There’s been some sad news recently concerning the death of screen actor Michael Elphick at age 55.

Michael played the part of Jake, the poacher, in “Withnail And I” and although only a relatively small part in the film he did inspire Withnail to utter the line “Don’t threaten me with a dead fish!”, which was one of the film’s most notable and oft-quoted lines.

Elphic also appeared in films such as “the Elephant Man” and in the television soap “Eastenders”.

We at The REG Temple would like to extend our condolences to Michael’s family and friends.

On a happier note, several of the REGiment have recently seen the film “Hildegarde – A Duck Down Under” which stars REG as the villain. Expect a bit of a review of the film shortly on the site.

For U.K. fans, REG will be appearing on a programme about the Spice Girls tonight at 9 pm on Channel 4.

A Case Of Evil (one of the two upcoming Sherlock Holmes films in which REG is appearing) will air on the USA Network on October 25 at 8:00pm and 1:00am EST and on October 26 at 5:00pm EST. REG plays Sherlock’s brother Mycroft in the film and the write-up states:

“London’s master criminal Moriarty needs to get Sherlock Holmes out of the way – and he’ll stop at nothing to do it.

Twenty-something Sherlock Homes hasn’t yet become a legendary detective when he battles the criminal in “A Case of Evil.” He’s still a super-smart, sexy society star with a growing reputation among the young women of London.

Moriarty is trying to corner the opium market with his powerful new drug, heroin, and Holmes is the only one who can stop him. So Moriarty hatches an elaborate plan: He stages his own death and lures Holmes into a trap with the help of a beautiful woman. The detective, distracted by his burgeoning celebrity, falls for the trick.

Once ensnared, Holmes becomes a pawn in Moriarty’s evil game – the criminal systematically forces the sleuth to become addicted to heroin. Only a last minute rescue by his new friend Dr. Watson can save the day.”

Finally, REG is just one of the celebrities who have contributed a piece of artwork for the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s “Outline An Orchid” Auction. To read a little more about it and see Richard’s work, click here.

Thanks to Sue W, Paula, Joan, Joann and Denise for the news.