Latest news with #StHelens-born
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ray French, legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby League' dies at 85
The world of rugby league is mourning the loss of legendary commentator Ray French, who has passed away at the age of 85. The St Helens-born icon, known as the 'Voice of Rugby League', had been battling dementia in recent years. French's illustrious career spanned over three decades with the BBC, taking over from Edding Waring in 1981 and remaining a beloved figure on air for an impressive 38 years. He was also a former international player in both union and league, earning him an MBE in 2011 for his services to rugby league. (Image: PA) The BBC shared the sad news on their social media, stating: "Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85. Our thoughts, from everybody at BBC Sport, are with all his family and friends." After confirming his passing, the BBC will be airing a re-run of a episode of Rugby League Heroes from 2016 which featured French. Tributes are flooding in following the sad news. The charity RL Cares posted on X saying: "Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international and for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today. (Image: Mike Brett/Popperfoto via) "Ray, who has been suffering from dementia in recent years, was 85. Thoughts are with Ray's family." His successor at the BBC, Dave Woods, added: "So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism. Just a wonderful, kind and humble man. You always wanted to be in his company." Former Widnes and Great Britain star Jonathan Davies also wrote: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend rugby player and broadcaster. I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. "Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game. RIP Ray my condolences to all your family and friends." (Image: The FA via Getty Images) Leeds Rhinos hall of famer Barrie McDermott described French as a 'genuine legend'. "Really sad news," McDermott posted. "A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time. Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray." French played for England in union, winning four caps in the second row in 1961 before moving to league. He signed for his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup five years later. In 1968, he appeared four times for Great Britain in international league. French left to join Widnes after 204 matches in Saints colours and played 123 times for the Chemics. French also had a career away from the pitch. He was a rugby master at Cowley High School.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ray French dies as tributes paid to legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby'
Ray French was known as the 'Voice of Rugby League' and became a popular figure on the BBC before he suffered from dementia in recent years. Legendary rugby league commentator Ray French has died at the age of 85. French who had a decade spanning career with the BBC and became the beloved 'Voice of Rugby League' had been suffering from dementia in recent years. The St Helens-born icon also played internationally in both union and league. He was given an MBE in 2011 for services to rugby league. French succeeded Edding Waring in the role when he took the job in 1981. He remained on the air for a total of 38 years, reports the Mirror. After confirming his passing, the BBC will be airing a re-run of a episode of Rugby League Heroes from 2016 which featured French. Tributes are flooding in following the sad news. The charity RL Cares announced the news on social media platform X. Their post read: "Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international & for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today. His successor at the BBC, Dave Woods, added: "So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism. Just a wonderful, kind and humble man. You always wanted to be in his company." Former Widnes and Great Britain star Jonathan Davies also wrote: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend rugby player and broadcaster. I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. "Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man.I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game. RIP Ray my condolences to all your family and friends." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Leeds Rhinos hall of famer Barrie McDermott described French as a 'genuine legend'. "Really sad news," McDermott posted. "A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time. Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray." French played for England in union, winning four caps in the second row in 1961 before moving to league. He signed for his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup five years later. In 1968, he appeared four times for Great Britain in international league. French left to join Widnes after 204 matches in Saints colours and played 123 times for the Chemics. French also had a career away from the pitch. He was a rugby master at Cowley High School.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
BREAKING: Ray French dies: Legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby League' passes away
Legendary rugby league commentator Ray French has died at the age of 85. French had suffered from dementia in recent years, having spent over three decades working for the BBC and becoming the beloved 'Voice of Rugby League'. He also represented England in both rugby union and league. The St Helens-born icon was given an MBE in 2011. French succeeded Edding Waring in the role when he took the job in 1981. He remained on the air for nearly 40 years. There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.
Metro
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Johnny Vegas's real name revealed as he explores very obscure new career
Nothing quite shakes you to the core like discovering one of your most loved celebrities isn't called what you think they're called. And unfortunately for fans of Johnny Vegas, we're here to inform you that he is not, in fact, named Johnny Vegas. To be fair, it'd be pretty epic if that were his real name, right? But no. The comedian and actor, pretty much only known by his stage persona, is called Michael Joseph Pennington. He mentioned his birth moniker in a new interview, admitting that he uses Johnny Vegas as an 'alter ego.' Speaking to Loaded, the Benidorm star, 54, described the hilarious character as 'a defence mechanism'. It comes two years after he revealed he'd been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the age of 52, as the interviewer asked whether Johnny Vegas would still exist without the condition, which often causes restlessness and trouble concentrating. 'I think he would have,' Johnny replied. 'He came from a different place. He was more of a defence mechanism. 'Michael is an observer by nature, and quite timid, and Johnny was his alter ego.' He added that Johnny 'wasn't a character created in the traditional sense.' The St Helens-born star explained: 'He'd been there a while and plotting a way out and trying to turn adversity into something positive, taking no prisoners along the way.' He joked that he 'always said [he] was [Johnny's] agent, his PR person who cleaned up the mess.' Now, though, he's enjoying seeing more of the real Michael and getting back into his passion for art. On how having ADHD is sometimes 'hindering,' Johnny said it can affect his decision-making and timekeeping while also creating 'certain anxieties'. However, he believes the condition 'works well with art' as it means he's 'never short of ideas'. While the entertainer has been on TV since the mid-90s, he's now taking on different jobs alongside comedy, having debuted his own artwork at a show in 2023. Since then, he's been sculpting and creating ceramics, putting his BA in Art and Ceramics from Middlesex University to good use. His next venture is with Vintage Vegas, an antiques shop he's opened for a new TV show. More Trending Titled Johnny Vegas' Little Shop of Antiques, the programme will air in July, following Johnny as he acquires new items for his collection and attempts to make a profit. Located in Dagfields Crafts and Antiques, he welcomed his first punters on May 10 and has been promoting the store on his Instagram. 'Hopefully, see you there; if nothing else, it's as eclectic as it gets,' he teased in a video to his fans. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
