Amazon Studios have announced that it has signed a first-look TV deal with 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion, Serena Williams. Serena will work with Amazon Studios to create scripted and unscripted television projects that will launch exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, beginning with an untitled docuseries that follows her in both her professional and personal life. The untitled docuseries production from Plum Pictures, Goalhanger Films and Amazon Studios is executive produced by Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, Stuart Cabb and Tony Pastor.

“I’m very excited to be partnering with Amazon Studios – they are developing some of the most inspiring and important content for a global audience. I have a lot of stories I’m eager to tell, including a continuation of my own, and I look forward to sharing those with the world,” said Serena.

“Serena has transformed her sport and become one of the most inspiring athletes, entrepreneurs and women of her generation, admired not only for her unmatched prowess on the court but for her dedication to advocacy as well,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “We’re incredibly excited to share her journey in this new series, and to work with her to create new original content for our Prime Video customers worldwide.”

The greatest athlete and tennis player of the Open Era and most prized WTA player of all time, Serena has overcome insurmountable odds to win a title in all four grand slam tournaments, 73 singles and 23 doubles championships, and gold-medals at the 2000 (doubles), 2008 (doubles), and 2012 (singles and doubles) Olympics.

Off the court, Serena has become well-recognised in the business, entertainment and fashion space, adding S by Serena clothing line and Serena Ventures to her brand. Serena is also deeply committed to philanthropic causes, supporting organisations such as the Yetunde Price Resource Center, launching in 2018 in Compton, CA, honouring the life and memory of her oldest sister, by ensuring those affected by trauma have the necessary resources to persevere. Her greatness on and off the court solidifies her as one of the most iconic names and faces in the world.

The movie Ma Rainey's Black Bottom won two prizes at the Bafta Film Awards, which are being split over two days for the first time. Both halves of the ceremony were presented by Edith Bowman and Dermot O'Leary from the Royal Albert Hall – with winners appearing virtually.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom stars Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman as members of a 1920s blues band. Other winners included Rocks, a low-budget British film starring a group of teenage girls, many of whom had not acted before; Christopher Nolan's time-bending thriller Tenet; and Mank, in which Gary Oldman plays Citizen Kane screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz.

Dedicating his special award to "my young Black boys and girls out there that never believed it could happen to them", Kidulthood, Bulletproof and Doctor Who actor/creator Noel Clarke was also presented with the outstanding British contribution to cinema award. Riz Ahmed, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Kirby and Daniel Kaluuya were among the stars also up for acting awards.

Nomadland, a drama about a woman who lives in a van in the American West after the financial crash, took top honours, scooping four prizes including best film, best actress for its star Frances McDormand and best director. It made Chloe Zhao only the second woman to win best director in 53 years of Bafta history.

Daniel Kaluuya was named best supporting actor for playing Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah. The supporting actress trophy went to South Korea's Yuh-Jung Youn for playing a grandmother in Korean-American drama Minari. "Every award is meaningful, but this one especially recognised by British people, known as very snobbish people, and they approved me as a good actor so I'm very, very privileged," she said.

Other Bafta winners included Bukky Bakray. The 18-year-old was named rising star following her first ever acting role in Rocks, in which she played a teenage schoolgirl abandoned by her mother. The prize for best British film went to Promising Young Woman, a revenge thriller about a woman, played by Carey Mulligan, who pretends to be blind drunk when men pick her up in bars and clubs.

The Duke of Cambridge had been due to appear in a pre-recorded segment, but pulled out following the death of his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh. Host Clara Amfo paid tribute to Prince Philip, who was Bafta's first president from 1959-66.

Other major prizes including best film, director, screenplay and animated feature, as well as the acting awards, with shortlists including a diverse line-up of talent - following an outcry last year when voters only nominated white actors. 16 of the 24 acting contenders this year come from ethnic backgrounds.

After much anticipation, Rag‘n’Bone Man has released his incredible new collaboration with US superstar P!nk on their stunning new single ‘Anywhere Away From Here’ on April 9th, taken from his new album ‘Life By Misadventure’ – to be released on May 7.

Directed by Joe Connor (The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Sam Smith), the video is set in The Duke Of York’s Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, overtaken by nature, and sees both Rag’n’Bone Man and P!nk deliver powerhouse performances set against their wilderness backdrops.

Written by Rag’n’Bone Man, his album collaborator Ben Jackson-Cook, as well as Simon Aldred, Dan Priddy and Mark Crew, the song is about being uncomfortable in your surroundings. “When the lights go up/ I don’t think I told you… That I feel out of place,” he sings. Pull me underground/ Don’t know if you notice/ Sometimes I close my eyes and dream of somewhere else.”

Of the track, Rag’n’Bone Man says; “This song is an honest reflection of wanting to disappear from uncomfortable situations - about the vulnerabilities that we all face. It’s an honour to have P!nk on this record and I’m so glad she is able to be a part of it”

P!nk says: “I first encountered Rag’n’Bone Man in Europe in 2017 not long after hearing his song ‘Human.’ By then I had already fallen in love with his voice, and when we met in person I quickly learned he has a beautiful soul, too. Since then, I knew I wanted to work with him one day. ‘Anywhere Away From Here’ couldn’t be a better song for us to sing together. I’m so honoured to be a part of this collaboration.”

Previous single, the sublime ‘All You Ever Wanted’, made its mark with Radio 1 & Radio 2 playlist spots, as well as racing to #1 in both the Airplay and iTunes Chart. Rag‘n’Bone Man recently turned in all-star performances on Comic Relief, Later...with Jools Holland and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and will perform three special sold out shows at London’s Jazz Cafe on June 27th, 28th & 29th.

His 2017 landmark debut ‘Human’ was a phenomenal success; a 4x platinum album which shot to #1 week of release in the UK, became the fastest-selling album by a male artist for the entire decade and earned him BRIT and Ivor Novello Awards.

If that’s a hard act to follow, Rag‘n’Bone Man tore up the rule book and went to Nashville to write and record what would become ‘Life By Misadventure’, returning to the UK as the first lockdown set in. While a dose of heavy blues and soul lives within some of these new tunes, the majority of this new album finds Rag‘n’Bone Man taking a huge step forward as an artist, a songwriter, and a singer capable of showcasing tremendous warmth and real emotion with every breath.

‘Life By Misadventure’ is the perfect tonic for these times and an incredible collection of emotional songs to touch us when we need it most. It’s an album of depth and soul, about growing up and moving forward.

Midlands based Caitroina McCusker has been appointed as the national leader for education to the government leadership team at PwC UK, and brings experience of leading some of the largest digital transformation programmes in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK and globally.

With over 20 years’ experience as a business transformation consultant, Cat is at the forefront of PwC’s transformation projects within government and health industries working with major organisations across education, local government, central government, and the police.  Working at a global and local level she helps HEIs to reimagine their student and staff experience.

From aligning costs, to running and delivering large scale technology transformation programmes, Cat works with HEIs to identify and implement the right technology, people strategy and experience. In the last year Cat has been supporting universities across the UK to navigate the challenges of the pandemic - from prioritising mental health and wellbeing services for staff and students, to supporting them in reimagining a new online student experience, their people agenda and realigning costs to deal with huge changes to revenue and cash flow. 

One university providing additional mental health support to students and staff as a result of the effects of the pandemic is Aston University. The university is working with PwC to deliver mental health training to staff and students to help normalise the access to mental health support among peer groups.

Alec Cameron, vice-chancellor of Aston University, said: “We place a great deal of importance on the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff at Aston. This past year in particular has been an exceptionally challenging time, but our Welfare Team has been working incredibly hard to meet the needs of our students.  Working with PwC has enabled us to extend our offering, giving our academic and professional staff skills to support our students and each other in this increasingly significant aspect of university life.”

Education leader at PwC, Cat McCusker, said: “Increasing concerns are quite rightly being raised around the mental wellbeing of students enrolled in Higher Education as a result of the pandemic. We have seen the focus by universities on the mental wellbeing of students growing for a number of years, however social isolation and reduced access to mental health support during the pandemic has exacerbated the issues facing students.

“Universities have had to react quickly and adapt the support mechanisms on offer to ensure these can be accessed by students on and off campus. PwC has been delivering mental health group training and e-learn sessions to our staff based across the UK. As a firm we recognise the importance of mental health advocacy, so we are building on our long term association with The Samaritans to produce a team activity for Aston University to roll-out with their staff and students.”

Quentin Cole, government & health industries leader at PwC, said: “I am delighted to welcome Cat to the government and health industries leadership team as our education leader. As we move forward from the pandemic, education will play a key role in the economic recovery of the UK as well as enabling the innovation and skills that will allow us to build back better for future generations. Cat brings a wealth of experience to support clients navigating the challenges the pandemic has brought to education, and at a time of rapid transformation for the sector.” 

Cat added: “The opportunities and challenges for HEIs are huge and the sector is at a tipping point. I am excited to be taking on the role as Education Leader at such a crucial time.  The return to education over the coming months will bring challenges for education providers, including the catch-up on missed education and addressing the inequalities the pandemic has exacerbated, such as digital poverty.  Tackling these will require a focus from the sector, business and government to minimise the impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health and their future career prospects.

“I am pleased to be bringing new thinking to the higher education sector as organisations look to navigate the disruption that COVID-19 has brought and embrace new ways of working.”

US rapper and actor DMX has died, five days after suffering a heart attack. The performer – real name Earl Simmons - had been placed on life support and died with his family by his side.

In a statement, his family said; “He was a warrior who fought till the very end. Earl's music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever."

DMX, aka Dark Man X, was a leading hip-hop performer who collaborated with such artists as JAY-Z, Ja Rule and LL Cool J. He took his moniker from the name of a drum machine used in rap tracks.

The chart-topper's songs included Party Up (Up in Here) and X Gon' Give It To Ya. He also acted on screen, appearing in such films as Cradle 2 the Grave, Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds.

Born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1970, DMX publicly battled substance abuse for years and spent several periods in rehab. According to his family, DMX died at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.

"He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him," their statement continued. "We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX."

His manager Steve Rifkind also paid his respects, writing on Instagram: "The team is going to finish what we started and your legacy will never go away.

"That's my word. Rest Easy X". Tributes were paid throughout Friday, with a host of stars expressing their admiration for the musician and offering sympathies to his family.

"His gift meant so much to so many," tweeted actress Halle Berry. Rappers Ice Cube, Soulja Boy and Chance the Rapper also tweeted their condolences.

"RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones," the Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis wrote on Twitter.

"You TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC", the American rapper and singer Missy Elliott said.

Other musicians, including Burna Boy, Chance the Rapper and Charlie Puth, also shared tributes to the artist, along with basketball stars LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who represents the rapper's hometown in Washington, tweeted that he was "sending love, strength, and healing to DMX's family".

DMX was 50.

Former Big Brother star Nikki Grahame has died. The TV personality had checked into a private hospital last month as she fought an eating disorder, and friends started a fund-raising page to pay for her treatment.

Grahame's manager confirmed she had died on Friday morning. "Please respect the privacy of Nikki's friends and family at this tragic and difficult time," he added.

The TV personality had checked into a private hospital last month as she fought an eating disorder. In a statement her manager confirmed that Grahame died on Friday morning. "Please respect the privacy of Nikki's friends and family at this tragic and difficult time," he added.

Former Big Brother presenter Davina McCall led the tributes, tweeting: "I am so desperately sad to hear about Nikki Grahame. My thoughts are with her friends and family xx she really was the funniest, most bubbly sweetest girl." Grahame, originally from Northwood in north-west London, took part in the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006. She became known for her tantrums, particularly in the Diary Room.

Grahame would often complain to Big Brother about the conditions in the house or fellow contestants, famously shouting "It's so cold," and, on another occasion, asking "Who is she?" after a new housemate joined the show. She was hugely popular with viewers, and was voted back into the house four weeks after she was first evicted. She subsequently finished in fifth place.

She recently said: "I hold fond memories of Big Brother, even though there were times where it looked like I was having a meltdown.

"Those meltdowns really were me, though. What you see has always been what you get - I can't be any other way." After her appearance on Big Brother, she won a National Television Award for most popular TV contender.

Grahame returned to the house in 2010 to take part in Ultimate Big Brother, the final series of the show to be broadcast on Channel 4. The show saw several popular Big Brother contestants from over the years return to take part in one final series, before it moved to Channel 5. Grahame finished in second place.

By this time, she had developed her career as a popular TV personality, and starred in her own reality TV series called Princess Nikki. She also guest-starred on programmes such as the Friday Night Project and as a contestant on celebrity editions of shows such as Pointless and The Weakest Link.

Prior to finding fame on Big Brother, Grahame was an aspiring actress. She appeared as an extra in the BBC's EastEnders and played a footballer's wife in Sky One's Dream Team.

Grahame also appeared as a contestant on ITV's Blind Date and competed in the 2004 Miss Hertfordshire pageant. She continued her relationship with Big Brother, returning for 2015's ‘Time Warp’ twist on Channel 5, and made a cameo in the final series of Big Brother in 2018.

She also appeared as a "wildcard" housemate in the 2016 series of Big Brother Canada.

Grahame's battle with anorexia was well documented, and she released a book about her eating disorder in 2009. Last month, a fundraising page was set up, asking fans to donate towards her recovery. It eventually raised more than £65,000.

The page said the 38-year-old was in "a very bad way" and needed treatment in a rehabilitation centre. Several Big Brother figures including former winner Rylan Clark-Neal retweeted the appeal for donations. The page was updated to announce the news of Grahame's death.

"It breaks our hearts to know that someone who is so precious was taken from us at such a young age," it said. "Nikki not only touched the lives of millions of people, but also her friends and family who will miss her immensely."

Paying tribute to Grahame on Twitter, Clark-Neal wrote: "Thinking of [Grahame's mother] Susan and Nikki's close friends and family. A Big Brother Icon." TV presenter Paddy McGuinness added: "Definitely one of the stars from the glory years of reality TV. I met her a long time ago and she was a lovely girl. RIP young lady."

Channel 4 tweeted: We are desperately saddened by the tragic news about Nikki Grahame and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Nikki's family and friends." Big Brother Canada added: "Our hearts break for the loss of Nikki Grahame. Nikki will forever be a beloved part of the Big Brother family. Rest in peace."

She was 38.