I Am A Swede

R.I.P Sandra Reemer (1950-2017)

I never thought that Geoffrey Burridge would reprise his role, even though that would have been nice if he hadn't died so prematurely. As for a recast, I really have no idea. But I'm certain the casting director would be able to find someone. There's usually no shortage of competent actors in the UK. ETA: I just had an idea about a possible recast: Anthony Andrews. I think there is enough resemblance between him and Geoffrey Burridge to make it work. I'm not sure he would do it though, It wouldn't have to be a regular role, just bring him in to introduce his children and grand-children and re-establish the family in the village. Of course, I'm not sure anyone would care about any resemblance to the previous actor since the character was only on screen for a few weeks 44 years ago, and probably 95% (if not more) of those watching have no idea the Verney family ever existed.

My dream for Home Farm is that the Verney family would return to it. Next year it will be 40 years since they sold the estate, then known as Miffield Hall, to NY Estates after the death of George Verney. I wish that they could bring back the Verney family now and have them reclaim their ancestral home. The perfect person would be Mark Proctor, the nephew of George Verney. He was on the show for a brief stint in 1973, then in his late teens. So he should be in his early sixties now, and could easily have a few children, and even grandchildren, to bring with him. Mark Proctor (played by Geoffrey Burridge)

The French crowd apparently exhibited unsportsmanlike behaviour again during the match between reigning champion Garbine Muguruza and home player Kristina Mladenovic. Not for the first time, and most likely not the last either.....

Whatever they do I do not want her back with Marlon!

I really, really, really hope they're not thinking about putting Laurel and Marlon back together.....

Margaret Court, who's been mentioned recently for less flattering reasons, had her first child in 1972, and came back to win another 9 Grand Slam titles after that. 3 in singles, 4 in doubles and 2 in mixed doubles. She even won two of them (one mixed doubles and one doubles) after having her second child in 1974. With all the controversy surrounding her now, it's perhaps easy to overlook her remarkable achievements, but one cannot deny that she was/is one of the greatest tennis players ever.

It's really a sad situation all around. Margaret Court was obviously a great tennis player, but the things she has said are horrific. I agree with what Martina Navratilova said: Navratilova described Court's actions as "bullying" and said sporting venues are named after athletes for "who they are as human beings" and "not just for what this person did on the field". "The platform people like Margaret Court use needs to be made smaller, not bigger," she said. Navratilova believes the Margaret Court Arena should be renamed after Evonne Goolagong, a 14-time Grand Slam winner of Australian Aboriginal descent. "I think the Evonne Goolagong Arena has a great ring to it," she added. "Now there is a person we can all celebrate. On every level."

Actor Roy Barraclough, who played Alec Gilroy, has passed away, aged 81. http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40119752