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Second Bee Gees member dies within four days

Drummer Byron Dennis, who played a pivotal role in the success of The Bee Gees, has died just days after one of the original band members also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/original-bee-gees-star-passes-away-aged-78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a>. Touring drummer Dennis Bryon died aged 76 in Nashville on November 14th, just four days before original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen. The news of Bryon’s death was confirmed by his former bandmate, Blue Weaver, who performed alongside him in another band before he joined the Bee Gees. “I am lost for words at the moment. Dennis has passed away,” Weaver wrote in a heartfelt social media post. “Dennis has been my friend since we were in our first band together aged 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.” Bryon was the group's drummer between 1973 and 1981, and played on some of the Bee Gees’ most iconic disco hits, including Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever. Just days before Dennis's tragic death, the Bee Gees original drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen, as the band confirmed the news of his passing with a post on social media. “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the post read. “He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect." “Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.” Image credits: Mediapunch/Shutterstock Editorial <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px; font-size: 1.125rem; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33;">

Caring

"I miss her hugs": British acting legend shares heartbreaking loss

Actor Warwick Davis has shared the heartbreaking news of his wife's death. The actor, known for his roles in Harry Potter and Star Wars, took to social media to share the news of his wife Samantha's death, who passed away at the age of 53. “Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs”, Warwick, 54, said. He added, “She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes. “Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series. No Idiot Abroad Series 3.” Warwick said Samantha was his “most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career”. The couple’s children, Harrison and Annabelle, added, “Mum is our best friend and we’re honoured to have received a love like hers “Her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives”. Warwick and Samantha met on the set of the movie Willow in 1988 and got married three years later. Samantha had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism. Warwick has previously opened up about his wife’s health after she was rushed to hospital with sepsis in 2018, and had to undergo several different surgeries to stabilise her condition. Warwick, co-founder of charity Little People UK, has often spoken out about the health battles related to his condition, as well his wife’s. He was born with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), an extremely rare genetic form of dwarfism, which has been inherited by both their daughter Annabelle and son Harrison. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Former world champion cyclist to face court over Olympian wife's death

Rohan Dennis, the husband of former Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, will face court after allegedly causing her death. Dennis, a former world champion cyclist, was arrested in January and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. It is alleged that he recklessly struck his wife with his car in front of their home in Medindie in Adelaide on December 30. Hoskins was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died later that night. The pair share two children together, and Dennis is due to appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court today. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The Australian cycling community were devastated when news of Hoskins' death first broke. "Melissa described her team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 world championships as the highlight of her career but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around," AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said at the time. "Although she retired in 2017, her presence as an alumnus of the sport has been felt and appreciated by many in the cycling and riding community." Hoskins competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics as a member of the Australian track cycling team pursuit, that finished fourth place. She also competed at the 2016 Olympics for the same team, and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event. The Olympian was laid to rest in her hometown, Perth, in January with a public memorial service held in Adelaide during what would've been her 33rd birthday a month later. Dennis, who has been on bail since January, attended both ceremonies. Images: Getty

Legal

Luke Davies' mother breaks silence

In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, the loss of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird has left a void in the lives of their loved ones and communities. As <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/shocking-new-claims-on-alleged-double-murder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the details of their untimely passing</a> continue to unfold, the outpouring of support and compassion from near and far serves as a beacon of hope amidst profound sorrow. Sandra Davies, mother to Luke, has now spoken publicly for the first time to express her gratitude amidst the overwhelming grief that has enveloped her family. In a poignant message shared on the GoFundMe page dedicated to preserving her son's memory, Sandra's words resonate with the profound depth of a mother's love and the enduring spirit of community. "Wow an unbelievable $75000.00 donated to our beloved, and most beautiful, kindest soul Luke," Sandra wrote. "It is with a grateful heart we thank you all sincerely although these words just don’t seem enough for the overwhelming love and generosity both Luke and Jesse have received these past few weeks. "To all the family, friends and strangers for your generous gifts and words of support we appreciate all of your help during this very traumatic and difficult time and will continue to keep you updated as we start to prepare for Luke’s final farewell." The remarkable sum of $75,000 raised thus far stands as a testament to the indelible impact Luke and Jesse have had on countless lives, their radiant spirits touching hearts far and wide. Luke's unwavering kindness, Jesse's vibrant presence – their absence reverberates through the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know them. As Sandra extends her heartfelt appreciation to each and every individual who has offered solace and support, her words serve as a reminder of the healing power found in the embrace of community. Images: GoFundMe

Legal

AFL to tribute for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies

The AFL will honour Jesse Baird and Luke Davies with a tribute to the couple before Thursday night's opening game of the season at the Sydney Cricket Ground. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced that players from Sydney Swans and Melbourne Demons, as well as the umpires will gather at 7.27pm and wear black armbands in a mark of respect for the allegedly murdered couple. "A tribute pre-game to both Jesse and Luke tomorrow night is a small way for us all to reflect and remember two young men during what is a very difficult time for their families and friends," Dillon said. "The AFL acknowledge and respect both families who are experiencing untold grief and so are particularly grateful for their support of the tribute." The tribute will honour the memory of Davies, who was a lifelong Swans supporter and Baird, who was an AFL goal umpire and "a popular and respected member of our AFL umpiring family". "Jesse developed many close friendships his umpiring career and time at the AFL," the statement read. "He was such a vibrant, fun-loving person, who was deeply committed to umpiring." Baird made his debut on the AFL umpiring list in March 2020 and was named the AFL's most promising goal umpire when he won the umpiring association's Brian Pratt Medallion two years in a row. When he moved to Sydney in 2023, he continued his AFL umpiring career, which spanned 62 matches including two finals. The couple were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-officer-arrested-amid-search-for-missing-men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allegedly murdered</a> by serving police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon in Baird’s Paddington home on February 19. Their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/update-on-search-for-bodies-of-murdered-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bodies </a>were discovered in a rural NSW property on February 27, over a week after they were allegedly killed. The senior constable has since been charged two counts of murder and remains behind bars after being denied bail. Following their tragic deaths, tributes have flowed in from the couple's friends, family and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sarah-harris-leads-tributes-to-jesse-baird" target="_blank" rel="noopener">colleagues </a>across the country. Images: AFLUA/ Facebook

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Qantas unveils tribute to Luke Davies

Qantas has unveiled how they will be honouring their slain colleague Luke Davies at the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The bodies of Luke Davies and his boyfriend Jesse Baird were found buried in the NSW Southern Tablelands earlier this week, as police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has been charged with two counts of murder over their deaths. Now, on the eve of the Mardi Gras parade that takes over Sydney's Oxford Street every year, Qantas has shared how they will honour Davies' life on the Flying Kangaroo float. Davies' name will be front and centre of the float, while Mardi Gras organiser Brandon Bear said this year’s festival would be a time for both celebration and mourning. “Mardi Gras is a multiplicity of things and we come together not just to celebrate, but also to spark conversation to make change and this year, there’ll be an element of us coming together to mourn,” he told ABC News. “We’re certainly working with the community (to recognise the couple) and we know our partners are working to use their parade float to talk to the lives and the memory of those young men.” The conversation around the death of Baird and Davies just before Mardi Gras has sparked a lot of debate, with Mardi Gras reaching an agreement with NSW Police saying they would be allowed to march in the parade, as long as they are not in uniform. A silent vigil is set to be held on Friday evening in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst to honour the lives of Luke and Jesse, with the public invited by their families to join them in mourning. Image credits: Facebook / Qantas

Caring

Luke Davies' final act of kindness for nervous flyer

The colleagues of slain Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies have shared the 29-year-old's final act of kindness for an elderly couple travelling overseas. In one of the last flights before his untimely death, Davies was on a flight from Sydney to Singapore as an elderly woman boarded the plane with her dying husband who was dealing with dementia. The senior couple were travelling to Switzerland so the man could pay one final visit to his son before succumbing to his illness. The caring flight attendant spent the entire eight-and-a-half hour journey, including his break, with the man and his wife as they flew first-class. "The wife had told him [her husband] had severe dementia, and she was really saddened by it because she kept saying he was the most beautiful husband and kindest man, and she was losing him to this cruel disease," Qantas colleague Brooke Walters told the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/luke-davies-act-of-kindness-on-one-of-his-last-flights-20240227-p5f84n.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a>. "She was getting exhausted because every 30 seconds he was losing his memory, like a goldfish, and Luke took it upon himself to care for them constantly." Walters shared how her friend and colleague went above and beyond to care for the elderly man, recalling how he tucked the man into his bed, reassured him amid his confusion and consoled his wife, who was at times upset. "Luke had been told they booked the flight a year and a half ago, but the husband had deteriorated in the last three months really badly, so it was going to be their last trip to see their son, and Luke wanted it to be as comfortable as possible," she said. Ms Walters added that Mr Davies had a love of travelling and was a joy to be around. Luke and his partner Jesse Davies' <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/update-on-search-for-bodies-of-murdered-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bodies were found</a> in southern New South Wales on Tuesday, after Constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon turned himself in over the disappearance of the two men, and has since been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-officer-arrested-amid-search-for-missing-men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged</a> with two counts of murder. Image credits: Instagram

International Travel

Vigil held as families visit site where Jesse Baird and Luke Davies' bodies found

In the wake of the devastating loss of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, allegedly murdered in a shocking incident that has reverberated more than 150km apart, communities are coming together to mourn, support and seek solace. The heart-wrenching discovery of the couple's bodies in the serene landscapes of the Southern Tablelands near Goulburn has sent shockwaves through both urban and rural areas. As news of the tragic discovery spread, family members embarked on a solemn journey south to the Bungonia property where <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/update-on-search-for-bodies-of-murdered-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baird and Davies were found</a>. Their pilgrimage was met with an outpouring of sympathy and solidarity from friends and community members alike. Meanwhile, in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, a sombre vigil took place, with dozens gathering at the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club to honour the memories of the beloved couple. The scene at the vigil was poignant yet comforting, with friends embracing one another against the backdrop of crashing waves and flickering candlelight. A portrait of Davies served as a focal point, surrounded by tokens of affection and remembrance. Meanwhile, in the NSW countryside, law enforcement officials worked diligently to unravel the mysteries surrounding the tragic deaths. The sight of police tape being lowered to allow family members to pass through symbolised both closure and the beginning of a long journey toward healing. For the NSW Police Force, the case hit particularly close to home. Deputy Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald spoke candidly about the profound impact of the alleged crime, emphasising the shock and horror felt within the law enforcement community. "It has hurt us because it was one of our own," Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald remarked. "It was an officer who used a police weapon. It's captured the world's attention, not just Australia's. It's horrendous and horrific." Indeed, the tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of violence and the need for greater support for victims and their families. As communities grapple with grief and loss, there is a renewed commitment to standing together in solidarity and offering support to those in need. While the discovery of Baird and Davies' bodies brings a heartbreaking confirmation of their deaths, it also serves as a catalyst for healing and closure. In the days and weeks ahead, friends, family and communities will continue to come together to honour their memories and seek justice for the lives lost too soon. Images: 9News

Family & Pets

Hope for families after abrupt collapse of construction firm

Failed builder Porter Davis will be partly sold to a Victorian construction firm to complete hundreds of homes. Nostra Property Group will take over the collapsed builder’s multiple dwelling business in Victoria which is mostly responsible for townhouses. Porter Davis, Australia’s 12th largest home builder suddenly stopped construction on 1,700 homes in Victoria and Queensland on March 31, 2023, after it was crippled by a funding hole estimated at $20 million. Liquidator Grant Thornton announced Nostra has plans to complete up to 375 homes including 126 townhouses which have already been sold to buyers using the same Porter Davis designs. The firm is also able to start construction for up to 169 townhouses that have already been sold. It is offering ongoing employment to 16 Porter Davis workers as well. "All parties worked tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome in an extremely short period of time which will see a number of jobs preserved, disruption minimised for several existing and future projects, and critically up to 375 homes built for families who have had to suffer enormous stress and anxiety following the collapse of the PDH Group," Said Jahani from liquidator Grant Thornton said. The managing director for Nostra Anthony Caruana said the company is already in affiliation with various developers that were building Porter Davis homes, making the buy-in a “natural fit”. "Together, we will work towards not only completing the existing partially built homes in this portfolio but also those projects which are yet to commence," Caruana said. "This will ensure that we can provide much-needed certainty to the families who have purchased a PDH-designed townhouse and they can once again look forward to having a new place to call home.” Founded by Caruana in Victoria in 2006, Nostra Property Group specialises in townhouse developments. More than 1,000 homes remain unaccounted for as the firm is only taking over the Victorian arm of the Porter Davis builds. It comes as upset families affected by the collapse took to the steps of Victorian parliament, demanding the government pay back the tens of thousands of dollars lost in deposits. Image credit: Shutterstock

Real Estate

Ricky Martin hits back at “maladjusted” nephew with massive lawsuit

Ricky Martin has filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against his 21-year-old nephew who previously accused the singer of sexual abuse. The suit comes a month after Martin’s nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/truth-prevails-ricky-martin-addresses-nephew-after-harassment-case-heard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrew a restraining order</a> laid against the 50-year-old celebrity. Martin filed the $US 20 million suit on Wednesday, as reported by TMZ, which contains claims from Martin that his nephew is a “maladjusted individual” who would message him up to ten times a day over a four-month period, threatening to “assassinate his reputation and integrity” if he didn’t give him cash. The Livin’ La Vida Loca singer also alleged that Sanchez shared his mobile phone number online and made an Instagram account for one of Martin’s children. He believes he has missed out on lucrative business opportunities, according to the suit, and is seeking the hefty sum for damages. Martin, who parents his four children with husband Jwan Yosef, said he and his family felt “unsafe” in Puerto Rico due to Sanchez’s alleged behaviour. In July, Martin shared a clip explaining why he hadn’t addressed Sanchez’s claims the pair were in an incestuous relationship when they first emerged. “For two weeks, I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following procedure, where the law … obligated me not to talk until I was in front of the judge,” Martin said in the clip while dressed in a suit and tie. Sanchez, who is the son of Martin’s half-sister Vanessa Martin, alleged he and Martin were in a relationship for seven months and that his uncle stalked him at his house following their breakup. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgRx1HwL36j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgRx1HwL36j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin)</a> </div> </blockquote> In the video, Martin shared his relief over the dismissal of the case but noted the negative impact it had on his loved ones. “Thank God these claims were proven to be false, but I’m going to tell you the truth, it has been so painful and devastating for me, for my family for my friends,” he said. “I don’t wish this upon anybody.” Image: @ricky_martin (Instagram)

Legal

One of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ passes away aged 102

Dennis Davis, a World War II veteran and one of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ has passed away aged 102. Mr Davis was one of 14,000 diggers who held out against German and Italian forces in the 241-day siege on Libya’s Tobruk port in 1941. The Aussie soldiers, along with another 5,000 allied soldiers, were dubbed the ‘Rats of Tobruk’ for their efforts over the eight-month campaign. After falling ill in the days before Anzac Day this year, Mr Davis secured a leave pass from the hospital so that he could still attend an Anzac ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall, where he laid a wreath in honour of his fellow veterans. “It was harder to get out of the hospital than it was to get out of the army,” he joked to his family, according to the Australian Remembrance Foundation. During Channel 7’s ‘Lest We Forget’ concert tribute to the ANZACs earlier this year, Mr Davis was the subject of a Veteran’s Tribute, before he laid the wreath at the Town Hall Anzac Day service. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oaq3RS9Rffk?start=904&end=1174" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> On Monday, August 15, Mr Davis attended a ceremony at the cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place with fellow veterans to mark the 77th Victory in the Pacific Day. The foundation announced Mr Davis’ passing on Thursday, August 18, as reported by the AAP. <a href="https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/stories-service/veterans-stories/dennis-daviss-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His story</a> is also included in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs stories of service program, which shares the experiences of veterans to support education in Australia’s military history. After migrating from London to Australia, Mr Davis enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1940, serving in the Middle East, New Guinea and Borneo during WWII. Following his involvement in the Seige of Tobruk and battles at El Alamein, Mr Davis was sent to serve in a newly formed ski unit. On his return to Australia, he married his fiancé Margaret before departing again to serve in New Guinea and Borneo. Mr Davis was finally discharged in November 1945 and returned to his job at the tax office. He was married to Margaret for 61 years before she passed away in 2004, and they are both survived by two children, seven grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Image: Veterans’ Foundation (Facebook)

Caring

Dennis Waterman's ex-wife reveals cause of death

The ex-wife of beloved Minder star Dennis Waterman has revealed his cause of death after dying at the age of 74. The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-minder-star-dennis-waterman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legendary actor passed away</a> in bed with his wife Pam beside him and it has only now been revealed that he suffered a two year battle with lung cancer. His ex-wife and mother of his two daughters Patricia Maynard revealed the cause of his death a few days later. “I'm terribly sad that he's gone but I'm really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully,” she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10802353/Dennis-Watermans-second-wife-Patricia-says-passed-away-peacefully-lung-cancer-battle.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MailOnline</a>. “He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset.” Patricia went on to reflect on her relationship with the legendary star saying that despite it not working out, at least he was happy. “The years that Dennis and I were together were happy. Obviously, it didn't work out but lots of marriages don't work out for whatever reason,” she continued. “But I'm so glad he had found the right woman at the end. I think he was very happy with Pam and she was with him when he passed.” Dennis’s death was announced on Sunday with the family releasing a statement for privacy as tributes flowed through. “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” the statement read. His daughter, EastEnders star Hannah Waterman, also took to Instagram to share a heartwarming throwback photo of Dennis cradling her as a baby. "Me and my Dad! Gosh how I loved him. X,” the 46-year-old captioned the photo. The post was met with several tributes to the late actor who starred in Minder, The Sweeney, New Tricks, Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales and Moses. "I’m so sorry for your loss, Hannah. My late ex-husband worked with your Dad on Stay Lucky and often talked about the laughs they had x Dennis Waterman was a national treasure xxx,” one person wrote. "Very sorry for your loss Hannah, may Dennis RIP. I love watching the Sweeney and Minder time to time and Dennis was brilliant in both. Let's Chelsea win the Cup for him on Saturday,” another commented. "I’m so sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences to you. My Dad worked with him four times on stage and screen", a third remembered,” another added. Image: Instagram

Caring

Tributes flow for Minder star Dennis Waterman

Legendary tough-guy actor Dennis Waterman has passed away at the age of 74. One of the most popular television actors of the 1970s and 80s, Waterman starred as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder after first finding fame as tough nut cop George Carter in The Sweeney. In more recent years, he starred as Gerry Standing in the BBC’s New Tricks, and throughout his career other TV roles included ITV’s Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales and Moses Jones, both for the BBC. In a statement, his family shared that he passed away in Spain with his wife Pam at his side. They stated: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.' A number of tributes have flooded in as news broke of Waterman's death: Producer Jonathan Sothcott tweeted: 'Dennis Waterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor. 'Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.' Actor Stuart Anthony said: 'Dennis Waterman has left us. What a fantastic talent and lovely man. Such a loss to the industry. RIP.' Newsreader Kay Burley posted: 'A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more.' DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles also today reminisced about a charity golf trip he took alongside Waterman. Knowles tweeted: 'I played golf on a tour to Bermuda with Dennis Waterman - I'm not much of a golfer - he was - but it was time spent with him between rounds that were well worth the trip. A genuinely lovely guy. RIP.' Journalist John Sweeney tweeted: 'RIP Dennis Waterman. The Sweeney was everything great TV drama should be: gritty, honest, true.' Actor and writer Reece Shearsmith added: 'RIP Dennis Waterman. When I worked with him on "New Tricks" he made me the best cups of tea. 'And of course I just spent the time grilling him about "Scars of Dracula".' Former Eastenders actor Craig Fairbrass said: 'Truly upset & gutted hearing this news. I loved him - my days will never be the same watching ITV4 Sweeney & Minder. Quality classic TV. RIP Dennis x' Minder was later revived by Channel 5 in 2009, but Waterman did not return for the new season. Other career highlights included numerous stints on the stage and he played Alfred Doolittle in a Royal National Theatre production of My Fair Lady, as well as starring in a tour production of Don't Dress For Dinner. His talents did not end with acting and he had a keen interest in music, having recorded albums and singles, including songs which charted in Australia, New Zealand and Britain. The final project of his acting career came in 2020 in the form of Australian drama-comedy film Never Too Late. Waterman married his fourth wife Pam Flint in 2011 after being friends for many years and they remained together until his passing. Image: Getty

News

“There is no other”: Betty Davis, the ‘Queen of Funk’, dies at 77

Funk and soul legend Betty Davis has died at 77 years old.Danielle Maggio, a friend of the music star and model, confirmed the news on Wednesday, as reported by Metro UK.Maggio also took to Twitter to share the sad news, writing: “Devastated by the passing of my dear friend, pioneering songwriter, singer and producer, #BettyDavis.”She confirmed that the “Queen of Funk” died peacefully, with “no pain or fear”.“Knowing her was the greatest honour of my life,” Maggio wrote. “I love you, Betty. Your music and spirit will live on forever.”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Devastated by the passing of my dear friend, pioneering songwriter, singer and producer, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BettyDavis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BettyDavis</a>. There was no pain or fear as she left this physical world. Knowing her was the greatest honor of my life. I love you, Betty. Your music and spirit will live on forever. <a href="https://t.co/8pZAK6nS0S">pic.twitter.com/8pZAK6nS0S</a>— Danielle Maggio (@saucequeen_pgh) <a href="https://twitter.com/saucequeen_pgh/status/1491500133074280453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2022</a></blockquote>Amie Downs, the communications director for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania - where Davis lived - told <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/betty-davis-dead-obit-1297372/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rolling Stone</a> the star died of natural causes.In a statement on Wednesday, Davis’ longtime friend Connie Portis remembered the trailblazing singer as a “beloved member of her community”.“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer and pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, and fashion icon,” Portis said.“Most of all, Betty was a friend, aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans.”Davis, born Betty Mabry in North Carolina, moved to New York, where her music career began.She became known for her sexualised lyrics, rising to fame to produce hits like Get Ready for Betty, If I’m in Luck I Might Get Picked Up and It’s My Life.Davis also wrote Uptown (to Harlem), which appeared on The Chamber Brother’s 1967 album The Time Has Come.She released her self-titled first album in 1973, followed by They Say I’m Different in 1974 and Nasty Gal in 1975.Davis was also known for being the second wife to jazz legend Miles Davis, who was 19 years older than her. The pair were wed in 1968 after being together for two years, but filed for divorce after just one year.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It's been talked about over and over but let's just emphasize again how Betty Davis had a GIGANTIC impact on music, as well as being unapologetically herself as both an independent woman as well as an artist. A true pioneer and trailblazer <a href="https://t.co/01g53Sd93g">pic.twitter.com/01g53Sd93g</a>— COSMO BAKER (@CosmoBaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/CosmoBaker/status/1491462261134798850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2022</a></blockquote>Though their marriage was brief, Davis still influenced her former husband’s music, appearing on the cover of his album Filles de Kilimanjaro and inspiring the track Mademoiselle Mabry (Miss Mabry).Despite releasing her album in the same year, Davis left the music industry in 1975, moving to Pittsburgh to get away from the spotlight.Her disappearance from the public eye didn’t stop her from gaining a cult following or continuing to inspire a new generation of artists. The renewed interest in her work resulted in the re-release of her albums in 2007, as well as the debut of her unreleased fourth album, which was recorded in 1976 and released under a new name in 2009.Speaking to the New York Times in 2018 about her decision to retire, Davis said: “When I was told that it was over, I just accepted that. And nobody else was knocking at my door.”During the same year, Davis released her first song in 40 years, titled <a href="https://daniellemaggio.bandcamp.com/album/a-little-bit-hot-tonight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Little Bit Hot Tonight</a>, which was performed by Maggio on Davis’ behalf.Portis said a tribute would be made to “her beautiful, bold and brash persona” at a later date.“Today we cherish her memory as the sweet, thoughtful, and reflective person she was… There is no other.”Image: Getty Images

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The real reason Kyrgios was left off the Davis Cup team

Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis has <a href="https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/he-was-asked-doubles-partner-kokkinakis-drops-kyrgios-bomb/news-story/474df82cd7d17fd1f4c5da5c9a8996c9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dispelled rumours</a> that Nick Kyrgios was snubbed by Lleyton Hewitt after Kyrgios was the big omission from Hewitt’s lineup for the upcoming Davis Cup.Following his triumph in last month’s Australian Open men’s double, Kokkinakis revealed his partner had made himself unavailable for the international competition.<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZWMgrGJVcX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div><div style="height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px"> </div><div style="padding-top: 8px"><div style="color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div><div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div></div><a style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZWMgrGJVcX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Thanasi Kokkinakis (@the_kokk1)</a></div></blockquote>Kyrgios has also pulled out of the Delray Beach ATP Tour event in Florida, which kicks off next week, and his participation at ATP events at Acapulco, Mexico and Indian Wells, California are yet to be announced.However, the 26-year-old appeared to be a glaring omission from the squad picked by Hewitt for Australia’s Davis Cup qualifying match against Hungary.Instead, Kokkinakis was picked for the first time since 2015, along with Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, John Peers and Luke Saville.Following reports that Kyrgios’ absence from the squad was a “snub” from Hewitt, Kokkinakis has said it was Kyrgios who turned down Hewitt’s offer.“He definitely was asked to play,” Kokkinakis told Sky News.“He has a few things on so he wasn’t able to play but he definitely didn’t get snubbed or anything - I saw those headlines and he didn’t get snubbed at all. Hopefully we can team up again in the future.”Though Hewitt and Kyrgios have had a turbulent relationship in the past, it seems their rift has been mended, with Kokkinakis saying they now have a “good relationship”.“I think Nick has shown he always loves playing for Australia. I’m not sure exactly what he has on, but he obviously has something pretty important,” he said.“He’s obviously in our strongest team. He was definitely asked, and I think he and Lleyton have a good relationship, but he just wasn’t available for this time.”At the time that the squad was announced, Hewitt had nothing but praise for Kokkinakis, who will have the chance to compete in both the singles and doubles after claiming his maiden ATP Tour singles title at the Adelaide International prior to his Australian Open win.“Thanasi had a fantastic Australian summer,” Hewitt said.“He really cemented himself as a top 100 player again, winning his first title at home in Adelaide and beating quality players. And then to go on to win the Australian Open doubles, this is going to give him a lot of confidence heading into this tie.”Australia will qualify for the Davis Cup Finals, held at the end of the year, if the team defeats Hungary during their match in Sydney on March 4 and 5.Image: @k1ngkyrg1os (Instagram)

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There’s no place like home!

After several months on the market, Judy Garland's former Hollywood Hills home – which Sammy Davis Jnr owned at one time – has sold for $4.675million, about $1.5 million shy of the original price tag. The 5,000 square feet Art Deco home overlooks LA’s Sunset Strip and was built in 1941 by John Elgin Woolf, an architect known for designing homes for celebs including Cary Grant and Bob Hope. Garland lived in the home from 1944 to 1948, along with then-husband Vincente Minnelli and their daughter, Liza Minnelli, who was born in 1946, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/home/see-inside-judy-garlands-former-hollywood-hills-home-now-listed-for-6-million/" target="_blank">People</a>. The five bedroom, seven-and-a-half bathroom home sold for $1.5million below the property owner's original asking price, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-08-21/judy-garlands-former-hollywood-hills-haunt-sells-for-4-675-million" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a> reported. The three-story home features multiple decks and patios, which offer up grand views of Los Angeles and the canyon, as well as an indoor-outdoor living room and a master suite with a private balcony. Also among the home's features are a screening room with a hidden bookshelf door that leads to a secret bedroom. The listing also included a pool/guesthouse, which features a custom fireplace, marble bar, billiards room and sleeping loft. The property sits on a third of an acre of land, which includes landscaped gardens full of bamboo, tropical plants and fruit trees and a swimming pool. Despite having been tweaked in the years since Garland owned the home, many of Woolf's original design elements – such as his detailed railings – and floor plans remain. The room that once belonged to baby Liza Minnelli still exists next to the downstairs living room space, as does the “Judy Garland Suite” – the original master bedroom – which is behind a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. An additional hidden room in the home lies behind a walk-in closet and dressing area. After Garland moved out of the home, it was bought by comedian and actor Wally Cox, who then sold it to Davis Jr. in 1955, expanded the property and tacked on the pool house. Real estate company Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties said in its listing that the guesthouse was meant to be a place where music could be recorded or late-night parties could be held so that they wouldn't disturb Davis Jr's children who slept in the main house. While Davis Jr. owned the home, rock act The Band lived and recorded music there. According to online real estate records, the house was on the market for 181 days before being sold on August 5 after originally being listed for $5.2million. It appears the home was initially listed on the market in February for $6.129million. IMAGES: <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.mls.com/" target="_blank">MLS</a> Real Estate Listings / Wikimedia

Real Estate

Beach Boys' Mike Love reveals Dennis and Carl Wilson bought heroin before infamous 1978 Aussie show

The Beach Boys singer Mike Love has revealed the reason behind one of the band’s most infamous blunders, four decades after it took place. During an interview with Sunday Night, the 77-year-old American star opened up about the poor performance they delivered during their 1978 Australian tour, where fans demanded their money back. The band were forced to apologise after the show, with Carl Wilson stating that he had consumed two Mai Tais before the concert. “What happened was I did not feel well yesterday,” he said at the time. “I had a Valium and I had two Mai Tais without having a meal.” However, Mike has revealed that the terrible performance had a much more scandalous cause. “Dennis [Wilson] and Carl [Wilson] bought heroin. Having those guys buy heroin while we're on tour in Australia, it wasn't my cup of tea honestly, so I was mortified by that,” Mike said. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819205/12_498x245.jpg" alt="12"/> “I think that was not a great thing for The Beach Boys to be involved with. I think our music and our way of life and what we always promoted is positivity and harmony. It didn't fit,” he said. Dennis died in 1983 following a battle with drug and alcohol addiction, and Carl passed away from lung cancer in 1998. In the interview, band-member Brian Wilson revealed that he still grieves over the loss of his brothers. “It was very difficult, very very difficult. I still to this day mourn their death.” Now, the band is promoting their new album which sees 16 of their hits reimagined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. “I always knew the vocal arrangements I did back in the 1960s would lend themselves perfectly for a symphony,” Brian said in a statement. “I am both proud and humbled by what they have created using our songs.” The new album will include reimagined tracks of 1963’s Fun, Fun, Fun and 1988’s Kokomo.

Music

Good news for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries fans

The Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries cast are set to reunite for a <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/2017/01/miss-fishers-murder-mysteries-becomes-movie-trilogy/" target="_blank">feature film.</a> Phryne Fisher, played by Essie Davis, will star in Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. The movie will see the cast head to Morocco and Melbourne in October this year for filming, although the film is set in London and Palestine. The film will follow Miss Fisher as she rescues a Bedouin woman from prison in British Mandated Palestine. Miss Fisher then promises to help the young woman, Shirin Abbas, find out the truth about the ‘Crypt of Tears’ – an ancient crypt buried beneath the Negev Desert. Original co-stars such as Nathan Page, Miriam Margolyes and Ashleigh Cummings will join forces once again for the murder mystery. The ABC TV series, based on Kerry Greenwood’s novels, ran for three seasons and saw Essie Davis nominated for the 2014 and 2016 Gold Logie Award. The TV-series’ set-up director, Tony Tilse, will direct the film, and creators Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger will co-executive produce. The film received over $730,000 on an online crowd-funding website for the production of the film. Screen Australia also invested just over $8 million for the feature, and Roadshow Films will distribute it in Australia and New Zealand. Sally Caplan, Head of Production at Screen Australia, said: "The Miss Fisher TV series has had extraordinary success with international sales in over 170 territories and is testament that strong female characters resonate with audiences. Every Cloud have smartly leveraged this fan base into crowd-funding for the film, and assembled the same creative team to expertly deliver a big screen chapter of the adventures of Miss Fisher with excellent commercial prospects." The release date has not yet been revealed.

The awkward moment Nick Kyrgios missed his name being drawn at Davis Cup

Nick Kyrgios has been photographed looking uninterested in yesterday’s reveal of the Davis Cup Draw, instead choosing to scroll through his phone. The rest of the Aussie team, including captain Lleyton Hewitt and upcoming star Alex De Minaur, looked on at the event with wide-eyed wonder as their names were drawn out for their upcoming clash against Germany. However, Kyrgios continued to look at his phone and seemed oblivious to the exciting events unfolding around him. The 22-year-old athlete will play world no. 58 Jan-Lenard Struff at one of Australia’s two single matches. Kyrgios is currently in his best form, recently making the 5th round at the Australian Open. Alex De Minaur will make his Davis Cup debut, competing in the other singles match against the world’s 5th best player Alexander Zverev. “It's a great opportunity for me and I'm going to leave it all on court,” he said. “Lleyton told me all about it. It's pretty special to be playing now, it's a dream come true.” The 18-year-old caught international attention in January in Brisbane after he knocked out 2016 Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic. In a recent interview, Zverev said he expects his clash with De Minaur to be the first of many. "He will be great for Australia in the future. I have a lot of respect for him," the German competitor said.

Body

Lleyton Hewitt blasts Bernard Tomic: "He's made some mistakes"

Lleyton Hewitt has said that it is unlikely that Bernard Tomic will ever play in the Davis Cup again. On Tuesday, Hewitt responded to Tomic’s controversial comments that his country will never win the tournament again without him, saying that there were a number of factors that made Tomic unappealing for future selection. Tomic made the comments before heading into the African jungle to be a contestant on Channel Ten’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. Hewitt explained that he has the perfect team environment right now and it would be hard for Tomic to win him over ever again. When asked of Tomic’s chances of returning to the Davis Cup team, Hewitt said, “It is highly doubtful." Hewitt added, “There’s a lot more that plays out behind the scenes than what Bernie says publicly. For me, he’s made some mistakes and it will be a long way back. “With the team camaraderie we have at the moment, it’s as good as I’ve been a part of in a long time. We fully believe with the players we have here, we can go a long way.” Hewitt’s team is made up of Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, John Peers and John Millman. Before leaving to go on the Channel 10 show, Tomic said that “the only way for Australia to win the Davis Cup” was with both him and Kyrgios. Hewitt said the team members had already laughed off Tomic’s comments. “I don’t watch a lot of those kind of shows but a couple of boys have kept a close eye on it and it keeps them in good humour at night and gives them something to talk about,” Hewitt said. “The team camaraderie is as good as I have seen for a long time. “We believe we can go a long way and I back these boys.” When asked if Australia could win without Tomic, Hewitt said, “I think everyone would agree he wouldn’t be able to help us right now.” Hewitt revealed that he was unsure whether Tomic would continue tennis, saying it was a decision the 25-year-old needs to decide for himself. “It’s strange. You either want to be a tennis player or you don’t,” he said of Tomic’s TV reality show appearance. “I don’t know (if he will play again). He still wanted to play the Australian Open and tried to qualify and good on him for that. “But it is pointless if he is playing in quallies and you are not committed to the sport. “He’s wasting not only his time but also everyone around him.” On Friday, the team’s Davis Cup tie against Germany will begin in Brisbane.

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“There is no other”: Betty Davis, the ‘Queen of Funk’, dies at 77

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There’s no place like home!

Beach Boys' Mike Love reveals Dennis and Carl Wilson bought heroin before infamous 1978 Aussie show

Good news for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries fans

The awkward moment Nick Kyrgios missed his name being drawn at Davis Cup

Lleyton Hewitt blasts Bernard Tomic: "He's made some mistakes"

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