The beloved actor Leslie Phillips has died away at the age of 98, it has been reported this afternoon.
Having enjoyed a long and varied career in entertainment stretching over 84 years, the veteran star of stage and screen passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Best known for his roles in Harry Potter as the voice of The Sorting Hat, as well as playing parts in a number of Carry On films, the comic actor starred in over 200 films during the course of his career.
His wife Zara told The Sun: "I've lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman.
"He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went."
The celebrated actor also has credits in several other TV series such as Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, Monarch Of The Glen and Holby City, reports The Manc.
Other films he has had roles in include Empire Of The Sun, Scandal, and Out Of Africa.
Thanks to his roles in the Carry On film series, Phillips became well-known for his suggestive catchphrases such as “Ding Dong”, “Well, hello”, and “I Say!”.
Leslie Phillips has died aged 98 / Credit: Carry On
Aside from starring in Carry On films – including Carry On Teacher, Carry On Columbus, Carry On Constable, and Carry On Nurse – of the highlights in his illustrious, several decade-spanning career was when he appeared in Hanif Kureshi’s film Venus alongside the late Peter O’Toole.
He was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance.
Phillips was made an OBE in the 1998 Birthday Honours, and was promoted to CBE in the 2008 New Year Honours.
But, his agent Jonathan Lloyd has today confirmed that the star has passed away, and died “peacefully in his sleep” on Monday.
Tributes have since been pouring in on social media.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Georgina Pellant -
8th November 2022 
