Image copyright Getty ImagesImage caption Lee Child has written 24 Jack Reacher novels The author of the best-selling Jack Reacher novels is handing over the writing duties to his younger brother. Lee Child, 65, reportedly considered killing off the 6ft 5ins vigilante hero, who is played by actor Tom Cruise in film adaptations. But the […]
Entertainment
Simpsons actor Hank Azaria says he will no longer voice Apu
Image copyright TCFFCImage caption Hank Azaria has voiced Apu for 30 years The voice actor who plays the Indian character Apu in The Simpsons has said he is stepping down from the role, following years of controversy. White actor Hank Azaria has performed the voice of the Indian convenience store owner since the character was […]
Wiggles singer Greg Page has cardiac arrest at bushfire relief show
Image copyright Getty ImagesImage caption Greg Page, seen here at a reunion show in 2012, retired from the group due to ill health Greg Page, a founding member of the popular children’s music group The Wiggles, has collapsed at a bushfire relief show in Sydney. Page – who used to perform as the yellow Wiggle […]
Manchester mayor criticises Eminem for rap about Ariana Grande gig bomb
Image copyright Getty ImagesImage caption The lyric appears on the star’s album Music To Be Murdered By, which was released on Friday Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has hit out at Eminem for an “unnecessarily hurtful and deeply disrespectful” lyric about the 2017 bomb attack in the city. In a song on his new album, the […]
Mac Miller sounds ‘at peace’ on posthumous album
Image copyright Getty Images Before Mac Miller died in 2018, he was working on an album called Circles. The songs were being finished with the help of songwriter and producer Jon Brion, who went on to complete the album after Mac’s death. The rapper’s family decided to release the album, which is out today, saying […]
Derek Fowlds: Yes Minister and Heartbeat actor dies aged 82
Image caption Fowlds’ character Bernard in Yes Minister was the principal private secretary to politician Jim Hacker Actor Derek Fowlds, known to millions for playing Bernard Woolley in Yes Minister, has died at the age of 82. He also played sergeant-turned-publican Oscar Blaketon in ITV police drama Heartbeat for 18 years, and was “Mr Derek” […]
Grammys chief removed 10 days before ceremony over misconduct allegation
Image copyright Getty ImagesImage caption Deborah Dugan started her role just five months ago The chief executive of the Recording Academy, which organises the Grammy Awards, has been removed from her position just 10 days before this year’s ceremony in Los Angeles. Deborah Dugan was placed on administrative leave following an allegation of misconduct, the […]
‘First Middle-earth scholar’ Christopher Tolkien dies
Image copyright Charles E. NoadImage caption The Tolkien Society described Christopher Tolkien as “Middle-earth’s first scholar” Christopher Tolkien, who edited and published the posthumous works of his father, Lord of the Rings writer JRR Tolkien, has died aged 95. The news was confirmed by the Tolkien Society, which described him as “Middle-earth’s first scholar”. After […]
Actor Stephen Graham vows to help under-represented film and TV talent
Image copyright Getty ImagesImage caption Stephen Graham and wife Hannah Walters have launched Matriarch Productions Line of Duty and The Irishman actor Stephen Graham has set up his own production firm to give a platform to under-represented voices and stories. Graham founded Matriarch Productions with his wife, actress Hannah Walters. “We hope to develop stories […]
The Great British Bake Off: Sandi Toksvig to leave after three years
Image copyright Channel 4Image caption Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding have hosted the show since 2017 Sandi Toksvig is to leave The Great British Bake Off after three years. The presenter said she wanted to focus on other work commitments. “As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show,” Toksvig tweeted. “Bake Off […]
TV host Wendy Williams sorry for mocking Joaquin Phoenix’s lip scar
Image copyright Getty ImagesImage caption Joaquin Phoenix earned his fourth Oscar nomination for Joker this week TV host Wendy Williams has apologised after appearing to mock Joaquin Phoenix for a scar on his upper lip. The US presenter was accused of insulting people with a cleft palate while discussing the star’s appearance. “When he shaves […]
James Bond: Barbara Broccoli says character ‘will remain male’
Image copyright UniversalImage caption No Time To Die will be Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond The producer of the James Bond films has ruled out making the character female after Daniel Craig’s departure. No Time To Die, which will be released in April, marks Craig’s final outing as 007, and his replacement has […]