Mick Ralphs dead: Tragedy as Bad Company co-creator passes away aged 81

The rock legend Bad Company, McClatchy and McCrory, has passed away at the age of 81.

The rock star co-founded the band in 1973 and played guitar until 2016 when he had a stroke. His death was confirmed on Bad Company’s official website late on Monday by complications from this. Ralphs, who was born in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, is “survived by his bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke,” along with his two children, three step-children, and his love of his life, Susie Chavasse.

Our Mick has passed, and Rodgers, who also sang in the band, said in a statement on the website: “My heart just hit the ground. He has created unique memories and songs for us. He was my friend, my musical partner, and the most empathetic guitarist with the best sense of humor.

We had a laugh a few days ago, but it won’t be our last. Many of Mick’s memories will make you laugh. Condolences to everyone who knew him, particularly Susie, his sole true love. I’ll see you in heaven.

In the UK and the US, Bad Company enjoyed success in the 1970s. In 1973, their debut single, Can’t Get Enough, peaked at number five in the US and peaked at number 15 on the UK charts.

Ralphs (left) and Hunter (Mick Burgess) are seen performing at Newcastle City Hall in 2013.

Ralphs would have a significant influence on the band’s success for the next 40 years, giving his final London show in the same year as his stroke. He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist, drummer Kirke said in a statement released yesterday. He will be so dear to us forever.

After serving as members of Free in the 1970s, Rodgers and Kirke made a partnership with Ralphs. Raps, who was the guitarist in Mott the Hoople, persuaded his friends to support the new project, which saw a rise in their standing. Later this year, Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The group’s self-titled debut album, which included hits like Can’t Get Enough and Movin’ On, peaked at No. 3 on the UK album chart and was five-time platinum.

Ralphs, pictured with Rodgers, was part of Bad Company, who had a large following in the '70s
Rodgers and Ralphs were both photographed together in a photo of Bad Company, which attracted a sizable following in the 1970s (WireImage).

In 1975, Bad Company followed up Run With The Pack, which both placed in the top five albums chart. They are best known for their rock anthems, including Bad Company, Rock Steady, and Ready For Love.

Rural Herefordshire, Ralph’s former project, Mott The Hoople, was born there, where he was born. The song All The Young Dudes, written by David Bowie in 1972, ranked third on the UK charts and continues to be a glam rock anthem.

However, Kirke claimed in a 2023 interview that Ralphs had become paralyzed on the left side of his body as a result of the stroke. He stated, “He’s in an English nursing home.” He’s really, really, really, his days of play are over. You’re aware that the previous Bad Company was successful, and I believe we’ll be putting it all to rest soon.

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Neil Young leaves BBC with Glastonbury headache as star makes unusual demand

ExCLUSIVE: Due to potential coverage of Neil Young’s performance on Saturday, BBC bosses are ribbing with him. The 79-year-old legendary rock star is scheduled to play at Glastonbury on September 1.

Another fantastic weekend is on the cards at Glastonbury.

BBC bosses risk falling foul of rock legend Neil Young just days before his Glastonbury gig. The Heart of Gold singer, 79, is one of the biggest names on the bill but it is still unclear how much of his Saturday performance will be on TV. Young is still wrangling with the BBC about coverage. Insiders suspect he will agree to letting just a handful of songs go out on TV or BBC iPlayer. Whether they will be live or part of an edited highlights package is still unclear. A BBC schedule of live sets released to the public omits Neil Young, while mentioning headliners such as Charli xcx and Doechii who play other stages on Saturday.

Neil Young
Neil Young is set to perform in Glastonbury(Image: Getty Images)

Bosses will have to be cautious after the star pulled out of the festival earlier this year because of concerns about “corporate control” at the BBC. He stated in January, “We were informed that BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and that they wanted us to do a lot of things in a way that we were not interested in.

It seems like Glastonbury is no longer under corporate control.

Our schedules and plans are still being finalized right up until and during the festival, according to a BBC spokeswoman. “We aim to bring as many performances as possible from the Pyramid Stage.

Recently, Young has taken principled positions. He claimed a podcaster on the platform had spread vaccine misinformation and had for two years removed his music from Spotify.

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This year, he has also refused to let Ticketmaster use dynamic pricing for his forthcoming tour. When Young played Glastonbury in 2009 only five songs were televised.

Neil Young’s career was conducted on his own terms, according to Mark Cooper, the then executive producer of the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage.

They support the live performance, which retains both its mystery and that of its creator. To give a taste of his set, they have decided to post one song online over the weekend. They made the decision to decide that in the Free World.

You won’t likely find many free Neil Young performances on TV or online.

Kneecap should be axed from the lineup, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer elsewhere in the Glastonbury controversy. The band was scheduled to perform at the 2025 festival, but due to recent events, the PM doesn’t believe it would be appropriate.

He made the statement after Kneecap member Liam g hAnnaidh, who was facing a terror offence, appeared in court. The musician allegedly displayed a flag at a concert in November of last year and made remarks in support of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

Since Liam hAnnaidh is able to play at Glastonbury, he goes by the stage name Mo Chara and was delayed until later in the summer. The festival will begin on June 25 and continue until June 30.

When asked by The Sun if he thinks Kneecap should perform at the annual festival, Starmer said: “No, I don’t. I think we need to come down really clearly on this.

Because there is a court case ongoing, I won’t say too much, but I don’t believe that’s appropriate. On Saturday, the band will play on the West Holts Stage.

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BBC drops another Wynne Evans project as it cuts ties after Strictly drama

Wynne Evans, a former Strictly Come Dancing star, left his live show and radio show earlier this year, and the BBC has since confirmed it has no plans to renew his travel show.

The BBC has confirmed it has no plans for a second series of a travel show featuring Wynne Evans(Image: Barn Media Ltd / BBC Cymru Wales)

The BBC has confirmed that it has “no plans” to renew a show that featured Wynne Evans after his exit from the Strictly Come Dancing tour and his radio show. It’s been suggested that it has now cut its last remaining ties with him.

Following several scandals during his time on Strictly last year and its subsequent tour, it was announced last month that Wynne, 53, would not be returning to his BBC Radio Wales show. A spokesperson for the BBC shared at the time that there were also “no plans” to work with the presenter.

It’s now been specifically confirmed that TV show Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea isn’t set to return after one series. The six-part project, which launched on BBC One in January, saw Wynne and Joanna Page, 48, sail along the southern coast of Wales from the capital city Cardiff to St Davids.

The first series of Wynne’s show with Gavin and Stacey star Joanna ended in February. After previously saying it had no plans to work with him, a spokesperson for the BBC told the Mirror tonight that there are “no plans” for a second series.

Wynne Evans, in a yellow shirt and navy shorts, sat beside Joanna Page, in a blue dress, on a boat.
It’s been confirmed that there are ‘no plans’ for a second series of the BBC show Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, which featured Wynne Evans (left) and Joanna Page (right)(Image: Barn Media Ltd / BBC Cymru Wales)

The travel show’s cancellation, according to a source, “marks the end” of a relationship between Wynne and the broadcaster.” He added that he is currently without any TV or radio projects with them.

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There was always a “huge question mark hanging over the prospect of a second series,” the source said. The BBC has only just announced that it won’t be returning in a public manner. It effectively signals the end of their relationship, according to them, “because Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb.”

Wynne competed on Strictly last year with Katya Jones, 36, as his dance partner. They apologised whilst on the show for what he described as them “messing around,” including over a scene of him with his hand on Katya’s waist.

Then, whilst on the tour earlier this year, it was reported that he had apologised for using “inappropriate and unacceptable” language amid reports that he used the term ‘spit roast’ to host Janette Manrara, 41, at a photocall. Wynne has since insisted that it was instead part of a nickname for co-star Jamie Borthwick, 31, and “wasn’t meant sexually”.

Wynne Evans, in a blue suit, posing beside dance partner Katya Jones, in a gold dress, in an arena in January 2025.
It comes after Wynne, pictured with his former dance partner Katya Jones, left the Strictly Come Dancing live tour and his BBC Radio Wales show earlier this year(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)

Wynne subsequently left the tour and his radio show though after the scandal broke in January. As reported at the time, he said in a statement then: “I’ve agreed with the BBC that I’ll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing.

I regret deeply for the suffering my inadvertent actions have caused, and I intend to revisit this situation for reflection. I’m sorry to those who won’t be able to see the remaining performances, and I’m appreciative of my fellow tour members’ continued support.

He made a more recent announcement last month that he wouldn’t be returning to his BBC Radio show after a month of absence. Wynne stated to his fans that the Wynne Evans Show would be broadcast somewhere else.

From the depths of my heart, he said, “Thank you very much.” Your love has been the source of light during my darkest days over the past few months. You stood by me through more than you could have imagined, in every message, in every word of encouragement, in every moment.

He declared to his audience, “It breaks my heart to know that the BBC has decided not to renew my contract, preventing me from returning to my radio show.” I’m devastated. That program was more than just work; it was home. We were it. We sang while pretending no one was listening as we laughed, cried, and sang. And we eventually became a family through the airwaves. I appreciate you letting me into your homes. into your souls.

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In a statement at the time, the BBC said: “Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC.” The spokesperson added: “He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him.”

Pride of Scotland Awards: Unsung heroes honoured by celebrities at glittering event

Hollywood star Brian Cox, Love Island winner Paige Turley and the First Minister were among the big names who joined us in Glasgow tonight to celebrate our unsung heroes

Susan Boyle at Pride of Scotland(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)

Glasgow rolled out the red carpet this evening to celebrate Scotland’s remarkable unsung heroes with a touch of showbiz sparkle. A constellation of celebs from music, sports, and television world including Deputy First Minister John Swinney assembled at Glasgow Hilton to toast to our inspiring Pride of Scotland Award recipients.

Love Island breakout star Paige Turley was spotted looking stunning as she and Saint Phnx frontman Stevie Jukes took on interviewing duties, catching a moment with the glamorous attendees as they arrived.

Paige, who shone in her sparkly black sequin dress, expressed: “This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition.”

Pride of Scotland
Theo Hardi ran 100 miles to raise money for his little brother Jude’s wheelchair(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)

She further revealed her excitement about the event saying: “As a judge I already know the winners’ stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.”, reports the Daily Record.

Stevie, equally dashing in his velvet jacket and dickie bow, commented: “The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation’s most inspiring people is phenomenal.”

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He then reflected on the true stars of the night stating: “But what the unsung heroes don’t realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater.”

Pride of Scotland
Laura Anderson at Pride of Scotland awards(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)

The ceremony saw the likes of host Elaine C Smith, Scottish Gladiator Sheli McCoy – known as Sabre, cherished singer Susan Boyle, Eastenders icon Laurie Brett, Strictly sensation Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island’s Laura Anderson, and TV personalities Amy Irons and Jean Johansson lighting up the venue with their presence.

Hollywood heavyweight Brian Cox, Star Wars icon Denis Lawson, Game of Thrones veteran James Cosmo, football stars Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, telly host Sanjeev Kohli, funnyman Al Murray, and DJ George Bowie donned their finest for the glitziest bash of the year – yet it was the unsung heroes who truly stole the show at the Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with P&O Cruises.

The ceremony honoured 12 remarkable individuals across eight categories, celebrating everything from extraordinary acts of courage to phenomenal charity fundraising efforts.

One of the loudest ovations of the evening was for Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, aged seven, who embarked on a 100-mile run to fund his brother Jude’s wheelchair.

Pride of Scotland
Special Recognition recipients Asiyah and Jawad Javed(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)

Theo was over the moon receiving his accolade from his idols, Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy, better known as Sabre the Gladiator.

Sheli expressed her admiration: “I was blown away by the love Theo has for his little brother and seeing them together just melted my heart. The bond they have is incredible.”

Special Recognition awardees Asiyah and Jawad Javed were thrilled to rub shoulders with Succession star Brian Cox, who commended the couple for their invaluable community service. Brian praised their efforts, saying: “What an amazing display of community spirit.”

Stewart Miller, who won the Outstanding Bravery award for his daring rescue of a woman from the River Tay during a deadly storm, was presented his trophy by his favourite comedian, Al Murray.

His loyal pooch Troy, who sounded the alarm over a woman in danger, was honoured with a special bravery dog tag. Al stated: “Stewart is such a worthy winner – jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and if Troy hadn’t been there he might not have noticed her plight.”

Dunfermline shop workers Bob Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha and Usman Javid, who confronted an armed robber, shared giggles on stage with the cast of BBC’s popular show Scots Squad.

Napoli and Scotland football ace Billy Gilmour gave Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, a fantastic surprise, acknowledging her efforts to raise more than £51,000 for charity amidst her personal battle with cancer.

Billy, touted as one of Scotland’s finest on the pitch, commented: “Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself.”

Pride of Scotland
Sheli McCoy at Pride of Scotland(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)

A joyous highlight of the evening came when the Ups and Downs – winners of the PandO Cruises Inspiration Award – gave a stirring rendition of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.

The drama group for youngsters with Down’s Syndrome and their siblings leapt up in exhilaration as they received their honour from Strictly’s Dr Punam Krishan, crooner Nathan Evans, and Corrie’s Liam Bairstow.

Nathan remarked: “The Ups and Downs were amazing. When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps. They are pure joy to watch. I had a lump in my throat.”

Laura Young, dubbed the “Vape Crusader” for her pivotal role in advocating for a ban on the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was celebrated with a Special Recognition award.

Coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who heroically descended onto a ship amidst storms to aid two severely injured sailors, was thrilled to be honoured by JJ Chalmers. The Invictus Games and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity expressed his admiration, saying: “I’m in awe of Norman’s composure under pressure.”

King’s Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, battling past domestic abuse to educate front line workers on mental health, and Shane Lee, 26, an autistic individual who landed his dream role at Marks & Spencer, received well-deserved accolades.

Pride of Scotland
Paige Turley and Stevie Jukes attend the ‘Pride of Scotland Awards’(Image: Roberto Ricciuti/WireImage)

Ashleigh’s support dog Blu was recognised with a special tag, becoming the second canine to receive such an honour. Jean Johansson delivered a heartfelt homage to the Speirs family, Special Recognition awardees, who have created a network of holiday homes and flats in their son Calum’s memory, aiding over 3000 families of children with cancer.

The A Place in the Sun host praised the family’s remarkable achievements, stating: “This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum.”

One of the evening’s most touching tributes came from Lorraine Kelly, who honoured Scotland’s Champion Sir Chris Hoy via video link, remarking: “Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives.”

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Call the Midwife star Olly Rix ‘enjoying blossoming romance’ with Casualty co-star

Olly Rix, who plays Flynn Byron on the BBC medical drama, is rumored to be dating a co-star from the show, which he left Call the Midwife.

Olly Rix is said to have grown close to a co-star from Casualty(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Olly Rix is said to be dating one of his Casualty co-stars. The speculation comes after it was previously rumoured last year that he had grown close to colleague Helen George, who plays his on-screen wife on Call the Midwife.

The actor, 40, is now rumoured to have grown close to Anna Chell, 28, since joining the BBC medical drama. Olly made his debut as Flynn Byron on Casualty this year, whilst Anna, who plays Jodie Whyte, has been in the cast since 2023.

The show’s co-stars are now said to have a “blossoming romance” while co-starring. According to the teaser, there may be “hints” of chemistry between them in scenes on Casualty starring their characters.

Olly Rix, in a dark suit, and Helen George, in a blue outfit, in a scene from Call the Midwife.
Olly Rix (right), pictured with his Call the Midwife co-star Helen George (left), is now rumoured to be dating a co-star from Casualty(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)

He is in a “good place,” according to a source who spoke to the Sun. Olly is currently in a really good place right now, according to them, after finding himself uncomfortably thrust into the spotlight toward the end of his time on Call the Midwife.

He was then “settled” into life on the show, they continued. They claimed that over the past year, he has quickly adapted to his new role on Casualty, found a new home in Cardiff, where the drama is shot, and is having a blossoming romance with Anna.

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The source then made fun of the alleged romance. According to them, “Devotees of the drama will undoubtedly be analyzing their scenes together to see if there are any hints of chemistry between them,” assuming they haven’t already spotted any.”

Olly and Anna are said to have appeared in social media posts together recently. The outlet added that they were seen carving each another’s names into stone in content shared by him over the weekend on his Instagram page.

Anna Chell in a blue outfit in a promo photo for Casualty.
He’s said to have grown close to colleague Anna Chell, who stars alongside him on the BBC medical drama(Image: BBC)

Olly made his acting debut on Casualty earlier this year in a March episode that was broadcast. Since then, his character Flynn has continued to appear on the show as a new clinical lead consultant at Holby City ED.

Olly joined cast members like Anna, who had already been on the show for two years. She made her first appearance as nursing recruit Jodie in April 2023, with her debuting alongside co-stars Barney Walsh and Sarah Seggari.

It was announced earlier this year that Olly moved from London to Cardiff to be closer to the BBC’s Roath Lock Studios, where most of the show is filmed. OK! magazine reported that he had been visited by loved ones and he shared: “Work is such a privilege and so much fun, and it can be profoundly pivotal and moving and revelatory, but it’s still just work. It’s not going to hold you at the end, so I know that friends and family are everything.”

Prior to joining the show, Olly played Matthew Aylward on Call the Midwife from 2021 until his exit last year. He was rumoured to have grown close to Helen, 41, who plays Trixie Aylward, at one point after both becoming single.

His connection to Helen previously attracted attention. A spokesperson for her had suggested it was just a friendship in 2023 though, prior to reports in September last year that she had joined a dating app after she ‘split’ from Olly.

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Jessie J gives ‘honest’ cancer surgery update as she shares hospital bed picture

Following her cancer diagnosis, Jessie J underwent surgery to update fans. Jessica recently revealed that she had been “early breast cancer” and would have surgery.

Jessie took some pictures of the final two days and wrote, “Blood warning,” in addition. Some of the most sincere lows and highs of the last 48 hours are included in this post. Any journey I go through will always have both the positive and negative aspects.

Thankful to both my doctor and surgeon, all the nurses who came to see me, and all of my family and friends. I’m now at home to rest and await my results. Chanan is dressed as a nurse. No, he is not, but it’s funny to think about.

She continued, “We’re still hugging everyone right now, going through a difficult time.” This is universally accepted.

Jessie updated her fans via Instagram (@jessiej/Instagram).

Jessie told the 80, 000 audience at the Summertime Ball that this would be her final performance before her surgery a few weekends ago when she gave a speech at the event. She stated, “This is my final show before I go to breast cancer.” You have no idea, so it’s so special to me. Being honest and expressing my feelings makes me feel so special to be from the UK.

“I’m so grateful for this life, for you guys, for my career, for my son,” I said before going to see the things that are so special. My parents and my spouse. My crew, my band, and my family.

She continued, “We are so lucky, we have so much to live for, so much joy, so much to do,” adding: “We are so lucky.”

In a video that was shared with online fans, Jessie made the announcement about her diagnosis. She explained to them, “I have early breast cancer. I’m holding on to the word “early” because cancer stinks in any way.

Jessie said the last 48 hours had been tricky
Jessie claimed that the last 48 hours had been challenging (@jessiej/Instagram).

It’s a very dramatic way to work in a boob, they say. After my surgery, I’ll leave for a while before returning to my hometown with loud tits and more music. I merely desired to be transparent and to share it.

One, she said, “One, because I don’t talk about it enough, selfishly.” Because I’m working so hard, I’m not getting through it. I am aware of how much sharing in the past has helped me because other people have shared their love and support with me and also have their own stories.

I’m a book, open to all. That’s the part that kills me because it breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much worse and worse. Its timing was crazy but also beautiful, and it has given me an incredible perspective at this time. But to be honest, I need a hug and some reflection. You have supported me throughout all of my positive and negative experiences. And I’m not interested in this at all.

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