Renowned actor Tom Troupe has passed away at the age of 97. He died from natural causes over the weekend in Beverly Hills, just five days after celebrating his birthday. The news was confirmed by a family spokesperson. Troupe’s extensive career spanned several decades, marking his presence in both television and film.

Career Highlights and Notable Roles

Troupe gained fame for his role as David Day in the original television series Mission: Impossible, which first aired in 1967. His performance in this iconic show laid the groundwork for a legacy that would continue through various projects, including the modern Tom Cruise film adaptations that began in 1996. In the same year, he also appeared as Lt. Harold in the beloved science fiction series Star Trek.

Born on March 4, 1926, in Missouri, Troupe moved to New York in the late 1940s and served in the Korean War. He made his Broadway debut in 1957, playing Peter van Daan in the original production of The Diary of Anne Frank. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that included notable appearances in television series such as E.R., Frasier, and the classic Cheers.

His film credits include roles in My Own Private Idaho (1991) and Murder, She Wrote. Troupe also showcased his theatrical talents in productions like The Lion in Winter and The Gin Game. He even created a one-man show titled The Diary of a Madman, further underscoring his versatility as a performer.

Personal Life and Legacy

Troupe’s last credited role was in the 2019 short film Time Out, although he also appeared in the series Break A Hip and Caravaggio and My Mother the Pope prior to that. He is survived by his son, Christopher, as well as a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

His wife, actress Carole Cook, who was known for her roles in The Lucy Show, American Gigolo, and Sixteen Candles, passed away in 2023 at the age of 98. In lieu of flowers, Troupe’s family has requested donations to the Entertainment Community Fund or the Pasadena Humane Society.

Tom Troupe’s contributions to the performing arts have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

The highly anticipated second season of Karen Pirie has premiered on ITV, bringing back the gripping crime drama that captivated audiences in its inaugural season. Lead actress Lauren Lyle returns as the determined Detective Inspector Karen Pirie, navigating a complex web of mysteries while facing personal and professional challenges.

Adapting Val McDermid‘s novel A Darker Domain, the new season picks up after the events of the first, where Karen has been promoted and is now leading her own team. She is tasked with solving the cold case of missing barmaid Rosie Duff, which already generates significant media attention. Just as she grapples with this high-profile investigation, her team uncovers a long-buried body during a drought-related lake dredge, linking to another unresolved case involving the disappearance of Scottish heiress Catriona Grant (played by Julia Brown), who vanished alongside her infant son.

As Karen dives into these investigations, she faces mounting pressure from her superior, DCS Lees (played by Steve John Shepherd), and must also contend with the presence of DC Isla Stark (portrayed by Saskia Ashdown), a spy assigned to monitor her actions. This dynamic adds an extra layer of tension, as Karen must navigate the scrutiny while solving complex cases.

Rich Storytelling and Authentic Scottish Context

Writer Emer Kenny crafts a narrative that intricately weaves together Scottish history, exploring themes such as poverty and wealth disparity through Catriona’s affluent background and her father, Sir Broderick Grant (played by James Cosmo). The series goes beyond typical crime drama tropes, eschewing mundane interrogation scenes for vibrant flashbacks that enhance the storytelling, offering a more immersive experience.

Despite the somber themes, Karen’s personal life adds a relatable dimension to the series. Her secret relationship with colleague Phil Parhatka (played by Zach Wyatt) creates both tension and chemistry, as they navigate the challenges of maintaining professionalism while being romantically involved. Additionally, Karen confronts the pervasive misogyny in her workplace, making her triumphs even more impactful.

The second season of Karen Pirie shows no signs of losing its edge. With its compelling character development and engaging plot twists, it maintains the high standards set in its first season. While some may argue that the series lacks moments of high tension, the careful pacing and thoughtful revelations compensate for this, creating a satisfying viewing experience.

As the mystery unfolds and Karen inches closer to the truth, viewers can expect a blend of intrigue, emotional depth, and social commentary that makes Karen Pirie stand out in a crowded field of crime dramas. Fans can now stream Season 2 on ITV and experience the gripping narrative that has made it a must-watch.

A holiday in the UK turned into a transformative experience for Leanne Knowles, who lost nearly 9 lbs during a week-long boot camp. Struggling with weight loss through various diets, Knowles found new motivation at the GI Jane Bootcamp in Kent, which emphasizes lifestyle changes over quick fixes like weight-loss injections.

Previously, at a height of 5ft 1in and weighing 12st 9lbs, Knowles faced challenges in feeling comfortable in her own skin. Despite trying popular diets such as Slimming World and Atkins, she found herself regaining weight after stopping. “I was frustrated with my inability to lose weight,” she reflected, noting that while she considered options like Ozempic and Mounjaro, she ultimately sought a more sustainable approach.

The pivotal moment came during a trip to Niagara Falls, where a photograph of her prompted a wake-up call. “I hated the way I looked,” Knowles said, realizing that change was necessary. Inspired by a television show featuring a “fat camp,” she researched options and chose the GI Jane Bootcamp, which costs £900 for a week of accommodation, meals, and fitness training.

Upon arrival at Scuttington Manor in Sittingbourne, Kent, Knowles felt apprehensive, having never exercised regularly before. However, the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie among participants quickly eased her nerves. The boot camp’s structure included early morning hikes, rigorous exercise sessions, and nutritious meals, all designed to push participants to their limits.

“We were encouraged to support each other every step of the way,” she shared, highlighting the camp’s motto: “You’re only as fast as your slowest man.” By the end of her week, Knowles achieved a significant milestone, running a full mile with weights, a testament to her newfound strength and determination.

At the end-of-week weigh-in, Knowles was delighted to learn she had lost 9 lbs. She compared this to the average weight loss of 2 lbs per week with injectable medications, emphasizing the additional benefits gained from physical fitness. More importantly, she felt energized and empowered, having developed a deeper understanding of her body and health.

Back at home in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Knowles implemented the lessons learned at the boot camp. Lacking a gym membership, she purchased a kettlebell and began running around her village. The support from a WhatsApp group created by fellow camp attendees provided ongoing motivation and encouragement.

Nine months later, Knowles returned to another GI Jane Bootcamp, this time in Koh Samui, Thailand. By then, she had lost weight on her own, reaching 8st 11lbs. At the end of that week, she achieved her target weight of 8st 7lbs, marking a significant milestone in her weight-loss journey. Altogether, she has shed over four stone, now fitting into a size 8.

Since her first boot camp experience, Knowles has participated in several others, including a recent week in Greece. She has formed lasting friendships with fellow attendees and has experienced a boost in confidence that has reshaped her approach to holidays.

“I still treat myself, but I’m also very active,” she noted, reflecting on how her vacation habits have changed.

Looking back, Knowles considers the boot camp holiday a life-changing experience. “If I’d tried so-called ‘fat jabs,’ the weight would have piled back on,” she stated. She encourages others contemplating expensive weight-loss medications to explore alternatives like boot camps. For Knowles, the journey was not just about losing weight but about reclaiming her life and health.

The highly anticipated second season of *Karen Pirie* is set to captivate audiences once again, with star Emer Kenny revealing her unique challenges while balancing her roles as a writer, executive producer, and actress. The show, which airs on ITV, continues to explore gripping storylines, and Kenny’s life off-screen has been just as demanding.

Kenny plays River, a close friend of the titular character Karen Pirie, portrayed by Lauren Lyle. In an interview, she shared insights into how she managed her professional commitments while navigating the early days of motherhood. “Filming was hectic,” Kenny said. “My baby was 12 weeks old when I started writing the season and he was 18 months old when we were shooting. He came to Glasgow with me for three months.”

With her husband, Rick Edwards, working in Germany as a presenter during the UEFA Euro 2024, Kenny relied heavily on her mother for support. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my mum,” she stressed, showcasing the importance of a solid support system in managing both family and career.

Kenny also found joy during the filming process, thanks in part to the presence of pop icon Kylie Minogue. The star shared, “Kylie has her own brand of rosé that we drank the whole way through. It was absolutely crazy, but I never feel more alive than when we’re making stuff. It just feels thrilling.”

Returning to Familiar Challenges and New Adventures

The new season, based on *A Darker Domain*, delves into a haunting case that has lingered in the public consciousness since 1984: the disappearance of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son, Adam. Kenny hinted at the intensity of the plot, stating, “She’s kidnapped at gunpoint, and then a ransom note arrives at her family home with a Polaroid of her, and she is never seen again.” The discovery of a body in a remote quarry complicates the case further, revealing no connection to Catriona but presenting new mysteries to unravel.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers will also witness hidden romances, including Catriona’s affair with Mick, played by Mark Rowley. “Julia (Brown) and Mark were amazing together,” Kenny noted, emphasizing the chemistry that drives their storyline. Meanwhile, Lyle’s character Karen faces her own romantic challenges with DS Phil Parhatka, portrayed by Zach Wyatt. “Karen’s under the impression a woman can only have one of the other – a career or a home life,” Lyle explained, highlighting the character’s internal struggles.

Despite these challenges, Lyle’s portrayal of Karen is marked by determination. She acknowledged the skepticism her character faces, particularly after receiving a reluctant promotion. “You’re difficult, but you’re great, so you deserve it,” her boss tells her, encapsulating the hurdles Karen must overcome in a male-dominated environment.

Filming in Diverse Locations and Future Prospects

The production faced logistical challenges this season, including a move to Malta for filming. “We had to move the shoot to September because it was too hot in Malta to shoot,” Kenny recalled. The cast engaged in numerous running scenes through the streets, navigating the high temperatures. Yet, the experience proved exhilarating for them, providing a unique backdrop for the unfolding drama.

With eight novels worth of content to adapt, Kenny expressed optimism about the show’s future. “There is potential for another season and ITV are really supportive,” she said. “It just depends on whether the audience wants more.”

For now, *Karen Pirie* remains a compelling entry in the crime drama genre, with its mix of intense storytelling and complex characters. As the new season unfolds, viewers can expect even more twists and turns that keep them engaged and invested in the lives of these characters.