Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch said yesterday he was relaxed about recent scrutiny of his private life and had no complaints about media coverage of it.
Reports from the US say Murdoch (68), who separated from his wife, Anna, in April, has formed a close relationship with Wendy Deng, a 31-yearold executive from his Star Television service.
Anna Murdoch sued for divorce in July and is seeking spousal support from her estranged husband through a Los Angeles court. She has also resigned from the board of the Murdoch-controlled News Corp Ltd, the parent company of his global media empire.
Czech President Vaclav Havel will receive an honorary law degree from Oxford University at a special ceremony on October 22nd, the university said yesterday. The degree will be conferred by diploma, something only done in the case of heads of state and members of royal families.
"He's being given this honour because of his role in binding his nation together and his literary work," said university spokesman, Geoffrey Davies.
Others to have received the honorary degree include Spain's King Juan Carlos, President Bill Clinton and President Nelson Mandela.
Coronation Street's Alf Roberts is set to be killed off after 37 years in Britain's toprating soap, Granada confirmed yesterday. It is understood shopkeeper Alf will die peacefully in a nostalgic New Year tribute episode.
Actor Bryan Mosley (67) has suffered poor health and been seen less and less on screen in recent months.
"It will be a fitting tribute to Alf, who has been part of people's lives for so many years," a Granada spokeswoman said. "Bryan is one of the Coronation Street greats and his send-off has to be one of the show's most moving scenes - that is just as he would wish."