AN ex-cricket star married to a Thai woman who tragically died in a Waitrose aged just 46 has paid tribute to his “loving” wife.
Duncan Pauline, 64, said he and his wife Wiyada were looking forward to retiring to her home country before her sudden death on Wednesday.
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Wiyada, who died in a Waitrose, was just 46-years-oldCredit: Supplied by husband
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Wiyada and her husband were looking forward to retiring to her home country before her sudden death on WednesdayCredit: Supplied by husband
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Duncan, head coach at Esher Cricket Club, said he will now have to take the ashes of his wife, who was a Buddhist, back to her family in ThailandCredit: Supplied by husband
They had already bought a retirement home and planned to leave the UK in a couple of years, however Duncan will now have to return alone with Wiyada’s ashes.
Wiyada, who was known as ‘Lek’ to her friends – which means small in Thai – collapsed while shopping at the Waitrose in Esher High Street, Surrey.
Duncan told The Sun: “I’m absolutely devastated. She went out to Waitrose at about 5.15pm and then I got a call from one of her friends.
“I went up there expecting she’d had a knock on the head but not that she was dead.
“When I got there the police told me she had passed away.
“She had a cloth over her head and she looked very peaceful when they pulled the cloth off her head.
“She was only 46, it’s a shock that she could go so young. We’ve been married for 22 years and we were due to retire in a couple of years.
“She wanted to go back home to Thailand. We even bought a house in Thailand for our retirement.
“The sad thing is she won’t get to do that now.”
Duncan, head coach at Esher Cricket Club, said he will now have to take the ashes of his wife, who was a Buddhist, back to her family in Thailand.
Holding back his tears, he said: “That won’t be easy.
“I was the one who should have died, not her. I’m a lot older than her and I smoke and drink. I didn’t even think about her going first.”
Duncan said he and his wife had shared 22 brilliant years together.
SHE SAVED MY LIFE
She once saved his life when he ended up in Kingston Hospital with a life-threatening “flesh-eating” condition.
“I got an infection in my foot from a flesh-eating thing in 2014,” he said.
“They had to cut off my leg. I went into a coma and the doctors wanted to turn off the life-support machine.
“She pleaded with them to give me one more day. And during that last day, things started to work again in my body.
“I came out of a coma and I lived. If she hadn’t pleaded with the doctors to give me one more day I would have died.”
Wiyada helped care for Duncan, who now uses a wheelchair, after he lost his leg.
The pair lived together at Esher Cricket Club, where Wiyada would cook Thai food for members.
Paying tribute to his wife, Duncan, a former Surrey County Cricket Club player, said: “She was an all-round good person. Everyone loved her. She will be enormously missed.
“We hardly ever argued – even though we worked together all day.
“She loved cooking for people and she loved the cricket club. We have 750 kids here at the club and she really had fun with them.
“She was a giver. She was always happy and she was such a loving, generous and kind person. She had a tremendous smile.”
Duncan does not know the cause of his wife’s death.
Emergency crews had rushed to the supermarket in Esher, Surrey, at around 6pm on Wednesday after receiving calls of a “concern for safety” at the store.
Both the high street in the town and the Waitrose itself were closed as medics tried to save her life.
Tragically, despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the incident, Surrey Police issued an update to those in the area, saying: “We are currently on scene following a call to a concern for safety in Esher shortly after 6pm this evening (August 20).
“Waitrose on the high street has been closed, and there is a significant emergency services presence in the area as we deal with this incident.”
A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: “Officers were called to Waitrose on Esher High Street shortly after 6pm yesterday evening (August 20) by the South East Coast Ambulance Service, who were responding to a medical emergency at the location.
“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a woman in her 40s died at the scene.
“Her next of kin have been informed. There was a significant emergency services presence in the area, including police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and the Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey, Sussex.
“Waitrose was closed to allow emergency services to carry out their work, but has since reopened.”
A Waitrose spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with our customer’s family and loved ones.
“Our Partners acted quickly and offered support while the emergency teams arrived.
“We’re now making sure everyone is supported.”
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Tragically, despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the sceneCredit: Supplied by husband
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Duncan said he and his wife had shared 22 brilliant years togetherCredit: Supplied by husband
The Hollywood actress portrays French President Vivienne Toussaint, a character who veers increasingly to the right in an attempt to placate her adversaries and maintain her grip on power in the brand-new series.
Reflecting on the strains endured by actual politicians, the Before Sunset star confessed she would never venture into politics.
At a recent London screening of Hostage, the 55 year old French-American star told media outlets including Reach Screen Time: “I guess there’s a lot of pressure from outside, people who are pressuring [those] who believe in something.”
The accomplished actress, writer and director went on to say: “[Politicians] know a lot of stuff they want to do is influenced probably by big businesses.
Julie Delpy stars in Netflix’s Hostage(Image: NETFLIX)
“In the US, it’s definitely a lobbying system officially affecting politics, but I think for every president, things come into play that is more than what you as an individual would like to be, and I think the character of Toussaint has gone really far.”
Regarding politicians compromising their principles to hold onto power, Delpy remarked: “Also, I think if you have ethics as a human being and you become a powerful person, who has to do things that are against what they believe in, it must be heartbreaking sometimes.
Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy star in Hostage on Netflix(Image: GETTY)
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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
“You always have to disassociate the human being that you are and the powerful person, who has to also comply to maybe people above you.
“It’s such big businesses in play right now, and presidents have to comply to others probably. I would cry all the time.”
She said she would “hate” to be the president in real-life, explaining: “It’s like the pressure of making decisions, of doing the right thing or the wrong thing.”
She added: “It’s very interesting as someone who makes big decisions, how much you think of it.”
Julie Delpy stars as France’s leader in Netflix’s Hostage(Image: GETTY)
Hostage centres on a fictional British Prime Minister (portrayed by Suranne Jones), whose allegiance to her country faces the ultimate challenge when her spouse is abducted and her resignation is demanded.
Meanwhile, French leader Toussaint finds herself caught up in a blackmail controversy.
The pair will unite in an attempt to confront their shared adversary with everything at stake, including their political futures.
Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats right until the final moments with plenty of shocking revelations and unexpected developments throughout.
Roman, who is famously close with his parents, Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp and former Wham! singer Shirlie Holliman, has often spoken about their unique parenting style. During an appearance on Loose Women in 2019, Martin revealed that he and Shirlie chose to raise Roman and his sister Harley more like “friends” than children.
Roman has described this approach as a “best friend thing”, admitting it made it easier for him to confide in his parents.
Now, the former Capital Breakfast host has shared his hopes of having a family of his own, believing that it will bring him a “sense of true happiness”. He made this revelation while discussing the concept of success with pop star and good mate Tom Grennan, reports the Express.
Roman Kemp says his parents were like his ‘best friends’(Image: Getty)
Roman elaborated: “I don’t think I’ll ever have that feeling of success until I have kids I can look at and go, ‘We did alright’. My parents never, ever said to us, ‘You need to be this, you’ve got to do that job, all my parents ever asked is, ‘Are you happy?’ All of those types of things and that, I think, would define success for me over anything.”
When asked by Tom if he was happy, Roman replied: “Sometimes, but you’re not human if you’re happy all the time. It’s working out work-life balance and that’s what I’ve tried to do ever since I left Capital. That’s one of the reasons that I left because I didn’t have that, I didn’t have a work-life balance, I didn’t understand it.
“You’ll know, when I send you a picture of a scan, or something like that, or when I tell you my child has been born, when I send you that text, you’ll know f*****g hell, he’s happy. Because I don’t think I’ve had that yet, that sense of true happiness.”
The One Show’s Roman Kemp(Image: Getty)
The star, who often shares the screen with his dad on shows like Celebrity Gogglebox, Martin and Roman’s Weekend Best! and Bromans, revealed his hopes for his future children to see their bond.
In an interview with Hello! magazine, he shared: “My dad and I get to work with each other all the time and I’m so lucky for that. The reason we work together is because I know how much I’m going to love my kids and my family watching that footage of me and their grandad working together – and that’s just our relationship.”
Roman believes he will find ‘true happiness’ when he has a child(Image: Getty)
This comes as Roman is rumoured to be engaged to model Carmen Gaggero. As reported by WalesOnline, the couple have been an item since last year and made their relationship public last summer after being seen leaving Le Petit Maison in Mayfair.
Speculation about an engagement started when Carmen was spotted with a ring on her engagement finger during a night out in London. According to the publication, pals reckon Roman is prepared to “settle down”.
Roman will be returning to screens on The One Show from 7pm on BBC One tonight alongside co-host Clara Amfo. The pair will be joined by Gemma Arterton and Thomas Brodie-Sangster who will be discussing the film Grand Prix of Europe.
Speaking to the Special Forces staff on the show, an emotional Adam explains how he was diagnosed with depression.
He struggles to get his words out before saying: “One of them was with my partner…and…we, erm lost something…when it was really close to getting there a second time and telling everyone.”
As the tears fall, the staff clarify that he’s talking about a miscarriage and Adam nods.
Read More on Celebrity SAS
He adds: “I think I was proud of the fact that I was excited for it, which I didn’t think I ever would be.
“And when it got taken away, and it was 10 times worse for her, I think it hit us like a tonne of bricks.
“We just really, really went to a bit of a bad place. And to be honest, in front of her I pretended I was cool, and pretended I was absolutely fine.”
Later in the episode, the tears flow again as the celebrities are tasked with reading out their ‘death letters’, which they were asked to write to their loved ones.
As Adam stands up to read his out, he pays tribute to Laura and how much he is thinking of her, before saying: “The last few months have been really tough, but nowhere near as tough as you.
Adam continues to read: “We lost a baby recently” but then starts to sob, as his co-stars look just as emotional, not knowing what he had been through until that moment.
Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post
He says: “I wish I had one more night to give you the world’s biggest cuddle. Love you always, Adam.”
Conor Benn then goes over to give Adam a cuddle, who sheds more tears as he is consoled over his loss.
In a piece to camera, Adam praised Laura, saying: “I’d say I’m pretty closed off as a person and she definitely helped me to open up.”
MISCARRIAGE is generally the death of an unborn baby in the first 24 weeks – approximately six months – of pregnancy.
Miscarriages may not be spoken about a lot but they are very common. Baby loss charity Tommy’s estimates there are at least 250,000 per year in the UK and that one in every five pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
It may not be clear why a miscarriage happens but they are rarely caused by anything done by the mother or father. Usually the embryo has a random genetic defect that means it cannot develop properly.
Most women can go on to successfully have healthy babies in the future.
The NHS says most miscarriages cannot be prevented but avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs while pregnant can reduce the risk.
Some of the other most common reasons for a pregnancy to fail in the first 24 weeks are ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is where a fertilised egg implants somewhere outside of the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. It cannot survive and grow there so either dies naturally or must be terminated.
Molar pregnancy is rarer but happens when a fertilised egg and/or placenta does not develop properly at the start of a pregnancy. There is no single reason why it happens and cannot be prevented, though it may be more common in very young or old mothers.
A baby who dies after 24 weeks is considered a stillbirth.
Source: NHS
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Adam is very emotional as he speaks about what they went through
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The couple welcomed son Leo in January following their previous heartacheCredit: Instagram
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4 with all episodes available to plus members on Channel4.com
Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama. But what happened to the cast?
13:01, 16 Aug 2025Updated 13:12, 16 Aug 2025
Brookside, the groundbreaking soap that shocked the nation and turned ordinary suburban streets into a hotbed of drama, was a staple of British television for over two decades.
The show, which first aired on Channel 4 on 2 November 1982, followed the everyday lives of its characters, dealing with everything from heart-wrenching break-ups to shocking crimes that reflected real issues in the UK. The Liverpool-based soap ran for an impressive 21 years before its final episode aired on 4 November 2003.
Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never one to shy away from controversial topics – it was responsible for the UK’s first pre-watershed lesbian kiss and tackled subjects such as domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under a patio.
Now, the beloved soap is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks.
Brookside wrapped in November 2003(Image: Mirrorpix)
After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4‘s premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside’s former set, which remains its filming location to this day.
As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond.
The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event.
But what became of the Brookside cast once the cameras stopped rolling? From heartbreaking losses to surprising career changes, here’s a look at where some of the show’s biggest stars ended up.
Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)
Actor Dean Sullivan in the pressroom at the 5th Annual British Soap Awards in London on May 10th 2003.(Image: Getty Images)
Jimmy, a troubled drug addict turned teacher, was one of Brookside’s longest-serving characters. Portrayed by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and was involved in many major storylines.
Tragically, Dean passed away in 2023 at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been receiving treatment.
Following his passing, fans and former co-stars paid their respects.
Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)
Sue Jenkins attended Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill, enduring his emotional turmoil and schemes in many of the show’s most gripping storylines.
Since the end of the show, Sue has continued her acting career with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors, as well as theatre productions. Now 66, she is a vocal advocate for arts education and is married to David Fleeshman, with whom she has three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.
Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)
Anna Friel as Beth Jordache with Margaret Clemence played by actress Nicola Stephenson.(Image: Channel 4)
Beth Jordache, portrayed by Anna Friel, became a cultural icon when she was involved in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, also featuring Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson.
Anna has since built a highly successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. Now 48, she is an award-winning actress and a regular on the red carpet.
She has been married twice and has one child.
Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)
Claire Sweeney attends the World Premiere of “A Minecraft Movie” at the Cineworld Leicester Square on March 30, 2025 (Image: WireImage)
Claire Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill, a member of the troubled Corkhill family, who found herself caught up in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional confrontations. Lindsey started as a recurring character before being promoted to the regular cast in 1995.
Actress Claire shot to fame following Brookside, transitioning into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She has recently made a comeback to the soap world with a stint on Coronation Street.
Earlier this year, Claire delighted Brookside enthusiasts as she returned to the West Derby houses where the programme was originally filmed. The 53-year-old shared numerous photographs and videos on Instagram from her impromptu nostalgic journey.
In her Instagram video, Claire revealed to followers that whilst she had visited the location the previous year, she had spotted a “beautiful little surprise” beneath the Brookside sign commemorating Dean Sullivan, who portrayed her on-screen father Jimmy.
Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)
Michael Starke at Dean Sullivan’s funeral(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He became a viewer favourite after joining the programme in 1984.
Actor Michael Starke subsequently featured in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even enjoyed a role in Benidorm. He has also established himself as a pantomime regular and serves as a dedicated ambassador for Liverpool’s cultural scene.
Now 67, his latest role saw him portray a taxi driver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2023.
Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)
Brookside actresses Jennifer Ellison, left, and Suzanne Collins, in 1999(Image: Mirrorpix)
Emily’s storyline concluded in devastating fashion, with her character’s tragic plunge from a window ranking among Brookside’s most shocking departures. Actress Jennifer switched gears to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before launching her own dance academy in Liverpool.
She also starred in the West End and now leads a quieter life centred around family.
She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children.
Jennifer’s married now with three kids
Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)
Louis Emerick(Image: Lime)
Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001, having first appeared in 1989.
Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued his acting career in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and has performed in theatre tours across the UK.
Where are the others?
Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely.
Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.
The series is available to watch on Channel 4’s streaming service and is based on Mary Wesley’s novel of the same name
The series is on Channel 4’s streaming service(Image: CHANNEL 4)
Lovers of period drama are in for a real delight as a captivating Second World War series is now available to stream at no cost whatsoever.
Channel 4 is the proud broadcaster of this gem, which first graced television screens back in the early 90s and even snagged a BAFTA nomination for Best Drama Serial in 1993. The narrative unfolds within the picturesque confines of Helena Cuthbertson’s Cornish country abode, with the series’ name inspired by a scenic stretch of land between her house and the coastal cliffs where pivotal moments occur.
Cornwall’s reputation as a prime setting for exceptional period dramas remains unchallenged. The role of Helena Cuthbertson is portrayed by none other than Felicity Kendal of The Good Life fame, with Toby Stephens as Oliver Ansty, Jennifer Ehle as Calypso, and Tara Fitzgerald as Polly.
The series is based on a heartbreaking book(Image: CHANNEL 4)
Spanning from just before the outbreak of the Second World War to its aftermath in the mid-1980s, The Camomile Lawn has earned acclaim from enthusiasts as “ingenious”.
Mary Wesley’s novel kicks off with a family gathering in Cornwall during the tranquil summer preceding the global conflict, reports Cornwall Live.
When the family reconvenes for a funeral almost fifty years on, they come to terms with the profound effects the war had on their lives.
Wesley was spurred to pen The Camomile Lawn following the passing of her second husband, an event that left her in financial ruin.
Drawing from her own experiences, parts of the book reflect Wesley’s formative years, with the Cornish house mirroring Boskenna – the historic settlement – where she spent considerable time during her younger days.
The Camomile Lawn became Channel 4’s top-rated drama ever(Image: CHANNEL 4)
Audiences expressed their views on the adaptation, with Antony Taylor declaring: “Simple and ingenious story, wonderful cast, perfect direction and a script full of sparkle. Watch it and love it.”
Drawing in over seven million viewers during its debut broadcast, The Camomile Lawn became Channel 4’s highest-rated drama of all time – a milestone it maintained as of 2022.
One admirer commented on IMDb: “The Camomile Lawn is one of my favourite British TV adaptations.”
Notmicro described it as “Compulsively watchable and great fun”, continuing: “I’d been curious for years to see this thing, both because of the very interesting actors, and the period setting.
“Now I’ve just watched the British DVD, and found that its absolutely brilliantly done, and compulsively watchable.
“It takes some time getting accustomed to the affected and presumably somewhat archaic upper-middle-class accents assumed by some of the actors.”
The Camomile Lawn is available to watch on Channel 4’s streaming service.
PIANIST and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, Bobby Whitlock, has died at the age 77.
The rock icon died of cancer after a short battle with the illness as his heartbroken wife leads the tributes.
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Bobby Whitlock has passed away after a brief battle with cancerCredit: Getty
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Whitlock was the pianist and co-founder of Derek and the DominosCredit: Getty
His manager, Carole Kaye, confirmed his death this morning saying he died at home in Texas at 1:20am.
The legendary rockstar surrounded by his loved ones when he passed.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
He is said to have suffered complications while undergoing the hair transplant procedure.
His body was later taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy before being repatriated to the UK.
Police have launched a probe, treating the case as a possible “reckless homicide”.
Staff at the clinic — including the surgeon who performed the hair transplant, the anaesthesiologist and nurses — have already been quizzed by officers, it is understood.
An FCDO spokesperson told The Sun: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Tributes are now pouring in from friends and family for Mr Latchman, whose body has since been flown home.
Yashley Latchman posted a picture of keen athlete Mr Latchman on Facebook with the pair working out in a gym.
The caption read: “Rest in peace my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation.
“Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads.”
Love Island’s Ben reveals hair transplant at just 22 years old with before and after video
Other family members turned their profiles black in a sign of mourning for Mr Latchman, who was originally from Bridgend but lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
According to Dr Cinik Clinic’s website, it has treated “more than 50,000 patients” since setting up almost 20 years ago.
The website says the clinic has “cutting-edge technology” and is a “centre of excellence in this specialised field”.
It adds: “Every patient gets personalised care in English, plus access to cutting-edge techniques.
“The combination of surgical experience and patient support has made him the go-to specialist for people worldwide.”
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Brit underwent a five-hour operation at the Dr Clinik’s clinic (pictured)
The tragedy comes amid a boom in “medical tourism” to Turkey, which now accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the global hair transplant market thanks to its cheaper, high-quality procedures.
Turkish Healthcare Travel Council says more than one million people travel to the country each year for hair restoration treatments.
According to Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic, numbers are expected to climb to 1.1 million in 2025, the Daily Mail reports.
It follows the shocking death of 58-year-old British mum Anne Towlson, who passed away last year after a botched cosmetic surgery trip to Istanbul.
Mrs Towlson, from Leicestershire, had flown to Turkey in April 2024 for a pre-planned tummy tuck and liposuction at Green Park Hospital in Pendik.
When she arrived, doctors persuaded her to also undergo an arm tuck in a “last-minute decision”, her inquest heard.
Luke Horsfield, then 26, paid £1,250 for the surgery at the Clinic Centre — around half the cost of a UK procedure — but said the results were disastrous.
“I did everything they told me to do as aftercare once I had the operation. But after four months, I saw literally no growth,” the IT technician from Bradford said.
“I was left with scars and bald patches.”
Luke claimed the surgeons barely spoke English and had removed too many follicles from the back of his head, leaving him worse off than before.
Despite the clinic’s promise of “transplant after care”, he said he struggled to get hold of anyone once the operation was over.
After months of disappointment, the clinic eventually offered him a £400 refund — barely a third of what he had paid — and a second procedure at half price.
Luke later had the damage repaired at a Yorkshire clinic.
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The tragedy comes amid a boom in ‘medical tourism’ to Turkey (file picture)Credit: Getty
Martin Frizell, husband to former broadcaster Fiona Phillips, shared a heartbreaking update on his wife’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease on This Morning
Martin Frizell on This Morning (Image: ITV)
Fiona Phillips’ husband explained in a heartbreaking interview on This Morning that she “doesn’t quite know that I’m her husband.”
Martin Frizell appeared on This Morning on Friday (11 July) to discuss his wife’s memoir, Remember When: My Life with Alzheimer’s, which was published in June.
He sat down with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary to share an insight into Fiona’s current state, admitting she now struggles to remember who he is.
“She doesn’t quite know that I’m her husband, but she knows who I am,” Martin, who has been married to Fiona for 28 years, heartbreakingly told the ITV hosts.
Martin opened up about wife Fiona’s health on This Morning (Image: ITV)
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Liam Payne is seen in new Netflix series Building the Band filmed just months before his tragic death in Buenos Aires that broke hearts around the world
08:35, 09 Jul 2025Updated 08:35, 09 Jul 2025
Liam Payne with parents Geoff and Karen, after the X Factor final in 2010(Image: Express & Star / SWNS)
Liam Payne’s grieving parents gave the OK for his final project to be aired on Netflix just nine months after his tragic death for a heartbreaking reason.
Late pop icon Liam Payne’s parents were overwhelmed with emotion and pride seeing their son become a mentor on Netflix’s Building the Band that they wanted the world to watch.
In their grief, dad Geoff and wife Karen gave the green light for Netflix to air the show as they felt “this is how we want everyone to remember Liam.”
Liam’s friend and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger, said the One Direction singer will “shine” in his final ever project as she revealed how the late star worked overtime to help guide musical wannabes on their journeys to form bands for the streamer.
He felt a kinship to the talent given he had experienced being an auditionee one moment and then within 18 months becoming part of the biggest boy band ever.
Nicole became emotional as she discussed her experiences working with the English star, who died of “polytrauma” after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires last October.
Nicole says viewers will see Liam Payne ‘shine’ in the new Netflix series(Image: Netflix)
She recalled how Liam sang a One D hit for his audiences and encouraged his fellow judges to perform tunes while on filming breaks.
Doubts were raised over the show moving ahead, but Nicole confessed that Liam’s parents felt his screen work needed to be seen and celebrated.
Nicole said: “Liam meant and means so much to all of us, and we were very obviously sensitive to the whole process. We ultimately left it into his family’s hands and wanted to respect how they felt about everything and how to move forward.
“And his parents were there during the filming. They were amazing. It was so wonderful.
“They were actually kind of sat right next to us through the whole process, and they’ve been with Liam and with us through this entire process.
“So to know that we had their blessing, to know that they were so proud of him on the show, they were like, ‘oh, yes, this is how we want everyone to remember Liam’”
Nicole, who famously put together One Direction on the X Factor series amid pushback from Simon Cowell, said of working with Liam: “I am so thrilled for everyone to see Liam shine on this show.
The series is hosted by AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys) with renowned artist Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls) serving as mentor and judge and music experts and guest judges Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child) and the late Liam Payne (One Direction),(Image: Netflix)
“I just know that he was in his happy place coming full circle, having started out in a similar situation on a talent reality show, and then having the global success that he has had, and then to be able to give back and to mentor and to help these bands. “I know that he really enjoyed our filming process and being a part of this process.
“I know that he put in the extra hours that he wanted to work with these bands even off screen.
“So when I think about Liam in the show, I’m thrilled for everyone to see his light. And he was amazing. Sometimes he would, I mean, I would be like, wow, ‘you just said that – that was awesome. I wish I said that. ‘
“He was really great at this role. He was giving back, and that’s one of his gifts.
“He was such a kind, caring heart, And like I said, and respect, he had the experience. He grafted with One Direction. He knows exactly what he’s talking about. “
Nicole recalled being sat alongside Liam as a judge was “crazy for me” because: “I still remember the day that I saw Liam auditioning on the X Factor we’re onto something.
‘But they did all the work themselves after that. And he had the global success that he had with One Direction in himself. It was a phenomenon, right? So for him to have achieved that success and then to be coming back and then giving that advice and mentoring these contestants was really cool for me to see.
“I don’t know if someone should write a book. It was really full circle and really, really beautiful.”
(Image: Express & Star / SWNS)
Nicole felt that many contestants had connections to her, Liam, with AJ McClean and Kelly Rowland.
‘It was awesome. It was really sweet, Liam, actually, I don’t know if the cameras were on or not, but when the cameras, when we were on a break, he actually sang. What Makes You Beautiful to his fans, because they were all freaking out that he was there. And he just loved it.
‘That was a special memory, and to be a part of that and to witness that,
‘Because the fans would make us do different things in the breaks.I sang, Kelly did something and then Liam talked us all tp put on a full show at concert. It was amazing. “
Nicole reflected on how she and Liam were perfect choices to judge the Netflix series.
“I started out really with a talent reality show and I was just myself. That’s the best advice I could always give is just leave with your heart and bring your balls of steel and let your talent speak for itself.”
Nicole spoke to US shows Access and ET to promote Building The Band.
Nicole, who just won the Tony Award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, admitted that a Pussycat Dolls comeback is not being discussed.
It is the 20th anniversary of the band blasting into the charts with their debut hit.
“I can’t say anything right now. I’m still in Norma land, but I don’t think it’s off the table to say who knows what the future holds with the Dolls. “However when asked: “Do you all still keep in touch?”, Nicole played down the group rivalries and reacted: “Not currently.
“But I love the girls, And I guess in a weird way, if social media is keeping in touch when you’re liking and commenting on their socials, I guess that’s probably because everybody’s so busy and half of the girls, they’ve got children and everything and their own family, so they’re super busy.”
Every episode of Building the Band will be streaming on Netflix July 9.
Liam Payne’s final TV project, Building the Band, will air on Netflix tomorrow (Wednesday 9th July) nine months after the One Direction star’s tragic death in Argentina
Liam Payne’s Building the Band, airs on Netflix tomorrow (Wednesday 9th July)(Image: Netflix)
Liam Payne finished filming Netflix series, Building the Band, just two months before he tragically died in Argentina. In October, 2024, the world was in mourning after the One Direction star fatally fell from the third floor of his hotel suite, aged 31, leaving his legion of loyal fans bereft.
Building the Band, which airs on Netflix tomorrow (Wednesday 9th July) would become the last major project the dad-of-one worked on before his death. Netflix has announced it will stream the series in three parts: the first four episodes will debut tomorrow, three more will land on 16 July, before the final three episodes will premiere on 23 July.
Liam Payne finished filming Netflix series, Building the Band, just two months before he tragically died in Argentina(Image: Netflix)
Billed as ‘Love Is Blind meets music’, Building the Band sees musicians form a pop group without ever having met before. Can they find their perfect bandmates only based on musical compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, merit without having ever met in real life?
Liam is one of the judges on the show alongside Pussycat Dolls star, Nicole Scherzinger and Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland. Hosting the series is AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys.
Having stormed to stratospheric success with One Direction, Liam was best placed to offer advice to those hoping to follow in his footsteps.
The judges were chosen to host the music show because of their “unparalleled expertise and personal band experience to the competition”, according to Netflix.
In August, Kelly said she had a great time getting to know Liam, telling PEOPLE magazine: “Liam is absolutely hilarious. I didn’t know how funny he was, so I’m getting to know him, and he is so cool.”
After the star’s death, AJ McClean said all three judges had become close after filming over a six-week period. The Building the Band host said Payne was “very funny” and a “sweetheart” and a “light” while working together.
Meanwhile, Nicole paid tribute to Liam on Instagram, saying: “Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago. It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.
“It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character.
A statement from the streaming giant, said it had spoken to Liam’s parents about airing the show after his tragic death, saying they were “supportive of its inclusion”.
They said: “Liam Payne’s family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion.”
A source added: “Netflix have gone out of their way to make sure his family are happy. Producers sent them the footage so they are fully aware of what to expect and they have given it their blessing.”
Emmerdale will be waving goodbye to a character this week for at least a month, as their mystery and worrying new storyline takes a turn, amid fears it’s health related
20:04, 30 Jun 2025Updated 20:05, 30 Jun 2025
Emmerdale will be waving goodbye to a character this week for at least a month(Image: ITV)
There was some news in the latest episode of Emmerdale that confirms an exit for one character.
One character will seemingly leave the show imminently, announcing their plans to be out of the village by the end of the week. Bosses had confirmed a departure would be on the cards temporarily as part of the mystery new storyline.
Amid fears for Bear in a secretive storyline that has seen his personality change and him displaying concerning behaviour, the character will flee the village for around a month if not longer. When he returns, he will spark concern with characters and viewers as there’s clearly something not right with him.
He will be different, with his loved ones and pals set to miss the signs of what’s really going on. Bear will exit the soap for a while and won’t be onscreen for weeks, and it’s this brief exit that was confirmed on Monday night.
He told his son Paddy Kirk after yet another run-in that he was going to stay with a friend in Ireland. He confirmed he would be leaving this coming Friday, meaning the scenes will likely air on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
There was some news in the latest episode of Emmerdale that confirms an exit for one character(Image: ITV)
It’s not known if we will see or hear from Bear in his absence, but it’s thought he will be AWOL and not in contact with Paddy or anyone. When he returns, more about what’s going on with him will be revealed until we finally find out what”s happened.
It’s been tipped to be something health related, with concerns from fans suggesting it could be a physical or mental health issue. Paddy was seen confiding in Gabby Thomas and Marlon Dingle that he was worried his dad may have dementia.
Some fans are worried it might be a brain or head injury from his wrestling days, or he may be diagnosed with a tumour. Other health conditions were also suggested, after “symptoms” in recent scenes included confusion, forgetfulness and Bear lashing out.
He’s been physically and verbally aggressive, pinning Paddy up against a wall and attacking Kammy too. He’s been seen with a temper, and on Monday after Paddy was seriously injured in a dog attack, the character slammed his own son saying he let people walk all over him.
One character will seemingly leave the show imminently(Image: ITV)
Trashing his son’s character he left Paddy heartbroken, before he fumed about Paddy’s wife Mandy Dingle too in a judgmental way. He’s acting very out of character, and the aggression and his recent funny turn, which saw him nearly collapse, and the fact he’s angry one moment and then completely calm the next, has left fans fearing the worst.
One viewer speculated: “Brilliant performance from Joshua Richards in tonight’s #Emmerdale. Could bear have a tumour, Alzheimer’s disease, depression or something totally different.” A newer theory saw fans predicting he was suffering with a brain condition called Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), thought to be linked to repeated head injuries.
Emmerdale stars Lisa Riley and Natalie J Robb have teased ’emotional’ scenes are on the way following a sad twist that has hit the Dingles, with ‘amazing’ performances ahead
09:15, 28 Jun 2025Updated 09:47, 28 Jun 2025
There’s said to be “emotional” and powerful Emmerdale scenes on the way(Image: ITV)
There’s said to be “emotional” and powerful Emmerdale scenes on the way, as a sad twist continues to rock one family.
Lisa Riley and Natalie J Robb spoke exclusively to The Mirror recently, and teased some big moments ahead. Mandy Dingle actress Lisa revealed scenes recently filmed gave her “goosebumps” with her in awe of two of her co-stars and their heartbreaking performances.
In the scenes yet to air there will be “mixed emotions” for a number of characters, with Lisa hinting the scenes will give viewers “goosebumps”. Just weeks ago it was confirmed to the Dingles that Cain Dingle’s son Nate Robinson was dead.
The family found out he’d been murdered and dumped in a lake, where his body was for months before being uncovered. In a cruel twist the family believed he’d cut them all off, with them speaking badly of him for abandoning his daughter Frankie.
Now fingers are being pointed at villagers with suspects everywhere, while fans know it was John Sugden that killed him and then covered it up. The cast recently filmed Nate’s funeral, with devastating scenes on the way.
Emmerdale stars Lisa Riley and Natalie J Robb have teased ’emotional’ scenes are on the way following a sad twist that has hit the Dingles(Image: ITV)
Lisa spilled: “The funeral is so emotional. It was amazing. There are two performance that when you sit and watch them, and we know the script, we know what is happening, but then you see your colleagues perform… I got goosebumps.
“We love that as the Dingles, when someone does a good storyline you go, ‘you knocked that out of the park tonight’. It’s so nice and you see that, the Dingles will be coming together.”
Moira Dingle actress Natalie teased “heavy” scenes as the plot continues. She shared of the funeral and what’s ahead: “There’s emotional scenes. There’s some really heavy scenes ahead too.
“There’s scenes of confusion, scenes of anger, you get a lot of mixed emotions. But that’s Emmerdale isn’t it. That’s soaps for you.” Amy Walsh recently told us that her character Tracy, Nate’s wife, will soon unite with Cain to find out who killed him.
Just weeks ago it was confirmed to the Dingles that Cain Dingle’s son Nate Robinson was dead(Image: ITV)
Amy told us: “Tracy and Cain do a little list together of who it could it be. We have ruled out some people we know.” Asked about John, Amy teased: “That was left on a bit of a cliffhanger actually. He’s the next name on the list…”
Before we get to see the dynamic duo figuring things out, there’s some “feisty” and “nasty” moments. Amy warned: “Tracy is feisty. The stuff she gets away with doing to Cain, I was nervous on set! I can’t believe I’m doing this to Cain Dingle!
“But it’s all brilliant, there’s such brilliant scenes. It gets really nasty between us and then there’s a really nice arc in the story eventually, where things will become a bit clearer. I can’t say too much but there is a lot to look out for.”
EastEnders fans were left in tears during tonight’s episode – as Linda realised her time in the Queen Vic had come to an end, with many fearing an exit for the character
19:40, 26 Jun 2025Updated 19:42, 26 Jun 2025
EastEnders fans fear for Linda’s future on the soap after heartbreaking scenes (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The fallout of the police visit to the Queen Vic continued in tonight’s episode in EastEnders, as Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) realised her time as a landlady in the pub had come to an end. Now, fans have been left wondering if an exit is on the cards for the fan favourite.
It’s been a tough time for Linda lately, as she’s been left to run the pub alone, as her mother Elaine Peacock struggles with her split from husband George. However, Linda has her own problems to deal with, as she recently reached six months of sobriety, but it’s not been easy.
In tonight’s episode, Linda had a heart to heart conversation with Phil, as she detailed how hard it was to look after both herself and Elaine. “Sometimes you want to do the right thing but you’re in the hardest place to do it,” Phil said. “You’re an alcoholic running a pub.”
Linda told Elaine she wanted to sell The Vic in tonight’s episode(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Later on, in emotional scenes, Linda was seen with Johnny, reminiscing on her relationship with Mick, when they had dreams of running a pub. With Mick gone, Linda couldn’t imagine happy times running the Vic anymore.
Instead, she told Johnny she’s been left fixated on the terrible things that have happened during her time there, including her killing of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). She then revealed to her mother Elaine that she wanted to sell up. However, Elaine wasn’t having any of it, as she snapped back: “Over my dead body!”
Fans were left in tears over Linda’s heartbreaking scenes with Johnny, with some left fearing an exit from Walford altogether would be on the way for Linda.
Taking to Reddit to discuss the episode, one fan penned: “Kellie Bright played an absolute blinder in today’s episode, but I hope she’s not leaving the Square,” as another responded: “I’ll be so upset if that happens!”
Linda has been struggling as she handles the pub alone (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Another questioned: “So is Linda disappearing from the Square before Max comes back and notices he has another kid?”
Elsewhere, fans on X, formerly known on Twitter were praising Kellie Bright for her ground-breaking performance during the emotional episode. “Kellie Bright plays Landlady so convincing you forget she’s acting.
“Linda stepping down from all she’s ever known is a MASSIVE decision and I would say I’m more than apprehensive to see where she goes from here. No matter what, Kellie continues show her amazing talent #EastEnders,” said one.
Another emotional fan said: “Linda’s scenes have killed me off today,” as a third said: “Linda saying she can only picture the pain she’s gone through in the Vic and not the happy times with Mick has broken me. They have so many happy memories.”
What will a life outside of The Queen Vic look like for Linda?
Vera star Brenda Blethyn will be making an unexpected return to screens on Sunday night
Fans of ITV’s hit drama Vera can look forward to a Sunday night treat as Brenda Blethyn makes an unexpected return when the series airs a repeat.
The second episode of Vera’s twelfth series will be showcased on ITV at 8pm, with viewers set to reunite with Brenda’s character, DCI Stanhope, and her right-hand man, Aiden Healy, played by Kenny Doughty.
The storyline for this instalment centres on Lance Corporal Conn Burns, who has struggled to adjust to civilian life and ended up destitute on the streets of Newcastle, but who is determined to turn his fortunes around.
According to the episode synopsis: “Adapting to civilian life was not easy for Lance Corporal Conn Burns, and after a series of bad life choices, he found himself desolate, down and out on the streets of Newcastle.”
It continues: “Attempting to get his life back on track, Conn had recently been making moves that would see him repay old debts, rebuild relationships, and get him off the streets,” reports Wales Online.
As the tale unfolds, DCI Stanhope is brought into the investigation following the shocking discovery of Burns’ body, which leads to revelations of secrets from his past and current betrayals.
Brenda and Kenny will be back on screens(Image: ITV)
Brenda acknowledged earlier in the year that she was ready to retire her iconic hat and coat for good.
While acknowledging how hard it was to step away, Brenda shared her desire to reduce time spent apart from her loved ones.
Speaking at a Q&A, she disclosed: “It was a big decision because I love the job, I love the people I was working with, and I know they loved it too, so it was a little bit of an emotional responsibility as well because if I stop, it’s going to stop.
“I saw on the catering list one day, just on a typical day, there were 76 people, so that’s all those people. I console myself with the fact that there’s a big studio opening in Sunderland next yea,r so there will be lots of jobs available.”
She continued: “I was aware that people who would like to continue on it wouldn’t be able to and that made me feel sad but as much as I like my Newcastle family, I have a family at home and I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years and I thought, ‘Bren, go and have a summer. Go home’. So it was a difficult decision.”
Brenda as Vera and Kenny as Aiden(Image: ITV)
Brenda’s exit was not the only one to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, as Kenny Doughty announced his own departure from the series in 2023.
In the fifth instalment of the ITV drama, Aiden stepped in to fill the shoes left by Vera’s original partner, Joe Ashworth (David Leon).
Yet, come spring 2023, he shared his “difficult decision” to depart. His heartfelt thanks were shared on Instagram: “I want to thank everyone who’s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to. I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times.”
He ended his touching tribute by expressing gratitude to the show’s loyal following, saying: “And finally, the Vera fans: without you and your support, I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show.”
After Kenny Doughty’s exit, David Leon reprised his role as Joe on Vera until the series concluded.
Sue Radford was left heartbroken after her family friend had died after a battle with cancer at the age of 17
22 Kids and Counting’s Sue Radford was overcome with emotion as she remembered the much-loved family friend Sophie Walker, who tragically died.
The Channel 5 celebrity previously reached out to her followers, encouraging them to contribute donations following the heart-wrenching loss.
Initially misdiagnosed as a stomach bug in 2017, it turned out to be Wilms’ tumour, a rare form of cancer. On June 17, the bereaved family shared a touching tribute on Instagram to remember Sophie, who died last July, reports Lancs Live.
An image captured a year ago, showing Sophie seated on a bed, was posted with the emotional caption: “Today marks a year since Sophie rapidly started to decline.”
The post hauntingly read: “The next few weeks are going to be super hard as we relive what went wrong and what we should’ve done differently.”
Sue honoured the death of family friend Sophie Walker(Image: Channel 5)
The family posted: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking seeing her face in so much pain sitting in this chair, her back was in agony from the rapidly growing tumours, and we were absolutely desperate and terrified at the same time.”
In their message, they shared the devastating news from Germany: “We had a private blood test in Germany and the results weren’t good at all, we knew we were coming to the end of the road and wanted to try and reverse it. Which just wasn’t possible,” and concluded with a poignant reference to Sophie as “Our beautiful girl Sophie.”
The post featured an image along with details of Sophie’s attempts to ameliorate her suffering through various treatments.
Family friend Sue Radford joined the conversation, expressing her support: “You and Jamie are the most amazing parents who fought tirelessly for Sophie,” she wrote.
“This picture breaks my heart. We miss Sophie so much life is just so unfair,” Sue continued, adding a sorrowful emoji. “It breaks my heart.”
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The touching post prompted a wave of heartfelt comments from fans offering their love and support to the grieving family.
“Sending your family so much love. I watched your journey, your love and devotion was endless, I’m so sorry nothing could save her” one user empathised.
“You did EVERYTHING you could for her. You do not own an ounce of blame,” another person reassured. “There is nothing you could have done differently. Cancer is a beast,” a third individual acknowledged.
“It breaks my heart she was such a strong warrior and did not deserve this. She is often thought of as are you all sending hugs at this very difficult time,” a fourth shared.
Race Across the World paid tribute to a former contestant at the end of tonight’s episode, after it was revealed that Sam Gardiner has died aged 24 in a car crash
23:23, 04 Jun 2025Updated 23:23, 04 Jun 2025
Sam Gardiner died at the age of 24(Image: BBC)
Race Across the World has honoured a past contestant following their untimely passing. The emotional tribute came at the close of Wednesday’s episode for 24-year-old Sam Gardiner, who passed away this week.
When the end credits began to roll, the viewers were met with a touching tribute to the series two adventurer. Displayed alongside Sam’s photo, the message read: “In loving memory of Sam Gardiner, 2000 to 2025.”
Fans of the hit BBC travel show expressed their sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), with one posting: “They gave Sam Gardiner an end card. Sad.” Another shared: “The tribute to Sam Gardiner [sad face],” and one more added: “Rest in peace to Sam Gardiner, who took part in series 2 with his Mum, Jo, back in 2020.” A fourth viewer noted: “Lovely tribute to Sam at the end,” while another wrote: “Rest in peace Sam.”
A tribute was left to Sam
Sam tragically died in a car crash on Sunday (June 1), as confirmed by his family, reports Plymouth Live. His mother Jo, who was his teammate on the 2019 series, and father Andrew offered a heartfelt statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident.
“We hold on to the beautiful memories of him, even though words can’t fully do justice to how much light and joy he brought into our world. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective.”
Sources revealed that after participating in Race Across the World, the experience “opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel”. A heartwarming post was later made on Instagram by the official BBC travel series account, honouring Sam and Jo’s memorable journey from Mexico to Argentina.
“We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam, who died this week following a car accident,” the post read. The tribute expressed how evident it was to those who met him and viewers alike, just how life-changing and significant the journey had been for Sam and his mum, Jo.
The homage was wrapped up with: “Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences.”
Sam and mum Jo were unable to compete in the final leg of the race after they ran out of money. However, Sam had described his time on Race Across the World as a “life-changing” experience.
Countryfile star Adam Henson has opened up about the support he has from family and friends and how, over the years, he has faced some challenges while running the farm
Adam Henson, known from BBC’s Countryfile, has candidly spoken out about the hurdles he’s encountered in both his professional and personal spheres.
While not on screen, Adam is hard at work managing his family farm in the Cotswolds, a legacy started by his father Joe back in 1971.
During an intimate chat with Reach PLC, Adam shared insight into the critical support provided by loved ones and friends, admitting that steering the farm has indeed presented numerous obstacles over time.
Further delving into his private life, Adam disclosed the tough period following his wife Charlie’s cancer diagnosis.
Adam conveyed his natural optimism, saying: “My characteristics are that I am an upbeat person, and I have got an incredibly supportive family, wife and children and people around me.,” reports Gloucestershire Live.
Speaking of his professional dealings, he said: “And within the business, I have got a business partner who I was at Agricultural College with and he is one of my closest friends and what we do is surround ourselves with people that are excellent within their own role in the business. Whether that is a manager or a farm manager, and we work really closely with the team and we are all very honest and open with one another.
Adam is on his farm in the Cotswolds
“I have had some very difficult times in my life, both in business and personally. My wife was very ill a few years ago, my parents dying, and I lost a nephew.”
Sharing on how he’s coped with these trials, he noted: “We have gone through foot and mouth challenges, Covid, and we have had some tough times, but I’ve never had poor mental health because I’ve had that fantastic support system around me.”
In an emotional disclosure, Adam and his wife previously opened up about the tremendous impact that the cancer diagnosis had on their lives.
Back in 2021, the couple were confronted with the news they had been fearing when Charlie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Adam and hsi wife Charlie(Image: (Image: Getty))
Charlie confided to the Daily Mirror, expressing the shock they felt: “It was both barrels,” as she recounted the moment a significant tumour was discovered on her pancreas. “We knew people who’d died of pancreatic cancer, and I absolutely felt this was going to be the end of my life.”
Adam shared his own turmoil: “I felt physically sick,” while Charlie recalled the overwhelming confirmation of their worries, saying: “Our darkest fears were confirmed. Adam had to practically carry me down the corridor. My legs were like jelly.”
The couple sought help from one of the nation’s top specialists, leading to Charlie being slated for a risky surgery, with the outcome hanging in the balance.
Adam has faced some tought times on the farm(Image: BBC)
On the day, Adam described the emotionally charged atmosphere: “There were a lot of tears and a lot of emotion in the room.”
The family then travelled to London for Charlie’s painstaking procedure, during which she prepared for the worst by penning final letters to Adam, their kids, and her siblings.
However, two years on from those heart-wrenching times, Charlie has made steps towards normality, working part-time and living in anticipation of her six-monthly scans.
In punishing midday heat, thousands of Palestinians have clambered over fences and pushed through packed crowds to reach life-saving supplies, laying bare the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe inflicted on Gaza by Israel’s three-month blockade of aid.
With the buzz of military helicopters overhead, Israeli military gunfire rattled in the background on Tuesday as desperate crowds struggled to reach an Israeli-United States food distribution point on its first day of operation.
TV footage from Rafah in southern Gaza showed long lines of people funnelling through a wired corridor into a large open field where aid packages brought by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were stacked. Later, desperately hungry Palestinians, including women and children, were seen tearing down fences as people forced their way towards the GHF distribution point.
“We have been dying of starvation. We have to feed our children who want to eat. What else can we do? I could do anything to feed them,” a Palestinian father told Al Jazeera.
“We saw people running, and we followed them, even if it meant taking a risk and it was scary. But fear is not worse than starvation.”
Displaced Palestinians leave with a box of food from a US-backed foundation pledging to distribute aid in western Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2025 [AFP]
After thousands of Palestinians stormed the aid distribution centre, the Israeli military said its forces did not direct gunfire towards them but rather fired warning shots in an area outside it. It said in a statement that control over the situation had been established and aid distribution would continue as planned.
But Gaza officials accused Israel of failing to manage the aid amid widespread hunger and relentless bombing of civilians, including children.
“What happened today is conclusive evidence of the occupation’s failure to manage the humanitarian crisis it deliberately created through a policy of starvation, siege, and bombing,” the Government Media Office in Gaza said in a statement after the mayhem.
The aid by GHF, a foundation backed by the US and endorsed by Israel, arrived in Gaza despite allegations that the new group did not have the experience or capacity to bring relief to more than two million Palestinians in Gaza.
The United Nations and aid groups say the organisation does not abide by humanitarian principles and could serve to further displace people from their homes as Palestinians move to receive aid from a limited number of distribution sites.
‘Reckless, inhumane plan’
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said seeing thousands of Palestinians storming the aid site was “heartbreaking”.
“We and our partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan supported by member states to get aid to a desperate population,” he told reporters. “We continue to stress that a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians wherever they are.”
The chaos underscored the staggering level of hunger gripping Gaza. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report, 1.95 million people – 93 percent of the enclave’s population – are facing acute food shortages.
Palestinians open a box containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Rafah on May 27, 2025 [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP]
Aid groups have warned for months that starvation in Gaza is being used by Israel as a weapon of war.
“This is not how aid is done,” Ahmed Bayram, spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Al Jazeera, describing the scene in Rafah as the “inevitable consequence of a reckless and inhumane plan”.
“These are the scenes we have literally been warning about all month now. It spread chaos. It spread confusion. And this is the result,” he said.
“I think the best thing that can be done now is for this plan to be cancelled, to be reversed and for us professional humanitarians in the UN and NGOs to do our job. There are tonnes and tonnes of aid waiting across the border. [It’s a] very simple decision: open the gates and keep them open.”
The GHF, a Swiss-based entity formed in February through back-channel meetings between Israeli-linked officials and business figures, was made the lead distributor of aid by Israel. Meanwhile, Israel has blocked the UN and other international organisations from bringing in aid.
Despite being promoted as a neutral body, the GHF’s close ties to Israel and the US have prompted widespread condemnation. Its former head suddenly resigned this week, citing the foundation’s inability to uphold the core humanitarian principles of “neutrality, impartiality and independence”.
According to a report in The New York Times, the GHF emerged from “private meetings of like-minded officials, military officers and businesspeople with close ties to the Israeli government”.
Israel has said its forces are not involved in the physical distribution of aid although it backs the system’s use of biometric screening, including facial recognition, to vet aid recipients. Palestinians fear it is another Israeli tool of surveillance and repression.
Critics have also warned that the GHF’s structure – and its concentration of aid in southern Gaza – could serve to depopulate northern Gaza, as planned by the Israeli military.
‘This is definitely not enough’
While the previous UN-led distribution network operated about 400 sites across the strip, the GHF has set up only four “mega-sites” for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
In Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported that many of the food parcels being handed out were inadequate to sustain families.
Khoudary described a typical food box with 4kg (8.8lb) of flour, a couple of bags of pasta, two cans of fava beans, a pack of tea bags and some biscuits. Other food parcels contained lentils and soup in small quantities.
Although the GHF said it distributed about 8,000 food boxes on Tuesday, which it claimed amounted to 462,000 meals, Khoudary said the rations would barely sustain a single family for long.
“This is definitely not enough, and it is not enough for all the humiliation that Palestinians are going through to receive these food parcels,” she said.
This story contains spoilers for “Andor” Season 2, including Episodes 10 through 12.
When Elizabeth Dulau first heard what showrunner Tony Gilroy had planned for her character in Season 2 of “Andor,” she burst out laughing.
“I just couldn’t believe what he was saying,” says the actor, who portrays the aloof and steadfast rebel spy Kleya Marki in the “Star Wars” series. “And then my first thought was: I need to keep this a secret now for years. How on Earth am I going to do that?”
Kleya plays a pivotal role in the final three-episode arc of “Andor.” After Imperial intelligence officers finally uncover Luthen Rael’s (Stellan Skarsgård) ties to the Rebellion, the antiques dealer attempts to kill himself before he can be captured and interrogated. When Luthen fails, it’s left to Kleya to tie up his final loose end and then deliver vital information to the rebels on Yavin.
Dulau, who didn’t even know if she would be called back for Season 2, learned of Kleya’s storyline in 2023 when Gilroy called to tell her he wanted her to return.
“I’m glad he told me then because it gave me a long time to really ponder how to prepare for that scene,” Dulau says. “He said, ‘We want her to be the one that kills him, and we want it to be additionally heartbreaking because she doesn’t have time to say goodbye.’”
“Andor’s” final episodes sees Kleya utilize the skills she’d honed as Luthen’s closest and most trusted associate as she infiltrates a heavily guarded hospital to reach him. But rather than breaking Luthen out to save him, Kleya’s only option is to unplug him from the machines that are keeping him alive. Then, she has to make sure the information Luthen died for is delivered to the Rebellion.
“We do not have a bad moment of film of her in our cutting room,” says Gilroy, comparing Dulau to Meryl Streep. “She’s unbelievable.”
Elizabeth Dulau says it boggles her mind that Kleya’s story ties into “Star Wars’” famous Death Star plans.
(David Reiss)
“Andor” marks Dulau’s first acting job after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. While the audition came to her as a role in an “untitled Disney+ project,” she’d heard on the down-low that it was for a “Star Wars” project. She has since been cast in shows including “All the Light We Cannot See,” “Gentleman Jack” and the upcoming “House of Guinness.”
“The beautiful thing about Kleya in Season 1 is that she’s such a mystery,” Dulau says. “You can tell that she’s important, but she’s sort of on the peripheries. There’s so many question marks, so it’s such a delight that a lot of those questions get answered this season.”
That Kleya ultimately plays a role in helping the Rebel Alliance get the Death Star plans needed for them to eventually defeat the Empire also “boggles my mind,” she says.
“It’s not lost on me that Tony has literally written me into Star Wars history with that storyline,” Dulau says. “That blows my mind because it’s so iconic and I have a teeny, tiny little corner of that now.”
Dulau, in a conversation edited for length and clarity, discusses Kleya and Luthen’s relationship, her character’s commitment to the Rebellion and working with Stellan Skarsgård.
There is so much that happens in Episode 10, but how did you approach that final moment where Kleya has to unplug Luthen from life support?
Tony made it very clear to me that he didn’t want her to totally break down in that scene. That breakdown, for Kleya, comes afterward because she’s still in action mode. In that scene, I really wanted to connect with all the love that had grown between her and Luthen, against both of their better judgment, but also all the hate. When Luthen and whatever team of men came to the community she lived in and destroyed them when he worked for the Empire, Kleya was not so young. She would remember her mom and dad. She would remember if she had siblings, any best friends. Luthen is not innocent on that day. He was brave enough to save Kleya, but we don’t know what happens outside of his ship.
Then they spend the next 15 years protecting each other and continuing to save each other. So against their better judgment, love grows between them. I think they’re constantly being pulled apart by that. It’s too scary to acknowledge the fact that they’ve come to really care for each other because this awful thing is there. I wanted to try to condense that and make it as clear as possible in that scene when I go to kill him.
I spent a lot of time leading up to shooting on that day daydreaming. I use daydreaming a lot in my process. And I daydreamed about that day — what happened, what Kleya saw and what she did not see when Luther and his men came to destroy her people. I daydreamed completely made-up scenes in my head, like the day when Luthen made Kleya laugh for the very first time, or happy memories between them. I imagined that those actual flashback scenes were memories of hers that just were intrusive thoughts as she was trying to focus on her mission.
What was your initial take on Kleya and Luthen’s dynamic?
In Season 1, what really fascinated me was that he sets a lot of importance to Kleya’s words. He really listens to her and trusts her and allows himself to be seen by her in a way that he doesn’t let himself be seen by anyone else. So what’s the power dynamic? It’s not the classic father-daughter thing. It’s not like he’s the boss and she’s just the assistant. There’s a real equality, and that’s quite rare, I think, to see between an older man and a younger woman. I was just fascinated by that and had a lot of fun in Season 1 trying to square up to Stellan Skarsgård and tell him what to do. That was intimidating, but really fun.
Then when I found out their backstory, so much about Kleya made sense. It just really broke my heart. In another life, Luthen would have just been this antiques nerd. In hardening himself to what he has to do, he also hardens this young girl, Kleya. It helped me realize that underneath all that hard exterior, at the very core of who Kleya is, actually is something extremely tender and extremely loving. That’s why she is so tough on the outside because there’s something very painful that she’s protecting deep down. She doesn’t let herself have any friends or fall in love or any of that. She makes herself as lethal a weapon as possible. But against her best judgment, love grows for Luthen, care grows between them, and all of that is what they have to lose. But neither of them are ever willing to admit that.
So much of “Andor” is about the sacrifice everybody makes. But for Kleya, we see that her sacrifice has been ongoing.
Yes. “I don’t have lately, I have always,” she says. She has stripped her life of anything that makes her vulnerable. Joy and love and friendship are some of the the most worthwhile things that a human being can have in their life, but it also makes you vulnerable, in a way. And Kleya just cannot afford to be vulnerable. She tells herself, “I have nothing to lose. Everything is for the Rebellion.” [But] she’s lying to herself. She doesn’t really know until Episode 10 that, actually, Luthen is the thing that she has to lose. And she’s willing to do it. She’s willing to sacrifice.
It seems like the closest Kleya has to a frenemy of sorts is Vel, but how do you see their dynamic?
Vel really gets under her skin. Even though Vel is such a tough character as well, she has those relationships. She allows herself to have that relationship with Mon Mothma, her cousin, and with Cinta. She allows herself to fall in love and Kleya just cannot wrap her head around it. How could you let yourself be this vulnerable? But also, maybe for Kleya, there’s a bit of jealousy there as well that Vel has those things.
Kleya has made herself “as lethal a weapon as possible” for the Rebellion, says Elizabeth Dulau.
(Lucasfilm Ltd.)
How did you see Kleya’s trip to Yavin and seeing what she and Luthen had been working for? Because things aren’t quite over for her yet.
I always thought she sees it as her final job, getting the information about the Death Star to Cassian and just getting that information to Yavin. Because you see Cassian have to convince her to come with him to Yavin. She doesn’t want to go there. I don’t know how much she feels she has left to give at that point. She is overwhelmed by grief for Luthen and that grief makes her realize just how much actually she’s come to love him. So she’s in this place of this immensely painful realization about the man who did this awful thing and wiped out her people. How does anyone reckon with that? That’s the space that she’s in when she’s trying desperately to convince Cassian to go without her to Yavin.
Then, once she’s on Yavin and she sees Vel, that tiny little conversation with her, as short as it was, it’s monumental for Kleya because it helps shift her perspective enough that she maybe starts to see a future for herself there amongst that community.
That final shot actually is her looking at the people of Yavin doing their morning routines and seeing the culmination of all of her and Luthen’s work for all those years. I think it’s a feeling of immense satisfaction and sadness that they pulled it off, but also that he’ll never see it.
What was it like working with Stellan Skarsgård?
My final audition actually was with Stellan. I remember my agent calling me to say, “Your recall went well. The note is, for your final audition, just try not to be too nervous. Walk into that room like you’ve been doing this for years.” Then she said, “Your final audition is going to be at Pinewood Studios. You’re going to be reading opposite Stellan Skarsgård. But don’t let that make you nervous.” And I just burst out laughing. Like, this isn’t real. This isn’t happening.
He met with me for coffee 10 minutes before the audition because it was a chemistry read and he wanted to not do it cold. Stellan has this wonderful magic to him that after 10 minutes of chatting with him for the first time ever, I really felt like I was walking into the room with a friend and that I had someone in my corner that was rooting for me.
Stellan has had such a long and rich career, so I don’t know what this job is for him, but this is such a huge job for me and Stellan has been such a huge part of that. I always looked forward to having another scene with Stellan. It was like going home again, having another scene with him, because he was my anchor throughout the whole thing. He knew that it was my first job, so I could ask him all the questions about what was happening, acting techniques for screen, all of that stuff. I could have those conversations with him and he was always so willing to talk about it. He really took me under his wings big time and I will always be so grateful to him for that.
