Ronni Ancona Victim of Phone Theft in London's West End
Television impressionist Ronni Ancona, known for her role as Bea Pollard in EastEnders, has fallen victim to a deft-handed phone snatcher in London's West End. The incident occurred after she attended the Leicester Square premiere of Twiggy, a documentary co-produced by Sadie Frost and Sally Phillips.
Details of the Theft
Ancona, 57, revealed the theft happened while she was escorting investors and film associates from the Vue Cinema to an afterparty in Soho. 'The theft was by someone on foot, someone very deft of hand – I was absolutely devastated,' she lamented. The Bafta-winning star of The Big Impression tracked her phone, which eventually ended up in the Middle East, leaving her anxious due to the sensitive contacts stored under coded names.
Rising Crime Among Celebrities
Ancona is not alone in facing such incidents in what some describe as an increasingly lawless London under Labour mayor Sadiq Khan. Last year, TV star Amanda Cronin had her phone stolen in Belgravia, while Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour suffered severe anxiety after fending off a robber in Kensington High Street. Ancona admitted the experience left her worried, but she managed to wipe the data with help from a younger person.
Kimberley Garner Reveals Mystery Beau
Former Made in Chelsea star Kimberley Garner has disclosed the identity of her new romantic partner, Raphael Nataf. The couple, who have been together for five months, split their time between his home in St Tropez and hers in London. Garner, 35, runs a luxury swimwear business, Sunday Swimwear, and has renovated a Belgravia property listed for £1.9 million.
Petra Ecclestone's Husband Injured in E-Scooter Accident
Formula 1 heiress Petra Ecclestone's husband, Sam Palmer, sustained injuries after being thrown from an electric scooter in France. Palmer, 42, recounted the accident, stating the scooter reached speeds of 70mph after its limiter was removed. He suffered a hand wound, knee cuts, and a broken foot during the mishap.
Ekin-Su Culculoglu on Bilingual Challenges
Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu, who grew up speaking Turkish and English, shared the difficulties of navigating two languages. She noted that direct translations from Turkish to English often sound unusual, wishing for greater understanding from others.
Private School Closures and Will Young's Allegations
Over 100 private schools have closed since Labour imposed VAT on fees, including Horris Hill, which charged £41,000 annually. Singer Will Young, 47, described his time there as 'five years amongst abusive adults,' alleging incidents like drunken teachers and physical abuse. In 2024, seven former pupils received compensation from the school's trust.
Tim Davie's Fitness Pursuits Post-BBC
Former BBC director-general Tim Davie is focusing on fitness after his resignation, with plans to write a book about running. Colleagues, including BBC News' Ben Brown, praised his endurance in iron man challenges and ultra marathons.
