time

I'm sure he'll stay another day

Ronnies are dropping like flies lately!

I'm amazed as you are MH, sadly in the UK unless you are a footballer or darts player, I think it less rather than more likely for a qualifying obit. (Ooh, darts players for next year...*makes note*). There are a few more categories: royalty, very old former prime ministers, Nobel Prize winners, ESC winners, Rutger Hauer. The problem with darts players is that the oldest and unhealthiest of the Dutch crop is RVB. Obit assured, but nowhere near death. I don't expect RVB to live well past retirement age; I tried him on my theme team a few times, with disappointing results. Co Stompe is older, though probably healthier, and would surely obit. Outside chance with Roland Scholten, though again, not for a while.

Barring accidents, I can't see any of these dying in the next ten years, with the possible exception of Sarah Kennedy (she doesn't have a drink problem y'know). They all seem fit and healthy and working (so put 'em all down for 2016).

I am not that familiar with American Sitcoms but some of these names are really famous for other work. Am I right in thinking that George Gaynes played the hopeless actor who always read the autocue in Tootsie? He was in Tootsie but I don't know if that was the role he played. Most people know him as Commondant Lassard from Police Academy. https://youtu.be/GSiJiDSmb1E

Of the original presenters of children's TV staple 'How', two hav elong since shuffled off, Fred Dinenage is still going strong presenting local news, but what of Bunty James? Wikipedia has her as born in 1933, making her currently 81 or 82 (and born in Maryport to boot) and hasn't done anything of note since a 1991 TV movie. She's also escaped the curse of HMHB thus far.

If you read it right, its 'Peter Perves Valerie Singleton', so yes, statement of fact.

You could add Charlotte Rae (family history of pancreatic cancer), Robert Guillaume (diabetic, past stroke), maybe Katherine Helmond (age). Abe Vigoda (Fish) has previously been mention round these parts.

The Australian, talks to Clive about life death & his next great work. ETA: I could access this via Chrome, IE takes me to a 'subscribe' page. (Others browsers are available) Alternative, much shorter article that also includes Clive reading Japanese Maple.

Neither will I.

He is indeed. Points notwithstanding, sad to see him go. I now have 2 hits for my theme team and nothing for my main

Whilst ruminating on this thread and possible contenders, I chanced to rediscover the name Bob Wellings, formerly of That's Life. No idea how old he is (Google isn't my friend) but he must be getting on.

I'll add James Burke and Sister Wendy Beckett.

Well played MSC. I see I'm still handily placed in the Inverse Deathrace though.

The last surviving founder member* of Atlantic Records Miriam Bienstock has died aged 92. *The others being her husband Herb Abramson and Ahmet Ertugun.

Perhaps so does Charles. Maybe, maybe just the current one.

Seriously? How old are you? Where do you want me to start? Charles and Camilla is a real love story with happy end! Also, Charles is an old hippy and probably votes green. Charles probably doesn't vote at all; although the RF have the right to vote, they don't exercise it, so as to remain politically neutral. Besides which, Natalie Bennett, the Green party leader, wants to do away with the monarchy.

Bob Hewitt convicted of raping underage girls back in the 80s. he's 75, just putting it out there.

Just to close this, Harper was acquitted of 2 charges and the jury dismissed after failing to reach a verdict on the remaining charges.

Can't argue that there's not interest in Eurovision, but I'm not sure it's the right sort of interest for a pool. Then again, who knows. Good luck.

Dennis Barker, who penned Shaw Taylor's Guardian obituary, died but a couple of weeks ago, age 85. He wrote many obits for the Guardian during a lengthy career, most recently, Lance Percival.

This news follows previous speculation about the Oba's predicament: Nice turn of phrase, I'll have to see if I can slip that into a conversation sometime.

Andy Fraser of Free, co-writer of All Right Now is dead at 62. So, Free, but not All Right, Now.

I don't know about 'just hanging on' - he had lunch with Mike Selvey at the weekend, so sounds in good shape at the mo. https://twitter.com/selvecricket/status/577297712195878912 Sometimes there's no telling. My father-in-law's wife's brother passed away recently after a short battle with lung cancer. He'd just completed a course of chemotherapy, and was able to join us all for dinner at a restaurant one evening. A couple of days letter his health went on a rapid decline and he was dead within a week. Although on the flipside, a friend of mine was suffering from stage 3 Multiple myeloma, at one point his back was broken in 6 places as his bones were so brittle. His cancer is now in remission and he's back to as near normal as he could 2 years on. Wouldn't argue with any of that. I wouldn't be surprised to see Crowe around for next year's list.

Let's not forget Australia has been invited to compete at Eurovision for the first time ever this year! :party: :clap: :bow: Half the countries vote for their geographical or historical neighbours... Your remoteness goes against you straight away. You are staring at mid table ranking at most. Better hope your song is good because "null-point" has been achieved quite a few times. I think the novelty of having Australia in the competition will be in their favour. Australian's have had a good record when the have represented the UK before now Olivia Newton-John and Gina G. Guy Sebastian is Malaysian born. Just sayin'.