Category Entertainment News

Freddie Starr was one of the most recognisable faces on TV and a comedy icon, but the beloved performer died alone and penniless in 2019, leaving fans concerned for the fate of his funeral arrangements

Comedy legend Freddie Starr, once amongst Britain’s most cherished performers, was given a proper send-off in the UK after a kind-hearted stranger stepped forward to pay for his funeral when the star died without a penny to his name. The entertainer, who raked in fortunes during his heyday in the 1970s and 80s whilst hosting his own BBC programme, succumbed to a heart attack in 2019 aged 76.

When he passed away, he was residing in a humble one-bedroom property on Spain’s Costa del Sol and was allegedly facing the prospect of becoming homeless.

Fears quickly mounted that the quirky comic would end up with a pauper’s funeral in Spain – a basic burial funded by taxpayers for those without means, typically in an anonymous or shared plot – worlds apart from his desire to be interred back on home soil.

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His Bulgarian carer Nelly Georgieva, who discovered his remains, disclosed that she hadn’t been in contact with his relatives for years, casting doubt over his final send-off until a compassionate stranger intervened, reports the Daily Record.

Speaking at the time, Nelly revealed: “Freddie had bad feelings about back home, he felt the British people had deserted him.

“It would be terrible if Freddie ends up being buried in a pauper’s grave. I don’t want to see that happen but I’m worried if I tried to do something about it his relatives would object,” she added.

Starr, who left behind six children, three former spouses and a widow, departed this world with nothing but outstanding debts and no concrete plans for his burial.

When the late comedian found himself without a benefactor, Sheffield-based funeral director Michael Fogg, who had never crossed paths with Starr, nobly shouldered the costs of his repatriation and funeral, asking nothing from Starr’s family.

Mr Fogg explained his altruistic act: “Anyone who can make a funeral director laugh must be a bloody good comedian. And Freddie Starr could make me laugh. He shouldn’t be buried in foreign land, he should be brought back to be in his own country.”

Fogg’s magnanimity ensured that Starr was returned to British soil, sparing the beloved entertainer the indignity of an anonymous pauper’s burial abroad.

Undeterred by public curiosity, Mr Fogg elaborated: “For those asking why I am paying, well it is my money, it is my business and that is what I want to spend my money on.

“He should be reunited with the people he loved and his family. He shouldn’t be buried in foreign land, he should be brought back to be in his own country.”

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Music icon Lionel Richie was almost the victim of a terrifying home burglary as his mansion was targeted by thieves just after midnight – but his home security systems scared the intruder away

Lionel Richie’s house was targeted by burglars – while the music legend was at home. The 76-year-old Dancing On The Ceiling singer had to contend with an intruder at his Beverly Hills mansion just after midnight on Saturday morning.

The summer of 2025 has been blighted by burglaries in Los Angeles’s most famous postcode. A string of other A-Listers have had their properties ransacked by thieves.

Lionel is the fist big name star that was at home at the time of an alleged incident – and his high tech home surveillance systems have been credited with scaring the intruder away. And authorities are reportedly hopeful footage from his CCTV systems could help secure justice.

READ MORE: Brad Pitt victim of terrifying break-in amid spate of celebrity burglariesREAD MORE: The Masked Singer’s Joel Dommett didn’t recognise Morten Harket after costume removed

TMZ reports that a Beverly Hills Police Department source confirmed the icon’s property was burglarized by a suspected thief. The outlet reports: “Officers received a radio call regarding a residential burglary just after midnight in the 90210 neighborhood, where the famed singer-songwriter owns a property.”

The report went on to name a man who was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary. The District Attorney, however, is yet to formally file a charge – with the investigation reports on Saturday as “ongoing”.

TMZ went on to claim: “Investigators are looking into security footage and other evidence from the scene.” It is believed nothing was stolen from Lionel’s home. The Mirror has contacted a representative of the singer for comment.

Back in June, Brad Pitt’s home in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of LA was targeted by thieves. People reported at the time that a trio of suspects “broke into the residence via the front window, ransacked the location, then fled the location with miscellaneous property.” The actor is in the process of selling the property – for the sum of $5.5 million (£4 million).

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Los Angeles home was targeted by thieves on Valentine’s Day. While other celebs including Real Housewives star Teddi Mellencamp and singer Ashlee Simpson have also been the victims of burglaries in recent months.

Away from crime dramas, Lionel continues to be a judge on long-running US talent show American Idol. He joined the judging panel in 2018 – and the most reason season, the 23rd, concluded earlier this year.

Lionel offered guidance and support alongside fellow singers Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. Jamal Roberts proved triumphant and was crowned the winner in a glittering climax that aired on 18 May.

The show was renewed for Season 24 by ABC just over a week before Jamal was crowned winner – with the next season due to premiere in spring 2026.

The show’s official Instagram account confirmed the news with the caption, “Dim the lights… here we go… #AmericanIdol is coming back for another season!” Lionel, Luke and Carrie are expected to return – along with host Ryan Seacrest.

Music icon Lionel Richie was almost the victim of a terrifying home burglary as his mansion was targeted by thieves just after midnight – but his home security systems scared the intruder away

Lionel Richie’s house was targeted by burglars – while the music legend was at home. The 76-year-old Dancing On The Ceiling singer had to contend with an intruder at his Beverly Hills mansion just after midnight on Saturday morning.

The summer of 2025 has been blighted by burglaries in Los Angeles’s most famous postcode. A string of other A-Listers have had their properties ransacked by thieves.

Lionel is the fist big name star that was at home at the time of an alleged incident – and his high tech home surveillance systems have been credited with scaring the intruder away. And authorities are reportedly hopeful footage from his CCTV systems could help secure justice.

READ MORE: Brad Pitt victim of terrifying break-in amid spate of celebrity burglariesREAD MORE: The Masked Singer’s Joel Dommett didn’t recognise Morten Harket after costume removed

TMZ reports that a Beverly Hills Police Department source confirmed the icon’s property was burglarized by a suspected thief. The outlet reports: “Officers received a radio call regarding a residential burglary just after midnight in the 90210 neighborhood, where the famed singer-songwriter owns a property.”

The report went on to name a man who was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary. The District Attorney, however, is yet to formally file a charge – with the investigation reports on Saturday as “ongoing”.

TMZ went on to claim: “Investigators are looking into security footage and other evidence from the scene.” It is believed nothing was stolen from Lionel’s home. The Mirror has contacted a representative of the singer for comment.

Back in June, Brad Pitt’s home in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of LA was targeted by thieves. People reported at the time that a trio of suspects “broke into the residence via the front window, ransacked the location, then fled the location with miscellaneous property.” The actor is in the process of selling the property – for the sum of $5.5 million (£4 million).

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Los Angeles home was targeted by thieves on Valentine’s Day. While other celebs including Real Housewives star Teddi Mellencamp and singer Ashlee Simpson have also been the victims of burglaries in recent months.

Away from crime dramas, Lionel continues to be a judge on long-running US talent show American Idol. He joined the judging panel in 2018 – and the most reason season, the 23rd, concluded earlier this year.

Lionel offered guidance and support alongside fellow singers Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. Jamal Roberts proved triumphant and was crowned the winner in a glittering climax that aired on 18 May.

The show was renewed for Season 24 by ABC just over a week before Jamal was crowned winner – with the next season due to premiere in spring 2026.

The show’s official Instagram account confirmed the news with the caption, “Dim the lights… here we go… #AmericanIdol is coming back for another season!” Lionel, Luke and Carrie are expected to return – along with host Ryan Seacrest.

The Great British Bake Off returns next month for a new series, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, as well as judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, back in the tent

The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond has revealed the gift that judge Paul Hollywood bought their co-star Noel Fielding for his birthday. She has teased that she’s hoping she will get the same present for her birthday.

Noel, 52, has worked with Paul, 59, since the show, which returns next month for its new series, moved to Channel 4 in 2017. Prue Leith, 85, made her debut in the tent that same year, whilst Alison, 50, joined the crew later in 2023.

Ahead of the show’s return next month, Alison spoke about her colleagues in an interview released this week. The This Morning presenter said that despite Noel having not passed his driving test, Paul bought him a car for his birthday.

Speaking to the Guardian about filming Bake Off at Welford Park in Berkshire, Alison revealed that those who worked on the show were able to travel around the location in golf buggies. She said that it was Noel’s “time to be a driver”.

Alison then shared: “He was extra lucky this year: for his birthday, Paul bought him the car that Noel’s dad had when he was a kid.” She told the outlet that the vehicle was a three-wheeler, with the host describing it as “beautiful”.

She then said: “Now he has to pass his test or it’ll be embarrassing. Someone’s bought you a car and you can’t drive it?” Alison continued by teasing that would be a “bit rude,” before looking ahead to her birthday in February.

Alison said that she “made a point” of telling Paul, who has been on the show since its launch on the BBC in 2010, that her father drove a Mercedes. Teasing that he could get her one for her next birthday, she said “you never know”.

It was previously reported that Paul had expressed interest in Noel getting a driving licence. He was said to have given lessons to Matt Lucas, whom Alison replaced, on go-karts at Down Hall during filming for the show five years ago.

Paul told the Mirror in 2020: “Neither of the male hosts have actually got a driving licence. So I was trying to teach Matt a few little tricks on the go kart and how to drive it at speed. […] It was fun. We need a challenge actually.”

At the time, he went on propose that Noel and Matt should learn how to drive an actual car. He told us: “We need to get a newspaper involved where we end up teaching Noel and Matt how to drive a car. Get a licence for them.”

Alison’s interview was published yesterday ahead of Bake Off returning for its sixteenth series on September 2. Viewers will be introduced to 16 new bakers who will compete for the chance to be named the show’s next winner.

Noel and Alison will be back as co-hosts for the baking show when it returns next month. They will be joined by returning judges Paul and Prue, who are set to critique the efforts of the contestants in a series of challenges in the kitchen.

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READ MORE: Amazon beats Ninja with 30% discount on portable Blast Max blender

The Great British Bake Off returns next month for a new series, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, as well as judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, back in the tent

The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond has revealed the gift that judge Paul Hollywood bought their co-star Noel Fielding for his birthday. She has teased that she’s hoping she will get the same present for her birthday.

Noel, 52, has worked with Paul, 59, since the show, which returns next month for its new series, moved to Channel 4 in 2017. Prue Leith, 85, made her debut in the tent that same year, whilst Alison, 50, joined the crew later in 2023.

Ahead of the show’s return next month, Alison spoke about her colleagues in an interview released this week. The This Morning presenter said that despite Noel having not passed his driving test, Paul bought him a car for his birthday.

Speaking to the Guardian about filming Bake Off at Welford Park in Berkshire, Alison revealed that those who worked on the show were able to travel around the location in golf buggies. She said that it was Noel’s “time to be a driver”.

Alison then shared: “He was extra lucky this year: for his birthday, Paul bought him the car that Noel’s dad had when he was a kid.” She told the outlet that the vehicle was a three-wheeler, with the host describing it as “beautiful”.

She then said: “Now he has to pass his test or it’ll be embarrassing. Someone’s bought you a car and you can’t drive it?” Alison continued by teasing that would be a “bit rude,” before looking ahead to her birthday in February.

Alison said that she “made a point” of telling Paul, who has been on the show since its launch on the BBC in 2010, that her father drove a Mercedes. Teasing that he could get her one for her next birthday, she said “you never know”.

It was previously reported that Paul had expressed interest in Noel getting a driving licence. He was said to have given lessons to Matt Lucas, whom Alison replaced, on go-karts at Down Hall during filming for the show five years ago.

Paul told the Mirror in 2020: “Neither of the male hosts have actually got a driving licence. So I was trying to teach Matt a few little tricks on the go kart and how to drive it at speed. […] It was fun. We need a challenge actually.”

At the time, he went on propose that Noel and Matt should learn how to drive an actual car. He told us: “We need to get a newspaper involved where we end up teaching Noel and Matt how to drive a car. Get a licence for them.”

Alison’s interview was published yesterday ahead of Bake Off returning for its sixteenth series on September 2. Viewers will be introduced to 16 new bakers who will compete for the chance to be named the show’s next winner.

Noel and Alison will be back as co-hosts for the baking show when it returns next month. They will be joined by returning judges Paul and Prue, who are set to critique the efforts of the contestants in a series of challenges in the kitchen.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Amazon beats Ninja with 30% discount on portable Blast Max blender

Cheryl Fergison, best known for her role as Heather Trott on EastEnders, has revealed that she suffered a ‘devastating’ stroke and now relies heavily on her son for care

EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has emotionally opened up about her devastating stroke that left the world she once knew, completely “rocked” and how her son has become her carer.

The 59-year-old actress is best known for her role as lovable Heather Trott on the BBC soap, which she starred in from 2007 to 2012, and again in 2016. But away from our screens, Cheryl has battled with her health, having been diagnosed with stage two womb cancer in 2015, although she didn’t make this public until 2024.

In another worrying health scare, the soap star has emotionally revealed that she suffered a stroke, which left her “unable to walk or balance”. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror ahead of the release of her new memoir, Behind The Scenes, Cheryl said she was at home watching TV when the unimaginable happened.

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“I started to feel funny, with a really bad headache at the back of my head,” the mum of one shared. “I went to bed but couldn’t settle. When I got up in the night to go to the bathroom, my balance completely went, and I had to stop myself from falling over. My whole right side felt numb, heavy and tingly.”

Fearing the worst, Cheryl, who lives in Cleveleys, Lancashire, called her son Alex. “He worked with elderly people and recognised the symptoms. He phoned an ambulance straight away.” She was rushed to a hospital in Blackpool and was told she had suffered a stroke.

The soap star was left unable to walk, with it initially taking three people to help her to the toilet. Cheryl said her stroke was “devastating” as it stopped her from travelling abroad for work and left her unable to drive.

While she is now in recovery, attending physiotherapy and using a stick, she has relied heavily on her son, Alex, who has become her carer. In an emotional chat, she told us: “My son is doing everything for me. He’s been my carer, he’s been my rock, he’s been my supporter.”

Holding back tears, she added: “He’s always there for me, I can’t. He’s always attached to me.”

Speaking further about her recovery, Cheryl shared: “I have had to retrain my brain. I couldn’t even pick up a penny at first.

“You lose the ability to coordinate your hands, to walk properly, your balance is gone. It’s frustrating and makes you angry. But I’ve started to recover; I am coming on in leaps and bounds now.”

Following her diagnosis, she admitted that the stroke has given her time to reflect, especially as she nears turning 60. “Material things don’t matter; they can be lost or broken, but memories are everything. Friends, family and laughter – that’s all that matters,” Cheryl said.

“Going into this new decade is a chance for a new me. I’m not ready to be put out to graze yet.”