Renowned novelist Beryl Bainbridge has died at the age of 75, following a short illness. She had suffered from cancer in recent times.

Bainbridge was born in Liverpool, and raised in Formby. She began her career as an actress - appearing in a 1961 episode of 'Coronation Street' – and apparently began writing as a way to fill time. Her first novel 'Harriet Said...' was rejected by publishers because of its dark subject matter, but her second and third attempts made it into print, even if they failed to make an impact.

It wasn't until the seventies that the novelist's work began to gain notice; 1973's 'The Dressmaker' was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, 1974's 'The Bottle Factory Outing' won the Guardian Fiction Prize, and 1977's 'Injury Time' was awarded the Whitbread prize for best novel. She accrued many more nominations and awards during the course of her career, including a second Whitbread prize, and the James Tait Black Memorial Award. She was also appointed a DBE in 2000.

Bainbridge also wrote scripts for television, and a number of her works made it onto the big screen. Her 1989 book 'An Awfully Big Adventure' was made into a 1995 film starring Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and she wrote a screenplay of her own novel 'Sweet William' for a 1979 film starring Sam Waterston.

She is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

playwright and screenwriter Alan Plater has at the age of 75 after suffering from cancer.

Born in Jarrow-on-Tyne, Plater initially trained as an architect, but left the profession full time to concentrate on writing after only a short period, achieving his first significant role as a screenwriter on police drama 'Z-Cars'. In subsequent years, he worked on shows like 'Dalziel and Pascoe', 'The Beiderbecke Trilogy', and the TV version of 'Flambards', as well as on films, such as 'Keep The Aspidistra Flying'. He also wrote six novels.

He accrued a number of awards during his career, including a lifetime achievement gong from the Writers Guild of Great Britain, the Dennis Potter Award at the Baftas, two honorary degrees, and a CBE.

Dennis Hopper has died at the age of 74 after suffering from prostate cancer. He passed away on Saturday morning at his home in California. As previously reported, his last public appearance was in March, when he was honoured with a star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame.

An influential actor and filmmaker, Hopper was well known for his appearances in a number of cult classics, including Academy Award nominated 1969 road movie 'Easy Rider' which he co-wrote and co-starred in with Peter Fonda. The latter has paid tribute to his former colleague, telling TMZ: "Dennis introduced me to the world of Pop Art and 'lost' films. We rode the highways of America and changed the way movies were made in Hollywood. I was blessed by his passion and friendship".

He began his career well, with early roles in the likes of 'Rebel Without A Cause', 'Giant', 'Gunfight At The OK Corral', and 'Cool Hand Luke', even before the aforementioned success of 'Easy Rider'. However, his reputation as a hell-raiser who enjoyed drink and drugs, as well as myriad clashes with colleagues – in particular on his directorial disaster 'The Last Movie' – made him very unpopular in Hollywood, and led to a decade in the 'wilderness', as he turned to Europe for work. He returned to starring roles with his scary appearance in David Lynch's 'Blue Velvet'.

Hopper, who was in the process of divorcing his wife Victoria Duffy when he died, is survived by four children and two grandchildren.

Late 'Lost Boys' star Corey Haim, who, as previously reported, passed away back in March at the age of 38, did not die because of his drug problems - as many suspected - but from more natural causes. A post-mortem has revealed that the actor was killed by pneumonia not directly linked to drug abuse; he had a low level of drugs in his bloodstream, but not, according to the coroner's report "at a level that would have contributed to his death". It's not clear how long he had been ill, and whether he would still be alive or not, had he been treated in time.

Lynn Redgrave has died in Connecticut at the age of 67. The actress had been suffering from breast cancer for a number of years. The Redgrave acting dynasty have suffered a number of losses in recent times: Lynn's brother Corin, as previously reported, died at the start of last month, and their niece, Natasha Richardson, passed away in March 2009.

Her children Ben, Pema and Annabel released a statement yesterday saying: "Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven-year journey with breast cancer... The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives".

Born in London, the daughter of Michael Redgrave and younger sister to Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and began her acting career on stage, appearing in a number of productions during the early sixties, mostly in London. During the same period, Redgrave made her first film appearances, leading to one of her most notable roles, in 1966's 'Georgy Girl', which garnered her an Oscar nomination. During her career, she played parts in such films as 'The Virgin Soldiers', 'The Happy Hooker', 'Shine', 'Gods and Monsters' and 'The Jane Austen Book Club', but also made many TV appearances, and was frequently to be found onstage.

Michael Parkinson has described Redgrave as "maybe the jolliest and most likeable of all the family. She was a good actress, but being a Redgrave I suppose she couldn't help it - it's in their blood, in their marrow. She had a great comedic talent".

She is survived by her aforementioned three children and six grandchildren, as well as her sister Vanessa and four nieces and nephews.

Alan Sillitoe, the award winning author of works such as 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' and 'The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner', has died at the age of 82 at London's Charing Cross Hospital.

Sillitoe was born in Nottingham, the second son of an illiterate labourer, and rose to fame in the 1950s, as part of one of the 'Angry Young Men' set of British novelists. His first two aforementioned books are considered classic examples of the 'kitchen sink' dramas that emerged during the fifties and sixties, and were both made into films. Sillitoe didn't agree with this  classification of his works, however.  He was a prolific writer, penning myriad books of prose, poetry, short stories and essay, though his later novels, despite being acclaimed, didn't make as significant an impact on the literary landscape as his first two did. 

He is survived by his wife, fellow-writer Ruth Fainlight, and two children.

Actor Sotigui Kouyate has died in Paris at the age of 74. Born in Mali to Gambian parents, the award winning star of 7/7 bombings film 'London River' came from a long line of griots – traditional storytellers – but began his career on stage as a favour to a friend. During his career, he wrote and staged a number of plays himself, and had a long association with Peter Brook, most notably collaborating on the 1989 film of 'The Mahabharata'. He also founded the Mandeko Theatre, in Mali capital Bamako. In 2009, Kouyate won a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and was made an officer of arts and letters by the French government at the Cannes Film Festival in the same year.

Actor Christopher Cazenove has died at the age of 66 after suffering from septicaemia. His family and girlfriend Isabel Davies have released a statement via his agent Lesley Duff which reads: "Christopher died peacefully on April 7 surrounded by his loved ones, having contracted septicaemia at the end of February. Despite a valiant fight and the untiring efforts of the wonderful team at St Thomas's, he was overwhelmed. All who knew and loved him will be devastated by the loss of this incredible man who touched so many lives".

Cazenove was born in Hampshire and educated at Eton College. He first came to notice appearing on British TV, playing Charlie Tyrell in 'The Duchess Of Duke Street', but it was during the eighties that he became a household name when he played Ben Carrington, half-brother to Blake Carrington, played by the also recently deceased John Forsythe. Following that, he made a number of appearances in films - most notably in 'Three Men and a Little Lady', and 'A Knight's Tale' – as well as continuing his TV work, in shows such as 'Judge John Deed'. Throughout his career, he regularly acted also on stage and on radio.   

In addition to his aforementioned girlfriend, he is survived by Rhys, his younger son from his 21 year marriage to actress Angharad Rees. His elder son Linford predeceased him, dying in a car crash in 1999, at the age of 25.

Actor Corin Redgrave has died at the age of 70, after being taken ill at the weekend. His widow Kika Markham has issued a statement explaining that he died on Tuesday "very peacefully, surrounded by his family", and added "We will miss him so very much". He had in recent years suffered from prostate cancer and had a heart attack, though it's not clear if his death is related to either illness.

Redgrave's most high profile role was probably as Andie McDowell's husband in 'Four Weddings and A funeral', but he was well known for his socialism and political activism, as well as, of course, being a member of the famous acting dynasty that produced his father Michael Redgrave, his sisters Vanessa Redgrave and Lynn Redgrave, and his nieces, the late Natasha Richardson and Joely Richardson.  

He studied at Cambridge University, made his stage debut at the Royal Court in 1961, and took his first significant screen role in 1966, appearing in 'A Man For All Seasons'. He won an Olivier Award in 1998 for his performance in Tennessee Williams play 'Not About Nightingales', and was later nominated for an Emmy for playing the same role on Broadway.

Redgrave is survived by his aforementioned wife, Kika Markham, their sons Harvey and Arden, and his son Luke and daughter Jemma from his earlier marriage to Deirdre Hamilton-Hill.

David Mills, an Emmy-award winning writer who worked on US series such as 'ER' and 'The Wire', has died at the age of 48, apparently from a brain aneurysm. He was reportedly taken ill on Tuesday, whilst on the New Orleans set of new post-Hurricane Katrina drama 'Treme', and died later in hospital.

HB O have said in a statement: "HBO is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and colleague David Mills. He was a gracious and humble man, and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him, as well as those who were aware of his immense talent. David has left us too soon but his brilliant work will live on".

A memorial was held by cast and crew on the set of 'Treme' yesterday.

A London memorial takes place today for the late Edward Woodward, who, as previously reported, died in November at the age of 79. His widow, former 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em' star Michele Dotrice, is behind the commemorative event, which will take place at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.  A host of celebrities are expected to attend, amongst them June Whitfield, Sheila Hancock, and Simon Pegg.

Woodward is, of course, best known for his appearance in 'The Wicker Man', TV show 'Callan', and American series 'The Equalizer', which made him a household name in the US.

Actor Robert Culp, probably best known for his work alongside Bill Cosby in US TV series 'I Spy', has died at the age of 79. He collapsed outside his home in Hollywood during a walk, and was later pronounced dead at hospital. It's not clear what the cause of death was, as he hit his head, but it also seems that he may have suffered from a heart attack.

Culp had appeared on US television from the 1950s, most recently appearing in 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. 'I Spy', which ran from 1965 to 1968, and saw the actor playing a secret agent, was considered groundbreaking, because it was the first programme to feature an African American in a lead role. Culp also appeared in acclaimed comedy film 'Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice'

'I Spy' co-star Cosby has said that Culp was like an older brother to him. "The first born in every family is always dreaming of the older brother or sister he or she doesn't have, to protect, to be the buffer, provide the wisdom, shoulder the blows and make things right," he said. "Bob was the answer to my dreams. No matter how many mistakes I made on I Spy, he was always there to teach and protect me".

Former BBC boxing commentator Harry Carpenter has died at the age of 84. He had been unwell for some time, after suffering a heart attack last year, and passed away early on Saturday, in his sleep.

During his career, Carpenter became very much identified by his 'double act' with Frank Bruno, whose catchphrase - "know what I mean, Harry?" - became a staple of post match interviews. It was an informal partnership that spawned a spate of joint personal appearances, and meant that the two became close, to the point that, during Bruno's 1989 fight with Mike Tyson, Carpenter failed to maintain his impartiality throughout, at one point shouting "Get in there, Frank".

Tributes have flooded in for Carpenter. Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater says: "Harry's passing is a huge loss to the world of sports broadcasting. His journalistic credentials, professionalism and presence marked him out as an inspirational figure for a generation of aspiring presenters, commentators and producers. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the good fortune to work with and learn from a master".

Frank Bruno told The Sun: "I'm devastated by his death and all choked up. Harry was such a gentleman and we had a wonderful relationship for so many years. It went way beyond work. We often met socially. He was always so kind and considerate and you couldn't help but respond to his charm. I am so sad. There will never be another like him".

Former world light-heavyweight champion John Conteh, meanwhile, said: "We in this sport, including people like Muhammad Ali, can intuitively tell when someone loves boxing - and he was steeped in it. I remember watching and listening back to some of my fights that he commentated on and there was always constructive, not destructive, criticism from him".

He's survived by his wife Phyllis, and a son.

Tributes have been paid to TV star Kristian Digby, who was found dead in his east London flat on Monday morning. Police say that the death of the 32 year old presenter is as yet "unexplained".

Born into a family of property developers, Digby is probably best known for his work on a number of property shows, including 'To Buy Or Not To Buy' and 'House Swap', but prior to that he had achieved a degree of success in film: he won a junior Bafta in 1997 for his film 'Words of Deception' and the Melbourne Film Festival Best Student gong in 1998 for 'Last Train To Demise'. He also directed a number of TV programmes, and presented 'That Gay Show' on BBC Choice.

A spokesman for the BBC has said: "Kristian was a much-loved and talented presenter for BBC Daytime. He brought a real sense of energy and warmth to all the shows he presented for us and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."

Agent and friend Jo Wander said: "I am devastated by the loss. He was a lovely guy and a very talented presenter and director. I will miss him hugely and my thoughts at this time are with his family and his many friends. He will be sorely missed."

Dominic Littlewood, Digby's co-presenter on 'To Buy or Not to Buy', said: "There's not a bad word I can say about Kristian. He was a lovely fun, nice, jolly, decent person."

Fellow broadcaster and friend Julian Bennett said: "He did so much for the gay community. He appealed to the masses. He was well educated . He made gay acceptable to the middle class and that was a tough thing to do. Being gay has never been a problem for him. He was a gentleman."

A memorial service to celebrate the life of former 'Coronation Street' star Maggie Jones is to take place at Salford Cathedral later today. Filming on the soap will pause to allow cast members to attend the public ceremony, which will feature, amongst other readings and tributes, a personal address from William Roache, aka Ken Barlow, screen son-in-law to Jones' Corrie character Blanche Hunt.

As previously reported, the veteran actress died back in December at the age of 75. Coronation Street producer Kim Crowther says: "Still missed greatly by cast and crew, we always planned to give everybody the chance to celebrate Maggie's life, both on and off the street. Thursday is not just for the people that worked with her and knew her well, but also for the public who adored her - never less than when she was 'charming' the nation with her sharpest put-down".

British film executive Gareth Wigan, who produced movies such as 'Star Wars', 'Alien', has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

Born in London, Wigan began his career as a talent agent after graduating from The University of Oxford. He relocated to California in the late 1970s to work at Twentieth Century Fox, and served as executive producer on films such as the aforementioned 'Star Wars' and 'Alien' as well as the likes of 'All That Jazz' and 'The Turning Point'. In 1979 he formed his own company in partnership with fellow Fox types Alan Ladd Jr and Jay Kanter, and the three men went on to produce the award winning film 'Chariots of fire. He later joined Columbia Pictures, working on movies such as 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' and 'Postcards from the Edge'.

A number of high profile stars have paid tribute. Barbra Streisand, who worked with him on 'Prince Of Tides' described him as "one of the smartest, kindest, most loving people I have ever known."

Wigan also worked on 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon'. Director Ang Lee said: "Gareth Wigan was a unique figure in the movie business. He was a true English gentleman, a great soul. He made quality films, and he was also a pioneer of studio investment in foreign films".

Martin Scorsese has also paid tribute, sayin: "I have fond memories of our work together on The Age of Innocence. I've often wished we could have worked on another production as I've always had great admiration for Gareth's intelligence, diplomacy and taste".

Late actress Brittany Murphy, who, as previously reported, passed away at the end of last year, died of pneumonia, according to a Los Angeles coroner. Spokesman Craig Harvey explained that iron-deficiency anaemia and "multiple drug intoxication" (all prescription drugs) were also factors in her death. Following her death on 20 Dec, Murphy's husband Simon Monjack and mother Sharon Murphy confirmed that the actress had been experiencing flu-like symptoms and had been taking over-the-counter remedies. Presumably they might not have been compatible with prescription drugs she was on, which included an anti-seizure drug, but I'm not a scientist, so that's purely conjecture. More details will be released in a couple of weeks time.

Jean Simmons has died at the age of 80, at her home in Santa Monica, California. The actress, probably most famous for her roles in Laurence Olivier's 'Hamlet', 'Spartacus', and 'Guys and Dolls' starring Marlon Brando, had been suffering from lung cancer.

Simmons was born in London, and was discovered when she was just a teenager, after she enrolled at the Aida Foster School Of Dance and was spotted by director Val Guest, who cast her in a film called 'Give Us The Moon'. In the next couple of years, she also appeared as Estella, in David Lean's film of 'Great Expectations', starring John Mills, and the aforementioned 'Hamlet', as Ophelia. It was the role of Ophelia that set her on the road to Hollywood stardom, but it was her experience of working with David Lean that encouraged her to pursue it. Looking back on her career, in the late eighties, she said: "I thought acting was just a lark, meeting all those exciting movie stars, and getting £5 a day which was lovely because we needed the money. But I figured I'd just go off and get married and have children like my mother. It was working with David Lean that convinced me to go on".

She went to Hollywood, however, and became a leading lady, a path which was eased by her marriage, in 1950, to established star Stewart Granger, and their appearances alongside each other in a number of films. She went on to work on films such as 'Young Bess', 'The Big Country', 'Elmer Gantry' and 'Spartacus', and played opposite the likes of Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Gregory Peck and Paul Newman. Over the course of her career she was nominated for two Oscars, two Baftas, two Emmys and six Golden Globes, though in the end only took home two, an Emmy for her performance in TV miniseries 'The Thorn Birds' and a Golden Globe for her performance in 'Guys And Dolls'. She continued working until 2008.

Simmons and Granger together settled in the US and took US citizenship in 1956. The couple divorced in 1960, however, and Simmons married film director Richard Brook. She is survived by two daughters, Tracy Granger and Kate Brooks, and a grandson, Ty Saville.

Folk singer Kate McGarrigle died at her Montreal home on Monday night, aged 63. She had been suffering with clear cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, since 2006.

As well as being a very successful musician in her own right, she was also known for being the mother of Rufus and Martha Wainwright, her children with former husband, and fellow musician, Loudon Wainwright III.

McGarrigle performed for more than 30 years with her sister Anna, the duo releasing their debut album in 1976 and going on to record nine more, writing songs in both English and French. Despite being very ill, she performed a three and a half hour show at the Royal Albert Hall just last month. However, fears that she might be succumbing to her illness rose last week when Rufus cancelled his Australian tour, due to begin in February, to be by her side.

Her doctor, Robert Tabah, told The Guardian: "Kate was a remarkable and warm woman, who pursued everything in life with humour and grace. I was amazed by her courage and stamina".

I didn't report on this yesterday, because I thought of it as a sport, not culture story. But, I've given it further thought, and you know, we do cover TV. And he was a TV person. And his commentaries were completely wicked.
 
Hawick born rugby commentator Bill McLaren died yesterday at the age of 86. He began his career on BBC radio in 1953, moving to TV six years later, and was widely regarded as  the best in the business (and not just within rugby either, sports generally). He became well known for his descriptive bent, coining memorable phrases like "He’s like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe", and "that ball’s gone so high there’ll be snow on it when it comes down".  

Sports stars have been queuing up to pay their respects. Former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings said: "First and foremost, Bill was a very proud and passionate Scot but such was his professionalism that you would never really have known that. He always remained very unbiased in his commentary and I think that that was unquestionably one of his endearing qualities. He was a wonderful commentator and he just brought the world of rugby into so many people's homes".

Former England captain Bill Beaumont said: "Bill McLaren is synonymous with what is good about the game. Every player respected Bill, they respected his judgement. To sit alongside him you just admired the professionalism and homework that he put into his commentaries and also his passion for the game".

Hawick Rugby Club's secretary John Thorburn has also commented, saying: "We're devastated, obviously - we've got a room named after him at the rugby club. It was very close to his heart, Hawick Rugby Club. He's a huge loss to rugby worldwide".