Grandson of England cricketer Sir Ian Botham ‘does not need to be unhealthy’
His sporting prowess re-wrote the record books in thrilling manner, never more so than in the extraordinary Ashes Test series victory over Australia in 1981, while his charity work has raised millions.
In the process, he earned an OBE, a knighthood and a peerage. But the life and career of England’s greatest all-round cricketer, Ian Botham, also inspire his grandson for very different reasons.
Rugby union international James Botham, 26, reflects: ‘He’s obviously done things wrong in the past. I don’t want to be like that.’
James, who won his 13th cap for Wales against Australia last Saturday, refrains from being more specific.
But his grandfather, 68, enjoyed an exuberant youth, regularly making headlines far from the Test arena.
Cricket legend Sir Ian Botham and his grandson James Botham together in 2016
Ian Botham during the 2nd Innings of the 3rd Cornhill Test Match between England and Australia at Headingley on July 20, 1981
Suspended by the MCC in 1986 after admitting smoking cannabis, Botham was on safer ground when he stuck to alcohol – but his team-mates weren’t, as fellow former England captain David Gower acknowledged when recalling his stag night, which Botham arranged.
‘[He] nearly killed me,’ reflected Gower, who blacked out.
But worst of all was Botham’s two-year affair with Australian waitress Kylie Verrells which, as he later conceded, nearly cost him everything – including his marriage to his wife, Kath, whom he married in 1976, the year he turned 21.
James suggests that no one will emulate his grandfather.
‘Now, with social media and things like that, you’ve got to be careful,’ James reflects.
‘It can make you a better person because you don’t go off the rails.’
Holiday homes fit for a King
Plans for the renovations at Balmoral (pictured) have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council
King Charles was named as the person running Balmoral earlier this year — the first time a member of the Royal Family has formally taken this role.
And he’s demonstrating that he means business by applying to turn an old steading into holiday cottages at the retreat in the Highlands.
Under the proposals, the former meal mill, steading and workshop would become two homes, with new windows and doors being formed and air source heat pumps installed.
Documents sent to the local council state: ‘The proposals aim to repair, refurbish and convert the existing building to create two dwellings, suitable for use as holiday accommodation.’
A song about Sophie Turner?
Hollywood star Sophie Turner — who is going out with Peregrine ‘Perry’ Pearson, Viscount Cowdray’s son and heir — believes she may be still providing her ex-husband, the American pop star Joe Jonas, with musical inspiration.
Sophie Turner is going out with Peregrine ‘Perry’ Pearson, Viscount Cowdray’s son and heir
The couple went through a bitter divorce last year and now a fan asks Turner, 28, online if Jonas’s new single, Work It Out, is about her.
She replies: ‘Probably, but who knows? Not interested in listening TBH [to be honest].’
Jonas says the lyrics are about when ‘you realise that you have to shake yourself out of something and you’re the only person who’s going to fix it, no one is going to come save you’.
Woke warnings could spell death
People watching a new production of Antony and Cleopatra at the Globe Theatre have been told it contains depiction of suicide
Silly asps at a top theatre have warned that Antony and Cleopatra contains depiction of suicide.
Shakespeare’s portrayal of Cleopatra’s self-inflicted death using a basket of venomous snakes is one of the most famous demises in history and is taught in classrooms across the land.
But bosses at The Globe in London have found it necessary to warn audience members that Cleo meets a grisly end.
The Globe warns on its website: ‘Content guidance – The play contains depictions of suicide, scenes of violence and war, and misogynoir references.’
Nathalie dares to bare
Game Of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel revealed recently that Emilia Clarke, her co-star, defended her on set after an extra made a sexist comment about a costume she had to wear.
Nathalie Emmanuel (middle) wore a brightly coloured carnival outfit in St Lucia in celebration of her heritage
Emilia Clarke and her co-star Nathalie Emmanuel starring in Game of Thrones
The incident appears not to have dented her confidence in wearing revealing outfits as the actress, 35, celebrated her West Indian heritage at a carnival in St Lucia.
In a picture the actress shared online, she sports a bejewelled costume adorned with peacock feathers. She wrote: ‘Ready for the road.’
Alice Temperley’s family nightmare
Fashion designer Alice Temperley’s family are struggling against a huge outbreak of caterpillars at their cider farm.
Somerset Cider Brandy has been infested with the bugs. At least half of its 15,000 trees are infected.
Alice Temperley’s family (pictured here in 2020) owns a cider farm in Somerset
Alice’s sister Matilda says the farm doesn’t use pesticides and its only defence is to buy ducks to eat the caterpillars.
She says: ‘It’s the apple ermine moth which is worse than anyone in living memory can say.’
Royal recognition for Tracey at last
Dame Tracey Emin recently received a damehood for services to art in the King’s Birthday Honour’s List
Dame Tracey Emin, who sold her famous unmade bed artwork for £2.5 million at Christie’s auction house in 2014, has now added another £35,000 to her estimated £40 million fortune.
I hear the Margate-based artist, 61, has received the £35,000 Charles Wollaston Award by the Royal Academy of Arts, of which she is an academician. Previous winners of the prize include film-maker Isaac Julien.
‘I’m absolutely thrilled – blown away,’ Dame Tracey tells me. ‘It was a really big surprise. I’ve never won an award from the Royal Academy before.’
She adds: ‘I’m going to put the prize money to good use.’
