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The Fund was founded in 2004, after a teacher noticed a group of students who had no food sitting where they didn’t have to watch the other students eat.

Since then the organization has helped to provide food to disadvantaged children in order to help them grow and achieve their goals.

Salman Rushdie and June Sarpong sit on the Advisory Board, while Mario Batali and Joaquin Phoenix sit on the Board of Directors.

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The Lunchbox Fund has 37 known supporters, including Elton John, Bill Clinton, and Sting

Areas of work PovertyAt-Risk/Disadvantaged YouthsHunger Read more about The Lunchbox Fund's work and celebrity supporters. Related articles Lunchbox Auction Will Help Feed Hungry ChildrenHave Lunch In Style With New Celebrity AuctionSalman Rushdie And Michael Stipe To Host Charity Book FairUnique Books By Sting, Tutu, Chopra And Others Up For Auction

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The BBC’s former head of creative diversity Joanna Abeyie has spoken out about her stint in the role, saying “a psychologically safe working environment is crucial” particularly in the field of Dei.

Writing in the BFI Sight and Sound Black Film Bulletin, Abeyie, who stepped down from the role last July, said: “I loved my role at the BBC. It felt like I could and indeed was making headway. I left with confidence that several key stakeholders and commissioners were committed to making programmes with and for diverse talent and audiences.”

“So why did I leave? Unfortunately loving a role and being committed to its purpose isn’t always enough. A psychologically safe working environment is crucial in any role and especially important when levelling the playing field for underserved talent and audiences, which requires huge amounts of empathy and compassion. It’s not a role for the faint...

Editor’s note: Marcus Ryder is a veteran UK and international news journalist and editor, academic and executive. He is among the most-respected figures working in British media diversity and his campaigning work as the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity has been influential throughout British entertainment circles. Yesterday, he was named CEO of the Film and TV Charity. Like our recent guest columnist John Ridley, Ryder harbors concerns companies are turning their backs on anti-racism and diversity pledges made since the death of George Floyd but here he argues the issues date back much further than that.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the BBC’s Head of Creative Diversity, Joanna Abeyie, was leaving the corporation, although for many people working in the area of media diversity her departure had been an open secret for a few weeks prior.

The news followed the announcements just weeks earlier that...

The BBC’s head of creative diversity, Joanna Abeyie, is stepping down after less than a year and a half in the role, Variety can reveal.

Abeyie is leaving the broadcaster to return to her consultancy business, Blue Moon, which specializes in diversity and inclusion, and executive recruitment. Variety understands that she may consult for the BBC in the future.

Sources indicate that Abeyie’s departure was first announced by BBC director of content Charlotte Moore on June 22. Her last day in the role is Monday (July 3). When her exit was revealed to her team by the BBC’s group director of diversity and inclusion Chinny Okolidoh, it’s believed a number of staff protested why Abeyie, a well-liked exec with a strong rapport with the group, had been allowed to leave the public broadcaster. However, Variety understands that her departure reflects the exec’s choice to return to her business,...

The BBC has appointed its interim head of creative diversity, Joanna Abeyie, to the role permanently.

According to an internal note from group chief operating office Leigh Tavaziva and chief content officer Charlotte Moore, Abeyie was chosen following a rigorous selection process.

Media diversity and inclusion practitioner Abeyie was brought in in April to replace June Sarpong, who spearheaded the role for two and a half years.

Abeyie will report to the BBC’s incoming director of diversity and inclusion, Chinny Okolidoh, who is set to join the broadcaster imminently. She will also work closely with Moore and director of nations Rhodri Talfan-Davies. Included in her remit will be reviewing audience panel processes alongside the Chief Customer Office Group to make sure audiences include under-represented groups so that there is an array of perspectives.

In 2008 Abeyie set up Shine Media, a social enterprise which helped 3,000 people from diverse backgrounds work within creative industries,...

When presenter June Sarpong agreed to take on the most public-facing diversity and inclusion role at the BBC in the fall of 2019, the corporation — and indeed the world — was a different place.

“I joined when the BBC was just coming out the other side of everything that had happened with [breakfast presenter] Naga Munchetty,” Sarpong tells Variety on her last official day at the BBC, capping off three years as head of creative diversity. “Feelings were heightened.”

The U.K. public broadcaster was smarting from a heavy backlash against the attempted censure of Munchetty, who was reprimanded for breaching impartiality guidelines after she criticized, on air, then U.S. President Donald Trump for perceived racism. The decision was overturned by then BBC director general Tony Hall, but only after widespread outcry against the corporation for punishing one of its top hosts for calling out racism, which many felt should be exempt from impartiality rules.

The BBC has hired Chinny Okolidoh as its new director for diversity and inclusion.

Okolidoh joins from L’Oreal U.K. and Ireland, where she is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

At the BBC, her role will include overseeing diversity strategies, leading the diversity and inclusion team, originating and integrating initiatives related to everything from new talent to hiring to commissioning to training, and collaborating with directors across the BBC – including in news, content, studios and nations – to ensure best practices are implemented.

“I’m thrilled that Chinny Okolidoh will be joining the BBC,” BBC chief operating officer Leigh Tavaziva said in a statement. “Ensuring the BBC truly reflects the public we serve – both on and off screen – has never been more important. I know Chinny’s experience and passion will help us to expertly build on the progress we’ve already made to improve representation across the industry.

The BBC has unveiled its first Diversity & Inclusion Director, with L’Oréal (UK & Ireland) diversity exec Chinny Okolidoh taking on the role.

Okolidoh will oversee the development and implementation of initiatives related to on-air and production, talent representation, commissioning guidelines, diversity and inclusion training programs and metrics to measure progress.

She will work with directors and their teams across the BBC, including content, news and BBC Studios.

“Ensuring the BBC truly reflects the public we serve – both on and off screen – has never been more important,” said BBC Chief Content Officer Leigh Tavaziva. “I know Chinny’s experience and passion will help us to expertly build on the progress we’ve already made to improve representation across the industry.”

Okolidoh moves from her role as Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at L’Oréal (UK & Ireland).

She joins a team that includes the soon-to-depart Director of Creative Diversity June Sarpong, Interim Head...

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The BBC is on track to spend £100 million (121 million) on diverse and inclusive TV content by 2023/2024, a target it set for itself in 2020 in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.

In the first progress update on the network’s Creative Diversity Commitment, the BBC said it had invested £44 million (53 million) on 67 diverse TV programs since 2021. These shows — including Tonight With Target, Then Barbara Met Alan, Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star and Dreaming Whilst Black — were made by 48 different independent production companies, the BBC said, 73 percent of which had diverse leaderships and 10 percent had never been commissioned by the BBC before.

A total of £4 million (4.8 million) had also been invested in supporting 90 diverse radio commissions, with the BBC confirming that this means it was “on track” to investing the full £112 million (135 million) targeted.

“The BBC is for everyone and audiences...

The BBC spent £44M (53M) on 67 diverse TV shows last year, setting the corporation on track to hit its £100M (121M) target by 2023/24.

The figures were unveiled in the BBC’s first ever Diversity Commissioning Code of Practice Progress Report, coming two years after it forged the fund in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests for diverse stories and shows, committing to a further £12M (14.5M) for a similar radio pot soon after.

To qualify for the fund, shows have to meet two of three criteria: “Diverse stories and portrayal on screen,” “Diverse production leadership” or “Diverse company leadership.” In the case of the fund, diversity refers to ethnic diversity, disability and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

According to the report, the BBC spent £44M on shows that were able to prove they had met two of these, accounting for 67 shows. Of those 67, the vast majority (65) met the first criteria,...

Celebrated media diversity and inclusion practitioner Joanna Abeyie is joining the BBC as interim head of creative diversity on a six-month contract.

Abeyie will support the BBC’s outgoing director of creative diversity, June Sarpong, and chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, in delivering on-air diversity and inclusion strategies across all BBC output.

Abeyie will lead on the planning, development and implementation of initiatives related to on-air talent portrayal, commissioning guidelines, diverse audience panels, monitoring and reporting. She joins at a time when there is an exodus of women of color from the BBC, as revealed by a Variety investigation.

Abeyie arrives at the corporation with a rich media diversity track record. In 2008, Abeyie started social enterprise, Shine Media, which saw her place over 3,000 people from diverse backgrounds into work within creative industries. In 2018 she started Blue Moon, an inclusive executive search and diversity and inclusion consultancy. She was instrumental in...

The BBC has hired media diversity specialist Joanna Abeyie on a short-term contract, a day after it emerged the corporation’s diversity chief June Sarpong is to depart later this year.

Abeyie will take on a six-month Interim Head of Creative Diversity role, working closely with the outgoing Director of Creative Diversity Sarpong and BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore.

In effect, Abeyie is replacing the BBC’s well-regarded Head of Creative Diversity Miranda Wayland, who last month was poached to become Head of Europe Dei for Amazon Studios and Prime Video but remains in post for the time being. The BBC is also hiring a Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

Yesterday, news broke that Sarpong was leaving her three-day per week role. It is understood she’ll step away later this year, though exact timeframes aren’t clear.

Several other Black BBC execs have departed of late.

Abeyie will...

June Sarpong, director of creative diversity at the BBC, will leave the corporation later this year.

A Variety investigation published on Tuesday revealed that at least 15 women of color have left the BBC in the last year. However, Sarpong was not a member of staff, Variety understands. Sarpong joined in Nov. 2019, working for the BBC three days a week and attending executive committee meetings. Outside the BBC she continued with her other commitments as a broadcaster.

Sarpong signed a new contract when her initial one expired in Nov. 2021 and this is ongoing. She is expected to finish her work at the BBC this year, Variety has learned.

A BBC spokesperson told Variety: “As the BBC’s director of creative diversity June Sarpong is continuing to deliver on her commitments to ensure audiences across the U.K., from all backgrounds and communities, can feel that the BBC is for them.”

Meanwhile,...

Amazon Prime Video has hired BBC Head of Creative Diversity Miranda Wayland to oversee the streamer’s diversity strategy in Europe.

Wayland becomes Head of Europe Dei for Amazon Studios and Prime Video.

Reporting to Amazon Studios Head of Dei Latasha Gillespie, she will deliver programs across Europe designed to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Amazon recently rolled out an Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which sets standards on its productions in areas such as representation in creative roles, pay equity, casting and commissioning from suppliers owned by women or people from ethnic minority backgrounds. That Playbook is now being adapted by some of its teams in Europe.

Her role will impact representation both behind the camera and on screen.

As Head of Diversity at the BBC, Wayland was similarly responsible for driving the strategy to better reflect the country in its entirety.

The former ITV and BBC Studios diversity lead worked closely with June Sarpong,...

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s opposition Labour Party leader, will tonight urge the screen industries to “speak out in defence of the values of public sector broadcasting against the government’s attacks.”

Starmer’s intervention comes with the BBC on the ropes, with UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ decision to freeze the licence fee for the next two years set to lose it hundreds of millions of pounds, while Dorries is looking into scrapping the fee altogether from 2027. Channel 4, meanwhile, the UK’s other public broadcaster, could be on the brink of being privatized.

Dorries used her Creative Coalition 2022 Festival speech yesterday to reveal she has launched a review into the UK’s creative industries, but she didn’t mention the BBC or Channel 4.

Speaking at the same event tonight, Starmer will say: “The industry should come together and assert your collective clout, speaking out in defence of...

Disney’s FX Networks is hiring an ombudsman with the title senior vice president of diversity and culture, who will report to CEO John Landgraf.

Revealing this during his closing address at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday, where he was in conversation with BBC director of creative diversity June Sarpong, Landgraf said, “We are right on the verge of hiring, what for us will be a senior vice president of diversity and culture who’s going to be an ombudsman, who’s going to be reporting to me, who’s going to be sitting at the table for every single decision we make.”

Landgraf’s address capped a week dominated by diversity and inclusion discussions that were part of almost every panel.

The FX boss began by discussing the process of inclusion and equality at FX that began with a Variety expose written by former TV critic Maureen Ryan,...

Exclusive: John Landgraf, the chairman of FX Networks and FX Productions, is to give a keynote address at the virtual Edinburgh TV Festival next month.

Landgraf will sit down with the BBC’s director of creative diversity June Sarpong to detail how FX changed the demographics of its writing and directorial talent and scored success with shows, such as What We Do In The Shadows.

Landgraf is no stranger to the UK television business having partnered with the BBC on a number of big-ticket dramas in recent years, including A Christmas Carol in 2019 and Tom Hardy’s Taboo.

He was made chairman of the Disney-owned adult-focused basic cable network in 2018, having previously served as CEO. Landgraf joined FX as president of entertainment in January 2004.

The Edinburgh TV Festival takes place August 24-27 online. Other speakers include Game Of Thrones star Emilia Clarke and director Paul Feig, while historian David Olusoga will deliver the MacTaggart Lecture.

I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel and Cynthia Erivo, the Grammy-winning singer and actress, are to headline the BBC’s first Creative Diversity Xperience.

The online event will take place on 28-29 July with the ambition of showcasing the vibrancy, innovation and leadership of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic talent in the creative industry.

Over the course of 12 hours of content, Coel will provide a masterclass on her BBC/HBO hit series I May Destroy You, while Erivo will take part in a Q&a with BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo.

Normal People actress Aoife Hinds and Noughts And Crosses star Masali Baduza will also feature, as will writer and filmmaker Lucy Sheen.

June Sarpong, the BBC’s director of creative diversity, said: “It is important for the BBC to be the beacon to rest of the industry and champion diversity and inclusion.

“We have thought carefully about creating an authentic,...

Michaela Coel, creator and star of BBC and HBO Max series “I May Destroy You,” and Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated star of “Harriet,” are set to headline the BBC’s first ‘Creative Diversity Xperience’ (Cdx).

Cdx is a two-day virtual event taking place July 28-29, aimed at younger audiences that will showcase Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic talent in the U.K. creative industry. Coel will deliver a masterclass, while Erivo will be in conversation with BBC Radio 1’s Clara Amfo. Other guests include “Noughts And Crosses” star Masali Baduza, “Normal People” and “Derry Girls” actor Aoife Hinds, creative director and manager Grace Ladoja, writer and filmmaker Lucy Sheen (“The Good Neighbour”) and DJ Target.

There will be a session on ‘Cancel Culture,’ hosted by Linkup TV; and ‘Beyond Yellow Face Casting,’ covering topics including cultural appropriation, the power of social media and why Asian creatives are forgotten in the film industry.

Demands for change and representation across the U.K.’s film and TV industry are being heard loud and clear, and opening doors and dialogue with the BBC, Netflix, Amazon, Working Title and Film 4.

As revealed by Variety, a recent open letter signed by more than 5,000 members of the U.K. industry called on gatekeepers to make “strategic commitments” to reshape the landscape and improve representation. It appears some of these gatekeepers have begun listening.

Nisha Parti, producer of “The Boy with the Topknot” and one of the organizers of the letter, tells Variety that the initiative garnered an “overwhelmingly positive response” across the industry, and calls have so far been arranged with the likes of BBC director of content Charlotte Moore and drama boss Piers Wenger, Film 4, Netflix, Working Title, and more.

“I feel really optimistic that the industry wants to help and that they are talking to me,...

Exclusive: The UK’s Bame TV Task Force has held talks with the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and is preparing for meetings with Netflix and Amazon just days after publishing a letter demanding action on racial equality.

The group, which sprung up last month amid the Black Lives Matter movement, is lobbying for fundamental change in the television business to stamp out racism and improve representation for diverse storytellers on-screen.

They wrote to the government and all the major networks in the UK demanding action, and the letter gathered 1,200 signatures from industry influencers including former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi and Charlie Covell, the showrunner on The End Of The F***ing World.

Deadline understands the group has already met with BBC director general Tony Hall, director of content Charlotte Moore, BBC Two controller Patrick Holland and June Sarpong, the public broadcaster’s diversity chief. Around the same time, the...

All new BBC TV shows must have at least 20% diverse talent beginning April 2021, as part of the the U.K. broadcaster’s new Creative Diversity Commitment.

The BBC will devote $124 million (£100 million) of its existing commissioning budget over the next three years to “diverse and inclusive content,” marking the “the biggest financial investment to on-air inclusion in the industry,” according to the media company. The financial component will be supported by the BBC’s new mandatory 20% diverse-talent target across all new network commissions, beginning in April 2021.

“With this commitment, the BBC is throwing open its doors more widely than ever to diverse stories and diverse storytellers. The media industry is not changing fast enough,” the BBC said in a press release. “The BBC has been committed to creative diversity and inclusion for 100 years; but we now want to go further. The measures announced today are designed to accelerate the pace...

U.K. public service broadcaster BBC has set out a ‘Creative Diversity Commitment’ that will see the corporation spend £100 million ($124 million) of its existing commissioning budget over three years on diverse and inclusive content.

The fund will apply to a range of genres, and will also include children’s programming, education and current affairs. It will support the BBC’s Diversity Code of Practice, and commit the corporation to create content with at least two of the following three priorities: diverse stories and portrayal on-screen; diverse production teams and talent; and diverse-led production companies. Progress will be reported in the BBC’s Annual Report.

The BBC will also instate a mandatory 20% diverse-talent target across all new network commissions from April 2021.

The commitment comes just one day after more than 3,500 members of the U.K.’s film and TV industry, including “Luther” star Idris Elba, “I May Destroy You” creator Michaela Coel and actor Colin Firth,...

The BBC has committed to spending £100M ($124M) on “diverse and inclusive content,” in what it is describing as the biggest financial investment in diverse programming in the UK television industry.

The £100M fund will be carved out of the BBC’s existing content budget and will be spread out over three years, starting in 2021. It includes a commitment that from April 2021, 20% of a BBC show’s “talent” will come from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.

The announcement was made on Windrush Day 2020, which honors Caribbean immigrants who moved to the UK after World War II. It also follows the publication of two letters from Bame creatives demanding change in the UK film and TV industry, one of which was signed by 3,500 people, including Michaela Coel, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Colin Firth. The other, from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic TV Task Force, was signed by 700 individuals.

The...

Outgoing BBC director-general Tony Hall has defended the place of all pubcasters in a streaming age, saying they have a key role in bringing the public together. Speaking at the first public session of the British government’s department of culture, media and sport committee hearing on the work of the corporation, Hall said the BBC’s strength laid in operating linear and on-demand services side-by-side.

“The strength of the BBC versus streamers is doing those two things,” said Hall. “There is too much doomsday stuff about ‘in an era of streamers what role is there for public service broadcasters?’ Streamers do certain things extremely well, I’m a fan of Netflix, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a role for public service broadcasters to bring us all together, to add content that is uniquely British and bring those to British audiences. I think that’s why the...

1917 director Sam Mendes and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight are among the Brits to score a prestigious award as part of the New Year’s Honours List 2020.

The distinguished awards are handed out once a year and recognize the outstanding achievements of 1,097 people across the UK.

Neal Street co-founder Mendes, whose one-hit war movie was released Christmas Day by Universal Pictures, and Knight, who also wrote BBC and FX’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, have both received knighthoods, as has 12 Years A Slave director Steve Mcqueen.

“I’m amazed, delighted and extremely proud,” Mendes told Deadline. “I have stood on the shoulders of so many collaborators and colleagues over the last thirty years – actors, writers, designers, producers, technicians – to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. I would not be receiving this honor without them.”

Elton John, who was the subject of biopic Rocketman, becomes a Companion of Honour,...

The BBC is piloting a comedy chat-show format hosted by a CGI Vladimir Putin. The British broadcaster is testing out the semi-scripted talk show featuring a pastiche of the bear-wrestling global strongman.

Tonight with Vladimir Putin will launch on BBC Two as two episodes of 12 minutes. The episodes will feature Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, Your Face or Mine? host June Sarpong and C-lister Joe Swash.

It will use live VFX, created using performance capture technology developed by creative studio Framestore, to enable a 3D digital cartoon of Putin to walk around and sit behind the desk, interviewing real human guests in front of a studio audience, all in real time.

Putin jokingly thanks Campbell for his part in making such a mess of things, while he makes Sarpong play a game of “Diversity Challenge.” In Episode 2, Vlad asks his first guest the same question he asked...

A host of influential women gathered in London earlier this month as Sarah Brown’s charity, Theirworld, hosted an event ahead of International Women’s Day.

Among those who attended were singer and activist Annie Lennox, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick, actors Kim Cattrall, Joanna Lumley and Gwendoline Christie, TV presenter June Sarpong and BBC’s Lyse Doucet.

The theme of the breakfast meeting was #ChangeTheCulture – a challenge to end violence against girls and women around the world.

Doctor Who star Pearl Mackie read a harrowing and defiant letter to the audience from a woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo, titled Hello To You My Rapist.

The letter was written by a courageous woman called Tatiana who was brutally assaulted by a gun-wielding soldier. It forms part of a book she is writing.

Cressida Dick, the first female commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, told the audience:

“There...

The comedian takes aim at Ofcom and Cdn’s Diamond.

Lenny Henry has slammed diversity monitoring scheme Diamond and Ofcom for not going far enough in their attempts to increase Bame representation (writes Broadcast).

Speaking at Sheffield Doc/Fest on Sunday (11 June), the actor-comedian took a swipe at the TV industry’s lack of progress around diversity.

He said that as part of Creative Diversity Network’s Diamond scheme, broadcasters should be forced to publish data on a programme-by-programme basis rather than an anonymised snapshot.

Henry’s comments echoed the criticism levelled at the scheme, which is due to publish its first year results in August, by Bectu and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (Wggb).

“It is like they are deliberately not implementing it because people don’t want to do it. It’s such a simple thing to do,” said Henry. “We’ll never know [the diversity of the crew] making these shows.”

Henry, who was...

Laura Poitras’ Julian Assange film, a Jo Cox documentary, and a Walter Murch talk all feature.

UK documentary Sheffield Doc/Fest has unveiled its full 2017 programme.

This year’s closing night event will be the world premiere of Jo Cox: Death Of An MP, a BBC2 documentary that focuses on the investigation of the politician’s murder, including contributions from eye witnesses, Cox’s family, and people who knew her attacker.

As previously announced, the festival will open with a screening of Daisy Asquith’s documentary Queerama, featuring a live Performance From John Grant.

This year’s Doc/Fest grand jury will include American Honey director Andrea Arnold, as well as Indian documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan and ex-Channel 4 news broadcaster Paul Mason.

UK premieres in the programme this year include Laura Poitras’ Julian Assange portrait Risk, Whitney Houston doc Whitney: Can I Be Me, Ramona Diaz’s Motherland, Joseph Beuys doc [link...

June Sarpong emotionally admitted 2015 had been the ''worst year'' of her life as she opened up about her brother Sam Sarpong's death on 'Loose Women' on Thursday (07.01.16). The 38-year-old TV star was making her first appearance back on the panel of the daytime series since her older sibling Sam - who worked as an actor, model and presenter - died at the age of 40 in October after jumping from a bridge in Pasadena, California. The grief June and her parents have experienced has been unbearable and has been made worse by the fact none of them had any inkling...

June Sarpong has paid tribute to her ''amazing'' brother Sam Sarpong. The 40-year-old presenter and model reportedly took his own life by jumping from a bridge in Pasadena, California last night (28.10.15) after police spent seven hours trying to persuade him to come down and his 'Loose Women' panelist sister has now spoken out to admit she's devastated. In a statement, she said: ''I love my brother very much. Sam was an amazing human being. His passing is a loss for the world.'' The 38-year-old star also urged people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak to someone about it. She added: ''I'd ask anyone who...

Samuel Sarpong, a model, actor and former MTV host, has died, his rep confirms to People. He was 40.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away," the rep said in a statement on the family's behalf. "The family appreciates the thoughts prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time."

On Monday, Pasadena law enforcement and fire officials responded to calls of a man on a bridge, later confirmed to be Sarpong. Police said a statement that family members were called to the scene,...

June Sarpong has discussed her new voting campaign for the upcoming General Election.

The presenter has joined the likes of David Harewood and Sol Campbell in 'whiting up' her face to inspire ethnic minorities and black people to be more politically active.

Appearing on Loose Women, Sarpong explained the thinking behind the campaign, saying: "I was part of the team that put the campaign together. I called up Tinie [Tinie Tempah] and got him to do it. The reason we did it this way, was so people would start talking about it and the press has been fantastic...

"The message is, if you don't vote you take the colour out of Britain and these people bring colour to the country. It's celebrating diversity."

Revealing pictures of herself for the campaign, she added: "I think it works, don't you?"

The 37-year-old continued: "If you look at the statistics, one in four Bme [Black Minority Ethnic] voters who are eligible to vote,...

June Sarpong is joining BBC Two's flagship Newsnight programme.

The former T4 presenter will not be replacing Jeremy Paxman, but will appear in various special features.

She told the Daily Telegraph: "I'm going to be doing some stuff for Newsnight. I'm not replacing Jeremy Paxman before the rumours start. I'm doing specials for them."

The 36-year-old has moved back to the UK for the new role, after relocating to the Us. She explained: "I got back to London six weeks ago.

"I've gone from Sunday morning television to Newsnight, but you know we've all got to grow up. It's all highbrow now."

Last month, Paxman confirmed that he will leave the current affairs show in June, after taking the decision last summer to move on from the programme.

• Grant: 'wrongly mistrusted and avoided friends'

• Ferguson: journalists 'knew plans in advance'

• Father of Goody's children: 'hacking created distrust'

• Katona: 'personal and private details' revealed

• Eccleston: 'deeply angry and upset'

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is among 144 people who have won substantial damages after settling their phone-hacking claims against the News of the World, the high court has heard.

Ferguson is one of 17 individuals who demanded an public apology from the now defunct tabloid's publisher, News International, at the high court in London on Friday morning.

Others who had statements read out in open court after receiving damages include Hugh Grant and Geoffrey Robinson, the Labour MP.

Damages have also been awarded to singer James Blunt; Jade Goody's ex-boyfriend Jeff Brazier; former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston; and fork-bender Uri Geller, who is believed to have been targeted because of his friendship with Michael Jackson.

June Sarpong, the TV presenter,...

There are many things is this world which deep down, I still don’t really understand. Things like, how do planes stay in the air? How does electricity actually work? And just how has June Sarpong forged a career? Few things are as puzzling to me though as the longevity of Adam Sandler’s movie career. He had some decent comedies early on, Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer spring to mind, and Punch-Drunk Love isn’t without its appeal, but since around 2004, he has a seemingly unparalleled run of misfiring duds. 50 First Dates, Spanglish, The Longest Yard, Click, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry , Funny People, Grown Ups, Just Go With It and Jack and Jill. I know somebody must find these movies funny, else they wouldn’t all make a decent return on investment and thus keep getting made, but personally, I just don’t get it.

Taio Cruz and Stooshe are the latest acts to be added to this year's T4 on the Beach. Boyband newcomers Lawson and rappers Skepta and Devlin have also been added to the event, which takes place in Weston-super-Mare on July 1. Britain's Got Talent winners Ashleigh & Pudsey will take to the stage to perform a routine, while previous T4 presenters June Sarpong and Vernon Kay return to the event to celebrate its 10th year. The Wanted, (more)...

Channel 4 has announced that dating show Playing It Straight will return on E4. The series, which first aired in 2005 and was hosted by June Sarpong, tricks contestants into believing that they are taking part in a programme called Dream Date. They soon discover that they are on Playing It Straight, where one single girl must choose her perfect man. However, some of the male contestants are gay and must convince her that they are heterosexual. After eight weeks, the woman has to pick her dream date. If she chooses someone straight, they share £50,000, but if she picks a gay man he will keep all of the money. The (more)...

Richard Branson will be guest of honor at tonight’s (April 22) BritWeek 2010 Charity Event in Beverly Hills.

The celebrity businessman will join stars such as Nigel Lythgoe as they enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment – including a live performance by David Archuleta – to benefit Save the Children and Virgin Unite.

Emceed by June Sarpong, the Gala Dinner will feature a plethora of surprise celebrity guests, as well as a live auction that includes some once-in-a-lifetime travel packages.

Read more...

A stellar line-up of celebrities and world leaders are to judge a short film competition for a special foundation that aims to promote respect and understanding about the world’s major religions and show how faith is a powerful force for good in the world.

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation has announced a judging panel that consists of Tony Blair, Jet Li, Natalie Portman, Nik Powell, Queen Rania of Jordan, Jonathan Caplan, Amr Khaled, Wendi Murdoch, June Sarpong and Deepak Verma for the the competition.

The competition asks entrants “How does your faith inspire you?”, and the winning entries will be premiered at the BAFTAs. There are separate categories depending on whether you are a filmmaker with access to film making equipment or you just have a great story and want to send a pitch in for the chance to win a portable video camera to make your film.

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The Tony Blair Faith Foundation is to set up its own awards for films that improve understanding between religions. Meanwhile, Daniel Radcliffe takes a leap of faith with the Lib Dems

It's a case of art imitating life and then life coming right back with a mask on. News broke this weekend that former prime minister Tony Blair is to set up his own film awards, and that Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe will take up a new role as an adviser to the Liberal Democrats.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Tim Walker reports that Blair's as-yet-nameless awards aim to honour short films that improve understanding between people of different religions, and will be held under the auspices of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation.

The eclectic judging panel will include Queen Rania of Jordan, Wendi Murdoch, Natalie Portman, June Sarpong and Jet Li. Entries will be accepted in English, French,...

Left, Guests enjoy dinner; right, Tamsin Lonsdale and Jill Donenfeld, along with the Dish Dish's chefs. Last night, on an unseasonably chilly evening in Los Angeles, Daily Candy founder Dany Levy hosted a Bachelor’s Kitchen party at her Spanish-style home in the Hollywood Hills, celebrating the L.A. launch of home-chef service the Dish’s Dish. The event was put on by the Supper Club. Forty guests, including actress Izabella Miko, British TV personalities Louise Roe and June Sarpong, VeeV açai liquor co-founder Carter Reum, and Izo Cleanse C.E.O. Tim Martin milled around the pool and warmed themselves by the fireplace in Dany’s kitchen, sipping Charles Smith wine and nibbling canapés and gourmet dishes prepared by the Dish's Dish and ingredients sourced from Cube Marketplace. With classic songs such as “I Can’t Help Myself” and “Somebody to Love” playing and fragrant candles at every turn,...

Derek Acorah's controversial attempt to rouse the spirit of Michael Jackson was a ratings hit for Sky1 on Friday night. According to early figures, Michael Jackson: The Live Séance - hosted by June Sarpong MBE - pulled in 607k (3.5%) in the 10pm hour. In the programme, the late singer - speaking through Acorah - complained that he had not been buried next to Marilyn Monroe. The séance was preceded by Michael Jackson: The Search For His Spirit, in which Sarpong went on a journey around the Us to discover more about the real Jackson. It pulled in a reasonable 354k (1.6%). Elsewhere on Friday, the final episode of Benidorm notched up an impressive 6.01m (25.8%) for ITV1 in the 9pm hour. Earlier on the channel, Tonight's report on internet get-rich schemes managed 3.25m (14.4%). BBC One's A Question (more)...

Psychic medium Derek Acorah will attempt to contact Michael Jackson in a live séance on Sky1. Two newly commissioned shows, Michael Jackson: The Live Séance and Michael Jackson: The Search For His Spirit, will air in November. June Sarpong will host the events, which aim to give fans "a final chance to connect with their hero". The séance will apparently take place at a secret location which was once inhabited by the 'Thriller' popstar. "There is an insatiable appetite to find out more about Michael Jackson. He was an extraordinary figure (more)...

June Sarpong has revealed that she is tired of "mourning the end" of relationships and that she wants her next boyfriend to be '"The One". The former T4 presenter recently finished a two-year romance after moving to the Us to further her career. She told You: "He was the most amazing guy, but we realised that the transatlantic thing doesn't work. "I really don't (more)...

Kylie Minogue is auctioning a personalized Filofaxes for a breast cancer charity. The 'Wow' singer - who was successfully treated for breast cancer in 2006 - is joined by celebrities including Lily Allen and 'ER' actress Alex Kingston in customizing the pink organizers.

The Filofaxes will now be auctioned off through website buyoncegivetwice.co.uk to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign.

Other celebrities to personalize a Filofax include June Sarpong, UK TV presenter Holly Willoughby, former 'Emmerdale' actress Roxanne Pallett, British newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, 'Coronation Street' star Sue Cleaver, former Atomic Kitten singer Liz McClarnon and ex-'EastEnders' actress Louisa Lytton.

Each Filofax has been designed individually, and many come with a personaliszd photo/message from the celebrity designer.

22-year-old Jameela Jamil has been unveiled as the new presenter of T4. Jamil, who has recently been working on E4 Music and Freshly Squeezed with Nick Grimshaw, will start on T4 weekends in February. The London-born presenter and former model joins Steve Jones, Rick Edwards, Miquita Oliver and Alexa Chung on the show. Previous T4 hosts include Vernon Kay, June Sarpong and Dermot O'Leary. "Over the last three months, I have never had more fun," she said. "It is so incredible to have a job that you look forward to going (more)...

TV presenter June Sarpong has launched a website, politicsandthecity.com, aimed at getting women interested in politics. Others she has recruited to the project include Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Teresa May, Shami Chakrabarti and Ronni Ancona. Sarpong said: "I think the thing is there aren't enough women that are being allowed to be engaged. And we are interested in this stuff, it's just that it's not packaged in a way that relates to us. "I was in the States and I had a meeting with NBC News and they were asking me what I wanted to do (more)...