Bobby Hart, one half of the iconic songwriting duo Boyce and Hart who were behind some of The Monkees’ biggest hits including their iconic theme song, has died.
The Monkees penned a statement on their Instagram to announce the news. It read: “Very sad news to report: Bobby Hart, the songwriting dynamo who was half of the duo responsible for so many Monkees songs, has died.
With partner Tommy Boyce, Bobby penned tracks like “I Wanna Be Free,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” the iconic ‘Monkees’ theme, and so many more, in addition to his solo songwriting career with hits like “Hurts So Bad” for Little Anthony & the Imperials. He will be remembered for his incredible talent and his innate spirituality.”
The tribute included an old comment from Bobby about his time with The Monkees in which he said: “It’s interesting and gratifying to look back these many years later and see that the Monkees are still with us, and they’re still being played somewhere…the records themselves have been staples that have gone on to sell for years and years.
“They still sound pretty fresh, and that we had an opportunity to do a lot of music that was married to visuals, and so, that in itself kinda seems to ensure that they’ll have a life of their own that’ll probably far outlast mine.” The touching tribute ended with: “You will be so missed, Bobby.”
Bobby Hart was part of songwriting duo Boyce and Hart which penned some of The Monkees biggest hits over the years ( Getty Images)
Following the announcement, fans have flocked to social media to pen their own tributes as one person wrote on X: “RIP Bobby Hart of songwriting/performing duo Boyce & Hart. So many great songs – Monkees theme, Last Train to Clarksville etc.”
Another social media user commented: “So sad to learn about Bobby Hart this morning,” while somebody else said: “Rest in peace Bobby Hart. Reunited once again with Tommy Boyce. Thanks for the wonderful songs, you will always be remembered.”
Yet another expressed: “What? Nooo. 2025 really sucks rocks. We’re losing the great ones daily. Damn. RIP Bobby,” while a fifth added: “Such sad news. He left us with some great songs to keep his spirit alive forever. May Bobby rest in peace.”
Bobby rose to fame in the mid 1960s as part of his singer-songwriter duo with Tommy, with their breakthrough hit coming in 1965 with Come A Little Bit Closer for Jay & the Americans. The same year they wrote, produced and performed the soundtrack for the pilot of The Monkees, including singing lead vocals.
The show’s music supervisor, Don Kirshner later relieved them from their roles as producers, by claiming they were using studio time booked for Monkees songs to record tracks for their own solo projects.
The singer has left behind his wife MaryAnn and two sons from his previous marriage ( Getty Images)
Despite some negative publicity and being unsure of where things stood with the band, the duo attended one of their concerts and were brought on stage by band member Davy Jones, proving there was no bad blood between them.
As well as their work for other artists, the pair also enjoyed their own success as recording artists. They released three studio albums and had five charting singles, including I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight which reached at number eight in early 1968.
In his early years, he served in the army after finishing high school, before travelling to Los Angeles to seek out a music career, where Tommy was also trying to separately pursue a career as a songwriter.
Bobby leaves behind his wife MaryAnn Hart, who he was married to for 45 years after tying the knot in 1980. He was also dad to sons Bret and Bobby Jr from his previous marriage to high-school sweetheart Becky.
One woman went online to share how there was always a “running joke” that her mum looked like a huge Hollywood star, and they were gobsmacked to find out there was truth to the matter
There had always been a running joke that her mum looked like the Hollywood celeb (file)(Image: Getty Images for The Hollywood Sign Trust)
Many people dream about being related to their favourite celebrity so they can hang out with them and find out what they’re really like behind all the glitz and the glamour. And one woman has just found out that she’s loosely related to one huge Hollywood megastar because she’s her mum’s cousin.
The woman took to X to reveal the tale as she said that there was always a “running joke” that Anne Hathaway was her mum’s long-lost sister because they looked so alike. They were gobsmacked to find some truth it it after her mum, who was adopted, finally discovered her birth parents and family tree.
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Writing on the site, the user, who goes by the name Halo, wrote: “My mama was adopted as an infant and we had a running joke her whole life that Anne was her long-long sister because of the physical resemblance being uncanny.
“Last year my mom found her birth parents, only to discover SHE’S OUR COUSIN.”
She then added in another tweet, which read: “Anyway, just want it to be known that Anne is quite literally the actual coolest possible person in the entire world to be related to and I can die happy now.”
Some people had some questions, as one person asked: “Did you ever meet her or it’s just one of those trivia bits that’s cool to know but have no contact with on that side?”
Halo replied: “My mom hasn’t even had the chance to meet her birth parents so, no.”
While other people were just impressed, as someone exclaimed: “Thats a good flex, not gonna lie,” while another added: “Aww, that’s sweet… happy for your mama.”
Despite the positive comments, some people accused Halo of “lying”. She hit back at these accusations by sharing an old photo of her mum where she looked the spitting image of The Devil Wears Prada star Anne.
The woman called Anne Hathaway the ‘coolest person ever’(Image: Getty Images)
She captioned it: “Here is my beautiful mama for all who don’t believe me.”
This photo again went viral, as one person said: “It’s uncanny how much she looks like her,” as Halo replied: “I know right! We had to pinch ourselves after because my family has always joked about it!”
Another added: “Your mom is/was gorgeous, woah.”
While a third chimed in: “The resemblance is crazy.”
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Anne, 42, from Brooklyn, New York, is of Irish, English, German and French descent. Her father Gerald, was a labor attorney, and her mother, Kate (née McCauley), is a former actress.
Anne’s maternal grandfather was WIP (AM) Philadelphia radio personality Joe McCauley. According to The Daily Telegraph, she was named after Shakespeare’s wife.
Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis has emotionally revealed how she and her Die Hard actor husband have developed their own way of communicating as the star struggles following his diagnosis
Bruce Willis and his wife Emma have developed their own new way of communication
Bruce Willis’ loving wife Emma Heming Willis became overcome with emotion as she discussed the new way the couple now communicate after Bruce’s dementia diagnosis.
Bruce, 70, was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. The NHS describes frontotemporal dementia as “an uncommon type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language”. Like other types of dementia, the condition ‘tends to develop slowly’ and gradually gets worse over time.
Bruce’s wife Emma, 47, has opened up on her life caring for her husband Bruce following his diagnosis and revealed how she and Bruce have crafted their own language as the disease stops those with it from being able to communicate.
READ MORE: Bruce Willis’ wife shares devastating progression of Hollywood star’s conditionREAD MORE: Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis blames Die Hard for his dementia symptom
Bruce Willis and wife Emma now have their ‘own language’(Image: Getty Images for Film at Lincoln Center)
Bruce was diagnosed with FTD in 2023(Image: emmahemingwillis/Instagram)
“Bruce and I now have our own language, our own way to be with each other,” she has told The Times. “It’s just about sitting with him, walking with him, listening to him as he tries to verbalise in his own language. Hearing him, validating him. You know,” Emma the stopped before crying gently and adding: “I’m sorry”.
The star’s wife wiped away tears and added: “It’s hard.” Emma called Bruce’s dementia an “unkind disease”. She said: “FTD is just an unkind disease — it constantly takes. Even when you think it can’t take any more, it takes a little more.”
Emma’s book, The Unexpected Journey, about caring for Bruce was recently released, in which she detailed the progression of the disease.
Early on in the book, Emma revealed Bruce isn’t able to communicate with her. She said: “All caregiving journeys can feel lonely and isolating, but the dementia caregiver’s path often feels even more so.
Bruce Willis has five daughters – three with ex Demi Moore and two with wife Emma(Image: Instagram/demimoore)
“The absence of shared decision making or meaningful conversations with your loved one amplifies that sense of isolation. Because Bruce can’t communicate with me (due to the variant forms of FTD he has, primary progressive aphasia) I must make judgement calls for him about absolutely everything.
“I can’t ask him how he’s feeling, what’s wrong, or if something hurts. Instead, I read his body language or look into his eyes to understand what’s bothering him and what he’s experiencing. I compare this to that instinct that you have as a parent.”
Recently, Emma also revealed Bruce had moved into his own home, which she later insisted was in the best interest for her husband and their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. She said: “[It] was the safest and best decision – not just for Bruce, but also for our two young girls,’ she told Michael Strahan. “And, you know, it’s really not up for a debate.”
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However, Emma has admitted to The Times that the move was “one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make”. She added: “But among the sadness and discomfort, it was the right move — for him, for our girls, for me.
“Ultimately I could get back to being his wife. And that’s such a gift.”
Paralympian and BBC commentator Stef Reid has opened up on a pivotal moment after a horrific accident left her needing amputation. She said one nurse’s words changed her life
The star is commentating at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo(Image: Contract Number (Programme))
A conviction that tomorrow could always be better has propelled Stef Reid to dizzy heights, despite losing her right foot in a terrifying accident when she was just 15.
A straight-talking nurse was her saviour when, rather than sympathising, she told the teenager that it was “time to move on.”
An accomplished paralympian, she is commentating for the BBC alongside retired track and field star Steve Backley at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, from 13-21 September. And the challenges won’t stop there.
Already a TV favourite – she has taken part in Dancing on Ice and Celebrity MasterChef – and would jump at the chance to compete in Strictly or I’m a Celebrity.
Stef nearly lost all hope after her accident(Image: (Credit too long, see caption))
And she credits the nurse Claudette’s straight talking 25 years ago for her success. Recalling that day in hospital, she says: “I’d just had a life-changing injury and people accepted my outbursts, but she did not.
“I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t seeing visitors, I just didn’t care. She brought breakfast and I said ‘I’m not going to eat today, just take it away.’ She stared directly at me and said ‘Stephanie, it is time to move on. Others have and you will too.’
“That was quite shocking to me. She was the first person who expected something better from me and the first person who challenged me.
Stef’s first face back post amputation at the Paralympics in Ontario, 2002(Image: Supplied)
“I remember thinking ‘who does this nurse think she is? I am sad and my life has just been transformed – how dare she?’ But maybe I’d just been waiting for somebody to give me a challenge and an element of hope.”
And while she had to learn to walk again and deal with “phantom leg pain” she says: “I was lucky. I always had just enough hope that maybe tomorrow would be better.”
Stef’s life changed in an instant when she was involved in a catastrophic boating accident which led to her amputation.
Forced to quit her dream of playing professional rugby, instead Stef threw herself into athletics, going on to win medals at the Paralympics – becoming a world champion long jumper.
Stef has appeared on MasterChef and Dancing on Ice(Image: BBC/Shine TV Ltd)
Speaking of the accident, during a fun-packed weekend away when she was staying at pal’s family holiday cottage, she says: “We went tubing; it was my first time and it was super fun – you go flying across the water.
“I fell off and I was waiting in the water for the boat to circle back and pick me up, as I had done several times before, but there was a miscommunication and this time the driver had no idea I was in the water.
“I saw him coming towards me too fast. I knew I didn’t have time to move, so I planned to dive down so the boat would pass over the top of me.
“But I couldn’t get under the water, because I had a life jacket on and my lower back and right leg were caught in the propeller.
“The back injury was the most serious – it was a very big, open, messy wound – but fortunately, I had no spinal damage or internal injuries. However, there wasn’t a lot they could do to save my right foot. It was damaged beyond repair and had to be amputated.”
The sports star suffered horrific injuries in the accident(Image: Supplied)
Thanks to Claudette’s sage advice triggering a sea change in her attitudes, she was soon inspired by the opportunities ahead of her, rather than dwelling on the past.
“I thought I was going to die and the accident clarified what’s important in life. That was an incredible gift and I really appreciate it,” she says.
“I could have lost every limb on my body and I still would have been me. I would still have been this person that wants to work hard and train and challenge myself and compete.
“Life throws all sorts of things at you, but we can adapt, we can rise to the challenge. That’s why I would do Strictly or I’m A Celebrity.
“Success is never guaranteed, but any time you’re given an opportunity in life you should say yes. Because not everybody gets them and they don’t always come back.”
Steff is set to head to New Delhi to commentate on field and track at the Para Athletics World Championships(Image: PA)
In the coming week in Tokyo, all eyes will be on heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson – seeking to defend her title – and 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson, who is hoping to go from silver to gold this year.
Then, three days after the event ends, Steff heads to New Delhi to commentate on field and track at the Para Athletics World Championships.
With her positivity and enthusiasm shining through everything she does, she is a million miles away from the despair she felt when she first lost her foot.
“Life looked awful and I thought ‘what is the point in even surviving this if this is what it’s going to be like?'” She admits. “I thought what had happened was worse than death.”
Her talents wowed viewers on Dancing on Ice(Image: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
One great help in staying positive has been the Christian faith she found after her accident – having prayed for the first time in the back of the ambulance rushing her to hospital.
She recalls: “I was very aware that I might not survive and that was terrifying. There was nothing I could do and that was the first time that I prayed.
“I said ‘God, please save my life. I’m out of options and I promise I’ll do better and be less selfish.’
“I have no doubt that God answered that prayer. If my body had been in just a slightly different position I would have been cut clean in half. Or maybe the propellers would have hit my head or an artery and I would have bled out instantly.”
A multiple medal winner at European and World level, Stef won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2008 Paralympics and silver in the long jump at the 2012 Paralympics.
She retired as an athlete in 2022 and has ben on our screens in a host of shows since(Image: Supplied)
In 2013 she appeared in Vogue magazine after modelling for Debenhams when they became the first high street chain to use disabled models in one of their campaigns.
She retired as an athlete in 2022 and has been seen on our screens in a host of shows including Pilgrimage earlier this year.
Away from work, she has recently become an ambassador for Tearfund, a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries.
“What appealed was the way they work,” she explains. “Tearfund go in and work with churches and local communities. That’s key, because they’ve been there long before Tearfund arrived and they’ll be there long after Tearfund has left.
“It’s about bringing resources and opportunities to people that the world has forgotten and helping them achieve their dreams.”
Stef won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2008 Paralympics and silver in the long jump at the 2012 Paralympics(Image: Getty Images for Aviva)
The charity’s work has also helped put her own situation into perspective. “I am probably one of the luckiest people on the planet,” she reflects. “What I went through was incredibly hard, yet I know how fortunate I am in terms of the support that I’ve had.
“My life would look radically different if I did not have access to prosthetic legs. At night, if I wake up and have to pee, I crawl to the bathroom because it’s quicker than putting on my leg. But if I was born in one of the world’s poorest countries, I would be crawling all the time.”
Stef, who lives in Loughborough with her husband-of-16 years, Canadian wheelchair cyclist Brent Lakatos, who was paralysed as a child after a freak ice skating accident, says she turned him down when he first asked her out.
Fighting and overcoming any personal negativity is what also makes Stef an excellent motivational speaker(Image: Supplied)
She confesses: “I just wasn’t interested in dating, but also – and this is going to sound terrible, but it’s honest – he was in a wheelchair. There was an element of me that thought – ‘I don’t want to end up a carer in this relationship.’
“I was a person with a disability who didn’t like people making judgements about my disability and yet I completely judged him.”
But fighting and overcoming any personal negativity is what also makes Stef an excellent motivational speaker.
She says: “Now when I speak to people about disability, I know what I thought before I became a disabled person and I know what I think now. It’s helpful that I’ve lived on both sides with two different identities.”
EXCLUSIVE: Despite rumours of a return to Love Island All Stars after dazzling viewers with her personality last year, Ekin-Su has finally shut down a comeback
Ekin-Su reveals sad truth behind her decision not to return to Love Island All Stars(Image: ITV)
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has finally addressed speculation over a potential return to Love Island, insisting she’s done with reality TV romances and is now focused on finding her “dream man.”
The 31-year-old star, who won the 2022 series alongside Davide Sanclimenti, spoke to The Mirror on the red carpet at the National Television Awards, where she was clear about her priorities as she looks to the future.
“It’s time I moved away from that and found a real man now. It’s time I got married,” Ekin-Su said, shutting down rumours that she might appear on Love Island All Stars again.
Sharing her excitement for the new series of the iconic ITV2 show, Ekin-Su said: “I’m very excited. I’ve heard some rumours of some names. But I’m not going to be on there. I mean I love the show and I’m glad I did it but it’s time I move on.”
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Ekin-Su has insisted that she won’t be returning to Love Island(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
The Turkish-British model recently split from professional dancer Curtis Pritchard, 29, after a whirlwind romance on the January series of Love Island All Stars.
The pair called it quits in May, despite falling head over heels in love on the show. Speaking to The Mirror, Ekin-Su admitted she still has a lot of love for Curtis, but emphasised that she is now focused on her own future and finding a lasting and real love.
“We are [friends]. We are. We still speak all the time, and I’ve got nothing but lovely words to say about him,” she added, revealing that their bond remains strong despite the breakup.
Ekin-Su’s dating history is no stranger to headlines. Before Curtis, she was romantically linked to her original 2022 Love Island partner, Davide Sanclimenti, although their relationship ended amid allegations of cheating.
Ekin-Su opened up about her Love Island past romances (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Curtis and Ekin-su Culculoglu broke up in May after three months of romance(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The much-loved reality TV star has repeatedly made it clear that while she cherishes her past experiences, she is ready to move on from the connections she found on Love Island.
Away from her love life, Ekin-Su has been keeping busy with multiple projects – and things are about to get very exciting for the star.
She will star in the new Netflix reality series Inside: USA, premiering on September 21, living alongside American stars including Selling Sunset’s Breana “Bre” Tiesi. The show, created by the UK YouTube collective Sidemen, follows housemates navigating challenges and life under one roof.
Ekin insists she has no interest in making another comeback to Love Island
In addition, Ekin-Su teased another upcoming project, saying: “I’ve been busy working my as off. I just came back from Venice, now I’m flying to America.
“I’m burnt out, but life is about working hard. You’ve got to grab it with both hands. Something’s coming up in a few months. It’s not a reality show, it’s a different project.”
While she continues to explore career opportunities abroad, Ekin-Su’s message is clear – she’s done with villa romances and ready for a serious relationship. Her focus now is on finding a committed partner and building a life beyond the reality TV spotlight.
As the iPhone 17’s pre-orders open, shoppers seeking a new Apple gadget to go with their new phone won’t want to snooze on this deal that could score them a new Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth £800 for £20
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Lesser-known deal gives shoppers chance to claim £800 Apple Watch for £19.99(Image: Getty)
Since Apple opened the window for the new iPhone 17’s pre-orders, Apple products have been on everyone’s minds. And right now, thanks to this lesser-known offer, shoppers could claim an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which was first released in 2023, for the whoppingly low price of £19.99.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, which would normally cost shoppers a steep £799 at retailers like Very, Amazon, and Currys, is currently included in a covetable bundle at Wowcher. Shoppers can win this smart watch, or one of various other gadgets, for the much more budget-friendly price of £19.99.
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This Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular normally sells for £799(Image: Very)
For many Apple fans, sometimes finding a good deal on the most up-to-date devices and phones can be hard – well, look no longer because Wowcher is offering this Mystery Tech Deal for £19.99, with available gadgets ranging from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to a 50″ QLED Smart TV.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the most up-to-date Apple gadgets available. It boasts an impressive two-day battery life and a rugged look with sapphire glass, so it can take all the beatings shoppers throw at it. It also comes with loads of other features, like a more accurate GPS and diving capabilities.
The 49mm watch features a super-bright Always-On Retina display, ideal for runners and cyclists who need to keep an eye on their stats mid-workout. But you’ll need to be quick – there’s no telling how long this deal will be available for.
The offer has two tiers, the first of which costs £9.99 and includes products like a Riley RSX Electric Scooter worth £299.95 or an RCA 50” QLED Smart TV worth £319.95.
Meanwhile, tier two includes the covetable Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular and an Asus VivoBook 16” Laptop worth £348.95, for the budget-friendly price of £19.99.
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If you’d rather skip out on the deal and would prefer to shop for your new Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular elsewhere, you can find it for £659 at Very or £649 from Amazon or Currys.
