Latest news with #GreatEscape
Daily Mirror
29-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
'I spent £50k on underground bunker and £10k on water and air in case of WW3'
As Iran and Israel stand on a nuclear precipice, dad Dave Billings wants to give his family the best chance if things escalate in the Middle East thanks to his mega bunker A dad who spent £50,000 building an underground bunker in his back garden is now planning a mega upgrade in case World War 3 breaks out. Dave Billings, 44, began the project at his Derbyshire home more than a decade ago after being inspired by iconic film the Great Escape. But with tensions rising in the Middle East, he's decided to prep the shelter to become a "survival place" but warned neighbours eyeing up a safe haven that it won't be "nuclear-proof". Dad-of-one Dave, who lives with his wife Beth and their seven-year-old son Oliver, said the goal is to have a secure underground space for his family if things do take a turn for the worse. He said: "With the way things are changing, I'm prepping it to be more of a survival place. It won't necessarily be nuclear-proof, but if you need to hide away, you'll be able to survive." Dave, an engineer and content creator, estimates he's so far spent around £50,000 on the bunker, which started as a disused well. A 35ft tunnel now leads into a multi-room facility, which measures 140ft in total. The underground hideout features a handcrafted Great Escape tunnel, gym, toilet, sink - and even a beer lift disguised as a keg to carry drinks down to the bunker. The upgrade will consist of food supply, air filtration, water supply and blast doors. Dave said: "I'm going to have to have emergency supplies of food. I'm going to guarantee a source of water. I think the idea is to make a water filtration unit so we can safely use the well water. 'I want to make blast doors in the bunker so if a big explosion went off outside, it would hold the door shut better. As long as you've got food, you can stay here indefinitely. If it starts getting bad outside, you've got somewhere to hide away, kind of like what they used to have in World War Two with Anderson shelters. 'People think we're going to get a direct hit, but I'm in the middle of nowhere, it's not really somewhere you get a bomb, is it?' While he doesn't claim to be a 'prepper' - people who stockpile in case of disasters or wars - Dave said the recent government warnings made him realise how far ahead he is in terms of readiness. He said: 'When I saw it on the news and it said you've got to be prepared for war, I thought, 'what are you preparing for?'. Because having somewhere underground with a food supply where you can lock yourself in is quite prepared, really. I don't think anyone could really be more prepared than I am.' Despite the serious upgrades, Dave says he's still figuring it out as he goes. 'I'm winging it myself really,' he said. 'None of us have got a big plan here of what's going to happen. No one can see into the future.' On his advice to others he suggested preparing a supply of food to keep in your house ready. He said: 'You've got to keep some basic supplies around in your house. When things go wrong there isn't going to be a shop to go to for a start. So people should at least get some basic foods and stuff that lasts a long time that will keep them going. Food and water supply, that's the main thing you need. 'If people have got to stay in their houses, you've got to be prepared. Have enough stuff in your house to last you two or three weeks if you can't go out the door. It's always better to be a bit prepared.'
Korea Herald
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Is 'Devil's Plan' 2 the worst game show ever?
Star PD Jung Jong-yeon addresses controversy surrounding 'Devil's Plan' season 2 as final winner issues apology Season 2 of Netflix's survival game show "Devil's Plan" generated intense buzz — though not for the reasons the creators might have hoped. While season 1 earned praise for its intense mind games and unpredictable strategy, the second season has received heavy criticism for the behavior of its participants and a controversial outcome that left viewers divided. Continuing with a new lineup of contestants from diverse professions — including legendary Go player Lee Se-dol, Super Junior's Kyuhyun, and professional poker player Seven High — season 2 ended with Hyun-kyu, a reality star from dating show "EXchange 2" (2022), becoming the final winner and taking home the 380 million won ($275,000) prize. But instead of celebrating the win, viewers quickly accused Hyun-kyu, Kyuhyun and actor Yoon So-hee of forming an alliance that supposedly worked to support Hyun-kyu's victory. The alleged collusion was met with public backlash, with some fans labeling "Devil's Plan" season 2 as 'the worst survival game show ever.' Hyun-kyu's behavior also became a major flashpoint, with critics calling him disrespectful and rude toward other participants. Some fans claimed he didn't deserve the win at all. Facing growing criticism, Hyun-kyu appeared before reporters Tuesday in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, wearing a solemn expression and keeping his head down for most of the event. 'Many people have judged my character, so I reflected on myself. ... I sincerely committed to the program, and during that process, I think I said things that hurt others and showed an aggressive attitude. I feel sorry for making many people uncomfortable and causing trouble for the program, the production team, and the cast,' he said during the group interview. 'I regret that I should have played a bit more gently,' he continued. 'After the program ended, I received the prize money, and since I feel I had a negative influence while winning, I plan to donate a certain amount. I will also enjoy some good food with the other contestants.' Much of the frustration also stemmed from participants forming alliances, which allegedly disrupted the intended flow of gameplay. Producer Jung Jong-yeon, the star producer behind multiple game shows such as "The Genius" and "Great Escape" as well as the producer of the "Devil's Plan" series, acknolwedged the issue, saying, 'It's an unavoidable problem in competitive programs that involve social elements.' 'This genre isn't a brain game where everyone starts from the same line, like a race. If viewers continue to feel frustrated watching that aspect, then it's something we need to reflect on," said Jung, during a group interview session held with Hyun-kyu on the same day. When asked whether he's planning a third season, Jung remained open to the idea, even in the face of ongoing criticism. 'There have been a lot of responses saying, 'I'm not looking forward to season 3,'' he said. '(But) if even one person is looking forward to it, I'd like to do season 3,' Jung said. 'Honestly, even if 'Devil's Plan 3' gets greenlit, I've been thinking about completely changing the structure. While maintaining the core concept of a brain-based social survival game, I wanted to keep introducing new formats. If given the chance, I'll try that again — or we might even release it under a completely different title.'
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Great Escape, Man from U.N.C.L.E and NCIS star's estate revealed with huge sum left for his wife after death aged 90
A LEGENDARY actor who starred on NCIS and the Great Escape has left a huge sum for his wife after he died aged 90. David McCallum sadly passed away while in New York Presbyterian Hospital back in September 25, 2023. 6 David left the whopping sum to his wife Katherine Carpenter, pictured together in 2009 6 David, an original cast member of NCIS, died at the age of 90 6 McCallum appeared on NCIS for 20 years and 20 seasons of the show Credit: Handout 6 McCallum (right) acted in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Credit: Getty McCallum's most famous role came as a secret agent in the 1960s spy drama Man from U.N.C.L.E during his stellar career. Now, it has been revealed that the iconic film star left nearly £100,000 when he died - all to his wife Katherine Carpenter. Documents show his estate in England and Wales was worth £97,307 when he died. The value of his British estate was left to his wife Katherine who was also its administrator. His will was made in 2010 was ratified by the Nassau County Surrogate's court, New York. David, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, died from natural causes and was surrounded by family in his final moments. The seasoned actor celebrated his birthday less than a week before his death. David had five children, from two different relationships with three from his first marriage to Jill Ireland - Valentine, Paul and adopted son Jason. Jason passed away from a drug overdose after taking a combination of painkillers and other muscle relaxants in 1989. David also had two children when he married second wife Katherine - son Peter and daughter Sophie. His will shows that he stipulated if his wife Katherine died before him his estate was to be left to Peter and Sophie. The Carpenters songwriter who wrote one of band's biggest hits dies aged 84 If Katherine predeceased him, the will also made provision for Paul and Valentine - his sons with Jill Ireland - who would each get $100,000. David had a long career starring in TV series Colditz, The Invisible Man and Sapphire & Steel. But he was probably best known for his role as mysterious Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He was cast as Illya Kuryakin, Solo's Russian sidekick, who wore black turtleneck sweaters and had a blond haircut in the moptop style of The Beatles. David received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations before the series ended in 1968. He also appeared alongside Steve McQueen in war movie The Great Escape. After making The Great Escape, David was cast as Judas Iscariot in the 1965 John Wayne film The Greatest Story Ever Told. More recently the Scottish-born star who lived in New York became known to a younger audience for his long-running role as a medical examiner in TV show NCIS. David was the last remaining original cast member on NCIS and played Chief Medical Examiner Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. The actor originally joined the show - which is a spin-off of the television show JAG - when it premiered over two decades ago in 2003. 'GIFTED ACTOR' NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a statement about their longtime star at the time of his passing. They said: 'For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. 'But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more." They continued: "He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. "From day one, it was an honour to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.' NCIS studio CBS Studios also made a joint statement saying: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. "David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. "He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away." 6 David McCallum died after a stellar film and TV career Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Great Escape, Man from U.N.C.L.E and NCIS star's estate revealed with huge sum left for his wife after death aged 90
A LEGENDARY actor who starred on NCIS and the Great Escape has left a huge sum for his wife after he died aged 90. 6 David left the whopping sum to his wife Katherine Carpenter, pictured together in 2009 6 David, an original cast member of NCIS, died at the age of 90 6 McCallum appeared on NCIS for 20 years and 20 seasons of the show Credit: Handout 6 McCallum (right) acted in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Credit: Getty McCallum's most famous role came as a secret agent in the 1960s Now, it has been revealed that the iconic film star left nearly £100,000 when he died - all to his wife Katherine Carpenter. Documents show his estate in England and Wales was worth £97,307 when he died. The value of his British estate was left to his wife Katherine who was also its administrator. Read More in TV His will was made in 2010 was ratified by the Nassau County Surrogate's court, New York. David, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, died from natural causes and was surrounded by family in his final moments. The seasoned actor celebrated his birthday less than a week before his death. David had five children, from two different relationships with three from his first marriage to Jill Ireland - Valentine, Paul and adopted son Jason. Most read in News TV Jason passed away from a drug overdose after taking a combination of painkillers and other muscle relaxants in 1989. David also had two children when he married second wife Katherine - son Peter and daughter Sophie. His will shows that he stipulated if his wife Katherine died before him his estate was to be left to Peter and Sophie. The Carpenters songwriter who wrote one of band's biggest hits dies aged 84 If Katherine predeceased him, the will also made provision for Paul and Valentine - his sons with Jill Ireland - who would each get $100,000. David had a long career starring in TV series Colditz, The Invisible Man and Sapphire & Steel. But he was probably best known for his role as mysterious Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He was cast as Illya Kuryakin, Solo's Russian sidekick, who wore black turtleneck sweaters and had a blond haircut in the moptop style of The Beatles . David received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations before the series ended in 1968. He also appeared alongside Steve McQueen in war movie The Great Escape. After making The Great Escape , David was cast as Judas Iscariot in the 1965 John Wayne film The Greatest Story Ever Told. More recently the Scottish-born star who lived in New York became known to a younger audience for his long-running role as a medical examiner in TV show NCIS. David was the last remaining original cast member on NCIS and played Chief Medical Examiner Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. The actor originally joined the show - which is a spin-off of the television show JAG - when it premiered over two decades ago in 2003. 'GIFTED ACTOR' NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a statement about their longtime star at the time of his passing. They said: 'For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. 'But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more." They continued: "He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. "From day one, it was an honour to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.' NCIS studio CBS Studios also made a joint statement saying: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. "David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. "He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away." 6 David McCallum died after a stellar film and TV career Credit: Getty 6 From left: John Leyton, David, Charles Bronson, James Garner and Nigel Stock in The Great Escape Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Charlton's play-off hero celebrated at motorway services after making history
When the end-of-season tightrope walk was launched nearly 40 years ago, Charlton Athletic were the kings of brinkmanship - and Peter Shirtliff delivered the first of manager Lennie Lawrence's celebrated great escapes Last action hero Peter Shirtliff was Charlton's saviour in the inaugural play-offs - and he celebrated with a plate of warmed-up motorway service station grub. Back in 1987, the Football League's end-of-season tightrope walk required the club finishing fourth from bottom in the top flight to sing for their supper against teams who came between third and fifth in the old Second Division. And when Charlton's final against Leeds went to a replay - at neutral Birmingham City after reciprocal 1-0 wins over two legs - Shirtliff's two goals in the last seven minutes of extra time saved the Addicks. Manager Lennie Lawrence was the king of brinkmanship who would have tunnelled his way out of the stalag or hurdled the barbed wire on a motorbike like Steve McQueen if he had landed a part in the Great Escape. He had already pulled a couple of rabbits from the hat by presiding over a 3-0 win at Newcastle and a 2-1 win against QPR on the last day of term to keep Charlton above the dotted line. Then, after the final against Leeds was deadlocked, the wily old fox refused to toss a coin for the right to stage the replay because didn't want to risk a sequel in the bearpit ambience of Elland Road. When the circus pitched its big top at St Andrews for the third instalment in six days, centre-back Shirtliff - who only scored 15 goals in more than 500 League appearances - was Charlton's unlikely champion. And he will be forever revered at the Valley as the man who scored the first-ever winner in the play-off for a place in the penthouse. 'It was a bit scary, too close for comfort, but we were on top for most of the game. We were the better side and Leeds scored against the run of play in extra time,' said Shirtliff, now 64. 'We had about 20 minutes to save ourselves and it was backs-to-the-wall stuff, but Lennie knew how to put a team together, that's for sure, and that one at Charlton had grit - bucketloads of grit. 'It was the first of his so-called great escapes and he just had this gift for producing big results when we needed them most. I scored once in a League Cup semi-final for Sheffield Wednesday against Chelsea, but in terms of the magnitude, I probably never scored more important goals than those two against Leeds. 'Our fans were heavily outnumbered in the replay, but the thing I remember most about that night is how much we were all starving after the game. It wasn't like today's football, where trolleys of food or piles of pizza boxes are delivered to the dressing room after the final whistle - we had to pull in at a motorway service station for fish and chips, or whatever they had kept warm, at about 1am. 'There were a few of our fans there, who were probably surprised to see their team desperate for a meal - anything we could lay our hands on - and we didn't get back to the training ground until the small hours. Did I think my goals would be the forerunner to today's Championship play-off final, where the sums of money at stake are absolutely astronomical? 'No chance - a midweek replay at Birmingham bears little relation to the shoot-out for hundreds of millions of pounds at Wembley these days, but I think the EFL have got it about right. I didn't think it was fair that a club could be relegated by a team from a lower division - as happened to Chelsea the year after we won the play-offs. 'Now it's a money-spinner for EFL clubs, especially the ones that go up, and fans love the drama. It's real box office stuff.' Shirtliff still carries a torch for the Addicks, and does occasional commentary shifts when they visit clubs near his home in the north-west, and he is backing them to beat Leyton Orient in Sunday's League One play-off final. He said: 'Charlton is a big club with a great history, and if they made it back to the Premier League, they would take huge swathes of south-east London with them. I do fancy them to beat Orient, even though I count myself as a friend of their manager Richie Wellens, who was in charge at Swindon when I was his assistant a few years ago. 'They have been on an upward curve for several months now, they have the momentum and Nathan Jones has done a terrific job since he came in. I know people piled into him on social media after he went through agony and ecstasy on the touchline at the end of the semi-final against Wycombe but, look, it's an emotional game. 'We all do things in the heat of the moment where we might look back and think, 'Oh God, what on earth was I doing there?' But there's so much at stake in the play-offs, with a whole season's work hanging on 90 minutes, that emotion takes over."
