Latest news with #Tufnell
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I'll never forget my final conversation with Shane Warne - his death shocked me'
'I'll never forget my final conversation with Shane Warne - his death shocked me' Shane Warne and Phil Tufnell were on opposite sides during the 1990s, and the pair often locked horns, but they still shared a close friendship away from the cricket field Shane Warne passed away on back in 2022 after suffering a heart attack (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images ) After numerous memorable encounters with Shane Warne, former England cricketer Phil Tufnell's last interaction with the Australian was rather unassuming. With his charming personality, bamboozling spinning ability and habit of finding himself in the headlines, Tufnell, 59, could be considered England's answer to Warne. While Tufnell might not have sported an earring or the bleach blonde hair that gave Warne his movie-star looks, he nevertheless had the skill to bewilder batsmen and make the ball turn on command. Notably, Tufnell eclipsed Warne during the 1997 Ashes by securing 11 wickets compared to the Aussie's four, leading England to a narrow 19-run win in the sixth test against Australia. Friendship blossomed between the two after their international cricket careers ended, with both contributing their insights to media coverage. The world, along with Tufnell, was shocked by Warne's sudden death due to a heart attack at age 52 on March 4, 2022. Tufnell reflects on his final words with Warne fondly. It was simply a routine farewell post-match, followed by a light-hearted confirmation that they both had cigarettes on hand. Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Tufnell told the Mirror: "I do a little bit actually (remember his last conversation with Warne). "I think we were at a cricket match. We have a breakout group there, so we're BBC and he was at Sky. As usual, we all meet up for a fag, we both used to smoke. I tell you what, it was one of those where we were just chatting. Article continues below "It was virtually, 'Oh, well, see you later. See you next year. Cheers mate. You got a fag, yeah? Alright! Cheers mate. Ta, bye.' Warne and Tufnell had many battles on the field (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images ) "Then, shortly afterwards (when news of the death was confirmed), it was like, 'F***, what?' That was the shock. We just couldn't believe it." Warne's sudden passing while on holiday in Thailand was deeply felt across the sport. Tufnell recalled exactly where he was when he heard the devastating news. He said: "I was driving along in my car and I thought they'd got it wrong. I thought they'd got it wrong because I think Rod Marsh, the legendary Australian wicket-keeper, had passed away two or three days beforehand. Tufnell will be starring on Betfair's Stick to Cricket show (Image: Betfair/Stick to Cricket podcast ) "I thought they had got that (Warne's death) wrong on the radio. Then I turned to another channel and they said it again. "I stopped the car. Stopped the car. I had been working with him not so long ago in the media centre at a cricket match, just chatting to him. I just couldn't believe it." Warne is universally recognised as the finest leg spinner in history, concluding his illustrious career with a tally of 708 wickets, second only to Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who bagged 800. Article continues below Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I was with Shane Warne months before he died - I still remember our last words'
EXCLUSIVE: The sudden death of Shane Warne sent shockwaves through the cricket world, including former England star Phil Tufnell, who still remembers his last conversation with the Australian After many extraordinary battles with Shane Warne, ex-England cricket star Phil Tufnell's final exchange with the Australian was a simple one. As a revered spinner and colourful character who was often in the headlines, Tufnell, 59, could be described as England's answer to the Australian. Tufnell may not have had the earring or the bleach blonde hair that made Warne look like a movie-star, but the English off-spinner could also bamboozle batsmen and spin the ball at his will. Many fans will never forget Tufnell outshining Warne at the 1997 Ashes by taking 11-wickets to Warne's four, inspiring England to a 19-run victory over the Aussies in the sixth test. Naturally, the pair developed a good friendship in their retirement from cricket and often worked together in the media. As millions were across the world, Tufnell was devastated by Warne's fatal heart attack at the age of 52 on March 4, 2022. He still remembers his final exchanges with Warne. It was an unextraordinary goodbye after a cricket match, followed by both spinners assuring one another that they were equipped with cigarettes. Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport, Tufnell, when asked if he remembers his final exchange with Warne, said: "I do a little bit actually. "I think we were at a cricket match. We have a breakout group there, so we're BBC and he was at Sky. As usual, we all meet up for a fag, we both used to smoke. I tell you what, it was one of those where we were just chatting. "It was virtually, 'Oh, well, see you later. See you next year. Cheers mate. You got a fag, yeah? Alright! Cheers mate. Ta, bye.' "Then, shortly afterwards (when news of the death was confirmed), it was like, 'F***, what?' That was the shock. We just couldn't believe it." Warne was on holiday in Thailand when he suffered his heart attack three years ago. His passing left a gaping hole in the world of cricket, particularly in the hearts of his family and former rivals who became friends. As well as their final conversation, Tufnell also remembers being behind the wheel of his car when news of Warne's death filtered through his radio. He added: "I was driving along in my car and I thought they'd got it wrong. "I thought they'd got it wrong because I think Rod Marsh, the legendary Australian wicket keeper, had passed away two or three days before hand. "I thought they had got that (Warne's death) wrong on the radio. Then I turned to another channel and they said it again. I stopped the car. "Stopped the car. I had been working with him not so long ago in the media centre at a cricket match, just chatting to him. I just couldn't believe it." Warne is widely regarded as the greatest leg spinner of all-time and finished his esteemed career with 708 wickets, second to only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who claimed 800. Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Phil Tufnell's frank five-word answer to controversial Question of Sport exit
Phil Tufnell was one of three stars that were replaced on A Question of Sport in 2020 along with Sue Barker and Matt Dawson in a controversial shake-up of the show It did not come as a shock to Phil Tufnell when the BBC dropped himself, Sue Barker and Matt Dawson from A Question of Sport in 2020. The 59-year-old cricket icon had been a staple member of the show ever since he was named as a team captain in 2007. After 13 years he, Barker and Dawson were told that they would not be continuing in their role as the Beeb wanted to shake up the format and the personnel of the show. Barker was replaced by Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuinness, while Tufnell and Dawson made way for Olympian Sam Quek and rugby's Ugo Monye. After the revamped format was put on the shelf in 2023, former Football Focus host Dan Walker took to social media and suggested the BBC had "alienated their core audience while searching for a new one" with their decision-making. Tennis icon Barker, who had presented the show for more than 20 years, has also admitted that she was unhappy with the way in which they were let go by the BBC. While speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Tufnell admitted he was not left speechless when the decision was broke to him. He told Wales Online: "You can't do things forever." Tuffers explained: "They had been talking about it and what have you. I wasn't really involved in it. We'd all been doing it for a while. Well, more than a while, around 13 or 14 years I'd been captain. "They fancied a bit of a refresh. We were just sort of like, 'Okay, well, there you go. Thanks very much for the memories. I thoroughly enjoyed every single show. Loved every minute of it.' "Now we're doing the theatre show. It's not called a Question of Sport, of course. We're all good friends, all got a very similar sense of humour. "We all get on very well so it's great to be back recreating it a little bit. Obviously, you think to yourself, 'Oh crikey,' but we wished everyone the best. It was part of our lives." In a statement released at that time, the BBC said: "We would like to thank Sue for her enormous contribution as the show's longest reigning host over the last 24 years, and Matt and Phil for their excellent team captaincy over 16 and 12 years respectively. "Together they have ensured A Question of Sport remains a firm favourite with the BBC One audience. Sue, Matt and Phil's final series will be broadcast next year." When the show was shelved in 2023, a BBC spokesman hinted at the possibility of its revival by stating the decision was "not the final whistle." Tufnell said he would like to see the show return to the nation's screens, but would not expect a phone call from the BBC if it did. He added: "I hope it does come back. It was part of my childhood. It had been going for 55 years, a long time. "I loved the show when I was on it and I loved it as a boy. It was one of those little half hours that you sat round with your family. "Hopefully, it comes back. I'd be delighted to sit down and watch it. Whether we do it again, I'm not so sure. But, we've had our time, haven't we?" Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Phil Tufnell gives honest five-word response when asked about Question of Sport axe
Phil Tufnell gives honest five-word response when asked about Question of Sport axe EXCLUSIVE: Phil Tufnell was a staple figure on British television throughout his time on A Question of Sport up until the day the BBC shook up the show Phil Tufnell was on A Question of Sport for 13 years (Image: PA ) Phil Tufnell has admitted that he was not surprised when the BBC decided to part with himself, Sue Barker and Matt Dawson on A Question of Sport. Tufnell, 59, had been a team captain on the panel show since 2007 until he was let go by the BBC as part of a reshuffle in 2020. The England cricket legend was one of the most recognisable figures on the show, until he made way for Paddy McGuinness, hockey star Sam Quek and rugby ace Ugo Monye. When the new format of the show was shelved in 2023, ex-BBC Football Focus presenter Dan Walker suggested the Beeb may have, "alienated their core audience while searching for a new one" when they decided to axe Tufnell and his show mates. Barker was also upset with the way the decision was handled. Tufnell held no resentment when he was informed about his departure. Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Tufnell looked back on the decision and said: "You can't do things forever." He added: " They had been talking about it and what have you. I wasn't really involved in it. We'd all been doing it for a while. Well, more than a while, around 13 or 14 years I'd been captain. "You can't do things forever. They fancied a bit of a refresh. We were just sort of like, 'Okay, well, there you go. Thanks very much for the memories. I thoroughly enjoyed every single show. Loved every minute of it.' Article continues below "Now we're doing the theatre show. It's not called a Question of Sport, of course. We're all good friends, all got a very similar sense of humour. We all get on very well, so it's great to be back recreating it a little bit. Tufnell had been on the show for 13 years when he was told he would be leaving in 2020 (Image: BBC ) "Obviously, you think to yourself, 'Oh crikey' but we wished everyone the best. It was part of our lives.' In a statement released at the time, the BBC said: "We would like to thank Sue for her enormous contribution as the show's longest reigning host over the last 24 years, and Matt and Phil for their excellent team captaincy over 16 and 12 years respectively. "Together they have ensured A Question of Sport remains a firm favourite with the BBC One audience. Sue, Matt and Phil's final series will be broadcast next year." Tufnell will be a guest on the Stick to Cricket podcast, which launches very soon (Image: Betfair/Stick to Cricket podcast ) When the show was shelved in 2023, a BBC spokesman appeared to leave the door ajar for a future reboot, claiming the decision was, "not the final whistle." When asked if he thinks the show may return in the future, potentially with himself, Barker and Dawson's involvement, Tufnell added: " I hope it does come back. "It was part of my childhood. It had been going for 55 years, a long time. I loved the show when I was on it and I loved it as a boy. It was one of those little half an hours that you sat round with your family. "Hopefully, it comes back. I'd be delighted to sit down and watch it. Whether we do it again, I'm not so sure. But, we've had our time haven't we?" Article continues below Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.
Pembrokeshire Herald
10-06-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New equipment will help locate NHS patients' veins
Patients in Pembrokeshire left stranded without NHS dentists as new centralised 'portal' plan sparks concern PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has published the results of a major survey exposing the scale of the dentistry crisis in West Wales — with 88% of respondents saying they do not have an NHS dentist. Henry Tufnell MP Now, with the Welsh Government proposing sweeping reforms to NHS dental services, concerns are growing that continuity of care could worsen and families may be forced to attend separate dental practices under a new centralised system. Mr Tufnell said the responses to his survey were 'shocking' and pointed to a system 'failing to meet the needs' of Pembrokeshire residents. Survey findings at a glance: 88% of respondents do not have an NHS dentist 60% tried to register but were told no places were available Over one-third have not seen any dentist at all Most reported emergency-only care or temporary treatment Families cited long travel distances, unaffordable costs, and health deterioration from delays In some cases, residents described waiting up to 16 years for an appointment. One patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer after multiple emergency visits, and a parent reported paying over £2,000 privately for their son's treatment. Mr Tufnell has presented the findings to Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB), which is responsible for managing local NHS dental contracts. He has pledged to work with the board and local dentists to push for urgent reform. 'Patients are suffering, and services are falling short,' Mr Tufnell said. 'Our local dental professionals are doing their best, but they are trapped in a system that simply isn't working.' Centralised 'Dental Portal' proposed The survey comes as the Welsh Government launches a public consultation on radical new proposals to tackle the growing backlog and access problems in NHS dentistry. The plan would see all adult patients placed on a central waiting list, called the Dental Access Portal, and then assigned to any surgery within the health board area — not necessarily their local or regular dentist. Under the new model: Patients would only remain with a surgery while actively receiving treatment Those with healthy teeth would be recalled for a check-up every 18–24 months Children would remain with their initially assigned dentist Some charges would increase (e.g. routine check-ups rising from £20 to £24.75), while others would drop (e.g. single crowns falling from £260 to £239.15) Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the proposed changes aim to improve fairness and make NHS dentistry more attractive to providers. 'When people need to see a dentist, they'll be able to access one — that's the critical thing,' he said. BDA and dentists voice serious concerns But the British Dental Association (BDA) and frontline dentists have warned that the proposals risk undermining continuity of care and could accelerate the move towards private dentistry. Dr Lauren Harrhy, a dentist from Pontypool, said the system may become saturated: 'There is a risk that practices will be overwhelmed with complex cases and won't be able to return patients to the central system — blocking new access entirely.' Others warned the changes could split families between surgeries and discourage patients from attending regularly, while offering no new funding to support the transition. Dr Harj Singhrao, a dentist in Newbridge, said: 'This could be devastating. If people are punished for looking after their teeth — and families are split across surgeries — it breaks trust and continuity.' Voices from the public Local voices speak out: 'A total mess' As Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell released the results of his dentistry survey, social media erupted with hundreds of personal stories and strong opinions about the crisis — and what the Welsh Government plans to do about it. Years without care, soaring bills Emma Roach shared her struggle: 'I haven't seen a dentist in seven years… I've got bleeding gums, probably need fillings, and can't afford even the check-up. I just paid £97 for new glasses — it's a mess. I'm a vet nurse, single parent, and even my 12-year-old son doesn't get free NHS dental care.' MelJane Bainee added: 'My daughter has always looked after her teeth. Now we've been told it could cost up to £5,000 to fix a dental issue — and we're not getting any help.' Others reported resorting to private schemes. 'Paying £45 a month now because of the mess of my teeth not being able to access a dentist for so many years,' wrote Abigail Louise Evans. Fury over government priorities Abi Hallett criticised local spending priorities: 'I think the money pledged for a footpath from Narberth to Haverfordwest… would be much better spent on providing some NHS dentistry.' Another comment read: 'On the day we find out Mark Drakeford is giving £36 million of Welsh taxpayers' money to Starmer, we're here without NHS dentists. Fund care in Wales first!' Warnings over Welsh Government's reforms Kirsty Fisher didn't hold back: 'The new Welsh Government dental contract is the final nail in the coffin. They're driving NHS dentists out by making the contract unworkable. Stop blaming the practices — it's government policy doing this.' Dan Chambers described the cycle many patients face: 'Get registered, get seen once, place shuts down, repeat.' Mary Dempsey added: 'If you're an NHS patient, they declare you fit after your check-up. They won't do any preventative care, especially in the elderly.' Mixed views on Henry Tufnell's efforts While some praised the MP for raising the issue, others questioned the impact. 'Does Henry live in cloud cuckoo land?' asked Ian Sturley. Myles Lewis-McGinley wrote: 'While I appreciate Henry's efforts, this has happened under 26 years of Labour in Wales. These problems didn't appear overnight.' Kevin Lloyd asked the MP directly: 'Do you use NHS dentistry yourself, or private? And how many people actually filled in this survey?' Others were more sceptical of all political parties. Mike Gideon Hodgson commented: 'Reform aren't going to make things better either — the whole political system needs reforming, not just the party.' MP calls for local solution Henry Tufnell told The Herald: 'This isn't just about waiting lists or contracts — it's about people's lives. The heartbreaking stories in my survey make one thing clear: reform must be grounded in patient care and local accountability, not bureaucracy.' The public consultation on the new proposals remains open until Wednesday, 19 June.
