Latest news with #RiseoftheFootsoldier
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star slams BBC soap actors in savage 'haven't got a clue' swipe
Former EastEnders star Jamie Foreman, who played Derek Branning on the BBC show, has taken a swipe at his soap colleagues as he claimed they 'wouldn't last two minutes' outside of Albert Square Former EastEnders actor Jamie Foreman, who portrayed Derek Branning, launched a stinging critique of his ex-cast mates, claiming they "wouldn't last two minutes" in varied acting roles. He also shared how an older actress from the BBC's beloved drama agreed with his stern assessment. Jamie graced Albert Square from November 2011 until December 2012, where his character's scandalous affair with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace), married to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), captivated audiences. Derek's tenure ended abruptly with a heart attack in the Christmas Day episode. Since then, the actor, now 67, has not shied away from expressing his thoughts about fellow performers from the show. During an appearance on The Lewis Nicholls Show, he said: "The discipline on the set is just... it is just... I was sitting with an older actress on there who is unfortunately not with us any more. "We are sitting on the set and she lent over to me and she went 'haven't got a f***ing clue have they?' And we are watching all these young (actors) thinking they are the bee's knees, you know." Jamie continued his pointed remarks noting: "And the discipline, and directors are going (clears throat) and I am sitting there... would not last two minutes outside of here and invariably none of them do." With a laugh, he wrapped up his musings: "They always end up having to go back so I think I gave a very bad clue there didn't I? I think I have just grassed myself right up on that one." Jamie, who has graced our screens in Double Decker Driving School and Birds of a Feather, opened up further about his stint on EastEnders, describing it as "just another job" and "far from a highlight" of his acting career. He revealed that he had been approached "many times" to join the soap but only agreed when they consented to a one-year term. However, Jamie, whose film credits include Rise of the Footsoldier and Oliver Twist, expressed disappointment with the soap's management, alleging that they "made promises they never kept". The actor shared the gruelling schedule of once filming up to 36 scenes a day, which "burnt him out", despite assurances that he wouldn't have to work Saturdays, stating: "I did every Saturday. I was the first in, last out every day." Despite his experiences, he recognised the significance of EastEnders for its audience, acknowledging its "iconic" status and the respect it commands, particularly for the BBC. Following the release of the podcast on YouTube, viewers shared their thoughts, with one commenting: "Fantastic interview. Jamie Foreman so underrated as an actor." Another viewer admitted to having preconceptions about Jamie, saying: "I had misconceptions of Jamie, thinking he would be cocky etc. Dignified, lovely man, I absolutely have the utmost respect for Jamie. Beautiful guy." A third chimed in with praise, remarking: "Great interview and what a talented, humble bloke." EastEnders continues to captivate audiences, airing Monday to Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Sunday World
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Hitman who carried out one of UK's most infamous gangland murders released from prison
The Essex Boys killer Michael Steele is now 82 years old Michael Steele has been released from prison (Handout/PA) A hitman who carried out on of the UK's most infamous gangland murders has been released from prison. Michael Steele was jailed for life after he was found guilty of the murder of 'Essex Boys' Tony Tucker (38), Pat Tate (37) and Craig Rolfe (26). The three drug dealers were shot by Steele and his accomplice, Jack Whomes, as they sat in a parked Range Rover in Rettendon, Essex in 1995. Michael Steele has been released from prison (Handout/PA) News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025 After spending 27 years behind bars, Steele has walked free following a parole board decision. In Feburary, they ruled that his imprisonment was 'was 'no longer necessary for the protection of the public.' However, his release was stalled when Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood branded the decision 'legally irrational' and called on the board to reconsider allowing the triple murderer to walk free. Following a 'through risk assessment', they moved forward with their decision to release Steele. 'Mr Steele had offended for financial gain and out of greed,' their decision reads. 'He had sought to maintain a level of status or respect from others by exerting power. There had also been an element of thrill-seeking in his actions.' They noted his behaviour in prison had improved, and a psychologist said his risk of release was 'minimal.' Steele, who has maintained his innocence since his conviction, will be on licence for the rest of his life, and subject to strict conditions as well as intensive probation supervision. Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe were shot dead in a 1995 triple gangland killing which came to be known as the 'Essex Boys' murders (Essex Police/PA) He is required to surrender his passport and is forbidden from owning a boat, airplane or firearm. He is also required to live at a designated address. If he breaks any of the conditions, he will find himself back behind bars. 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate,' a spokesperson for the Ministry for Justice told BBC. 'This decision was made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment. 'Michael Steele will be on licence for the rest of his life, with strict conditions and intensive probation supervision. He faces an immediate return to prison if he breaks the rules.' The case has been the subject of numerous films such as 'Essex Boys', 'Bonded by Blood', and the seven-part film franchise 'Rise of the Footsoldier'. Sky released a three-part documentary about the slayings in 2023.
BBC News
15-02-2025
- BBC News
Essex Boys murder convictions being reviewed again
The convictions of the two so-called Essex Boys murderers are being reviewed again, the BBC can Whomes and Michael Steele were given life sentences in 1998 for shooting dead Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate in a Range Rover near Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) said appeal applications had been received and a "thorough review" was under Police said the case had been "exhaustively examined" both prior to the killers' prosecutions and since they were jailed. The Parole Board approved 82-year-old Steele's release from prison on Thursday, four years after Whomes was freed."It would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment while the applications are under review," a CCRC spokesperson gangland executions on a farm track in Rettendon inspired the 2000 film Essex Boys, starring Sean Bean, as well as the Rise of the Footsoldier television other documentaries and books examined its links to the 1990s rave scene. David McKelvey, a retired Met Police detective chief inspector who was involved in the original investigations, said he was "absolutely convinced" the wrong men were was Mr McKelvey who arrested Darren Nicholls in May 1996 for drugs offences, before the suspect turned so-called supergrass and gave evidence against the former detective chief inspector, now a private investigator, said he was contacted with new evidence about the case "almost on a weekly basis"."[Steele] should never have been convicted in the first place," said Mr McKelvey, speaking to BBC Essex on Friday."There is absolutely, categorically, new evidence."More importantly, there was evidence at the time within [Essex Police's] systems that would prove categorically who actually did kill these people."Despite having arrested him, Mr McKelvey said Nicholls's witness account contained "blatant lies". The Court of Appeal rejected both killers' bids for freedom in 1999 and 2006, with further appeals dismissed in 2013 and CCRC has reviewed their convictions before, including as recently as January 2023, when it concluded there was "no real possibility" the Court of Appeal would overturn the CCRC, which is an independent body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, launches fresh appeals when strong new evidence or new arguments are presented. An Essex Police spokesman said: "This case has been exhaustively examined over the last 27 years."We will of course always work with the CCRC and keep any new information under review." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
