Category Entertainment News

After being fired for his drug use while on the BBC programme, former Blue Peter icon Richard Bacon underwent a major image transformation.

Richard Bacon, a former Blue Peter presenter, looks almost unrecognisable compared to his time on the popular children’s programme.

At 48, Richard made a name for himself on Blue Peter back in 1997, joining co-presenters Romana D’Annunzio, Katy Hill, Konnie Huq, and Stuart Miles, quickly becoming a staple on children’s television.

However, his good looks suffered a significant blow when he admitted using cocaine in a nightclub in October 1998 and was fired from his position.

His untimely exit from Blue Peter opened the door for Simon Thomas to replace him, and marked Richard as the first host to be dismissed from the family-friendly show.

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Richard has completely transformed his career since those turbulent times, beginning as a TV producer in Los Angeles. He and his wife Rebecca McFarlane, their two children, Arthur and Ivy, reside there.

In July 2024, Richard took to Instagram directly from a sound studio brimming with new concepts, hinting at a fresh talent show format he is developing.

His appearance, which he now wears is a significant change from his Blue Peter days, combines sophisticated grey hair and perspex glasses.

He wrote, “Testing a new music talent show idea/ mechanic with @awsuki today (thanks for flying from Sweden)” in the caption. Consider whether it will actually be bloody good. (It won’t have worked if I never post about this again).

Richard Bacon’s abrupt resignation from Blue Peter at the time was significant news.

Lorraine Heggessey, head of children’s programming at the BBC, commented: “It is sad that such a talented presenter as Richard Bacon has not only let himself and his colleagues down but, most important of all, he has let down the millions of children who watch Blue Peter.”

In his light-hearted tweet from 2023, Richard appears to have since laughed off this incident.

He joked about his previous sacking due to tardiness and gave a cheeky nod to his substance use as he celebrated Blue Peter’s 65th birthday.

After fighting for his life with a lung condition that caused him to be placed in a medically induced coma, Richard has publicly acknowledged his struggles and, in 2018, pledged to stop using substances to improve his quality of life.

He discussed his habits in a conversation with The Times. “I drink too quickly and drink too quickly,” he said. Richard said, “In LA, I’ve been smoking weed [too], four or five drinks a night. Everything is legal there. That will also be stopped by me.

He continued, “I’ll be a better employee, more imaginative, and a better father.”

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The rock group confirmed the news on social media by confirming the death of Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden. Pete Doherty, the band’s frontman, also paid tribute to his late bandmate.

Patrick Walden, the guitarist for the iconic band Babyshambles, sadly passed away at the age of 46. The news was confirmed on the group’s social media on Friday night (20 June), with a heartfelt statement: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death,” they expressed.

We sincerely request respect and privacy during these challenging times, and we consider it very fortunate to have known, loved, and collaborated with him. Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam”.

Frontman Pete Doherty, who had previously hailed Walden as “the best guitar player I’ve ever worked with”, shared the sorrowful announcement on his own pages in a tribute to the late musician.

Doherty founded Babyshambles in 2003 after taking a break from The Libertines as a result of his struggles with addiction, which helped him create hits like “Kilamangiro” and “Delivery.”

Walden left the ensemble slightly earlier, in 2005, because of his own drugfighting struggles, despite breaking up in 2014. A full comeback was never realized, despite Walden’s occasionally making appearances at Babyshambles performances following his departure.

Walden has openly discussed his struggles with drug use and a history of sobriety over the years. Near his North London home, neighbors discovered Walden in February 2016 at the bottom of a flight of concrete stairs.

In a 22 Grand Pod podcast episode in 2023, Walden reflected on his sobriety.

“I haven’t had a drink or anything since I turned 40.” That’s quite a nice statement. However, my entire relationship with it has changed. He declared, “I don’t want it any more.”

However, his musical contributions continue with songs like “The Man Who Came to Stay,” which showcased both his guitar and songwriting prowess.

Fans remember him as a legendary musician as tributes pour in from all over the internet, including “The Best Guitarist of My Generation.” Nobody has a better voice than Asheton from The Stooges.

You’re going to be missed Pat, the best guitarist we’ve ever met, and one of the good guys, according to The Paddingtons, an indie band. Please rest in peace, mate.

A musician was recalled in a heartfelt way by a fan, who wrote, “I’m devastated by this news. Pat had a generous heart. After being assaulted in Camden, I can recall his encouraging words and his assistance. a fantastic musician. His family and loved ones are in my thoughts.

He was a true legend and a key component of the iconic sound of the first album and subsequent shows, according to another commentator. “I was really hoping he would be a part of the reunion absolutely devastating news.”

In a week, Doherty will join The Libertines for a performance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. Doherty, McConnell, Mick Withnall, and Adam Ficek are the band’s current members right now.

Although the new bag from Primark resembles a designer bag in many ways, the price difference is significant.

A new bag from Primark is available that resembles a more expensive alternative strikingly. The high street retailer is known for its affordable fashion and home goods, but it may have just introduced a new crowd-pleaser.

The retailer’s Belted Bucket Mini Tote Bag looks similar to a style by designer brand Celine but at a fraction of the cost. Shoppers can snag the Primark version for £10, while the high end version is currently priced at £1,650 online.

The handles are very similar, with a bucket-shaped handle and a leather-like finish. Both of them have similar handles and gold-tone hardware.

There are also some differences, such as the designer bag’s genuine leather and the synthetic one from Primark. Primark’s bag is plain, while the brand’s iconic logo is gold on the front.

Primark’s full product description read: “Sleek and sophisticated, this mini bucket bag is here to revive your accessories edit. The faux leather fabric is practical yet elegant, while the belt detail to either side adds extra style points.

The gold-toned hardware adds a polished finishing touch, and the bag has a grab handle as well as a cross-body strap, giving it versatility. Use it to complete your favorite outfits and receive numerous compliments!

Calfskin and lambskin lining are described in Celine. finishing in gold. Carry on hands, shoulders, and across the body. Triomphe magnetic closure on a leather flap. strap that can be changed and removed.

Primark’s Belted Bucket Mini Tote Bag is priced at £10, while the Celine Mini Bucket Louise in smooth calfskin comes in at £1,650. This means shoppers could save around £1,640 by opting for the bargain version.

Customers can grab the Primark bag in stores now. You can check availability at your nearest store here.

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His nephew has reported that Hollywood star Jack Betts passed away at home in his sleep at the age of 96. The actor was best known for playing significant roles in the popular television series Friends, as well as Batman and Spider-Man.

He reportedly passed away on Thursday at his Los Osos, California, home in his sleep. Before her passing in 2016, the actor and his Everybody Loves Raymond co-star Doris Roberts shared a home.

An Everybody Loves Raymond fan account honored the actor and confirmed that the pair were not married. Jack had been “best friends” with Doris.

According to a post on Instagram, “Doris Roberts was close friends with Jack Betts, who you will recall from the Cruising With Marie episode. He was a staunch supporter of Marie and played Walter on the ship.

He passed away yesterday, aged 96. He has a long list of credits. As has been reported elsewhere, he wasn’t Doris Roberts’ husband. We did see him with Doris at dinner, and we always enjoyed his company because he had been a long-time friend of hers! I captured this image of Jack and Doris visiting the set for the final episode.

His nephew, Dean Sullivan, told the publication that he had died in his sleep at home, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Through his acting, Jack has a number of notable roles, including in Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, and My Name is Earl. In the Friends episode titled The One With Joey’s New Brain, Jack portrayed Tom. In addition to his numerous acting credits, he also starred as Dracula on Broadway during his incredibly successful acting career, as well as businessman Henry Balkan in the 2002 smash hit film Spider-Man.

After hearing the news, the star’s friends and supporters have rushed to pay tribute. One person said, “Years ago, Jack played an evil character on One Live to Live!!! I adored him and watched him on “Crisis With Marie” with awe and awe.

RIP to a legend, another person said. From gritty westerns to comic book charm, Jack Betts did a lot for the screen.

Another third comment was made: “Dr. Ivan Kipling’s character, Jack Betts from One Life to Live, passed away at the age of 96. He will always be remembered for the Karen Wolek-starring Judith Light storyline.

Jack was born in Miami in 1929, and he later took up acting in a Richard III Broadway play. Although Jack became well-known over the years for his TV shows and movies, he struggled to find fame there because both of his films did not have the same number of airplay as Jack’s.

Clint Eastwood was even his neighbor at one point, according to Jack, who had filmed a number of Westerns at the time. In the hotel right next to mine was Clint Eastwood, he claimed on The Dev Show in 2021. I would go up to my mountain and perform my Western, while he would go up to his mountain and do his. However, my films were distributed [everywhere], with the exception of Canada and America, whereas his films were distributed worldwide.

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Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian musician, has revealed how determination and a little “shamelessness” helped her secure a record deal with Mavin Records in 2012 thanks to Don Jazzy.

Even though she had collaborated with some of its members, the award-winning singer recalled how her initial attempts to join Mo’ Hits Records were unsuccessful.

“Mo’Hits didn’t include me. I’d done some songs with Jazzy and other artists, but I wasn’t officially signed. I went to him and said, “Can you sign me now? ” when he started Mavin.

I re-asked him, “I asked him.” Oh my goodness, I’m not ashamed. I re-asked the question. She revealed in an interview with Afrobeats Intelligence that she had just said “yes.”

Tiwa stated that she had approached several major labels in Nigeria before being turned down for the Mavin deal.

“No, they all said no.” They didn’t believe blending R&amp, B, and Afrobeats would work, in my opinion. They would say, “You’re a great singer, you look amazing,” but I never received a response.

“I sold my car, sold my house in L.A., and declared that I would return to Africa as my next-biggest asset.” I was unable to return to L.A. and begin writing again. She remarked, “I had to stay.”

The 45-year-old singer claimed that her success came with the success of her debut single, “Kele Kele Love,” which made her known to the Nigerian audience. However, it was the follow-up, “Love Me,” that made her a star.

When “Love Me” dropped, people thought, “Wow! This musical instrument might actually work, in my opinion. “

The secret to success is label signing.

Tiwa Savage, known as the Queen of Afrobeats, said it helped her develop as a businesswoman while also shaped her as an artist.

Mavin still feels like family to me. I’d go to Jazzy’s room if there was a problem, and we’d all gather there: Sid, Reekado, and Tega. She said, “We’d cry, talk, and get through it.”

Most labels don’t consider your personal circumstances, but Mavin made it feel different. Don Jazzy is more interested in you than just your stats.

One woman’s mother also pointed out that choosing the ideal label only became apparent after she left.

Who you sign to is very important, Tiwa said. It wasn’t appreciated until after I left. Once you stop producing hits, some labels view you as a dollar sign.

Tiwa became the first Nigerian female artist to join Universal Music Group (UMG) in signing a global deal in 2019. Their seven years of dating were deemed “epic,” according to Don Jazzy.

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Why Her Son Won’t Be A Musician?

The singer also discussed the difficulties of juggling motherhood and work, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Even at two a.m., I was always at home recording and watching things. I disliked that my son and I weren’t having fun together. The singer said, “I couldn’t keep work from my home.”

Tiwa said she is firmly opposed to her son pursue music despite the toughness and darkness of it, citing the humour and ferocity of the genre.

There’s no way for him to enter music, she continued. No Hell. I’ve witnessed parents who are successful in music pressure their children to follow, even when they are not gifted. He must choose his own path, I want to see. Music is difficult.

The Afrobeats star reiterated her previous commitment to signing artists herself, expressing her frustration with the technicalities of doing so.

“My heart won’t take it,” the statement read. Very little is achieved in this area. Even if you have luck and get hits, she said, it’s even more difficult to keep a career going for five or ten years.

Mentally, it’s draining because “people think you’re wealthy, but you still have to look the part even when you’re not making a lot.”

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Gender disparity in the industry

Since Afrobeats started to gain popularity with artists like Wizkid and Davido, the genre has largely been dominated by male artists, with fewer women enjoying the same amount of attention.

Most female artists are still attempting to break into a largely male-dominated field despite the presence of many talented female artists.

However, Tiwa criticized the way that women are frequently viewed differently from their male counterparts in light of the ongoing issue of gender bias in the Afrobeats scene.

I detest the statement, “I hate that’ for a woman.” Like, “You’ve done well for a woman,” for example. It is overly male-dominated.

“I don’t want to fill a spot on a lineup just because I’m the only woman there.” Because I’m the best, I want to be there. Even after ten years, I find it hard to believe I’m still fighting these battles.

The 45-year-old singer also made a point about the contentious appearance of her 2024 single “Wanted” in the music video for her controversial appearance following public criticism that she was no longer “more desirable”.

“My time had passed, and there was talk that I was married.” So I said, “Let me do something crazy.” I wanted to challenge that narrative, she said, but it wasn’t just to be sexy because I’m naturally a tomboy.

Savage claims that Tunji “TJ” Balogun, her ex-partner, was responsible for the majority of the image shift.

She remarked, “He told me to start waxing, and wear wigs; he changed my appearance.” In a T-shirt and baggy jeans, I was a songwriter. Let’s give them the African equivalent of Beyoncé, he said. Although the backlash was not my thing, we persevered.”

Starting Late, Maintaining Relevance&nbsp

The mother of one asserted that her career came to her with more experience than many of her peers, giving her an advantage in the field.

I didn’t start out young. When I was in my forties, I released my first single. However, as I studied music, I became familiar with terms like “in perpetuity” and “first right of refusal.” That was a big help, Tiwa said.

Tiwa questioned how she managed to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field by taking chances and building on her mistakes.

The singer remarked, “This project I’m working on right now is a risk.” I’m not sure if it will work. But I never fail to take responsibility. I take lessons from it if it fails. Never let failure derail me.

Savage also reaffirmed her joy at seeing Afrobeats become popular recently, but she also expressed concern about losing one’s identity, putting emphasis on the need for Africans to master their own narratives and creativity.

On Saturday, SUGA, a member of the K-pop megaband BTS, will officially complete his mandatory military service, completing each of the group’s seven total return from active duty.

Due to tensions with the North, South Korea’s most lucrative musical group has been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 as its members have mandated that all men under the age of 30 perform the service that is required of all South Korean men.

Before the group’s widely anticipated return to full-time activities, SUGA will be the last to finish his service.

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His final day comes to an end at 11:59 p.m., according to the South Korean Military Manpower Administration and the band’s agency HYBE.

The rapper, who previously served as a social service agent as an alternative to military duty, effectively left on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave, according to his label.

I wanted to “Above everything else,” the statement read. SUGA expressed gratitude to the group’s supporters on Weverse, who have since waited for me all this time.

“I’m so sorry for you,”

The Korea Culture and Tourism Institute estimates that the megaband had a yearly economic impact of more than 5.5 trillion won ($4 billion) before entering military service.

Analysts anticipate a rise in HYBE’s operating profit next year, partially due to BTS’s anticipated return to big-scale touring, with some projections projecting a 71% increase from the previous year.

“It is impossible to overstate the significance of BTS’s reunion with HYBE, K-pop, and South Korea as a whole. They are unique in their portrayal of the Korean Wave, according to Yale University sociology professor Grace Kao.

“I believe their upcoming tour will be their biggest yet,” he said.

Bandleader RM has been spotted at Art Basel, Switzerland, with “Old Boy” filmmaker Park Chan-wook performing at a piano recital alongside “Old Boy” ambassador Park Chan-wook, and band leader V has been spotted at a Seoul concert.

Soft power

One of the best instances of South Korea’s soft power is BTS, who has been hailed as a hero for years, even going to the White House in 2022.

They have publicly addressed issues of mental health and anti-Asian crime, and they have also donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2019, encouraging supporters to contribute the same amount.

According to Keung Yoon Bae, a professor of Korean studies at Georgia Institute of Technology, the rise in K-pop has also helped to lower discrimination against Asian artists.

Singers like Eric Nam, who was born and raised in Atlanta, have previously discussed their desire to relocate to Korea because they believe it was impossible for them to pursue a musical career in the US as an Asian.

“Today, groups like BTS and Blackpink seem to be dissolving that sense of impossibility,” BTS said.

SUGA was fined 15 million won ($10,933) last year for operating an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol despite the widely acclaimed accolades.

In a message posted on Weverse on Saturday, he once more apologised for the incident.

“I’m sorry for the disappointment and concern I caused as a result of what transpired last year. Knowing I caused pain to my fans broke my heart, he said more.