Archive May 20, 2025

Staggering amount Rolf Harris’ wife left in will after standing by disgraced star’s side

Alwen Welsh, the wife of Robert Harris, passed away last year at the age of 92, one year after her scandalous husband, and her staggering estate has now been revealed.

Rolf Harris and his wife, Alwen(Image: Getty Images)

The amount Rolf Harris’ wife in her will has been revealed – and it’s massive. The disgraced TV star died aged 93 in May 2023 from neck cancer and left behind a huge £16million fortune. Now, it’s been revealed how much his wife Alwen Hughes left in her own will.

Her death came in August last year, aged 92, one year after her husband. Hughes had stood by her man despite him being found guilty on 12 counts of indecent assault against four girls and young women.

The Welsh sculptor and jeweler passed away with a staggering $4 million following. According to documents, her estate, at the time of her death, was worth £3, 975 and 950 before being reduced to a net worth of £3, 840 and $532 after taxes.

Alwen Welsh with Rolf Harris in 2006
Alwen Welsh with Rolf Harris in 2006(Image: Getty Images)

Her will, which was reportedly written in July 2018, was said to be very complex. The former Animal Hospital presenter passed away a few years later. She had also mentioned her husband.

However, it was discovered that Ava Reeves, the couple’s daughter, was the main beneficiary after Harris’ death. The official document also included the names of additional relatives.

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In 1958, Harris and Welsh wed. Despite his convictions, she remained by him and watched every day of Harris’ initial trial, along with their daughter Bindi, who later changed her name to Ava in an effort to end ties to Harris’ tarnished legacy.

Last month, Harris’ mansion was put up for sale, two years after his death. The riverside property in Berkshire was quietly listed with an asking price of £4million.

A source told the Mirror at the time that Ava had been attempting to sell the property, reporting that Ava had been seen attempting to leave about a month ago.

She wants to sell it, but she isn’t in a rush and doesn’t need it all that much, so she is holding out for a good price. “Potential buyers have already started the viewings.

One year prior to Welsh, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, died of neck cancer at the home in May 2023, at the age of 93.

The former presenter was found guilty of a dozen indecent assaults against four young girls and was sentenced to five years and nine months in jail in July 2014.

Continue reading the article.

Between 1968 and 1986, he committed his crimes. One of Harris’ friends, who was 13 or 19 at the time, was accused of sexually assaulting one of her daughter in one instance.

During his final hours while surrounded by loved ones, Harris is said to have made an emotional request to his daughter through a feeding tube. His parting words were reported to be: “I always believed we would go on longer together but, if I go first, promise you’ll take good care of your mum.”

Kevin Spacey Says ‘Glad To Be Working Again’

On the sidelines of the Cannes film festival, Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey accepted a lifetime’s achievement award from a charity. He declared on Tuesday that he was “glad to be working again.”

Spacey’s attendance at a gala dinner hosted by the Better World Fund&nbsp is yet another positive step in the recovery of the famous actor who has been plagued by sexual assault allegations.

“It’s amazing how much love and affection surrounds me. In the week since the announcement of this award, he told reporters at the event, “I’ve heard from so many of my friends, coworkers, and co-stars.” It’s very nice to be back, he said.

When questioned if a comeback was imminent, he responded, “I’m glad to be working, I’ll tell you that.”

Read more about French rapper Laid To Rest at the age of 31.

Spacey hasn’t been seen on the red carpet since 2016 as a result of the main festival’s pressure from lawmakers and #MeToo anti-abuse activists, which has led to the invitation to Cannes.

Theo Navarro-Mussy, a French actor who denies rape allegations made by three women, was last week prohibited from the premiere of a French movie in the competition for the festival’s top prize.

When contacted by AFP, a festival spokesperson declined to comment on Spacey’s presence in Cannes.

In 2023, Spacey was cleared of nine alleged sex offences in Britain, and a New York court dismissed a $40 million civil sexual misconduct lawsuit brought against him in 2022.

However, a British television documentary called “Spacey Unmasked” made fresh allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in May.

In it, Spacey was accused of acting inappropriately toward 10 men who are not parties to the UK court case against him.

The 65-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing.

Ruari Cannon’s attorneys informed AFP in February that the actor, who served as artistic director of Spacey and London’s Old Vic Theatre between 2003 and 2015, would file a lawsuit with Britain’s High Court.

Cannon, a 53-year-old American star, claimed in the documentary that Spacey touched him inappropriately in London at the age of 21.

Adam Ramey dead: Rap-metal band Dropout Kings singer dies at 32 as group pays tribute

The lead singer of hit rap-metal band Dropout Kings has died at the age of 32, his heartbroken bandmates have confirmed. The band released a statement to announce the tragic death of their “brother” Adam Ramey.

The band wrote: “Life comes at you in ways you can never predict. The rollercoaster of chasing your dreams and building with your brothers and friends is a joy few get to know… With the heaviest hearts, we share that our brother, Adam Ramey, has passed away.

“His passion, energy, and love for music shaped Dropout Kings and touched countless lives. Adam’s spirit, charisma, and energy will not only forever inspire us, but will push us into the future to be the best that we can.”






Adam Ramey has died at 32
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adam_ramey/Instagram)

They signed off their Facebook post: “Thank you for everything, Chip. Rest in power, Adam. We’ll always love you, fam.”

While no cause of death was confirmed in the statement, a GoFundMe page set up by his brother-in-law following the sad news said the star had died by suicide. The description on the fundraiser, which was set up to help support Adam’s child and wife, read: “On May 19th, just five days before his 32nd birthday, we lost Adam Ramey—beloved husband, father, son, and lead vocalist of Dropout Kings—to suicide after a long and painful battle with addiction.

“Adam wasn’t just my brother-in-law. He was like a real brother to me. He saved my life during one of my darkest times and always showed up for the people he loved.

“He brought life and energy to every room, every family gathering, and every stage he stepped on. Watching him perform—especially at local shows in Phoenix or when he came to Tampa—was unforgettable.”

It continued: “Adam loved deeply. He was a devoted husband to my 29-year-old sister, Jamie, and a proud father to their 18-month-old son, Jude. He was also an incredible uncle, friend, and human being.

“Now Jamie is left grieving the love of her life while raising their baby boy alone. She’s facing not only unimaginable heartbreak but also the financial weight of funeral expenses and legal costs.”

The fundraiser had set out to raise $30,000 to help Adam’s wife and child. At the time of writing, over $21,000 had been raised by almost 200 donators.

*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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PHOTOS: Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After Attending Pope’s Inauguration

Following his visit to Rome to welcome Pope Leo XIV, President Bola Tinubu has since returned to Nigeria.

On Tuesday evening, he was met by a delegation of senior government officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, George Akume, the secretary of the Federation’s government, and Abdullahi Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, were among those who welcomed the president.

The president was in Italy on Saturday at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport and on Sunday at Pope Leo’s inauguration as Rome’s 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.

VIDEO: Tinubu and Pope Leo XIV attend the ceremony in Rome.

The president and the new pope exchanged brief words during the reception following the inaugural mass held in St. Peter’s Square, as recorded on a video on his official X handle.

At the installation mass, Tinubu and other world leaders from the United States, including Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, and vice president J. D. Vance.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on May 8, addressed the occasion of his inaugural mass by urging people to show their support for the need to end the exploitation of nature and the marginalization of the poor.

In order to promote national stability and quick development, Tinubu urged Nigerian leaders and citizens to use diversity as a weapon of strength rather than division while in Rome.

During Pope Leo’s installation ceremony, the president also had a meeting with Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for president in the 2023 election.

See below for images of Tinubu’s country visit:

On May 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu arrives from Rome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport.
On May 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu arrives from Rome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport.
On May 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu arrives from Rome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport.
On May 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu arrives from Rome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport.

Why is Israel expanding its war on Gaza?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the “forcible expulsion of Palestinians” from Gaza.

Palestinians are being forced to leave their homes once more as Israel expands its operations in Gaza.

Palestinian commentators have long been saying that the Israeli prime minister has promised to seize the entire strip.

The “forcible expulsion of Palestinians” from Gaza will be the end result, according to Benjamin Netanyahu.

He claimed he only works to appease his supporters in the United States while partially lifting a strip blockade that is currently in its third month.

What does this mean for Gaza’s future and for the Palestinians who are experiencing displacement, starvation, and the constant threat of dying?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:

Former US ambassador and former diplomat from Palestine, Afif Safieh

The Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development, led by Lex Takkenberg, is its senior adviser.

Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon’s health fear on set as midwife stepped in

From having her hair yanked out during a cat fight to giving birth on a beach, Maria Connor star Samia Longchambon has done it all. Celebrating 25 years on the cobbles this month, she reveals what keeps her on her toes

Maria Connor – played by Samia Longchambon – is a Coronation Street stalwart(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

From catfights with Tracey McDonald to giving birth on a beach, during 25 years on the cobbles there is little that hairdresser Maria Connor hasn’t done.

Still at the centre of the biggest storylines, alongside her husband Gary and son Liam, Maria – played by Samia Longchambon – is a Coronation Street stalwart.

Yet Samia, 42, who joined as kennel maid Maria when she was just 17, says she is too superstitious to decorate her dressing room in case she is “tempting fate.”

She tells The Mirror: “I feel like if I decorate it then it’s as if I’m getting a bit too comfortable and I’m tempting fate and something might happen. Some people have literally wall-papered their dressing rooms and covered them in pictures and posters and fairy lights. Mine looks quite plain.

READ MORE: Coronation Street fans baffled as Mick actor Joe Layton’s real accent revealed

Samia's character is at the heart of the show's biggest storylines
Samia’s character is at the heart of the show’s biggest storylines

“Maybe I’m superstitious, but in the back of my mind I feel if I get too settled, the rug might be pulled from under my feet. If I decorate my dressing room it might look as if I’m taking it for granted that I’m going to be here. I don’t feel that way. Every year when I get my new contract, I have a glass of wine to celebrate. It’s such a special show.”

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Corrie also gives her the perfect balance between work and family. She continues: “There have been times over the 25 years when I’ve thought ‘oh, maybe it’s time to move on.’ I was young and ambitious and hungry to act. But that was more so before I had my kids. Because since I’ve had them, it’s been a brilliant place to work. I get great storylines and I also get to go home and tuck my kids into bed every night. That’s priceless to me.”

On screen Maria has enjoyed several steamy affairs. However, in real life, Samia lives happily in Cheshire with her husband, Dancing on Ice star Sylvain Longchambon, 44, and children, Freya, 15 and Yves, nine. But Maria feels like a friend, says Samia, who adds: “She’s annoyed me at times, she’s made me cry, she’s made me laugh and she’s made me cringe. I know her very well. She almost feels like a friend.”

Looking back over her quarter century in Weatherfield, Samia’s standout moments include making her debut as a kennel maid in 2000. “The brief for the audition was that Maria was a female version of Tyrone Dobb,” she says. “I spent about a year like that and then Maria had a bit of a style make-over. So mini-skirts and high-heels replaced the fleeces and wellies.”

Samia was only 18 when she went to my first BAFTAs
Samia was only 18 when she went to my first BAFTAs.(Image: Press Association)

A year later she went to her first BAFTAs in 2001. “I was only 18 when I went to my first BAFTAs. I wore a pair of jeans with ‘I love freedom’ and the American flag across the bum and a blue corset top. What the hell was I thinking? And I had these awful blue clip-on hair extensions, which I thought was a good idea at the time.”

Her other on screen highlights include living with Jack and Vera Duckworth in 2001. “Maria lived with the Duckworths for a while and Bill Tarmey (Jack) and Liz Dawn (Vera) were more than just work colleagues; they were literally like a second family. They were always there to help. The thing I’m most grateful for is that when I was a teenager Bill told me to start a pension. I’m super thankful for that now!”

And in 2006 she got into a brawl with Tracy Barlow. “I remember Tracy she threatened to rip out Maria’s hair extensions. I don’t have hair extensions, but Kate Ford (Tracy) properly went for it, pulling my hair. We do have good fight coordinators, but I’m not going to lie, it did hurt. It’s got to look real, so there are a few bumps and bruises afterwards. I ached the next day!” Then in 2009 Maria gave birth to Liam.

Maria (then known as Samia Ghadie) moves in with Tyrone (Alan Halsall) and the Duckworth's - Vera (Liz Dawn)
Maria (then known as Samia Ghadie) moves in with Tyrone (Alan Halsall) and the Duckworth’s – Vera (Liz Dawn)(Image: Granada Television)

“At the time I was giving birth to my screen son Liam, I was actually four months pregnant with my daughter Freya. Corrie said they needed my midwife on set, because for me to pretend to give birth, I had to push to make it look real. My midwife was concerned that I didn’t push too much, as she didn’t want me to harm my actual baby.”

And she reveals how she once nearly cut off Tracy Barlow’s hair because she was concentrating on her lines while holding a pair of scissors. “It’s difficult sometimes to multi-task and I once almost chopped off Kate Ford’s fringe,” she adds.

“I had the scissors and comb in my hands. I was concentrating on my lines and I put the scissors really close to her scalp – I was a millisecond away from closing them. She’d have been left with just a tuft of hair. Now I stick to straightening hair or folding towels, which is safer!”

Some of Samia’s other highlights playing Maria include:

Kissing scenes (any year)

“Kissing scenes are always cringe. They’re always choreographed and you know how long you’ve got to do it, so it’s very technical and although it might look very romantic, it’s definitely not. In the early days, Maria was with Tyrone, so I had to kiss Alan Halsall loads. That was weird because Alan is literally like a brother to me; I’ve known him since we were kids. ”

2016 – fountain fight with Eva Price

“They got me a stunt double, because Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) threw Maria into a stone fountain and they were frightened I might hit my head. But I actually wanted to do it myself, so the main part of the fight was me and Cath. We were literally in there all day. They were bringing us cans of coke for sugar to keep us going. She kept dunking me under again and again – for three days after I could smell pond water in my nostrils!”

Maria covered in chocolate milk
Maria covered in chocolate milk

2017 – Maria covered in chocolate milk

“Maria hit a pinata in the Rovers and Eva had put chocolate milk inside it. I was covered in it for a good part of the day – they just keep pouring it on you between scenes to make it look like it’s still dripping. It wasn’t nice.”

2024 – Maria’s son Liam contemplates suicide

“It was a big responsibility to get this storyline absolutely right. Unfortunately, bullying is a common occurrence. I was bullied myself and being a mum you worry about your own children. It’s quite draining when you have to cry repeatedly day after day, but it was a brilliant storyline that helped a lot of people. We got a lot of messages saying thank you and that their children had opened up to them as a result of it.”

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