Latest news with #bbcpress
North Wales Chronicle
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Broadcaster and BBC executive Alan Yentob has died aged 78
Alan died on Saturday, May 24, with his wife Philippa Walker sharing an emotional tribute to her late husband: "For Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. "Our life was exciting, he was exciting. 'He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. "But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. "He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.' "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger" Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Alan Yentob, "one of the defining figures in the story of British culture" More: — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 25, 2025 Broadcaster Alan Yentob dies aged 78 Alan first worked at the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and throughout his time with the broadcaster had an impressive career. He held several senior roles, including controller of BBC One and BBC Two; Director of Television, Head of Music and Arts; Director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children's, and Creative Director. During his career at the BBC, Alan commissioned shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and Pride and Prejudice, along with helping launch CBBC and CBeebies. Sharing a tribute to the late broadcaster, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: 'Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. "A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy. 'For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life. 'He believed profoundly in the BBC's role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts - accessible to all. 'But Alan was more than a pioneering creative - he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others. Recommended reading: 'To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up - a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre. 'Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn't performative - it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us. 'We have lost one of the great creative spirits of our time. But his programmes, his voice, and the generations he inspired, will live on. 'Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.'
Rhyl Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Broadcaster and BBC executive Alan Yentob has died aged 78
Alan died on Saturday, May 24, with his wife Philippa Walker sharing an emotional tribute to her late husband: "For Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. "Our life was exciting, he was exciting. 'He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. "But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. "He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.' "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger" Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Alan Yentob, "one of the defining figures in the story of British culture" More: — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 25, 2025 Broadcaster Alan Yentob dies aged 78 Alan first worked at the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and throughout his time with the broadcaster had an impressive career. He held several senior roles, including controller of BBC One and BBC Two; Director of Television, Head of Music and Arts; Director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children's, and Creative Director. During his career at the BBC, Alan commissioned shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and Pride and Prejudice, along with helping launch CBBC and CBeebies. Sharing a tribute to the late broadcaster, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: 'Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. "A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy. 'For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life. 'He believed profoundly in the BBC's role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts - accessible to all. 'But Alan was more than a pioneering creative - he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others. Recommended reading: 'To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up - a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre. 'Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn't performative - it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us. 'We have lost one of the great creative spirits of our time. But his programmes, his voice, and the generations he inspired, will live on. 'Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.'
Buzz Feed
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Ncuti Gatwa Just Pulled Out Of "Eurovision"
Ncuti Gatwa will no longer be appearing at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, it has been confirmed. The Doctor Who and former Sex Education star had previously been announced as the UK's spokesperson for Eurovision 2025, who would have delivered the British national jury's points during the scoring part of the broadcast. However, shortly after Thursday night's semi-final ended, it was revealed that Ncuti would no longer be appearing at the contest. 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the grand final this weekend,' the BBC said in a statement. In his place, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will now be announcing the UK jury's scores instead. 'We are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK,' a BBC rep added. The "Murder On The Dancefloor" singer enthused: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. 'What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!' Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting… — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 15, 2025 @bbcpress / Via
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Cannot wait to see this' - Charlotte Church confirmed for BBC Celebrity Traitors
Welsh singer Charlotte Church will feature on the first ever series of The Celebrity Traitors UK. The full lineup of 19 celebrities taking part in the charity spin-off was revealed on Monday (May 13), including Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Kate Garraway. The series will be hosted by Strictly Come Dancing's Claudia Winkleman and will see the stars compete for the chance to win a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice. The series will take place in Ardross Castle, the location used for the regular series of The Traitors (also hosted by Winkleman). Winkleman said: 'We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes. 'I'd love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks, but that would be a lie.' The stars set to take part in The Celebrity Traitors are: Alan Carr - Comedian Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter Celia Imrie – Actor Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist Clare Balding - Broadcaster and Author David Olusoga - Historian and Filmmaker Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster Joe Wilkinson - Comedian Jonathan Ross - Presenter Kate Garraway - Broadcaster Lucy Beaumont - Comedian Mark Bonnar - Actor Nick Mohammed - Actor and Comedian Niko Omilana - Content Creator Paloma Faith - Singer/Songwriter and Actor Ruth Codd - Actor Stephen Fry - Actor, Writer, Presenter Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur 🏰 The time for talk is over... Claudia Winkleman announces the celebrities being banished to The Traitors castle this autumn Meet them ➡️ — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 13, 2025 Welsh singer Charlotte Church is among the stars set to take part in the first ever series of The Celebrity Traitors UK. She posted the trailer for the new series on her Instagram page late last night with a caption that contained three emojis (looking eyes, theatre masks and a castle). Fans were quick to comment on the post, sharing how excited they are to see the Welsh singer on the hit BBC show. One person commented: "You are going to be so epic at this." Another added: "Cannot wait to see this!" A third fan posted: "Ahhhhhh!!! So excited for this!!" This person said: "GO CHARLOTTE!" While another person commented: "All the best Charlotte." RECOMMENDED READING: Claudia Winkleman hails 'brilliant' Celebrity Traitors line-up as cast confirmed Claudia Winkleman hints at what to expect from Celebrity Traitors Charlotte Church shares news of her recent 'life changing' first with fans Welsh singer Charlotte Church releases 'lush' new BBC podcast The Celebrity Traitors UK will begin on BBC One and iPlayer in autumn 2025. However, the BBC is yet to reveal an exact start date.
Powys County Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Charlotte Church to star on BBC's The Celebrity Traitors
Welsh singer Charlotte Church will feature on the first ever series of The Celebrity Traitors UK. The full lineup of 19 celebrities taking part in the charity spin-off was revealed on Monday (May 13), including Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Kate Garraway. The series will be hosted by Strictly Come Dancing's Claudia Winkleman and will see the stars compete for the chance to win a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice. The series will take place in Ardross Castle, the location used for the regular series of The Traitors (also hosted by Winkleman). How The Traitors TV show works Winkleman said: 'We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes. 'I'd love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks, but that would be a lie.' The Celebrity Traitors UK cast The stars set to take part in The Celebrity Traitors are: Alan Carr - Comedian Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter Celia Imrie – Actor Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist Clare Balding - Broadcaster and Author David Olusoga - Historian and Filmmaker Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster Joe Wilkinson - Comedian Jonathan Ross - Presenter Kate Garraway - Broadcaster Lucy Beaumont - Comedian Mark Bonnar - Actor Nick Mohammed - Actor and Comedian Niko Omilana - Content Creator Paloma Faith - Singer/Songwriter and Actor Ruth Codd - Actor Stephen Fry - Actor, Writer, Presenter Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur 🏰 The time for talk is over... Claudia Winkleman announces the celebrities being banished to The Traitors castle this autumn Meet them ➡️ — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 13, 2025 Charlotte Church to take part in The Celebrity Traitors Welsh singer Charlotte Church is among the stars set to take part in the first ever series of The Celebrity Traitors UK. She posted the trailer for the new series on her Instagram page late last night with a caption that contained three emojis (looking eyes, theatre masks and a castle). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charlotte Church (@therealcharlottechurch) Fans were quick to comment on the post, sharing how excited they are to see the Welsh singer on the hit BBC show. One person commented: "You are going to be so epic at this." Another added: "Cannot wait to see this!" A third fan posted: "Ahhhhhh!!! So excited for this!!" This person said: "GO CHARLOTTE!" While another person commented: "All the best Charlotte." The Celebrity Traitors release date The Celebrity Traitors UK will begin on BBC One and iPlayer in autumn 2025.
