BORN ON THIS DAY

JEREMy THORPE (1929-2014). The former Liberal Party leader’s career collapsed when he was charged with conspiracy and incitement to murder his former lover, male model Norman Scott. Thorpe managed to postpone his trial to fight for his North Devon seat in 1979’s election, which he lost. He was later acquitted. LONNIE DONEGAN (1931-2002). The Glasgow-born singer (right) was described as the first British pop superstar, with hits such as Rock Island Line and My Old Man’s A Dustman. Paul McCartney said: ‘When we were kids, Lonnie started the craze for guitars.’ But Donegan was left behind when The Beatles took off, and said: ‘I was resentful at the way they stopped my cash flow.’