Entertainment News

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra once again partnered with Youth Homeless Charity St Basils to raise much-needed funds to support its work with young people in and around the West Midlands. For over a decade the CBSO and St Basils’ tradition of fundraising at the orchestra’s annual festive carol concerts at Symphony Hall were a Great Birmingham Christmas Tradition which contributed to raising over £30,000 for St Basils and the CBSO (also a charity).

For the first time last year, the CBSO was not able to present its traditional Christmas programme and therefore the charities joined together in a different way – with three special videos created for the orchestra’s festive Advent Calendar. From 1-24 December, each day at 9am the CBSO released a new festive video via their website and social media channels. The videos were created by members of the CBSO family (both orchestra musicians and choruses) and included a great mix of Christmas music, carols and readings from all over the world.

The three videos that were chosen to support St Basils were aimed at young people and families and were launched in December with the CBSO percussion section joining students from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire which included a surprise message from one of their favourite guest artists. Viola-player Amy Thomas read a children’s Christmas story and the CBSO Youth Chorus performed Bob Chilcott’s ‘The Midnight of your Birth’.

The videos encouraged donations across the three days which was equally split between St Basils and the CBSO. A fourth video was dedicated to raising funds for Help Musicians UK, at a time when so many musicians have seen their livelihoods wiped out as a result of the Covid pandemic.

St Basils’ work focuses on young people aged 16-25, with the core aim of preventing youth homelessness. They provide advice and support to 5,000 vulnerable young people per year who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Coventry, Warwickshire and North Worcestershire.

 Jo Patton, Principal 2nd Clarinet and Chair of the Player’s Committee says: “Everything has changed for us all since March this year but here at the CBSO we are determined to discover new ways we can connect and share our music with as many people as possible.  We are really excited to share our Advent Calendar with you – an amazing selection of some really beautiful and some really fun videos to share a little positive Christmas spirit and joy with the world. We are also really delighted to be able to continue our support of St Basils and our fellow freelance musicians via Help Musicians UK at this difficult time.”

Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications for St Basils, said: “We are overjoyed to, once again, be working with the amazing CBSO. It’s been a partnership that has been going on for many years and, even in a time of global crisis that partnership has endured. The innovative performances, combined with raising money for both our causes, is truly wonderful and we are honoured to be part of it. On behalf of the young people we support, thank you.”

On its 100th birthday, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra launched an ambitious five-year, £12.5m fundraising campaign, designed to ensure the orchestra’s recovery post-Covid and drive its longer-term renewal for a second century. ‘The Sound of the Future’ aims to redefine the CBSO’s future for the benefit of everyone across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Birmingham Hippodrome have shared more information about the stunning surprise light installation that has shone over areas of Birmingham and the Black Country. Global Rainbow – an art installation by international artist Yvette Mattern - was beamed Northwest from the city’s iconic Rotunda building this evening, marking a message of hope and peace for the New Year.

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome commented: “We are delighted to present this monumental light installation by visual artist Yvette Mattern over the New Year Period. After such a challenging 2020, we hope that those who have been able to experience Global Rainbow have been inspired to take a moment to pause and reflect and look toward 2021 with hope and peace.

“It is hugely important people do not travel to see this installation – the joy of this special visual artwork is that it can be seen safely from the homes of those living nearby by simply looking to the sky.” Graham added: “We would like to thank Arts Council England, the Global Streets consortia and Bullring & Grand Central for helping to make this wonderful installation possible.”

Global Rainbow is an ongoing public artwork by Visual Artist Yvette Mattern. The artwork was created in 2009 to be a visual translation of hope and light and has since been displayed across the world in cities including New York City (USA), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Kobe (Japan). It beams seven rays of laser light (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet) representing the colour spectrum of a natural rainbow and will be shone northwest out the city over the New Year period. The rainbow beams can reach up to 10 miles on a clear night, and this evening could be seen in Birmingham City Centre, the Jewellery Quarter and areas of the Black Country.

Yvette said: “I was thrilled to work with the Hippodrome Festivals team to bring a unique, covid-safe, visual art installation to the West Midlands. I hope those in Birmingham and the Black Country who saw Global Rainbow enjoyed the experience and will take comfort from positivity it represents as we head into 2021.”

Each year, the Birmingham Hippodrome Festivals team produce a range of exciting events including the annual B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival and Birmingham’s Chinese New Year in Birmingham celebrations, as part of the venue’s mission to enrich the cultural life of the region.

Fiona Allan, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome added: “As a leading producer of festivals in the region, we have worked incredibly hard this year to innovate and adapt our programme in order to safely deliver exciting cultural experiences. Global Rainbow offered us the opportunity to produce a beautiful, poignant and symbolic moment for the region as we all look towards a brighter 2021.”

Global Rainbow was presented by Birmingham Hippodrome as part of Global Streets, a national project funded through Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants.

H.R. Owen Bugatti has been entrusted with the care of the last ever racing Bugattis; two unique EB110s campaigned during 1994, 1995 and 1996. The extremely rare cars, two of around 150 built in total, arrived at H.R. Owen Bugatti Service in London for their routine annual maintenance, to be cared for alongside the team’s array of Chirons and Veyrons.

The EB110s are two enormously complex cars, both based on the later EB110 SS, powered by a quad-turbocharged 3.5-litre V12 engine, delivering around 600hp through an advanced all-wheel-drive system. And while they’re each built around a very similar formula, they were designed to race under very different conditions.

The iconic blue car, EB110S LM, was built to race at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1994, on the 55^th anniversary of Bugatti’s last win at the event. Having been completed in less than six months, the car looked set for a successful race, regardless of having five turbos changed and a fuel tank leak. In fact, it looked as though a top-five finish was likely until a suspected tyre blowout ended EB110 LM’s race with just 45 minutes remaining. 

The silver car, EB110S SC GTS-1 was destined to race in the North American WSC GT series, and has a few subtle revisions over the LM, including a slightly raised ride height, reorganised cockpit and adapted bodywork. In 1995, it recorded a fifth-place finish at Watkins Glen and sixth-in-class at Sears Point before looking on track for a successful Daytona 24 Hours race before stopping short of the finish line with transmission issues.

Since their racing days, both EB110s have led busy lives with their passionate owner; EB110 SC GTS-1 appeared in photos for the launch of the Centodieci, while EB110 LM appeared in promotional materials created for the race-bred Bugatti Bolide.

H.R. Owen is the only Bugatti Partner of Excellence in the UK, with a dedicated boutique in the heart of London’s Mayfair and the advanced Bugatti service centre in North Acton, London. Entrusted with the repair and maintenance of the most advanced performance cars in the world, H.R. Owen Bugatti Service is staffed by the UK’s most experienced Bugatti technicians with over 22-years joint experience.

H.R. Owen CEO, Ken Choo, said: “Caring for a Bugatti is unlike caring for any other type of performance vehicle; the world’s most advanced materials and technologies combine to create a car that pushes the boundaries of speed and usability. Looking after any Bugatti is a privilege, but to be responsible for the maintenance of the last ever Works racing Bugattis is extremely special. It speaks volumes of the expertise of our Service team and our advanced facility that our customers trust us not just with their Chirons and Veyrons but also with priceless pieces of Bugatti history like these two racers.”

Hip-hop star MF Doom has died, his family confirmed on social media. The London-born musician - real name Daniel Dumile - was known for his sharp, intricate rhymes and his signature mask, which he never removed in public. In a post on the rapper's Instagram account, his wife Jasmine confirmed his death. A number of artists have paid tribute to MF Doom including Run The Jewels and Tyler, The Creator.

In a note addressed to the rapper, his wife paid tribute to "the greatest husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, lover and friend I could ever ask for". His representatives confirmed his death to Rolling Stone magazine. No cause of death was disclosed.

MF Doom moved to New York as a child before, as a teenager, performing in hip-hop group KMD. Following the loss of his younger brother and bandmate DJ Subroc, he left the music and becoming near homeless. But, in 1997, he remerged at open mic events in Manhattan, wearing tights over his face. He protected his anonymity for the rest of his career, adopting a mask based on the Marvel villain Doctor Doom for all his public appearances.

His debut, Operation: Doomsday, was released in 1999, and he followed it up with an almost non-stop outpouring of music. As well as six solo albums, he produced a wealth of bootlegs, compilations, collaborations, mixtapes and instrumental albums - including the influential, 10-part Special Herbs series.

Probably best known for 2004's Madvillainy, which was recorded with crate-digging producer Madlib under the moniker Madvillain, it gave the rapper his first entry on the US album chart.

Another high-profiled collaboration was with Danger Doom, alongside DJ Danger Mouse. He appeared with Damon Albarn's Gorillaz on their UK number one album Demon Days.

Other collaborators included Ghostface Killah, Flying Lotus, The Avalanches and Radiohead.

One of hip-hop's most respected MCs, many others lined up to pay tribute after news of his death broke on New Year's Eve.

"RIP to another Giant, your favourite MC's MC... MF DOOM," wrote A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip on Twitter. "Crushing news."

El-P of Run The Jewels added: "He was a writer's writer. Grateful I got to know you a little, king. Proud to be your fan. Thank you for keeping it weird and raw always. You inspired us all and always will."

"All u ever needed in hip-hop was this record," Flying Lotus tweeted alongside the album cover to Madvillainy. "My soul is crushed."

Apple Music presenter Zane Lowe said: "Rest In Peace to the great MF Doom. A true artist who gifted us with eternal innovation and creativity."

Tyler, The Creator wrote on Twitter: "Safe travels villain". The Sleaford Mods said: "RIP MF DOOM. Sleep well mate."

He was 49.

Moving into the latest lockdown, ClassBento has launched a series of at-home artisan online classes and craft boxes here in the UK.        

Here are some of the top classes coming up in January: 

·         Paint, Sip and Chill at Home 

·         Make Cocktails James Bond Style 

·         Kids Cooking at Home - Minis (2-5 Years) 

·         Make a Wire Bracelet at Home 

·         Master Gin Tea Cocktails at Home 

·         Learn how to play the ukulele with 1:1 live online classes or with a loved one/friend

·         Learn How to Play Guitar at Home 

·         Advanced Beginner's Crochet from Home 

ClassBento connects anyone looking to try new experiences with top Australian and UK based artisans, creators and foodies. Experience a photography class in front of Sydney Opera House, learn how to punch needle cockatoos or paint and sip in a virtual art class, with this unique website for creativity.  

All designed to promote wellbeing, there are hundreds of classes to choose from, including the ClassBento LiveBox Classes which include a craft box with all the materials you need, delivered to your door in time for the live streaming class. As we are all spending more time indoors, ClassBento’s live online classes make it as easy as possible to try a new activity or have a fun virtual social activity together. 

Get everything you need to learn how to make vegan chocolate truffles with family-owned Manchester based chocolatier R&M Fine Chocolate or try your hand at a gin tasting from Bristol distillery, 6 O’clock Gin. All live stream classes with kits delivered to your door can be booked on ClassBento.co.uk. You can also bring some Aussie joy to your home with a range of Oz experiences, including a photography masterclass live from Sydney Opera House or learning to punch needle a Cockatoo. 

ClassBento is supporting UK artists and makers who have had to limit their usual physical classes due to social distancing restrictions. Now they can offer the same memorable experience via live streaming as if you were in the studio with them. ClassBento’s new free delivery service ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of their workshops without compromising your health and the health of others. 

Perfect to learn a new activity during isolation, celebrate an occasion or as a Christmas gift for a loved one there are hundreds of classes to choose from or, if you can’t decide, there is also the option of choosing an artisan experience gift card. 

ClassBento was founded in 2016 by Brit, John Tabari and Australian Iain Wang while they were working together in Australia. Engaging in arts and crafts have been proven to strengthen the brain’s resilience to depression and decrease stress levels. With the current pandemic, there’s never been a more important time to stay mentally active and socially connected.Tabari, from Newcastle, was inspired to start ClassBento after watching his grandmother struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s and ClassBento is committed to helping support those with dementia by donating to Dementia UK with every class booking. 

Talking about the UK launch, CEO and Co-Founder of ClassBento, John Tabari said: “This pandemic means it’s more important than ever to stay socially and mentally active and support our local community of artists and makers. Our incredible live-stream teachers’ workshops have been instrumental in helping to keep friends and families connected during lockdown in Australia and the time felt right to now bring these to the UK too. We hope we can do our bit to help friends, workmates and families with kids keep connected and stay stimulated during lockdowns.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released their first podcast, in which they reflect on 2020 with a string of celebrities and activists.

Singer Sir Elton John, presenter James Corden, author Matt Haig, tennis player Naomi Osaka and others feature on the first episode of Archewell Audio. It is the first fruit of Prince Harry and Meghan's podcast deal with Spotify.

"No matter what life throws at you guys, trust us when we say, love wins," Meghan tells listeners. The couple do not directly discuss their personal experiences of 2020, which started with them announcing they would step back as "senior" royals, before moving to the US. Instead, Meghan explains that they decided to enlist "a few friends and a lot of other folks" who "we admire, and get their thoughts on what they learned from 2020".

First is Sir Elton, who describes 2020 as "the worst year I've ever known", but who says he hopes when the pandemic passes "that we have become better people - and I hope for healing".

US actor Tyler Perry talks about laying on food for 5,000 underprivileged families at his studio in Atlanta, Georgia, while chef Jose Andres also discusses distributing meals in the US during the pandemic. The other guests include 17-year-old activist Christina Adane, alternative health guru Deepak Chopra, US politician Stacey Abrams and British spoken word artist George the Poet.

Prince Harry and Meghan did not interview them, instead asking the guests to record themselves to avoid what the duke describes as "the awkward dance of a video chat". Meghan says their responses "all came back to one thing - to the power of connection".

She adds: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that."

Prince Harry says he wants to pass on a lesson from 2020 "about how important it is to take care of one another and how meaningful our connections are, even when they're physically impossible".

The couple's one-year-old son Archie also appears, ending the half-hour episode by wishing listeners a happy new year with a hint of an American accent.

When they announced their intention to step back as senior royals, they said they would work to become "financially independent". The Spotify deal followed a separate deal to make a range of documentaries, docu-series, feature films, scripted shows and children's programming for Netflix.

For the Sussexes, 2020 was also the year that Meghan suffered a miscarriage, and of legal action against the Mail on Sunday and the Splash News and Picture Agency.

One of the UK's leading Black theatre companies has pulled out of a season of plays about "Black Joy" in protest at the venue's role as a temporary court. Talawa Theatre Company had been due to stage the Black Joy season at the Birmingham Rep theatre next year. But Talawa said that was "no longer tenable" after the venue signed a deal to become a Nightingale Court.

The Birmingham Rep said it had made a "financially-based decision" to make the transformation during the pandemic. But Talawa said the decision "does not align with Talawa's commitment to Black artists and communities, the communities most affected by this decision".

A statement added: "It has threatened the integrity of the Black Joy season; regrettably the partnership is no longer tenable under current circumstances." However, the company did acknowledge that venues were being forced to make "difficult calls" and that it was "vital that we don't see buildings close".

Talawa was founded in 1986 and has worked with actors including Don Warrington, Sharon D Clarke, Nonso Anozie and Michaela Coel. Birmingham Rep declined to comment on Talawa's decision, but has previously said it is "doing our utmost to fight for the survival of The Rep and we sincerely wish we weren't in these extraordinary circumstances". It said in a statement: "We made a decision that we believe to be in the best interests of the theatre facing a very serious situation to which there are no easy answers.

“That such passionate voices have been raised against this decision demonstrates to us that we have alienated some of the individuals and communities that we are trying so hard to protect the theatre for. In no way have we wished to put any artists or partners of ours in a compromised position - either now or in the future - and recognise that this very difficult decision has impacted on that wish."

It has also said that 50 staff members have lost their jobs since the start of the pandemic. It is one of a number of venues chosen by the Ministry of Justice to become a temporary Nightingale Court to help clear a backlog of cases. It will hear non-custodial cases as well as civil and family hearings and tribunals in two of its three auditoria until June 2021.

The Black Joy season was described as "an artistically ambitious body of work" including three new plays, six "seed commissions" and backstage training and work opportunities.

Talawa said it was "exploring our options" to still bring the season "to the audiences it was intended for".

 Rock Choir, the largest contemporary choir in the world with 33,000 Members,  announce their plans to help the whole country combat loneliness this Christmas! They will be broadcasting a live and festive Rock Choir singing event from their YouTube channel on Christmas Day morning.

2020 has been a year when Mental Health has been in crisis and now more than ever it needs to be prioritised. Over half (54%) of UK adults are worried about the mental health of someone they know this Christmas according to a survey published by the Mental Health Foundation and since the new tier 4 announcement a record number of people are expecting to spend Christmas alone this year as a result of the pandemic and the new tighter restrictions.

Many Rock Choir Members have been reporting high levels of anxiety with the potential of not being able to see their families this Christmas and they face the prospect of being alone. Rock Choir has once again stepped in and on Christmas Day they will go live at 9.30am on their YouTubechannel for a fun and festive singing session. Everyone is invited to join in, whether they are a Rock Choir Member or not. Rock Choir Leader, Thomas George, will lead the session and families and individuals who are on their own, will be able to send messages online with him and connect with other families being kept apart in different households.  Everyone will be able to come together virtually and join in. 

Some elderly care homes have already committed to broadcasting this event to their residents, in their lounges, on Christmas Day morning as thousands will not be able to receive visitors due to Covid restrictions.  The residents’ families can also feel a connection to their loved one knowing that they are watching and taking part at the same time. It is hoped that news of this live Rock Choir event will be shared across the UK so more people can join in and not feel alone as Christmas Day begins. 

 You can join in with Tom Live on Christmas Day at: https://youtu.be/9CfhGCGfke0

Rock Choir is known for its unique, magic, uplifting formula that leads to a natural high and change of mood. There is no doubt it has improved the lives and wellbeing of thousands of people across the UK. Members who are high risk or shielding have found Rock Choir to be a lifeline during the pandemic as their Choir Leaders engaged and distracted them almost every day with virtual rehearsals, fun events and examples of support and friendship. Rock Choir moved online almost immediately when lockdown was announced. The Rock Choir Team’s main objective was to keep the Members singing but also connected to one other so that the social aspect and their wellbeing were prioritised. Rock Choir Members pulled together to support each another as the Rock Choir Team went above and beyond their normal communication to ensure the Membership were kept motivated and upbeat. The power of Rock Choir can be seen in the countless comments on social media with ‘Rockies’ stating that Rock Choir has been their therapy, their weekly antidepressant and escape to help them get through this difficult year.

Members have just taken part in the release of an inspirational and emotional Christmas Single, a version of ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’. 4550 Rock Choir Members feature on the single and each contributed their voice during lockdown whilst many of them were shielding or at high-risk. Countless front-line workers, emergency services, NHS, Carers, Teachers and other Members who have done a vital job throughout the pandemic were featured on the single. Their voices, along with an inspirational solo from Rock Choir Creator, Caroline Redman Lusher, express the hope and dreams of never giving up and keeping their own dreams alive during the challenges of the pandemic and lockdown. All profits for the single will go to the Mental Health Foundation. It made impressive dents in the single charts over the last two weeks. They went straight to Number One in the iTunes UK ‘Download’ chart, ‘Best Sellers’ chart on Amazon Music, Number 3 in Global Radio’s ‘Big Top 40 Charts’ and Number One in the Official Chart Download Charts.

Keeping The Dream Alive is downloaded at:

https://slinky.to/KeepingTheDreamAlive

The Video for Keeping The Dream Alive can be viewed here - https://www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/watch?v=bVrL9zdDlH0

All profits will go to The Mental Health Foundation

Eminem has used a new song to apologise to Rihanna for "siding" with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, who assaulted her in 2009. Eminem raps on his track Zeus: "And wholeheartedly apologies Rihanna for that song that leaked/I'm sorry, Rih, it wasn't meant to cause you grief."

He was referring to a decade-old song that leaked in 2019, on which he said "of course I side with Chris Brown". Zeus appears on Eminem's surprise album Music to be Murdered By Side B. The album, which accompanies January's Music to be Murdered By, has just been release.

At the time the track leaked last year, Eminem's spokesperson said: "This is a leak of something that's over 10 years old. After Eminem recorded it, he scrapped it, and rewrote it." On his new track, he admitted the original lyric "was wrong of me". Chris Brown pleaded guilty to the assault in 2009, receiving five years probation and a community service order.

Eminem and Rihanna have collaborated several times, including on 2010's US number one single Love the Way You Lie, as well as Numb on her 2012 album Unapologetic and The Monster from The Marshall Mathers LP 2 in 2013.

The rapper's new album features collaborations with Dr Dre, Ty Dolla $ign, J Premier and Skylar Gray.

Birmingham born, multi-talented artist, Dapz On The Map has written a brand-new track for the music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall titled ‘Stay Safe’. The Grime MC’s brand-new song scores a video showcasing the digital broadcasts which have been shared from the iconic Birmingham venues during the pandemic.

As concerts are cancelled and postponed to 2021 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Town Hall Symphony Hall has continued to bring live music to the people of Birmingham and beyond. Digital broadcasts from Town Hall & Symphony Hall have amassed over a quarter of a million views since they began in April.

Dapz OTM's songs touch on various issues, both personal and political and he often talks of the struggle he's faced as an aspiring artist attempting to balance being both a father and a musician. Soft-spoken yet intense in his passion for words and music, Dapz new track ‘Stay Safe’ includes lyrics such as “heard of the bounce back scheme might apply for a bounce back loan, can’t get furlough” and “places of worship are closed but they’ve got a 10pm curfew for pubs”.

He has had a steady rise up the ranks in the urban UK music scene with including national radio play with his music being playlisted on BBC Radio 1xtra, and other specialist stations such as Rinse FM. He made his debut appearance in the festival scene performing at the Great Escape Festival, before going on to do other major festivals. Dapz supported the likes of Kano and Skepta on tour before going on to selling out his 1st headline show at the O2 Academy Birmingham.

Nick Reed, Chief Executive for the music charity responsible for Town Hall & Symphony Hall said: “The future of Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall, and our future as the music charity responsible for them, looks very different from the plans we began the year with. Over the last few years we have evolved into an organisation that earns more than 90% of its turnover from our trading activities and this supports every aspect of what we do, from presenting international superstars on our stages to supporting emerging talent and creating first musical experiences for children in local schools.

“The digital performances and activities we have continued - and will continue to deliver - in these desperate times have been made possible with the support of Town Hall and Symphony Hall’s audiences.”

The accompanying video highlights many of the broadcasts from the music charity responsible for Town Hall & Symphony Hall, including performances from artists such as Lady Sanity, Casey Bailey, Tom Aspaul, Xhosa Cole and Mark Kingswood.

Highlights also include broadcasts from cultural partners, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Symphony Hall’s resident orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

A special ‘The Vicar Of Dibley In Lockdown’ proved its usual incredibly funny self but it gained a greater following than ever after vicar Geraldine was seen ‘taking a knee’.

Walking around the quiet village in the middle of lockdown, she was reflecting on her duties as a woman of the cloth, and the obligations she has not just for the parish, but also for the world at large. And, while speaking to one of the programme’s other major characters, Owen, the vicar, played by Dawn French, said: “This last week, I’ve been thinking about this Black Lives Matter thing, and the horror show that was, the murder of George Floyd.

“Now this is tricky for us in Dibley, because we’re not the most diverse community,” Geraldine said, “but I don’t think it matters where you’re from, I think it matters that you do something about it – because Jesus would, wouldn’t he?” 

She went on: “Listen, I’m aware that all lives matter, obviously, but until all lives matter the same, we’re doing something very wrong. So I think we need to focus on justice for a huge chunk of our country men and women who seem to have a very bad, weird deal, from the day they’re born.” 

As she walked to the parish notice board, she then took down old posters from the 1970s, and replaced them with a homemade poster that bore the words ‘Black Lives Matter’. 

She continued: “I think that in Dibley, perhaps we should be thinking about taking down some of our old notices, like this, and perhaps, we put up one like this instead”.

The show ended with Geraldine taking the knee in front of the noticeboard, looking out over the village.

As the episode ended, she paid a poignant goodbye to beloved best friend Alice, who on the show died of cancer three years earlier. Emma Chambers, who played Alice, died in 2018.

British espionage writer John le Carré has died, following a short illness, his literary agent has said.

The author of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy died from pneumonia. Fellow authors paid tribute, with Stephen King calling him "a literary giant and a humanitarian spirit".

Historical fiction writer Robert Harris said le Carré, who chronicled the world of Cold War spies, was "one of the great post-war British novelists". Booker Prize winner Margaret Atwood tweeted that his novels featuring spymaster George Smiley - described by le Carré as an "antidote" to James Bond - were the "key to understanding the mid-20th Century".

Historian and novelist Simon Sebag Montefiore described le Carré as "the titan of English literature" and said he was "heartbroken".

Jonny Geller, the author's agent, said he was an "undisputed giant of English literature" who "defined the Cold War era and fearlessly spoke truth to power".

"We will not see his like again," he said in a statement.

Mr Geller said he represented the novelist, whose real name was David Cornwell, for almost 15 years and "his loss will be felt by every book lover, everyone interested in the human condition".

"We have lost a great figure of English literature, a man of great wit, kindness, humour and intelligence. I have lost a friend, a mentor and an inspiration." A statement shared on behalf of the author's family said: "It is with great sadness that we must confirm that David Cornwell - John le Carré - passed away from pneumonia last Saturday night after a short battle with the illness.

"David is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Jane, and his sons Nicholas, Timothy, Stephen and Simon.

"We all grieve deeply his passing. Our thanks go to the wonderful NHS team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro for the care and compassion that he was shown throughout his stay. We know they share our sadness."

The statement said his death was not Covid-19 related.

Several of le Carré's 25 works were turned into films including The Constant Gardener, The Tailor of Panama and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, while the Night Manager became a successful BBC television series. Smiley, his most famous character who first appeared in Call for the Dead, has been played by actors including Rupert Davies, Alec Guinness and Gary Oldman.

Oldman, who appeared in the 2011 film of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, said le Carré was "a very great author, the true 'owner' of the serious, adult, complicated, spy novel" and was "always a true gentleman".

Born as David Cornwell in Poole, Dorset, in 1931, he wrote under the pseudonym of John le Carré. He studied at the university of Bern, in Switzerland, and then Oxford, before entering a career in undercover intelligence.

After teaching at Eton for two years he joined the Foreign Office, and was initially based at the British Embassy in Bonn.mDuring his time there he worked in the intelligence records department, giving him access to files with insights into the workings of the secret service. He also wrote his first novel, Call For The Dead, which was published in 1961.

This meant the need for a pen name as Foreign Office officials were not allowed to publish books under their own name.

In 1963, his third novel, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, brought him worldwide acclaim and allowed him to take up writing full time. Le Carré said his manuscript was approved by the secret service because they "rightly if reluctantly" concluded it was "sheer fiction from start to finish" but he said the world's press took a different view, deciding the book was "not merely authentic but some kind of revelatory Message From The Other Side".

His career as a spy came to an end in 1964 after his name was one of many given to the Soviet Union by a double agent, an incident which inspired a plot line in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

He was 89.

Little Mix band member Jesy Nelson has left saying being part of the pop group had "taken a toll on my mental health". She explained: "I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard."

Writing on Instagram, the 29-year-old said being in the band had been "the most incredible time" but it was now time to "embark on a new chapter". Her former bandmates said it was "an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy".

The news comes a month after Nelson said she was taking an "extended" break from the pop group for "private medical reasons". Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall performed as a trio on Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend.

In her statement, Nelson said she had made her decision "after much consideration and with a heavy heart".

"I need to spend some time with the people I love, doing things that make me happy," the singer continued. The remaining members added: "We know that Jesy leaving the group is going to be really upsetting news for our fans.

"We love her very much and agree that it is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being." They said they were "still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey" and would continue as a trio.

Little Mix formed on The X Factor in 2011 and have gone on to record six UK top 10 albums and four number one singles. They are currently number five in the chart with their hit Sweet Melody.

Last year, Nelson was widely praised for discussing her mental health struggles in a BBC Three documentary. The group were recently seen looking for a new backing band to join them on tour in the BBC One talent show Little Mix: The Search.

Country music legend Charley Pride has died after complications from Covid-19. Pride, who passed away on Saturday, his website said. Rising to fame in the 1960s, while he was not the first Black singer in country music, he became one of its biggest stars during a period of division in the US.

He won three Grammy Awards, followed by a lifetime achievement award in 2017 before being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 - the second African-American to become a member.

The son of a sharecropper on a cotton farm in Mississippi, Pride was born in 1934 and served in the army, played baseball and worked in a smelting plant before later turning to music.

Fifty-two of his songs reached the country Top 10, including the hits All I Have to Offer You (Is Me) and Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'.

Another - Crystal Chandeliers - is still popular in Northern Ireland thanks to concerts he staged there when touring was difficult due the conflict in the 1970s.

"We're not colour-blind yet, but we've advanced a few paces along the path and I like to think I've contributed something to that process," he wrote in his memoir.

He was awarded the Country Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in Nashville, Tennessee, in what would be his last public performance.

Fellow country star Dolly Parton, who described Pride as "one of my dearest and oldest friends, said she was "heartbroken" at the news of his death.

‘I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you. (1/2)’

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton).

Billy Ray Cyrus calling Pride a "gentleman... legend and true trail blazer", adding: "He took down walls and barriers meant to divide," whilst Reba McEntire wrote: "Charley Pride will always be a legend in Country music."

He was 86.

With 1.5 billion streams, 5.6 million monthly listeners at Spotify and sold-out arena shows, Gavin James has achieved phenomenal global success by simply letting his songs speak for themselves. He excels at music’s essential qualities: immediately memorable songwriting and telling engaging stories that are delivered with a voice that can seemingly effortlessly hone in on the depth of the sentiment.
 
Now, however, Gavin James is set to step into the spotlight with arguably his finest moment to date, his brand new track ‘Man On The Moon’.  

 
The emotionally-charged new song tells the story of the desolate loneliness of the ‘Man On The Moon’. Despite being distanced from the world at large, “everyone loved him but he never knew.” It’s a powerful metaphor for a love that goes unspoken, but also a story that reflects our current times. Families, couples and friends have spent much of the year separated from the ones that they love, and the song offers a timely reminder that distance can’t break our bonds.
 
Propelled by little more than delicate acoustic guitar and the tenacious soul of his voice, the song was produced by Gavin and Ollie Green (Freya Ridings) and mixed by Serban Ghenea (Taylor Swift)
 
“For ‘Man On The Moon’ I tried to picture someone on the moon, thinking that they are all alone and not realising that the whole world is thinking about them. It’s about looking after the people you love because some days, they may feel like they have no one to talk to,” explains Gavin. “In particular this year, people might feel more disconnected than usual from their friends and family. This song is a gentle reminder that you are never alone”.
 
‘Man On The Moon’ is released alongside a series of beautifully animated lyric videos. It introduces ‘Man on The Moon: A Collection Of Short Stories’, a collection of emotionally compelling short films which further explore the themes of loneliness and separation that Gavin addresses in the song. It comprises the following chapters, which will be shared via Gavin’s social media accounts, with the final part seeing fans create and share their own stories, e.g could be via art, words, animation, music or dance.
 
Chapter 1: ‘Hedgehogs’ by Brian An Phan
Chapter 2: ‘The Presence in the Absence’ by Michelle Jane Williamson. 
Chapter 3: ‘Contact’ by Katy Wang. 
Chapter 4: Create your own story
 
Gavin James’ own story is just as remarkable. Back at school, the Dubliner was told that he’d never achieve anything in music, a story that he recounts in his recent single ‘Boxes’ (a #1 hit on Ireland’s national airplay chart). In time he proved them wrong, as he rose from busking on Grafton Street to playing shows with Niall Horan, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith to selling-out his own world tour including two headline shows at the 13,000 capacity 3Arena.
 
He’s also making a growing international impact, with 22 Platinum records across the world and an unlikely #1 hit in Brazil. ‘Man On The Moon’ represents his next big step towards even greater global recognition.

Following news of Birmingham’s Tier 3 status last week, and ongoing uncertainty about what will be possible post 16 December, Birmingham Royal Ballet has taken the difficult decision to move their 2020 adapted version of The Nutcracker online. The magical Christmas production will be streamed live from The Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 18 December at 7.30pm, giving audiences an experience as close to watching it live in the theatre as is possible.

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker at The REP will be available to watch as a livestream event at 7.30pm on Friday 18^th December.  It will then be available to view as a video-on-demand recording from Saturday 19^th to Thursday 24^th December.  Video-on-demand sales close at midnight on 21^st December, but can be viewed until midnight on Christmas Eve.

Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta said ‘I guess you could say we’re trying to look on the bright side at the moment! By live streaming this new adapted version of our famous and much-loved production we can proceed with confidence and focus on making the event as special as possible for our wonderful audiences and now, wherever you are in the world, you can be part of it. I can’t deny it’s disappointing not to see everyone’s happy faces in the theatre, but we will plan to end the year on a Christmas high, finding ways of celebrating is important right now.’

Sean Foley, Artistic Director at The REP said: ‘We hope this newly announced Live Stream performance of The Nutcracker at The REP will bring a flurry of theatrical magic and seasonal warmth into families’ homes this Christmas. Teams at The REP and Birmingham Royal Ballet have been working tirelessly since new safety measures were announced to make this very special, one-off adaptation of the classic festive tale. We are tremendously excited to share it with thousands of people across the world at the same time - the first time ever a performance has been streamed 'Live from The Birmingham REP’.

In light of the performances being cancelled the Company has again focused on finding solutions and decided to tackle uncertainties by enabling audiences to enjoy the world premiere of this new adaptation from home. After the cancellation of this year’s full production at the Royal Albert Hall, this will be the one chance to experience Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Christmas classic this year.

The full-length Nutcracker will be shortened to an 80-minute magical experience that will retain all of the most enchanting moments and characters you would expect and hope for -  Snowflakes, Drosselmeyer, Fritz and Clara’s Christmas Eve party, King Rat’s battle, the Kingdom of Sweets dances from around the world, the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy and, of course, The Nutcracker Prince - and features the cherished Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Paul Murphy.

Ticket holders for this pay per view production will also be able to enjoy some extra treats the Company have tied together with a seasonal red bow to make the experience as special as possible.

People who have bought tickets for the original live performances The REP will be contacted by the box office. This year’s performance will ensure the safety of all performers, technical crew and staff.

Two performances featuring two different casts will be captured at The REP. The second film will feature three third year students from The Royal Ballet School performing Trepak, the Russian dance, and students from Elmhurst Ballet School dancing Snowflakes will be available for audiences to watch online in early 2021.

Birmingham Royal Ballet is committed to offering performance opportunities for students of the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School, especially at this time when such opportunities are so rare for students starting out in their careers.

Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s social media pages will reflect a celebration of The Nutcracker throughout the run, including exclusive new dance footage, ballet lessons for the very young and behind-the-scenes insights and the premiere of a new animated film inspired by The Nutcracker created with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s second company, Freefall, whose exceptionally talented dancers have learning disabilities.