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A Netflix star has been shot dead on a college campus. John Beam, who first found fame as a football coach before starring on Last Chance U, was 66 when he was killed.

He was hit by a bullet while at the fieldhouse at Laney College in Oakland, CA, on Thursday. He was reportedly shot in the head and rushed to hospital. Beam’s family said in a statement that he was a “loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend.”

“Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love,” the family said, requesting privacy. Sadly, John died on Friday morning at around 10am, police officials have confirmed. Police have confirmed it was a targeted attack. Police have credited technology, including cameras at the college, as well as those on private residences and public transport, for helping to identify the suspect.

Cedric Irving, 27, was arrested at a commuter rail station in Oakland on Friday morning at around 3am and police recovered the firearm. He was being held at a local jail on charges of murder and carrying a concealed weapon, according to Alameda County’s inmate locator. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday morning. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

The suspect’s brother, Samuael Irving, told the San Francisco Chronicle that he was stunned to learn of the arrest and that his brother excelled academically and athletically in high school, where he ran track and played football.

Samuael said Cedric grew distant from the family in recent years after an argument with their father. Irving recently lost his job as a security guard after an altercation, his brother said, and then was evicted from his apartment.

“I hope it isn’t him,” Samuael Irving said. He added: “The Cedric I knew wasn’t capable of murder — but the way things had been going, I honestly don’t know.”

Assistant Chief James Beere said on Friday that the suspect was on the campus for a “specific reason,” but didn’t disclose what this reason was. He added: “This was a very targeted incident.”

Beere didn’t say how John and the suspect knew one another, but said that the suspect had been known for hanging around the Laney campus. He had played football at a high school where John had worked at, but not while John was working there

Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a “giant” in the city who mentored thousands of young people, including her own nephew, and “gave Oakland’s youth their best chance” at success. “For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family,” she said.

Beam, who was serving as athletic director, joined Laney College in 2004 as a running backs coach and became head coach in 2012, winning two league titles. He retired from coaching in 2024 but stayed on at the school to shape its athletic programs. According to his biography on the college’s website, at least 20 of his players went on to the NFL.

Beam’s shooting came a day after a student was shot at Oakland’s Skyline High School. The student is in stable condition. Beam had previously worked at Skyline High School, and the suspect had played football there after Beam had already left for another job. The mayor said the back-to-back shootings on Oakland campuses demonstrate “the gun violence crisis playing out in real time.” She gave no indication that they were connected.

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BFFs Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks open up on whether they could take on the mantel from Claudia and Tess as Strictly co-hosts, as rumours swirl about who could be taking over

Besties Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks have opened up on whether they could take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as co-hosts of Strictly, following news of the winning duo’s shock departure from the BBC show after this series. As they’re asked the question during a fun, banter-filled exclusive shoot with Notebook, Sam pipes up, “Pete has to be the new presenter. He has to do it!”, as he shoots a mischievous look at his pal.

But in typical fashion when it comes to the friends’ dynamic, former TOWIE star Pete is less enthused than Sam about the prospect of becoming the nation’s new Tess and Claud. “I’m not ready to cut in a fringe,” he laughs. “Tess and Claudia are so brilliant and so professional, and we’re useless.”

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He adds, “It would be the most chaotic thing in the world, me and Sam doing it. I don’t think Strictly will be asking us any time soon.” But Sam’s as enthusiastic and optimistic as ever. “I’d be very shocked if we got the phone call, but I’d give it a go if we were asked,” he smiles.

The pair’s hilarious podcast Staying Relevant is a huge chart-topping success, with a new book now on the shelves too, and a massive show recently at London’s 02. Pete, who made it to the semil-finals on Strictly last year with Jowita Przystal, also opened up about ‘that’ kiss with his former dancing partner during a routine in the show which garnered instant headlines.

“I brought her out for a dance,” he insists simply. “Part of that was because we didn’t make the finals and I feel like I hadn’t completed the whole Strictly thing.

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“We did a dance that she had choreographed in the first two weeks of us doing the show, the dance she wanted us to perform in the final. And I wasn’t good enough to get her there. But I promised her, one day we’d do it. And where better than the O2?”

Asked if he misses getting on his fake tan and sparkles for the nation, Pete says, “I’ve been to a couple of live shows to support Vicky Pattison, who’s one of my best friends. I love the show and I do keep up with it.

“I miss the routine of it. I threw myself into something that was so far out of my comfort zone, something no one thought I’d do and yeah, I do 100% miss it. It was a very humbling experience and a huge part of my life.”

Was he shocked to see Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit? “It was a big surprise,” Pete admits. “I’m gutted to see them go. I adore both of them, they’re so good at what they do. They are Strictly. They were always so warm to me. I’m sure whoever they replace them with will be fantastic.”

Staying Relevant: The Book by Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks (Sphere) is out now