Latest news with #Spamalot


Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Monty Python star rushed to hospital for third time in two days as he reveals health battle
Last year he had a scathing rant about his co-star's daughter's handling of the Python finances ACTOR'S PAIN Monty Python star rushed to hospital for third time in two days as he reveals health battle Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MONTY Python star has been rushed to hospital for a third time in just two days. LA-based Eric Idle, 82, took to social media platform X to inform fans of his health issue. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Eric Idle was taken to hospital three times in two days after falling ill Credit: Getty 3 He was a member of the iconic comedy group Monty Python He wrote: "So I'd like to thank all the doctors nurses and staff in the Cedars GI ward for their kindness and help to me today. The second time in three days. I think I'm suffering from Gastroenteritis. I love you people." Gastroenteritis is common and is inflammation inside the stomach which can cause issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to dehydration requiring medical treatment. Fans wished him well, with one writing: "Get well soon Eric." Another said: "Praying for healing for you sir. :)" A third commented: "Please take care of yourself. The world would be a less amusing place without you." Last year Idle revealed the surviving Pythons were locked in a bitter feud over finances. He claimed he receives only a fraction of the millions the legendary comedy team have made in the past. And he took aim at Holly Gilliam, the TV lawyer daughter of fellow Python Terry Gilliam, 84. She took over the Python brand in 2013 as part of HDG Projects Ltd. In messages on X, Idle wrote: 'I don't know why people always assume we're loaded. "I have to work for my living. I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. Monty Python's John Cleese and Terry Gilliam reunite with Michael Palin for 81st birthday as fans praise the 'silly men' 'I have been working and earning for Pythons since 1995. And now no more.' In a dig at Holly Gilliam, he added: 'I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. 'One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.' Daughter Lily Idle backed him, writing online: 'I'm so proud of my dad for finally finally finally starting to share the truth.' The Pythons, who also included John Cleese, 85, Michael Palin, 81, and the late Terry Jones — made a mint thanks to films, including Life of Brian, hit stage show Spamalot, which Idle co-wrote, and the original Flying Circus BBC TV series. They were back in the limelight in 2014 with Monty Python Live (Mostly) — One Down, Five to Go, a reference to former member Graham Chapman who died in 1989 aged just 48. It featured interpretations of some of their sketches, and reportedly earned the surviving members at least £2million each. It was a hit in Europe and the US and is still running on Broadway. Idle, who lives in California, dismissed comments suggesting he must still be wealthy, saying he had sold his house. He added: 'We still get something but not enough to keep me on the beaches.' Cleese was recently asked about his relationship with Idle by Candis Magazine and said: "We used to be close. But not in recent years.'


The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Post your questions for Eric Idle
What's your enduring image of Eric Idle? Is it him cheerily singing Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from a crucifix? Nudge-nudge, wink-winking Terry Jones down the pub? Or struggling with his habit alongside Robbie Coltrane in Nuns on the Run? Now 82, Idle is one of the most beloved comedians Britain has produced, an alumni of Cambridge Footlights, Monty Python and the Rutles, who became perhaps the most Americanised of the troupe after moving there permanently in the 1970s. Post-Python he was in films including The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), Splitting Heirs (1993), Casper (1995), The Wind in the Willows (1996), An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn (1997), Ella Enchanted (2004) and Shrek the Third (2007). In 2005, Spamalot, his musical adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, debuted on Broadway to enormous critical and commercial success, adding Tonys and Grammys to Idle's already busy mantelpiece. A vocal critic of the current US administration on X, Idle is returning to the UK for a tour in September – his first for 52 years. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live! is a nostalgic one-man musical including 'comedy, music, philosophy and one fart joke'. Idle was born in South Shields in 1943, and raised largely by his grandmother, after his mother fell into a depression following the death of her husband, who was killed in a road traffic accident while hitchhiking home after the second world war in 1945. Idle went to a tough boarding school in Wolverhampton aged seven, where he was unhappy but became head boy and got into Cambridge. As 1965 Footlights President, he was the first to allow women into the club, and became the Pythons' musical specialist and also its only solo writer – John Cleese and Graham Chapman preferring to pair up, alongside Jones and Michael Palin. Their comedy series Flying Circus ran for five years until 1974, while the films (Holy Grail, Life of Brian and Meaning of Life) extended the run until 1983. Idle's affectionate Beatles parody, the Rutles, was a huge success in the US, where Idle was also a frequent host of Saturday Night Live. Other projects included voice work on the likes of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, a staged reading of his play What About Dick?, the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, US tours, assorted Gilbert and Sullivan productions, and season eight of The Masked Singer (as Hedgehog). Idle was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019 and has since made a full recovery. He has an asteroid named in his honour – and has fronted shows alongside the scientist Brian Cox – and objects to the term 'atheist' as it suggests there may be a God not to believe in. In 2022, he spoke to the Guardian's Simon Hattenstone about his relationship with the surviving Pythons, as well as the deaths of his great friends George Harrison and Robin Williams and his concerns about the prospect of Donald Trump's re-election. 'We've gone back to the time of the dictators,' he said. 'You need to have presidential candidates subject to psychological testing. 'You're an insane narcissist; you have no business being in charge of a teapot.' They are undiagnosed monsters, that's the problem.' Send us your questions for Idle by 20 June and we'll publish his answers – alongside responses by some famous friends and colleagues – on 11 July.


The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Protein-packed beans, canned custard's vitamins and other hidden health benefits of bargain tinned foods revealed
IT may bring back memories of horrible school dinners, if you are old enough, or Monty Python's Seventies comedy musical Spamalot. But World War Two canned staple Spam is now a Gen Z hit, as three in five under-28s revealed they recently Advertisement 9 Many tinned foods can offer surprising health benefits Credit: Getty As well as being quick, cheap and easy, though, tinned food can offer health advantages. Laura Stott tried eight budget canned foods . . . Spam, 340g, £2.98, Asda IF you have unpleasant school-dinner memories of Spam – served up in slimy sarnies or fried to make fritters – you may wish never to revisit this fabled luncheon meat. But despite being much mocked in the past – and now giving its name to unwanted emails – it can make many useful contributions to your diet, which could explain why sales soared by 199 per cent in the last year. Advertisement read more on health 9 Spam packs lots of protein as well as iron, zinc and vitamins B and C Consisting of 89 per cent pork and two per cent ham, Spam packs lots of protein as well as iron, zinc and vitamins B and C. Oh, and it is also gluten-free. The salt and fat levels are on the higher side, though, so best limit to once a week. Advertisement Give Spam fritters a modern upgrade by slicing meat and popping in the air fryer. Serve with a dipping sauce. Most read in Health 1980 Spam TV ad Sardines, 90g, 60p, Sainsbury's A PINT-sized powerhouse of nutrients full of fantastic health benefits – and a can will cost you less than a quid when you do the weekly shop. Sardines are packed with wellness wins that can help your heart, bones, skin and immune system, and even boost brain power. 9 Sardines can help your heart, bones, skin and immune system, and even boost brain power High in protein and low in fat, the oily fish is full of calcium and vitamin D, while omega 3 oils help cognitive function and vitamin B12 aids the nervous system. Advertisement Experts have even suggested sardines may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. So, all in all, just what the doctor ordered. Toss a tin into spaghetti with oil, lemon, chilli and garlic for a simple but nutritious pasta sauce. Baked beans, Bramwells, 410g, 41p, Aldi WE all know the kids' rhyme 'beans, beans, good for your heart'. But the cupboard staple we love to put on toast, or scoff with sausage, bacon and eggs, also scores highly for fibre. Advertisement 9 Baked beans are good for your heart and high in fibre There are a host of minerals wins, too, including potassium, iron, zinc – plus you get dosed up on vitamins B and C. And those haricot beans smothered in tomato sauce are a super source of protein – they contain an average of 9g per can, the same as you get from two regular eggs, which is especially useful for veggies or vegans needing to boost their intake. Look out for reduced-salt options, if available. Advertisement Don't mess with a classic. Heat up and chomp on toast. Custard, 385g, 53p, Asda THE party favourite is not just good fun, it is also loaded with calcium, protein from eggs, and vitamin-rich. Choose a tin made with real milk, and this dairy delight will not just taste delicious atop your apple crumble – your body will thank you for it. 9 Custard is loaded with calcium, protein from eggs, and is vitamin-rich Canned custard is high in vitamin D, which is important for healthy teeth and bones as well as maintaining a robust immune system and strong muscles. Advertisement Full-fat options are likely to contain the most milk, for maximum health gains, but all cans will deliver some of that all-important vitamin D. Pour over fresh fruit for an additional vitamin boost. Tomatoes, Italian Chopped, 400g, 49p, Tesco A HUMBLE tin of tomatoes, handy for all sorts of home-cooked dishes, is one of the healthiest canned foods you can buy and will quickly top up your vitamin and mineral levels. These toms also taste delicious and are very economical. 9 Tinned tomatoes are full of vitamin C, fibre and potassium Advertisement Whatever type you choose – plum, cherry or specialist San Marzano – tucking into them will unleash a cascade of vitamin C, fibre and potassium. They also put a nice helping of lycopene your way – an antioxidant linked to numerous heart health benefits. Tip into a chilli con carne or stew to boost flavour and nutrients. Peach slices, 410g, £1.09, Morrisons MOST tinned fruits offer health benefits equal to those you get from your favourite fresh versions – but the canned options lock in goodness and offer longevity, cost savings and convenience benefits to boot. When browsing on the shop shelf for tinned fruit, look for slices in either water or fresh fruit juice, rather than syrup, to make sure you get all the goodness and shelf-life without those additional sugars. Advertisement 9 Peach slices are stacked with fibre, potassium and valuable vitamin A As well as counting as one of your 'five a day', peach slices are stacked with fibre, potassium and valuable vitamin A – excellent for eyesight. Serve with a pot of Greek yoghurt for a tasty protein boost. Sweetcorn, 200g, 49p, Tesco 9 Sweetcorn contains 8g of fibre and the same of protein CASSEROLE time, anyone? This everyday ingredient comes with more health benefits that you may realise. Advertisement A superb way to improve your digestion, one can of yellow maize nuggets will provide around 8g of fibre and the same of protein – all of which also makes this food great for keeping you regular and feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut . A tin is also packed full of folate, a naturally occurring form of vitamin B that is useful for cell growth – and you will get good hits of magnesium, iron and potassium, too. Add to a Mexican-style salsa and serve with tacos. Prunes, 420g, £1.10, Tesco GOOD digestion is probably the best-known gain from tipping regular helpings of tinned dried plums into your breakfast or pudding bowl – but the bowel benefits and speedy transit times are not the only rewards. Tinned prunes are also rich in iron, vitamin K for bone health, and anti-oxidant compounds to boost cell efficiency and protect from heart disease. Advertisement 9 Tinned prunes are rich in iron, vitamin K and anti-oxidant compounds Some studies also suggest prunes can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Add on top of your brekkie porridge or drain a can and bake into flapjacks. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.


Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Protein-packed beans, canned custard's vitamins and other hidden health benefits of bargain tinned foods revealed
CAN DO Protein-packed beans, canned custard's vitamins and other hidden health benefits of bargain tinned foods revealed IT may bring back memories of horrible school dinners, if you are old enough, or Monty Python's Seventies comedy musical Spamalot. But World War Two canned staple Spam is now a Gen Z hit, as three in five under-28s revealed they recently scoffed the pork and ham stodge and one in ten had fried it in patties for kids. Advertisement 9 Many tinned foods can offer surprising health benefits Credit: Getty As well as being quick, cheap and easy, though, tinned food can offer health advantages. Laura Stott tried eight budget canned foods . . . Spam, 340g, £2.98, Asda IF you have unpleasant school-dinner memories of Spam – served up in slimy sarnies or fried to make fritters – you may wish never to revisit this fabled luncheon meat. But despite being much mocked in the past – and now giving its name to unwanted emails – it can make many useful contributions to your diet, which could explain why sales soared by 199 per cent in the last year. Advertisement 9 Spam packs lots of protein as well as iron, zinc and vitamins B and C Consisting of 89 per cent pork and two per cent ham, Spam packs lots of protein as well as iron, zinc and vitamins B and C. Oh, and it is also gluten-free. The salt and fat levels are on the higher side, though, so best limit to once a week. Advertisement Give Spam fritters a modern upgrade by slicing meat and popping in the air fryer. Serve with a dipping sauce. 1980 Spam TV ad Sardines, 90g, 60p, Sainsbury's A PINT-sized powerhouse of nutrients full of fantastic health benefits – and a can will cost you less than a quid when you do the weekly shop. Sardines are packed with wellness wins that can help your heart, bones, skin and immune system, and even boost brain power. 9 Sardines can help your heart, bones, skin and immune system, and even boost brain power High in protein and low in fat, the oily fish is full of calcium and vitamin D, while omega 3 oils help cognitive function and vitamin B12 aids the nervous system. Advertisement Experts have even suggested sardines may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. So, all in all, just what the doctor ordered. Toss a tin into spaghetti with oil, lemon, chilli and garlic for a simple but nutritious pasta sauce. Baked beans, Bramwells, 410g, 41p, Aldi WE all know the kids' rhyme 'beans, beans, good for your heart'. But the cupboard staple we love to put on toast, or scoff with sausage, bacon and eggs, also scores highly for fibre. Advertisement 9 Baked beans are good for your heart and high in fibre There are a host of minerals wins, too, including potassium, iron, zinc – plus you get dosed up on vitamins B and C. And those haricot beans smothered in tomato sauce are a super source of protein – they contain an average of 9g per can, the same as you get from two regular eggs, which is especially useful for veggies or vegans needing to boost their intake. Look out for reduced-salt options, if available. Advertisement Don't mess with a classic. Heat up and chomp on toast. Custard, 385g, 53p, Asda THE party favourite is not just good fun, it is also loaded with calcium, protein from eggs, and vitamin-rich. Choose a tin made with real milk, and this dairy delight will not just taste delicious atop your apple crumble – your body will thank you for it. 9 Custard is loaded with calcium, protein from eggs, and is vitamin-rich Canned custard is high in vitamin D, which is important for healthy teeth and bones as well as maintaining a robust immune system and strong muscles. Advertisement Full-fat options are likely to contain the most milk, for maximum health gains, but all cans will deliver some of that all-important vitamin D. Pour over fresh fruit for an additional vitamin boost. Tomatoes, Italian Chopped, 400g, 49p, Tesco A HUMBLE tin of tomatoes, handy for all sorts of home-cooked dishes, is one of the healthiest canned foods you can buy and will quickly top up your vitamin and mineral levels. These toms also taste delicious and are very economical. 9 Tinned tomatoes are full of vitamin C, fibre and potassium Advertisement Whatever type you choose – plum, cherry or specialist San Marzano – tucking into them will unleash a cascade of vitamin C, fibre and potassium. They also put a nice helping of lycopene your way – an antioxidant linked to numerous heart health benefits. Tip into a chilli con carne or stew to boost flavour and nutrients. Peach slices, 410g, £1.09, Morrisons MOST tinned fruits offer health benefits equal to those you get from your favourite fresh versions – but the canned options lock in goodness and offer longevity, cost savings and convenience benefits to boot. When browsing on the shop shelf for tinned fruit, look for slices in either water or fresh fruit juice, rather than syrup, to make sure you get all the goodness and shelf-life without those additional sugars. Advertisement 9 Peach slices are stacked with fibre, potassium and valuable vitamin A As well as counting as one of your 'five a day', peach slices are stacked with fibre, potassium and valuable vitamin A – excellent for eyesight. Serve with a pot of Greek yoghurt for a tasty protein boost. Sweetcorn, 200g, 49p, Tesco 9 Sweetcorn contains 8g of fibre and the same of protein CASSEROLE time, anyone? This everyday ingredient comes with more health benefits that you may realise. Advertisement A superb way to improve your digestion, one can of yellow maize nuggets will provide around 8g of fibre and the same of protein – all of which also makes this food great for keeping you regular and feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut . A tin is also packed full of folate, a naturally occurring form of vitamin B that is useful for cell growth – and you will get good hits of magnesium, iron and potassium, too. Add to a Mexican-style salsa and serve with tacos. Prunes, 420g, £1.10, Tesco GOOD digestion is probably the best-known gain from tipping regular helpings of tinned dried plums into your breakfast or pudding bowl – but the bowel benefits and speedy transit times are not the only rewards. Tinned prunes are also rich in iron, vitamin K for bone health, and anti-oxidant compounds to boost cell efficiency and protect from heart disease. Advertisement 9 Tinned prunes are rich in iron, vitamin K and anti-oxidant compounds Some studies also suggest prunes can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Add on top of your brekkie porridge or drain a can and bake into flapjacks. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.


Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Gen Z are turning to very old-fashioned favourite as modern food is too hard to cook
Nearly one in three cook classic dishes in the air fryer because it is easier and tastier BACK IN TIME Gen Z are turning to very old-fashioned favourite as modern food is too hard to cook Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GENERATION Z are turning to old-fashioned faves like spam — because modern food is too tricky to cook. Classics including steak and kidney pie, tripe and liver and onions are also enjoying a resurgence. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Young people are now turning to old fashioned favourites like Spam Credit: Alamy One-third of the adults under 28 polled say modern dishes are too complicated to rustle up. Almost three in five often scoff canned Spam for convenience. One in ten even plate up spam fritters for their children. Spam was launched in 1937 by US food processing company Hormel and became popular during World War Two. Its main ingredients are pork shoulder and ham, and it became a part of popular culture through a Monty Python sketch which repeated its name many times — which led to it being used to refer to unsolicited emails. Spam was also parodied in the Python-based Spamalot musical. The food survey, meanwhile, also found that just over two in five Gen Z parents give their kids corned beef hash. Tripe and onions is served by 16 per cent. Nearly one in three cook classic dishes in the air fryer because it is easier and tastier, according to the survey of 2,000 Brits. By contrast, eight in ten over-60s — who grew up on food like tripe — now opt for the trendy breakfast treat avocado toast. Martin Senders of Philips, which commissioned the poll, said: 'It's great to see traditional dishes making a comeback.'