Latest news with #TheHoundoftheBaskervilles
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Blue Peter star died penniless driving taxis after decades on TV
Blue Peter star Christopher Trace had a successful career in the TV industry before things took a turn for the worse, and he was declared bankrupt and lost his life savings A Blue Peter icon died penniless after a nine-year stint on the BBC children's show. Christopher Trace kick-started his presenting career at 25 in 1958 and was the one to introduce the inaugural episode alongside co-host Leila Williams. His career trajectory soared from there. He secured a regular presenting gig on the BBC Schools programme Signpost in 1961, holding the role for four years. Prior to his presenting days, he had an acting career, featuring in films like the 1959 release The Hound of the Baskervilles and 1960's Urge to Kill. Regrettably, things took a turn for the worse for the star. By 1967, Blue Peter chiefs were keen to replace him on the show, labelling him as challenging to work with on-set. Matters worsened when his wife Margaret Cattrall sought a divorce following Trace's infidelity with a 19-year-old during a Blue Peter trip to Norway. Christopher and his wife Meg were parents to two children, Jonathan and Jessica, reports the Express. Although he continued to work for BBC Radio and BBC Norwich for the subsequent six years, Trace exited Blue Peter in 1967 and gambled on a new business venture that ultimately drained his life savings. He made a brief comeback to Blue Peter for its 20th anniversary in 1978, but largely withdrew from his media career and ended up serving pints in a Norwich pub and working as a taxi driver. One source reminisced: "I remember him being strong on screen on BBC East. He was only there as his wife had kicked him out, he'd lost all his money and was drinking and eventually he went off to run a pub in Norwich." In the twilight of his career, Trace turned his hand to a variety of odd jobs, including taking on the role of general manager at an engineering factory. It was here that he tragically lost two toes in an industrial accident and subsequently ceased going to work. Having been declared bankrupt in 1973 - just two years following his marriage to Prudence Day - the television personality sadly passed away at the young age of 59 in 1992 due to oesophageal cancer. At the time of his passing, he resided in Walthamstow and was visited by fellow presenters Valerie Singleton and Biddy Baxter in hospital during his final days.
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Blue Peter icon died penniless after dismissal from show for 'being difficult'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Blue Peter legend sadly passed away penniless after a nine-year stint on the renowned BBC children's show. Christopher Trace embarked on his presenting journey at the tender age of 25 in 1958, and was the one to kick off the inaugural episode alongside co-host Leila Williams. His television career flourished as he secured a regular presenting gig on the BBC Schools programme Signpost in 1961, a role he held for four years. Before his Blue Peter tenure, Trace even dabbled in acting, featuring in films such as The Hound of the Baskervilles in 1959 and Urge to Kill in 1960. He also served as Charlton Heston's body double in the 1959 cinematic masterpiece Ben-Hur. Regrettably, things took a turn for the worse for the gifted star. By 1967, Blue Peter chiefs were reportedly eager to replace Christopher on the show, citing his challenging behaviour on set, according to the Express. His personal life also spiralled when his wife Margaret Cattrall sought divorce following Trace's infidelity with a 19 year old during a Blue Peter excursion to Norway, reports the Daily Record. Christopher and his wife Meg were parents to two children, Jonathan and Jessica. Trace bid farewell to Blue Peter in 1967 and gambled on a fresh business venture as a writer and production manager at a feature film company. Unfortunately, the job didn't pan out, resulting in the loss of his life savings. Trace was declared bankrupt in 1973, just two years after tying the knot with Prudence Da. He found himself pulling pints in a Norwich pub and driving taxis to make ends meet. Eventually, he managed to revive his television career by working on BBC's Nationwide, presenting regional programmes in East Anglia and hosting the breakfast radio show on BBC Norwich. A source from that time recalled: "I remember him being strong on screen on BBC East. "He was only there as his wife had kicked him out, he'd lost all his money and was drinking and eventually he went off to run a pub in Norwich." However, by the mid-1970s, Trace largely stepped back from his media career and dabbled in various odd jobs. One of these roles included a general manager position at an engineering factory. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages. While working there, he lost two toes in an industrial accident and stopped coming into work. Sadly, Trace passed away on 5 September 1992 at the age of 59 from oesophageal cancer, after battling the disease for the last five years of his life. At the time of his death, he was residing in Walthamstow and was dependent on benefits. In his final days, Trace was visited in hospital by fellow presenters Valerie Singleton and Biddy Baxter.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Blue Peter icon died a penniless taxi driver after spending decades on TV
A Blue Peter legend died without a penny to his name despite being one of the longest serving stars on the popular children's programme. A Blue Peter icon passed away without a penny to his name after nine years on the famous BBC children's programme. Christopher Trace started out his presenting career at 25-years-old in 1958 and was the man to launch the very first episode alongside his co-host Leila Williams. From there, his TV career went from strength to strength as he landed a regular presenting role on BBC Schools programme Signpost in 1961 and kept his job there for four years. Prior to his Blue Peter stint, Trace even had an acting career, starring in titles such as 1959 film The Hound of the Baskervilles and 1960's Urge to Kill. He also acted as Charlton Heston's body double in the 1959 film epic Ben-Hur. However, sadly things didn't work out well for the talented star in the end. By 1967, Blue Peter bosses were said to be desperate to replace Christopher on the show after saying he was difficult to deal with on set, the Express reports. Things went from bad to worse for him when his wife Margaret Cattrall filed for divorce after Trace cheated on her with a 19-year-old during a Blue Peter trip to Norway. Christopher and his wife Meg shared two children together, Jonathan and Jessica. Trace made his Blue Peter exit in 1967 and took a risk on a new business venture as a writer and production manager at a feature film company but the job failed and ended up costing him his life savings. Trace was declared bankrupt in 1973, two years after marrying Prudence Da and ended up pulling pints behind a bar in Norwich and working as a taxi driver instead to make ends meet. He eventually managed to get his TV career back on track by working for BBC's Nationwide, presenting regional programmes in East Anglia and the breakfast radio show on BBC Norwich. One insider said at the time: 'I remember him being strong on screen on BBC East. "He was only there as his wife had kicked him out, he'd lost all his money and was drinking and eventually he went off to run a pub in Norwich.' However, in the mid 1970s he largely retired from his media career and instead tried his hand at a number of odd jobs. Among these roles was a general manager position at an engineering factory. While working there he lost two toes in an industrial accident and stopped coming into work. He sadly died on September 5 1992 at 59-years-old from oesophageal cancer after battling the disease for the final five years of his life. At the time of his passing, he was living in Walthamstow and was relying on benefits. Trace was visited by fellow presenters Valerie Singleton and Biddy Baxter in hospital in his final days.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Seaside town with 'best pier in UK' and amazing views is UK's most beautiful
Cromer in Norfolk has been crowned the most beautiful seaside town in the UK, with its rugged cliffs, golden sands and charming Victorian pier making it a hit with visitors There's a certain seaside spot that is stealing hearts as the UK's most stunning coastal town. Perched precariously atop dramatic cliffs facing the North Sea, Cromer in Norfolk is a vision of natural beauty, peppered with verdant woodlands. The town is known for its Victorian pier, thriving with life and entertainment. Buzzing with activity, the Pavilion Theatre on the pier plays host to an array of shows, while further attractions include addictive arcade games and an inviting seafront strewn with quaint shops and tempting eateries. Adding to its accolades, Cromer Pier has scooped up the coveted 'Pier of the Year' award for 2024 from the National Piers Society, reflecting its enormous appeal to tourists. It's fondly referred to as the "gem of the Norfolk coast" due to its spectacular scenery. Literary giants have sought solace and inspiration in this coastal haven; Jane Austen immortalised it in 'Emma', extolling its virtues as a premier spot for sea bathing, praising both its panoramic ocean vistas and invigorating air. Resonating with mystery and intrigue, Arthur Conan Doyle conjured up 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', drawing from Cromer's rich tapestry of local myths, including tales of the Black Shuck, an eerie canine spectre reputed to roam the shores. For those craving that quintessential British beach experience, Cromer doesn't disappoint - with its resplendent golden sands complemented by brightly coloured beach huts, offering a sublime setting for leisurely promenades, sun-drenched relaxation, or a snorkelling adventure. For those wanting a change from the seaside, Cromer offers the delightful Amazona Zoo. Here, you can meet over 200 tropical animals from South America, including jaguars, parrots, monkeys, and even guinea pigs in their own village. However, the real jewel of Cromer is its parish, with a towering spire offering stunning views of the town and countryside. It's a must-see for any keen photographer or tourist. Visitors have been singing praises about Cromer on Google Reviews, applauding its untouched beauty and lack of crowds. One satisfied holidaymaker labelled it "the most beautiful yet underrated beach," while others praised its quaint shops, lively atmosphere, and delicious fish and chips. Every August, Cromer bursts into life with its spectacular Carnival, featuring a dazzling parade, fireworks, live music, and more. And music fans won't want to miss Golk on the Pier, a folk-rock festival hailed as the "best gig on the North Sea" for its fantastic lineup. For seafood lovers, Cromer is famous for its delicious crab, available fresh from March to October. Don't miss the Crab and Lobster Festival in May, where you can enjoy cooking competitions, live music, and local produce stalls. Links Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers, serving up mouth-watering dishes featuring locally sourced crab and lobster. For a gourmet twist on the classic fish and chips, head to No. 1 Cromer, owned by Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston, which offers stunning seaside views. Sweet lovers should not miss Herald's Fine Chocolates, a haven of handmade treats including fudges, marzipan fruits and more. With its lively events, fantastic food, and breathtaking coastal views, Cromer guarantees an unforgettable seaside getaway.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Love gripping mysteries? Here are 5 mystery novels for a true thriller fan
A locked room, a crowd, or an uncanny moor, the detectives are trapped in a series of unkempt, gruesome murder mysteries, and so are you. To keep you hooked till the very end, here are five mystery novels if murder mysteries excite and thrill you. (Photo: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd- Agatha Christie (1926) 'Life is only one of great illusions!' The great detective Hercule Poirot features for the third time in the crime series of Agatha Christie. Published in 1926, the novel has an innovative twist at the end, keeping the readers glued as mysteries unfold one after the other. One of the most controversial novels written by Christie, the British Crime Writers' Association nominated the novel as 'the best crime novel' in 2013. (Photo: 2. The Hound of the Baskervilles- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1902) Trapped once again in a crime scene, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are here to take you on a thriller ride. But this time it is not a mere crime scene, but an uncanny horror. Burdened by the curse passed down in the family, Holmes and Watson are invited to Devonshire Moorlands to unfold the mystery behind the death of Sir Charles Baskervilles. With the fascinating combination of gothic horror and deduction skills, this book is a must-read for detective fans. (Photo: 3. Whose Body- Dorothy L. Sayers (1923) A corpse, a bathtube, and a missing financier, Dorothy L. Sayers introduces Lord Peter Wimsey at an unsettling crime scene. With his witty character and sharp deduction skills, Wimsey, a rich, charming man who solves crimes 'just for fun', is stuck with a surreal murder. This eccentric investigation may be a century old, but it is a classic in the era of detective fiction. (Photo: 4. The Blue Cross- G.K. Chesterton (1910) A notorious criminal and a round-faced, humble Father Brown make their debut in G.K. Chesterton's The Blue Cross. A cat-and-mouse chase between an international thief, Flambeau, and an old priest, Father Brown, a detective, who, unlike others, not just wants to catch the criminal but also to understand them. This classic mystery novel is a blend of wit, sin, deception, misdirection, and a sense of morality. (Photo: 5. The Man in the Queue- Josephine Tey (1929) Published in 1929, this revolutionized genre introduces Inspector Alan Grant in the golden age of mystery. Grant combines empathy and logic while infolding the mystery, emphasizing justice over the procedure. A crowd, a theatre queue, and a man stabbed to death in the dark theatre, this locked-room murder mystery, this detective fiction pulls in the reader to not just follow but also think! (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.)
