer charity with the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace. ITV has been approached for comment.
