Noddy, with a Canadian accent and real-life child friends, makes his American debut this weekend in a £4 million bid for international stardom. TV companies have snapped up the chance to show a series based on Enid Blyton's creation which has been specially tailored for the American market.
Prince Edward admitted yesterday the British Royal family was initially disappointed with his choice of a career in the media. But he said the Windsors - who now accept his chosen profession in TV production - are among his fiercest artistic critics.
The staging of Puccini's Turandot in Beijing's Forbidden City - one of the biggest opera productions ever - will bring an estimated $80 million into China.
Producer Michael Ecker said tourists flying in for the September 5th to 13th extravaganza will spend an average of nine days in the country.
Veteran actor Bob Arnold, better known to millions of fans as Tom Forrest in BBC Radio 4's The Archers, died peacefully yesterday. He was 87. He had played the part of "Uncle" Tom Forrest since 1951 and other members of the soap's cast were "devastated" to learn of his death, a spokesman said.