Celebrity Gossip

[Perdita]

Keith Harris has died at the age of 67.

The entertainer and ventriloquist was best known for his partnership with his puppets Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey.

Keith Harris & Orville
© Rex Features
Orville the Duck and Keith Harris

Harris passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.

The comedian's agent Robert C Kelly confirmed the news this morning (April 28).

"Sad to announce death from Cancer of my client, dear friend and great talent, Keith Harris," Kelly said.

Harris had a prime-time spot on BBC One Saturday night TV with The Keith Harris Show in the 1980s.

Orville the Duck and Keith Harris
© Rex Features / FremantleMedia Ltd
DS Icon: Orville (and Keith Harris)

He had a number four hit in the UK singles charts in 1982 with 'Orville's Song'.

Harris remained a popular cultural figure despite the waning of variety, and as well as other TV guests spots he made an appearance in the 2012 series of Big Brother.

Harris was married four times. He is survived by his fourth wife Sarah and their two teenage children, as well as his 27-year-old daughter Skye from his first marriage.

Watch Keith Harris and Orville perform 'Orville's Song' on Top of the Pops below:

[Perdita]

Congratulations to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby daughter today

[lizann]

Congratulations to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby daughter today

they should call her diana

[lizann]

Congratulations to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby daughter today

they should call her diana

[Perdita]

The former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has died at his home aged 55, his family has said

RIP Charles

[Dazzle]

The former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has died at his home aged 55, his family has said

RIP Charles

Sad, I always liked him. RIP.

[Glen1]

The former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has died at his home aged 55, his family has said

RIP Charles

Very sad news, he had a lot of qualities as a politician that a good many in politics could do with following.

[Perdita]

Big band leader James Last has died in Florida, aged 86.
The German-born musician's manager said he died at his home "peacefully and in the presence of his family".
Last sold millions of records with his trademark "happy music" and was a regular fixture on British TV for many years.
He appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in the spring as part of a farewell tour he announced after becoming seriously ill last year.
The illness, which took a "life-threatening" turn last September, apparently forced him to face the fact that "a man full of plans, needs to not just slow down but give up his life on tour altogether".
But he said the tour would give him the opportunity to bid farewell to his fans.
"The main thing is that my fans have the best concerts of their lives and we will make this our 'happiest' concert yet," he said when he announced the tour in February.
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Last started his music career in the 1960s, making instrumental recordings as James Last and His Orchestra - a big band with additional strings and a choir.
Over his career he produced 75 hit albums in Britain alone, and at his peak, was creating two albums a month.
The BBC spoke to the musician in March as he performed his final British shows - his 89th and 90th concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall.
"I can't talk about goodbye - it's a terrible feeling," he said.

BBC News

[Perdita]

Actor Ron Moody has died at the age of 91.

The British star was best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Fagin in Oliver!.

Ron Moody
© Getty Images / David Levenson

Moody also played Jim Branning's nemesis Edwin Caldecott in EastEnders, and the wizard Merlin in Disney's A Kid in King Arthur's Court.

"He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. He was singing until the end," his widow Therese said.

Born Ronald Moodnick in Tottenham in 1924, his Jewish father anglicised the family name to Moody several years later.

After originally planning to be an economist, Moody didn't take up acting until he was in his late 20s.

Moody also played Jim Branning's nemesis Edwin Caldecott in EastEnders, and the wizard Merlin in Disney's A Kid in King Arthur's Court.

"He brought joy to his family and to the hearts of many and will be greatly missed. He was singing until the end," his widow Therese said.

Born Ronald Moodnick in Tottenham in 1924, his Jewish father anglicised the family name to Moody several years later.

After originally planning to be an economist, Moody didn't take up acting until he was in his late 20s.

He won a Golden Globe award for playing pickpocket master Fagin in the musical version of Oliver Twist in 1968.

Moody had also said that his biggest regret was turning down the chance to play The Doctor in Doctor Who.

Other notable roles include parts in David Copperfield, Othello and as several characters in The Animals of Farthing Wood.

His final role was playing a character named Vincent Mancini in BBC One soap Holby City in 2012.

RIP Ron

[Perdita]

Sir Christopher Lee has died at the age of 93.

The actor was best-known for his work with Hammer Horror as well as The Wicker Man and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Christopher Lee attends 66th Locarno Film Festival
© Getty Images / Pier Marco Tacca

Lee died at at 8.30am on Sunday (June 6) at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

He had been undergoing treatment for respiratory problems and heart failure over the last few weeks.

RIP Sir Christopher