aged

Norwegian biathlete Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who had been hoping to compete at the Winter Olympics in February, has died aged 27.

Bakken returned to competition in 2024, having been kept out since 2022 with the heart condition myocarditis.

The president of the International Biathlon Union said his return to the sport had been “a source of immense joy”.

“Sivert’s comeback to biathlon after a period of great hardship was a source of immense joy for everyone in the biathlon family and an inspiring demonstration of his resilience and determination,” Olle Dahlin said.

“His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend but he will not be forgotten and he will forever remain in our hearts.”

Local media reported that Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in Lavaze, in the Italian Alps, where he had been attending a training camp.

LEGENDARY British singer-songwriter Chris Rea has tragically passed away aged 74.

The singer, from Middlesbrough, penned the smash hit Driving Home For Christmas in 1978.

Christopher Rea was born on 4 March 1951 in Middlesbrough in the North Riding of Yorkshire to an Italian father, Camillo Rea, and an Irish mother, Winifred K. Slee.

In 1973 he joined the local Middlesbrough band, Magdalene and began writing songs.

He went on to enjoy a long and sucesfull career on the British music scene.

His most famous song Driving Home for Christmas, song has made a reappearance on the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007.

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It’s now a chart regular at this time of year, reaching its highest position in 2021 when it made it to number 10.

Rea was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of just 33 and faced nine serious operations – spending a total of 32 weeks in hospital.

While appearing on the TV show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas special in 1994 Rea told the hosts he had “never really gotten over” his diagnosis.

He has previously opened up on his health battle, revealing that some of his internal organs, his pancreas, gallbladder, and left quadrant of the liver were “all gone” after an operation.

It was after he had received the lifesaving surgery that the star discovered he had type 1 diabetes.

Speaking candidly about the moment he told his wife Joan Lesley about the diagnosis Rea said: “She pulled the car over and burst into tears.”

Chris has previously said he has to take “34 pills every day” after his health struggles.

His wife Joan was there when the hitmaker wrote the Christmas favourite Driving Home for Christmas.

The pair have been together since they met as 16 year olds in Middlesbrough and it is said Rea has the longest surviving relationship in the music industry.

The couple have two daughters together Josephine, born 16 September 1983, and Julia Christina, born 18 March 1989.

Speaking to Bob Mortimer about its origins, Chris previously said: “I was on the dole when I wrote that.

“My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving.

“My now wife, Joan, had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home, and that’s when I wrote it.”

That Christmas drive up north was a magical one indeed, not only did he write a famous song, he also received a cheque for £15,000 upon stepping through his front door.

His song Fool (if you think it’s over) had become a hit in America and earned him a pretty sum. The timing couldn’t have been better given he was down to his last £200.

It was a while before Driving Home would make any money.

Royal Variety Performance viewers were left stunned to see Westlife on stage at the ITV special, claiming the Irish boyband hadn’t aged a day

Royal Variety Performance viewers were left gobsmacked to see Westlife take the stage, insisting they hadn’t aged a day.

The ITV spectacular made its return this evening, with presenter Jason Manford welcoming an array of acts including Jessie J, Paddington The Musical and Sir Stephen Fry.

During the early stages of the programme, Irish boyband Westlife delivered a medley of their biggest anthems, sending fans into raptures.

One gushed: “Westlife haven’t aged in 25 years,” whilst another declared: “The gorgeous Westlife fellas!”

A third person raved: “Westlife still the finest boy group,” while someone else exclaimed: “3 ‘Benjamin Buttons’ right there! Looking incredible boys! ! !”, reports Wales Online.

Another spectator remarked: “Well those Westlife lads are looking and sounding as good as they always did.”

Yet another agreed: “These boys from Westlife literally look the same.”

The performance saw Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan take to the stage. The Irish band formed in 1998, consisting of the three bandmates as well as Mark Feehily.

Brian McFadden was also a member of the band before he left to pursue a solo career in 2004. Westlife disbanded in 2012, but later reunited in 2018.

Mark has not joined the band in recent performances, with the group launching an upcoming world tour and releasing four songs this year.

He recently shared the health setbacks he’s faced, including a pneumonia diagnosis in 2022.

In June, Mark’s absence from Westlife’s shows was announced as part of their anniversary plans. The band said in a statement: “Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.

“The four of us can’t quite believe its been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world.

“We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane x.”

Last year, Mark had announced a temporary departure from the band, ahead of their first American tour.

He said: “Hello and much love to you all! It’s Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while.

“It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into A&E.

“I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe ‘Sepsis‘, a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life.”

He went on: “It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU.

“In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in A&E, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December.”

He continued by explaining other surgeries he required, saying he “tried my best to soldier on” for fans, but “the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me”.

After developing a “incisional hernia” and requiring his fourth major surgery, Mark confirmed his temporary hiatus from the band, saying: “It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time ote: that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.

“Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.”

The Royal Variety Performance is airing on ITV1.

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GEORGE Clooney is mourning the loss of his sister Adelia Zeidler who has died aged 65.

The Hollywood star’s sibling passed away on Friday (December 19) following a battle with cancer.

Clooney, 64, described his sister – known as Ada – as his “hero” and praised her bravery.

He said: “My sister, Ada, was my hero. She faced down cancer with courage and humor.

“I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”

Ada’s official biography says she died “peacefully” while “surrounded by the people she loved” at St Elizabeth healthcare in Kentucky.

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‘Talented artist’

She was born on May 2 1960 in Los Angeles to mum and dad Nina and Nick, and was described as a “talented artist”.

She was named after her great-grandmother.

Her obit states: “A talented artist, she shared her skills as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School for several years.

“In high school, her academic achievements qualified her to be a National Merit Scholar.

“Her love for reading connected her with other readers in a local book club.

“She was also a member of the Augusta Art Guild and was a past grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade.”

Ada married Norman Zeidler, a retired army captain, in Augusta in 1987.

While she led a very private life, she supported her brother publicly over the years, including attending his wedding to wife Amal in Venice in 2014.

Ada was snapped standing next to Clooney on a boat as they rode along a canal in the Italian city.

The siblings grew up together in Kentucky.

Clooney told CBS This Morning in 2015: “My sister, I’m very close to.”

Their mum Nina told HGTV in 2006 how she once came home to find her children had thrown a house party, and had thrown cooked marshmallows all over the walls.

SIR Humphrey Burton, an award winning classical music broadcaster and BBC Radio 3 presenter, has died at age 94.

The prolific broadcaster, author and director died peacefully at home today with his family by his side.

Sir Humphrey had a celebrated career in the arts including as head of the BBC’S music and arts in the 1970s and 80s where he hosted the BBC‘s Omnibus and In Performance arts programmes.

He went onto found the BBC‘s Young Musician of the Year award in 1978 which helped to spotlight young talent, including famed violinist Nicola Benedetti.

In a statement, his family said: “He was deeply loved by his children and grandchildren, and his commitment to spreading the joy of classical music was so inspiring.”

It continued: “He will be missed beyond words. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.”

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Sir Humphrey was knighted in 2020 for services to classical music and the arts.

His daughter, Clare Dibble, announced the news on X: “It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my father, Sir Humphrey Burton 25.3.31-17.12.25, at 05.15 this morning at home with family by his side. A huge influence on several generations of arts programme makers, he will be missed beyond word.”

BBC Radio 3 then said in a tribute on social media: “He was a much-loved classical music broadcaster and had a huge influence on generations or arts programme-makers.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Classic FM, where he worked as a presenter on multiple programmes, said he “helped shape a golden age of classical music on television and radio“.

Sir Humphrey helped with programmes on Leonard Bernstein and Yehudi Menuheim, both influential figures he had personal and professional relationships with.

These programmes “introduced multiple generations to classical music with the trademark enthusiasm that made his name synonymous with arts broadcasting,” said Classic FM in a tribute.

His programme, Burnstein on Beethoven: A Celebration in Vienna won an Emmy Award in 1972 and he went onto win again in 1988 for the Great Performances episode Celebrating Gershwain.

This was part of a 20 year friendship with the composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein which saw the broadcaster direct 170 documentaries and filmed concerts.

Sir Humphrey was born in Towbridge Wiltshire in 1931 and became one the broadcasting industry’s most influential presenters.

He studied music and history at Fitzwilliam House, Cambridge before joining BBC Radio as a trainee studio manager in 1955.

Sam Jackson, the controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms said he was fortunate to work with Sir Humphrey and described him as a “a man so full of grace, warmth, and brilliant anecdotes.”

Suzy Klein, Head of Arts and Classical Music TV at the BBC, told The Sun: “In the history of arts and classical music broadcasting, there are few figures as influential as Sir Humphrey Burton.

“His vision, ambition and ability to forge partnerships across borders brought world-class opera, classical music and arts programming into the homes of many millions. Humphrey leaves an enormous legacy at the BBC and beyond, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The Royal Philharmonic Society said Sir Humphrey’s renowned work set a “gold-standard” which engaged millions with music.

“Few have done so much to proclaim classical music’s wonders” it added.

Alongside radio, Burton helped the launch of BBC Two in April 1964 before he became the BBC’s first Head of Music and Arts a year later. He later founded London Weekend Television.

He won a BAFTA (then SFTA) for creativity in music programming in 1965.

Until 1988 Sir Humphrey was editor of performance programmes and director of Proms. He also directed opera relays from the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Glyndebourne and Scottish Opera.

Sir Humphrey married Gretel Davis in 1957 but the couple later divorced and he married Swedish radio and television presenter Christina Hansegård in 1970.

He is survived by his six children: Chris Hockey, Clare Dibble, Matthew Burton, Helena Burton, Lukas Burton and Clemency Burton-Hill.

AN iconic film has just returned to Netflix, and fans are realising that its ‘hot blonde’ bombshell hasn’t aged a day.

It’s been over two decades since the legendary comedy first graced screens across the globe, with this ‘hot blonde’ character only being in her 20s at the time of filming.

American film and TV actress Darcy Donavan, is best known for her feature in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), where she shared the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd.

Anchorman became considered as a “cultural phenomenon” in the world of comedy, loved for its absurd humour, witty characters and highly-quotable lines – and it’s returned to streaming service Netflix this week.

Following a hotshot television anchorman (Ron Burgundy), viewers are taken along on a journey of life in the newsroom, from breaking stories to feuds, new hires, and jealousy.

Anchorman, which also starred a stunning Christina Applegate, was nominated for countless awards in the year following its debut.

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Though Darcy didn’t have a huge role in the movie, being officially listed under the role of ‘hot blonde’ in such a big show made her character all the more iconic.

20 years on, it’s hard not to notice from recent snaps of the hot blonde – who is now in her forties – that she’s barely aged over the decades.

Darcy has maintained her svelte figure over the years, stunning in a bodycon sparkly dress on her Instagram recently.

The same signature blonde hair that also landed her the part of ‘hot blonde’ remains as beautiful as ever, now falling down past her chest.

Fans also got a glimpse of her age-defying beauty in a recent appearance on the Rollin’ Olan podcast with host Jeff Olan.

During their chat, the film and TV star recollected her filming experience on the set of Anchorman.

She told Jeff that the whole movie “was pretty much improv” and praised her famous scene partners for their wit and acting talents.

“Will Ferrell is definitely, you know, a comic genius.

“And Paul Rudd, I mean, he’s such a sweetheart. I really became good friends, too, with the director [Adam McKay].

“He is so talented, but he’s just really down to earth, you know, and, uh, he’s a phenomenal director.

“He understands, you know, how to get the best out of an actor and not feel pressure. And that’s the one thing I just think is phenomenal about him.”

Following the success of the first film, the lead stars returned for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues in 2013, though Darcy did not reprise her role.

The ‘hot blonde’ has however starred in lots of other films and TV shows since, including popular series Modern Family, dystopian sci-fi Westworld, and even CSI.

But she still performs the occasional more anonymous role, such as ‘hot housewife’ in My Name Is Earl.

Darcy’s most recent work is on 2025 movie Hollywood Grit.

Starring alongside others including Max Martini and Tyrese Gibson, the production follows the story of a detective who’s looking for somebody’s daughter who vanished from a Hollywood jazz club.

THE father of singer Selena Quintanilla has died at the age of 86, his family has confirmed.

Abraham Quintanilla Jr. died on Saturday; his son, A.B. Quintanilla III, confirmed it on Instagram.

“It’s with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today…,” he wrote.

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

He famously managed the career of his daughter Selena, overseeing her rise to fame in the late 1980s before she was killed in 1995.

The iconic singer known for her hits including Como la Flor and Dreaming of You, was murdered in Texas by her friend and former nurse Yolanda Saldivar.

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Saldivar was president of Selena’s fan club and manager of her boutiques business, jobs that she lost shortly before the murder after it was discovered that she had been embezzling money.

She was denied parole in March this year after being sentenced to 30 years to life behind bars in October 1995.

Her next opportunity for parole will be in March 2030.

After the death of his daughter, Abraham made it his mission to preserve her legacy as the Queen of Tejano Music and one of the greatest Latino artists of all time, as named by Billboard magazine.

News of her murder shocked the nation, especially those in her home state of Texas, with the then governor George W. Bush declaring April 16 as Selena Day.

Her album, Dreaming of You, released after her death, soared to the top of the Billboard 200 – a first for a Latin artist.

Two years later, the film Selena was released by Warner Bros, starring Jennifer Lopez at the beginning of her career.

Selena: The Series was released by Netflix in 2020, documenting her life and career and featuring Christian Serratos from The Walking Dead.

This has been followed this year by the November release of the new Netflix doc, Selena y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy.

It is told by her immediate family including her father.

In it, he recalled the time he first took his daughter to a record label in San Antonio with the hope of launching her career.

“At first, they were skeptical because it’s a girl — and a young girl. I said, ‘Well, let’s give it a try one time,’” he said.

It was then that she recorded her first song and was catapulted to fame.

PETER Greene, the character actor best known for his chilling turns in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has died aged 60.

Greene was discovered unresponsive inside his New York City apartment on Friday afternoon and pronounced dead at the scene, his manager confirmed.

No foul play is suspected and the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner, cops said.

Greene’s long time manager Gregg Edwards told the New York Post: “He was a terrific guy.

“Truly one of the great actors of our generation.

“His heart was as big as there was. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend.”

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Greene built a reputation in the 1990s as one of Hollywood’s most memorable screen villains.

He played Zed, the sadistic security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 hit Pulp Fiction, and ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask the same year.

Edwards said: “Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter.

“But he also had, you know, a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold.”

With nearly 95 screen credits, Greene appeared in The Usual Suspects, Training Day, Blue Streak, and Laws of Gravity.

He also starred in Clean, Shaven – a 1993 indie film that earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of a man with schizophrenia.

A New York Times review said his performance turned the role “into a compellingly anguished, volatile character.”

Edwards revealed Greene was preparing to begin production in January on an independent thriller titled Mascots alongside Mickey Rourke.

After notifying the film’s writer-director Kerry Mondragón of the death, Edwards said “they were very upset.”

While Greene had a reputation for being difficult on set, his manager said it stemmed from high standards.

He was “a perfectionist who gave every job his all and wanted his performance to be just ‘right’,” according to Edwards.

“He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” the manager said, adding that his role in The Mask was “arguably his best role.”

Peter Greene was born on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey.

At 15, Greene ran away from home and lived on the streets of New York City, where he struggled with drug addiction.

Greene is survived by a sister and a brother.

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CAMRYN Magness, the singer who toured with One Direction, has died aged 26 after being struck while riding an electric scooter.

Her death was confirmed this week in a statement on her official social media pages, describing her as a “radiant force”.

It read: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our beloved Camryn, a radiant force whose voice, coy, and bright spirit touched so many.

“Whether beneath the waves or on stage, she met life with fearless energy and boundless kindness.

“In the quiet between waves, her memory will surface—bright, bold, unforgotten.

“Rest in endless blue, our sweet girl. You are deeply loved and forever cherished.

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“Please keep her family and friends in prayer as they navigate this difficult time. Camryn will live on in our hearts forever.”

Camryn died last Friday after being struck in Fort Myers, Florida, according to multiple reports.

Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1999, she began her career at eight, posting YouTube videos that led to a record deal and a move to Los Angeles.

Her debut single Wait and See featured in the 2011 film Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.

She toured with Cody Simpson and Greyson Chance in 2011 before joining One Direction as a support act for seven US dates on their 2012 Up All Night Tour.

The band then brought her back for 63 shows on their 2013 Take Me Home Tour.

Reflecting on that breakthrough, she previously told Teen Vogue: “Going into the tour, I was an unknown artist.

“It’s a great feeling to be walking around and someone coming up to me and saying, ‘Hey, you did so well!’. It was really exciting for me when that happened for the first time.”

Camryn later supported Fifth Harmony and released a run of singles, along with her 2017 album Glow.

Her official obituary described her as “beloved” as a “daughter, sister, fiancée, granddaughter, and friend” who died “far too young, and long before her light was ever meant to leave this world”.

It remembered her as a “vibrant, fearless, and deeply loved young woman whose compassion, humour, and bright spirit touched every person blessed to know her.”

It added: “A gifted performer, Camryn’s voice and music were extensions of her soul.

“Whether she was on a stage, at a family gathering, or sharing a song with someone who needed it, Camryn’s music was a reflection of her heart, her courage, and her endless creativity.”

Camryn Magness is survived by her parents, Sarah and Gary; siblings Chelsea and Cable; and her fiancée, Christian.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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