Shrewd intelligence and impeccable comic timing were the hallmarks of the late-flourishing film career of the great theatre star Dame Joan Plowright, who has died aged 95.

NFL Hall of Famer Nick Lowery and former fullback Tony Richardson recently went to the Holy Land to press the case of Israeli and American hostages held for more than a year by Hamas.

Join Tony Snell for Breakfast every weekday morning (0600 -0930). Get your daily dose of entertainment, interviews and the latest news, travel and conversation. Tony joined BBC Radio Merseyside in ...