Our round-up of the funny, fascinating and unusual stories this fortnight
‘I’LL NEVER REPLACE PAUL’
It was a tough gig for anyone to take on, but we’re delighted to hear that the bubbly and fun Alison Hammond is set to become the new presenter of For the Love of Animals. Filling the shoes of the much-loved Paul O’Grady is a huge ask and Alison is very aware of the legacy he’s left behind.
“I can never replace the iconic Paul in this wonderful series,” she said. “But if I can continue to shine a light on the brilliant work done at Battersea and help to tell the stories of these beautiful dogs, then it will be an absolute privilege to give it my all.
“I can’t wait to share the joy of their searches for new loving forever homes and hopefully make lots of furry friends of my own along the way!”
Neither can we!
Lucky Ms Loren
“Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti,” legendary screen siren Sophia Loren told the author of a fascinating new celebrity-packed gossipy memoir.
So forget the Dolmio ads, it’s the best endorsement for eating pasta we’ve ever seen at Yours!
It’s just one of the gems in My Lunch With Marilyn and Other Stories by the late writer Stanley Price and published by Sandy Cove.
Great getaways
If you fancy taking a city break this year, make sure you visit one of the best!
Thankfully, three of the top five best cities in the world in 2024 ranked by Time Out magazine are a short hop away – and one doesn’t even involve a flight if you’re a UK dweller.
New York is named best in the world followed by Cape Town (second), Berlin (third), London (fourth) and Madrid (fifth).
The ranking follows a global survey of thousands of city inhabitants.
REFLECT & REMEMBER
Downton actor Jim Carter has thrown his weight behind Marie Curie’s UK wide Day of Reflection on Sunday, March 3.
As an ambassador for the end-of-life charity, Jim (trusty butler Mr Carson) is urging individuals and communities to remember people who died during the Covid pandemic, whatever the cause, and support those bereaved.
He said: “That time was so disruptive, for so many. We need the Day of Reflection, whether it be to privately remember or collectively come together and support one another.”
The day will include a minute’s silence at midday and ways to observe it can be found at dayofreflection.org.uk.
