Showbiz 5: From Simply the Best to all the rest

Ulrika Jonsson doesn’t seem to have much luck with fellas. Her latest revelation is how she was groped by animal lover and general sex pest Rolf Harris when she was working as a weather presenter on TV-am.

The Good Morning Britain forecaster in the late 80s and early 90s said it had been a ‘deeply uncomfortable ordeal’ following the convicted paedophile’s death. Harris, who hosted a number of children’s programmes as well as prime time Animal Hospital, was found to be a pervert and served three years gaol for a series of sexual assaults on girls aged 8-19.

Speaking to The Sun, Ulrika recalled:

“I remember thinking [being embraced when she was expecting a handshake] was either really flattering or a bit forward. Either way, it was confusing. Then his hand travelled down to my bum, gave it a few squeezes and stayed there for what felt like years but was probably only 30 seconds. But it was long enough for my 21-year-old self to feel deeply uncomfortable, and speechless.”

The revelation comes hot on the heels of Vanessa Feltz recalling how Harris fondled her live on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, where she used to interview celebrities on a bed.

TV naturalist Chris Packham has won a libel case after being accused of misleading the public about donations to a wildlife charity. Sky News reported, ‘The BBC Springwatch presenter sued three men over allegations in nine articles including claims he “manipulated” people into donating to rescue five tigers while knowing the animals were well looked after. The articles related to the Wildheart Trust, which runs a wildlife sanctuary on the Isle of Wight.’

The legal action saw Dominic Wightman, editor of the online site Country Squire Magazine, as well as writer Nigel Bean and a third man, Paul Read head to court. He won his case against Mr Wightman and Mr Bean but the judge threw out his claim against Mr Read. Sky News noted that Mr Wightman and Mr Bean were ordered to pay £90,000 in damages to the TV presenter.

Award-winning actress Indira Varma is crossing galaxies as she joins the new series of Doctor Who. First entering the world of Doctor Who as Suzie Costello in Russell T Davies’ spin-off series Torchwood, Indira now steps aboard the TARDIS in her new mysterious role as the Duchess. Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three special episodes with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary. Ncuti Gatwa’s first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will then air over the festive period.

Speaking of joining Doctor Who, Indira Varma:

“I’m thrilled to be in Doctor Who and particularly excited to be crossing cosmic paths with Ncuti, as the Doctor, and look forward to creating interplanetary mischief with him. I loved playing Suzie Costello for Russell T Davies in Torchwood so am thrilled to be entering this world again.”

After a long illness, Tina Turner, one of rock’s most famous voices and singer of songs such as Proud Mary and The Best, died at the age of 83. She died peacefully after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, her representative said.

In a career spanning more than 60 years, the American-Swiss singer, who was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, won eight competitive Grammy Awards and has a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St Louis Walk of Fame.

Sir Mick Jagger, who duetted with Tina Turner during Live Aid in 1985: “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”

Bryan Adams, who duetted with Turner on It’s Only Love: “The world just lost one of the greatest performers of all time. I’ll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your voice. My condolences to Erwin and Tina’s family. It’s Only Love…and that’s all.”

Actress Angela Bassett, who earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Turner in the 1993 film, What’s Love Got to Do With It, “How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world? Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like.”

Elton John: “We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable,” he wrote, sharing a picture of the pair together. Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news.”

Diana Ross: “Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner’s family and loved ones.”

Bette Midler: “Our beloved #TinaTurner has died. From #Nutbush to the top, she was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all. May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead.”

Women’s Aid: “We are so sad to hear that Tina Turner has passed away today, following long-term illness. A survivor of domestic abuse who went on to inspire other women, and recently chose to support Women’s Aid for the 5th anniversary of @TinaTheMusical, she will always be #SimplyTheBest.”

Roger Davies, Turner’s manager of 30 years, “Tina was a unique and remarkable force of nature with her strength, incredible energy and immense talent. From the first day I met her in 1980, she believed in herself completely when few others did at that time. It was a privilege and an honour to have been a close friend as well as her manager for more than 30 years. I will miss her deeply.”

Sky Arts will be repeating Tina’s One Last Time concert this coming week, check listings for times and days.

There’s been so much news on This Morning again this week I’ll be newswrapping it in another special tomorrow.