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.

Cadbury has announced a significant reduction in the number of Curly Wurly bars in its multipack offerings, a move that has sparked frustration among loyal customers. The popular chocolate manufacturer, based in Birmingham, will now include only four bars per pack instead of the usual five, while maintaining the retail price of £1.40.

This change has left many fans feeling discontented, with one shopper expressing their disappointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “I’ll try to enjoy this four pack as it will be my last.” Such sentiments reflect a growing concern among consumers about the phenomenon known as “shrinkflation,” where product sizes decrease while prices remain unchanged.

Company Response to Rising Costs

In a statement addressing the situation, Cadbury acknowledged the economic pressures that consumers face. The company emphasized that any adjustments to product sizes are a last resort. It cited significant increases in input costs, particularly for essential ingredients like cocoa and dairy, which have seen a marked rise in price.

Cadbury’s communication highlighted that not only have ingredient costs surged, but other expenses, such as energy and transportation, remain elevated. The company noted, “This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges.”

The decision to reduce the number of Curly Wurly bars in each pack was described as a necessary step to ensure the company can continue to deliver the quality and taste that consumers expect.

The Implications of Shrinkflation

The practice of reducing product sizes while keeping prices stable has become increasingly common across various industries. This trend, termed “shrinkflation,” is not limited to Cadbury, as many businesses are also resorting to “skimpflation,” which involves cutting back on service quality and availability without altering prices.

As consumers confront these changes, many express frustration over the perceived decline in value. The reduction in Curly Wurly bars serves as a stark reminder of broader economic challenges affecting both manufacturers and consumers alike.

As Cadbury navigates these difficult waters, it remains to be seen how customer loyalty will be impacted by this latest decision. With the chocolate giant’s reputation for quality at stake, many customers will be watching closely to see how the brand adapts to ongoing economic pressures.

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.