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Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sir David Jason launches scathing attack on 'badly behaved' stars
Only Fools and Horses actor Sir David Jason has blasted stars in the industry for their "bad behaviour" Sir David Jason has delivered a sharp critique of some actors' "bad behaviour" within the industry. At 85 years old, the distinguished British actor, famed for his portrayal of Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, which was broadcast on the BBC from 1981 to 1991, hasn't shied away from calling out unprofessional conduct. Notable too for his roles as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and its sequel Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, Sir David has certainly made his mark on British television. In light of the upcoming paperback release of his memoir, This Time Next Year, Sir David took a moment to reflect on his extensive career and the conduct he's observed. While chatting with Ranvir Singh on the Lorraine show, he mused about why he's been successful, saying: "I have thought about this because of the stories you hear inside the business about people's behaviour, sometimes the behaviour is quite bad", reports the Express. In a lighthearted refusal to delve into scandalous tales, he informed Ranvir that he wouldn't "dare" name names or "gossip", and humbly added: "I've always kept my feet firmly planted on the ground but I don't get carried away with fame. "What I do is because I came into the acting profession because of the love of acting and because I never wanted it to affect me, I wanted to be part of the team and that's stayed with me forever." He expressed bewilderment at those who take their privileged positions for granted, stating: "I can't quite understand the people who behave so badly when you consider it's a luxury job in a luxury business." Additionally, he discussed the cherished memories he has from his time on well-loved shows and voiced his opinion on what current TV lacks compared to the past. Sir David shared his reflections: "I have been very fortunate in being part of so very many memorable series. "One of the ones that I think I've got the fondest memories [of] because it's such a romantic time, was one of the series that I did, The Darling Buds of May." Explaining the show's appeal, he said, "What I liked about it was that it was so heartwarming, there was no swearing, no sex, none of those irritating things that sometimes get on people's nerves. "It was just a genuine, light-hearted, wonderful time of trying to show what country life was really all about. That does bring back a lot of fond memories." The nostalgia comes amid Sir David's concerns over limiting roles for senior thespians. Expressing his motivation to continue acting, he revealed to Radio Times last year, "I'm trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I've got many characters still left to play. "Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer."
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sir David Jason blasts 'bad behaviour' of actors who 'misbehave' on TV sets
Only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason has spoken out about the 'bad behaviour' of fellow actors in the industry, as he shared his thoughts on fame Iconic British actor Sir David Jason has openly criticised the "bad behaviour" of some fellow actors in the entertainment industry. Sir David, 85, is celebrated for his enduring television presence, particularly as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in the classic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses. In addition to his iconic Del Boy character, he's also been lauded for his roles as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in the sitcoms Open All Hours and its sequel Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May. Anticipation is building ahead of the paperback release of his autobiography, This Time Next Year, within which Sir David reflects on his extensive tenure in showbusiness and the diverse personalities he's encountered along the way, reports the Express. While speaking with Ranvir Singh on Lorraine about his illustrious career, he shared: "I have thought about this because of the stories you hear inside the business about people's behaviour, sometimes the behaviour is quite bad." With a touch of humour, he informed Ranvir that he wouldn't "dare" name anyone in particular or delve into "gossip", adding: "I've always kept my feet firmly planted on the ground but I don't get carried away with fame. "What I do is because I came into the acting profession because of the love of acting and because I never wanted it to affect me, I wanted to be part of the team and that's stayed with me forever." He then expressed disbelief at problematic attitudes within the industry, saying: "I can't quite understand the people who behave so badly when you consider it's a luxury job in a luxury business." In other musings, he reminisced fondly on his past TV work, contrasting them with what he perceives as the "irritating" aspects of today's television landscape. Sir David reflected: "I have been very fortunate in being part of so very many memorable series'. "One of the ones that I think I've got the fondest memories [of] because it's such a romantic time, was one of the series that I did, The Darling Buds of May. "What I liked about it was that it was so heartwarming, there was no swearing, no sex, none of those irritating things that sometimes get on people's nerves. "It was just a genuine, light-hearted, wonderful time of trying to show what country life was really all about. That does bring back a lot of fond memories." These comments come in the wake of the Del Boy actor expressing his concerns over the scarcity of roles for not only himself but also his senior peers. Eager to continue his craft, he shared with Radio Times last year: "I'm trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I've got many characters still left to play. "Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer."
Edinburgh Live
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Sir David Jason blasts 'bad behaviour' of TV stars
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 Sir David Jason has delivered a stinging critique of his peers in showbusiness for their "bad behaviour". The esteemed 85-year-old actor, known for his portrayal of Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in the iconic BBC series Only Fools and Horses from 1981 to 1991, didn't hold back when discussing conduct within the industry. Sir David's notable roles include Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, as well as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May. In anticipation of the paperback version of his memoir, This Time Next Year, Sir David looked back at his long-standing career and the variety of personalities he's come across. While speaking with Ranvir Singh on Lorraine about his storied achievements, he remarked: "I have thought about this because of the stories you hear inside the business about people's behaviour, sometimes the behaviour is quite bad." He declined to name names or delve into "gossip" with Ranvir, continuing: "I've always kept my feet firmly planted on the ground but I don't get carried away with fame." He explained his approach to acting: "What I do is because I came into the acting profession because of the love of acting and because I never wanted it to affect me, I wanted to be part of the team and that's stayed with me forever." Further highlighting his inability to comprehend poorly behaved colleagues, he added: "I can't quite understand the people who behave so badly when you consider it's a luxury job in a luxury business." Additionally, Sir David reflected positively on the warm memories tied to his past television series, contrasting them with certain "irritating" elements of current TV. Looking back on his past roles with fondness, he said: "I have been very fortunate in being part of so very many memorable series'. (Image: (Image: Getty)) "One of the ones that I think I've got the fondest memories [of] because it's such a romantic time, was one of the series that I did, The Darling Buds of May. "What I liked about it was that it was so heartwarming, there was no swearing, no sex, none of those irritating things that sometimes get on people's nerves. "It was just a genuine, light-hearted, wonderful time of trying to show what country life was really all about. That does bring back a lot of fond memories." This comes after the Del Boy actor lamented there are a lack of opportunities these days for not only himself, but also other older actors. 'I'm trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I've got many characters still left to play,' he told Radio Times last year. 'Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.' Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Haunted village locals fear 'Hanging Schoolmaster' and 'Screaming Man' ghosts
Pluckley has been known as the most haunted village in England for more than 70 years, with locals fearing ghostly figures including the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit A university academic has uncovered the origins behind the mysterious reputation of what is often called the "most haunted" village in England. Pluckley, Kent, is said to be home to over a dozen ghosts, and for more than 70 years, it has held the title of England's spookiest village. Dr. Simon Moreton, an associate professor of creative economies at UWE Bristol, was determined to uncover how Pluckley gained such notoriety. Ghostly figures like the Hanging Schoolmaster and the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit are said to haunt the village. Through extensive archival research, including a deep dive into newspapers, birth and death records, marriage certificates, and parish documents, Dr. Moreton has traced the origins of the village's ghostly folklore. "I've been captivated by Pluckley's ghost stories since my childhood," Dr. Moreton explained. "My late father's ancestors came from the village, so this research has been both personal and professional for me. Along the way, I even discovered that one of the ghosts is a distant relative—Sarah Sharp, the Watercress Lady." Pluckley, located on the northern edge of the Weald between Maidstone and Ashford, was an Anglo-Saxon settlement and is home to several historic buildings, including a 14th-century church. The village gained wider fame in the 1990s when it served as the setting for the TV adaptation of HE Bates's novel The Darling Buds of May, starring David Jason and Pam Ferris. While the village is rumoured to be home to anywhere from 10 to 17 ghosts, its claim to being the most haunted was first made in 1950 and later bolstered by a mention in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records. "Storytelling is a fundamental human activity, and whether or not you believe in ghosts, Pluckley's reputation shows just how fascinated we are by tales with a spooky twist," Dr. Moreton said. "What's exciting about this research is how one individual, passionate about ghost stories, managed to shape the identity of an entire village through his storytelling." Dr. Moreton's findings show that 10 of Pluckley's ghost stories were initially recorded by local man Frederick Sanders. Sanders, an avid ghost hunter, documented these tales in self-published books, letters to the local press, and ghost hunts. At least four of these ghost stories can be traced to real historical events. Sarah Sharp, who tragically died in a fire in August 1911, became known as the Watercress Woman. Mary Ann Bennett, who took her own life in 1862, became the Lady of Rose Court. Richard Bridgland, who died in an accident at the Pluckley Brick and Tile Works quarry in 1899, is remembered as the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit. Finally, Henry Edgar Martin, a papermaker who took his own life in August 1919, became known as the Hanging Schoolmaster. "The way these stories are told and retold reveals a lot about how we use the past to understand our present," Dr. Moreton said. "Local rumors take on a life of their own, personal tragedies turn into sensational gossip, and sometimes, social prejudices cloud the real lives of the people behind these stories. Ultimately, it's a reminder that real people and real places are behind these tales, and they deserve our respect." Dr. Moreton's paper, Frederick Sanders and the Origins of the Most Haunted Village in England, is published in the journal Folklore.
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Pluckley hauntings researcher is 'distant cousin' of Kent ghost
An academic discovered he was the distant cousin of a rumoured ghost when researching the folklore of a "haunted" Moreton, a researcher at University of the West of England in Bristol, has published research on the origins of more than a dozen ghost mysteries in including the Hanging Schoolmaster and the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit first earned the Kent village its reputation as England's "most haunted" in the 1950s."My late father's ancestors came from the village, so the research has been a personal as well as a professional journey," Dr Moreton said. He added: "Over the course of the research I even discovered that one of the alleged ghosts is a distant cousin - Sarah Sharp, the Watercress Lady."Ms Sharp burned to death in August Moreton scoured newspapers, birth, marriage and death records and parish papers to piece together the origins of Pluckley's folklore. The associate professor of creative economies found 10 of the ghost stories were first recorded by local man Frederick Sanders in self-published books on ghost hunting, letters to the local press, and newspaper least four stories can be traced to real events including the Lady of Rose Court, Mary Ann Bennett, who killed herself in 1862 and the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit, Richard Bridgland, who died in a quarry accident in 1899."Storytelling is a fundamental human behaviour and, whether or not you believe in ghosts, Pluckley's reputation demonstrates how fascinated we are with tales with a spooky edge to them," Dr Moreton said."What's exciting about this research is that it's been possible to demonstrate how one person with a passion for these kinds of story was able to shape, for better or worse, the identity of a whole village through his storytelling."He added: "It reminds us there are real people and real places behind these stories, both of which deserve our respect."A mention in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records, although not an actual award, bolstered the village's spooky also featured in the 1990s TV adaptation of HE Bates's novel The Darling Buds of May and its sequels, starring David Jason and Pam Ferris.
