Archive July 1, 2025

A veteran TV presenter who is renowned for hosting children’s programs called Play School passed away at the age of 86.

On Monday, Donald Macdonald lost his brief battle with cancer, which he referred to as “a showbiz great.” His acting career, which spanned more than 40 years, included roles in TV dramas he also wrote, as well as roles in stage productions like John McKellar’s A Cup of Tea, a Bex, and a Good Lie Down.

However, he is best remembered for entertaining families on the well-known BBC television program Play School, which Donald presented alongside other well-known faces like Trisha Goddard from 1966 to 1969. A journalist, Craig Bennett, said on his social media account yesterday, “One of our showbiz greats left today at 12:45am.

“Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of the screen,” according to legend. He was the author of smash-hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London’s West End, and delighted millions of viewers over the years with his starring roles in TV shows like Play School, where he served as a presenter from 1966 to 1969. “

He appeared on television programs like Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop, Skyways, the raunchy Alvin Purple, and Superman Returns, according to the journalist, who is based in Australia where Donald was born. Donald was a stylish delight and always a pleasure to be around. “

Before moving to the UK in the middle of the 1960s to advance his career, Donald enjoyed early success as an Australian stage actor. In addition to writing more theatre pieces, he was able to write comedic plays about three unhappy holiday couples, Caravan. He continued to act, and he had roles in Kenny and Superman Returns.

However, Donald died on Monday in Australia after a brief illness that affected his acting and presenting skills in recent years. In his final days, the performer spent time with Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett, both of whom he was cousins.

In a post on Mr. Bennett’s social media page, Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie, and his hospital room turned into a party. Even in a hospital gown, blue was always his color! He gave his permission to post his final photo, asking, “What the heck! “Vale to a genuine gentleman.” “

Users of Facebook shared their grief over the passing of the showbiz star in a response to the journalist’s post. “Honored to have appeared in two of his plays,” a fellow actor wrote. The ideal gentleman. No one else played the High Court Judge like Donald, either. RIP. “

Another person said, “We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you two, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanor, sharp wit, and of course, his writing abilities. What a lovely, kind man. “

Judge Arun Subramanian had to remind jurors of his instructions on the law almost as soon as the proceedings in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial began on Monday.

Jury deliberations in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial quickly hit a snag yesterday – as two notes were handed to the judge.

A jury received a message that heightened concern that they were unable to follow the 61 pages of instructions the judge had just read to them before the hearings began. Judge Arun Subramanian insists that all jurors strictly adhere to his instructions, even if the proceedings take some time.

The second note, which was sent several hours later, requested clarification regarding the drug distribution instructions, an allegation that was included in Combs’ racketeering conspiracy charge. This was addressed, and discussions are still going on. There are some chances that a decision will be reached this afternoon (UK time).

Diddy, 55, has been accused of racketeering, two counts of prostitution, and two counts of sex trafficking. He denies any wrongdoing. If found guilty, the hip-hop mogul could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Before the jury, which consisted of eight men and four women, began deliberating, the defendant and his supporters bowed their heads in prayer in the courtroom. The musician, who has won three Grammy Awards, must now comb through his or her seven weeks of sometimes graphic and moving testimony.

The trial had been informed of Diddy’s propensity for violence and his sexual preferences, including drug-fueled “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”

Combs bowed his head with his supporters as he sat facing them in the audience while wearing his customary sweater and khakis. They applauded as they were about to finish, along with the hip-hop legend.

The star, born in New York City, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking — relating to two of his ex-girlfriends — and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution for allegedly arranging to fly his girlfriends and sex workers across state lines.

Federal prosecutors and Combs’ defense team made their final attempts to persuade jurors to convict or acquit the musician in final arguments last week.

The defendant used force, fear, and intimidation to obtain what he desired, according to Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik. He believed that the law was being overturned by his fame, wealth, and status.

She claimed that he made it his “close inner circle and a small army of personal staff, who made it their mission to advance his position of power and safeguard his reputation at all costs.”

But Marc Agnifilo, the defense attorney, refrained. He asserted that crime is not the topic here. Money is the topic. He noted that Combs’ accusers in the criminal case brought civil lawsuits against him.

In 2024, artists like Sam Fender, Chappell Roan, and the Foo Fighters performed sold-out shows in Manchester, Liverpool, and the rest of the North West, aiding in the growth of music tourism.

A new report has highlighted the contributions of Sam Fender, Chappell Roan, and the Foo Fighters to the music scene in the North West, contributing to a staggering £1.2 billion increase in music tourism last year. 3.3 million music lovers, including fans from abroad, were drawn to live performances in Manchester, Liverpool, and other hotspots in 2024.

Sam Fender at Co-op Live, Chappell Roan rocking out at Manchester Academy, and the Foo Fighters’ thrilling crowds at Emirates Old Trafford made the region sing with tunes from various genres. Hordes of music lovers poured into the North West to attend events like Parklife, Creamfields, and Beat-Herder.

The commercial benefit was highlighted in the UK Music’s Tuesday report, which highlighted the sector’s support for roughly 9,250 full-time jobs. The significant economic boost from music tourists was fueled by ticket sales, food and beverage sales, merchandise, venue parking, camping fees, lodging, and travel costs.

With about 21.9 million Brits traveling far beyond their typical commute for a spot of live music escapism, the number of “music tourists” rose nationwide. According to the enlightening study, 1.6 million foreign visitors, drawn in by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Burna Boy, also flew in.

The UK economy will experience a record-breaking £10 billion boost in 2024 thanks to 23.5 million music tourists visiting the country, ending a high note for the post-pandemic recovery of the sector.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the country’s vibrant live music scene, saying that music brings people together and makes a big difference, whether it’s at a large stadium or a packed-out local venue. Our music industry is incredibly important to us. It’s one of our biggest exports, inspires young people all over, and is a reflection of who we are as a nation.

She also praised the government’s commitment to the arts, which included the recently announced $ 30 million “music growth package” intended to attract new talent and safeguard venues, keeping the music scene active and reaching new heights.

However, despite the industry’s economic successes, there are still significant financial obstacles to overcome, according to Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music.

“Music has a lot of positive effects for our local communities, but there are still some issues facing our industry, such as the rising cost of touring for artists and the threat of closure,” said Mr. Kiehl.

Every community has the potential for vibrant, diverse music sectors and has something special, according to “From Land’s End to John O’Groats.” It is crucial to empower local leaders to enable growth in a time when the government is pursuing growth and promoting the growth of our musicians, creators, venues, studios, and music industries.

The local music action charter, which UK Music claimed will “help councils and combined authorities create locally tailored music strategies that are in line with their specific priorities,” is presented in the report.

The Local Government Association’s culture, tourism, and sport board chairwoman, Liz Green, commented: “These record-breaking figures demonstrate how crucial live music is to the prosperity of our communities.”

The report serves as a reminder that supporting local music is more than just good sense and that reviving our high streets is a result. To ensure the continued growth of music in every region of the UK, we’re committed to working with local partners.