friends

‘He had a personality that could light up a room, bring people together and make everyone around him smile’

A football coach has died suddenly while on holiday with friends at just 37 – leaving behind his fiancée and two young sons. Warren Coard, from Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, died while on a trip in Tenerife with a group of friends.

The dad-of-two was a former goalkeeper and coach for several clubs and is remembered as a much-loved character who could light up any room. A fundraiser has been launched to help his fiancée Olivia Greer cover medical costs and funeral expenses.

It reads: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden loss of Warren Coard, who sadly passed away in Tenerife while away on a trip with his friends. At just 37 years old, Warren was taken from us far too soon, leaving behind a heartbroken family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Warren was the life and soul of every gathering. He had a personality that could light up a room, bring people together and make everyone around him smile. He was the kind of person who made memories wherever he went, and his presence, laughter and infectious spirit will never be forgotten.”

The appeal paid tribute to Warren’s fiancée, his sons Charlie and Levi, his mum Carol and his wider family. It added: “No family should ever have to experience such heartbreak, especially so suddenly and at such a young age. At this incredibly difficult time, Warren’s loved ones are facing the unexpected financial burden of funeral costs.

“This has placed additional pressure on his family during an already devastating time, when they should be able to focus on grieving, supporting one another and remembering Warren for the amazing person he was.”

Football clubs Warren played for also paid tribute to the former goalkeeper and coach. A spokesperson for Barn United Football Club in Carrickfergus said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the untimely passing of our former goalkeeper coach, Warren Coard aka Coardy.

“Our thoughts are with the entire family circle at this difficult time. Rest easy Coardy.”

Islandmagee Football Club said: “The club are saddened to hear of the passing of our former goalkeeper, goalkeeping coach and long term supporter Warren Coard. Everyone at the clubs thoughts are with ‘Coardys’ family and friends at this awful time.”

The fundraiser appealed for donations to help ease the financial pressure on Warren’s loved ones as they prepare to say their final goodbyes. It said: “Warren was loved by so many, and the number of lives he touched is a testament to the person he was.

“At only 37, he had so much more life to live, so many more memories to make and so much more love to give.

“Fly high, Warren. You were taken far too soon, but you will never be forgotten. Forever loved, forever missed, and always in our hearts.”

BOY George has claimed he was uninvited to a friend’s memorial while paying tribute to them in a touching social media post. 

The Culture Club, 65, singer took to social media to remember his friend and fashion designer Pam Hogg, who died in November last year aged 74. 

Today George shared an image of Pam – who dressed the likes of Kate Moss, Beyonce, Debbie Harry and Princess Eugenie – and wrote: “Remembering my friend Pam Hogg who is being celebrated today by friends.

“I was uninvited but I am there in spirit. God Bless you Pam.”

George and Pam were friends for decades, having first met in the eighties at Covent Garden’s Blitz club where he worked the cloakroom before finding fame with Culture Club. 

They were present for huge milestones in each other’s lives, with George sitting front row at many of her fashion shows and Pam attending events including his 50th birthday party. 

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Fans were quick to comment on George’s post, with one writing: “It’s always sad when politics divide friends. Stay strong George, you don’t need to be invited to a party in order to remember your friend.”

Another said: “That’s low to uninvite you, I hope you can celebrate her on your own or with other good friends.”

And a third added: “That is sad on so many levels. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend.”

At the time of Pam’s death last year, George shared his sadness and spoke of the designer’s legacy.

He said: “I’m sad to learn of the death of Pam Hogg who was a true original and who knew absolutely everyone on the London fashion and art scene.

“It’s quite shocking how many true originals are leaving us of late.”

Friends star Matthew Perry will be the subject of a moving new documentary series about his life and struggles with addiction

Netflix has unveiled a trailer for its documentary series about Matthew Perry.

The One About Matthew Perry will focus on the late Friends star’s life, career and struggles with addiction. In the trailer, Perry’s close friends and family members open up about the 17 Again and The Whole Nine Yards star.

The trailer prominently features Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, who shares details about the huge sums of money her sibling had spent trying to beat addiction. The footage also includes some of Perry’s most iconic on-screen moments from Friends.

In a particularly poignant moment, one person reveals how Perry “saved my life” through his own advocacy to help fellow addicts. There is also touching archival footage of Perry discussing his demons in his own words.

A logline for the upcoming series reads: “Told through intimate testimonies from close family and friends, this documentary event reveals the real Matthew Perry—generous, funny, vulnerable, larger than life—and the battles he fought to become the man behind the icon. A raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy.”

The One About Matthew Perry is the first in-depth documentary about the actor since his death. The series will shed light on the different facets of his life from the comedy genius to the man struggling with addiction and also a campaigner to help others get sober.

A Netflix description goes on to state: “Tender and unflinching, the series doesn’t separate Matthew’s humor from his pain, or his fame from his addiction. It sits with both, the way the people who loved him had to. Millions around the world are touched by addiction – their own, or someone they love – and this series speaks directly to them.”

The streaming platform is releasing the three-part factual series The One About Matthew Perry on October 27. The programme will be coming out a day before the third anniversary of the star’s death.

Perry tragically died on October 28, 2023 at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. His cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

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His death sent the world into mourning with his Friends co-stars paying tribute to Perry. Prior to his death, Perry had released his 2022 autobiography – Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir.

Reflecting on the decision to open up about her brother’s death, Mia Perry Bowick said: “It’s taken time for me to feel ready to share these memories and what it was like to love Matthew through all the complexity of his life—to see him as a whole person, not just as Chandler, and not just as someone who struggled with addiction. As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work to which I’ve devoted my life.

“Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit, and even in his darkest moments, he could still make you laugh and feel loved. I hope this series gives everyone who loved him, whether personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation for who he truly was, and the legacy he leaves behind.”

The One About Matthew Perry will be released on Netflix on October 27

They flew to France for lunch, spent seven hours exploring the town then headed home

A pair of best friends nipped to France for lunch and came home the same night, spending less than £75 on the whole trip. Mel Evans travelled to Beauvais with her friend and work colleague, Joanne Howard.

Mel managed to snap up return flights from Birmingham for just £48. The retail workers took an 8.45am Ryanair flight and landed at Beauvais Airport at 10.55am local time before taking an 85p bus into the town centre.

“We had seven hours to explore before we needed to get the bus back to the airport,” said Mel, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire. “The itinerary was to visit the cathedral and wander around the pretty streets and shops, look around the local markets and have some lunch and a drink.

“I love architecture and got lost looking at the cathedral, chateau and old houses. I was in my element. When we got there, we headed straight to the market and had a walk around. They had fish, meat, clothing, bags, purses and all sorts.

“We then headed to the cathedral. There was a lovely street nearby where I took pictures. We walked around the cathedral, then went inside and watched the astronomical clock.

“There was a craft fair, so we bought a few souvenirs for £5. We then headed to the Oise museum, which looked like a château from the outside. It had beautiful grounds.

“We then headed for lunch in the main square. After lunch, we walked around the town some more, stopping in shops and churches. We had a £2.50 ice cream, and found a street with old buildings. Then we looked around a second market and headed back to the main square for a £2.15 coffee until it was time to head for the bus.”

Their two main meals and two drinks cost £38 before they caught the bus back to the airport and boarded their 10:50 pm flight home. They landed back in the UK at 11 pm and, after travelling home, Mel was finally in bed by 12:30 am.

Mel and Joanne have been friends for 12 years and have already been on four day trips abroad together to Milan, Bergamo, Alicante and Oslo. Mel says everything went according to plan – and she would happily do it all over again.

Mel said: “I’m the planner, and Jo turns up; she’s very happy to go with the flow and my itinerary. It works well. There were no hiccups at all.”

Mel and Joanne’s trip began on 19 Sept with a £9.50 parking fee at Birmingham International train station, where they left their car for 24 hours before taking the free shuttle to departures. Their flight took around one hour and 10 minutes. After paying 85p each for the bus into Beauvais, they began exploring the town.

Mel then enjoyed a burger while Joanne had an omelette in the main square alongside two Coke Zeros. With no delays or other problems, the pair had plenty of time to enjoy their whistle-stop visit before catching the 85p bus back to Beauvais Airport.

The whole trip cost less than £75 each. Mel said: “At the end of the day, before flopping into bed, I felt very grateful I’d been able to travel. The next day is when I feel tired. I like that you can explore other countries in a day without having to book annual leave. You can explore the world one day at a time.”

Mel and Joanne have more day trips planned for the rest of the year, with France, Italy and Spain all on their travel radar.

Mel added: “We love day trips. It gives us something to look forward to, and we have a few more booked for this year. Friends and family think it’s great how we nip to France, Italy or Spain just for a day.

“My family call me Judith Chalmers because I’m always away. Day trips aren’t for everyone, as they are long days, but for how nice it feels to sit in a local cafe or park in another country makes it all worthwhile.

“I definitely recommend it to anyone. My biggest tip is to use a site such as Skyscanner to search for flights. Midweek tends to be cheaper than the weekend, and it’s best to book around 12 weeks in advance.”

KATIE Price appeared to ignore her marriage breakdown for the night as she celebrated her best friends’ engagement.

After ending her marriage to Lee, 43, the former glamour model was played a voice note from him on GMB on Wednesday, in which he insisted “there’s been no wool pulled over anyone’s eyes”. 

Tonight, Katie appeared in good spirits as she joined her friends for a boozy night out.

Katie flashed a big smile alongside celebrity interviewer pal Lewis Nicholls and Mike Turner.

He shared a photo of the trio and wrote: “Reunited to celebrate our engagement with Katie tonight,” with a red love heart emoji.

Katie was seen beaming as she held a glass of bubbly in her hand while joining her friends at Bank House Hotel Worcester.

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Speaking to Susanna Reid and Ed Balls this week, Katie candidly confessed that – despite everything – she still loves Lee. 

She said: “I love him… but who is he?

“I love the man I met. I can’t take it. I was stupid to fall for him. It’s really sad.”

Katie also admitted she believes her ex loves her too, saying: “I do believe he did. 

“I think he’s got himself in such a situation… where he copy and pastes what he says to women… I do believe he’s fallen for me.”

Katie then revealed the signs that finally made her open her eyes.

She said: “For example, one of the rings he bought me he said was worth £72,000. So I thought I’d better get it insured.

“So I took it into a shop and got it cleaned to get it insured. When they gave it back to me I said, ‘How nice are the diamonds?’

“They said, ‘They’re really good lab diamonds. They were grown in a lab. The ring is probably only worth about five grand’. Do you know how embarrassed I was?”

On the latest episode of her podcast The Katie Price Show, Katie held up her hand to sister Sophie, 36, and said: “I’m still wearing my ring but on the other hand because I love the ring. 

“I’ve taken Lee out of [my Instagram] bio now. Enough is enough now, it gets to a point where you can tolerate so much… 

“I did what I had to do. It doesn’t matter what people say about whoever I’m with. I have to do what I need to do. 

“If there are things that I question, that’s for me to find out myself to make my decision. Things haven’t added up and I’m not happy about them. He is still in prison and I haven’t spoken to him.”