Evelyn Reynolds

Paul Merton has been a fixture in British comedy for decades, but behind the scenes, the BBC comedy legend faced his own battles before finally finding ‘magic in the air’Anita Markoff and Zesha Saleem21:37, 24 Aug 2025Paul Merton and Suki Webster found love despite the odds(Image: Getty Images Europe)Paul Merton stands as a cherished comedy icon following his years of delivering slapstick brilliance to Have I Got News For You.Yet beneath the entertainer’s facade, the comedian has endured profoundly heartbreaking chapters, including the tragic death of his second wife, Sarah Parkinson, in 2003.Merton is now blissfully wed to fellow comedian Suki Webster, and has opened up about how romance found its way back into his world far earlier than he had anticipated.He revealed: “I suppose this was about six or seven months [after Sarah’s death]. I don’t think it’s one of those decisions you can make. You see what happens.”You’re not looking necessarily, because you have to grieve. But we were in India, we were on brandy and there was a magician in the dark. You don’t think anything except, this is great fun. You don’t think, ‘oh, is this right or wrong?’ It felt natural. It felt OK.”, reports the Mirror.Suki Webster and Paul Merton(Image: Dave Benett, Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)Suki, who performs alongside Paul in the Comedy Store Players, remarked: “When you fall in love, you fall in love.”The duo initially bonded during a company tour of India, where both were laid low with food poisoning. They began chatting whilst observing a magician perform in the courtyard of a poorly lit establishment where they were sipping brandy and colas.Paul has subsequently quipped that whilst the performance wasn’t particularly impressive, there was “magic in the air” between the pair of them. That marked the start of a partnership which has blossomed into more than 10 years of matrimony and endless evenings performing together.For Paul, Suki’s arrival brought unexpected hope during his darkest period.He’s a famed comedian(Image: TV Times, TV Times/Future Publishing via Getty Images)His second spouse Sarah Parkinson received a devastating diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer prior to their nuptials, and tragically died merely three months after they exchanged vows. She only 41.Paul has previously described how he turned to humour for comfort following her passing, making his way to a Comedy Store show merely six days afterwards to find solace in the collective laughter of the crowd. “It goes back to that thing about the release, the relief, it takes you somewhere else,” he revealed.Comedy has remained a cornerstone throughout Merton’s existence, serving both as his profession and anchor during turbulent periods. Born Paul Martin, he embraced the stage moniker Merton from early on and initially gained recognition through Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1988.Paul Merton at the Edinburgh International Book Festival(Image: Robbie Jack, Corbis via Getty Images)Yet as his professional life was flourishing, the programme faced delays and he suffered a psychological collapse that resulted in a six-week stay at the Maudsley psychiatric hospital.Even with his personal battles, he maintains the ability to view that chapter with levity, recounting his experience of being someone grappling with vastly different challenges from his fellow patients: “I was in a room for group therapy after breakfast every morning. There was somebody who had been kicked out of their council house.”Somebody else said his daughter was heavily into drugs. All these terrible things were happening to them. My thing was that somebody had cancelled a television series. I never said that in the session, because I knew: “That’s awkward. ” I still had a sense of proportion and a sense of humour about it.”Article continues belowFortunately, circumstances improved dramatically for Merton, as he’d achieved household recognition by 1990. The comedian has continued as a mainstay on Have I Got News For You from that point onwards. More

Friends of the Prince of Darkness say hotels all over the world may have changed their policies in response to the Black Sabbath’s prank pooping in inappropriate places20:52, 24 Aug 2025Ozzy sadly died last month at the age of 76(Image: Getty )Rock hellraiser Ozzy Osbourne forced hotels to protect their ice machines because he pooped in them. The Black Sabbath frontman would also upset other guests by crapping in their shoes in another prank.Ozzy, who was 76 when he died last month, pulled the stunts during his drug and booze-addled tours in the 1980s. His pal and bass player Rudy Sarzo said the singer would hide after laying a turd to see how unsuspecting victims would react.It led to hotel companies changing the way communal ice machines served their product across the United States.Comedian Jim Florentine, a longtime friend of the Prince of Darkness, said: “Well, Rudy Sarzo is convinced that they put them (lids) up here where you have to go up, get the ice up from the top because Ozzy on the road, when they get to the hotel, he would s*** in the ice machines.He was quite the prankster(Image: Getty Images)“He would do it every time, and they would stay in five star hotels.“So rich guys would leave their shoes outside their door to get polished in the morning. So Ozzy would sh** in their shoes,“And then he would stay up all night and watch and wait to see the ways he reacts and wait to see the guy come out.”Jim lifted the lid on Ozzy’s madcap antics during a Sirius XM tribute to the rocker’s well-known wild past.It comes after photographer Ross Halfin recalled the sozzled singer upset Oscar winner Paul Newman at a hotel.Jim lifted the lid on Ozzy’s madcap antic(Image: Getty Images)The bizarre interaction took place during a wild party night at the Plaza Hotel in New York in the 1980s.Ross said that at midnight Ozzy “pulled his trousers down” and “shoved his index finger up his a***”.He added: “He gets up, pulls his finger out of his bum and we get into this special lift that goes up to his suite.“And in the lift is Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward.“He looks at Paul and goes, ‘Alright, I am John’, and sticks his hand out.“And Paul Newman, I did not know at the time, was very famous for not shaking people’s hands. He would not.“Paul looked at him in horror and just nodded.Article continues below“When Paul got out, Ozzy goes, ‘Rude c***’.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our very exciting newsletters. More

Eurovision star Sam Ryder arrived at Car Fest in Basingstoke in the Dacia Sandrider off-road carAlice Hughes15:00, 24 Aug 2025Updated 17:13, 24 Aug 2025The Eurovision star was on his way to CarFest this weekend(Image: PinPep)Pop star Sam Ryder was spotted being transported to a gig in a rugged-looking off-road vehicle.The singer looked ready for a trip to the moon in the Dacia Sandrider, as he donned his own racing suit. He was travelling to CarFest in Basingstoke, where the Dakar Rally car was on display.The 2022 Eurovision runner up took to the stage at the festival last night to play an array of hits including his breakthrough ‘Space Man’ and new material, including his latest single ‘The Feeling Never Went Away’.Unbothered about maintaining a low profile, the singer arrived at the nearby train station in Micheldever, to take his next mode of transport. He even donned his own racing suit.He was spotted making his way to the Dacia Sandrider out of a train station in Micheldever(Image: PinPep)A spokesperson for Dacia said: “Sam Ryder in the Sandrider? We’re proud to have delivered Sam in style.””Sam has a real feel of rugged capability about him, which is also what the car is all about,” the spokesperson added. “He’s a showman and confident in his own style, so seemed the perfect match for the vehicle.”While NASA might not be quite ready to put one of these into space, they’re pretty useful most places here on earth.”Dacia has been embracing its adventurous spirit, having participated in the Dakar Rally earlier this year. The brand will also compete in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The races traverse some of the world’s most challenging and unforgiving terrains, requiring cars to climb peaks and navigate treacherous ground.The Sandrider itself is equipped with body panels only deemed as an absolute necessity. There are no decorative or superfluous parts and particular emphasis has been placed on aerodynamics.Dacia is embracing its outdoor spirit by participating in some of the world’s toughest races(Image: PinPep)It has been reinforced with a strengthened subframe and bumpers, carbon bodywork, double wishbone suspension and a 4×4 transmission designed for the demanding nature of rally-raid competitions.A cutting-edge electrical system ensures power for all onboard equipment, even in the harshest conditions.Inside the car, Sabelt seats are covered in specialised anti-bacterial materials that automatically control moisture to cope with extreme temperatures.There is also a magnetic plate integrated into the vehicle’s chassis to stop the wheels’ securing bolts from disappearing in the sand.Article continues belowSam Ryder added: “Stoked to take one of these to Car Fest! The festival’s all about new and innovative vehicles, so this definitely hits the mark. There’s nothing like getting the adrenaline racing right before a show.” More

Rupert Grint shot to global stardom as Ron Weasley in the beloved Harry Potter films, but the actor admits he nearly packed it all in for a very different career indeed10:00, 24 Aug 2025Rupert Grint has revealed he thought about quitting acting after Harry Potter(Image: Variety via Getty Images)Rupert Grint thought about walking away from the spotlight after Harry Potter.He was just 11 years old when he was cast as Harry’s sidekick Ron Weasley in the iconic Potter films based on JK Rowling’s best-selling novels. The seven movies would become a global phenomenon, breaking box office records and grossing billions.Rupert and co-stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) were shot to worldwide fame overnight. And Rupert, now a dad-of-two, admitted that he nearly packed it all in as the Potter films were so intense.The star who turned 37 today (24 August) feared he wouldn’t make it as an adult actor and wondered if he should give up acting altogether and try out another career. He told The New York Times: “I definitely did think, ‘Is it too late to pick something else?'”.He was just 11 years old when he was cast as Ron Weasley in the Potter films(Image: Warner bros.)It’s well known that Rupert bought an ice-cream van with his earnings from the films, but what people might not know is that he was really quite serious about becoming an ice cream man. He bought an iconic Mr Whippy van and drove it back to his family home on the last day of shooting.He thought that he might be able to do that as his job, but after a year off from the business he decided to give acting another go. In a separate interview, Rupert revealed he found shooting the Hogwarts films “quite suffocating”.Rupert bought an ice cream van with his earnings from the films – and thought about doing it full time(Image: Twitter)”Potter was so full on — [filming] all year, then we’d promote the rest of the time. It was quite suffocating,” he told Bustle. Grint said he “wanted a break, to reflect on everything…”It was an out-of-body experience for a while, but I think we finished at the right time. If we continued, it could’ve gone downhill.”Rupert also admitted the lines became blurred between him and his famous character, Ron. He said: “In the movies, we merged into one. By the end of it, I was playing myself. The lines were blurred.”Despite his initial worries about seeing success as an adult actor, Grint has more than established himself after Potter. After the final film came out in 2011, Rupert appeared in the films Into the White (2012), Charlie Countryman (2013), CBGB (2013), Moonwalkers (2015) and M Night Shyamalan’s horror Knock at the Cabin.In 2013, he made his stage debut on the West End in Mojo at the Harold Pinter Theatre. His recent projects include a main role in Servant – and a starring role in Ed Sheeran’s new music video for A Little More.Here he reprises his role as the stalker from the music video for Ed’s 2011 hit Lego House. Sheeran admitted he wasn’t sure if Grint would agree to it but was “so glad” he did and that it was “such a fun, bonkers video”.Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here.Article continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Hollywood legend Jerry Adler has passed away at the age of 96. The veteran actor, who appeared in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, did not start acting until he was in his 60s, but starred in several popular roles. His death was announced today (August 24) by his loved ones and confirmed by his […] More

EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, who is the son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody, has reportedly quit acting to join Hare Krishna, a branch of Hinduism, and will live in an Indian commune07:34, 24 Aug 2025Updated 07:36, 24 Aug 2025Bobby will be leaving EastEnders, with the BBC confirming his exit(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)A cherished EastEnders star is allegedly turning his back on showbiz to make a fresh start in India. Bobby Brazier, son of the late Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier, burst onto the scene as Freddie Slater in the BBC drama from 2022.His performance even landed him a National Television Award. The celebrity featured as a competitor on Strictly Come Dancing’s 21st series in 2023, making it to the finale as runner-up. He also bagged a National Film Award UK for his role in Curfew, reports the Express.But despite notching up significant achievements in show business, reports suggest the performer has decided to walk away and commit himself to Hare Krishna, a strand of Hinduism.Bobby is said to be turning his back on showbiz (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Sources claim the star plans to live in an Indian ashram after wrapping up his final scenes as Freddie on the enduring series.A source told The Sun: “Bobby is really excited and happy about his move to India. He’s been telling everyone about it and preaching to them about why he is devoted to Hare Krishna.”He’s such a nice young man, his heart is in the right place, but some people are surprised that he’s walking away from his career at a time when he’s on such a high with it.”The insider additionally disclosed the actor intends to stay there for at least twelve months and might ‘restart’ his thespian endeavours when he returns.Nevertheless, despite the claims, Bobby or his representatives are yet to officially verify any arrangements for the relocation. The 22 year old actor, who became part of EastEnders in 2022, swiftly won over viewers with his character Freddie’s gripping storylines, which saw him uncover shocking revelations about his biological father and navigate a budding romance with Anna Knight.Back in June, it was revealed that Bobby would be departing the programme later this year, and he has recently shared his thoughts on what lies ahead following his exit from Albert Square.Brazier is supposedly staying there for at least a year(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)At the National Film Awards, where he scooped an accolade for his performance in the new Paramount+ series Curfew, Bobby admitted that his future remains uncertain.Chatting to OK! Magazine, he revealed: “I don’t know, I guess that’s how it really goes and how it works in this industry. You never really know what’s next until you go for it.”But yeah, I’d like to play a variety of different roles so I can work out what I like, what I’m good at and what I need to work on.”Whilst EastEnders has confirmed Bobby’s forthcoming departure, the programme’s executives were keen to maintain their working relationship with the actor. A spokesperson for the soap previously commented: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More

EXCLUSIVE: I’m A Celebrity star Dean McCullough has revealed the chilling messages he’s been sent after his appearance on the ITV show, leaving him terrified of being attacked21:00, 23 Aug 2025Updated 21:55, 23 Aug 2025Dean McCullough has revealed he’s been sent death threats after appearing in I’m A Celebrity(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Police are probing death threats sent to I’m A Celebrity star Dean McCullough.Internet trolls have been bombarding the Radio 1 presenter with chilling messages since his stint on the ITV show. It has left him terrified he will be attacked.Dean, 33, told the Daily Star Sunday: “When I came out of the jungle, I started getting so many death threats. People tell me they wish I’d got AIDS and died or that if they see me in the street they’re going to batter me.”People were saying they were to come to my work at the BBC and my house. It hurt. It was really heavy stuff.”The Radio One star was in the jungle on the last series, but has been unable to leave the house at times due to the horrific abuse he’s received(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Panicked Dean reported the threats to Greater Manchester Police. They have launched an investigation and enlisted help from other forces.Dean said: “The police came to my house and took a statement and now the details have been passed to police forces across the UK. They are investigating. They’ve already managed to identify some of the people who sent me death threats.”There are 35 different accounts that were classed as having malicious contact and 12 of them were aggravated malicious contact, which is basically a death threat. They’re being identified.”Dean has hit rock bottom because of the abuse. He said: “I had an absolute ball when I was in the jungle, so to come out and have all of that joy taken away from me was such a shame. I was really shocked. I couldn’t believe people would write those things.Police have launched a probe into the sick messages he’s received(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)”When you’re feeling vulnerable and you get a nasty comment, it can really knock you for six. I had to hide for a bit. I spent a few months under my duvet. It was such a struggle to get up.”These people got annoyed by me living my best life on a TV show. It’s such a shame that they send me abuse.”Defiant Dean is now determined to have the last laugh. The star had continues presenting his weekday afternoon show on Radio 1 and on Saturday, he did a DJ set at Manchester Pride.He said: “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to change. I’m not going to dim my light just to please the trolls who say they want me to kill myself. I am going to continue being out and proud in my day to day life.”Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here .Article continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

The former Celebrity Big Brother and kids TV presenter told the Daily Star Sunday that there a ‘good things’ in the pipeline that she’s talking to people about20:02, 23 Aug 2025Life is looking rosy for Angellica these days (Image: ITV)Angellica Bell is hot property right now.The presenter was a big hit with viewers when she was on Celebrity Big Brother and plenty of top producers have noticed. Since leaving the TV house, she’s been swamped with big-money offers. It means you can expect to see plenty of Angellica on the box in the coming months.She told the Daily Star Sunday: “The show reminded people that I’m still around. Since the series, I’ve been having a lot of conversations. There are some good things people are talking to me about. There are things that might spring up. There are some ideas that are being developed.”Angellica with her fellow CCB housemates earlier this year(Image: Sofi Adams/REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)Angellica won over viewers on Celebrity Big Brother thanks to her upbeat persona and sense of humour.They helped her last 16 days — just three days before the final. She said: “What was great about Celebrity Big Brother is that it showed people the fun side of me.“In the past, some people haven’t seen that. But I love a good laugh. I love positive energy and I like laughing.”She was part of CBBC between 2000 and 2006 (Image: BBC)The show didn’t just give Angellica a career boost, it helped her mental health too.While many stars have lost the plot in the house over the years, she loved the experience.She said: “It’s quite nice having Big Brother look after you for a while. You go in that diary room and you just feel loved. The welfare you get is so good as well. They keep in contact after you leave.The talented presenter co-hosted The Martin Lewis Money Show for six series“They’re really on point about looking after contestants after they leave.” Angellica also gained plenty of new friends after bonding with housemates including Chesney Hawkes.She added: “We all keep bumping into each other and it’s really nice. And I get messages from them.“What is great about Celebrity Big Brother is it puts people together who wouldn’t normally socialise together. That’s why it works. I love people, so I had a good time in there.”Since returning to normal life, Angellica has been amazed at how many fans stop her in the street.Many of them have watched her on CBBC when they were growing up or more recently on The Martin Lewis Money Show.She said: “It feels so good when you do something and you produce work and people say, ‘Oh my gosh I saw that’.Article continues below“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘I watched you at that time and you represented us… you said something that helped me at that time.“That’s what matters. When I present a show, I want people to feel like they could be my friend and that I’m in their living room with them.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More