Gogglebox star Andy Michael dies aged 61, Channel 4 says
Gogglebox star Andy Michael has died after a short illness, Channel 4 has said.
He was 61.
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness,” a statement said.
“Andy passed away last weekend with his family by his side.
“Retired hotelier Andy, who brought much wit and insight to Gogglebox, was one of the show’s original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013.
“Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed.
“Our love and thoughts are with Carolyne and the entire family. The family have asked for privacy at this very sad time.”
The Michael family was part of the show’s first episode in 2013, but left a year later when Mr Michael announced he was running in the general election for UKIP.
After he failed to secure Hastings and Rye for the party, the family re-joined the show.
Andy Michael, (third on the right) has died after a short illness
Tom Malone Jr, who appears on the show, was among the first to pay tribute, tweeting: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Andy Michael. Sending love and support to the whole Michael family”.
UKIP also passed on its condolences, tweeting: “RIP to former UKIP candidate Andy Michael. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Fellow Gogglebox contributor Mary Cook also died this week, at the age of 92 while Pete McGarry from the show died in June, at 71.
Irish-language rap group Kneecap have announced a surprise London show, hours after one of their members was charged with a terror offence.
Liam O’Hanna, or Liam Og O Hannaidh, was charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation, at a concert in London last November, the Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday.
Just hours later, Kneecap announced on their Instagram account that “we’re back”, adding that they would perform at the 100 Club on Oxford Street, London, on Thursday night.
The post also included a quote by former Sex Pistols vocalist John Lydon, who told ITV’s Good Morning Britain the rap trio “maybe (…) need a bloody good kneecapping” after footage of the band allegedly calling for the deaths of MPs emerged.
Kneecap performing in Belfast last year. Pic: PA
Kneecap apologised to the families of murdered MPs last month, but said footage of the incident at their concert had been “exploited and weaponised”, adding that they “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah.
The rappers had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged and politicians pushed for Kneecap to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch calling for Kneecap to be banned.
The group from Belfast in Northern Ireland is still set to headline Wide Awake Festival in south London on Friday.
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In response to O’Hanna being charged, Kneecap said that they “deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves” and branded it “political policing” in a bid to “silence voices of compassion”.
The charge came after counter-terror police assessed a video said to be from a Kneecap concert.
In the footage, O’Hanna is allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November last year.
Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware of a video circulating online on 22 April and an investigation led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the charge, the force said.
O’Hanna – who performs under the stage name Mo Chara – is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June.
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