Iranian flight plunges, makes emergency Ankara landing

Rod Liddle, the outspoken newspaper columnist and broadcaster, has died at the age of 66 following a short illness. He passed away at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening. Liddle built a long and colourful career in British media. He wrote regular columns for both the Sun and the Sunday Times. He also contributed a weekly column to the Spectator. Beyond print, he hosted a show on Times Radio, reaching audiences across multiple platforms for decades. His children, Wilder, Tyler, and Emmy, shared a heartfelt tribute following his passing. They described feeling shocked and saddened by how suddenly he’d gone. They said their father raised them to be curious, courageous, and quick with humour, just as anyone might expect from him. Even during his final weeks in hospital, they said he stayed remarkably composed. According to his children, he consistently held the room and never let the awful situation show. They spoke of the legacy he left behind, calling him their model for living life fully and fearlessly. Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK, also paid tribute to her longtime colleague. She called him an inimitable journalistic force whose influence shaped British journalism for years. Brooks noted that Liddle never shied away from challenging popular opinion. She said his work left a lasting impression on the industry as a whole. She went on to describe him as brilliant and provocative, someone whose wit and fearless commentary became a fixture across News UK’s publications and shows for decades. Brooks added that his absence would be deeply felt, not just by colleagues but by the many readers, listeners, and viewers who followed his work over the years. She extended condolences to his family on behalf of everyone at News UK. Liddle’s career spanned print, radio, and television, and though he was often described as divisive, few would dispute the size of his footprint on British media. His voice, whether praised or criticized, was one that consistently sparked conversation, debate, and reaction across the industry. He leaves behind three children and a body of work that continues to define the sharper, more combative side of British journalism.

Actor Nadia Afgan is speaking candidly about the financial pressures young actors face early in their careers. She specifically criticised the trend of moving into expensive, high-status neighbourhoods purely to keep up appearances. Reflecting on how demanding the profession really is, Nadia said the job is far tougher than it looks from the outside. She explained that young actors often work incredibly hard when starting out, and encouraged them to prioritise saving money or investing in property, rather than chasing status symbols just because their peers happen to live a certain lifestyle. According to Nadia, that kind of comparison amounts to peer pressure, and it’s pushing many actors into spending well beyond what they can sustainably afford. She also took aim at social media for reinforcing that illusion. Nadia pointed out that people readily post about their cars, scenic views or business-class flights, but rarely share the moments of genuine financial stress that often follow, like panicking over a hefty bill. Speaking more broadly about shifts within the entertainment industry, Nadia said visibility now often matters more than actual talent. She noted that becoming an influencer first has become a common route into television dramas, with anyone holding a camera and an active social media following able to break in more easily. She added that production houses tend to prioritise numbers over craft as well. According to Nadia, casting someone with a large following almost guarantees higher viewership, which directly benefits the channel or production house involved. She admitted knowing many genuinely talented individuals who get overlooked, while influencers with large followings continue landing opportunities instead. Beyond industry commentary, Nadia also reflected on her own journey as an actor. She spoke about her long-held desire to move beyond comedic roles, admitting that meaningful change only came gradually, as her personality and outlook evolved over time. She shared that her father’s illness and eventual passing brought a newfound sense of steadiness to her life. According to Nadia, having witnessed life’s ups and downs so closely has helped her understand and portray complex characters with far greater depth. Nadia is best known for her roles in dramas including “Suno Chanda,” “Shashlik,” “Shehr-e-Zaat” and “Kabuli Pulao.”