Coronation Street stars have been among those paying tribute to theatre legend David Johnson.
David founded the Oldham Theatre Workshop, which has launched the careers of some of the best-known stars of TV and film.
His fellow tutor Jakki confirmed the news with a Tweet that read: “Sorry for the delay in posting but it’s all very overwhelming.
“Yesterday we lost our founder, figurehead but most of all our friend David. We’re heartbroken. I will endeavour to reply to everyone’s kind messages as soon as I can.”
Stars including Antony Cotton and Kelvin Fletcher have all rushed to pay touching tributes to the influential figure, describing him as a ‘hero’ and ‘the best’.
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Antony Cotton said: “Just heard the saddest news. David Johnson who was the director of the phenomena that was Oldham Theatre Workshop, has died.
“He put so many of us on the map, and kick started so many careers, both on stage and off. So many of us owe him so much. I’m absolutely gutted.
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“He formed my childhood so profoundly, and in turn – my adult life too. Those years were the best years of my life. Rest in Power David. You were the best.”
Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher wrote: “Singlehandedly the biggest influence on my career and arguably, the reason behind my career. I know I speak for so many. Thank you David Johnson. What a legacy.”
Lisa Riley added: “For all of us whom were taught by David Johnson….today is a very sad day, I know I speak for many of my fellow actors in the industry, we wouldn’t be where we are today without this LEGEND of a man. I owe so much to you David…..you know how much I loved you…
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“Heaven is lit today as it welcomes a creative master, who will be missed by us ALL!!! Oldham Theatre Workshop the north’s PROUDEST school.”
Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley has also paid tribute to David Johnson.
Alison King, who plays Carla Connor in the soap, said: “R.I.P my absolute hero! My maker of all things that I am, and where I am today, my teacher, of who I was 27 years ago, years that taught me things about myself I never knew, but have carried with me to this date.
“You were strict and yet the kindest man to me I have ever known. You were intuitive, and insightful, and gave me and so many others I’ve loved and adored working with over the years, the opportunity to shine. You gave me my best friend Emma.
“If it wasn’t for you I would never have had my beautiful daughter Daisy who is filled with love for the arts, a response of your teachings. And so many of us.
“David Johnson. From the day you started a term, with a good haircut and new shiny leather shoes, until the end of term, when they’d be curled up And your hair in a beautiful bouffant!!! Bigger than we all could cope with on a Monday morning.
“You were the sharpest, most aware human being of others creatively, and how to teach them to show it, I have ever known. Thank you so much.”
Joseph Houston, of Hope Mill Theatre, said: “So sad to hear about the passing of David Johnson. Many of us know the incredible work he did for young people across the region. His support for myself & @WilliamWhelton & @hopemilltheatr1 from the start was amazing & we love having @DJohnsonDrama part of our story. RIP david!”
Julie Hesmonhalgh said: “Sending love and condolences to all the Oldham Theatre Workshop gang who owe so much to the inimitable David Johnson. That talent for teaching: a rare and beautiful thing. He must have been so proud of you all xxx”
Featured image: Twitter
TV & Showbiz
Molly-Mae Hague announces baby number two with Tommy Fury
Daisy Jackson
Molly-Mae Hague has announced that she’s pregnant with baby number two with long-term boyfriend Tommy Fury.
The couple, who met on Love Island in 2019, already share a daughter named Bambi.
And in a sweet video shared on Instagram this evening, the influencer confirmed she’s expecting her second baby.
In the video, Bambi is seen wearing a jumper embroidered with the words ‘Big Sister’.
The couple, both 26, wrote: “Soon to be four”.
Molly-Mae Hague and boxer Tommy Fury met on Love Island several years ago and have gone on to be one of the most famous couples in the UK.
Both have had their own documentary series and formidable brand deals.
Despite a brief split in 2024 after their engagement was announced, the couple reunited and seem stronger than ever.
And now they’re preparing to welcome a new baby into the Fury family.
Stars including Maura Higgins, Rochelle Humes and Paris Fury (Tommy’s sister-in-law) have all rushed to publicly congratulate the pair.
Paris Fury wrote: “Congratulations and you look amazing super mom and running her own empire.”
Zoe Rae, Molly-Mae’s sister, commented: “Can’t wait to see her be a big sis.”
SNL reveals full cast lineup of rising star comedians for new UK version
Emily Sergeant
The full cast lineup for the new UK version of Saturday Night Live has been announced.
The time has finally come… after the announcement was first made all the way back in April of last year, Sky has now revealed the 11 comedy players who will take to the stage as the inaugural cast of Saturday Night Live UK – which is the first-ever British incarnation of NBC’s legendary late-night comedy show over in the US.
The six-episode Sky Original series will kick off next month on 21 March, ending the wait for UK audiences to hear the iconic line: “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!”
The SNL UK cast have been named as Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young – while the cast of writers will be announced soon.
Over in the States, Saturday Night Live has been on air since 1975, making it one of the longest-running live shows on US television.
But for us Brits, it’s set to be something entirely new.
Broadcast live each week, this brand-new UK version is apparently tipped to bring the ‘high-wire, anything-can-happen energy’ that makes SNL a cultural force in America, but now reimagined through a distinctly British lens.
Each week, a new guest host will take the helm and aim to put their own distinctive stamp on the SNL formula, alongside a chart-topping musical guest.
Written, rehearsed, and performed in the week of each show, every episode will be staged in front of a live studio audience, just like the US version, and will feature an opening monologue, topical sketches, live music, and a UK take on SNL’s iconic news satire, Weekend Update.
SNL has revealed its full cast lineup of rising star comedians for the new UK version / Credit: Sky Originals
“The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now,” commented James Longman, who is the Lead Producer of SNL UK, “and this cast represents the freshest voices we have – they’re bold, exciting and of course, incredibly funny.
“The chemistry between them is something special, and we can’t wait to share this funny group of people with the world.”
Cast members come hail from all over the UK, with everywhere from Glasgow and Scarborough, to Buckinghamshire, Wolverhampton, and of course, London on the map.
Daisy Jackson -
5th May 2022 
