Latest news with #UK
News.com.au
40 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Touched us all': Rock legend dies peacefully after battling a long illness at 85
British 70s rock legend, Dave Cousins, has died at the age of 85. The founder, guitarist, and singer of the English folk and progressive rock band, The Strawbs reportedly passed away yesterday. News of his death was announced via Cousins' official Facebook page, citing his 'long illness'. The statement read: 'It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025. 'We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and / or special friend at this time.' Fans have been encouraged to listen to their favourite songs by the rock legend, as well as what Cousins would refer to as a 'glass of vino collapso' (wine). It added: 'We ask you to join in remembering a wonderful, talented man, whose life has touched us all.' Cousins was born in 1940, and founded the band originally known as the Strawberry Hill Boys in 1964. An obituary dedicated to the accomplished songwriter, band frontman and independent local radio entrepreneur read: 'Born into a working-class family in West London, David had a unique, varied and distinguished career. 'He was one of the most distinctive singer-songwriters to emerge from the British scene in the 1960s before becoming a pioneer of independent local radio in the 1980s and 1990s.' Cousins first met fellow Strawbs member, Tony Hooper, on his first day attending the Thames Valley Grammar School in Twickenham. After school, he created a skiffle group with Hooper and two other friends call the Gin Bottle Four, before going off to the University of Leicester. There, Cousins majored in Mathematics and Statistics, while being heavily involved in the student music scene. Cousins then founded the University Folk Society, as well as being president of the Jazz Club that ran in the basement of the Students' Union's building. The Gin Bottle Four eventually developed into the Strawberry Hill Boys, as cousins became renowned for his fast banjo-picking, inimitable vocal style, and haunting compositions. The Strawbs moved from folk into progressive rock after first being signed to A & M records and releasing album All Our Own Work which was recorded in 1967. The have since released 23 studio albums, with the latest in 2023. Their best-known single was Part of the Union which reached number two in the UK Singles Charts in February 1973.
Telegraph
43 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Adolescence actor, 15, nominated for Emmy
The 15-year-old star of British drama Adolescence has been nominated for an Emmy. Owen Cooper becomes the youngest actor ever to be nominated in his category. His performance as a troubled schoolboy arrested for murder is a contender for the outstanding support actor award in a limited series. Cooper was 14 when he filmed the Netflix drama as Jamie Miller and had never acted professionally before. The performance was all the more remarkable because each episode was shot in one continuous take and the scenes were semi-improvised. His rivals in the category include the Oscar-winner Javier Bardem and Cooper's Adolescence co-star, Ashley Walters. The drama has a total of 13 nominations, including best actor for Stephen Graham and outstanding limited series. Written by Jack Thorne, the drama has been watched 142.6 million times, according to Netflix. It was made by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, which is in discussions about the possibility of a second series, which will feature different characters but 'stay true to its DNA'. The drama sparked such conversation that Sir Keir Starmer invited its makers to Downing Street and welcomed a move by Netflix to make the series available to screen in secondary schools. Other British nominees include Sir Gary Oldman for Slow Horses and Aimee Lou Wood for The White Lotus, while other shows picking up multiple nominations included Severance, The Bear and Bad Sisters. The latest series of Black Mirror was nominated for outstanding limited series, with American actress Rashida Jones in the running for outstanding actress in a limited or anthology series or movie for her role in it. Irish actress Sharon Horgan was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for Bad Sisters, while Irish actor Colin Farrell received a nomination for The Penguin. The 77th Emmy Awards will take place in September.
Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Times
First look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in Harry Potter HBO TV series
Filming is under way on the Harry Potter TV series and today the first picture has been released of the British actor and comedian Nick Frost as the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid. Frost, best known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role originally played by Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter film franchise. Having sold more than 600 million copies worldwide, Harry Potter is the bestselling book franchise and spawned an eight-movie series that grossed almost $8 billion at the global box office. But with almost 15 years since the last film starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint was released, the magical world of the original stories is about to arrive on our screens again in the shape of an ambitious HBO streaming series set to run across a decade. All seven books will be adapted at a budget reported to be greater than House of the Dragon's $200 million per series, so Potter fans are likely to be in for a treat when the new series is finally released. Here's everything we know so far about the programme. What is the new Harry Potter series about? The new series is described as a faithful adaptation of the original seven books that make up the Harry Potter series. Each season will bring Harry Potter and his magical adventures to a new audience. Has the show started shooting? Yes. HBO announced that production began on the series on 14 July 2025. When is Harry Potter released? The show is being made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden near Watford. It's the same place where the original film series was made between 2001 and 2011, concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2. The first season of the new Harry Potter series is expected to hit our screens sometime in 2027, although no official date has yet been given. How can I watch in the UK/US? In both the UK and the US, the series will be released exclusively on HBO Max's streaming platform. Max is yet to launch in the UK, but is expected in 2026. It will be available as a new standalone streaming platform, but also as part of Sky packages for satellite customers used to seeing HBO shows on the channels like Sky Atlantic, Sky Max and Sky Comedy. • John Lithgow on the Dumbledore backlash: 'I wonder how JK Rowling copes' Which books are being adapted? Early reports had each season of the series focusing on one book in the Harry Potter series, which consists of seven novels. The books in the Harry Potter series are: • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000) • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005) • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) How many seasons are there? It was originally expected that each season would tackle one book, but the chief of HBO, Casey Bloys, said the project could run for 'ten consecutive years'. The later books are more expansive, particularly the final novel, Deathly Hallows, which was split into two parts for the film adaptation. Is JK Rowling involved? Yes, the author of the original books will serve as executive producer on the show. At a press conference, Bloys mentioned that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director'. He has also disregarded comments about Rowling's off-screen reputation. 'That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated, and not something we're going to get into,' he said. 'Our priority is what's on screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance.' Who is behind the show? Francesca Gardiner, who previously worked on Succession and Killing Eve, was chosen to be the showrunner after producing a pilot script and being interviewed by Rowling. Mark Mylod, best known for his work on Succession, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will direct multiple episodes of the wizarding drama as well as serve as executive producer. Are the original cast involved? It is unclear whether some or any of the original cast will return for the series. 'It seems to me that they are wanting to make a fresh series,' Daniel Radcliffe, who originally played the wizarding star, told Entertainment Tonight in 2023, 'which it feels like it'd be distracting to have old, haggard Harry also entering from stage left.' Who is in the cast? The Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the titular role — at 11 years old, he's the same age as Daniel Radcliffe when he first brought Harry Potter to life in 2001. Arabella Stanton, also 11, will play Hermione Granger and has previously starred in the West End production of Matilda the Musical. Completing the trio, Ron Weasley will be played by Alastair Stout, whose only acting credit thus far is a brief appearance in a Jersey Royal potatoes advert. John Lithgow has been cast as Albus Dumbledore, having recently appeared in the papal thriller Conclave and as Roald Dahl in Giant in the West End. Janet McTeer, the 63-year-old Oscar-nominated actress, will play Professor Minerva McGonagall, originally played by Maggie Smith. The actor and comedian Nick Frost, best known for his leading roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, undertakes the role of the beloved groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, the role originally taken by Robbie Coltrane. First brought to life by Alan Rickman, the misanthropic potions professor Severus Snape will be played by Paapa Essiedu, whose career has spanned Shakespearean theatre to the contemporary hit series I May Destroy You. Luke Thallon, best known for his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, will portray Quirinus Quirrell, Hogwarts' skittish but sinister Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. The comedian and presenter Paul Whitehouse will play the bad-tempered caretaker Argus Filch. Katherine Parkinson, whose comedy performances in The IT Crowd earned her two Baftas, will play Ron's protective mother, Molly Weasley. The franchise's infamous blond-haired Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, will be portrayed by Lox Pratt, who will star in the forthcoming BBC drama Lord of the Flies adaptation. Johnny Flynn, who starred as David Bowie in the hit musical drama Stardust, takes on the role of Draco's arrogant father, Lucius. The emerging child actors Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni and Sienna Moosah will play Hogwarts students Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, respectively. Harry's cruel guardians, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, will be portrayed by Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby. Powley rose to fame on CBBC's spy series MI High, and has since taken on roles including Princess Margaret and Claire Clairmont, stepsister of novelist Mary Shelley. Rigby is best known for his leading role as Eric Morecambe in the 2011 drama Eric and Ernie. Bertie Carvel, whose credits have spanned Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical to Tony Blair in The Crown, will play the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge. It has also been announced that Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson will be Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey plays Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. Who is rumoured to be joining the cast? One key character who remains to be cast is the Dark Lord himself, Voldermort, played by Ralph Fiennes in the original film series. Names rumoured for the role include Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, House of the Dragon 's Rhys Ifans (who played Xenophilius Lovegood in the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), Oscar-winner Christian Bale and former Doctor Who lead and House of the Dragon actor Matt Smith.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Calum Best, 44, reveals he was rejected for the 'first time' after finally thinking he found 'the one' as 'humbled' reality TV love rat opens up on secret failed heartbreak
Calum Best has opened up on a secret heartbreak after he was rejected for the 'first time' from a girl he thought was going to be 'the one'. The son of legendary late footballer George Best, 44, candidly discussed the failed relationship on the latest episode of Rylan: How to Be in Love. After finally finding what he thought was going to be his forever partner, Calum said he was truly 'humbled' when she walked away from their relationship. Speaking to host Rylan Clark, Calum said it was the first time he outwardly said 'I love you' and even discussed starting a family. He said: 'I was humbled for the first time… I met a girl last year and for the first time in my 44 years that I felt this, ahh this is what I've been looking for, this feeling that I haven't had before. 'It was the first time I outwardly said 'I love you' and we spoke about having a kid, we spoke about having a family... 'And then I go, yes, this could be it! And then she thought different. And I went, wow, that has humbled me sincerely.' Calum's rollercoaster love life was never far from the headlines, with Calum dating names including Sarah Harding, Bianca Gascoigne and even Lindsay Lohan. Now a self-confessed fitness fanatic, the heavily tattooed TV personality has also featured on Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity Ex On The Beach and SAS: Who Dares Wins. Calum endured a turbulent childhood as the son of late footballer George, given the sportsman's well-publicised battle with alcoholism. In a 2017 interview, he revealed the details surrounding his father's relapse following a liver transplant. It happened in 2002, following his assurance that he was cured of his addiction to drink, and Calum caught him himself while the Best family were away on holiday. Speaking about the time he walked in on the late Manchester United player, Calum said: 'I knew he had just swigged from this bottle. And it was like f**k! It ended right there. I wanted to give up then totally. 'From then on it was just back to drinking. And he drank and drank until it ended. I remember leaving that trip so confused and upset and distraught.' Calum endured a turbulent childhood as the son of late footballer George, given the sportsman's well-publicised battle with alcoholism Talking about how this set Calum himself on a downward spiral, the current CBB star said: 'I came back and snorted and drank and s***ged my way through everything.' George's battle with alcoholism finally took his life in 2005, which sent Calum into a tailspin of self destruction and grief. It was during this time that Calum was also a contestant on Celebrity Love Island, and won the second series with Bianca Gascoigne. Despite their winning title, the pair split up shortly after their stint on the dating series. Calum had already earned a reputation for his rollercoaster love life, having dated Girls Aloud star Sarah back in 2005. In 2006, he enjoyed a brief romance with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly, but their relationship quickly fizzled out. Later in 2006, Calum was given the chance to brush with some of Hollywood's finest, as he started dating actress Lindsay Lohan, at the height of her Mean Girls success. However, things took a turn when Calum confessed Lindsay dumped him after becoming fed up with his attempts to flirt with other women, and he wrote in his memoir: 'The two of us together are combustible. At this moment in our lives, we're both a bit nuts. 'We both like to party a lot and it makes things tempestuous.' Calum also had a short-lived romance with glamour model Georgia Salpa in 2011, and in 2016 he was rumoured to be dating TOWIE star Chloe Sims. They both kept quiet about the romance rumours at the time, but Chloe later referred to Calum as her 'ex' in an interview with The Daily Star. Later that year, Calum appeared on US dating show Famously Single and struck up a relationship with fellow reality star Brandi Glanville, but their romance ended after a fiery row which featured on screen. In the midst of his long list of famous girlfriends, Calum has also been accused of fathering a love child, after Lorna Hogan, 33, fell pregnant the day before the memorial of his father George Best. In 2015, Lorna claimed that Calum had refused to take a paternity test, and claimed he 'abandoned' his daughter Amelia. She told The Mirror: 'All she can say is that she doesn't know him and he doesn't want anything to do with her - it's heartbreaking.' She went onto claim that a DNA test was later planned through Calum's mother Angie, but says he failed to attend. In 2017, Calum hit back at these claims in a response to a fan on X, writing: 'Did a paternity test to clear the child wasn't mine bless.' George's own struggles with alcoholism would haunt Calum who described how he would feel, 'demonic anger,' because of his father's drinking. Indeed in 2007 his own life started to fall apart as he spiraled out of control, suffering alcohol and drug addiction. Calum said at the time: 'I'm a bad boy. I go out and get drunk, I get high on cocaine and I do stupid debauched things with the wrong women. 'I've been sowing my oats for years, and I've been doing drugs for the past six years. I do drink too much and it gets out of control. 'The drink leads to the coke and the coke leads to debauchery - the wrong people and places. When I'm high I do wild, stupid s**t. I'm a red-blooded male and I'm addicted to sex. 'I don't have to be like Dad, but I feel his blood running through my veins. I need to sort out my problems before it's too late.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien, 41, 'finds love again with new man' after split from husband of seven years Adam Crofts
Coronation Street 's Tina O'Brien has reportedly 'found love again' following her split from her husband of seven years, Adam Crofts. The man in question, who bears a striking resemblance to her estranged husband, is allegedly an interior designer named Adam Fadlé, 38. According to The Sun, the pair met through friends in their home town of Cheshire and have been on a string of dates. A source told the publication: 'Tina fell out of love with one Adam and then fell in love with another. 'She's been on a few dates with him and they've been very open with their relationship. They were out last week snogging like teenagers and they've been seen walking her dog by locals. 'Tina looked totally mad for Adam and they couldn't keep their hands off each other.' MailOnline has contacted Tina's representatives for comment. The report adds that Fadlé studied architecture before opening his interior design business in 2010. The source added that Tina and Fadlé are currently keeping their relations 'low-key'. In recent days, Tina was reportedly partying and letting her hair down as a single woman in the wake of her split from Crofts. It was revealed last month that the Corrie star had split from her husband after weeks of speculation. The estranged couple, who share ten-year-old son Beau, are said to be 'on good terms' for the sake of their son but their differing lifestyles reportedly drove them apart. Tina is making the most of being a single woman and despite being upset that things didn't work with Crofts, she is getting out and about with friends. A source told The Sun: 'Last weekend she really let her hair down at Colson Smith's party and made sure she looked incredible. 'Tina looks amazing and has no shortage of male attention - her recent bikini snaps certainly caught a few eyes though.' Tina met Crofts in a Manchester coffee shop in 2011 and the couple tied the knot in a surprise NYE ceremony in 2018. The star - who plays Sarah Platt in the ITV show - first sparked split rumours when she shared a photograph of herself at co-star Colson Smith's leaving party in Manchester. Taking to Instagram, Tina cut a glamorous figure in a red mini dress and posed with a bare ring finger on display, just weeks after jetting off on holiday without Crofts. She further fuelled the speculation as she was seen with a notably bare finger while out for a cup of tea in Cheshire. Friends then revealed the split as they said: 'Tina and Adam have ended their relationship and are spending some time apart. 'They moved house at Christmas and have decided to live separately for the time being. The insider told The Sun: 'Adam and Tina lead very different lives - he is really into his fitness, while she really enjoys going out with her mates and having a dance, which just isn't for him. 'It wasn't an issue at first because they were head over heels, but as the kids have started to grow up it's become more noticeable. Adam likes a quiet life and unfortunately that just isn't Tina.'
