Blur star announces new tour with a twist in latest Britpop renaissance

As the Britpop revival continues to captivate the nation following Oasis’ successful summer this year, a big star from the 1990s has revealed their most recent tour dates.

Hot on the heels of the electric Oasis UK tour dates, another Britpop legend is preparing for a tour of his own. Fans were left in awe of the spectacle put on by the Gallagher brothers on the big stage, and fans of the era will be chomping at the bit for the latest announcement.

After a spectacular world premiere that closed this summer’s Big Feastival in front of over 20,000 fans, Blur star Alex James is ready to send his Britpop Classical on the road for its first ever UK tour in March next year. In it, he will bring hits of the Britpop era to life alongside a live orchestra.

It will tour the United Kingdom, stopping at the Royal Albert Hall before moving on to cities like Manchester, Brighton, Newcastle, and Glasgow. The show incorporates the best songs from a golden age of British music, which was produced and performed by Blur bassist and Big Feastival founder Alex James.

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Special renditions of classic songs from The Verve, Blur, Oasis, and Pulp to Supergrass and The Verve will be performed live by the London Concert Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

Phil Daniels, Saffron of Republica, and Gary Stringer of Reef will join James in doing so. Additional names should also be made public.

James spoke of the occasion, citing the fact that “somehow all of these songs now mean more to people than they did when they first came out. They really appeal to the generation of my children.

“Feastival’s revival with a symphony orchestra, a kick-ass band, some old friends, and some very special guests totally blew the roof off,” said the artist, “I can’t wait to take this show on the road.”

The production was handled by RG Live’s Director of Events Owen Kent, who stated, “The crowd reaction made it immediately obvious we had something special on our hands.”

“Britpop Classical transforms songs that are already in vogue and reinvents them in a powerful and exhilarating way. What we believe will be one of the must-see shows in 2026 is best launched by opening the tour at the Royal Albert Hall.

It follows the huge success of the likes of Oasis this summer, who were joined by Richard Ashcroft. And the Mancunian brothers are now also eyeing up Oscars success with a movie version of their reunion.

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Behind-the-scenes footage from their reunion tour will be included in a film that will be made available. The documentary, which is being produced by Magna Studios, includes Noel and Liam’s first encounter with them.

According to reports, the well-known siblings believe they have a chance of winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film and the Baftas equivalent.

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BBC in sudden schedule change after death of Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales

Following Prunella Scales’ passing at the age of 93, the BBC has made plans to honor her. Her family’s emotional statement confirmed her passing.

The BBC will now air an episode of the series on BBC One at 8pm tonight (Tuesday, October 28) as a show of respect. The broadcaster confirmed that The Builders is the second episode of the first season’s second season. It was first broadcast on the BBC on September 26, 1975.

Scales played the clumsy hotelier Basil Fawlty’s wife Sybil in the beloved BBC comedy series, which she starred in. According to a statement from her sons Samuel and Joseph to the PA news agency, the actress passed away “peacefully at home in London yesterday” and had been watching Fawlty Towers the day before her passing.

She continued to live at home, the statement further added: “Despite her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she. Pru and Timothy West were 61 years apart. In November of this year, 2024, he passed away.

The cast of Fawlty Towers, (L-R ) Prunella Scales as Sybil, John Cleese as Basil, Connie Booth as P
Prunella Scales as Sybil, John Cleese as Basil, and Connie Booth as P (PA) are the actors in Fawlty Towers (L-R).

She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, seven grandchildren, and two stepdaughters. At the end of Pru’s life, we would like to thank everyone who assisted her with such wonderful care, ensuring that she spent her final days peacefully, happy, and surrounded by love.

The BBC’s comedy director, Jon Petrie, expressed his condolences, saying, “We at BBC Comedy are so sorry to learn of Prunella Scales’ passing. She was a national treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty captivated audiences today and continues to make us laugh. Her family and friends are in our thoughts and we send our love and condolences.

Co-star John Cleese also expressed his sadness in a statement, “How very sad. Pra was a fantastic comic actress. While researching for a book, I recently watched a few clips of Fawlty Towers. She was flawless scene after scene.

He also said, “She was a very sweet lady who dedicated her life to making amends.” I used to make fun of it. I had a lot of fond memories of her.

In 1976, Fawlty Towers won the Bafta for best scripted comedy, and the film celebrated 50 years since the comedy show first aired on television. In the Fawlty Towers stage production, Mia Austen, the performer who plays Sybil, described it as “a privilege” to take on the role Scales made famous.

LONDON - APRIL 20: Prunella Scales and Timothy West are seen entering Broadcasting house before the Queen visits to mark the anniversary of the granting of the Corporation's Royal Charter ahead of her 80th birthday tomorrow on April 20, 2006 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II will view building plans for Broadcasting House and unveil a plaque (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Prunella Scales and Timothy West (Chris Jackson, Getty Images)

West End venues will honor her memory by dimming their lights for two minutes at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30. Scales was accomplished on stage as well. According to Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman, “Clearly Prunella Scales was part of a golden era of British comedy, someone whose talent was beamed into people’s homes over many years and gave many people a huge amount of enjoyment,” Downing Street extended its sympathies to Scales’ relatives. Of course, the Prime Minister expresses her family all of his condolences.

A diagnosis of vascular dementia was made for Scales in 2013. In 1973, Scales and Ronnie Barker co-starred in the BBC television program Seven Of One, which also featured her as Queen Elizabeth II in Alan Bennett’s A Question of Attribution.

Her husband, Timothy West, passed away in November of this year, and she has appeared on television shows like Coronation Street and EastEnders, as well as Brass and Not Going Out. The pair shared a tenth episode of Channel 4’s Great Canal Journeys, in which they traveled across the country and other parts of the world, where they discovered various waterways. They also opened up about Scales’ condition.

Their show’s final leg was broadcast in June 2019. West and his wife were first spotted exhibiting symptoms of her condition while she was performing on stage at the Greenwich Theatre in 2001 in a joint interview that they gave to BBC Breakfast in 2023.

Scales made a significant career breakthrough with her role in the Marriage Lines, a 1960s sitcom that also aired in numerous BBC Radio 4 comedies.

Her varied work included roles in After Henry, Long Day’s Journey Into Night on stage in the West End in 1991, and West’s portrayal of the widow Sarah.

She also appeared in motion pictures like Sir Jonathan Pryce and the 1987 film Consuming Passions, both of which had Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Sir Jonathan Pryce as actors. The Alzheimer’s Society’s acting chief executive, Corinne Mills, expressed her sadness over Prunella Scales’ passing, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news that Prunella Scales – a true British icon – has passed.

“Prunella shined a powerful light on the biggest killer in the UK, shining an important light on her achievements on screen as well as her inspiring acting abilities.”

We extend our sincere condolences to her loved ones and are deeply grateful for the awareness she helped raise.

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Katherine Ryan’s husband in ‘traumatic’ fight with knife-wielding burglar

During a terrifying robbery, Kathleen Ryan revealed the details of atraumatic incident when her husband had to evade a knife-wielding burglar from their home.

Katherine Ryan has opened up about a “traumatic” experience she had when she witnessed her husband in a fight with a burgler who had broken into their home with a knife. The Canadian comedian shared the distressing details of her experience in a conversation with her husband, Bobby Kootstra, on her podcast What’s My Age Again?. The incident took place in 2019.

In a clip of the podcast episode uploaded to Instagram, Katherine spoke about what happened. “I think it is very traumatic,” she said. Addressing her husband, she added: “I know that you couldn’t sleep for about a week.”

Bobby then continued, “It was so eerie, because you and I were all it.” He went to their bedroom to get a new shirt because they had been making pasta and he had spilled some red wine on his shirt.

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“So I go out of the room, grab a shirt, and confront this masked man. What the f***? is the first sentence. and pursued him. The burglar chased the criminal out of the window while holding Katherine’s laptop in his hands, according to Bobby.

The burglar then dragged a knife at him, which he then tackled. “The knife kind of came out, and I’m like, “Whoa, whoa, whoa.” The burglar threatened to kill Bobby, according to Kathy.

A police car was passing by as the fight progressed to the street. When the burglar fled, Bobby led the officer away and chased him.

The burglary attempt took place the year Katherine and Bobby started a civil partnership. In Canada, they first met as teenagers.

However, when Katherine returned to Sarnia, Ontario, to film an episode of Who Do You Think You Are, they reconnected after 20 years of dating.

Katherine announced earlier this year that she and Bobby were expecting a second child. A son born in June of this year and a daughter born in December of that year are already theirs.

On October 18, 2025, their third child was born. Another child was born in 2008, according to Katherine.

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In London, the entire family coexists.

Older celeb dads as Kelsey Grammer welcomes eighth child at 70

With his eighth child and fourth wife Kayte Walsh, 46, Kelly Grammer is the latest older celebrity to become a father once more at the age of 70.

Kelsey Grammer became a dad for the eighth time to join a list of older celebrities welcoming children in their later years. The Frasier Crane star has announced he has welcomed his latest child to his clan at the age of 70.

It is his eighth time becoming a father, and his fourth time being married to his current wife Kayte Walsh. From 1997 to 2011, the acting legend wed Housewives of Beverly Hills actress Camille Donatacci. Between 1982 and 1990, he and dancer Doreen Alderman were married to Leigh-Anne Csuhany for a year.

And he is among good company when it comes to older dads in the showbiz world. Here, we look at some of those to become fathers over the age of 60.

Kelsey Grammer

Christopher Walsh, the actor’s fourth wife, and Kayte Walsh, his mother, recently welcomed him. He joins his large family as the newest member.

The proud father said, “We just had our fourth one, so it just became eight kids!” during a Pod Meets World appearance. Exactly three days ago. Christopher recently “joined the family.”

As the children Kelsey and Kayte share, Christopher also has sons Auden James, eight, and Faith, 13; Additionally, the actor has four children who were in other relationships.

Bernie Ecclestone

The former Formula 1 boss revealed in 2020 he was set to become a dad again at the ripe old age of 89. Despite already being a grandad to five, the billionaire welcomes first son just months before his 90th birthday in October.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant, the star of Notting Hill and Love Actually, became a dad for the first time at 51 back in 2011, reports the Mirror. The Hollywood heartthrob, once linked with Elizabeth Hurley, welcomed daughter Tabitha with ex-partner Tinglan Hong.

In 2013, he and his on-again, off-again girlfriend had son Felix Chang. Tinglan and Anna Eberstein have two children, but they have one child and one child.

Cowell, Simon

Business tycoon and creator of X Factor, is a dad to young son Eric. The British star, now 66, and his girlfriend Lauren Silverman became parents in 2014, when Simon was 54.

They welcomed their son, now six, on Valentine’s Day in New York. Eric, named after Simon’s late father, was born at the city’s Lenox Hill Hospital.

Simon hopped on a flight straight to New York after learning about Lauren’s early labor. Simon has since admitted that he hasn’t ruled out having more children in the future.

He previously told Lizzie Cundy on This Morning: “If you’d have asked me six years ago I would have probably gone, ‘I might have left this a bit too late,’ but then you go, ‘Oh how you could imagine him not being here.'”.

Sir Elton John

Zachary, 9, and Elijah, 7, are the two sons the legendary singer and his husband, David Furnish. The musician, 66, was the first to become a father.

A surrogate mother assisted the couple in achieving their dream of starting a family in 2011 when Zachary was born. Elijah and Elton welcomed the family two years later, and he later acknowledged that he “regrets it a little bit starting sooner” because he “adores being a father so much.”

Sir Rod Stewart

The crooner is father to eight children in total, including two with current wife Penny Lancaster. The couple’s sons Alastair and Aiden complete Rod’s brood alongside six children from earlier relationships.

When his youngest son Aiden was born in 2011, the music icon was 66 years old.

Mick Jagger: Sir John

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Mick, the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist, later embraced fatherhood. Lucas was the father of the frontman when his son, Luciana Gimenez, 50, was born in 1999 after a brief romance with Brazilian television personality and model Luciana Gimenez.

Lucas resembles his rock star father and his seven other siblings in a striking way.

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Vernon Kay issues apology as he addresses ‘disgruntled’ The One Show viewers

The One Show’s host, Vernon Kay, revealed that they were bombarded with messages from fans who wanted to know one thing.

Vernon Kay has issued an apology after being swamped with messages from viewers of The One Show all expressing their disappointment over his appearance. Responding to a question from one of his BBC Radio 2 show listeners on today’s broadcast, Vernon, who presented The One Show last night (Monday, October 27), revealed that a “lot of people actually got in touch”.

Vernon was asked about his lack of baggy jeans during a segment of his program in the first episode. This likely relates to the broadcast from Radio 2 on Monday morning, in which Vernon claimed to have been mocked for his “horrendous” fashion choice.

Despite criticism, he defiantly shared his intentions to wear the item once again on The One Show. He purchased the controversial trousers during a shopping expedition in Central London with his youngest daughter, Amber, who recommended he choose baggy jeans.

Yet, when he sported them to the Strictly Come Dancing studios to support his wife, Tess Daly, he encountered “massive guffawing”.

Vernon said: “A lot of people have been asking this. A lot of people actually got in touch with The One Show, not complaining, but slightly, slightly disgruntled that I didn’t wear the baggy jeans on The One Show.”

He claimed that you “can’t wear jeans” on the programme, noting that he wore corduroy trousers instead, before adding that he doesn’t believe it’s “that kind of show”.

He recalls that last time I wore jeans on T4 television, “The One Show isn’t T4” If you know what I mean, you know it’s more formal. But it’s not formal. Additionally, it is the BBC’s main evening program.

You are aware of my statement, “You can’t wear jeans, you know what I mean.” Perhaps a second time. Maybe I’ll wear them on SMTV on Saturday morning, maybe another time. Does that continue? No? “

We missed the baggy pants, a listener named Rach texted in, and Vernon said, “I know, I apologize, but it is what it is.”

When Vernon mentioned his apparent fashion blunder, he stated that when he arrived at Strictly, he was “greeted by huge, massive guffawing” and that, despite Amber’s label of “cool,” others said they were “horrible”.

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Vernon confessed that he was “quite disappointed” with this reaction, as he felt “mighty cool”. He then shared his wife, Strictly host Tess Daly’s opinion on them when she got home after the show.

According to Vernon, Tess – who recently announced her departure from Strictly alongside Claudia Winkleman – told him to “get rid of them”, but, in a comically high-pitched voice, he said he replied with a firm “no”, asserting that he likes them.

Lesley Joseph says ‘she’s not okay’ in devastating update on co-star Pauline Quirke

Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and has since retired from acting, has been updated by Lesley Joseph.

Actress Lesley Joseph has shared an update on her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia four years ago. Earlier this year, it was revealed that 66-year-old Pauline was retiring from acting after living with the condition for three years.

From 1989 to 1998, Pauline starred in Birds of a Feather as Sharon Theodopolopodous, and she won a British Comedy Award for the role. Lesley spoke at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards about Pauline’s health and her coming soon visit.

Lesley, 80, stated in an interview with Bella magazine that Pauline is not well after being recently diagnosed with dementia. She is currently not okay. Although I have no time, I will visit her the following week.

Steve Sheen, Pauline’s husband, confirmed her diagnosis of dementia and her retirement. He praised his wife’s contributions to the film and television industries, her charitable work, and her accomplishments as the founder of Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

He added, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step down from all professional and commercial responsibilities in 2021 as a result of her diagnosis of dementia.”

Pauline has been a source of inspiration for her charitable endeavors, her work in the film and television industries, and her founding of Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

Pauline received an MBE for her contributions to the entertainment industry, youth, and charitable causes just a few years before putting her acting boots on.

Additionally, the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has grown significantly, with over 15, 000 students enrolled in its 250-strong academy.

The academy expressed their admiration for Pauline on Instagram, stating: “It has been wonderful to see how many lives Pauline has touched through her work with PQA and in her 50-year career in film and television.

Since Pauline and Steve opened their first academy in 2007, improving the lives of young people through the performing arts has been at the heart of PQA’s mission.

Steve Pauline’s husband pledged his future support for Alzheimer’s Research UK after his wife retired.

The charity’s chief executive, Hilary Evans-Newton, expressed sadness over the situation, saying, “We send our best wishes to Pauline, Steve, and the wider family.

The family deserves praise for making the courageous choice to make her diagnosis public, which will allow them to have more freedom and raise vital awareness of the condition.

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