Author: SKYNEWS

Sylvester Stallone has paid tribute to his Rocky co-star, Carl Weathers, saying he is “torn up” following news of the star’s death aged 76.Stallone credited the former American footballer, famous for playing Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies, as being an “integral part” of his success, telling his 16.8 million Instagram followers “we lost a legend”. Image: Weathers pictured last year. Pic: AP In a statement, Weathers’ family said he died “peacefully in his sleep” on Thursday.Speaking in a video post on Instagram, Stallone said it was “an incredibly sad day for me”, describing himself as “torn up”.He…

Ivy Farm, on the outskirts of Oxford, is not a farm as you know it.There is grass but it’s artificial, there are pigs and sheep but they are upholstered foot-stools with sewn-on faces. There are offices and labs where meat is grown. This could be the future of farming.That future could be about to take a small step closer, as the prestigious Piccadilly grocer Fortnum & Mason tests the meat in its famous scotch egg.But the immaculate afternoon tea service will have to wait. As we step back to the lab, and even before that, to the abattoir. Because, whether…

The FTSE 100 drinks giant Diageo has kicked off the search for a new chairman as it grapples with a sharp slowdown in sales in key growth markets.Sky News has learnt that Diageo, one of the world’s biggest alcoholic beverage companies, is working with Russell Reynolds Associates, the search firm, to identify a successor to Javier Ferran. Mr Ferran, who also chairs British Airways’ parent company, International Consolidated Airlines Group, has chaired the Guinness-to-Johnnie Walker maker since 2017.His tenure was renewed last year for a further three-year term which expires in October 2025, although a source close to the process…

An arm of the giant Indian conglomerate Tata is in the frame to take over the running of Britain’s Faster Payments Service – even as one of its sister companies prepares to lay off thousands of Welsh-based steelworkers.Sky News has learnt that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a leading contender to become the administrator of a key piece of the UK’s economic infrastructure, which is responsible for processing more than 90% of salaries, over 70% of household bills and almost all state benefit payments. The procurement process, which has taken place amid rapid developments in global payments technology, is shrouded…

Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells will give evidence to the next phase of the inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal.She served as chief executive from 2012 to 2019, and has faced questions about why hundreds of subpostmasters were wrongly convicted of fraud and false accounting under her watch. Scrutiny grew after she was depicted in the ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office – and she gave back her CBE after the programme sparked public anger. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 ‘How do you feel about ruining people’s lives?’ When she returned…

TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50, his family has said.Irwin, who presented Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun and the BBC’s Escape To The Country, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020. In a statement, his family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing.”A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage.”Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit. “At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their…

The founder of Superdry is in talks with the owner of Laura Ashley and an investor which previously backed Paperchase about a bid to take the London-listed fashion retailer private.Sky News has learnt that Julian Dunkerton has held initial discussions with Gordon Brothers and Rcapital, both of which specialise in investments in financially challenged companies, about helping to finance an offer for Superdry. The talks are not yet at an advanced stage and people close to them cautioned that they may yet fall apart.Rcapital is a backer of a firm called Retail Realisations, which has invested in a number of…

Carl Weathers, the actor famous for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, has died aged 76.In a statement, his family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life.”Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.” Image: Carl Weathers in Rocky. Pic: Rex/Moviestore/Shutterstock Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who went…

Emma Crosby fills in for Ian King on today’s podcast. She is joined by David Henderson, the chief executive of trade association Water UK, to talk about a rise in bills. Dr Ilham Kadri, the chief executive of Syensqo – who was formerly the head of Solvay – discusses the chemical giant’s demerger.And chief executive at E1, Rodi Basso, speaks about the launch of the electric raceboat championship this weekend.:: Listen and subscribe to The Ian King Business Podcast here. Source link

American actress and rapper Awkwafina says British pigeons are “more polite” than their New York counterparts, because they walk slower.The 35-year-old star voices Chump, the scrappy leader of a New York City pigeon gang, in animated movie Migration. Image: Chump. Pic: Illumination Entertainment/Universal Studios From the makers of Despicable Me, Minions, and The Secret Life Of Pets, it tells the story of a Mallard family who go on a family adventure to Jamaica.Like her character Chump, Awkwafina – who is 5′ 1″ tall – tells Sky News she has “a big, big personality, but is very small” adding, “and she’s…