Royle Family actress Liz Smith has died aged 95, it was announced today.

Stories of the generosity of the star have raised hopes he may have left huge sums to good causes following his death from suspected heart failure.

As part of our Summer Herald, Kiwis are recalling their brushes with celebrity. Today, John Lamplough tells of the time he pulled a pint for Status Quo.

WATCH: A schoolgirl has become an internet sensation with her rendition of Hallelujah which has been watched 3 million times.

A musical great known for both his chart-topping hits and his turbulent personal life, George Michael was a giant of popular culture.

The recording artist, who launched his career in the 1980s with Wham, has died "peacefully" at his home in London, according to his publicist.

The Queen has delivered an upbeat Christmas message, saying that we can all draw inspiration in the face of difficult times from the achievements of ordinary people.

A mother who was reunited with her son after 30 years says the pair are in love and are trying for a baby.

Brighton's 162m British Airways i360 is the tallest moving observation tower in the world.

There's been a resurgence in the popularity of the humble fish finger, with sausages and fresh meat falling out of favour in the UK.

A female cop in the UK has been sentenced to 22 months jail after a sexual relationship with a victim

An Aston Martin DB4 that languished in woodland for 50 years is expected to sell for up to $686,840 in January.

The Porirua community is rallying around their local Santa after his sack was stolen just weeks before Christmas.

A mother is livid after Santa promised her son a toy that would blow the Christmas budget.

A privately educated university student died after drinking 'excessive amounts of alcohol' at a society initiation.

Dozens of riot officers were sent into a prison in Birmingham after 300 inmates took control of several wings of the medium-security facility.

Sir Philip Green is attempting to put his BHS woes behind him by launching standalone Topshop stores across China.

A 101-year-old man has become the oldest Briton ever to be convicted of a criminal offence, and he could be jailed.

York Minster's bells could remain silent this Christmas for the first time since 1361 in an act of solidarity by bellringers after church axed 30 ringers.

All we ask of Britain is that it never change. It must be a fixed emerald rock in the rushing Gulf Stream of change, always there

A new trade agreement is going to be a priority for New Zealand's new High Commissioner to London.

An "awkward" video of Theresa May at the EU summit has emerged in which the Prime Minister appears to be ignored.

A teenage computer geek yesterday admitted leading a group of cyber criminals who brought the mobile network TalkTalk to its knees.

A mighty wave towering 19 metres at a remote spot between Britain and Iceland has become the highest ever recorded.

MPs in Britain are to investigate allegations workers are threatened with the sack if they take time off sick.

Last year she received widespread condemnation for showering her three children with 87 presents each. This year is no different.

A large grouper has been labelled the "largest fish ever seen in Manchester".

Britain's most successful hedge fund boss took a £150 million (NZ$264 million) dividend to pay for his £300 million (NZ$528 million) divorce from his wife.

The squeeze by the UK Government on home owners and business premises means Britain has the highest property taxes in the world.

A heartbroken friend was stabbed to death at a memorial party in the UK which was held in honour of another man who was killed 24 hours earlier.