Michelle Marshall

Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was buried at Buckfast Abbey in Devon on 12 August, with around 100 relatives, friends and colleagues attending the requiem mass. GB News presenter Andrew Pierce became emotional while reporting live from the service, saying he struggled to hold back tears as he described the shock surrounding Widdecombe's death. Abbey officials praised her faith, intellect and public service. A public memorial is planned for later in the year.

Rod Stewart postponed his August 4 concert at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls just hours before the performance because of a mechanical fault with the aircraft’s landing gear. The show was rescheduled for March 4, 2027, with tickets to be honored, but fans criticized the disruption and associated travel costs. The cancellation follows earlier performances he abandoned because of respiratory and sinus infections, including a California show after which he faced criticism for attending a World Cup match.

Arlene Smith, founding member and lead singer of the pioneering 1950s Black female doo-wop group The Chantels, died aged 84 in New York City on July 29, reportedly from natural causes after suffering a heart attack. The Chantels achieved national success with their million-selling song “Maybe,” helping open doors for later female groups including the Shirelles, the Ronettes and the Crystals. Smith later worked with Phil Spector, taught music in New York City schools, and retired from the music scene. The Chantels were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.

This Morning presenter Cat Deeley shared Instagram photos and videos of herself mowing her lawn in a black bikini during a UK heatwave. The post, captioned “British Summertime,” attracted enthusiastic reactions from celebrity friends and fans, including comments praising her appearance and joking about wanting to be her neighbour. The piece also notes Deeley’s announced separation from Patrick Kielty after their 12-year marriage, while stating that they remain united as parents.

Daveigh Chase died at 35 while homeless, leaving approximately $400,000 in assets with no will. Her mother has requested to administer the estate through Los Angeles Superior Court. The coroner determined she died from AIDS with chronic substance use as a secondary factor. Known for roles in Lilo & Stitch, Spirited Away, and The Ring, Chase struggled with personal difficulties, as highlighted by a GoFundMe organized by her boyfriend during her final days.

Sky News interrupted its broadcast to relay Donald Trump’s declaration that the United States would intensify strikes on Iran and reinstate a blockade on Iranian ports amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump dismissed a recent memorandum of understanding with Iran as meaningless and vowed further military action, while viewers reacted by warning he is becoming trapped in an unwinnable conflict. Tehran and Washington remain locked in a cycle of retaliatory attacks as US forces prepare additional strikes.