Oxford News
Buffy and Ted Lasso stars lead tributes to Anthony Head
The actor, best known for his role as Rupert Giles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, has died from complications related to pneumonia.
His daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, said in a statement: “His legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them.”
Michelle Gellar, who played the title role in Buffy, led tributes on social media, posting a photo of herself with Head, his daughters, and their Buffy co-star Seth Green.
Gellar said: “Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m OK. Well, I don’t have it figured out and I’m not OK.
“But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you.
“Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world.”
David Boreanaz (Angel) called Head a “kind and generous soul,” while James Marsters (Spike) said his death left a “hole in the world.”
Emma Caulfield (Anya) reflected on 27 years of friendship, describing him as “kind, wise and a guide in troubled times.”
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, recalled her surprise at meeting Head in person: “He had an earring, Converse high-tops and a pair of loose-fitting, boldly striped pants.
“There wasn’t a trace of Giles to be found, which was a testament to his gifts.”
Head’s career also spanned notable roles in Ted Lasso, where he played former Richmond FC owner Rupert Mannion.
Brett Goldstein, a co-star and writer on the show, said, “Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person.
“He will be sorely missed.”
Head also appeared as the Prime Minister in Little Britain.
The show’s co-creator Matt Lucas wrote on X: “Anthony Head was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm.”
In addition to his screen roles, Mr Head played King Uther Pendragon in Merlin.
Screenwriter and producer Russell T Davies said, “He spoke always about his daughters with such love and joy, what a wonderful dad.
“Love and sympathy to Emily, Daisy, family and friends, he’ll be missed and remembered across the world.
“Good night, sir.”
Head first rose to prominence in the UK through the Nescafe Gold Blend television adverts of the late 1980s and early 1990s, starring alongside Sharon Maughan.
Beyond acting, he was also a singer and performer.
He played Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1990 West End revival of The Rocky Horror Show and recorded music, including the album of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer musical episode.
His other credits included Motherland, Manchild, Silent Witness, Spooks, Doctor Who, and My Family.
In July 2018, he joined the cast of BBC Radio 4’s long-running drama The Archers.
Head’s long-time partner, animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher, died in December 2025 aged 61.
Fisher was a patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Recommended Reading
He was also deeply involved in supporting animal charities.
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea, said: “Anthony, alongside his late partner Sarah Fisher, gave so much to our charity, fostering dogs, raising awareness of our work, and supporting our events and fundraisers.
“A true champion for all rescue animals, he will be dearly missed by all of us.”
Boutique hotel group Crazy Bear kicked off the summer social season in style, hosting a private party until the early hours to mark a new era.
Former The Xtra Factor presenter, comedian Matt Richardson, was one of the performers on the night.
Hundreds of guests packed the venue and were treated to acts including festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, and a dance-off led by leading Latin dancers Ksenia Zsikhotska and Krystof Grzelak.
READ MORE: Food and drink items recalled from supermarkets
The party earlier this month marked the launch of a new Crazy Bear menu and cocktail range coming soon, plus refurbishment of some of the heritage venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Throughout the night, party goers enjoyed dishes from the refreshed menu, which couple traditional pub food with sumptuous Thai flavours.
The Cuban Brothers unleashed a mix of funk-fuelled epic dance moves, while Matt Richardson took a break from his national tour with a bespoke version of his celebrated stand-up routine.
Sol Collective, one of London’s leading Latin ensembles, joined the line-up with two fresh, inspiring live acoustic sets on the garden terrace.
The innovative menu brought together classic pub mains, sizzling meats from the grill and authentic Thai wok dishes. Open fire cage cooking, a new weekend feature, included garlic butter king prawns, thyme chicken thighs, and garden larder salads.
Drinks flowed from the new menu, as the foraged cocktail range featuring hedgerow negroni and roasted dandelion espresso martini, was in popular demand.
A feast featuring handmade afternoon tea favourites piled high kept the party going in the new residents’ lounge, which hosted a bespoke feasting table, vinyl record player and cocktail trolley.
Lauren Thompson, who has a weekly set on House FM and has played legendary club nights for Groove Odyssey and Fabric, took to the decks, followed by resident DJ Tony Nanton, who kept the tempo with a house music set in the Glasshouse.
Guests also enjoyed an outdoor cinema screening of Pulp Fiction, while a set of prizes were won through hook-a-duck on the lawn.
“The party provided the perfect moment to unveil our refreshed experience which captures the Crazy Bear’s spirit with a contemporary twist,” said Jen Needham, marketing director at the Crazy Bear.
“Every guest was treated to the exceptional hospitality set to become synonymous with the Crazy Bear.
“Party goers were led through a rabbit warren of intrigue spanning musical genres, leafy tropical hideaways and wild entertainment while being among the first to sample our exceptional new food and drink offering.
“Our menus and direction have changed, but the essence of the Crazy Bear remains unchanged. So, stand by for elevated dining, unforgettable parties and maverick entertainment as the next chapter unfolds.”
Founded in 1993, the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton is complete with 18 rooms, a cosy 16th century pub, an eclectic choice of indoor and outdoor spaces to eat and drink, plus secret garden and woodland.
It hosts weddings like no other and its public areas are dog friendly. Its sister site in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, has 35 individually designed bedrooms, restaurants, bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
On the Content Ltd was a private limited company that was officially dissolved via a strike-off on April 14, 2026.
The business was originally incorporated on November 24, 2022, and operated with directors Anna Louise Cole and Roma Cots Cole.
The Chipping Norton-based company was involved in travel agency activities, according to Companies House.
The most recent accounts it filed shows the business had just £40 in its bank, down from around £14,000 the year before.
READ MORE: Electric car company collapses into administration with £56m debt
At the financial year ending March 2025, the accounts also show On the Content Ltd had trade debts of £12,396 and owed £215 in tax.
On the Content is not the only Oxfordshire travel company to close in recent weeks.
The Padel Travel Club Limited, which operated from a Henley address, organised padel‑themed breaks and training camps in the UK and overseas.
The business was incorporated in February 2023 and has since been removed from the Companies House register following a voluntary strike‑off, with the final notice of dissolution published in late May 2026.
And Set Sail Cruises Ltd, registered to an address in Bicester, was formally dissolved on March 17, 2026, after a strike-off process, meaning it no longer exists as a legal company.
The travel agency was incorporated on February 4, 2024 and listed its main activity as “travel agency activities”.
Zion Zion, of Bierton Road, Aylesbury, was due to appear at Oxford Crown Court over a video link from hospital on Monday, June 15.
The 65-year-old is charged with two counts of sexual assault which relate to an incident in Oxford on January 7, 2023.
Zion has refused to co-operate with the proceedings so far and did not appear over the video link.
READ MORE: Busy classic car show in sunshine attracts villagers
Due to his refusal to co-operate, Zion is unrepresented.
During a previous court hearing, not guilty pleas were entered on the defendant’s behalf.
A trial date was previously given for November 22, 2027.
On June 15, the court heard an expert’s report had concluded Zion was not fit to plead.
The case will next be heard on August 17 to decide if the case will continue.
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoWhat happens to Halifax customers if Lloyds makes changes?
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoFlock of clay birds set to take flight in special exhibition
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoActor steps down from major role in new Harry Potter series
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoOxfordshire bridge closure comes as management ‘weaknesses’ found
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoFriends of the Ridgeway appoint Matthew Barber as president
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoNHS fracture service helps support extra 1,000 patients
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoHenley pub once owned by Russell Brand reopens after 6 years
-
UK News4 weeks agoBurnham seeks to calm markets by committing to fiscal rules