STAR Wars legend Michael Pennington has died aged 82.
The veteran stage and screen actor, who is best known for his role as Moff Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi, is thought to have passed away, according to The Telegraph.
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Michael Pennington as Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Return of the JediCredit: Lucas FilmPennington at the Hampstead Theatre Spring Gala in 2008Credit: AlamyPennington and Dame Judi Dench during the unveiling of a new plaque commemorating actor Sir John Gielgud in Westminster in 2017Credit: GettyPennington performs at the Gielgud Theatre in the 1990sCredit: Getty
The cause of death is currently unknown.
Pennington’s other film credits include as Laertes in Hamlet (1969), alongside Anthony Hopkins, and as former Labour Party leader Michael Foot in The Iron Lady (2011), alongside Meryl Streep.
He also appeared in TV shows The Bill, The Tudors and Father Brown, as well as TV movie The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
His agent Lesley Duff told The Sun he had been living at Denville Hall, a care home for retired actors, in his later years.
Staff at nearby eateries appeared muted, some barely present, as news of the Brit’s death rippled through the community.
A neighbour living right next door to the property appeared visibly shaken.
He glanced nervously towards the cordoned-off home before abruptly refusing to say a word.
One of the few locals out on the streets said: “It definitely feels quieter. I’m not sure if it’s because of his death but it could be.”
The streets of Santa Margalida are largely emptyCredit: Ian Whittaker
The villa itself – complete with two grand bedrooms, a spacious living area and traditional blue Spanish shutters – now stands at the centre of the ongoing probe.
Notably, the booking listing explicitly bans parties and events.
Despite Jake’s celebrity status, residents claim he had gone largely unnoticed during his stay – deepening the mystery surrounding his final hours.
Workers in supermarkets, cafés and restaurants said they had never seen or heard of him before the fatal incident.
A neighbour described the moment police descended on the villa, saying: “I saw a few civil guard officers come to the property and put tape across the road and doors.
“I had no idea what was going on.”
Police sources claim the reality star had been “out all night” on a “booze-filled rampage” before returning to the villa to continue partying.
One insider said: “It appears from what police have been told that he became agitated, possibly from alcohol and other substances he may have consumed.”
Residents in the sleepy town said they hadn’t noticed Jake staying thereCredit: Ian WhittakerJake posted a final video on Instagram before his deathCredit: Instagram
Locals also hinted at an undercurrent of drug activity in the area – with one resident appearing to pick up substances in an on-street deal close to Jake’s villa.
An insider added: “The hypothesis that he died after a possible combination of too much alcohol and possibly drugs is still the one that appears to be the most likely at this stage.”
Neighbours reported alarming noises in the early hours before his death – sounds so loud they shook the walls.
One told local paper Ultima Hora: “I began to hear a very loud noise, as if they were drilling something.
“They stopped after about five minutes and then I fell asleep.”
A neighbour of the villa claimed they had heard a group of people talking about drugs in English.
She tells us: “It was a crazy night. We were out for hours and hours. We were in a number of bars and stayed until they shut.
“Jake was in the mood where he just didn’t want to stop, which normally he is like that. But he doesn’t take it overboard.
“This time he went overboard with the alcohol and drugs. And then everyone went back to the AirBnb he was staying in. Quite a few other women came back to party.”
The Sun understands this is when a real shift in mood occurred, according to the partygoer.
She added: “There was like a bunch of s** going on. There was quite a lot of tension in the air, Jake seemed in an argumentative mood.
“Most of the girls left before the police arrived. Everyone was in disbelief, it was devastating and horrifying.”
Emergency services were called to the villa at around 7.30am on Wednesday morning, where Jake was found with fatal injuries.
A police source said: “We are focusing on the theory the victim died in a tragic accident after hitting his head against the glass door but it is still too early to say definitely what happened.”
Police have questioned four men and two women who were staying at the property.
No arrests have been made as investigations continue, with a post-mortem set to take place in Palma.
Jake was no stranger to Majorca, often using the island as a base for both work and leisure.
BBC radio presenter Dave Llewellyn has died aged 57 after two decades on air – as his devastated family release a touching tribute.
The Radio Tees star – famed for his distinctive bright red hair – was hailed as the “most loving father and husband” by his daughter Amy.
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The radio star has died aged 57 after two decades on airCredit: BBC
Dave worked as a travel presenter in the north east region for more than 20 years – famously starting out as the “eye in the sky” in a plane.
Alongside his traffic updates, the larger-than-life DJ also co-hosted a gardening show at the weekends.
And for the past six years, he was a producer onBBCRadio Tees, most recently working on Gary Philipson’s daytime programme.
The presenter, hailed as “incredibly modest and generous” by his daughter Amy, died after a short illness.
She said: “Outside of his work he loved his family and his music.
“His true talent shone through while he was playing his keyboards, synthesisers and bass.
“He was the most loving father and husband, always going out of his way to make us happy.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him, especially our beloved dog Cupid who always saw a taste of his generosity, usually in the form of a shared sausage sandwich.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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DENISE van Outen has opened up about her heartbreak over losing a Towie “family member” as she revealed plans to pay tribute to Jake Hall.
The TV star shared an emotional message, reflecting on the devastating loss.
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Denise van Outen reveals her heartbreak over the devastating lossCredit: GettyTowie star Jake Hall has been found dead at a Spanish holiday villaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
“But he was so lovely whenever I saw him out and he was so friendly and so talented.
“I really feel for his family, my thoughts go out to them, and it is just really sad and he was way too young to go.
“I do wonder what TOWIE will do, I think they’ll do a tribute as they’ve lost a few people recently. I was just really really shocked when I saw it.”
Cops found the 35-year-old former reality show hunk in a pool of blood with fatal head wounds apparently caused by shards of glass.
Officers say inquiries focused on the theory of a tragic accident in which the 6ft 4ins star smashed his head through a glass door.
A source said: “Witnesses told investigators he had been out partying all night and decided to carry on the party back at the place he was renting.
“It appears from what police have been told that he became agitated, possibly from alcohol and other substances he may have consumed.”
The source also said at one point things “turned aggressive” and he may have “tried to harm himself by banging his head against things.”
Officers were called to the rented house in Santa Margalida in the north of the holiday island at around 7.30am on Wednesday morning.
A police source said: “We are focusing on the theory the victim died in a tragic accident after hitting his head against the glass door but it is still too early to say definitely what happened.”
No arrests were believed to have been made as inquiries continued and an autopsy is due to take place in the Majorcan capital, Palma.
An ongoing investigation is being led by the Spanish Civil Guard.
He often spent time in Majorca where he had a second home used as a base for work and leisure.
A statement shared by her talent agent said: “At this time, Misse’s focus is on supporting and protecting their child as they come to terms with this devastating loss.
“The family are asking for privacy, compassion and respect while they grieve privately.”
Jake joined TOWIE in 2015, and dated co-star Chloe Lewis before leaving the programme in 2024.
He also ran a menswear brand called By Jake Hall.
Jake had a daughter, River, with model and Real Housewives of Cheshire star Misse BeqiriCredit: Richard YoungDenise has been voicing the show TOWIE since it started in 2010Credit: Getty
