stars

FROM music legends like Ozzy to literary icons such as Jilly Cooper, 2025 saw the loss of many beloved celebrities.

Here The Sun remembers the stars we lost in 2025.

JANUARY

Wayne Osmond, 73, January 1

TALENTED member of Mormon boy band The Osmonds.

Played eight instruments including the saxophone and guitar, sang and also arranged the group’s harmonies.

Wrote worldwide hit Crazy Horses. Died from a stroke.

The Vivienne, 32, January 3

FIRST winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Born James Lee Williams, their stage name was inspired by a love of designer Vivienne Westwood.

Had a cardiac arrest after taking ketamine.

Found at home two days later.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, January 7

WIDELY regarded as a racist, he made five failed bids for the French presidency.

Founded the National Front party in 1972 but was expelled in 2015 after a row with party leader Marine – his daughter.

Died in a care home.

Peter Yarrow, 86, January 7

FOLK singer who formed Peter, Paul and Mary.

Their version of Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ In The Wind became a US civil rights anthem.

Also had hits with If I Had A Hammer and Leaving On A Jet Plane.

Died from bladder cancer.

Tony Book, 90, January 13

MAN CITY legend captained the side in the late 60s and early 70s, winning four trophies in three years after being signed by Malcolm Allison at the age of 31.

Also managed City to ’76 League Cup win.

Died peacefully.

Tony Slattery, 65, January 14

STANDOUT star of Channel 4’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?

His manic humour masked the pain of depression and addiction.

At the age of 36 suffered a drink and cocaine-induced breakdown.

Died from a heart attack.

Linda Nolan, 65, January 15

THE wildest of the Nolan Sisters singing group dubbed herself the “naughty Nolan”.

Appeared with sister Anne on The Nolans Go Cruising and Coleen on Loose Women.

Died from pneumonia while living with incurable cancer.

Paul Danan, 46, January 15

TROUBLED former Hollyoaks star who played Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap.

Had battled with addiction since his early twenties.

His death was ruled as “misadventure” after he took a combination of drugs including heroin.

Dame Joan Plowright, 95, January 16

STAGE and screen star whose career spanned more than six decades.

Married to Laurence Olivier, who she met when playing his daughter in play The Entertainer in 1957.

Won two Golden Globes and an Olivier Award.

David Lynch, 78, January 16

US-born director responsible for cult films Dune, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, and Nineties TV hit Twin Peaks.

Nominated three times for the best director Oscar.

Died from emphysema after a lifetime of smoking.

Denis Law, 84, January 17

ONE the all-time Great strikers, scoring memorable goals for Manchester United and Scotland.

Spent 11 years at Old Trafford, netting 237 times.

“The King” was part of the famous “Holy Trinity” alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton.

Broke into the First Division after signing for Manchester City from Huddersfield Town, but after one season joined Torino in Italy, before going to United.

Subsequently rejoined City and scored the goal he believed had relegated his former club, but other results that day meant United would have been relegated in any event.

Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in 2021.

Marianne Faithfull, 78, January 30

SIXTIES pin-up singer and actress who was Rolling Stone Mick Jagger’s lover for four years.

Rose to fame in 1964 with single As Tears Go By.

Starred in 1968 erotic movie The Girl On A Motorcycle, the first film to get an X certificate in the US.

Convent-educated, she recovered from heroin addiction, anorexia and home-lessness in the 1970s to produce critically acclaimed music, starting with her 1979 album Broken English.

She also overcame breast cancer.

Appeared on stage and TV, including Absolutely Fabulous in 2001.

In 1999, she ranked 25th on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll.

FEBRUARY

Tony Martin, 80, February 2

FARMER who was jailed after shooting and killing a 16-year-old burglar on his property in 1999.

Sentenced to life for murder but released after three years when his conviction was reduced to manslaughter.

Died from a stroke.

Brian Murphy, 92, February 2

BELOVED for his role as hen-pecked husband George Roper in Seventies sitcom Man About the House, opposite Yootha Joyce as ­Mildred.

He also appeared in Last Of the Summer Wine and Benidorm.

Died from cancer.

Aga Khan IV, February 4

SPIRITUAL leader of Ismaili Muslims, billionaire and philanthropist.

Gave his friend the late Queen Elizabeth II a horse that went on to win the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013.

Died peacefully in Lisbon, surrounded by family.

Rick Buckler, 69, February 17

DRUMMER with The Jam who played on hits including Going Underground and In The City.

Was with the trio from their formation in 1972 until they split in 1982 and featured on all their top 40 UK singles.

Died after a short illness.

Gene Hackman, 95 February 17

ONE of the greatest actors of his generation who featured in major movies including The French Connection – as drug cop Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle – which won him the first of his two Oscars.

His other Academy Award came for Unforgiven.

Also featured in Mississippi Burning and Superman.

His cinematic career only began when he was in his 40s.

Found dead, with second wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, at their Hollywood mansion.

Died from heart disease.

Roberta Flack, 88, February 24

SOUL legend who had mega-hits with Killing Me Softly and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, making her the first artist to win two consecutive Grammy Awards for Record of the Year.

Was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2022.

Henry Kelly, 78, February 25

IRISH journalist turned presenter who hosted game shows Going For Gold and Game For A Laugh in the 1980s and 1990s.

Later became a mainstay on Classic FM and LBC.

Died peacefully after a period of ill health.

Boris Spassky, 88, February 27

RUSSIAN world chess champion whose reign was ended by America’s Bobby Fischer in 1972, in the game’s most famous en-counter dubbed the Cold War Clash.

Major stroke in 2010 left him partially ­paralysed.

MARCH

Brian James, 74, March 6

GUITARIST of trailblazing Brit punk band The Damned who penned the first-ever UK punk single New Rose, released in 1976.

Worked with Iggy Pop and formed Brit-US supergroup The Lords Of The New Church.

John “Paddy” Hemingway, 105, March 17

SOLE surviving fighter pilot from the Battle of Britain who was shot down four times and survived two crash landings.

The Dublin-born Group Captain said he had the “luck of the Irish”.

Died in a care home.

Eddie Jordan, 76, March 20

FORMER Irish street trader turned Formula One owner who introduced grid girls and gave Michael Schumacher his debut.

Numerous business interests meant he left a multi-million pound fortune.

Died of prostate cancer.

George Foreman, 86, March 21

TWO-TIME world heavyweight boxing champ who was known as Big George.

Won Olympic gold in 1968 and a year later took the pro crown with a second-round knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier.

Lost his title in the Rumble In The Jungle against Muhammad Ali in 1974 before retiring in 1977.

Became an ordained minister before coming back to regain the title in 1994 at the age of 45 – the oldest champion in the sport’s history.

His business exploits, including the George Foreman Grill, earned him far more than his boxing.

Colin Hart, 89, March 22

LEGENDARY boxing correspondent with The Sun who befriended and wrote about some of the greats of the sport, including Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Brits including Frank Bruno.

Died of cancer.

Andy Peebles, 76, March 22

RADIO 1 DJ who interviewed John Lennon two days before he was shot dead in New York in 1980.

Started out as a nightclub DJ and joined Radio 1 in 1978.

Hosted Top Of The Pops and Live Aid. Died in his sleep.

Richard Chamberlain 90, March 29

DR KILDARE heart-throb who shot to fame in the title role of the Sixties US TV drama.

Had a successful film career featuring in The Three Musketeers and The Towering Inferno.

Died following complications from a stroke.

APRIL

Val Kilmer, 65, April 1

MOVIE great who became one of Hollywood’s biggest heart-throbs as Tom Cruise’s rival Iceman in the first Top Gun film.

Also starred in Batman Forever and as Jim Morrison in The Doors.

Married to actress Joanne Whalley for eight years.

Later dated Daryl Hannah, Angelina Jolie, Cindy Crawford and Cher.

Died of pneumonia.

Jean Marsh, 90, April 13

UPSTAIRS Downstairs actress who co-created show and starred as Rose in the 1970s period drama.

Had three roles in Doctor Who and was wed to co-star Jon Pertwee from 1955-60.

Died of complications with dementia.

Clodagh Rodgers, 78, April 18

NORTHERN Irish singer who represented the UK in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest with Jack In The Box, finishing fourth and reaching No4 in the charts.

Other hits include Goodnight Midnight.

Died after a three-year illness.

Pope Francis, 88, April 21

THE former nightclub bouncer once joked that whisky was “the real holy water” and later became one of the most approachable popes in history.

Elected in 2013 aged 76, having already lodged paperwork for his ­retirement.

On his appointment, he said: “May God forgive you for what you have done!”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he was a fan of local football club San ­Lorenzo de Almagro.

As Pope he shunned luxury, choosing to live in a simple hotel as opposed to the Papal apartments favoured by his predecessors.

Died from heart failure on Easter Monday.

Virginia Giuffre, 41, April 25

SEXUAL abuse survivor who spoke out against child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was jailed for 20 years for sex trafficking.

Claimed she had slept with the then-Prince Andrew, eventually settling a civil suit against him for an estimated £12m, although he made no admission of liability.

The allegations rocked the monarchy and led to the royal’s “car-crash” BBC interview.

Giuffre took her own life at home in Neergabby, Western Australia.

MAY

Sir Tom Farmer, 84, May 9

KWIK-Fit boss who turned a tyre-fitting firm into a household name with the catchphrase, “You can’t get quicker than a Kwik-Fit fitter”.

The firm was the third the Scots entrepreneur founded, having become a millionaire at the age of 27.

Alan Yentob, 78, May 24

TV exec who rose from a BBC trainee to become controller of BBC One.

Interviewed dozens of stars including Mel Brooks and Jay-Z and comic Billy Connolly.

Gave the green light to Ab Fab, Strictly and The Office.

Loretta Swit, 87, May 30

PLAYED Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in Korean war comedy-drama MAS*H.

A ten-time Emmy nominee, she won the award twice during her 11-year stint on the show.

Died at home in New York of natural causes.

JUNE

Uriah Rennie, 65, June 7

THE first black referee to officiate in the Premier League, in 1997.

Born in Jamaica but raised in Sheffield, he took charge of 175 games in the elite division.

Had been battling a rare neurological condition as well as cancer.

Sly Stone, 82, June 9

MUSIC legend who was frontman for Sly And The Family Stone, which featured his sisters and a brother.

The band had huge hits with Family Affair and Dance To The Music.

Died from lung disease COPD and other issues.

Frederick Forsyth, 86, June 9

FORMER MI6 agent who used his years with the secret service to pen 25 books, selling 75million copies in a 50-year career.

His best-known novel, The Day Of The Jackal, was turned into a hit 1974 movie starring Edward Fox.

Brian Wilson, 82, June 11

AS singer and songwriter of The Beach Boys, he was the man behind hits God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, Surfin’ USA, I Get Around and Wouldn’t It Be Nice.

Considered a genius by stars including Paul McCartney, Elton John and Bob Dylan, he suffered mental health issues throughout his life.

A nervous breakdown in 1964 saw him withdraw from regular touring to focus on composition.

Went on to receive huge acclaim as a solo artist, including for 2004 album Brian Wilson Presents Smile.

Died from undisclosed causes.

Kim Woodburn, 83, June 16

QUEEN of Clean with a caustic wit who ventured into some of Britain’s most dirty homes to make them sparkle, along with Aggie MacKenzie, in Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House?

The show ran for six series. Kim died after a short illness.

David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, 61, June 21

CRICKET star and first British-born black player to represent England.

Awarded an MBE for tackling racism in sport as well as fundraising for motor neurone disease, which he was diagnosed with a year before his death.

JULY

Michael Madsen, 67, July 3

RESERVOIR Dogs star who played Mr Blonde in Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 movie.

He was the director’s go-to actor, featuring in his two Kill Bill films, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

Died from a heart attack.

Diogo Jota, 28, July 3

LIVERPOOL striker who won the Premier League with the Anfield club last season.

The Portuguese father-of-three died in a car accident just three weeks after he wed childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso.

Kop boss Arne Slot vowed the player would never be forgotten as he led a host of tributes including from Prince William and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The player died with his brother Andre Silva, 25, also a footballer, when their Lamborghini crashed in north west Spain.

Jota was on his way to England for the title-winners’ ­pre-season games.

Lord Tebbit, 94, July 7

TORY working-class hero who was one of Margaret Thatcher’s most fervent supporters during his eight years as a government minister.

In 1981, Tebbit made his famous “get on your bike” speech to the Conservative Party ­Conference, criticising riots caused by unemployment.

He was considered Thatcher’s “enforcer” and a natural ­successor.

The 1984 IRA bombing of Brighton’s Grand Hotel, which nearly killed Thatcher and left Tebbit severely injured and his wife Margaret paralysed for life, put paid to that.

He left ­government in 1987 to care for his wife.

Ian Blair, 72 July 11

MET Police commissioner who led the force during the July 7 London bombings in 2005 and the subsequent police shooting of innocent man Jean Charles de Menezes.

Resigned in 2008 saying he had lost the mayor’s backing.

Connie Francis, 87, July 16

BIGGEST-selling pop artist of her time.

Rarely out of the charts in the 1950s and 1960s with hits such as Who’s Sorry Now?

Her 1962 record Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok earlier this year.

Died from ­pneumonia.

Ozzy Osbourne, 76, July 22

HELL-RAISING bat-eating singer with Black Sabbath who later became an unlikely reality TV sensation alongside his wife Sharon in the highly successful The Osbournes.

Black Sabbath’s big breakthrough came with the album Paranoid, which topped the British charts.

After falling out with his fellow band members he went on to achieve solo success which far outstripped the group’s achievements.

His catalogue of addictions included alcohol, heroin, cocaine, barbiturates, amphetamines, cough mixture and prescription drugs.

Died in hospital from a heart attack just 17 days after his farewell concert and was buried under a crab apple tree on the family’s Buckinghamshire estate as per his wishes.

Suffered from Parkinson’s disease since 2020.

On his death certificate he was described as a “songwriter, performer and rock legend”.

Joey Jones, 70 July 22

WELSH footballer who won two European Cups as a full-back with Liverpool.

Also represented Wrexham across three spells with the club, before taking up coaching positions there, earning him the nickname “Mr Wrexham”.

Dame Cleo Laine, 97, July 24

BRITISH jazz legend who performed with Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles as well as in the West End and on Broadway.

Counted the late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as friends.

Died peacefully at home in Buckinghamshire.

Hulk Hogan, 71, July 24

THE 21-stone giant was the man behind Hulkamania as TV wrestling boomed in the 1980s.

Born Terry Bollea, he bulked up with steroids when the drugs were still legal in the US.

Won six World Wrestling Federation titles. Died of cardiac arrest.

AUGUST

Stella Rimington, 90, August 3

TRAILBLAZING MI5 chief, the first woman to lead our security service, modernising its dated practises.

Her autobiography, Open Secrets, then took two years to be security-cleared before its publication in 2001.

Made a Dame in 1996.

James Whale, 74, August 4

ACCLAIMED broadcaster who was never afraid to be controversial and out- spoken.

For 13 years he hosted a popular night-time radio show on TalkSport and later worked on TalkRadio.

Died after a long battle with ­kidney cancer.

Jim Lovell, 97, August 7

COMMANDER of Apollo 13 who kept his cool and guided the craft back to Earth in 1970 after an on-board explosion in space.

He uttered the immortal words, “Houston, we’ve had a problem”.

Also in first crew to orbit the moon on Apollo 8.

Biddy Baxter, 92, August 10

FORMIDABLE Blue Peter editor from 1965 until 1988, who turned the children’s show into a national institution and introduced its famous badge.

Awarded an MBE in 1981.

Died after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Terence Stamp, 87, August 17

THE Cockney legend starred in hit Sixties films including Billy Budd and Far From The Madding Crowd.

He was said to have inspired The Kinks’ song Waterloo Sunset, featuring a couple named Terry and Julie (Julie Christie his then-girlfriend).

Dame Patricia Routledge, 96, August 29

PORTRAYED suburban snob Hyacinth Bucket (she pronounced it “Bouquet”) in the hit BBC One sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, alongside Clive Swift, who played her downtrodden husband.

The show aired for five years and attracted up to 13million viewers, with the Queen Mother reportedly a big fan.

Also starred on Broadway and the West End and in a vast number of TV and radio productions in a career spanning more than seven decades.

Particularly remembered for her roles in BBC TV’s A Woman Of No Importance (1982) and Talking Heads in 1988, also on the Beeb, both of which were written by Alan Bennett.

SEPTEMBER

Joe Bugner, 75, September 1

BOXER twice went the distance with Muhammad Ali, although he lost both fights on points.

The public never forgave the heavyweight for beating the much-loved Henry Cooper in 1971 – a decision he said should have gone to “Our ’Enry”.

Duchess of Kent, 92, September 4

TIRELESS charity worker put away her tiaras and titles in the 1990s to teach at a Hull primary school for 13 years.

Returned to the classroom in West London in 2017 to help kids who had lost homes and loved ones in the Grenfell Tower fire.

Giorgio Armani, 91, September 4

FASHION giant who invented “power dressing” for women.

The Italian was a favourite of a host of famous faces including Princess Diana, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Cate Blanchett and Victoria Beckham.

Died at home due to an age-related illness.

Rick Davies, 81, September 6

SINGER who co-founded Supertramp in 1970 with Roger Hodgson.

As part of the band, Davies had hits including The Logical Song, Goodbye Stranger and Breakfast In America.

He died after a decade-long battle with cancer.

Charlie Kirk, 31, September 10

CONTROVERSIAL conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA, which focuses on young voters.

A close ally of President Trump, he championed free speech and fierce patriotism.

Was shot dead during a rally at Utah University.

Ricky Hatton, 46, September 12

WORLD boxing champ dubbed “The Hitman”, who was backed by his fanatical fans throughout his career.

An avowed Manchester City fan – Hatton was on their books as a schoolboy – he always entered the ring to the strains of City’s Blue Moon anthem.

He won the world crown at light-welterweight and welterweight, but his life went downhill after he was defeated by US great Floyd Mayweather and he turned to drugs.

He was found dead, having taken his own life, at his home in Hyde by his long-time manager and friend Paul Speak.

Thousands lined the streets before his funeral service at Manchester Cathedral.

Robert Redford, 89, September 16

SCREEN heart-throb who starred in iconic movies including Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, The Sting, All The President’s Men, The Natural and Out Of Africa.

Playing the role of the Sundance Kid, and insisting on doing all his own stunts, he began a lifelong friendship with co-star Paul Newman.

Redford later became a highly successful director, winning an Oscar for his first film, Ordinary People.

Launched the Sundance Film Festival backing independent filmmaking and was also an environmental activist.

Died peacefully in his sleep in his home in Utah.

John Stapleton, 79, September 21

TELLY presenter who interviewed every Prime Minister from Callaghan to Cameron.

His long career saw him working on Panorama, TV-am, GMTV, Good Morning Britain and Watchdog.

Died after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Dickie Bird, 92, September 22

MUCH-loved cricket umpire known for his eccentric gestures to dismiss batsmen.

Son of a miner, he played cricket for Barnsley with boyhood pals Michael ­Parkinson and Geoffrey Boycott before representing his county.

OCTOBER

Dame Jane Goodall, 91, October 1

CHIMPS’ champion whose conservation studies in Africa found the animals experienced social behaviours such as love and grief just like humans.

The London-born veteran primatologist died of natural causes while on US speaking tour.

Patrick Murray, 68, October 2

AFTER previous film roles, played dim- witted trilby-wearing wide-boy Mickey Pearce in Only Fools And Horses, appearing in 20 episodes from 1983 to 2003.

After leaving the industry, he worked as a taxi driver. Died from lung cancer.

Dame Jilly Cooper, 88, October 5

BONKBUSTER novelist whose 1985 book Riders about the sex lives of the upper class launched a lucrative career.

Followed up with a series of best-sellers with titles like Rivals, Rutshire Chronicles, Class and How To Stay Married.

Sold more than 11million copies of her 18 novels and at one point was reputedly earning £500,000 a year.

Started out in the 1950s as a journalist for the Middlesex Independent and later produced candid columns for the Sunday Times and the Mail on Sunday.

Awarded an OBE, CBE and DBE for contributions to literature.

Died after falling down stairs at her Gloucestershire home.

Diane Keaton, 79, October 11

OSCAR-winning actress best known for her role in Woody Allen’s classic Annie Hall and who also starred in other hit movies including The God- father trilogy, The First Wives Club and Father Of The Bride.

Died from pneumonia.

Ace Frehley, 74, October 16

KISS guitarist who in 1973 co-founded the band, whose song I Was Made For Lovin’ You is still a concert staple.

His guitar was adapted to emit smoke and fire.

Alice Cooper was among those who paid tribute to Frehley, who died following a fall.

Lady Annabel Goldsmith, 91, October 18

SOCIALITE, author and political activist who inspired the Mayfair nightclub – set up by her first husband – that carries her name today.

Was a close friend of Princess Diana.

Mother to six including ex-Tory MP Zac.

Dave Ball, 66, October 22

PLAYED with Marc Almond in Soft Cell, the synth-pop duo famous for Tainted Love.

Broke his back after falling down the stairs in 2022 and was in a wheelchair when the group played at Henley-on-Thames in August.

Died in his sleep.

Prunella Scales, 93, October 27

FAWLTY TOWERS star who played Sybil Fawlty, domineering wife of John Cleese’s Basil in the classic BBC TV sitcom.

Her acting career lasted almost seven decades.

Married to fellow actor Timothy West for 61 years.

He passed away in November last year.

Scales, who had vascular dementia, died peacefully at home, a day after watching an episode of Fawlty Towers.

NOVEMBER

Dick Cheney, 84, November 3

FORMER US vice- president was a leading advocate of the Iraq invasion in 2003.

Shaped foreign policy after 9/11 for the eight years he served under George W Bush.

Survived five heart attacks.

Died after a long history of heart issues.

Pauline Collins, 85, November 6

BROUGHT the role of Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine from the West End to the big screen and earned an Oscar nomination.

Her big break came as a maid in Upstairs, Downstairs.

Died after suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

James Watson, 97, November 6

GENIUS Cambridge scientist was 25 when he co-discovered the structure of DNA with Francis Crick.

The pair are said to have interrupted drinkers in a pub to tell them they’d cracked “the secret of life”.

The Nobel laureate died after a brief illness.

Quentin Willson, 68, November 8

FORMER Top Gear presenter co-hosted the BBC show with Jeremy Clarkson from 1991, appearing as an expert on used cars for ten years.

Was a campaigner for a fairer deal for motorists.

Died after a short battle with lung cancer.

Baroness Helen Newlove, 63, November 11

CAMPAIGNER dedicated her life combating youth violence following the death of her husband Garry, who was murdered in 2007 after confronting a teen gang.

Victims Commissioner for eight years.

Died after a short illness.

Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, 63, November 20

BASSIST joined The Stone Roses in 1987 and two years later featured on their self-titled debut album, considered one of the greatest of all time.

Later became a member of Primal Scream.

Died from respiratory issues.

Jimmy Cliff, 81, November 24

THE sweet-voiced Jamaican’s reggae anthems included I Can See Clearly Now and You Can Get It If You Really Want.

Also had a major hit with The Harder They Come and starred in the film of the same name.

Died from pneumonia.

Billy Bonds, 79, November 30

WEST HAM legend captained the side to two FA Cup Final wins and had club record of 799 appearances over 21 seasons.

Later managed the Hammers, taking them into the top flight at start of the Premier League era.

Died after a long illness.

Sir Tom Stoppard, 88, November 29

PLAYWRIGHT won an Oscar for his screenplay of the film Shakespeare In Love and a host of Tony and Olivier Awards over a six-decade career.

The titan of modern theatre was married three times including to TV’s Dr Miriam Stoppard.

DECEMBER

Robin Smith, 62, December 1

CRICKET legend who played 62 Tests for England and was always willing to take on fast bowling.

Born in South Africa, “The Judge” struggled with alcoholism and mental health after retirement.

Died at his home in Perth, Australia.

Martin Parr, 73, December 6

PHOTOGRAPHER whose camera captured the humour – and often banalities – of British life over a 50-year career.

The world-renowned snapper shot to fame with The Last Resort, a study of New Brighton in Merseyside, in the mid-1980s.

Sophie Kinsella, 55, December 10

BEST known for her chic-lit novels, two of which were turned into the 2009 film Confessions Of A Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.

Sold more than 50million books in 60 countries.

Died after suffering brain cancer.

Joanna Trollope, 82, December 11

ROMANTIC novelist won several awards and whose father came from the family of Victorian writer Anthony Trollope.

Known as the Queen of the Aga Saga, her best-known works included Marrying The Mistress and A ­Village Affair.

Stanley Baxter, 99, December 11

BAFTA-winning Scottish comic and 1960s film star who later gained fame with The ­Stanley Baxter Show, a huge early hit on BBC TV.

Moved to London Weekend Television in the 1970s for The Stanley Baxter ­Picture Show.

He declined an OBE.

Rob Reiner, 78, December 14

THE director of Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men also acted in The Wolf Of Wall Street and Sleepless In Seattle.

Found fatally stabbed along with his wife at their LA home.

Their son Nick has been charged with murder.

Chris Rea, 74, December 22

BEST known for festive hit Driving Home For Christmas, the Middlesbrough-born singer started out working in his Italian dad’s ice cream business.

Diagnosed with pancreatic ­cancer at 33, he had several health ­battles during his life.

John Robertson, 72, December 25

FOOTBALLER called “the Picasso of our game” by his Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough.

The Scots international made Trevor Francis’ winner in the 1979 European Cup Final vs Malmo and scored in 1980 win vs Hamburg.

Had Parkinson’s.

Brigitte Bardot, 91, December 28

BLONDE bombshell who symbolised a new age of sexual liberation in the cinema in the 1950s.

The Paris-born former ballet dancer won international acclaim in the 1956 movie And God Created Woman.

Abandoned her fame in the 70s to devote herself to animal rights activism.

Died at her home in southern France.

The mother of a local tennis star joined Los Angeles County prosecutors on Monday in calling for stricter DUI penalties in California after they say her son was killed by a two-time drunk driver.

Braun Levi, an 18-year-old South Bay tennis standout, was struck and killed by a car in the early-morning hours of May 4 in Manhattan Beach.

According to Los Angeles County prosecutors, 33-year-old Jenia Resha Belt was behind the wheel, speeding while driving on a suspended license and with a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit. Belt, prosecutors say, has a previous conviction for driving drunk.

“California’s current DUI laws are broken and weak and fail to protect families like ours, and it’s devastating,” Braun’s mother, Jennifer Levi, said at a news conference Monday. “His death haunts my every breath, every day.”

Although his parents were proud of his athletic and academic achievements, they were most proud of how he treated other people, Levi said. “He had a smile for everybody. He had a heart for everybody. I miss him so much.”

In light of her son’s death, Levi said she would work with state Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), whose granddaughter died after being hit by a drunk driver last year, to write and pass a bill that will restructure the state’s DUI penalty laws and requirements, she said.

“The feeling, the sight, the smell of identifying our son’s body will never leave my mind, body or soul, so I will not be silent,” she said.

The SoCal athlete, who died a month before his high school graduation after entering the top national ranks in boys tennis, is part of a larger trend of DUI-related deaths over the last 15 years, according to a CalMatters investigative series that L.A. Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman referenced.

Roadway deaths have been steadily rising since 2010, partially due to repeat drunk drivers and people driving over the speed limit, CalMatters reported. Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 50% over the last decade, according to the investigation.

“Braun should be home right now from his first semester at UVA, spending the holidays with his family, their first as a family still displaced by the Palisades fire,” said Councilmember Traci Park, whose district includes Pacific Palisades.

“He should be planning his future, not being remembered for the way his life was taken from him.”

California’s DUI laws, although considered to be nation-leading in the 1980s, have fallen behind the curve, Hochman said.

Hochman warned drivers, especially ahead of the New Year’s Day holiday, that his office would continue to charge them — and potentially those who over-serve alcohol at bars or parties — with serious crimes.

“We are here to prevent crimes and send crystal clear messages to would-be drunk and drug drivers, to people who want to engage in excessive speed on our roads: We will come after you,” Hochman said, calling the issue a “fight for people’s lives.”

Belt is charged with second-degree murder, felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license after a DUI. She is being held on $2-million bail and faces life in prison if convicted.

Belt’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 13.

From a design shop in Valencia with “murderous” dolls to a studio in Dublin to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, our photographers have been everywhere this year. They’ve captured key figures in the worlds of music, film and television in somber moments, moments of levity and everything in between. They share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the shoots and reveal how they got “the” shot.

Britt Lower, Adam Scott and Dichen Lachman (above)

By Jason Armond in Los Angeles

When I received this assignment, my goal was to create a photo that not only mirrored the show’s dystopian surrealness but also captured the intricate relationship triangle between Britt Lower, Adam Scott and Dichen Lachman’s characters.

Initially, it took a little time for everyone on set to see my vision, but once I shared a test image, everyone understood and was excited to collaborate. The entire shoot lasted around eight minutes, but that brief window was all we needed.

After publication, the images quickly went viral. Many viewers assumed the photos were AI-generated or composited, but every detail was achieved in camera.

At the end of the shoot, someone from Lower’s team accidentally stepped on the mirror, shattering it. Someone joked about bad luck, but thankfully, this superstition did not come true, and a few months later, Lower won the lead actress in a drama series Emmy for her role in “Severance.”

Richard Kind

By Christina House at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood

Richard is one of a kind — no pun intended. He was singing and joking with us, telling stories. We were set up outside under the beating sun and he was wearing a vest with a wool coat, so we were trying to work quickly! I always love seeing behind the scenes of how films are made. I decided to pull back and include the lights and my assistant Jonathan’s hands to give it that working set feel.

Cynthia Erivo

By Jason Armond in Los Angeles

Cynthia Erivo’s portrait session took place in a studio near Beverly Hills, where she had recently finished recording her latest album. My initial plan was to photograph her seated beside a vintage piano, but she had a different vision. This is why I always prepare at least three setup options for entertainment portraits. I quickly adapted and moved to my next setup, which featured a striking geometric wooden wall in the studio. As I adjusted the lighting, I noticed her stunning wardrobe with two waist-high slits that revealed her tattoos. At that moment, I understood her preference for standing, as it allowed her to express her style and personality fully. I adjusted the lighting to complement Erivo’s sultry and confident presence. Her choice to stand brought a dynamic quality to the image. The resulting image speaks for itself; Erivo brought the scene to life and needed almost no direction. I simply pressed the camera’s shutter button.

Bella Ramsey

By Bexx Francois at the London in West Hollywood

Rather than chasing an expression, I was interested in stillness and repetition; how a simple gesture could feel amplified when echoed across a frame. I wanted Bella’s profile to be both the anchor and the rhythm of the image. She was immediately open to leaning into something more abstract. It was a real-time compositional gamble, guided by instinct and trust. We made several variations, but it was her side profile that ultimately struck the strongest balance between classic portraiture and interpretation.

Lee Jung-jae and Hwang Dong-hyuk

By Justin Jun Lee at the “Squid Game Experience” in New York

From the moment I walked in, I felt completely immersed in the design of the space. It truly felt like I was stepping onto an actual film set from one of the “Squid Game” challenges. The iconic giant doll Young-hee from the “Red Light, Green Light” game immediately stood out to me. My goal was for the images to carry a sense of tension and intensity that mirrors the tone of the show, and I believe that came through in the mood, expressions and presence of both Lee Jung-jae and Hwang Dong-hyuk.

Yungblud

By Hon Wing Chiu at the Hollywood Palladium

I was limited to photographing only the first three songs at the Hollywood Palladium, so I chose to shoot two songs up close and save the last one for a gamble from the back of the crowd. Most of the time I could barely see past the fans, but I hoped the final song would give me something unexpected.

When Yungblud hit the stage, the whole room exploded. The lights were changing every second, and he never stopped moving — running, jumping, connecting with the crowd like the stage could barely contain him. The fans were screaming, reaching, completely locked into the moment. I captured what I could up front, then switched lenses and waited for one last chance.

During that final song, everything suddenly came together. Yungblud stepped right to the very edge of the stage, almost close enough for the fans to touch him. Their hands shot into the air, trying to reach him, and he threw his arm upward with full force, like he was lifting the whole room with him. For a split second, the lights, the crowd and his energy aligned perfectly. I hit the shutter, hoping I caught it.

It wasn’t the peak of the entire concert, but it was the peak of the moment I was allowed to shoot — and it became the image I had been chasing all night.

Olivia Cooke and Robin Wright

By Jennifer McCord in London

I’d only seen the trailer for “The Girlfriend” at the time of the shoot but knew I wanted something that contained the idea of untrustworthy narrators that seemed to be threaded throughout.

Paul Thomas Anderson

By Christina House at the Aster in Hollywood

I had been made aware that PTA does not love being photographed. I had worked with him once before so I knew he was really nice but a bit camera shy. When he finished up his interview with columnist Glenn Whipp, he came to meet me in the neighboring hotel room where I had a chair positioned next to a window. I shared my idea on framing the image; I was shooting it from the bedroom closet to give some depth and he liked it. We took a few frames, talked about our dogs (his dog is trained to bring him his L.A. Times newspaper every morning) and he apologized for being difficult on his way out, to which I immediately replied that he was the complete opposite of that.

Fernanda Torres (‘I’m Still Here’)

By Annie Noelker in Los Angeles

I remember her just being so classy, elegant and lovely. Her whole team was so kind and we shot out on the balcony of the hotel room for maybe 10 minutes. It was effortless and such a satisfying collaborative experience.

Adrien Morot, Kathy Tse and M3GAN dolls

By Carlin Stiehl in Valencia

It’s always a treat when you step into the creative world of a mastermind, especially when it comes to the magic behind our favorite films. You might expect that seeing the process up close would spoil the mystique, like a magician revealing their tricks, but in the case of Adrien and Kathy, it only deepened the sense of wonder. The “M3GAN” dolls were so lifelike, and the real sell wasn’t their eyes that draw you in, but the skin. The dolls’ lifelike texture and softness, and the rows of faces on worktables waiting to be painted, created a diabolical scene out of a skin-harvesting, flesh-mask horror film. Yet the insanity was where the true genius hid, because in many ways, I could believe it was real. Hence, the inspiration for the photo: a take on the quintessential family-style portrait — the ones you kind of cringe at when you walk into someone’s home, radiating manufactured happiness. The dolls were like their children so I thought, let’s get the kids together with Mom and Dad and show how beautiful their doted-on children are for our guests.

Saagar Shaikh and Asif Ali

By Bexx Francois on the Disney Studios lot in Burbank

I came in with a loose mood board, a few traditional pose ideas alongside some comedic “scenarios” that had a 50/50 chance of making it to my memory cards. Their Hulu series “Deli Boys” was a comedy after all, maybe they’d be down to lean into play. When Saagar and Asif arrived, I showed them my wish list. Instant cosign. Once we nailed the first “scenario,” pure improv took over, with Asif and Sagaar seamlessly falling into the mock-conflict of their on-screen characters; hence, Asif being hoisted 3 feet in the air. By the time we called wrap, everyone was in tears.

Dan Brown

By Cheryl Senter in Rye Beach, N.H.

Two things: I always follow my gut and never wear pink. A few days before the assignment I had this gut feeling that I wanted a portrait of the bestselling author with a wall of mirrors. The day of the assignment I decided to wear a hot pink shirt I had picked up at a thrift store instead of my black-on-black attire. At Dan’s house I spent an hour with his assistant scoping out a few locations — no wall of mirrors. Before I left I asked Dan if he had a wall of mirrors. Dan smiled and led me to a very tiny circular bathroom that had a tall, curved pocket door made of copper. It was a tight space with the door shut. My pink shirt came in handy. I could easily see if I was in any of the mirrors. At one point Dan looked at me and started laughing as I tried to make myself wafer thin. Then I started laughing. Dan’s assistant waiting outside asked softly, “Is everything OK?”

Penn Badgley

By Matt Seidel in Los Angeles

This was a classic celebrity shoot: Our scheduled 30 minutes collapsed into seven so we had to move fast. I shook Penn’s hand and told him I had two goals: Get the shot and get him back on schedule. There was no time to over-direct so I gave him one piece of character direction and let him run. I didn’t want Joe Goldberg from the TV series “You.” I didn’t want Penn Badgley, sexy serial killer. I wanted the real Penn Badgley saying goodbye, closing a chapter, integrating the shadow of the role and stepping into the light of what’s next.

Spike Lee

By Victoria Will in New York

Nothing says Brooklyn like Spike Lee, so it made sense to photograph him where he is most recognized, in Fort Greene near his well-known office. The relationship between Spike and Brooklyn is longstanding and reciprocal, shaped by history, presence and place. That familiarity was evident as nearly every pedestrian waved or said hello, many greeting him like an old friend. And there wasn’t one person that he did not acknowledge. True class.

Sombr

By Evelyn Freja at Pier 17 in New York

The photo was taken on an empty construction floor of the pier where he had a concert that night. I remember it was a very quick session right before he went on because he had gotten a cold and was trying to save his energy to perform. Despite his health, he (and his entire team) was so kind and gracious, which made the shoot go easy. I decided to light the warehouse with a red light to lend the energy of his music to this shoot and a very moody light for Sombr to reflect the ambience of his songs.

Elle Fanning

By Christina House at the Toronto International Film Festival

I had photographed Elle a few years back. She’s a sweetheart and so good at posing so she doesn’t need a lot of direction. For this particular photo, it was taken at our portrait studio at the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s a fast-paced flow of folks coming in and out for portraits, an organized chaos at times, but you would never know that by the calm on her face. She’s a pro.

Lena Dunham and Megan Stalter

By the Tyler Twins in New York

The playlist was ‘90s (Alanis Morissette, the Cranberries, Jewel), and the vibe was easy and celebratory. Megan and Lena have a genuine chemistry and were both very relaxed in front of the camera. Our shared ties to Ohio made for good conversation. It truly felt like we were shooting friends.

Domhnall Gleeson

Jennifer McCord in Dublin

This was shot in a studio in Dublin (studio shoots for assignments always feel super rare!) with just me, Domhnall and his makeup artist Lucy. We played the latest Fontaines D.C. album and the shoot was super chill and lovely. I’m always appreciative when an actor is up for being collaborative and trying different things — this was one of the last shots we took. The rest of the images feel quite energetic, so it was nice to also get this more intimate-feeling frame at the end.

Karol G

By Bexx Francois in El Segundo

When time with an artist is limited, anxiety threatens to grab the wheel. But once Karol G walked on set, everything went quiet. And delicate. She had such a kindness about her. And an effortless beauty. I was inspired by classic Irving Penn; using walls to guide the eyes toward the center. We used a V-flat as our “set.” Even with a wind blower only 6 feet away throwing gusts of drama in her direction, Karol remained in command of her space and performance. And still connected where and how needed — with piercing intention.

Benson Boone and Brian May

By Allen J. Schaben at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Shooting Benson Boone’s trademark leaping acrobatics at his Coachella debut this year gave me the chance to bridge the gap between musical generations. The performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was made even more significant by the presence of Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May. My challenge was positioning myself to capture the moment while navigating a sea of spectators’ heads, hands, arms and cellphones. I dropped to a low angle to create a fan’s perspective, capture the height of his leap and ensure both artists were in the frame. Then it happened — somewhere between a cymbal crash and a guitar wail. Boone sprinted onto the piano and launched into the air above May, and in a split second, it was over. Moments like this are what make my job rewarding, and this performance by Boone and May will live on as a legendary one in my memory.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Mike Leigh (‘Hard Truths’)

By Christina House at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica

Marianne and Mike had such lovely chemistry together. They were chatty so I thought I’d give them an action to follow and this is where we landed. This was taken in a hotel boardroom with a seamless backdrop.

Mariska Hargitay

By Victoria Will in New York

I’ve had the good fortune of photographing Mariska Hargitay many times over the years, which brings a level of trust and collaboration. She gives both generously. On this occasion, she was as she always is: grounded, confident and present, with an easy sense of humor.

Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites of the Lumineers

By Robert Gauthier at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood

The Lumineers was a memorable shoot for me. To make this photo I crawled into a thicket of ferns at the Sunset Marquis Hotel. As I crouched behind a rippling fountain, stretching and contorting my body to attain the correct angle, I began to wonder, “Do the Lumineers think I’m some kind of a lunatic?”

Luis Guzmán, Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones

By Jennifer McCord in London

I’m such a big fan of “Wednesday” as a show and of all three of these actors, so this was truly a joy. As always with these assignments, we had limited time but thankfully we were shooting at the wonderful Raffles in London and Luis, Catherine and Jenna were so wonderful.

Mark Hoppus of Blink-182

By Robert Gauthier in Los Angeles

Mark Hoppus’ home is a photographer’s dream. A Midcentury Modern with interesting angles, surfaces, colors and light. He was patient and willing to pose wherever I found inspiration. We settled on a few places, including beneath a skylight that streamed natural light into a hallway. It’s a simple image. One might say it was just another one of all the small things.

Stephen Graham

By Sophia Spring in London

This was shot in a little makeshift studio I set up in a boardroom at Netflix HQ in London. We were capturing these portraits of Stephen ahead of the release of “Adolescence.” At the time all I knew about the show was the vague story outline of Stephen’s character as the father of a boy arrested for murder, and so I was keen that the portraits channel the visceral and complex tone of the show. After a quick hello I explained to Stephen what I was after, and for the next 20 minutes he proved why he is the world-class actor we know him as — he brought such an intensity and commitment to our short shoot. I was thrilled to see his well-deserved Emmy win a few months later.

True Whitaker

By Christina House at the London Hotel in West Hollywood

True is a warm and friendly human. She greeted me and my assistant with a hug. I could tell she was feeling a little under the weather that day but she didn’t ask for any special treatment, and kindly and happily took direction. It was a pleasure to meet the “I Love LA” star. I used window light to keep a soft yet moody feel.

Jessie Murph

By Annie Noelker in Los Angeles

We shot Jessie at NeueHouse Venice Beach (rest in peace) and there was this skylight in the backroom, where the sun cast this magnificent glow. The time of day was just perfect and oh so lucky. I had Jessie stand in the glow and look up, with just a little reflector under her chin and we captured this beautiful, still moment of reflection and calm before the insane year the singer-songwriter has had.

Danielle Brooks

By Bexx Francois in Los Angeles

I had just flown in from New York, where only days earlier I was sitting in a movie theater with my nephews, ages 6 and 11, watching “Minecraft” and enjoying their faces light up from the screen. In 2022, I saw Danielle Brooks in the Broadway revival of “The Piano Lesson,” a performance that had me on my feet in applause. And now my nephews were being introduced to her talent in a different context. When the assignment to photograph the actress landed in my inbox soon after, it was an instant yes. Unbeknownst to her, I was quietly geeking out behind the camera. I wanted to capture her in the same bliss she gave my nephews in that theater together.

Laverne Cox and George Wallace

By the Tyler Twins in New York

Laverne Cox arrived fully prepared in vintage Thierry Mugler. We bonded over a shared love of fashion history; she’s an expert! George Wallace, her onscreen father in the Prime Video comedy “Clean Slate,” brought a warmth that was easy to capture. Their father-daughter dynamic unfolded naturally, with Laverne playfully striking poses around him.

Tonatiuh

By Christina House at Hollenbeck Park in Los Angeles

This was a meaningful place for him since he grew up in the area. He seemed at ease and I sensed it felt good to return to a place he called home during what I can imagine is a very busy and surreal time for him — promoting the movie “Kiss of the Spider Woman” with Jennifer Lopez. Grounding yourself is so important. There’s a pond at the center of the park. We headed in that direction and made a few frames with this beautiful, natural sunlight. He mentioned that the scar on the left side of his face is not something he is ashamed of so he was comfortable being photographed on that side.

Laurence Fishburne

By Jason Armond in Los Angeles

When I photographed Laurence Fishburne for his role in the spy thriller “The Amateur,” I approached the session with a storyteller’s mindset. Even in my celebrity portraiture, I aim to capture a narrative. For this shoot, I chose dramatic lighting to reflect the suspenseful tone of the film. Fishburne had recently suffered a broken toe, so he needed to remain seated throughout most of the session. What could have been a limitation became a creative opportunity. I concentrated on close-up portraits, letting Fishburne’s intense expressions and moments of exuberant laughter bring the images to life.

Fujii Kaze

By Jason Armond in El Segundo

During awards season, I photograph many celebrities each week, which challenges me to find new and creative approaches for every session. For me, the key to transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary is always staying open to inspiration wherever it appears. My shoot with J-pop star Fujii Kaze at the L.A. Times offices embodied this idea. On my way to the studio, I noticed a stack of black chairs in the hallway and instantly recognized their potential. Those unassuming chairs became the backdrop for a striking, environmental portrait. Following my instincts allowed me to create something truly unique.

Michael Koman and Greg Daniels

By Jason Armond in El Segundo

When I was assigned to photograph Michael Koman and Greg Daniels, the creators of “The Paper,” I knew I wanted the images to capture the quirkiness of their show. Early on, I decided to build a set entirely out of newspapers. Since our shoot was at the L.A. Times offices, I gathered piles of old papers and envisioned Michael and Greg in a flurry of pages, an energetic and playful nod to their show’s spirit. The idea worked beautifully.

After the session, I led Koman and Daniels on a brief tour of the newsroom. Daniels eagerly asked about every detail of the newsroom’s daily operations and how each area was used. His sincere curiosity stood out, revealing his dedication to his craft.

Before Koman and Daniels left, I jokingly offered my services as a show consultant. I have yet to receive a callback, so for now, I am more than happy to continue my work at the L.A. Times.

Billy Crudup

By Bexx Francois in Los Angeles

We arrived at the Netflix offices and started making our way to our shoot location. Out the corner of my eye, I noticed this teddy bear chair in one of the waiting rooms we were passing by. Its design was charismatic and made me smile. I instantly requested it be brought to set. We tried one to two traditional chairs in its stead before committing to its playfulness. If it made us smile during test shots, hopefully it would do the same once “Jay Kelly” star Billy Crudup arrived on set. And indeed, it did. We spent the most time joking and capturing candid moments with Billy comfortably leaning into that furry hug. It produced one of my favorite photos from our time together.

Cyndi Lauper

By Larsen&Talbert at Jack Studios in New York

From the very beginning, it felt more like a collaboration than an assignment.

Once we knew what she’d be wearing, we gathered around the rolls of seamless paper together, weighing color options like painters choosing a palette. Blue immediately stood out. We agreed, started setting up and everything was moving smoothly — until a few minutes later when Cyndi Lauper came running back into the room.

“We can’t do blue!” she said, laughing. “My hair is blue today.”

She was absolutely right.

Without hesitation, we pivoted to our second choice: orange. Against her blue hair and bold, pink doll-head suit, the orange backdrop crackled with energy — it was perfect.

Some subjects need a lot of coaxing and direction. Not Cyndi. She knows exactly how to move, how to hold a pose and how to communicate with a camera. She doesn’t wait to be told what to do — she gives you something. Our job was simply to stay sharp and ready, capturing whatever magic she sent our way.

It was effortless, intuitive and joyful — the kind of shoot that reminds you why collaboration matters, and why icons become icons in the first place.

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme

By Dutch Doscher at Blonde Studios in New York

When I got the assignment, I was immediately excited and had this image in my head of placing them inside a colorful candy cane circus. I had no idea how I was going to pull that off until Broderson Backdrops came through with the perfect 25-by-25-foot backdrop. I showed the idea to their publicist and got an immediate, enthusiastic yes. From there, the gold outfits came into focus and everything started to click.

They were incredibly easygoing and completely comfortable playing to the camera. You can sometimes wonder if a duo like that is more of a work relationship, but once you’re in the room with them, it’s clear it’s a deep friendship. That connection made the shoot feel effortless, and I think that’s what ultimately comes through in the photograph.

The stockings have been hung and the tree has been decorated – but who is that hiding behind those baubles?

Do you think you can identify the dozen Welsh sports stars obscured by our Christmas hangings?

They are all personalities who featured in Wales’ sporting headlines during 2025.

Take our quiz and see how many you can spot.

THEY were the sweet child actors who made us laugh and cry in our favourite festive films.

But since their big breaks in Christmas movies, few have bagged big parts and many traded fame for ‘normal’ jobs away from our screens.

While the flicks boosted the careers of Matilda star Mara Wilson, whose first role was in A Miracle on 34th Street, and Game of Thrones actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who first appeared in Love Actually, not everyone experienced such luck. 

The Holiday star Miffy Englefield told us she was forced out of acting for good because she ‘looked older’ than her years.

And another big name, who starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor, had quit the profession following a “full-blown psychotic breakdown”.

It can be a tough industry that sees some like high-flying star Thomas, who recently returned to his Love Actually role for a Google Pixel ad, rise to international acclaim while others end up in the depths of despair. 

From Christmas gigs to jail for car chases, we explore what became of the kids in your favourite Christmas flicks. 

Nativity! – Sydney Isitt-Ager

In the 2009 film, child actress Sydney Isitt-Ager played little Sadie in Mr Madden’s class.

The film follows Mr Madden – played by Martin Freeman – as he fibs to his class his Nativity performance has been picked up by a Hollywood bigwig. 

Sydney – who is the daughter of Nativity! writer and director Debbie Isitt – starred in all three of the movies.

She went in to study at a theatre college in Epsom, Surrey and bagged her first role as a grown up in a Netflix Christmas film in 2022. 

She played Miss Nerris in the film Christmas On Mistletoe Farm – also starring Nativity! co-star Ashley Jensen.

Sydney, now 26, also appeared in Nativity the Musical, on stage, saying: “Did someone say full circle moment?” 

Most recently she starred in the stage musical Military Wives, directed by her mum.

Elf – Daniel Tay

The child actor starred opposite Will Ferrell in 2003 Christmas flick Elf. 

In the movie, Daniel was just 12 when he played Buddy’s half brother Michael. 

Instead of pursuing a career in Hollywood, the brainbox went to study Economics at prestigious US college Yale. 

Now 34, he also studied Chinese and coaches students taking their SATs while writing on the side. 

The Santa Clause – Eric Lloyd 

Eric played adorable Charlie Calvin in all three of the Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen. 

Aged just eight when he was cast in the role, he finished up the series in 2002 as a teen. 

But now aged 39, he still works in showbiz but opts for a behind the scenes role.

He got into sound engineering and opened his own production studios in Glendale, California. 

In 2022, he revived his role to appear in The Santa Clauses, a TV special based off the films, alongside Allen.

Bizarrely, his film co-star David Krumholtz made a WWE Raw appearance.

Bad Santa – Brett Kelly

As dorky Thurman Merman, Brett Kelly had his first role in Bad Santa and its sequel. 

He went on to have roles in Paul Feig’s Unaccompanied Minors in 2006 and Adrien Brody film High School before studying business in Canada.

But in 2016, he chose to gain 50lbs to bring back his role as Thurman in Bad Santa 2.

He said: “The pain came after. It took about four months to put on and then I’d say about twice that to take it all off.”

For the last four years, the 32-year-old been starring in Canadian legal drama Family Law where he plays paralegal Cecil Patterson. 

Jingle all the Way – Jake Lloyd

The 1996 film was Jake Lloyd’s first Hollywood role – starring as Arnold Schwarznegger’s son Jamie in the holiday romp.

His biggest role came in 1999 when the ten-year-old was cast by George Lucas as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. 

In 2001, he quit the industry after bullies targeted him over his role in the Sith vs Jedi epic.

He told The Sun at the time: “My entire school life was really a living hell.”

In 2015, Jake was arrested after a car chase and was held for 10 months while awaiting trial.

He was then diagnosed with schizophrenia and transferred to a psychiatric facility in 2023, where he completed to 18-month inpatient stay. 

Jake, now 36, said he needed to hit “rock bottom” to help him accept his diagnosis, medication and the need to “honestly take part in treatment”.

Love Actually – Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Thomas was 13 when he starred as Sam who seeks advice from his stepdad Daniel (Liam Neeson) after falling for a classmate.

The London-born actor went on to star in Nanny McPhee and The Maze Runner movies, as well as playing Paul McCartney in the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy.

He starred as Jojen Reed in two seasons of Game of Thrones and, more recently, he has appeared in the historical TV drama Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

In June 2024, Thomas, now 35 married actress Tallulah Riley at Anstey village church in Hertfordshire.

Tallulah, who starred in the 2007 movie St. Trinian’s, previously wed Tesla mogul Elon Musk, twice.

They first married in 2010, divorcing two years later, before tying the knot a second time in 2013 and splitting in 2014.

Deck the Halls – Alia Shawkat

She may be better known for playing Maeby Funke in Arrested Development but one of Alia’s first roles was in Deck the Halls. 

She starred as Matthew Broderick’s daughter Madison in the festive flick back in 2006. 

Since, she has had roles in Broad City, sells paintings and provided vocals for band Fake Problems in 2010.

This year, Alia, now 36, notched up eight acting credits on IMDB – including runaway hit Severance, starring Adam Scott, Lego Marvel Avengers and Poker Face.

But in 2019 and 2020, there were rumours she was dating Brad Pitt after the pair were repeatedly spotted together. 

But Shawkat laughed off the story, telling the New Yorker they were just friends.

She added: “It was so weird. Now it’s like a weird dream, where I’m, like, ‘Did that happen?’

“He was, like, ‘I’m sorry. It happens. If you hang out with me, it happens.’ He had no awareness of it at all.”

KYIV, Ukraine — Before the war, Ukraine’s own “Dancing with the Stars” was a cherished and popular television show, dazzling the audiences with performances by celebrities and professional dancers. The show is now back on for one special episode — this time with Ukrainian wartime heroes as the stars, underscoring the nation’s resilience in difficult times.

Many still remember how President Volodymyr Zelensky — then an actor — won the dance competition in 2006, the year that “Tantsi z zirkamy” as the show is known in Ukrainian, first debuted.

In the new, special episode, the dancers perform with prosthetic limbs, showcasing their strength in overcoming adversity. The lineup of participants includes public figures who rose to prominence since Russia’s full-out war on Ukraine was launched in February 2022.

But like all of present-day Ukraine, the show — which is part of an international franchise — has had to deal with a multitude of wartime challenges, including frequent power outages.

All the proceeds will go to the Superhumans Center, a specialist clinic for the treatment and rehabilitation of war-wounded victims.

A new reality

During a prerecording last week, dancers spun, leapt and glided under the sparkle of lights, some seamlessly integrating their prosthetic limbs into the choreography.

For creative producer Volodymyr Zavadiuk, every segment of the show is precious, creating something special during tough times.

“It’s about our resilience and it’s about our future,” said Zavadiuk, who also heads Big Brave Events and the Big Entertainment Shows department at 1+1 Media.

Among the performers was Ruslana Danilkina, a war veteran who lost her leg in combat in 2022 and is now renowned in Ukraine for dedicating herself to helping injured troops adapt to life with prosthetics.

She delivered a passionate performance centered on reclaiming her womanhood following the traumatic injury.

Also back in the show is beloved dancer Dmytro Dikusar, this time as a competition judge. He juggled filming and serving with his platoon on the front lines.

Ukrainian rock musician Yevhen Halych sat in the makeup chair ahead of his number, reflecting on his own determination to bring back the show.

“We are filming this project in a country where there is a war. … We have power cuts, we may have an air alert, it could be bombing,” he said. “What do I feel? I feel a genuine desire to live a full life, no matter what happens.”

Wartime challenges

Producing the show’s special episode has been no easy feat in time of war. A live broadcast was impossible — a Russian attack can happen at any time. Then there were the technical obstacles: during last week’s recording, a key generator malfunctioned.

When the show airs on Sunday, audiences will vote for their favorite.

Danilkina, who was only 18 years old when she lost her leg and who today works at the Superhumans Center, enthralled everyone with her passionate performance, her prosthetic limb artfully integrated into her routine.

“Our dance number is about life. It’s about accepting love,” she told The Associated Press after her performance. “Because in reality, when your body is wounded, it’s very difficult to love yourself. And allowing someone else to love you is even harder.”

Her injury was not the end of her life, she said, and now she wants to show “thousands of wounded boys and girls who are starting their lives over again” that it’s not the end of theirs.

For veteran Ivan Voinov and his wife of three months, Solomiia, the show was more than just a dance performance: it was the second time they had danced together since his injury, the first time was at their wedding.

Solomiia Voinov smiled shyly, recounting how she had long tried to persuade Ivan that they should dance until he gave in.

“We don’t take our eyes off each other while dancing, and it’s a great connection,” she said. “I’m happy.”

Voinov said he was already planning their next dance — a bachata, a fast-paced, hip-swaying style of dance that originated in the Dominican Republic.

“We will be able to continue dancing,” he said. “It means that there is a future.”

Kullab and Stepanenko write for the Associated Press. AP videographer Alex Babenko in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.

BOB Mortimer is leading the tributes for Chris Rea following the Driving Home For Christmas star’s tragic death.

The legendary British singer-songwriter penned the festive favourite in 1978, which later became a regular hit on the UK Singles Charts.

Rea passed away in hospital, just three days before Christmas after battling with ill health for several years.

He made a huge impact in the entertainment industry and following his passing a host of celebrities have shared their tributes to the late singer.

Comedian Bob Mortimer branded the star a ‘brilliant bloke’, taking to X to pen a heartfelt message, he wrote: “So so sad. A lovely brilliant funny giant of a bloke. Oh Man….RIP Chris .. Boro legend forever. Love to family and friends”.

On the post the comedian added a sweet picture of Chris in a bubble bath holding an egg, which features in Bob’s memoir recalling a time on Would I Lie To You ? where Chris had ‘supposedly’ put an egg in his bath, after the episode Rea sent him the pic.

Bob was good friends with the late star, the pair even making the song Lets Dance together in 1997 for Middlesbrough’s Football Club’s FA Cup Final.

The football team also wrote a tribute on their own page for Chris, who hails from Middlesborough, they wrote: We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Rea. A Teesside icon. Rest in peace, Chris.”

TV star Lizzie Cundy also took to X to express her own condolences, she said: “I’m so sad to hear Chris Rea has died. I was lucky enough to star in his music video Driving home for Christmas. 

“I loved every minute and was an honour to work with him and be in his iconic music video . He will always be an inspiration and legend to me. Rest in peace Chris.”

Lizzie appeared in the smash festive hit’s music video back in 2009, alongside a host of celebs including Gail Porter and Martin Shaw.

TV presenter Timmy Mallet wrote in his tribute: “ #RIP Chris Rea I bought his house 1991 on garage wall is happy Christmas message his daughters sprayed it’s still there. 

“Chris is driving home For Christmas now singing for our nearest & dearest. Grateful for his wonderful gravely voice. God bless you Chris #RIP”

During Rea’s last TV appearance, on BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing in 2020, the singer revealed a special gift he gave childhood sweetheart Joan.

He guest starred on the show for a special Christmas episode where he talked about his battle with serious health issues over the years.

Mortimer also spoke about how his health battles had strengthened the bond between him and his family.

Rea was quick to agree and beamed as he said he shared a similar experience with Joan.

The singer replied: “It was exactly the same for me. I was in hospital and the pancreatic cancer nurse comes in and tells me ‘it’s not grade three cancer phone your wife!’

“So I phone my wife and she pulled the car over and burst into tears.”

The musician had his pancreas removed after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001 and suffered a stroke in 2016.

The singer went on to make a light-hearted joke about leaving his wife the royalties to his famous hit.

“I gave her all the money, all the rights to all the songs, and now she won’t give them back,” he laughed. 

Rea’s wife of 57 years played a key role in writing his Christmas smash hit.

The drama has landed on Netflix and is currently on the streaming giant’s Top 10 chart.

A recent drama featuring one of Downton Abbey‘s most familiar faces has made its way to Netflix, and it’s certainly stirred up mixed feelings.

The suspenseful thriller, Captivated, also known as Too Good To Be True, hails from 2024 and currently holds a middling 5.6/10 rating on IMDb.

The plot centres around Rachel, a single mum and cleaner, who is offered an improved job by a wealthy businessman. However, as she becomes more entangled in his affairs, her suspicions about his intentions grow.

Allen Leech, fondly remembered for his portrayal of Tom Branson in Downton Abbey, stars as Elliott Fielding, while EastEnders legend Kara Tointon takes on the role of Rachel Connor.

Despite its initial airing on Channel 5 last year, the series has gained renewed interest after being added to Netflix UK, where it now ranks third on the streaming behemoth’s Top 10 chart.

While some viewers have clearly enjoyed the show, others have taken to IMDb to caution potential watchers “not to waste their time” on the thriller, reports the Express.

“An utter waste of time,” ane disgruntled viewer lamented, adding: “Just finished this series, of which all 4 episodes can be seen on My5. It gets steadily worse with each episode with a paper thin and entirely predictable plot.”

Another echoed the sentiment, advising: “Don’t waste your time like I did. I kept thinking it would get better. It absolutely does not.”

A third chimed in with their critique, branding it “predictable and unconvincing,” and describing it as “a disappointing crime miniseries”.

Another viewer chimed in: “As usual with this type of drama, this started off OK and went downhill rapidly. It is very predictable and some of it makes no sense at all.”

Yet not everyone shared such a dim view, with some fans finding merit in the programme, one describing it as “strangely entertaining”.

“I’ve read some scathing reviews about this show, and whilst I don’t think it’s great, I still think it’s watchable,” reasoned another viewer.

A third defended it as “not as bad as ratings suggest”, adding: “This is a little predictable but is easy to watch and does have a storyline.”

Another supporter urged: “Despite the low rating and some negative reviews it’s surprisingly good. So don’t be fooled.”

One enthusiastic fan encouraged patience: “The first episode was good just persevere with it as the series does get better. It’s little predictable but a good watch ! Too Good To Be true is intense and thrilling to watch!!”

Those curious to form their own opinion can stream Captivated on Netflix and Channel 5 in the UK, or BritBox in the US.

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Jason Robertson had two goals and an assist and the Dallas Stars beat the Ducks 8-3 on Friday night for their third straight win.

Roope Hintz and Thomas Harley each had a goal and an assist, and Oskar Bäck, Sam Steel, Ilya Lybushkin and Adam Erne also scored for the Stars. who are an NHL-best 13-2-4 on the road. Mikko Rantanen and Miro Heiskanen each had two assists, and Casey DeSmith had 23 saves.

Ryan Poehling, Beckett Sennecke and Mikael Granlund scored for the Ducks, who have lost four of five. Lukas Dostal gave up four goals on seven shots before he was pulled with 5:41 left in the first period. Petr Mrazek came on and stopped 14 of the 18 shots he faced the rest of the way.

The Stars’ eight-goal output tied a season high, matching their 8-3 win at Edmonton on Nov. 25, and was the most the Ducks have given up this season.

Bäck gave the Stars a 1-0 lead with a shorthanded goal 2:37 into the game after the Ducks turned the puck over behind their net.

Poehling tied it 55 seconds later, scoring in close on the rebound of a point shot by Radko Gudas.

Hintz put Dallas back ahead at 4:42, getting a pass from Robertson in the slot, sliding backward and firing a shot past Dostal for his 11th.

Steel pushed the Stars’ lead to 3-1 with 7:19 left in the first, scoring past Dostal while crashing into the net and dislodging it. The goal was confirmed after a review.

Harley made it a three-goal lead 1:38 later as he got a pass from Rantanen and scored from the right circle.

Robertson scored in front on a power play with 8:50 remaining in the second, and then put a backhander past Mrazek from the right circle four minutes later to make it 6-1. It gave Robertson a team-leading 22 goals.

Erne made it a six-goal lead with 1:30 left in the middle period.

After Sennecke pulled the Ducks back within five 1:01 into the third, Lybushkin got his first of the season 41 seconds later to extend the Stars’ lead to 8-2. Granlund capped the scoring with 5:38 remaining.