Category News

Teletubbies’ Tinky Winky star’s tragic death after being found in unusual circumstances

By in Entertainment News, News

The actor who played Tinky Winky in the beloved children’s TV show, Simon Shelton Barnes, died in heartbreaking circumstances back in 2018, aged only 52 years old

Simon tragically died in 2018

Ever since it first aired, children’s TV show Teletubbies has been a firm favourite with kids throughout the country.

The legacy of the characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa, and Po was so strong that the show was rebooted in 2014 by CBeebies, due to the popularity of the original first five seasons that ran from 1997 and 2001.

But the hit show was suddenly marred by heartbreak in 2018, when one of the actors who held the role of Tinky Winky in the first run of the show tragically died.

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Simon Shelton Barnes had just moved to the Wirral, nearly 200 miles away from his previous home in Bedfordshire, looking for a fresh start.

But within weeks, he was found dead on a street in Liverpool. The trained dancer and choreographer reportedly had struggles with alcohol and had hoped that this big move to the other side of the country would get him away from some of the distractions he had found rife living near London.

Close pal Jane Rees reportedly said that Simon had been struggling living away from his three kids, who were the centre of his life.

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And Stephen’s flatmate Judith said at the time about his tragic death, “I’m very floored at losing him, he was just the best company.”

Tinky Winky
Three different actors played Tinky Winky in the original run (Image: BBC)

An inquest found that Stephen had died from hypothermia after going on a night out in January 2018.

He was found with a “high concentration of alcohol” and froze to death on the wintery streets on 17 January, with the coroner ruling it was likely a combination of the alcohol in his system and the 3C temperature that had caused him to tragically lose his life aged just 52 years old.

He was discovered “at the Port of Liverpool Building in a well between the building and street,” just after 7 am.

His former Teletubbies co-star, John Summit, paid tribute to him after the heartbreaking news broke, with the actor who played Dipsy writing on social media, “What a week! RIP Simon Shelton aka Tinky Winky: remembering the many good times. Rest easy.”

TV stars Emily Atak and Robert Dawes were family members of Stephen’s – who had a “medical history of alcohol dependence” and both of them made devastating tributes to the actor after his death.

Robert said, “It’s been a very tough week and we are all trying to look after the family as best we can.”

simon shelton
Simon Shelton was just 52 when he died(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
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Emily movingly paid tribute to her “wonderful uncle” by saying he was “the kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet,” adding that he was “loved by all who knew him, and will be forever”.

Simon previously said about his major role as Tinky Winky, “We used to receive a lot of fan mail from kind and parents, I suppose we were a bit like The Beatles or Take That of children’s television.”

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,269

By in News, World News

Here is how things stand on Saturday, August 16:

Fighting

  • The Ukrainian military said that it struck the Syzran oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region overnight, reporting a fire and explosions at the refinery, which it said produces a range of fuels and is one of the biggest in Russian energy company Rosneft’s system.
  • The Ukrainian military also said it struck the port of Olya in Russia’s Astrakhan region, hitting a ship transporting drone parts and ammunition from Iran.
  • Russia is preparing to test its new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile and, if successful, plans to use the results to bolster its negotiating position with the West, Ukrainian military intelligence said.
  • Ukrainian regional officials said Russia fired a ballistic missile into the Dnipropetrovsk region in eastern Ukraine, killing one person and wounding at least one other, while a drone damaged civilian infrastructure and caused a fire in the Sumy region in the northeast.
  • Russian troops also took control of the settlement of Oleksandrohrad in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, Moscow’s Ministry of Defence said.
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Russia for continuing to attack Ukraine in advance of the meeting in Alaska between United States President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. “On the day of the negotiations, they also kill people. And that says a lot,” Zelenskyy said.

Alaska summit

  • Trump and Putin held their much-anticipated meeting in the Alaskan city of Anchorage, with the Russian leader receiving the red carpet treatment and a US military flyover as he deplaned.
  • Both leaders provided brief statements to reporters after the shorter-than-expected meeting, which failed to achieve its primary goal – a deal bringing an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  • Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Putin said his country is committed to ending the war, but the conflict’s “primary causes” must be eliminated.
  • Putin also warned Ukraine and its European allies not to throw a “wrench in the works” and cautioned against attempts to use “backroom dealings to conduct provocations to torpedo the nascent progress”.
  • Trump praised the “extremely productive meeting”, in which he said “many points were agreed to”. He conceded, however, that there remain sticking points with Moscow, including at least one “significant” one.
  • Trump said he would call NATO officials and President Zelenskyy to discuss the meeting, and cautioned that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal”.
  • As Trump thanked Putin for his time, he said he hoped they would meet again soon. Putin quickly responded by saying, in English with a laugh, “Next time, in Moscow” – a proposal which Trump appeared reticent to accept.
  • Speaking to Fox News later, Trump said Zelenskyy and Putin intend to set up another meeting to try to reach a ceasefire. He also emphasised that it is up to the Ukrainian leader to “get it done”.
  • New consultations aimed at resolving points of tension in bilateral relations between Russia and the US will take place soon, said Russia’s ambassador to the US, Alexander Darchiev, according to the RIA Novosti state news agency.

International aid

  • USAID is concerned that the Trump administration’s cancellation of independent aid monitoring contracts for Ukraine has increased the risk of waste, fraud and abuse, according to the Department of State, Pentagon and USAID inspectors general in a new report.
  • Norway’s government said it was donating one billion kroner ($98.29m) to Ukraine for the purchase of natural gas ahead of winter. Ukraine had been forced to increase gas imports after Russian missile attacks damaged production facilities in the east of the country.

Trump, Putin end short summit without ceasefire deal in Ukraine

By in News, World News

US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin ended in Alaska without a deal on halting Moscow’s war on Ukraine, but it did give the Russian president a “diplomatic win” after years of being shunned by the West, observers said.

The Russian president was greeted with a red carpet and a warm handshake from President Trump on arrival at a US airbase in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday as both leaders arrived for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

It marked President Putin’s first time stepping on Western soil since he ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and was notable in its welcoming atmosphere compared with the frosty reception a hostile Trump laid on for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in February.

Taking to a stage to deliver remarks after they spoke behind closed doors for less than three hours, the two leaders said they had made progress on unspecified issues, offering no details and taking no questions from a phalanx of assembled international reporters and television cameras.

A visibly upbeat Putin was the first to speak, telling how he had greeted Trump on his arrival in Anchorage with the lines: “Good afternoon, dear neighbour”, owing to the geographic closeness of Alaska to Russia.

“We are close neighbours, and it’s a fact,” Putin said.

Putin said his meeting with Trump was “long overdue” and that he “hoped the agreement that we’ve reached together will help us bring close that goal and will pave the path towards peace in Ukraine “.

“We expect that Kyiv and European capitals will perceive that constructively and that they won’t throw a wrench in the works,” Putin said. “They will not make any attempts to use some backroom dealings to conduct provocations to torpedo the nascent progress,” he said.

Trump then thanked Putin for his “very profound” statement, adding that the two had a “very productive meeting “.

“There were many, many points that we agreed on. Most of them, I would say. A couple of big ones that we haven’t quite got there, but we’ve made some headway,” Trump said.

“So there is no deal until there is a deal,” Trump said, adding that he will now call up NATO as well as President Zelenskyy and others to brief them on the meeting.

“It’s ultimately up to them,” the president said.

“Many points were agreed to,” he continued, without providing any details.

“There are just a very few that are left; some are not that significant, one is probably the most significant,” Trump said without elaborating.

“But we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.”

There was no immediate reaction from Kyiv to the outcome of the summit, described as “anticlimactic”.

Ukraine’s opposition lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko said on the Telegram messaging app after the talks: “It seems Putin has bought himself more time. No ceasefire or de-escalation has been agreed upon.”

Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Anchorage, Alaska, said President Trump is likely to come in for criticism for a summit that “all became much ado about nothing”.

“The only achievements that were actually made was that the Russian president has been able to continue his war, which we know is now a war of attrition and which each day favours the Russian side,” Halkett said.

“He has bought time,” she said.

Also reporting from the summit, Al Jazeera’s diplomatic editor, James Bays, said Ukraine’s European allies – who had been pushing for concrete steps to come out of the meeting, such as a ceasefire – will likely see the meeting as “a big win for President Putin”.

“And it does beg all sorts of questions about where the diplomacy on Ukraine goes,” Bays said.

Trump ended his remarks at the news conference on Friday by telling Putin, “I’d like to thank you very much, and we’ll speak to you very soon and probably see you again very soon.”

To which Putin quickly chipped back: “Next time, in Moscow.”

Today’s horoscope for August 16 as Libra is surprised by a colleague

By in Entertainment News, News

Today’s horoscope for August 16 as one star sign expresses themselves freely, and another lends their support to others

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

It’s Saturday, August 16, and one star sign trusts their own business instincts, as another is feeling energised.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Creative activities can help ease stress. It isn’t healthy to aim your energy solely into your job and other responsibilities. Although you find success and satisfaction through your work, life is more than just making a living. You have a wonderful artistic flair, enjoy using this now. Tap into your creativity.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

You’re looking for ways to expand your horizons. Pursuing a higher degree is an option, as is travelling abroad or getting your writing published. The key is to step out of your comfort zone. While you might feel safe and content, true growth comes from broadening your experiences.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

After a good night’s sleep you’re feeling mentally energised. You’re eager to dive straight into a job that has been planned for today. It’s a great time too, to start on new projects but to achieve success you will be expected to create thoughtful plans and forecasts.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

A possessive friend thinks they can make decisions for you. Don’t allow anyone to control you completely. Show them that while you’re giving them some influence over your life, you will stand your ground when necessary. Take pride in making someone else feel valued.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

Everyone seems to want your company. It’s hard to keep up with all the demands and invitations coming your way and you are loving it. Enjoy your time in the spotlight without feeling guilty about it. Express your emotions freely, flirt, have fun and relax.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

There are daily tasks waiting for your attention. You like to keep on top of your routine and yet there are family matters that also need to be dealt with. Although these were not on your agenda, sometimes you have to accept that you don’t have control of everything.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You’re surprised by a friend or colleague’s suggestion to approach things in a different way. This person is usually very predictable. They are always on time, no matter what plans you have made together and they value routine. Now suddenly they want something new and you are happy to encourage this.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You’re ready to have a break from serious work. It is time to relax. That’s why you are looking into booking a holiday. It won’t be easy to get in touch with someone who you know would like to travel with you. Keep trying and by the end of the day they will respond to your invitation as you are expecting.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Be cautious about what you reveal in a business partnership. If you are thinking about launching your own venture, you need more time to plan. Once you have a solid business plan and clear mission statement, you will be ready to set off on your own. Trust your instincts and business sense.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

You will be glad of the help that’s being offered by people with more experience. Mistakes are a natural part of learning. As you become more comfortable with this task or topic, then you will be in a position to assist others.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Your intuition is telling you to keep out of the spotlight. A partner, whether in business or romance, is hoping to spend more time with you. They have something on their mind they want to discuss. You will want to keep any personal struggles to yourself for now as you offer support to others.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Observing from behind the scenes will equip you for a high profile position that will be available soon. By then you will be ready to tackle any challenges that come our way. Look at this as a training phase. An arrogant competitor will face some humiliation. This is a mistake you will never make.

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Michael Barrymore reveals epilepsy journey diagnosed after a series of mini strokes

By in Entertainment News, News

Michael Barrymore reached out to fans for support in a heartbreaking TikTok video in which the comedian and TV presenter told of his mini strokes and “uncontrollable seizures”

Michael Barrymore has been diagnosed with epilepsy – at 73

Veteran TV presenter Michael Barrymore has been diagnosed with epilepsy at 73 – after experiencing a mini stroke.

The host, known for his work on game shows and light entertainment programmes, told fans on TikTok about his “uncontrollable seizures” which have happened as a result of his epilepsy. Epilepsy, a tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain, is often diagnosed in younger years but Michael said he has developed it in his 70s.

And the star, who headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993, thanked fans for their support. In his emotional TikTok, Michael said: “A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures… I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy. It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time.”

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Michael
Michael recently gave a TV interview about his plans to move to Spain(Image: ITV)

Now Michael, who grew up in Bermondsey, southeast London, must take emergency medication if he goes into a seizure. He continued: “It’s scary because there’s a 40% chance of going into epilepticus which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention.

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“I’ve had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure. It doesn’t really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it.”

READ MORE: Young woman’s sobering message after she thought she was going die following boob job

The entertainer, an unlikely icon for Gen Z with his TikToks and vlogs, shared a series of photographs of himself in hospital. His video has been watched widely across TikTok and may users have left Michael messages of support.

Michael’s stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 – during which he came runner-up to model Chantelle Houghton – was his first major TV gig since his dismissal from ITV in 2003. This came following the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at Michael’s home in Essex.

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But since the controversy, Michael has become extremely popular with Gen Z, particularly through his use of TikTok. He used it last year to poke fun at himself and he reflect on his past while celebrating his birthday.