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Bernard Hill, Titanic and Lord of the Rings Star, Dies Aged 79

Bernard Hill, Titanic and Lord of the Rings Star, Dies Aged 79

The actor, renowned for iconic roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, also gained acclaim for his portrayal of Yosser Hughes in Boys from the Blackstuff

Bernard Hill, the actor best known for his roles in Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, has passed away at the age of 79, his agent has confirmed.

Hill, who played King Théoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, joined the franchise in the 2002 film The Two Towers and returned for The Return of the King in 2003, which garnered 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. In Titanic, Hill portrayed Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning 1997 film, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

His fellow Lord of the Rings cast member, Dominic Monaghan, who played Merry Brandybuck, shared a tribute on Instagram, remembering Hill as “the broken king” who “has passed to the grey havens but will always be remembered.”

The Manchester-born actor also earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Yosser Hughes in the groundbreaking 1980s drama Boys from the Blackstuff. His performance in the series led to a BAFTA TV nomination in 1983. The same year, Boys from the Blackstuff won the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

Hill’s death occurred early on Sunday morning, as confirmed by his agent Lou Coulson. A statement from his family is expected soon.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised Hill as “an incredible talent,” highlighting his legacy in productions like Wolf Hall and The Responder, with his long career marked by a series of iconic roles.

Other notable projects in Hill’s career included Clint Eastwood’s True Crime, the 1989 romantic comedy Shirley Valentine, the 1999 film Great Expectations, and the 2002 action movie The Scorpion King.

Singer and actress Barbara Dickson also paid tribute, recalling their work together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, and describing Hill as “a really marvellous actor” and a privilege to work with.

London Set for Bank Holiday Washout with 12 Hours of Showers

London Set for Bank Holiday Washout with 12 Hours of Showers

Met Office forecasts a wet Monday with persistent downpours across the capital

London is bracing for a bank holiday washout, with the Met Office predicting over 12 hours of on-and-off showers throughout Monday. Heavy downpours are expected to begin mid-morning and continue intermittently until midnight.

Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell warned, “It’s going to be a wet picture for London, especially in the south, and then extending into Kent and Sussex. While early risers may see some brightness in the morning, don’t be deceived – the rain will soon set in, likely by lunchtime, and continue throughout the afternoon.” He added that some of the rain could be heavy, making for a less-than-ideal bank holiday.

Although no specific weather warnings have been issued, the predicted heavy rainfall could cause disruptions, particularly for those travelling back to London after the weekend. Highs of around 17°C are expected in the capital, with the heaviest rain likely to hit around 2pm.

The rest of the UK will also experience a mixed bag of weather on Monday, with sunny spells followed by showers. The East of the country, including East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, will enjoy the warmest conditions, with highs of 20°C to 21°C. The North will see a cloudy start, with occasional brighter spells and developing heavy showers, while the South will begin with sunshine before thunderstorms and heavier rain arrive in the afternoon.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst advised that people should be prepared for rain anywhere, despite the occasional sunshine. “If you manage to avoid the showers, it will be pleasant in the sun,” he said.

Bromley Make History with Promotion to Football League After Dramatic Penalty Win

Bromley Make History with Promotion to Football League After Dramatic Penalty Win

Ravens secure a 4-3 penalty victory to reach League Two for the first time in their history

Bromley made history by securing their first-ever promotion to the Football League after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Solihull Moors in the National League play-off final at Wembley. The match ended 2-2 after 120 minutes, with Bromley emerging victorious 4-3 on penalties.

Bromley, who finished the season third in the league, five points clear of Solihull, took the lead in the 41st minute when Michael Cheek scored following a contentious moment when Solihull’s appeals for a foul on Alex Whitmore were waved away. However, Solihull responded just three minutes into the second half, with Joe Sbarra pouncing on a rebound after Grant Smith saved Tahvon Campbell’s shot.

Cheek put Bromley back in front after 58 minutes, converting a penalty awarded for a foul on him by Solihull goalkeeper Nick Hayes. Yet, Solihull were quick to equalise again, with Jamie Osborne scoring from 20 yards to make it 2-2.

As the match headed to penalties, it was Bromley goalkeeper Grant Smith who became the hero, saving Solihull’s first two spot-kicks from Tyrese Shade and Joss Labadie. Cheek, Olufela Olomola, and Jude Arthurs all kept their cool, before skipper Byron Webster converted the decisive penalty, sending Bromley into League Two for the first time in their history.

Photographer Captures a ‘Living Fossil’ from the Deep Ocean

Photographer Captures a ‘Living Fossil’ from the Deep Ocean

The discovery of the coelacanth, a prehistoric species, has sparked a race to document endangered deep-ocean creatures.

(Título) Photographer Captures a ‘Living Fossil’ from the Deep Ocean
(Subtítulo) The discovery of the coelacanth, a prehistoric species, has sparked a race to document endangered deep-ocean creatures.

8 May 2024

In the pursuit of preserving deep-ocean species before they vanish, photographers like Laurent Ballesta are diving into perilous waters. In 2010, Ballesta, along with three friends, carried 32kg (71lb) of camera equipment as they submerged into the depths of Sodwana Bay, located off South Africa’s east coast. It was there, for the first time ever, that he photographed a living coelacanth — a species once believed to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs.

“It’s not just a fish we thought was extinct,” says Ballesta. “It’s a masterpiece in the history of evolution.”

Coelacanths were once abundant during the age of the dinosaurs, inhabiting the marshes of the Triassic Period. They date back 410 million years and belong to a group of “lobe-finned” fish, the ancestors of the first land vertebrates. These fish’s strong, fleshy fins were a precursor to the paired limbs of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and humans. In fact, coelacanths are more closely related to tetrapods than any other known fish species.

For many years, the youngest known coelacanth fossil was 66 million years old, suggesting the species had long disappeared. However, in 1938, a fisherman caught a living coelacanth off South Africa’s coast, an event that sparked further research. In 1987, ethologist Hans Fricke led an expedition using a submersible off the coast of Grande Comore, where he captured the first footage of living coelacanths.

Homerton Fertility Clinic’s Licence Suspension Extended by Regulator

Homerton Fertility Clinic’s Licence Suspension Extended by Regulator

Fertility clinic remains under investigation over embryo loss, with licence suspended until August

The suspension of Homerton Fertility Clinic’s licence has been extended until August while investigations continue regarding the loss of some embryos. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) initially suspended the clinic’s licence in March after reports of a higher-than-usual number of frozen embryos not surviving the thawing process. The HFEA’s licence committee met on Thursday to review the situation and decided to maintain the suspension until further investigations are complete.

HFEA Chief Executive Peter Thompson stated, “The Committee decided that the Homerton Fertility Clinic’s licence should remain suspended until August, while investigations continue. The clinic remains under enhanced regulatory oversight, and the HFEA will not lift the suspension until we are certain that patients can be treated safely.” He emphasised that while serious incidents in fertility clinics are rare, they are taken very seriously, particularly as they involve sensitive patient outcomes.

The initial suspension followed what the HFEA described as “serious untoward incidents,” including reports of embryos not surviving thawing at higher rates than expected. One patient, identified only as Sarah, shared her distress with BBC News, revealing that two of her embryos had not survived the process and expressing concern about a lack of communication from the clinic.

Despite the suspension, the clinic continues to provide care for patients already undergoing IVF treatment, although new treatments have been put on hold. The clinic has assured patients that they have received letters outlining the situation and have been offered free counselling services.

Duane Eddy, Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend, Dies at 86

Duane Eddy, Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend, Dies at 86

Iconic guitarist behind the “twang” sound that shaped early rock music

Duane Eddy, the legendary US rock ‘n’ roll guitarist renowned for his signature “twangy” sound, has passed away at the age of 86. He died on Tuesday from cancer at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, as confirmed by his wife, Deed Abbate.

Eddy made his name with instrumental hits like Rebel Rouser, influencing generations of musicians, including George Harrison of The Beatles. His distinctive style, characterised by raucous rhythms, hand claps, and backing vocals, helped him sell over 100 million records worldwide, establishing him as one of the key figures in the development of rock ‘n’ roll.

“I had a distinctive sound that people could recognize and I stuck pretty much with that. I’m not one of the best technical players by any means; I just sell the best,” Eddy shared in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press. He humbly acknowledged that while others were more technically proficient, his approach was about delivering a sound that resonated with listeners.

Eddy’s trademark “twang” was evident from his debut album, Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel, through to his 1993 anthology, Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology. Reflecting on the enduring nature of his sound in 1993, Eddy said, “It’s a silly name for a nonsilly thing. But it has haunted me for 35 years now, so it’s almost like sentimental value — if nothing else.”

In 1994, Eddy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his impact on the genre. He recorded over 50 albums during his career, though by the 1980s, he slowed his output, living off his royalties.

His influence extended beyond his own music, as both Paul McCartney and George Harrison admired his work. Eddy played on McCartney’s Rockestra Theme and collaborated with Harrison on his 1987 album, further cementing his place as a rock pioneer.

Dan Schneider Files Lawsuit Against Documentary Makers for Defamation

Dan Schneider Files Lawsuit Against Documentary Makers for Defamation

Producer of hit Nickelodeon shows claims documentary falsely portrayed him as a child abuser

Dan Schneider, the former producer behind popular Nickelodeon shows like iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, and The Amanda Show, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the producers of the documentary series Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. Schneider accuses the documentary of damaging his reputation by falsely suggesting that he was involved in the sexual abuse of children who worked on his shows.

The legal documents argue that while two individuals connected to Nickelodeon shows were convicted of sexual offences, Schneider had no knowledge of their actions, was not complicit, and condemned the abuse when it came to light. The lawsuit insists that the accusations made in the documentary are untrue and have been published with reckless disregard for the truth, all in an effort to boost ratings and attract attention.

Schneider’s legal team asserts that he has never been charged with or convicted of any sexual abuse of children. The lawsuit describes the portrayal of Schneider in the Quiet On Set documentary as a “smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing his legacy and career.

Schneider himself has acknowledged his mistakes as a leader during his time at Nickelodeon, noting poor judgement and moments of bad leadership. However, he firmly rejects the documentary’s portrayal of him as a criminal and a child predator, stating that the series misled viewers and crossed the line by making false and harmful claims.

The legal action, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, names Maxine Productions, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Brothers Discovery as defendants. Schneider claims that the defamatory statements have caused significant emotional distress and irreparable harm to his personal and professional life. He further notes that the false depiction has led to confusion among friends and colleagues, and has severely impacted his reputation, which he argues will be forever tainted in the eyes of the public.

Schneider, who is credited with launching the careers of major stars like Miranda Cosgrove, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Ariana Grande, is determined to set the record straight. He maintains that while he acknowledges his past mistakes, he is not a criminal and should not be linked to the heinous acts described in the documentary.

Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump Shocked by World Snooker Championship Exits

Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump Shocked by World Snooker Championship Exits

Qualifiers Stuart Bingham and Jak Jones Cause Major Upsets at the Crucible

Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump both suffered surprising defeats in the World Snooker Championship quarter-finals, as qualifiers Stuart Bingham and Jak Jones caused major upsets at the Crucible. Both top-ranked players were expected to advance to a highly anticipated semi-final showdown, but instead, they were knocked out by their lesser-ranked opponents.

Bingham, a former champion in 2015, secured a thrilling 13-10 victory over O’Sullivan, who struggled in the final frames after a tense battle. Meanwhile, Jones capitalized on Trump’s uncharacteristic errors, turning an 8-8 tie into a commanding 13-9 win, marking his first-ever semi-final appearance at the Crucible.

The results mean three qualifiers have reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1977, including Bingham, Jones, and David Gilbert, who also triumphed over Stephen Maguire to reach the last four. Bingham will face Jones in a semi-final, while Gilbert will take on Kyren Wilson.

Jones, who previously reached the quarter-finals on his debut in 2023, expressed satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging Trump’s struggles in the match. Despite having never watched her son play live, Jones’s mother might make an exception for this historic semi-final.

The quarter-final upsets have set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable finish to the tournament.

Harvey Weinstein Hospitalized After Overturned Rape Conviction

Harvey Weinstein Hospitalized After Overturned Rape Conviction

Disgraced Movie Mogul Faces Retrial for Alleged Assaults on Two Women

Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized after his 2020 rape conviction was overturned. Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, confirmed the former Hollywood mogul, 72, was moved to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for a series of medical tests. Aidala revealed that Weinstein is facing multiple health issues, describing him as a “train wreck” physically, with several ongoing afflictions, including cardiac problems, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

The New York Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday that Weinstein had not received a fair trial. The court decided that too much irrelevant evidence was shown to jurors, which led to the erasure of his 23-year prison sentence and ordered a retrial. Weinstein remains in custody following this ruling, as he was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 for another rape and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Prosecutors plan to retry Weinstein for allegedly forcing oral sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 and raping an aspiring actress in 2013. Weinstein’s lawyer emphasized that while his client’s physical health is deteriorating, he remains mentally sharp.

Weinstein’s case became one of the central figures in the #MeToo movement, after women began sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault, leading to a global reckoning with abuse in the entertainment industry.

Kelpies Celebrate 10 Years of Iconic Art and History

Kelpies Celebrate 10 Years of Iconic Art and History

Anniversary Event Marks a Decade of Scotland’s Iconic Sculptures

Celebrations have been taking place to mark the 10th anniversary of The Kelpies sculptures near Falkirk.
Created by sculptor Andy Scott, the two 30-meter-high equine works were unveiled in 2014 and tower over the nearby Forth & Clyde Canal.
They were inspired by Scotland’s working horses, which used to pull barges along canals and work in fields in the area where the sculptures now stand.
The Kelpies were commissioned by Scottish Canals, who, along with Falkirk Council, organised the Kelpies 10 event.

Clydesdale horse demonstrations, performances by various pipe bands, and family activities were among the events at the sculptures on Saturday to mark the anniversary.
The Kelpies are located at The Helix Park, situated between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

The day culminated with the first-ever evening concert at the site, featuring Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, musician, DJ and producer Rebecca Vasmant with her ensemble, and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers bagpipe band, known for their fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems.

Evening celebrations also included a screening of The Kelpies, a short anniversary film by Walid Salhab, and a fire show by Pyroceltica.

Scottish Canals’ Chief Executive John Paterson said: “Scottish Canals had a vision to create a piece of art at the eastern gateway to Scotland’s historic Forth & Clyde Canal. The Kelpies pay homage to the working horses of Scotland and have now become global icons, attracting thousands of visitors to Scotland each year. The Kelpies 10 event has been a fantastic celebration, and we look forward to the next 10 years as we continue to make better lives by the water.”

More than 10,000 visitors gathered at the Kelpies 10 event, according to organisers. Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said, “Since their construction, The Kelpies have brought millions of visitors to witness these iconic structures that feature so prominently on our local landscape. The Kelpies 10 event has been a great way to celebrate their presence and ensure continued interest for decades to come.”