Dame Maggie Smith was, arguably, one of the most successful British actors of all timePA:Press Association
The late star seen here in her younger years
Born on December 28, 1934, Dame Maggie Smith was an actress known for work both on stage and screen.
The Essex native was the daughter of an English public health pathologist father who worked at Oxford University and a Scottish secretary mother.
She studied acting at the Oxford Playhouse and kicked off her career by playing Viola in Twelfth Night.
Her first ever movie role was an uncredited part in Child in the House (1956).
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In 1990, Maggie was awarded Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list.
Becoming a star
Maggie’s career was full of iconic movies, fan-favourite television series, and countless awards.
The Dame had an impressive career with numerous iconic roles,.
Her much-loved characters included Professor Minerva McGonagall, one of her most beloved roles, in the Harry Potter franchise.
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Her character was the Scottish Head of Gryffindor House and Transfiguration Professor who earned viewers’ affection with her caring, no-nonsense attitude.
Maggie also played Muriel Donelly in the Exotic Marigold Hotel franchise and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Some of her other staple roles were follows.
Miss Shepherd in The Lady in the Van (2015)
Mother Superior in the Sister Act movies (1992 and 1993)
Jean Brodie in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
Constance Trentham in Gosford Park (2001)
Married life
Maggie was married twice during her life.
Firstly to Robert Stephens, who she has two sons with, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephen.
Maggie’s second husband was Beverley Cross, who died in 1998.
Maggie passes away
On September 27, 2024, Maggie’s sons said she had died in hospital early that morning.
In a statement issued via their publicist, they said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.
“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Iron MaidenIron Maiden Run For Your Lives Tour 2025-26[/caption]
The band announced the upcoming extravaganza on social media, sharing: “The Run For Your Lives World Tour will kick off on May 27th next year in Budapest followed by 27 stadium, festival & arena shows around Europe.
“The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and to celebrate this Maiden fans are promised a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from ‘Iron Maiden’ to ‘Fear Of The Dark’, with their most spectacular and elaborate show ever!
“Special Guests for the first half of the tour, including the London & Dublin outdoor shows (but not the UK arenas), will be American rockers Halestorm.
“The second half of the tour sees Sweden’s Avatar as guests. And, finally, British metal band, The Raven Age, will open all UK & Ireland shows.”
The UK dates include Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and an enormous show at the London Stadium — bassist and founder Steve Harris is a massive West Ham fan.
Another huge concert is lined up for Malahide Castle, Dublin, where Maiden will be supported by American rockers Halestorm and Brit metal outfit The Raven Age.
Trooper VIP package
The contents of the Trooper VIP package are as follows:
One premium seated ticket* to see IRON MAIDEN live!
VIP access to the official IRON MAIDEN TROOPER pre-show party including:
On site event staff & merchandise collection point
*Dublin will be one front section standing ticket. Bremen and Stuttgart will be one GA standing ticket.
**TROOPER beer subject to venue availability. Local liquor laws apply
The Trooper VIP package cost for London Stadium is not currently available on Ticketmaster, meaning they may have already sold out, but for the Glasgow show they are priced at £331.70 each.
Standing tickets
Be aware that all of the following prices are for the London Stadium performance and may vary for other UK venues.
Gold Circle Standing: £151.25
General Admission Standing: £106.90
Seated Tickets
East stand: £317
Level 1: £106.80
Level 2: £98.40
Level 3: £84.00
Standard seating: 78.70
World tour dates
Here are the dates and locations for Iron Maiden’s Run For Your Lives World Tour in 2025:
May 27-28: Budapest, Hungary (László Papp Budapest Sports Arena)
May 31: Prague, Czech Republic (Letňany)
June 1: Bratislava, Slovakia (Tipos aréna)
June 5: Trondheim, Norway (Dahls Arena)
June 7: Stavanger, Norway (SR-Bank Arena)
June 9: Copenhagen, Denmark (Royal Arena)
June 12-13: Stockholm, Sweden (3Arena)
June 16: Helsinki, Finland (Olympic Stadium)
June 21: Birmingham, England (Utilita Arena)
June 22: Manchester, England (Co-op Live)
June 25: Dublin, Ireland (Malahide Castle)
June 28: London, England (London Stadium)
June 30: Glasgow, Scotland (OVO Hydro)
July 3: Belfort, France (Presqu’ile du Malsaucy)
July 5: Madrid, Spain (Cívitas Metropolitano)
July 6: Lisbon, Portugal (MEO Arena)
July 9: Zürich, Switzerland (Hallenstadion)
July 11: Gelsenkirchen, Germany (Veltins-Arena)
July 13: Padua, Italy (Stadio Euganeo)
July 15: Bremen, Germany (Burgerweide)
July 17: Vienna, Austria (Ernst-Happel-Stadion)
July 19-20: Paris, France (Paris La Défense Arena)
July 23: Arnhem, Netherlands (GelreDome)
July 25: Frankfurt, Germany (Deutsche Bank Park)
July 26: Stuttgart, Germany (Cannstatter Wasen)
July 29-30: Berlin, Germany (Waldbühne)
August 2: Warsaw, Poland (PGE Narodowy)
GettyTour dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet[/caption]
The tour is set to begin on May 27, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, and is scheduled to conclude in 2026, but dates beyond August 2, 2025, are not yet available.
Ticket sale timeline
Presale:
Fan Club Presale: Begins on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 12 pm for Iron Maiden Fan Club members.
Venue-Specific Presales: For example, Co-op members can access a presale for the Manchester show starting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12 pm.
General Sale Date:
Date: Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10 am
Where to buy: Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
How to buy tickets
Visit Ticketmaster or Live Nation: Go to the one of these company’s websites on the day of the general sale or during the presale.
Select your show: Choose your desired concert date and location from the tour schedule.
Choose your tickets: Select from various ticket tiers, including standard seated tickets and VIP packages.
Checkout: Enter your payment information and any presale codes if applicable.
Confirmation: After completing your purchase, you should receive a confirmation email.
1 week agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Ryanair passenger left stranded 200 miles away from his destination – and £400 out of pocket
A RYANAIR passenger said he was left stranded by the airline – after landing in the wrong country.
Xavier de Vally, 37, flew with his friend James from Manchester Airport to Gothenburg in Sweden on 8 August for a gig.
MEN MediaXavier de Vally was left stranded in Copenhagen after his flight to Gothenburg was diverted[/caption]
AlamyHe was meant to fly to Gothenburg (pictured- but ended up in Copenhagen[/caption]
MEN MediaDue to a curfew at Gothenburg Airport, the flight was diverted to Copenhagen, almost 200 miles away[/caption]
But he said his flight never reached its destination, as it failed to land and diverted to Copenhagen instead.
The friends were told they’d have to make their own way to Sweden, with a promise from the budget airline they would receive a refund for all reasonable expenses.
But Xavier and James, who ended up taking a train to the Swedish city, said they’re still out of pocket months on after their nightmare trip.
Xavier told Manchester Evening News: “We actually were at the point of landing, literally coming down onto the runway, but we weren’t allowed to land.
“I don’t know why that was, there was no bad weather or anything like that.”
However, the change in landing was due to a curfew at Gothenburg Airport – so the flight was diverted to Copenhagen, almost 200 miles away.
Xavier, who was in a leg brace after recent ankle surgery, claims he was left without the assistance he had booked to exit the plane when landing in Gothenburg.
As well as being told they’d have to make their own way to their final destination, Xavier said they received a text telling them to go to the wrong city – Venice rather than Gothenburg.
When the pair arrived through passport control in Copenhagen it was “way after midnight”, and they struggled to find a hotel for the night.
They walked to three different hotels, despite Xavier’s injury, before they found somewhere to stay.
The next morning they were able to catch a train to Gothenburg.
Xavier said they did have a nice time on their trip in the end, but when they put through their claim to Ryanair for expenses, it came to just shy of £400.
Almost two months on, the pair are yet to receive a refund, despite Xavier attempting to go on nine webchats with the airline to find out its whereabouts.
A Ryanair spokesperson told Sun Travel: “This flight from Manchester to Gothenburg (8 August) was delayed ahead of take-off due to ATC ‘staff shortages’ which was outside Ryanair’s control.
“The flight was diverted to Copenhagen Airport, due to maintenance on the runway at Gothenburg Airport.
“Despite Ryanair’s efforts to arrange accommodation for passengers, availability was limited, and passengers were advised that they could also arrange individual accommodation and that they could claim back expenses on Ryanair.com.”
However, they said that his refunds would be processed.
They continued: “This passenger submitted an EU261 expenses claim on 13 Aug and is awaiting approval.
“While we endeavour to pay valid expense claims as soon as possible, some payments are currently taking longer than usual due minor processing delays.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as result of these ATC ‘staff shortages’ and maintenance at Gothenburg Airport which are entirely beyond Ryanair’s control.”
It’s not the first time a Ryanair passenger has ended up in the wrong country.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
1 week agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Love Island star Georgia Steel’s new boyfriend revealed as Premier League footballer as pair get steamy in a sauna
LOVE ISLANDER Georgia Steel has been spotted getting steamy in the sauna with a Premier League star.
Instagram/geesteelxGeorgia Steel has found love with Ipswich footballer Harry Clarke[/caption]
InstagramThe pair were seen flirting heavily in a mixed sauna at a health club[/caption]
It is a major jump up the pyramid for the wannabe WAG – who recently split with non-league ex-Toby Aromolaran, 25.
Onlookers claimed Georgia and Harry were getting “seriously flirty” inside the mixed sauna on Tuesday evening.
They said: “They were practically glued to each other, chatting about his upcoming match and saying she would be cheering him on from the stands.
“It was all laughs and a lot of hand-touching.
“They were getting seriously flirty.”
The Sun has contacted a representative for Georgia for comment.
Georgia also revealed how she was planning to visit a pal who had just given birth.
This sizzling sauna session comes a month after the duo were seen at a trendy coffee shop in Suffolk city.
Staff at Deluxe Coffee bar in Ipswich later said: “Georgia was really lovely as well and just seemed like a really easy-going person.
“They both seemed to really enjoy their drinks and we had a lovely little chat.”
Georgia recently split from Hashtag United striker Toby – just weeks after they finished fourth in the Love Island spin-off series All Stars.
She later said: “It wasn’t a horrendous breakup or anything like that.
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InstagramGeorgia used to be in a relationship with Toby Aromolaran[/caption]
GettyThe reality star returned to the Love Island villa for All Stars in January[/caption]
1 week agoTelevision GenreComments Off on Dollar Tree shoppers clearing shelves of ‘adorable’ $1.25 holiday decoration nearly identical to Walmart but 91% cheaper
FESTIVE shoppers are racing to Dollar Tree to snap up an ”adorable” holiday decoration for just $1.25.
With the holiday season around the corner, many of us have started to think about decorations and all things festivities.
The popular discount store has sent fans into a frenzy with their festive rangeGettyDollar TreePriced at an affordable $1.25 each, these mini trees are perfect for adding that Christmas spirit to your home[/caption]
WalmartMeanwhile, similar decorations at Walmart will set you back almost $14[/caption]
If you’re on a mission to have the best-looking house in the neighbourhood but don’t want to fork out a fortune for all the décor, it’s best to plan a visit to the nearest Dollar Tree store pronto.
This is because the popular discount store has expanded its Christmas range even more – and there are adorable mini Christmas trees that look a lot like Walmart‘s version, for less.
Measuring at 7.625×2.875 inches, the must-have Christmas decoration is available in a range of colours – classic dark green, white and dark pink.
Meanwhile, if you want to go all out this year, the gold version will add all the glam to your house.
With a stiff bottle brush design and sculpted cone shape, these miniature Christmas trees come pre-decorated with colorful ball ornaments and stand atop natural, round bases.
Perfect for gluing to school projects, table centerpieces, Christmas villages – and much more, as the options are indeed endless.
Avid Christmas super fans can either pick the mini trees up from the store directly – or place an order online.
If you opt for the second option, your festive goodies will be delivered between seven to ten days – however, you may have a shipping cost added to the bill.
The adorable mini trees boast an impressive five-star rating, as one satisfied customer wrote: ”I am so excited to start putting up allá my decorations, they look beautiful.”
If you still need more convincing to check out the local Dollar Tree collection, fans of the store have also been loving $1.25 ‘perfect sized’ carvable pumpkins that are Michaels dupes but 88% cheaper.
The foam ornaments can be turned into vases, candy buckets or used as part of your spooky display, measuring at four inches tall and five and a half inches wide.
While the version at rival Michaels will set you back $19.99, Dollar Tree’s Carvable Foam Pumpkins are 88% cheaper, going for $1.25.
Dollar Tree dupes
Savvy shoppers have scoured Dollar Tree to find dupes of their favorite products
Shoppers found a perfect replica of a $150 set of Pottery Barn plates and bowls. Plus, Dollar Tree has matching mugs.
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