Tributes paid to Darius Campbell Danesh following his sudden death
Northern Ireland singer Andrea Begley has described the former Pop Idol contestant and theatre star Darius Campbell Danesh as a “very kind, caring person”, after he was found dead in his US apartment at the age of 41.
Andrea, herself a singing competition veteran having won The Voice UK’s second series, shared a snap of the two of them together as she paid tribute to his “obvious talent and love of music” and sent her condolences to his family.
The singer and actor was found dead in Rochester, Minnesota, although the cause of death remains unknown.
The Scottish singer-songwriter and actor – who was known as Darius Danesh when he made his first bid for fame in ITV show Popstars in 2001 before appearing on Pop Idol. His debut single Colourblind was also a number one hit.
Covid boosters for over-fifties will be launched next month
Covid boosters for the over-fifties will be launched next month, the Public Health Agency has said.
The agency said it is finalising its winter vaccination plans, including for the flu vaccine.
“As in previous years the vaccination programme will launch mid to late September and further details will follow at that stage,” a spokeswoman said.
Boosters will be available across the north for groups including health and social care workers, pregnant women, carers and those at clinical risk.
Co Antrim bar named one of the best waterside bars in the UK
A Co Antrim bar and restaurant has been named as one of the top waterside pubs in the UK.
The Boathouse, located at the Gateway complex at Antrim Lough Shore
, was the only spot to feature on The Guardian’s ‘UK’s 20 best waterside pubs’ list for 2022. According to their latest rankings, “stunning views over lakes and rivers make these the prettiest places to enjoy a pint”.
The Boathouse previously won Restaurant of the Year at the Northern Ireland Hospitality Awards 2022, creating its success as a testament to its hard-working staff.
And in Entertainment….
Paolo Nutini announces huge outdoor Belfast gig
Paolo Nutini has just announced three huge outdoor gigs for 2023.
Ahead of his sold-out date at Belfast’s Custom House Square next week and following the success of his number one album ‘Last Night In The Bittersweet’, Paolo Nutini has announced news of huge outdoor Irish gigs for summer 2023.
The Scottish singer-songwriter will play Musgrave Park, Cork on June 14th, Malahide Castle, Dublin on Friday June 16th and Belsonic, Belfast on Saturday June 17th. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am from Ticketmaster.
Derry Girls finale nominated for top TV prize
Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee has urged fans to vote for the show, after the final episode was nominated at the Edinburgh TV Festival’s TV Moment of the Year.
The third and final series of the show took place in May this year and featured a poignant final episode looking back at the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and a surprise cameo by Chelsea Clinton.
On Monday, the Edinburgh TV Festival said: “The moving final episode of the modern classic comedy series, Derry Girls, isn’t something that’ll be forgotten quickly.”
However, the show is facing some stiff competition, up against the likes of Sam Ryder and his showstopping performance at the Eurovision Song Contest, Nick and Charlie’s first kiss in Netflix show Heartstopper and Succession’s dramatic season 3 finale.
Derry Girls has been one of Channel 4’s most successful comedies of all time, with around 1.2 million viewers across the UK tuning in for the final episode.
Voting closes tomorrow at 10am. Cast your vote at thetvfestival.com/tvmoment2022
Hear Tina Calder’s daily news bulletins on Belfast 247 – belfast247onair.com