BBC Radio 4’s long-running interview-and-music show
Lauren Laverne has disclosed that she has smouldering myeloma, an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that can develop into myeloma. She is not currently in treatment and will be monitored with tests while taking a short break from work.
Rod Stewart has cancelled the remaining 2026 tour dates after undergoing a routine coronary stent procedure. He is recuperating for four weeks and will not perform in the US and Mexico as promoters organise rescheduling. The update follows a string of earlier cancellations amid health concerns.
Sir Paul Smith marks his 80th birthday with Threads: My Life in Style, reflecting on a career built on curiosity, patient growth, and hands-on leadership. Interviews reveal a designer who values real shops, personal connection, and careful stewardship of his brand as fashion evolves.
George Fenton, a prolific film and television composer, has died unexpectedly at age 77. He has written scores for Gandhi, The Remains of the Day, Blue Planet and many other iconic works. The industry notes his collaborations with directors such as Stephen Frears, Ken Loach and David Attenborough, shaping British cinema and television over decades.