Celebrity Gossip

[Perdita]

News at Ten's legendary newsreader Sir Alastair Burnet has died at the age of 84.

This Week host Andrew Neil, one of Burnet's close friends, confirmed the news to the BBC this morning (July 20).


© Rex Features / ITV


Neil described Burnet as "one of the greatest journalists of his generation", adding: "He will also always be recalled by family, friends and colleagues for his unparalleled professionalism, humour and gentlemanly kindness, especially to journalists starting out on their careers.

"Joy it was to be in his company and he was an inspiration to many who followed in his footsteps - the broadcasters' broadcaster."

Meanwhile, a statement on behalf of Burnet's family has been released to ITV News. It says: "He passed away peacefully in the middle of the night at the Beatrice Place Nursing Home in Kensington, where he was being cared for after suffering several strokes."

Burnet joined ITN in 1963 as the company's political editor, then four years later he became a news anchor, the role for which he is best known.

John Hardie, chief executive of ITN, said in tribute: "ITN stands on the shoulders of giants, none greater than Sir Alastair Burnet. He defined newscasting for a generation and his influence is still clearly evident today.

"He set the bar to a standard that has never been surpassed, and perhaps not even equalled. Sir Alastair will be sorely missed by many here at ITN, but his legacy lives on."

Early in his career, the broadcaster hosted ITV's coverage of the iconic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

In 1974 he defected to the BBC, where he worked on Panorama and fronted two general election broadcasts, before rejoining ITN in 1976.

Burnet, also a respected print journalist, edited The Economist in the 1960s and the Daily Express for a brief period between 1974 and 1976.

Burnet, then 63, read his last bulletin on News at Ten in August 1991.

[Chloe O'brien]

The Tudors actor Simon Ward dies after long illness

The British screen and stage actor Simon Ward has died after a long illness, his agent has confirmed.

Ward, who was 70, appeared in several films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including The Three Musketeers.

He also starred as Bishop Gardiner in The Tudors and as Sir Monty in the popular BBC television series Judge John Deed.

A statement released by his agent said he passed away peacefully with his wife Alexandra and daughters at his bedside.

The son of a car salesman from Beckenham in Kent, Ward joined the National Youth Theatre at the age of 13 where he remained for eight years.

After attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked in repertory in Northampton, Birmingham and Oxford, and occasionally in London's West End.

Early career

Ward's break into the theatre came in 1967 when he played the lead in Joe Orton's play, Loot, which lead to television and film roles.

In 1972, he gained national acclaim for his portrayal of Churchill in Richard Attenborough's epic film Young Winston, which featured a distinguished cast including Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.

The following year, he played the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers.

In 1974, Ward was cast as the author and veterinarian, James Herriot, in the original film adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.

All Creatures Great and Small later became a successful BBC television series with actor Christopher Timothy taking the lead role played by Ward in the film adaptation.

In more recent years Ward returned to theatre, touring the country with plays such as Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III and Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband.

Actress Susan Penhaligon, who starred alongside Ward in The Madness of King George III, said he had been a "loyal and sympathetic friend".

"He was a witty, frighteningly clever and handsome, complex man who I worked with a lot," she said.

Ward had triumphed in the play, she said, adding: "He showed such courage because I think he was ill then; he was a very courageous man."

In 1987 he suffered a serious head injury in a street attack that was never solved.

Ward's daughter is the actress, Sophie Ward; his youngest daughter, Kitty, is married to the comedian, Michael McIntyre.

[Chloe O'brien]

The Tudors actor Simon Ward dies after long illness

The British screen and stage actor Simon Ward has died after a long illness, his agent has confirmed.

Ward, who was 70, appeared in several films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including The Three Musketeers.

He also starred as Bishop Gardiner in The Tudors and as Sir Monty in the popular BBC television series Judge John Deed.

A statement released by his agent said he passed away peacefully with his wife Alexandra and daughters at his bedside.

The son of a car salesman from Beckenham in Kent, Ward joined the National Youth Theatre at the age of 13 where he remained for eight years.

After attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he worked in repertory in Northampton, Birmingham and Oxford, and occasionally in London's West End.

Early career

Ward's break into the theatre came in 1967 when he played the lead in Joe Orton's play, Loot, which lead to television and film roles.

In 1972, he gained national acclaim for his portrayal of Churchill in Richard Attenborough's epic film Young Winston, which featured a distinguished cast including Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.

The following year, he played the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers.

In 1974, Ward was cast as the author and veterinarian, James Herriot, in the original film adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.

All Creatures Great and Small later became a successful BBC television series with actor Christopher Timothy taking the lead role played by Ward in the film adaptation.

In more recent years Ward returned to theatre, touring the country with plays such as Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III and Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband.

Actress Susan Penhaligon, who starred alongside Ward in The Madness of King George III, said he had been a "loyal and sympathetic friend".

"He was a witty, frighteningly clever and handsome, complex man who I worked with a lot," she said.

Ward had triumphed in the play, she said, adding: "He showed such courage because I think he was ill then; he was a very courageous man."

In 1987 he suffered a serious head injury in a street attack that was never solved.

Ward's daughter is the actress, Sophie Ward; his youngest daughter, Kitty, is married to the comedian, Michael McIntyre.

[Perdita]

Coronation Street and Keeping up Appearances actor Geoffrey Hughes has died aged 68, his agent said.

The star, famed for his role as Coronation Street binman Eddie Yates, died last night "peacefully in his sleep" after a "long courageous battle" with prostate cancer, according to his family.

Hughes also played Twiggy in TV comedy The Royle Family and Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances.

Hughes, known to millions as binman Eddie in the soap during the 1970s and 1980s, was rushed to hospital for intense radiotherapy in 2010 after collapsing at his Isle of Wight home.

The actor had thought he had beaten prostate cancer the previous year, but the star and his wife Sue were given the news the disease had returned.

Hughes, who publicly supported cancer charities, first appeared in 1960s classics such as Z-Cars and The Likely Lads and was the voice of Paul McCartney in the Beatles film The Yellow Submarine.

Other roles included Vernon in Heartbeat and Uncle Keith in teen drama Skins.

Hughes also guest-starred in episodes of Doctor Who, Casualty, Boon and The Upper Hand and left Coronation Street in 1984.

In 2009 he was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight, making him "the official link between the island and royalty at formal engagements".

A Coronation Street spokeswoman today said: "We are very sad to hear of the death of Geoffrey Hughes.

"He created a legendary and iconic character in Eddie Yates who will always be part of Coronation Street.

"Everyone connected with the programme send our sincerest condolences to his family."

Tributes poured in for the actor as word spread of his death.

Long-serving Coronation Street star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the soap, said: "I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was a warm, lovable actor, with great comedy timing.

"He will be greatly missed, one of the Street's memorable characters."

RIP Geoffrey

[parkerman]

He was great as Onslow. So sad. He was so young.

[Perdita]

Celebrities have paid tribute to Geoffrey Hughes, who lost his battle to prostate cancer last night (July 27) aged 68.

The actor played Eddie Yeats in Coronation Street and went on to star as Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances, Twiggy in The Royle Family and Vernon Scripps in Heartbeat.

Charlie Condou (Marcus Dent in Coronation Street): "The wonderful Geoffrey Hughes (Eddie Yates) has lost his battle with cancer. RIP and thanks for all the laughs x"

Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street): "Very sad to hear the news about Geoffrey Hughes. May he R.I.P xx My thoughts are with his family & friends !!"

Andrew Lancel (played Frank Foster in Coronation Street): "Rip Geoffrey Hughes. Lovely man. Lovely actor"

Helen Worth (Gail McIntyre in Coronation Street): "Geoff was a very dear friend for many years, and I'm very sad to hear the news of his passing. He was a master of gentle comedy and brought pleasure to so many people. He will be sadly missed."

Bill Roache (Ken Barlow in Coronation Street): "I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was a warm, loveable actor with great comedy timing. He will be greatly missed. One of the street's memorable characters."

Jeremy Vine: "Very sad to hear that Coronation Street legend Geoffrey Hughes has died."

Derren Litten (Benidorm creator): "Oh dear, more sad news. Actor Geoffrey Hughes has died. Tried to work with him on Benidorm & was told his health was bad. RIP"

Ricky Tomlinson (actor and friend): "Geoff wasn't just an actor. He was my mate. I used to call him every few weeks but hadn't spoken to him in about a fortnight. It's such a loss."

Corrie spokesperson: "We are very sad to hear of the death of Geoffrey Hughes. He created a legendary and iconic character in Eddie Yates who will always be part of Coronation Street. Everyone connected with the programme sends our sincerest condolences to his family and friends."

[alan45]

He was great as Onslow. So sad. He was so young.

To me he will always be Eddie Yates and I will fondly remember him with Hilda and Stan

RIP Big Man

[alan45]

He was great as Onslow. So sad. He was so young.

To me he will always be Eddie Yates and I will fondly remember him with Hilda and Stan

RIP Big Man

[flappinfanny]

this is very sad news. a superb actor, who has provided us with many enjoyable characters, more recently twiggy in the royle family. loved the scene where he was dancing with jim while decorating baby davids room. so funny.

so many classic scenes from corrie, the one that springs to mind was when he found out stan might be allergic to beer and started laughing. that still makes me smile.

thank you geoff. heaven is a lucky, happier place tonight

[Perdita]

Doctor Who actress Mary Tamm, known to millions as the Time Lord’s glamorous companion Romana, died this morning aged 62.

Tamm, who played the Doctor's sidekick alongside Tom Baker in the show's 1970s heyday, died at hospital in London after a long battle with cancer.

Doctor Who legend Tom, 78, said: “She was a darling companion and wonderfully witty and kind. I’m so sorry to hear of her death.”

Her agent Barry Langford said she had a "zest for life".

Mary’s parents migrated from Estonia to Bradford, West Yorkshire, where she was born, and she did not learn English until primary school.

She first worked in theatre alongside Derek Jacobi, Joan Sims and Ronnie Barker.


Doctor's sidekick: Mary and Tom Baker on the set of Doctor Who in 1978
Getty
Then she moved on to television and film work, landing her first role in Tales That Witness Madness with Kim Novak.

She played Doctor Who’s sidekick Time Lady Romanadvoratrelundar, Romana for short, from 1978 to 1979.

She reportedly refused to return after her character lost her independence and became a damsel in distress.

Mary also appeared in blockbuster film The Odessa File and TV’s The Likely Lads and she had a recurring role in soap Brookside as Penny Crosbie.

More recently she starred in Wire In The Blood, Paradise Heights and Jonathan Creek. Her last role was as Orlenda in EastEnders in 2009.

Actress and friend Helen Lederer, 57, said: “Mary was such an energised, talented woman with a great twinkle in her eye and she was so very beautiful.”

Doctor Who writer Joe Lidster tweeted of Tamm: “Sweet and funny and not at all what you’d expect someone so glamorous to be. Such sad news.”

Mary’s agent Barry Langford said she was one of his “closest friends”.


"A fantastic actress": Mary had a long career on stage and screen
Getty
He added: “She had a great zest for life and was a fantastic actress. She could play any role *wonderfully.”

He added Mary had been saddened by the recent deaths of contemporaries Elisabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who, and Angharad Rees.

He said: “All these people she knew were going.”

Mary died at home in Battersea, South London, after battling cancer for 18 months.

She leaves husband Marcus Ringrose, daughter Lauren and grandson Max, seven.

Marcus said: “She was truly beautiful in every way. She was a spiritual lady.

"She was a consummate actress and immensely popular in the profession. We will miss her every day.”

Another ex-Time Lord, Colin Baker, 69, tweeted: “Shellshocked to hear Mary is gone. A funny, caring, talented, lovely and down to earth lady.”

Actress Helen Lederer, a friend of Tamm's, said: "Mary was such an energised, talented woman with a great twinkle in her eye and she was so very beautiful."

A very beautiful woman indeed, RIP Mary