Author: SKYNEWS

Actor Bernard Hill, who played roles in Lord Of The Rings and Titanic, has died aged 79, his agent has confirmed.Hill also featured as Yosser Hughes in the iconic drama series Boys from the Blackstuff.He was given a number of awards for his role as King Theoden in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and played Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic.Hill was born in Blackley, Manchester, in 1944 and graduated with a diploma in theatre in 1970. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Watch Bernard Hill in Boys from the Blackstuff…

The world’s second-largest steel company has warned the government that a planning verdict due this week could lead to a key division quitting the UK.Sky News has seen a letter sent by ArcelorMittal to Michael Gove, the levelling-up secretary, in which it says that a decision to allow the closure and redevelopment of part of Chatham Docks would have “seismic adverse consequences… [for] the British economy and multiple strategic industries”. In the letter from Matthew Brooks, who runs ArcelorMittal’s construction solutions arm in the UK, the company urges Mr Gove to issue an urgent order to allow fuller government scrutiny…

Will Ferrell has become the latest celebrity to invest in Leeds United – joining Gladiator star Russell Crowe and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. The Hollywood actor, 56, has bought a stake in the Championship club’s owners 49ers Enterprises, in which golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas also have shares. Ferrell, who is best known for his comedic roles in films such as Elf, Anchorman and Blades Of Glory, is already the co-owner of Major Soccer side Los Angeles FC.He revealed his love of the English game during a six-day trip to watch matches around the country with friends, including Manchester…

Authorities in California have been mocked over a “billion-dollar” bridge to nowhere.The state government of California has long planned for a Los Angeles to San Francisco high-speed rail project. Despite initial funding being approved back in 2008, the line is still a long way off and expected to cost over $100bn in total.So far, construction has only begun on the earliest phase and further funding has been used on environmental planning ahead in the Phase I System.However, the California High-Speed Rail Authority recently publicised one of the completed sections of construction – finished back in 2018 and reported to cost…

Madonna has played her biggest-ever gig to an estimated 1.6 million people on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.It was the last show in her Celebration tour and she performed hits such Like A Prayer, Vogue, Hung Up, Into The Groove and Like A Virgin. The Brazil city was buzzing ahead of Saturday’s free two-hour show, with hotels and Airbnb’s packed and about 170 extra flights expected into the city. Image: Pic: Reuters Image: The famous Rio beach was packed with fans. Pic: AP Helicopters and drones buzzed over the beach as the Queen of Pop took to the stage…

You may have noticed an unusual German rap song in the background of an increasing number of videos on your TikTok feed.But what is it – and how did it spread so fast? What is Barbara Rhubarb Bar?What sounds like a rap is in fact a German tongue twister written by musical comedian Bodo Wartke and his content creator friend Marti Fischer.The pair posted a two-part video of them reciting the rhyme, entitled ‘Barbaras Rhabarberbar’, in December last year. It begins: “In a small village there once lived a girl with the name Barbara. Barbara was known in the area…

Ordinary investors will be awarded ‘bonus’ shares in NatWest Group if they hold onto stock they acquire in the taxpayer-backed bank, under a plan expected to be finalised by ministers later this month.Sky News has learnt key details of the options being explored by the Treasury for a multibillion pound retail offer of NatWest shares, including a likely £10,000 cap on applications from members of the public. Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, announced in last year’s autumn statement that he would explore a mass-market share sale “to create a new generation of retail investors”.Since that point, further buybacks by the bank and…

An AI-controlled warplane has taken a senior air force leader for a ride in a groundbreaking test flight over California.Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall sat in the cockpit as the experimental F-16 jet, called Vista, flew lightning-fast manoeuvres at more than 550mph over Edwards Air Force Base. It went nearly nose to nose with a second human-piloted F-16 as both raced within 1,000 feet of each other, twisting and looping to try to force their opponent into vulnerable positions. Image: The AI-controlled F-16 (left) duelled with a human-controlled adversary Mr Kendall’s flight was a further statement of confidence in artificial…

Kendrick Lamar and Drake have both released new diss tracks as the feud between them intensifies with brutal verses dragging in their families.Lamar earlier this week replied to two tracks by Drake with Euphoria – where he called the Canadian rapper a “scam artist”. On Friday, Drake responded with Family Matters, hitting back: “Why you never hold your son and tell him say cheese. We could have left the kids out of this don’t blame me.”The lyrics seem to be a reposte to Lamar questioning his abilities as a father on Euphoria.In his latest release, Drake – the world’s most-streamed…

Olly Murs has apologised for cancelling a performance in Glasgow at the last minute.The singer has been supporting Take That on tour, but was forced to cancel his appearance with the band at the OVO Hydro due to transport issues. Murs said he had been at Heathrow from 11am ahead of his performance on Friday night, but the flight was cancelled after “several delays” and an accident with a cabin crew member.”So sorry to everyone at the @takethat show tonight in Glasgow, unfortunately I won’t be there,” the 39-year-old former X-Factor runner-up wrote on X.”Don’t think I’ve ever missed a…