Gyles Brandreth, steadfast in his quirky tradition of donning thick woolly sweaters even during heatwaves, seems to have met his match. Despite his whimsical defense of this unusual summer outfit choice, asserting, “I wear this for a reason: the absorption of heat is purely psychological, it’s all in your head. If you think cool, you’ll be cool,” it appears the reality might differ.
However, comedian Frank Skinner offers a different perspective. At a recent open-air staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Regent’s Park, Frank amusingly recalls encountering a perspiring Gyles in the VIP section. “It was a warm evening, and who should appear but Brandreth… he had the jumper with him, but it was too warm to put on, so he wore it draped around his neck,” Frank recounts.
Get ’em over the line, Brian!
As England gear up for their World Cup quarter-final, the exuberant Flash Gordon star Brian Blessed injects his trademark energy into the mix, adapting his iconic shout for the event. “Gordon’s alive!” he roars, now proclaiming, “Anthony Gordon!” in honor of the team’s celebrated winger.
Just another day in the life of Sir Anthony
Stirring up a storm after being seen sporting an England shirt in California, Welsh native Sir Anthony Hopkins is no stranger to causing a stir back in his homeland.
The celebrated actor, who faced backlash upon gaining American citizenship in 2000, continues to make waves. At 88, and with his third wife Stella, who hails from Colombia, the prospect of Hopkins fulfilling his stated wish to return from the US to Wales continues to be met with skepticism.
Not sure about this one…
Asked about his unlikely longevity while promoting the Rolling Stones’ latest album Foreign Tongues, old hellraiser Keith Richards, 82, jokes: “Healthy living and going to bed early.”
Not that he holds a grudge!
Following Prince Harry’s legal defeat in London this week, the Sussexes’ long-time foe Piers Morgan crowed: “A very bad day for ginger, whining, treacherous little weasels.”
It’s now over five years since Piers was axed by ITV’s Good Morning Britain after his outspoken attack on Meghan.
No easy cask
Days after I reported that actor Rupert Everett had taken umbrage at customers ungratefully complaining about his skills behind the bar when volunteering at local Wiltshire boozer The Swan, the Enford-based pub is now officially honoured for serving “perfect pints” by real ale watchdog Casque Marque.
No praise for Rupert, alas: the film star’s services haven’t been required since new owners arrived.
Woman of the people
Often spotted posing for selfies with fans during regular trips to her local Marks & Spencer in Wales, the late Bonnie Tyler cheerfully clarified: “I don’t go around with bodyguards – I’m not Mariah Carey, darling!”
Put your hand in your pocket!
By chance visiting the Miami area with her family during the same weekend as England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, outspoken property presenter Kirstie Allsopp is on the hunt for tickets.
While complaining about predictably exorbitant prices, surely jet-setting Kirstie can afford to splash out?