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By SIMON JONES

Updated: 12:03 BST, 31 August 2026

Unexpectedly low numbers of veterans from Yorkshire have claimed redress for mistreatment under the pre-2000 “gay ban” in the armed forces, according to data from the charity Fighting With Pride.

Fewer women veterans are also believed to have come forward than expected, the charity said.

LGBT servicemen and women face the ever-nearing deadline of December 12 to apply for the Government’s financial redress scheme, which awards £50,000 discharge payments, and up to £20,000 in additional impact payments.

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Under the ban, which was in place between 1967 and 2000, men and women in the army, navy, and air force were subjected to brutal interrogation and bullying, and forced out of service, often with long-term impacts on their life and careers.

Fighting With Pride, which advocates on behalf of the LGBT forces community, in June launched its “Battle for Lost Veterans” campaign, urging those yet to come forward to apply for financial redress.

It believes there are approximately 1,000 people eligible for the scheme yet to have made a claim.

Some 65 veterans have made themselves known since the campaign was launched two months ago, but only 19 of these are in areas where there are known to be high populations of military veterans.

Some eight of those are from the South West of England, six are from Scotland, four from the North East, and only one from Yorkshire and the Humber.

In other areas much higher numbers have come forward, including the North West and South East of England, where 11 veterans apiece have made themselves known since the campaign was launched in June.

Peter Gibson, Fighting With Pride chief executive, said: “At Fighting With Pride, we’re determined to find every last veteran who’s owed justice. Nobody should be left behind.

“As the only LGBTQ+-specific armed forces charity, we will help anyone impacted by the ban to apply for what is rightfully yours, before it’s too late.

“If you know anyone who served and suffered under this outrageous historic policy, please help us find everyone. We can be contacted via our Fighting With Pride website. We’re determined to restore pride and dignity in service.”

The charity has also called on more women veterans to make applications for the scheme.

Some 61% of women who took part in a judge-led inquiry into the ban reported mistreatment under the ban, yet less than half of those who have come forward so far are women.

Dawn Loynes, a Royal Navy veteran who was unlawfully dismissed in 1994, encouraged other women to come forward to claim redress.

She said: “The mistreatment I experienced as a young female sailor had a profound and lasting impact on my life. While nothing can undo what happened, reconnecting with my military family, receiving my beret, and having my experiences recognised have all been important steps in my healing.

“I know that for many people affected by the ban, coming forward can feel daunting. Revisiting painful memories and reliving experiences that many have spent years trying to move beyond can be difficult and deeply emotional. Everyone’s journey is different, but it is important to know that you do not have to face that journey alone, and support is available throughout the process.”

The veteran added: “If sharing my story gives even one person the confidence to take that first step, then speaking publicly will have been worthwhile.

“Your experiences matter, your service matters, and what happened to you deserves to be recognised.

“Please do not leave it too late. If you think you may be eligible, I encourage you to explore your options and seek advice soonest.”

Almost £20 million of the £75 million the Government has set aside for the redress scheme is yet to be distributed.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, which was wholly unacceptable. We are committed to righting these wrongs, including through our Financial Recognition Scheme.

“We are working hard to ensure veterans know about the scheme and encourage all those eligible to come forward before the deadline in December. We have allocated £90,000 to charities, and we are working with local councils, the NHS and veterans organisations to promote and support applications.”

Amanda Abbington was spotted on set with Emma Thompson in her first major TV role since her Strictly row erupted once again. 

It was revealed in July that the Sherloick actress, 53, would return to screens in the second series of Apple TV’s detective thriller Down Cemetery Road alongside Emma Thompson, who is reprising her part as private investigator Zoë Boehm.

The smiling star was seen sporting a brunette hairstyle with a fringe and wearing a pretty summer dress as she filmed alongside the Oscar-winning actress, who wore casual clothes and a grey pixie crop while shooting the scenes in North London.  

Amanda’s appearance comes amid mass off-screen drama after her bitter fallout with her Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice, who said he was left suicidal by their row, which Amanda said he is ‘grossly mischaracterising’.

The actress made a shock exit just weeks into the competition in 2023 and later accused Giovanni of ‘vile abuse’ – prompting an enquiry from the BBC, Amanda receiving an apology and ‘substantial payout’ and Giovanni leaving the show.

It was revealed in July that the Sherloick actress, 53, would return to screens in the second series of Apple TV’s detective thriller Down Cemetery Road alongside Emma Thompson, who is reprising her part as private investigator Zoë Boehm

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Amanda’s appearance comes amid mass off-screen drama after her bitter fallout with her Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice, who said he was left suicidal by their row, which Amanda said he is ‘grossly mischaracterising’ 

Down Cemetery Road first hit screens last year and follows the story of the aftermath of a missing child and conspiracy theories in South Oxford suburbs.

Amanda’s role is yet to be announced in the show, which is based on the work of Mick Herron, the author of the acclaimed Slow Horses series. 

She wore a chic ensemble on-set, comprising a summer dress, trench coat and trainers while clutching a blue bag.  

Despite smiling while getting back to work, Amanda released a speedy rebuttal to new claims made by Giovanni in his new autobiography, Taking the Lead, which was serialised in The Mail on Sunday last weekend.

While Giovanni insisted he believed his relationship with Amanda to be a good one, based on friendly banter, the actress said his treatment led to her being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After the book was unveiled, Amanda responded saying: ‘He is grossly mischaracterising what happened to suit his own narrative but I have no interest in engaging with that. My focus is on moving forward…

Down Cemetery Road first hit screens last year and follows the story of the aftermath of a missing child and conspiracy theories in South Oxford suburbs

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Amanda’s role is yet to be announced in the show, which is based on the work of Mick Herron, the author of the acclaimed Slow Horses series

Emma appeared in action-packed scenes 

Ruth Wilson was also seen on-screen shooting with Emma 

‘He took part in the BBC investigation that made findings against him, following which the channel paid me compensation’.

She took particular umbrage when Giovanni said in his book how she had made a deeply offensive Nazi salute during a rehearsal. He said that, while he could have taken it further and complained to Strictly bosses, he didn’t.

He said: ‘If somebody calls me rude names and makes rude gestures, including a Nazi salute (which Amanda did), it means our banter is at that level’.

Giovanni had also presented investigators with a 28-minute audio tape of a conversation with Amanda in which she told him how she knew she was a ‘nightmare’ and that she’d ‘throw me out of the window’ if she were him.

The release of his book comes after Amanda received hger a five-figure out-of-court settlement and a contribution to her legal fees from BBC Studios. 

She was seen clutching a bag while walking through the streets 

Giovanni had also presented investigators with a 28-minute audio tape of a conversation with Amanda in which she told him how she knew she was a ‘nightmare’ and that she’d ‘throw me out of the window’ if she were him 

The settlement has reportedly been made in a bid to prevent a lengthy court battle and allowing Amanda – who was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – to put her ordeal behind her.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ‘Amanda’s friends and family are all relieved for her that this ordeal is finally over. It’s been a long, hard journey, but now she can close this chapter and move on with her life.

‘The fact the BBC have compensated Amanda as well as previously publicly apologising really proves that they are taking responsibility for the bullying she suffered on set.

‘She hopes that this case will give others strength and encourage people to speak up.’

Amanda appeared to be happy to be back to work 

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives Amanda for comment. BBC representatives declined to comment when approached. 

Following an investigation by the BBC, Giovanni was cleared of the most serious accusations made against him and the BBC issued a formal apology to Amanda.

The report found that some of the language used by Giovanni towards Amanda could be ‘belittling’ and agreed with the Mr Selfridge actress that his feedback was, at times, ‘overly negative’ and that he had used profanity during rehearsals.

The report noted after reviewing several hours of rehearsal footage as part of an official investigation that there were two moments of ‘inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace’, which were found to simply have been ‘made and received as jokes’ between the pair.

An obituary posted by Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, external remembered “her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family”.

It continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”

It added: “In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” The Imagination Library was Parton’s scheme to send free books to young children.

Amelia Young, a reporter for Nashville’s NewsChannel 5, posted photos of flowers, external and a book of condolence at the tomb, which features a brass plaque showing Parton and Dean’s names and engravings of their childhood homes.

Edward Little, 25, was convicted of assaulting the prison officer in HMP Frankland in Durham, on January 5.

The court heard that Little, while already serving a sentence at the facility, assaulted the officer has he performed his duties.

Little pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing on April 9, but was found guilty in his absence at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on August 20.

The offence was treated as serious because it involved the assault of an emergency worker.

The court ruled that only a custodial sentence was appropriate and ordered the six-week sentence to be served consecutively to Little’s current term.

A victim personal statement from the victim was read by the prosecutor in court.

Little was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £154.

When it comes to seafaring adventures, bigger isn’t always better, especially where cruise ships are concerned.

Amid the fanfare surrounding giant floating resort-style ships, it’s easy to forget that under the radar is a flotilla of atmospheric smaller craft brimming with character.

Billionaire-style mega-yachts and skippered sailing boats along with graceful square riggers and intrepid expedition ships offer a complete contrast to the big-ship experience that is more intimate and sociable.

Passengers are in their hundreds rather than thousands and on the smallest boats, max only number 10 or 20 guests.

So it’s not surprising that sea-goers are increasingly discovering this alternative style of cruising, with research showing that interest in taking to the seas on more petite craft is growing exponentially.

‘Small ship cruising has become increasingly popular because it offers such an intimate and immersive way to travel to destinations that larger ships are unable to reach,’ said Andy Harmer, UK and Ireland managing director of cruising body Cruise Lines International Association.

‘Whether exploring remote islands, sailing into smaller ports or spending longer in destinations, these voyages allow travellers to experience places in a very different way.’

OFF ALASKA’S BEATEN TRACK

Escape the rising number of big ships cruising Alaska’s spectacular wilderness by jumping aboard smaller vessels that weave into its deserted bays.

Specialist UnCruise Adventures has the only permits around Chichagof Island, which is prime bear-spotting territory, but guests can explore remote areas by kayak or skiff and venture into the forests on mountain bikes and hiking treks.

A highlight is sailing to the imposing LeConte Glacier, accessible only to smaller craft like the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy which resembles the coastal steamers of a century ago with period décor, though top deck hot tubs are among welcome modern touches.

BOOK IT: A nine-night package, comprising a one-week round-trip cruise from Juneau costs from £5,575pp, departing April 30, 2027. Includes flights, an overnight hotel stay in Seattle, plus all activities and excursions (small-cruise-ships.com).

COSY CROATIA

Head to Croatia for crystal clear seas, island stops and a lively ambience

Sprinkled like precious gems across the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands attract a fleet of small coastal boats that generally combine Dubrovnik and Split with the sophisticated isle of Hvar, tiny medieval Korcula and sleepy Vis.

Sleek motor-yacht MV Aretis, accommodating 36 guests, takes on a sociable fun feel with group tours and daily swim stops in deserted craggy coves where guests can help themselves to the boat’s water toys.

On Unforgettable Croatia cruises, the lively captain’s dinner often cements friendships made during the week over shared breakfasts and lunches, with guests dining ashore most evenings.

BOOK IT: Seven-night sailing from Split to Dubrovnik, departing May 8, 2027, costs from £1,842pp, based on half-board. Price includes excursions, plus two dinners and drinks with meals. Flights extra (unforgettablecroatia.com).

TALL SHIP TO COSTA RICA

Head to Costa Rica for a journey on a Star Clipper ship

There’s nothing quite like riding the waves on one of Star Clippers’ tall ships spurred on by the salty tang of sea breezes.

Sailings are full of nautical flavour complemented by evocative moments, from climbing up to the Crow’s Nest to lying in the bowsprit nets while watching dolphins diving in the waves beneath.

On this voyage Star Clipper, which holds 166 guests, follows the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica and Panama under wind-power (where conditions allow).

Spot squawking macaws and slumbering sloths in the Costa Rican town of Quepos, kayak through mangrove forests and spy sea turtles while snorkelling in Panama’s Golfo de Chiriqui marine park.

BOOK IT: A 15-night package featuring a one-week round-trip sailing from Puerto Caldera in Costa Rica and an eight-night stay ashore costs from £6,308pp on January 1, 2027. Flights included (starclippers.co.uk).

FRENCH RIVIERA YACHTING

For a real taste of luxury, hop on board the Orient Express Corinthian

Sophisticates can mingle with the jet-set on a French Riviera sailing aboard the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, which promises refinement in abundance.

The luxury train and hotel operator is one of a clutch of upmarket hotel brands dipping its toes into cruising waters with this revolutionary solid-sail yacht.

Interiors epitomise understated luxury with vintage-inspired lighting and handcrafted materials.

There’s no compromise on amenities as the 110 butler-pampered guests can choose from five restaurants, eight bars plus a theatre and spa – and even let off steam with water toys from the marina platform.

BOOK IT: A six-night Gems of Provence and Monaco voyage from Marseilles to Monte Carlo, including stops at St Tropez and Cannes, departs on July 11, 2027. From £14,600pp all-inclusive. Flights extra (orientexpress.com).

CRUISE THE NILE IN STYLE

Take to the River Nile for a small cruise journey like no other

There’s no better way to conjure up the evocative spirit of the pharaohs than by exploring the Nile on an Egyptian dahabiya.

These traditional sailboats travel at a slower pace, mooring at small landing jetties that larger boats cannot access, enabling guests to visit lesser-visited historical sites. 

Taking just 12 guests, the luxurious Farouz El Nil dahabiya recaptures a bygone age with wood-panelled cabins and elegant décor which extends to the sundeck where guests can relax to views across to the Valley of the Kings and lusher riverscape of Aswan.

BOOK IT: A one-week round-trip voyage from Luxor on February 22, 2027, costs from £3,185pp full-board, including flights and excursions (discoveregypt.co.uk).

SCILLY ISLES UNDER SAIL

Learn to sail the Pilgrim of Brixham in the Scilly Isles

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Salty seadogs, from beginners to pros can help sail the Pilgrim of Brixham, a gaff-rigged ketch built in 1895 and one of the last surviving wooden sailing trawlers built in the Devon town.

A zest for adventure is the key requirement of this voyage which goes around Land’s End before making the 12-hour crossing to the Scilly Isles where the glorious white-sand beaches of St Martin await along with Bryher’s lagoons and Tresco’s botanical gardens.

Life aboard is traditional with home-cooked meals in the main saloon and cosy bunk beds for the ten guests.

BOOK IT: A six-night round-trip from Falmouth, on full-board, costs from £1,750pp departing July 7, 2027 (venturesailholidays.com).

AUTHENTIC BAHAMAS

SeaDream Yacht Club’s mega-yachts offer a snazzy way to explore the Bahamas

Sailing beyond the Bahamas’ glitzy resort isles of Nassau and Grand Bahama to the Out Islands is like entering another world far removed from giant ships and cruising masses.

The Exumas, Andros and San Salvador are sleepy retreats of dazzling beaches and sleepy settlements, reflecting a history rich in explorers, adventurers and exiled British loyalists who fled here following American Independence.

Among the few ships able to navigate these shallow waters are SeaDream Yacht Club’s 112-guest mega-yachts.

With varnished woods and polished brass, SeaDream I and SeaDream II have a classic house-party feel marked by intuitive service and first-class cuisine.

BOOK IT: One-week round-trip Bountiful Bahamas sailing from Palm Beach, costs from £5,697pp, all-inclusive, departing March 20, 2027. Flights extra (seadream.com).

GO WILD IN THE HEBRIDES

Cruise along Scotland’s west coast in the Hebrides, with expansive views and wildlife-viewing opportunities

Autumn’s mellow days are just the ticket for viewing wildlife along Scotland’s west coast with sightings of red deer, eagles and common seals. 

Among the small boats cruising these waters are those of family-run Hebrides Cruises with its three-strong fleet holding up to ten guests each.

Wildlife cruises are held on Lucy Mary, a classic motor yacht with modern interiors and a rear deck area which is the setting for freshly prepared al fresco feasts of local fare, sea-to-table treats and sunset toasts.

These sailings are flexible – guided by the tides, weather and the guests, who get the chance to go ashore every day.

BOOK IT: There’s still space on the Inner Hebrides Big 5 Autumn Wildlife Cruises departing on October 2 and seven. The four-night round-trip voyages from Oban start at £2,375pp (hebridescruises.co.uk).

SEARCH FOR TIGERS IN INDIA

A cruise along India’s Brahmaputra River will take you on a journey through the country’s history and culture

Sail deep into Assam in India’s far north-east, where tigers roam and the misty peaks of the Himalayas crown the distant horizon.

Cruises along the Brahmaputra River delve into a wilderness of temples, tribal villages and tea plantations, while one of the most noted draws is the Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhino and elusive Bengal tigers.

The MV Mahabaahu is a traditional-style riverboat that takes 46 guests on voyages along this waterway, with its open top deck allowing for panoramic views.

BOOK IT: A 15-night package, including the 11-night voyage and three nights in Kolkata, departs on January 10 and 31, 2027. From £6,295pp, including flights and shore excursions (noble-caledonia.co.uk).

The National Trust describes the property as an ‘oasis hidden away in an urban environment’

National Trust properties are known for being grand and set within acres and acres of grounds. In Cambridgeshire, we are lucky to have some beautiful National Trust properties to visit. While most are quite big, there is one in Wisbech that could be easily missed.

Peckover House can be found on North Brink, one of the main roads in Wisbech. Most of the buildings along North Brink date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which means that Peckover House blends into its surroundings.

Described as a “secret gem” and the perfect place for a “quiet wander”, Peckover House was lived in by the Peckover family for more than 150 years. It was built in 1722 and is a classic Georgian merchant’s townhouse. The National Trust describes it as an “oasis hidden away in an urban environment”.

The Peckover family originally came from Fakenham in Norfolk and were Quakers, a Protestant Christian denomination which arose in the mid-17th century. In 1777 Jonathan Peckover moved to Wisbech and set up a grocery business. In 1782, he helped to establish a branch of Gurney, Birkbeck, Peckover and Buxton Bank. The Peckovers purchased the house in 1794, and the bank occupied a purpose-built wing on the side of the house, which later became known as Bank House.

Peckover House itself is three storeys high and is made of local amber and red brick. It’s not known who built the house. The gardens were not developed until the 19th century, and are now one of the most important 19th century town house gardens to survive.

Its two acres of surrounding gardens are made up of an orangery, summer houses, croquet lawn and rose garden filled with a variety of different roses. Part of the gardens also feature archways that add to its romantic feel.

The gardens are free to visit all year round, but entrance to the house does have a fee. After a walk through the gardens, there is a tearoom in the thatched reed barn that people can enjoy a drink and some food in.

The tearoom is open seasonally and serves hot and cold drinks, as well as cakes and light bites. There is also a second hand book shop for any bookworms looking for a bargain, and plant sales for keen gardeners.

Backlash against Sacha Baron Cohen‘s new Ali G movie is mounting, with campaigners launching a petition to ban the film from cinemas. 

Baron Cohen released the first trailer for Ali G: Who Iz I? last week, marking his return to the satirical character after a 20-year absence.

The 54-year-old actor, in his directorial debut, filmed the movie secretly over the course of a year with the mockumentary following his character’s life ‘since the world went to c**p’, alongside his pregnant girlfriend – played by Morgana Robinson.

But criticism for the Amazon MGM film, due for release in cinemas on October 23, has been widespread.   

A day after the trailer’s release, NewsCord – a UK news comparison and media monitoring platform – started a campaign urging cinemas around the world to refuse to screen the film.

The campaign group have said they have emailed 15 major chains globally with the request on behalf of those who register. As of Sunday, the campaigners report they have been instructed to send 41,000 emails.

The campaign accuses Baron Cohen of using satire as a ‘cover for enforcing racist stereotypes’, writing on X:

‘Ali G is a cover to laugh at Jamaican culture. The character enforces harmful stereotypes of how a Jamaican man behaves in society.

‘Ali G smokes weed, is a misogynist, and does nothing meaningful in life. He does this because he thinks this is what a Jamaican does.’

‘The world laughs at Ali G. But the real butt of the joke are Black people and specifically Jamaicans,’ they added. ‘This is evident in a number of Baron Cohen’s films, where a race or religion is the victim of the “joke”.’

They added in an Instagram post: ‘Black British comedians called the character “an alibi for racism” in 2000; Jeanette Winterson asked what separates it from the Black and White Minstrels; Kazakh and Arab organisations documented the harm of the catalogue behind it. Sony Pictures UK is selling it with the line “He iz back. We ain’t liable”.’

They added: ‘The screens belong to the chains, and a booking is a choice.’

Phil Clapp, head of the UK Cinema Association, told Variety in response to the campaign: ‘Cinemas are there to engage and entertain the widest possible audience. They are not there to act as censors or arbiters of public taste.

‘So where a film has been given a certificate by the BBFC [British Board of Film Classification], they will decide whether or not to play it solely with the likely response of their audience in mind.’

Baron Cohen released the first trailer for Ali G: Who Iz I? last week, marking his return to the satirical character after a 20-year absence

A defiant Baron Cohen himself also addressed the growing backlash, writing on X: ‘In an age where a comedian’s career can be ended by a single un-PC joke, I thought I’d play it safe and bring this guy back.’ 

Reports have suggested that the UK cinema chain Picturehouse had responded to the campaign and confirmed their outlets would not be screening the film.

However, Variety has since reported that Picturehouse’s email was a standard customer response to any release query about a film that hasn’t yet been booked by the company and didn’t appear on its schedule, with no decision yet made.

Baron Cohen teased the return of the comedy legend with a surprise appearance at Wimbledon in July, where he donned his character’s trademark look of bling jewellery paired with a tracksuit and sunglasses.

Last year, it was first reported he was ‘bringing back his iconic comic creation, 27 years after the character first appeared on screens – where he was staged as the “voice of youth” on Channel 4’s The 11 O’Clock Show in Autumn 1998’.

Subsequently, he became the title character of Da Ali G Show in the early 2000s, before starring as the titular character in 2002 film Ali G Indahouse.

A day after the trailer’s release, NewsCord – a UK news comparison and media monitoring platform – started a campaign urging cinemas around the world to refuse to screen the film

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Cambridge-educated comedian Baron Cohen decided to retire the character in 2007 as he became more recognisable, restricting the effectiveness of his antics.

In recent years there had been whispers of a comeback, but in 2023 Alf Lawrie, the head of factual entertainment at Channel 4, shut down the rumours, saying the show would never have come to fruition with modern rules.

He mused: ‘You can’t make Ali G, Borat or Brass Eye now because the rules have changed. You can’t hoodwink people on the same grand scale.

‘TV has become a slightly more regulated environment than it was 20 years ago.

‘When you were making Borat 20 years ago, you could pretend quite seriously that he was from Kazakhstan and until it aired people had no idea otherwise. These days you can’t mislead in the same way…

‘We’re far more respectful of our contributors now than we used to be. But it means the nature of some satire has changed.’

Tributes have been paid to prolific graffiti artist Helch, whose giant roller-painted pieces appeared everywhere from the edge of Windsor Castle to the nation’s motorway bridges and across the world.

Friends paid their respects to Michael Purdy, 34, who enjoyed a successful gallery show in December attended by collectors and had pieces on walls and rooftops in dozens of countries.

Veteran club music DJ Doc Scott was among the chorus of fans to pay tribute to the artist on Saturday, sharing an image of his canvas artwork with the caption ‘RIP Helch’.

Frontline, a renowned graffiti magazine and online platform, shared a photo compilation of Helch’s colourful works on Instagram with the caption: ‘Just heard sad news of Helch passing away. RIP Helch.’

Helch’s works captured the imagination of art fans and commuters alike.

His graffiti on motorway bridges were regarded by some as entertaining sign posts for their travels home from work or the airport, with pieces seen on the M4, M1 and M25.

But not everyone was a fan, with royal sources previously claiming the late Queen Elizabeth II was upset over 60ft high white letters reading Helch near Windsor Castle.

His tags were even the subject of a sold-out show at BSMT Space in trendy Dalston, east London, where his pieces sold for tens of thousands of pounds.

The late Queen was said to be ‘extremely upset’ after 60ft high white letters were daubed on to a railway viaduct near Windsor Castle

Network Rail, which owns the viaduct, removed the graffiti as it was deemed offensive

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In one of his final social media posts he shared a photo of his 224-page photo book, titled Lost But Living.

The glossy publication features his work across 12 countries including America and Thailand during the period of 2022-24.

The circumstances around his death have not been disclosed but friends have been left reeling by his sudden passing.

One graffiti artist told the Daily Mail: ‘Helch was at the top of his game, having smashed it for years and funded the entire thing himself.

‘He lived life on his terms and had in many ways what could be described as total freedom. He did not submit to a life of drudgery.

‘He is a legend and will be greatly missed in London and the UK. It is not for me to say any more about his death.’

Meanwhile Zonk DDS, a notorious graffiti writer in London, shared a tribute online, which read: ‘Iconic British artist gone far too soon. Thoughts are with his family.’

And SMT crew, a nationwide graffiti collective, paid tribute to Helch as ‘a big figure’ within the scene.

Sharing a photo of the artist’s massive vibrant piece on top of a Shoreditch car park, a spokesman wrote online: ‘As a crew we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Helch.

Friends paid their respects to Mr Purdy, who enjoyed a successful gallery show in December 

The Helch tag seen above the Central Line in London 

‘A big figure in the London and UK scene. RIP Helch.’

Graffiti artist Lord wrote: ‘Sad news man, Helch was a genuine good brother, had good banter I used to give him stick how long they [his roller pieces] take.

‘One of the best roller writers we ever had.’

Bams, an active graffiti writer across London, posted a photo of Helch’s work at Paddington Station with the message: ‘So sad man’.

Another tribute read: ‘Sad news to hear one of, if not London’s biggest writer when it comes to rollers has passed away. What a shame. Got to give credit where credit is due, your work will live on for the rest of all our times.

‘A London king man, prayers are with your friends and family. RIP Helch.’

Other fans of the artist flooded social media with tributes and photos of Helch’s roller pieces, one with the caption ‘sad news. Good guy. Made refreshing cool moves in the scene.’

Another message read: ‘RIP Helch buddy. Admired your dedication to graffiti and showing it to the man, every time.’

One note from an artist who knew Helch contained the words, ‘Take care of yourselves and loved ones before it’s too late’.

Tributes were even paid as far as New York City, with a compilation of his photos shared online with the message: ‘He was known in London for being a legend.

‘He brought some refreshing graff[iti] to NYC a few years ago and I enjoyed going across all these spots as they appeared.’