Ephraim Hardcastle
WITH Harry’s memoir set to scupper any hopes of reconciliation with brother William and father Charles, sub-zero family relations could plummet even further should murmurs of an accompanying Netflix documentary prove accurate. Executives are reportedly lobbying Harry to augment the book with a film. Having already dropped Meghan’s uncommercial Pearl, an animation about a girl meeting famous historical figures, Netflix bigwigs want to persuade Harry to provide a big pay bonanza with a personal documentary. A real-life followup to The Crown?
THAT’S TV’s autumn transmission of all 13 series of Johnny Speight’s Till Death Us Do Part prompts recollection of Prince Philip’s encounter with Speight at the 1972 Royal Variety performance, when he turned to Princess Anne and said: ‘This is the gentleman who writes your mother’s favourite show.’ Well, as Alf Garnett would say: ‘She’s yer actual bleedin’ Queen, ain’t she!’
MICHAEL Palin had to be cajoled into his forthcoming threepart Channel 5 series, Into Iraq, because of health problems. ‘I haven’t travelled a lot recently,’ admits Michael, 79, pictured. ‘I’m getting on a bit and I needed a doctor’s letter because I had a heart operation.’ He adds: ‘I had a couple of heart valves sorted about two-and-a-half years ago and the doctor said, “Yes, you can go to Iraq”.’ Is this the supreme globetrotter’s swansong?
WITH the nation cheering on George Alagiah’s extraordinary resilience in the face of stage-four bowel cancer – as he continues to work and support charity – the Sri Lankan-born BBC newscaster, 66, poignantly admits to losing his Roman Catholic religion. ‘I envy people who have faith,’ he says. ‘My family home was a very Catholic home. We would end the day by sitting around saying the rosary. So, I understand it, but I’m afraid I no longer have it.’
HEAVYWEIGHT boxer Earnie Shavers, who has died at 78, sparred with Sylvester Stallone for a part in Rocky III in 1982, but respectfully kept his distance from the star until Stallone shouted, ‘C’mon Earnie, show me something real.’ Shavers punched him once near the liver and the film star doubled up. ‘I went straight to the men’s room and threw up,’ Stallone said. Shavers didn’t get the part.
LATE BBC Breakfast star Bill Turnbull mischievously recalled sturdy weather colleague Carol Kirkwood promising to get her jugs out on air. Red-faced Carol had been referring to containers of liquid showing rainfall levels.
BASIL Fawlty star John Cleese – who is staying, unhappily, in Scandinavia – fumes: ‘Here is the star system for hotels in northern Sweden. One star: the building was demolished last week. Two star: the roof is OK now. Three star: staff training has been delayed. Four star: most of the bedrooms have beds. Five star: f*****g awful.’ Basil lives!