Johnny

TV legend Johnny Ball has revealed he has been secretly fighting prostate cancer.

The 87-year-old, who first found fame presenting Play School in 1967, was diagnosed in August 2022. 

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He then underwent three months of daily radiation treatment and is now in recovery.

He told The Mirror: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022 and, thankfully, after three months of daily radiation treatment, starting in the September, I’m through it, I’m fine.”

Johnny, who has regular annual checks, says he knows how fortunate he has been to survive.

He said: “My friend Harry Secombe didn’t survive it, Bob Monkhouse didn’t survive it. I’m 20 years younger than them and I am lucky, because now we can cure it.”

The Bay Area family of a former San Francisco Giants pitcher is among those still missing following a devastating flash flood in Central Texas that killed more than 100 people last week.

Hundreds gathered for a vigil Sunday in Marin County for Mark Walker, Sara Walker and their 14-year-old son, Johnny. The Kentfield family was visiting their vacation home in Hunt in Central Texas when the disaster struck.

Mark is the older brother of Tyler Walker, who played for the Giants between 2004 and 2008.

Mark’s mother, Kathy, told the San Francisco Chronicle that Mark’s 16-year-old daughter, Ellie, was attending nearby Camp Waldemar and was rescued. The family last heard from Mark on Thursday and later found out that the family’s home along the Guadalupe River washed away in the flood.

“I’m sick to my stomach,” Kathy told the Chronicle. “It’s a terrible feeling, because you’re helpless here.”

Mark’s son, Johnny, was going to be a freshman at Marin Catholic High School. The school released a statement, saying that a prayer service would be held Tuesday evening.

“In heartbreaking times like this, we turn to God and to prayer for the Walker family and all the victims of the devastating floods in Texas. We are still praying for a miracle in hopes that Ellie will be reunited with her mom, dad and brother,” according to the statement.

Friday’s flash flooding also claimed the lives of more than two dozen people at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River. At least 27 campers and counselors died and as of Monday, 10 campers and a counselor are still missing.

Texas officials are facing backlash over whether they adequately prepared for and warned residents of the life-threatening weather conditions in the area known as “flash flood alley.”

This Morning was thrown into chaos on Tuesday as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley interviewed Johnny Vegas

This Morning erupted into pandemonium on Tuesday (8 July) as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley welcomed Johnny Vegas onto the popular ITV programme.

The performer and funnyman appeared alongside the presenters to chat about his fresh television series, Johnny Vegas’ Little Shop of Antiques, which was set to premiere on Quest that very day.

Johnny’s appearance swiftly turned riotous as he left Cat and Ben in fits of giggles with his wittiness and side-splitting observations.

Near the conclusion of their conversation, Johnny unveiled a peculiar plaything to the pair – Thirsty Bear, a 1950s Alps mechanical wind-up creation from Japan.

“Which child on Christmas morning has only been given a toy which represents my angry stepdad?” Johnny quipped. “Just the packaging alone, I know they meant well!”

Ben chimed in: “It’s so disturbing! Isn’t it?” with Johnny nodding in agreement: “Thirsty Bear. Everyone who sees this is mildly horrified, and then they fall in love with it.”

Cat suggested the bear might befriend an “angry clown”, spurring Johnny to invent an imaginary history for the peculiar plaything, which once more had the hosting pair doubled over with laughter.

As Cat and Ben tried to conclude their chat, Cat announced that Dan Hatfield would be appearing on the programme following the commercial break for an entertaining challenge, reports Wales Online.

“We’re going to try and play a game with you,” Ben informed Johnny, whilst Cat added: “Will you do it with us afterwards? Dan Hatfield’s here!”

In a bid to grab Johnny’s focus, Ben chimed in: “He’s going to be testing your ability to spot trash or treasure.”

As the mayhem persisted, Ben addressed the audience at home, suggesting: “Shall we just go to the break? We’ll see you on the other side.”

Johnny’s latest telly venture sees him trading comedy for curiosities, having established Vintage Vegas at Dagfields Crafts and Antique Centre in Nantwich for the show.

“As he investigates, hunts and repairs pieces to add to his collection, he strives to make enough profit in his new shop to turn it into a permanent business.

“With taste as eclectic as his personality, there will be hilarious disasters, unusual finds and touching moments as he attempts to turn his ramshackle dream into a reality,” the synopsis reads.

This Morning airs on weekdays from 10am on ITV1

Amongst all the drama with Bernie and Felix’s exit in tonight’s EastEnders, fans were left in shock when Johnny and Callum shared a passionate kiss – despite his marriage to Ben

In tonight’s EastEnders, Felix Baker was left in tears after spotting his boyfriend Johnny Carter share a kiss with Callum Highway, despite him still being married to Ben Mitchell.

During Pride celebrations in The Albert, Johnny was seen apologising to Callum after berating him for putting his life on hold while Ben serves time in prison in America.

“You are a young, hot man with a life, a job, a future. When is your life going to be about you?” Johnny questioned before the two shared a passionate kiss.

A devastated Felix decided to pack his bags and leave, and although Callum is still married to Ben, spoilers for next week confirm things will go one step further between the pair, as they’re set to spend the night together.

It’s been rumoured that Max Bowden will be reprising his role as Ben Mitchell, and now fans think is return is sooner than we think.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “I bet this will be a actual affair between Callum and Johnny and it’s funny they have Callum hooking up with someone when Ben is about to come back.”

Another Ballum fan penned: “I know I’m late to the conversation but I only have this to say regarding Johnny/Callum – it’s unfortunate but irrelevant. Ben is coming back so drama was inevitable. I’m not worried.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, would be back for a brief stint in the show later this year, with a possibility of it becoming full-time. However, this has not yet been confirmed by bosses.

A source told the Sun of the reported return: “Ben [Wadey] had a list of characters he wanted to bring back, and Ben Mitchell was one. It’s taken a little while to sort out, but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.”

“Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at,” the source continued, revealing that the new boss went to see the actor in the musical Midnight Cowboy.

“Things hadn’t ended particularly well, and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start,” the source continued. They then revealed that Max had “agreed to come back for a short stint” after Ben pitched a comeback storyline for the character.

Ben was last seen on screens in 2023 after being arrested for an international crime. He’s currently in prison in America but the character is mentioned regularly by his father Phil and husband Callum. Will we be seeing his return in the near future?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. *

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Sexton, who explained his rivalry with O’Gara during the formative stages of his Test career was “tough”, said he is not sure if Prendergast or Crowley have been affected by the online discourse.

“Sometimes you can get a sense, but I’m not sure. All you can do is try to advise in terms of what worked for me,” added the five-time Six Nations winner.

“I was exposed to it a little bit at the very start and it’s tough, because as a kid all you want to do is play for Ireland and then you do it and suddenly you’re getting criticised – not all the time, but sometimes – and you’re like, ‘wow, this is tougher than I thought it’d be’, but it builds a resilience.

“You find out who are your mates, who you can trust and those you can lean on. Going forward, they’ll be stronger for it.”

While Sexton feels Prendergast and Crowley deserve time to prove their worth, he believes they are already ahead of where he was at the same stage of his career.

“The work ethic they have, they’re humble guys,” said Sexton, who will continue to work with Ireland’s fly-halves in a full-time capacity after he completes his British and Irish Lions coaching duties this summer.

“They want to learn and practise hard and that’s the thing you look at the most as a coach; the attitude and how humble they are because ultimately that’s what will stand to them going forward.”

The likeable Allen was introduced as ‘the people’s champ’ and received a warm welcome as he entered the ring.

Fisher – thanks in large part to his social media star father ‘Big John’ and their ‘bosh’ catchphrase – is one of domestic boxing’s biggest ticket sellers.

The noise turned up a notch when he made his ring walk to Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver, with just a small number of empty seats at the 8,000-capacity arena, nicknamed ‘Copper Bosh’ by Team Fisher.

Allen failed to land with his telegraphed overhand rights and Fisher snapped out the jab as the contest struggled to catch fire early on.

Fisher, who knocked out Alen Babic in the first round at the same venue last year, landed stinging uppercuts in the third and was given a warning for throwing a punch after the referee called break.

With the ‘Bull Army’ in full voice, the raucous atmosphere was strikingly different to the low-key first fight in Saudi Arabia.

Allen remained patient, waiting for his opening. Just like he did five months ago, he sent Fisher to the floor in the middle of the fight with brute power and determination.

Then came a highlight reel knockout which drew gasps from those in attendance.

The pair have remained friends since first sparring several years ago and Allen kept his celebrations on hold until Fisher was back on his feet.

Dave Allen weighed in 20lb heavier than Johnny Fisher for their heavyweight rematch on Saturday in London.

The fight occurs five months after Fisher narrowly beat Allen on points in Saudi Arabia.

Allen, 33, is the underdog again but was in top spirits at the weigh-in, sporting his own face on his pants as he weighed in 18st 13lb.

“I am going to get going earlier this time. I’ve come in heavier. I’ve come to get the job done inside the distance,” Allen said.

Romford’s Fisher was 17st 7lb and is aiming to improve his 13-0 perfect record at the Copper Box Arena.

Fisher, 26, was knocked down for the first time in his career in his first fight with Allen, but was given a split decision win on the scorecards.

Speaking to his supporters at the weigh-in, Fisher said: “You are that 12th man on the pitch with me. We’re going to get it done. Bosh.”