Connect with us

Published

on

More than 200 hours of audio tapes provide the best “evidence” for the Enfield poltergeist there is.

Screams and bangs; interviews with those who said they had just experienced the supernatural; the voice of a 72-year-old man purportedly coming out of an 11-year-old girl called Janet.

They form the basis of a four-part docuseries exploring a phenomenon that gripped the north London suburb of Enfield – and the rest of the country – in the 1970s.

Not that director Jerry Rothwell is setting out to prove or disprove any theories with The Enfield Poltergeist. He wants to keep audiences in the space between knowing and not knowing, he told Sky News.

“It’s about how do we know what’s real and what might be beyond our perceptions, beyond our senses?”

Olivia Booth-Ford as Janet Hodgson and Ingrid Evans as Maisie Besant in “The Enfield Poltergeist,” premiering October 27, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Image:
Janet, played by Olivia Booth-Ford, appeared to be the focus of the poltergeist. Pic: Apple TV+

Set in a reconstruction of the semi-detached council house where the Hodgson family was seemingly plagued by the paranormal for 18 months, the series weaves together audio recordings with contemporary interviews and photos from the time.

Paranormal investigator Maurice Grosse from the Society for Psychical Research was sent to investigate, spending months at the family home between 1977 and 1979. The audio he recorded there is central to the series. As well as interviewing people, he would leave the tape running for long periods.

“What you get out is a sense of the context of family life that’s going on. Sometimes you’ll hear a noise, a scream, a bang or a rap and people’s response to it,” Rothwell said.

But the origin of those noises is “incredibly ambiguous”.

“I don’t think there’s many incidents where we see the paranormal cause of something, what we see is the effects of this on people.

“If we see a kettle fall over, we catch it in the last inches of its flight rather than see how it started – which I think is consistent with people’s experience of the paranormal.”

Christopher Ettridge as Maurice Grosse in “The Enfield Poltergeist,” premiering October 27, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Image:
Grosse (played by Ettridge) was sent to investigate the paranormal activities at the council house in Enfield. Pic: Apple TV+

Witnessing the unexplainable

Former Daily Mirror photographer Graham Morris was one of the first people at the Enfield home after the Hodgsons’ neighbours called the newspaper about the strange events.

“Up to 18 months I spent on and off in that house and saw so, so much happen, from the first night being hit by that Lego brick,” he told Sky News.

He said as soon as 11-year-old Janet entered the house, loose objects such as marbles and Lego pieces started to “whiz around the room” – with one of them hitting him above the eye and leaving a lump that lasted days.

From his vantage point through the camera lens, he could see nobody had thrown it, he said.

It was “unexplainable” he said – but he knew it was “true”.

“So, so much happened. It would have been impossible for the girls or any member of the family to have done it. It’s just too much. It was constant, it was relentless.”

Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts

One of Mr Morris’s photos was used by the paranormal investigators as evidence of the supernatural; they said it showed Janet levitating.

The image of Janet “flying across the room” was taken in the dark, with Mr Morris operating the camera remotely from downstairs, primed to press the button at any noise.

“They [the paranormal investigators] are the experts. If they want to say she’s levitating, fine.

“I was there as a photographer. I’m not there to say what’s happening – I’ve got my own theories – but as a pure layman, I just left it to the experts.”

So as one of the few witnesses still alive, what is Mr Morris’ theory?

“I don’t believe in ghosts, I don’t believe that’s what it was.

“I believe that there was something that as yet we don’t know about, some sort of force that was centered on Janet.”

Janet was trying to relate to her family, who “for various reasons, weren’t that communicative”, he said.

“She must have found it so, so frustrating that for some reason this energy is being let off and things are happening – kinetic energy, so things are moving.”

Christopher Ettridge as Maurice Grosse, Paula Benson as Peggy Hodgson, Charlotte Miller as Margaret Hodgson and Olivia Booth-Ford as Janet Hodgson in “The Enfield Poltergeist,” premiering October 27, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Image:
Janet and Margaret’s bedroom was the centre of much of the paranormal activity. Pic: Apple TV+

Interviewing the Hodgson sisters

In the new Apple TV documentary, merging recreation with reality went as far as the set, which featured items from the Hodgson family home including pots and pans, a stack of Jackie magazines – and even some Lego.

They were provided by the Hodgson sisters, Janet and Margaret, who were 11 and 13 when the strange happenings started.

Both are interviewed in the series. Rothwell said he wanted to put them back at the heart of the story.

“For me, it is primarily their story and it was absolutely crucial to involve them in that because I think otherwise… you are making them public property without much control.

“These events at the time were very traumatic and have in many ways shaped the direction of their lives.

“Firstly, because of the events themselves, but also because of people’s fascination with those events and the ways in which that fascination, you know, fixes who they are.”

Christopher Ettridge as Maurice Grosse in “The Enfield Poltergeist,” premiering October 27, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Image:
Christopher Ettridge as paranormal investigator Maurice Grosse. Pic: Apple TV+

Marrying past and present

Actors in the series also lip sync the recordings from the audio tapes – a skill that was easier for the younger TikTok generation to master than the older cast members, Rothwell said.

“You’re taking away one of the tools that an actor has in their armoury, which is how they deliver a line.”

A lot of the actors said the key was “finding the way the person breathed – and as soon as you got that, you could lip sync”.

The tapes also became something of a director in their own right, Rothwell said.

“The more we listened to the tapes, the more you’d realise about what it was telling you about things that were going on in the room.

“We’d be shooting a scene and we suddenly realised there’s no way that person can be in that position, they have to be over there.”

Read more from Sky News:
Britney Spears finally has her say – she’s not holding back

Georgia Harrison on her fight against revenge porn
Game Of Thrones’ famous Dark Hedges trees could face chop

The Enfield poltergeist has sometimes taken on something of a life of its own. It was front-page news in the 1970s – not always portrayed in ways the Hodgson family agreed with – and has spawned multiple documentaries as well as inspiring The Conjuring 2.

What is sometimes forgotten in retellings – and what Rothwell wanted to get back to – is that this is a real family, and their story.

“It was important to honour people’s experience,” he said. “You know, people are absolutely saying they have had these experiences, they’ve seen this, they’ve heard this – and I wasn’t there, so who am I to argue with it?

“This is essentially a working-class family with few resources who are beset by middle-class ghost hunters or physicists or academics, and whose house sort of came out of their control.”

The Enfield Poltergeist is available on Apple TV+ from 27 October.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Quincy Jones: Oprah Winfrey, Elton John and Barack Obama among famous figures paying tribute to music legend

Published

on

By

Quincy Jones: Oprah Winfrey, Elton John and Barack Obama among famous figures paying tribute to music legend

Oprah Winfrey, Sir Elton John and Barack Obama among the famous figures who have paid tribute to Quincy Jones following his death at the age of 91.

Following the announcement of his death on Monday, a string of friends, collaborators and admirers have been speaking out to praise the music producer and composer.

TV host Oprah Winfrey said her life “changed forever for the better” after meeting Jones as he helped secure her role in the 1985 film adaptation of The Colour Purple, which earned her an Oscar nomination.

Jones, the jazz musician known for collaborating with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, wrote the film score and also co-produced the film.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Quincy Jones dies aged 91

Winfrey wrote on Instagram: “My beloved Q. The world’s beloved Q. The one and only Quincy Jones ‘discovered’ me for The Color Purple movie in 1985. My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.

“I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone who’s heart was so filled with love.

“He walked around with his heart wide open, and he treated everybody as if they were the most important person he’d ever met. He was the Light. No shadows.

“He was love lived out loud in human form and he was the first person I ever loved unconditionally.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

10 things about Quincy Jones

Whoopi Goldberg, who was also in The Colour Purple, also wrote on Instagram: “I was lucky enough to have him in my life for all these years.

“My heart is breaking for his friends and his extended family who loved and adored him… my condolences.”

Read more:
A legend with 19 mobiles and controversial opinions

Quincy Jones’s best-known collaborations

Former US president Barack Obama, who honoured Jones with the US National Medal of Arts in 2010, said: “For decades, Quincy Jones was music.

“From producing Thriller, to composing the score for The Color Purple, to working with Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles, it seemed like every big record – and every big film – had Quincy’s name on it.

“His music appealed to listeners of every race and every age. And by building a career that took him from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood, Quincy paved the way for generations of Black executives to leave their mark on the entertainment business.”

U.S. President Barack Obama congratulates musician, composer, record producer, and arranger Quincy Jones after presenting the 2010 National Medal of Arts during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, March 2, 2011. REUTERS/Larry Downing (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT)
Image:
Barack Obama honoured Quincy Jones with the US National Medal of Arts in 2010. Pic: Reuters

He added: “Michelle and I send our thoughts to Quincy’s friends, family, and everyone who has lived their lives to his songs.”

Sir Elton John remembered Jones as someone who had a more “incredible” career in music than anyone else.

He shared a photo with him at the Elton John Aids Foundation Oscar viewing party, and called him a “loyal supporter of this important fundraiser”.

The singer added: “Nobody had a career as incredible as Quincy Jones. He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him.”

Rapper Ice T hailed Jones as a “genius”, while US Grammy-winner Lenny Kravitz said he was “speechless”, but added: “What a life. What an expression of authenticity. What a teacher. I am humbled that I was given the gift of your openness and friendship”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Singers react to death of ‘hero’ Quincy Jones

Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland thanked Jones for being “such a wonderful teacher” and creating the soundtrack to “some of the most extraordinary moments” in her life.

Jones also helped to launch and was an executive producer on the popular US sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, starring Will Smith.

Jones with his daughter Rashida Jones and Will Smith in 2007. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Jones with his daughter, actress Rashida Jones, and Will Smith in 2007. Pic: Reuters

Smith said: “Quincy Jones is the true definition of a mentor, a father and a friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me.

“He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly.”

Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers, who was friends with Jones, shared a video that said “Rest In Power Quincy Jones. The Greatest of All Time”.

Peter Hook, the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, wrote on social media: “It’s so sad to hear about Quincy Jones. When he signed us to his label, he made us feel so welcome – inviting us to dinner at his home every time we were in town.

“He made us big in America. He was so humble & sweet that you immediately fell in love with him.”

Hook added: “And to this day I still got a lovely message from him every year on Christmas and birthday cards! A musical genius and a great, lovely man.”

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Amy Dowden ‘heartbroken’ as she leaves this year’s Strictly Come Dancing

Published

on

By

Amy Dowden 'heartbroken' as she leaves this year's Strictly Come Dancing

Amy Dowden will not take part in the rest of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer made a return to the celebrity contest this series after undergoing treatment for breast cancer and had been partnered with JLS star JB Gill.

However, the 34-year-old has now had to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.

In a statement on Instagram, she said: “I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.

“My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.”

Dowden added: “I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB.

“To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you.”

Strictly Come Dancing stars JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Image:
JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston

A spokeswoman for Strictly added: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.

“Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance partner.

“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”

The news was first announced on Monday evening during the show’s spin-off programme Strictly: It Takes Two.

Lauren Oakley partnered with Krishnan Guru-Murthy last year.
Pic: PA
Image:
Lauren Oakley partnered with Krishnan Guru-Murthy last year.
Pic: PA

Dowden was taken ill during the live show the previous weekend and missed the Sunday results programme.

She was taken to hospital from the BBC show’s production centre, Elstree Studios, as a “precaution” after “feeling unwell”, a spokesman for Dowden said at the time.

Last year, Dowden found a lump in her breast while on her honeymoon in the Maldives with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones, and was unable to compete on Strictly.

After treatment for stage three breast cancer, she announced in February that tests showed she had “no evidence of disease“.

Read more from Sky News:
Tributes paid to Quincy Jones

Dawson’s Creek star shares cancer diagnosis
Trump and Harris hold final rallies

Dowden was made an MBE in this year’s New Year’s honours list for services to fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn’s. She was diagnosed with the disease as a teenager and is a UK ambassador for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis.

She was also admitted to hospital in Manchester following a Crohn’s flare-up during the 2022 Strictly live tour.

Dowden also said in her statement that in the past few months she had “finally felt like me again”.

She added: “Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.

“My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back.”

Dowden also praised JB Gill for being the “perfect partner” on the dancefloor.

“I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader,” she added.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has died

Published

on

By

Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has died

Quincy Jones, the music producer and composer, has died at the age of 91.

Jones worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and many other artists.

Among his best-known credits was as the producer of Jackson’s historic Thriller album.

Jones oversaw the all-star recording of the 1985 charity record We Are The World.

He also composed the soundtrack to the hit 1969 British film The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine.

Pic:  Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX/AP

Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones attend 26th Annual Grammy Awards on February 28, 1984 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Credit: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX
Image:
Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. Pic: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX/AP

Supermodels Naomi Campbell, left, and Claudia Schiffer flank music impresario Quincy Jones at New York's Fashion Cafe Wednesday, July 5, 1995, during a party to welcome new investor in the Fashion Cafe - supermodel Christy Turlington. Owner Tomasso Buti announced the planned opening of Fashion Cafe London in the summer of 1996, at a news conference earlier in the evening. (AP Photo/Paul Hurschmann)
Image:
Naomi Campbell, left, and Claudia Schiffer flank Quincy Jones. Pic: AP

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed Jones died at his Los Angeles home on Sunday surrounded by his family.

In a statement, his family said: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’s passing.

“And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Grammy winners Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie pose together backstage at the Grammy Awards show in Los Angeles, on February 26, 1986. (AP Photo)
Image:
Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Pic: AP

Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton Circa 1980's. Pic: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX/AP
Image:
Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton. Pic: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch /IPX/AP

His family added Jones was “truly one of a kind” who they would “miss dearly”.

“We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” they added.

“Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”

His career, which spans more than 75 years, saw him achieve 28 Grammy award wins out of 80 nominations.

He was named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.

Lionel Richie, who co-wrote We Are The World and was among the charity single’s featured singers, called Jones “the master orchestrator”.

Read more from Sky News:
Shocking moments from US election campaign

Elon Musk weighs in on euthanised squirrel row

Jones, a father of seven, was married three times to Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson and Peggy Lipton.

His children include music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for Parks And Recreation and the US version of The Office.

Continue Reading

Trending