Tag: ITV

The Winter King cast: Eddie Marsan, Iain de Caestecker and Ellie James star in ITVX drama

[ad_1]

The Winter King, the exciting new take on Arthurian legend, premieres on December 21, on ITVX.

Set in the fifth century, when Britain was a chaotic land of warring tribes, the series follows Arthur Pendragon – an outsider who will become a king.

The series is based on the Warlord Chronicles, by popular historical novelist Bernard Cornwell. His books have long been popular with TV producers: he’s the mind behind ITV‘s Sharpe and the BBC‘s The Last Kingdom.

So who plays Arthur, Merlin and Guinevere? Here’s a rundown of The Winter King’s cast, and where exactly you’ve seen them all before.

Iain De Caestecker as Arthur The Winter King (Credit: ITV)

Iain De Caestecker is the legendary warrior Arthur Pendragon

Scottish actor Iain De Caestecker is Arthur Pendragon, the illegitimate son of High King Uther who is exiled after a terrible defeat by the Saxons.

Iain is best known as Leo Fitz from Marvel‘s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., a role he played through seven seasons. Introduced as the team’s technology specialist, Fitz found love, trauma and evil alter-ego The Doctor over the course of the show.

Soap fans might recognise him from somewhere else, however. Iain was the first actor to play Adam Barlow, the son of Mike Baldwin and Susan Barlow, on Coronation Street. He played Adam from 2001 until 2003, before Samuel Robertson was cast in the role in 2004 (which he still plays to this day).

After his stint on Corrie, Iain appeared as Darren in Lip Service (2010), Paul Roberts in BAFTA-winning drama The Fades (2011), and the titular vet in Young James Herriot (2011). He was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA for his work as James Herriot.

This wasn’t his only Scottish BAFTA nod; in 2013, Iain starred in romcom Not Another Happy Ending, which earned him a second nomination. That same year, he also appeared in psychological horror In Fear and black comedy Filth.

The 35-year-old later starred in Ryan Gosling‘s Lost River (2014) and J.J. Abrams horror Overlord (2018).

More recently, Iain appeared as young Douglas Petersen in the BBC One adaptation of David Nicholls’ Us (2020), as well as alongside Hugh Laurie in political thriller Roadkill.

And just last year Iain starred as emergency call handler Gabe in BBC thriller The Control Room.

The Winter King’s Eddie Marsan as Uther in episode 2 (Credit: ITV)

Eddie Marsan is High King Uther in The Winter King cast

Award winning-actor Eddie Marsan plays the ailing Uther, High King of Britain, King of Dumnonia and father of Arthur Pendragon.

Eddie, 55, is well known for his performances both at home and abroad across TV and film.

On the small screen, Eddie starred in Showtime’s Emmy-winning crime drama Ray Donovan from 2012 to 2020. He played Terry Donovan, the brother of Ray (Liev Schrieber). In 2015, Eddie played Gilbert Norrell in the critically acclaimed Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

Earlier in his career, he made appearances on The Bill (1992-1996), Casualty (1996), EastEnders (1996), Grange Hill (1996-1998), Judge John Deed (2002), Silent Witness (2004) and Law and Order: UK (2009-2010).

In the 2020s, Eddie’s starred in The Pact (2021) and The Power (2023). He’s also had major roles as real-life forensic psychologist Paul Britton in Deceit (2021) and as John Darwin, the prison officer who faked his own death, in The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe (2022).

If you’ve not come across Eddie on TV, you’ve almost definitely seen him in a film. Eddie’s appeared in big name hits such as 21 Grams (2003), Vera Drake (2004), V for Vendetta (2006), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Happy-Go-Lucky (2008), Hancock (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009), War Horse (2011), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) and The World’s End (2013).

He played the leading role of John May, a lonely man whose job it is to find next-of-kin of deceased in Kennington Town, in 2013’s Still Life. The 2014 Edinburgh International Film Festival Award for Best British Actor came his way for his performance.

He also starred in 2016 war romance The Exception, alongside Jai Courtney and Lily James.

The Winter King cast: Ellie James as Nimue (Credit: ITV)

Ellie James as Nimue

Relative newcomer Ellie James plays Nimue, a priestess who claims to have the ability to see gods.

Ellie’s first big role was in season two of Strike, playing the drug addict girlfriend of Cormoran Strike’s (Tom Burke) villainous stepfather Jeff Whittaker (Matt King), in 2018.

She later appeared in BBC Two international crime drama Giri/Haji in 2019.

Next up, Ellie struck gold with an appearance in the critically acclaimed Michaela Coel black comedy I May Destroy You, in which she played publishing assistant Sion.

Roles in War of the Worlds (2021), I Am (2021) and Red Rose (2022) followed, as well an episode of Doctors (2022).

In 2023, Ellie’s already appeared in Netflix crime thriller Bodies, before taking up a leading role in The Winter King.

The Winter King cast: Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin (Credit: ITV)

Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin

British actor Nathaniel Martello-White plays Merlin, a famous druid and associate of Arthur. However, Merlin has an agenda of his own.

The 40-year-old’s early roles include Trial and Retribution (2007), Doctors (2007), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2008), Law and Order: UK (2010), Misfits (2012), Death in Paradise (2013) and Silk (2014).

He starred alongside Idris Elba in political drama Guerilla on Sky Atlantic in 2017, as well as alongside Sarah Lancashire in Kiri in 2018.

2018 was a big year for Nathaniel. He also starred in Netflix drama Collateral, playing DS Nathan Bilk, the police partner of Carey Mulligan’s DI Kip Glaspie. He also played a lead role in American mystery thriller One Dollar, which told the story of a multiple homicide in small town rust belt America.

Silent Witness and I Hate Suzie followed in 2020. In the latter, Nathaniel played Carter Vaughn, the man pictured with Billie Piper‘s Suzie Pickles in a compromising position, prompting the events of the drama.

And finally, in 2021, Nathaniel starred alongside The Winter King co-star Eddie Marsan for the first time in Deceit. He played the fictional character of Baz, the handler for Sadie (Niamh Algar) – the (also fictional) woman who honeytraps murder suspect Colin Stagg.

The Winter King cast: Jordan Alexandra as Guinevere (Credit: ITV)

Jordan Alexandra as Guinevere in The Winter King cast

Jordan Alexandra stars as Guinevere, the beautiful and incredibly ambitious exiled Princess of Henis Wyren.

Up-and-coming actress Jordan, 30, has played small roles in big dramas Bridgerton (2020) and Grantchester (2021). She’s also appeared on the silver screen in Stephen Graham drama Boiling Point (2021) and with Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).

She also played the role of Gabi in black comedy Mammals in 2021, which starred James Corden as a betrayed chef.

In 2023, she’s starred in thriller BlackBits, romantic drama Surprised by Oxford and sci-fi thriller The Shift.

The Winter King cast: Stuart Campbell as Derfel (Credit: ITV)

Stuart Campbell stars as Derfel

Scottish-born actor Stuart Campbell plays Derfel, the narrator of Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King. Derfel is a young warrior who looks up to Arthur.

Aged just 25, Stuart’s not been on the acting scene long, but he has bagged roles in Suspects (2016), Doctors (2016), Outlander (2017), Clique (2018) and London Kills (2019).

His longest recurring role came in 2017, when he was cast in Jacqueline Wilson adaptation Hetty Feather. Playing the role of gardener Jack, he appeared regularly through seasons 3 to 5, before guest-starring in the final season.

In 2021, Stuart played Alex Chambers, one of the abducted sons of British Ambassador Emma Chambers (Fiona Shaw) in crime drama Baptiste. Last year, he played the major role of Second Lieutenant Bill Fraser in SAS Rogue Heroes, alongside Connor Swindells and Jack O’Connell. The series has been renewed for a second series, with Stuart confirmed to return.

So far in 2023, he’s appeared as PC Duncan Mcinney in Paramount+ thriller The Chemistry of Death.

The Winter King cast: Daniel Ings as Owain (Credit: ITV)

Daniel Ings as Owain

Daniel Ings is Owain, the champion of Dumnonia, a world-class warrior who struggles with his loyalty.

You might recognise Daniel, 38, from his role in Netflix comedy Lovesick. He played Luke, the reckless but loyal best friend of Dylan (Johnny Flynn) and Evie (Antonia Thomas).

He’s also appeared on Peep Show (2010), Endeavour (2014) and Mount Pleasant (2014).

Roles in You, Me & Them (2015), Vera (2016) and Agatha Raisin (2016) followed, before playing Head of Generic Comedy and Drama Matt Taverner in BBC mockumentary W1A (2014-2017).

He played Michael Carter, Prince Philip’s private secretary, in The Crown‘s first two seasons in 2016-2017.

And in 2018 Daniel played the main role of lawyer-turned-barman Andy in James Patterson TV adaptation Instinct, which ran for two seasons.

The 2020s have gone from strength to strength for Daniel. After a role in Britbox Original Agatha Christie drama Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (2022), he picked up the role of Cob Betterton – the husband of Billie Piper’s Suzie Pickles – in I Hate Suzie. That’s right, both of Suzie Pickles’ lovers are in The Winter King’s cast.

And one final irresponsible playboy role to round things off: Daniel also played Dan, love interest of Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson) in Netflix’s Sex Education.

The Winter King cast: Valene Kane as Morgan (Credit: ITV)

Valene Kane plays Morgan in The Winter King cast

Northern Irish actress Valene Kane plays Morgan, Uther’s illegitimate daughter, Arthur’s sister, and a priestess of Merlin.

Valene is best known for her role as Rose Stagg, a victim of Jamie Dornan‘s Belfast Strangler Paul Spector, in The Fall. A former lover of Spector’s, she recognises similarities between him and the Strangler – prompting Spector to abduct her. The series won critical acclaim and multiple awards, as well as receiving two BAFTA nods.

After The Fall, Valene starred as DS Lisa Merchant – an officer investigating missing person Ivy Moxam (Jodie Comer) – in Thirteen.

She appeared alongside Jamie Dornan again for period drama Death and Nightingales in 2018.

Valene starred as Olivia Collins in Australian comedy The Other Guy from 2017 to 2019.

Next stop for the 36-year-old was Sky’s Gangs of London in 2020, in which she played Jacqueline Robinson, the daughter of criminal Wallace family.

And earlier in 2023 you might have caught her stint as Angela Mackle in new Irish police drama Blue Lights.

The Winter King cast: Simon Merrells as Gundleus (Credit: ITV)

Simon Merrells as Gundleus

English actor Simon Merrells plays Gundleus, the power-hungry and savage king of Siluria.

Simon, 58, is no stranger to the historical fantasy drama. He’s best known for his portrayal of Spartacus’ nemesis Marcus Crassus in the final season of Starz hit Spartacus: War of the Damned (2013).

More recently, he’s had roles in Amazon fantasies The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) and Good Omens (2019).

He also starred alongside Mark Hamill and Tom Cullen in Knightfall, in which he played the Templar Tancrede, between 2017 and 2019.

He’s also played Julius Caesar in Legends of Tomorrow (2017-2018), Julian in Dominion (2015) and Hugh in The Tomorrow People (2013-2014).

The Winter King cast: Steven Elder as Bishop Bedwin (Credit: ITV)

Steven Elder as Bishop Bedwin in The Winter King cast

Yorkshire actor Steven Elder plays Bishop Bedwin, the kind and well-liked Bishop of Dumnonia.

Steven started his career on Coronation Street in 1997, when he played DI Fox, a detective investigating Anne Malone’s icy death. He later appeared in three other soaps: EastEnders (2001), Holby City (2000-2011), and Doctors (2000-2019). While he played multiple roles in Doctors, his most prominent was as Reverend Gordon Clement (2013-2019). The reverend was a love interest of Winifred Tembe (Lorna Laidlaw), and the pair eventually moved away together in 2019 as part of Tembe’s exit storyline.

He’s played small roles in Judge John Deed (2006), NCIS (2007), Heartbeat (1999-2008), The Bill (1998-2009), New Tricks (2009), Lost (2010), Upstairs Downstairs (2012), The Tunnel (2013), Silent Witness (2015), Vera (2017) and Endeavour (2018).

In 2019, he starred in Brad Pitt-produced historical epic The King for Netflix.

In the 2020s, he’s starred as DCI Robert Pearson in The Bay (2021) and as Phillip Stretton in Grace (2021). He was Tim Milne in 2022’s A Spy Among Friends, alongside Guy Pearce and Damian Lewis.

Already in 2023 he’s appeared in Carnival Row, as well as on the latest season of Vigil.

The Winter King cast: Andrew Gower as Sansum (Credit: ITV)

Andrew Gower plays Sansum

Merseyside-born actor Andrew Gower takes on the role of Sansum, a Catholic priest and novice to Bishop Bedwin.

Andrew’s big break came in 2012, when he was cast in the recurring role of vampire Nick Cutler in Being Human. That same year, he also appeared alongside James Nesbitt in medical drama Monroe, as well as an episode of Misfits.

More recently, you might have seen the 34-year-old in Carnival Row, alongside Orlando Bloom. In the series, he played Ezra Spurnrose from 2019 to 2023. He also played Detective Peter Andrews in You in 2023.

On top of all that, Andrew also played royalty in Outlander, as Prince Charles Stuart, from 2016-2022.

Andrew’s CV also includes Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020), Poldark (2019) and The Village (2014).

The Winter King cast: Aneirin Hughes as Gorfydd (Credit: ITV)

Aneirin Hughes is Gorfydd in The Winter King cast

BAFTA-winning Welsh actor Aneirin Hughes is Gorfydd, the king of Powys, the enemy of Dumnonia.

Aneirin, 65, has had a long and decorated career, with Welsh TV fans most likely to recognise him. He started his career on Welsh soap Pobol y Cwm in 1994. In 1997, he won a Best Actor BAFTA Cymru for his performance as Delme Davies in Welsh language film Cameleon.

He went on to star in The Bill (1999), Take Me (2001), Family Affairs (2004), Spooks (2005) and Doctors (2006).

He had recurring roles in Judge John Deed (2005-2007) and Young Dracula (2006-2008). However, he’s probably most famous for portraying Chief Superintendent Brian Prosser in BBC Four’s Hinterland from 2013 to 2016.

More recently, he’s appeared as solicitor Tom Howells in Welsh thriller Keeping Faith (2017-2021).

The Winter King cast: Ken Nwosu as Sagramor (Credit: ITV)

Ken Nwosu plays Sagramor

Ken Nwosu portrays Sagramor, a veteran warrior who is one of Arthur’s closest allies.

While Ken’s early acting career is mostly impressive theatre roles, he hit our TV screens in 2018 and hasn’t looked back. That year he appeared as Leo in Settling, Max in Killing Eve and Puck in Upstart Crow. He also played Paul Hastings in Ewan McGregor-starring Disney film Christopher Robin.

In 2019, he had roles in Catastrophe and Sticks and Stones. In 2020, he played Ristridin in Netflix fantasy The Letter for the King.

Most recently he’s starred in Hollington Drive (2021) and Rain Dogs (2023).

Emily John as Ceinwyn and Iain De Caestecker as Arthur (Credit: ITV)

Who else is in The Winter King cast?

My Policeman star Emily John portrays Ceinwyn, Gorfydd’s daughter and a highly sought-after princess of Powys.

Irish-Italian actress Tatjana Nardone plays pagan warrior Ladwys. Tatjana’s biggest role to date was in 2016 as Emilia in Medici, the political period drama set in Florence. She’s since appeared in 2019’s Heirs of the Night and season one of Sky drama Devils (2020). She also appeared in 2022 thriller State of Consciousness.

Billy Postlethwaite, sometimes credited as William Postlethwaite, plays the shrewd warrior-king Cadwys. Billy’s played multiple roles on Holby City (2014-2019), as well as appearing on hit drama Chernobyl (2019). He also played Isaac on Beforeigners (2021) and Hank on Silo (2023).

The Winter King premieres on ITVX on Thursday, December 21.

Read more: ITV Christmas schedule promises festive entertainment with The Masked Singer special

Are you going to be tuning in? Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and then let us know.

[ad_2]

Susan Brett

Source link

December 21, 2023
I'm A Celeb: Josie Gibson stuns as she showcases her weight loss in post-jungle interview

[ad_1]

I’m A Celeb star Josie Gibson showed off her weight loss following her jungle stint in a new interview recently.

The This Morning presenter, 38, showcased her slimmed-down figure in a stunning black dress when she was quizzed about her jungle experience.

During the interview, she admitted she’d almost quit the show during its early stages. She confessed she began to have these thoughts just hours after walking into the Australian jungle.

Josie Gibson showcased her weight transformation

During her interview with Dermot O’Leary and Christine Lampard on This Morning Josie confessed that she didn’t think she would be able to get through I’m A Celebrity.

Josie Gibson stunned fans after she showcased her weight transformation (Credit: ITVX)

“I didn’t know how I could do a week – let alone three. I did have a big wobble a few days before the end as well. I was pining for (my son) Reggie. I was sad and I wasn’t myself.”

She also revealed how she got under her quilt and thought to herself how she was going to do this. “When I first got there, actually I sat there under my quilt and I honestly thought, ‘How am I going to do this? How am I ever going to see this through?” she said.

She admitted she was “proud” of herself

Since then, the telly favourite said that her spider phobia has gotten a little less and she was “proud” of being the only woman standing.

“I’ve been in there six months. One day is like three rolled into one. It feels like forever. But I couldn’t have done the experience without the campmates I had. There was a real connection,” she added.

Meanwhile, Josie reunited with her four-year-old son as they waited for the finalists to return.

According to The Mirror, her son was not allowed to meet Josie across the bridge because of his age. Instead, her best friend Mia greeted her at the end.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity: Josie Gibson in ‘feud’ with Nigel Farage as she fails to mention him in exit interview, fans claim

What do you think of Josie Gibson’s weight transformation? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.

[ad_2]

Entertainment Daily

Source link

December 12, 2023
International Insider: Budget Blow For BBC; Red Sea Wraps Up; ‘Crown’s Off To Them

[ad_1]

Good afternoon Insiders, here we go again with a busy old week in TV and film. Max Goldbart penning the newsletter. Read on and sign up here.

Bad Times For The BBC

BBC/Guy Levy

Déjà vu: When you’ve been doing this for a little while, nothing gives off more of a sense of déjà vu than BBC budget woes. It always starts the same way. A downtrodden UK Prime Minister desperately seeks a distraction hook and latches on to the nation’s favorite (ish) broadcaster, in this case saying over the weekend that the public cannot afford the previously-agreed inflationary rise to the licence fee next year that would have seen the fee shoot up by nearly £15 ($18.90). Several days and one new chair appointment later, and the sentiment was confirmed by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who said the fee will instead rise by just more than £10, as the government shifted the goalposts. While an extra £10 per person doesn’t look too bad at first glance, the move is set in context of two years’ worth of licence fee freeze, rampant inflation in production costs and stiff competition. Put bluntly, the BBC really needs more money. Unveiling yet another government review into the BBC’s future funding model, Frazer also pointed out that fewer people are paying the licence fee nowadays. This means that stiff hikes put more pressure on those who still do pay, but the BBC would likely flip the point and say fees should rise by even bigger amounts if fewer people are paying them. The BBC’s grave response said it all: “Our content budgets are now impacted, which in turn will have a significant impact on the wider creative sector across the UK.”

“Destabilizing”: The move leaves the BBC with an estimated shortfall of £90M, alongside the hundreds of millions of savings it already needs to make, and more cuts in programing are no doubt coming — “Inevitably program expenditure will be cut first,” said one connected source. But insiders are not only peeved by the inevitable hit to the coffers. If the government is now going to decide annually how much the licence fee rises by — rather than sticking to a pre-agreed 11-year long inflationary rise — two insiders pointed out that this will make budgeting for the following year incredibly difficult. Not only that, but it also leaves the BBC more exposed to political agendas. There are intricacies to the changes to the inflationary measure but the government has effectively pegged this year’s rise to September 2023’s figure, as opposed to the average across the past year. It all feels a bit random. There is little the BBC technically can do but work may begin behind the scenes to mount a campaign to convince the government that it is in no one’s interests to continually mess around with the figure. Jake spoke to insiders and his analysis has more. The BBC statement’s stress on the impact on the “wider creative sector” felt pertinent.

Musical chairs: Before the licence fee decision became official, there was the small matter of the new BBC Chair, who was unveiled Wednesday as British TV vet Samir Shah. Shah has previously spent years working for the BBC, runs an independent production company and has advised the government on numerous matters. He is well-liked and well-known, although perceived by some as a slightly surprising choice. Prior to the licence fee decision being announced by Frazer, one source close to the government said Shah had been working closely with the Culture, Media and Sport department of late and was “aligned” with these funding plans. He joins with a busy in-tray and with a need to regain trust in the BBC following the Richard Sharp debacle, which saw the previous Chair forced to resign over his role in a loan facilitation for Boris Johnson. And whether a help or a hindrance, Shah comes from a media family. His brother Mohit Bakaya runs BBC Radio 4 and his sister Monisha Shah is on the Ofcom content board.

Cultural test: Elsewhere in public broadcaster land, ITV chose the moments after Frazer’s Commons speech to publish its long awaited review into Phillip Schofield, the former This Morning presenter who resigned after admitting to an affair with a much younger colleague. ITV may have been hoping licence fee woes would act as a distraction but the actual contents of the report didn’t appear to give the broadcaster too much to worry about. Following more than 50 interviews, the review’s author rejected the much-raised notion of a “toxic culture” on This Morning and scotched the idea that Schofield’s affair had been an open secret. It would have been a big problem for ITV had it been deemed the opposite. Jane Mulcahy KC listed a number of recommendations including the forging of a “talent charter” for high-profile presenters of Schofield’s ilk that would set “out key standards ITV expects to be upheld.” With Schofield’s co-host Holly Willoughby having also departed, ITV will be hoping it can close this particular chapter. The BBC’s equivalent — a report into behavior by newsreader Huw Edwards — publishes soon. And would you look at that, we’ve managed to go an entire Insider public broadcasting lead without mentioning Channel 4…

Riding The Red Sea Wave

Getty

Star power: Saudi Arabia’s third Red Sea International Film Festival handed out its prizes overnight with Pakistani-Canadian director Zarrar Khan’s horror picture In Flames winning Best Film. The jury led by Baz Luhrmann was joined on the red carpet by some serious star power in Halle Berry, Andrew Garfield, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicolas Cage and Henry Golding, among others. They followed in the wake of a raft of A-Listers making the trip to the festival’s Red Sea port home of Jeddah over the past week, including Johnny Depp, Will Smith and Chris Hemsworth. Beyond the glitz of the red-carpet galas at the festival’s Ritz Carlton hub, the ‘place to be’ was the Vox Cinema multiplex in Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall. The venue hosted a series of intimate In Conversations with the likes of Smith, Cage and Berry as well as packed out screenings of local and regional features. Highlights of the latter included the Saudi premiere of Riyadh-set social thriller Mandoob, which met with a rapturous response from a youthful audience. The drama is the latest feature from rising local studio Telfaz11, which scored a box office hit with free-wrestling comedy Sattar earlier this year. Mandoob, revolving around a night courier who falls foul of an alcohol smuggling ring, has all the ingredients to achieve similar success. Another Saudi highlight was Tawfik Alkaidi’s drama Norah, about a young girl growing up in a remote farming community in the 1990s, at the height of the crackdown on cinema and other arts. Luhrmann was spotted quietly slipping into the screening, reportedly watching the work for a second time. The film appealed to local and international spectators alike, with one critic in the room declaring it should be Saudi Oscar submission next year. Just six years after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year cinema ban, its filmmakers are coming into their own. Deadline was out in force at the festival this year and you can read all our coverage here.

‘Crown’s Off To Them

Final hurrah: Whatever you think of The Crown and its various controversies, there is no doubt Netflix’s smash is one of the defining TV series of this generation. So it was no surprise that this week’s final season premiere hurrah was as glitzy as they come. Our roving International Editor-at-Large Baz Bamigboye strode the red carpet with queens, princes and princesses past and present, with an attendee list including but not limited to Imelda Staunton, Olivia Colman, Dominic West, Elizabeth Debicki, Jonathan Pryce, Gillian Anderson, Emma Corrin, Erin Doherty, Jason Watkins and Jonny Lee Miller. Speaking to Baz, current lead Staunton detailed how things had both changed and stayed the same following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last year, explaining: “[The Queen] got on with it and I took great comfort in that.” Baz and his fellow Crown attendees were then treated to the premiere of the final episode, one that was slightly altered by creator Peter Morgan following the Queen’s death. It ended in rapturous applause. This doyen of British TV shows is almost at its end and, while its creative team are no doubt looking forward to leaving the limelight for a bit, it will certainly be missed. Check out the full picture gallery here.

Spotlight On Singapore

Carola Frentzen/dpa (Photo by Carola Frentzen/picture alliance via Getty Images

Reporting from AFT: Sara Merican was on the ground at Singapore’s Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) this week and there was plenty for readers to get their teeth into. High-profile attendees discussed the issues of the day, including those that dominated the agenda of the recent WGA/SAG negotiations such as AI and dealmaking. Chinese streaming giant iQiyi hailed the integration of artificial intelligence into its development and pitching processes (“We can turn 2,000,000 words in a novel into an 8,000-word document that outlines the plot and includes character analyses,” said Chief Content Officer Wang Xiaohui), while execs from some of the world’s biggest production houses posited that Hollywood dealmaking has become more reliant on the international market. These weighty proclamations came as a report into the Korean streaming industry found subs had grown once again in the nation to around 19 million, coming as the local market braces for the merger of Tving and Wavve as they battle to take on the big American players. And check out this killer scoop from Liz, who broke the news that Parasite production outfit Barunson E&A is moving into the burgeoning Indonesian film industry.

Bye Bye Benjamin

Image: Tom Jenkins/Getty Images

“A proud Brummie and a proud Peaky Blinder”: Thoughts to the family of Benjamin Zephaniah, the iconic British poet and Peaky Blinders star who has died aged 65. Zephaniah was known for his radical and often deeply political poetry, his love for Jamaica, and his powerful and soulful delivery. He famously turned down an OBE, writing: “No way, Mrs Queen. I am profoundly anti-empire.” He was simply an inspiration for original thinkers. Born into a poor family, he left school in Birmingham at age 13 unable to read or write but used a typewriter to teach himself both skills. At this point he was already performing poetry live, and his unique style helped him become an influential voice in Black politics and identity, leading to meetings with the likes of Nelson Mandela and The Wailers. Tributes came flooding in about a man who touched all corners of British society. In a statement issued to Deadline, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy called Benjamin a “proud Brummie and a Peaky Blinder.”

The Essentials

Vertigo

🌶️ Hot One: Danny Dyer is leading Marching Powder from new UK distributor True Brit; read our exclusive interview with True Brit’s Zygi Kamasa here.

🌶️ Another: Netflix is poised to greenlight French and German versions of reality format Surviving Paradise.

🌶️ Another one: Jean-Claude Van Damme is starring in Kill ‘Em All 2, which will shoot in Antigua from Jan.

⛰️ Summit: UK children’s TV bods will gather early next year to explore how to resuscitate the ailing sector.

😠 Grant grumps: Curmudgeonly Love Actually lead said he “hated” playing an oompa-loompa in Wonka.

🏕️ Festival latest: Cannes Market has named Switzerland as 2024’s Country of Honor.

🏕️ More festivals: EFM boss Dennis Ruh talked us through changes at the Berlinale Series Market.

✂️ Cuts: Canada’s CBC/Radio-Canada is laying off 10% of its staff and the nation’s media guild is “shocked.”

🖕🏼 Excuse me?: A BBC News presenter was caught giving the middle finger to camera in an on-air gaffe.

🤝 Done deal: Letterkenny creator Jared Keeso signed a first-of-its-kind content pact with Crave & New Metric.

🖊️ Signed up: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, director of Kill, put pen to paper with WME.

🏪 Setting up shop: Hollywood’s The Gotham Group outside the U.S.

🍿 Box office: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has been confirmed for a theatrical release in Japan.

🌎 Global breakout: Nancy was on hand to spotlight Thai horror Tee Yod.

🖼️ First look: At The Traitors UK Season 2, launching January 3.

Melanie Goodfellow contributed to this week’s Insider

[ad_2]

Max Goldbart

Source link

December 8, 2023
I’m A Celebrity star Nella Rose admits she’s 'happy' as she tells fans 'not to worry' about her

[ad_1]

Nella Rose finally reunited with her family after leaving the I’m A Celeb jungle and she’s reassured fans that she’s all good.

The YouTuber, 26, had several clashes with her campmates including with Fred Sirieix and Nigel Farage.

Her argument with Fred saw her take offence due to a comment he made about being old enough to be her dad. While this became known as “dad-gate” on social media, Nella told her fans not to worry about her following the backlash she received.

Nella Rose agreed to have an interview with This Morning hours after Fred Sirieix was voted out (Credit: ITV)

I’m A Celeb star Nella thanks fans

Sharing a video with two members of her family on Instagram, Nella said: “I’m out, I’m in Australia. I’m with my family. Just want to say thank you to everyone who voted for me.

“Obviously, [bleep] has gone on on social media. But I just wanna say that I enjoyed my time in there. I faced my fears. Learnt a lot about myself. [Bleep] went down but it is what it is. I’m happy. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m enjoying my time here in Australia and I’ll see you soon,” she said.

This comes after Nella pushed back her post-show interviews on Tuesday (December 5) and pulled out of a scheduled remote appearance on Lorraine because she needed time to “process” her experiences in the jungle. However, she later appeared via remote link on This Morning moments before the latest evictee Fred Sirieix was due to be interviewed.

‘A big fat misunderstanding’

During her This Morning chat, the YouTuber told Emma Willis and Rylan Clark that her row with Fred was all just a “big fat misunderstanding”.

“We’ve gone over it, everything is cool, everything is blessed. I don’t know why everyone’s still crying about it. In the jungle, everything is intensified. That subject [parents] is very triggering for me because its a fresh wound but everything in the jungle is intense,” she added.

Fred admitted he was surprised at the hate Nella received (Credit: YouTube)

During her time in the jungle, Nella was voted camp leader where she fired Fred from being camp chef – instead putting him on pot washing duties. At the time she said it was his “karma” for making her “life hell”.

She concluded: “In the jungle the little bit of drama that happens is your EastEnders. I stirred the pot to make things fun, it’s just who I am.”

Fred Sirieix, meanwhile, said he was “surprised” at the hate Nella received and had nothing but kind words for his campmate: “It was a misunderstanding, the jungle is a pressure cooker. I was very surprised by the hate Nella received.

“It’s totally wrong and unfair and it’s not in my name. Nella is a lovely girl. Things happen, you move on and I don’t know what all the fuss is about,” he said.

I’m A Celebrity continues tonight (Thursday, December 7) at 9 pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Read more: I’m A Celeb star Fred Sirieix slams ‘hate’ Nella Rose has received: ‘It’s totally wrong’

What do you think of Nella Rose’s confessions? Head over to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix to share your thoughts.

[ad_2]

Entertainment Daily

Source link

December 7, 2023
I’m A Celebrity: Nella and Fred 'gearing up for round two', viewers predict, as row about dirty dishes erupts

[ad_1]

I’m A Celebrity fans reckon old adversaries Nella Rose and Fred Sirieix are getting ready for another clash following a fight over the washing up.

Last night (November 30), viewers saw frustrations growing over Fred’s strict camp rules. He got annoyed over the pots not being washed properly and the camp being a mess.

Both Josie Gibson and Nella Rose were not very quietly seething, and viewers reckon things are about to boil over…

Fred Sirieix’s growing frustration over the dirty dishes caused a stir in the camp (Credit: ITVX)

I’m A Celebrity star Fred is not a happy cook

The camp chef, 51, started a row over the state of the pots. Nella then shared her annoyance over how the First Dates star handled the situation with Nick Pickard and Josie. She said: “I washed both of those yesterday and put them inside of here.”

Hollyoaks actor Nick told the YouTuber, 26: “I think he’s being a little too pernickety.” Nella then added: “He’s bought them out and dashed them on the floor so now I have to wash them again.” Nick then explained: “He saidthey’re not clean.” However, Nella stood firm and replied: “But they were clean, barely anything on it.” She then fumed: “What is this? Are we in a camp or a dictatorship?” as Josie and Nick giggled.

She also pointed out that they were in the middle of a “forest”, and the conditions aren’t exactly pristine…

Fans side with Nella during the clash

This led fans to believe that something might be brewing… But not in a dirty pot!

Taking to Twitter, one viewer wrote: “Nella and Fred look like they are gearing up for round two over a few dishes.” Another suggested: “Fred and Frankie [Dettori] are turning into mean girls! Is the tide turning??? Are we gonna become Team Nella!! Hmm.” A third said: “I sense another Fred vs Nella confrontation coming on.” Another added: “Nella vs fred round two”

“Nella and Josie washing up then Fred throwing them on the ground because they’re still dirty??! he’s so picky!” said one more fan. “Nah I’m sorry but I’m on Nella’s side on the dishes situation. Fred could have been respectful about it. At least Nella speaks her mind.”

Fans have predicted another fight brewing with Fred and Nella (Credit: ITVX)

Another wrote: “Nella is 100% right!! They’re in a jungle, the dishes aren’t going to be spotless all the time!! What Fred did was rude, I’d go mad if he did that to me.”

Elsewhere, Nella’s previous clashes with fellow campmates Fred and Nigel Farage sparked 2,000 complaints to Ofcom. Can we expect a repeat performance tonight? Find out at 9pm…

Read more: I’m A Celebrity: Fred and Nella feud is ‘on pause rather than forgotten’, body language expert claims

What do you think of Nella’s clash with Fred? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.

[ad_2]

Entertainment Daily

Source link

December 1, 2023
I’m A Celebrity: Nigel Farage’s ‘secret girlfriend’ Laure Ferrari is ‘booked to fly out to Oz to greet him’

[ad_1]

After reportedly being in a relationship for six years, I’m A Celebrity campmate Nigel Farage‘s secret girlfriend has been tipped to confirm their relationship by meeting him as he exits the jungle.

Nigel, 59, has been linked with a French politician Laure Ferrari, 44, but hasn’t confirmed their relationship. However, now reports in The Sun suggest that Laure is part of the family and friends group that will head out to Australia.

Nigel Farage will meet his girlfriend when he leaves the jungle (Credit: ITVX)

I’m A Celebrity news: Nigel set for bridge reunion

“Nigel and Laure have been linked for years. Ever since she first moved into his house in Chelsea and was seen taking the bins out,” a source claimed to the tabloid.

They added that Nigel has never confirmed his relationship. This is because he’s said to be an “incredibly private person” and guarded about his family life.

The source went on: “But there was a feeling if there was ever a time to open that door, it was now. It felt like a huge step for Matt Hancock to invite his controversial girlfriend Gina Coladangelo out to Oz last year. But the move proved to be a PR masterclass. It somewhat helped towards his redemption after their lockdown-busting affair.”

It’s claimed Laure and Nigel have been dating for six years (Credit: YouTube)

He appointed her as a parliamentary assistant

The politician met Laure back in 2007 in Strasbourg. He then appointed her as his parliamentary assistant. From there she was made PR director of Farage’s parliamentary group Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy.

At the time, the duo were seen having a drink at a pub. Nigel told the Mail on Sunday she was someone he had worked with and “known for a long time”.

“It’s a working relationship. You can inflate it however you want to,” he said at the time.

Later on, it was claimed that Nigel and his German wife Kristen had been “living separate lives” for years.

ED! has contacted Nigel’s reps for comment.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity: Nigel Farage ‘still stinks’ despite washing every day, Josie Gibson claims, leaving fans in hysterics

What do you think of Nigel Farage’s secret girlfriend? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!

[ad_2]

Entertainment Daily

Source link

November 27, 2023
I’m A Celebrity star Jordan North was ‘dragged’ out of hotel by security after drunkenly entering someone else’s room

[ad_1]

I’m A Celebrity stars of years gone by may be old news as the new campmates settle in, but Jordan North has made sure he’s keeping himself in the headline.

The star, who appeared on the show in 2020, has revealed that he was once “dragged” out of a hotel in a drunk state after a wild night out with friends.

Jordan, 33, revealed in his new book Help, I Sexted My Boss that he accidentally broke into someone’s room and was then removed by security. And he admitted he was dragged out “kicking and screaming”.

I’m A Celebrity 2020 star Jordan North shared the news of a wild night out in his new book (Credit: YouTube)

I’m A Celebrity star Jordan North on his boozy misdemeanours

In an extract given to The Sun, Jordan admitted: “A good night is when you can barely remember what happened and I’ve had many of them. I think I can’t remember! After our Glasgow show in 2020. I went to meet a friend.”

“And I was so drunk I accidentally broke into someone’s room, got dragged out by security and bundled into a lift kicking and screaming. But I never get in lifts because I’m so claustrophobic. Eventually, at 5am I crawled into bed next to William [Hanson]. I’ve got myself into some states but it’s all part of the fun,” he added.

According to the Daily Mail, the former telly presenter was carried by “four bouncers” – one on each of his legs and arms on a different night out.

He joked about having an alibi

This comes after Jordan joked about having “an alibi” as police released a photofit of a similar-looking man.

The man in question was wanted by police in connection with a burglary. However, some fans spotted the uncanny resemblance and even replied to Lancashire Police. One fan wrote: “Think he’s called Jordan North.”

Jordan, meanwhile, provided his alibi.

In another Instagram post, he revealed one of his friends sent him the photo and joked about it. “Quite a few people have sent me this. If anyone asks. We were in the pub and had two pints of Guinness and a pack of cheese and onion.”

Read more: I’m A Celebrity 2023: Complaints about ‘boring and predictable’ height challenge pour in from disgruntled viewers

So what do you think? Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and share your thoughts.

[ad_2]

Entertainment Daily

Source link

November 20, 2023
Lorraine Kelly suffers distressing memories of Lockerbie bombing: ‘I still see the bodies’

[ad_1]

Lorraine Kelly was one of the first TV reporters to witness the terrible aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing in December 1988.

All 259 people on board Pan Am Flight 103, along with 11 people on the ground, died when the plane exploded in mid-air. It has been described as Europe’s deadliest terror attack.

Nearly 35 years on, Lorraine returns to the small Scottish border town to discover how residents have coped.

But even though her new documentary airs on ITV this evening, Lorraine has shared her distressing memories of the air disaster on several occasions over the years.

Police officers attend the site of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 (Credit: Cover Images)

Lorraine Kelly on Lockerbie

A few years ago, Lorraine chillingly recalled how she still ‘saw the bodies’ of victims over three decades on from the atrocity.

Lorraine admitted at the time that what she saw as she reported on the horrors have played over and over in her mind.

She reportedly said in January 2019: “I do sometimes get flashbacks. I still see the bodies.”

‘It was terrible, awful’

Lorraine also explained how she came to be among the first journalists at the scene after receiving a police tip-off.

“We got right up to the nose of the plane in the field. We were there before the police had put barriers up,” she said.

There were lots of bodies, some of them were still in their seats.

The presenter went on: “It was terrible. There were lots of bodies, some of them were still in their seats. It was awful.”

Lorraine Kelly ITV documentary concerning the Lockerbie bombing airs tonight (Credit: ITV News YouTube)

Lorraine has also previously indicated she believes her coverage had a decisive effect on the course of her career.

It has been reported her work at the time led to her position with TV-am.

She noted, almost ruefully: “The fact that dreadful, horrendous, terrorist atrocity resulted in me getting one of the best jobs ever.”

Read more: Lorraine Kelly suffered ‘flashbacks’ after ‘dreadful’ Lockerbie bombing

Return to Lockerbie with Lorraine Kelly airs on ITV tonight, Wednesday November 15, from 9pm.

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.

[ad_2]

Robert Leigh

Source link

November 15, 2023
Full I’m A Celebrity 2023 line-up CONFIRMED by ITV as Josie Gibson, Nigel Farage and Marvin Humes appear

[ad_1]

The line-up for I’m A Celebrity 2023 has been been revealed by ITV – and controversial Nigel Farage will indeed be featuring this year.

As well as the Marmite former politician, other members of the I’m A Celebrity line-up include Britney Spears’ sibling Jamie-Lynn Spears, This Morning anchor Josie Gibson and TV foodie Fred Sirieix.

Bookies have been quick to act, offering odds on each contestants’ chances of winning.

Fred Sirieix has been confirmed (Credit: ITV)

Nigel Farage confirmed as I’m A Celebrity line-up revealed

Amid the line-up is 59-year-old Brexiteer and former politician Nigel Farage. An insider claimed to The Sun ahead of the official announcement: “Nigel has been at the top of the wish-list for I’m A Celeb bosses for years.

“They’ve offered him a huge fee as they know he’ll drive up viewing figures. Ant and Dec will love this signing,” they continued.

Nigel’s the ultimate Marmite character and won’t hold back in camp discussions

“Nigel’s the ultimate Marmite character and won’t hold back in camp discussions. It’s a real coup. The casting team has nailed it. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant series,” the tabloid’s insider added.

Introducing the class of 2023 (Credit: ITV)

‘Who knew they needed another anus in the jungle?’

After hearing the news about who’s taking part, fans of the show then took to social media to share their thoughts. Many found the prospect of Nigel in the jungle too much to stomach.

“I do find it icky that ITV gives a platform to Nigel Farage on I’m a Celebrity. Okay, so they may be setting him up for a fall. But he gets a fee, it boosts his profile and it’s an endorsement of him as a public figure. Whole thing is problematic,” said one viewer.

“Who knew they needed another anus in Australia?” asked another.

“Hope Nigel Farage and Jamie-Lynn Spears get the boot from I’m A Celebrity first. Both vile people who don’t deserve the platform the show gives!” exclaimed a third.

“For the first time, I’m not going to watch I’m A Celebrity. I have to hit the mute button whenever Nigel Farage appears on TV and I can’t really be [bleep]ed with doing that multiple times every night until he gets evicted. See you next year,” a fourth stated.

However, according to AceOdds, Farage has an 18/1 chance of winning. Worth a punt?

Nigel is going in! (Credit: ITV)

Who else is appearing?

Joining Nigel around the I’m a Celebrity campfire will be journalist Grace Dent, Hollyoaks star Nick Pickard, Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson and social media queen Nella Rose.

EastEnders star Danielle Harold, who played tragic Lola Pearce on the soap, is also set to appear.

Britney Spears’ sister, Jamie-Lynn Spears is also headed in to the jungle – weeks after her famous sibling slammed her in her recently-released autobiography.

This Morning anchor Josie Gibson has also been confirmed following news that she had bagged a massive deal with ITV to appear on the competition.

Also appearing is TV foodie and First Dates star Fred Sirieix, who will be swapping fine dining for jungle rations and various animal unmentionables.

And, after weeks of speculation, JLS star Marvin Humes has also been confirmed for the show.

Bookies odds as I’m A Celebrity line-up confirmed

William Hill thinks that it’ll either be Josie or Sam who are crowned the winners. Odds on either of them winning are currently at 3/1. They’re followed by Fred with 6/1 and Lola star Danielle and boy bander Marvin, both with odds of 7/1.

“Unlike the grub they’ll be sinking their teeth into, this year’s I’m A Celebrity line-up is shaping up to be one of the tastiest in recent memory, with Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson our early market favourite to win the Jungle Crown in December,” a rep said.

“Thompson is 3/1 to triumph in the 23^rd edition of the ITV show alongside Josie Gibson, placing them ahead of Fred Sirieix (6/1) in the outright winner market. ITV have certainly pulled no punches with their selection for this winter’s series. The controversial Nigel Farage is priced at 14/1 to uncharacteristically receive support on foreign soil.”

Will you be watching in spite – or because – of Nigel Farage?

Read more: I’m A Celebrity 2023: Alan Halsall ‘forced to pull out’ of appearance after he has surgery on his knee

I’m A Celebrity 2023 starts on ITV on November 19.

So what do you think? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!

[ad_2]

Joel Harley

Source link

November 13, 2023
ITV to air Vera Christmas special as Brenda Blethyn returns in feature-length episode

[ad_1]

ITV has confirmed that Vera is coming back this festive season with a mammoth feature-length special. But, as the cast return for Vera’s latest outing, a tragic death awaits.

The news comes as ITV announces its Christmas line-up. In addition to Britain’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal and Britain Get Singing, the broadcaster will also air a festive episode of its popular crime drama, Vera.

However, crime takes no time off over Christmas, and a murderer is set to strike over the festive period. Will Vera and her colleagues live to see Christmas? Who will die as the killer strikes again?

Vera will return for Christmas (Credit: ITV)

Brenda’s back in the Vera Christmas special

ITV has announced that the popular detective series will return with a feature-length episode based on Ann Cleeves’ 11th best-selling novel, titled The Rising Tide.

This story will see DCI Vera Stanhope thrust into a treacherous investigation in which she must untangle a web of deceit before another tragedy unfolds.

Set during the run-up to Christmas, Vera investigates the apparent suicide of a man named Rick Kelasall, at her boss’s insistence. Vera quickly deduces that there is more to Rick’s death than initially suspected – and that he was murdered.

With reason to believe that one of Rick’s closest friends was responsible, Vera attempts to uncover the culprit. But how far will the killers go to cover their tracks?

Could Vera and her team also be in danger?

The gang are getting back together (Credit: ITV)

The Rising Tide cast revealed

With Brenda Blethyn reprising her role as Vera, Kenny Doughty will also return, playing sidekick DS Healey. Jon Morrison will play DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, Ibinabo Jack as DC Jac Williams, and Sarah Kameela Impey as Dr Bennett.

Guest actors for this episode include Clare Holman, Jake Ashton-Nelson, Adrian Mills, Suzette Llewellyn, Brian Bovell, Orlessa Altass, Phil Cornwell, Adrian Rawlins, Kate Isitt, Felicity Dean, Natasha Patel, Sara Powell, Cora Kirk, Martin Turner, Eric Richard, Phillippa Wilson, Liz Crowther, Sam Halpenny and Peter Peverley.

Read more: What’s on ITV this Christmas? Deal or no Deal and Britain Get Singing among its exciting shows this festive season

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!

Joel Harley is a professional writer with a love of horror movies, Nicolas Cage and British soap operas. When not waxing lyrical about the Dingles and the Mitchells, you can find Joel writing for Total Film, Starburst and Comic Book Resources.

[ad_2]

Joel Harley

Source link

November 9, 2023
Wilma McCann’s son praises The Long Shadow: ‘I cried because finally the public has seen mum as I saw her’

[ad_1]

Wilma McCann’s son Richard has praised The Long Shadow for “humanising” his mum, who was Peter Sutcliffe’s first known victim.

Speaking ahead of the series’ final episode (Monday, November 6, 2023), Richard admitted that he had cried after watching the show, because “finally the public has seen mum as I saw her”.

The ITV dramatisation focused on Peter Sutcliffe’s victims, and had the support of the families. Far from glamorising the serial killer, the actor portraying him didn’t even appear until the penultimate episode.

This is very much a series about the victims, for the victims and their families. Something that Richard admits “hasn’t been done before”.

Wilma McCann’s son Richard McCann appeared on BBC Breakfast (Credit: BBC)

Wilma McCann’s son Richard praises The Long Shadow

Richard McCann, Wilma McCann‘s son, appeared on BBC Breakfast in November to discuss his mum, and her portrayal in The Long Shadow.

The Long Shadow has been telling the story of the five-year hunt for serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, and shining a light on his victims. The ITV series has also questioned the heartbreaking errors made by the misogynistic police force, who failed the victims.

Bradford-born lorry driver Peter Sutcliffe murdered 13 women and attempted to kill seven others between 1975 and 1980. Richard McCann’s mother, Wilma, was killed by Sutcliffe in 1975. She was just 28 years old, and is thought to be his first victim.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Richard – now a bestselling author, and inspirational speaker – praised The Long Shadow for “changing the narrative”.

The Long Shadow ‘humanises’ Wilma McCann

Speaking to hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, Richard said: “I think they’ve done a fantastic job of humanising the women and their families – I don’t think we’ve seen that before.

“I think at the end of the series on Monday, people will be left with different opinions of those families. The only thing I’ve really seen about my mum is that she was a prostitute – but it’s great to see how this drama has changed the narrative.

“Seeing mum put us to bed [in the show], I cried because finally the public has seen mum as I saw her. We’ve redressed the negativity.”

Speaking to Radio Times about the series, Richard said: “What ITV have done is told the story through the lens of the victims, the families, and we don’t often see that. So, what this particular drama does is it humanises them.

“For me, when I watched that, I just found it extremely moving. Because in Peter Sutcliffe’s case, many of the women, including mum, they weren’t seen as mothers or sisters or daughters. And what we saw was, in my mum’s case, a black and white picture – she was labelled as a prostitute, that was it.”

He went on to say that the police only seemed to start taking the investigation seriously when Jayne MacDonald was killed, who was a 16-year-old shop assistant.

Wilma McCann’s son and daughter as portrayed in The Long Shadow (Credit: ITV)

Why Peter Sutcliffe should not be called The Yorkshire Ripper

As reported by ED!, the show was originally named after Sutcliffe’s long-standing nickname. However, ITV changed the name after learning from the families how offensive the term is.

Richard McCann was one of these family members. He told BBC Breakfast: “Giving these criminals these labels, it almost glamorises what they’ve done.

“You could say it might have inspired him to continue doing what he did.”

During the interview, Mr McCann also revealed that a memorial will be created in Leeds to remember the women who were murdered by Peter Sutcliffe.

Does Wilma McCann’s son Richard appear in The Long Shadow?

In the first episode of The Long Shadow, viewers saw Wilma McCann’s four young children wake up to find their mother missing. Her body was subsequently found not far from her house. Tragically, Peter Sutcliffe struck her twice with a hammer before stabbing her 15 times in the neck, chest and abdomen. Wilma was earning money as a sex worker at the time of her death.

Scottish actress Gemma Laurie played Peter Sutcliffe’s first victim Wilma McCann. And Richard and his sister were also bought to life in the series.

Child actress Alexa Goodall played Wilma’s eldest daughter Sonia McCann, while Dylan Hall portrayed a young Richard McCann who was five at the time of his mother’s death. Tragically Sonia took her own life in 2007, after battling alcohol addiction.

Richard served time in prison on drugs charges before publishing two best-selling books – Just A Boy and The Boy Grows Up – about his troubled childhood.

Read more: ‘Embarrassing to watch’: The Long Shadow viewers left disgusted by ITV drama

The Long Shadow concludes on ITV at 9pm on Monday, November 06, 2023. It is also available in full on ITVX.

What do you think of The Long Shadow on ITV1? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.

[ad_2]

Helen Fear

Source link

November 6, 2023
Viewers’ 6 key complaints on everything that ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream got wrong

[ad_1]

Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream aired on ITV last night and the brand new entertainment show certainly got viewers talking.

But maybe not in a great way. While many loved the Abba-themed show, others wasted no time in complaining.

In case you missed it, the show saw 14 of the nation’s most talented musical theatre hopefuls head off to gorgeous Greece. And when we say the scenery was breathtaking… it was simply dreamy!

The hopefuls will be competing for the lead roles of Sophie and Sky in the West End production of Mamma Mia!.

But what did ITV viewers think of the new show? Let’s find out…

Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream aired last night (Credit: ITV)

Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream on ITV

The ITV programme seemed to be the love child of Love Island and The X Factor. It saw the hopefuls perform and show what they’ve got to the four judges – comedian Alan Carr, vocalist Amber Riley, theatre performer Samantha Barks and singer Jessie Ware.

Meanwhile, Zoe Ball hosted the glitzy show. It all started off on a great foot, but it wasn’t long before some complaints came rolling in from viewers.

From box ticking to the choice of judges, it seems aspects of the show didn’t go down too well.

The judges received a mixed reaction (Credit: ITV)

Choice of judges

The first complaint made by some viewers was the judging line-up. One person wrote: “As for the #MammaMia judges, I get Samantha Barks and Amber Riley, they’ve both done West End theatre, but I’ve never heard of ‘pop star’ Jessie Ware and whilst I love Alan Carr?”

Another added: “The judges are being far too kind considering it’s blatantly obvious several are wrong for the parts.”

Meanwhile, someone else wrote: “I like Alan Carr as a presenter…but I really don’t get the decision to make him a judge on this show.”

The Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream line-up (Credit: ITV)

Box ticking?

Some other viewers accused the show of ‘ticking boxes’. They thought that some of the contestants weren’t necessarily picked for their voices…

One person said: “Given that we didn’t see the auditions, I can’t help but think the finalists were chosen more for ‘ticking boxes’ purposes rather than their voices.”

Someone else claimed: “No way most of these were the best out of thousands of auditions just tick the diversity box to get through.”

Some viewers complained about the amount of screaming… (Credit: ITV)

Too much screaming on ITV show Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream?

Of course, the contestants were over the moon to be in Greece and performing on a Mamma Mia-inspired set. Who wouldn’t be?!

But it seems their excitement began grating on some viewers. Many complained about the amount of screaming! One said: “Sorry, but I turned off after 20 mins as too much screaming & not enough real singing!”

Another wrote: “We lasted a full 5 minutes of the new #mammamia programme. All the screeching made it like a 2nd rate cross between X Factor judges’ houses and Love Island.”

A third complained: “I didn’t make it as far as the singing, the screaming at the start was too much to bear. Turned off.”

Tough crowd, eh?

Zoe’s dunagrees even faced a bit of criticism! (Credit: ITV)

Zoe Ball

Now poor Zoe didn’t escape the criticism online as some took issue with her outfit choice! Channelling Meryl Streep’s outfit for character Donna from the Mamma Mia movie, Zoe opted for a pair of dunagrees.

One person tweeted: “I honestly think they edited the footage so we didn’t have chance to take in the true awfulness of Zoe Ball’s dungarees.” Ouch!

Others took issue with her hosting. One said: “It’s already annoying me. What a twee little show. Even Zoe Ball is annoying me.”

Another added: “I’m not sure so far, this hasnt won we over. Zoe Ball doing my head in.”

Me at 11:59am when the All-Inclusive buffet opens at 12pm #MammaMiaDream pic.twitter.com/qnWEE9VYJq

— Jet2tweets (@jet2tweets) October 22, 2023

Jet 2 music…

The show was sponsored by Jet 2. Which meant one thing. The return of Jess Glynne’s song Hold My Hand – the song the company uses for their adverts as well as flights.

And if you’ve ever been on a Jet 2 flight, you know it’s the last thing you want to hear on repeat. Especially when you’re coming home from your holiday!

Viewers thought the same as one tweeted: “If Jet2 are sponsoring #MammaMiaDream that means we’ve got to listen to that [bleep] Jess Glynne song for the whole series.” Yup.

Another added: “Jess Glynne Jet 2 ads haunting the new Mamma Mia series is nightmarish.”

Adverts

Other viewers believed the show was interrupted by too many adverts! One complained: “@ITV killing @MammaMiaMusical TV show with all these adverts!!!”

Another wrote: “@ITV @mammamiadream surely you’re taking the [bleep] with the adverts tonight.”

Someone else ranted: “Too many adverts – which accounts for why this show is so bloody long.”

BUT. There were plenty of viewers who loved the new show. One gushed: “Love love LOVE this! #mammamiadream.”

Another added: “Ahh I love it! Such a good fun, entertaining, family friendly show, and it’s Mamma Mia. I mean, what is there not to like.”

Read more: Meet the Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream contestants taking part in ITV show – from Giovanni Pernice’s tour co-star to industry newbies

Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream continues this Sunday from 6.15pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

What did you think of the show? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page EntertainmentDailyFix and then let us know.

Rebecca started her career at Entertainment Daily six years ago. She is now an Associate Editor for Showbiz. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of celebrity household names and TV, including entertainment shows and daytime television. She also works on delivering the latest news surrounding the Royal Family and the latest reality TV shows airing at the moment…

[ad_2]

Rebecca Carter

Source link

October 23, 2023
Dancing On Ice star will NOT return to ITV series, admitting: ‘I knew this day would come’

[ad_1]

In latest Dancing On Ice news, a veteran star will reportedly NOT return to the ITV skating series in 2024.

Pro star Matt Evers has departed the programme 17 years after he made his show debut.

Matt, 47, won the telly competition in 2008 when he was paired up with Suzanne Shaw. Other DOI skating partners have included Faye Brookes and Jorgie Porter – both with whom he placed second – as well as Pamela Anderson, Gemma Collins, and Ian ‘H from Steps’ Watkins.

Matt Evers enjoyed success as a runner up with ex Corrie star Faye Brookes in the 2021 series of DOI (Credit: YouTube)

Dancing On Ice news

US star Matt said in a statement: “I have some news to share. I knew this day would come at some point but I won’t be returning to Dancing On Ice this series.

“After 15 series of the show it was sadly time to hang up the skates for now. I have loved every minute of it (honestly!)

We have created some fantastic TV moments!

“I’ve had some incredible partners over the years and we have created some fantastic TV moments!

“I mean who can forget that fall from Gemma, or the wardrobe malfunction from Pamela?! And I was honoured to make history with H as the first ever UK same-sex televised partnership.”

‘I can now be totally 100% honest’

Thanking every one of his celeb partners, Matt added: “I’ll miss each and everyone on the show, in front and behind the camera – and all of you the fans too! But of course I’ll be watching and commenting – which I can now be totally 100% honest about so watch out – haha!”

He concluded: “I’m writing this from the West coast of the US in sunny Los Angeles. But I’ll definitely be back in the UK very soon so watch this space! This isn’t a goodbye but a ‘see you very soon’.”

Dancing On Ice 2023 saw Matt Evers team up with Patsy Palmer (Credit: YouTube)

ED! approached a representative for Dancing On Ice for comment.

A spokesperson said: “Matt Evers has been a huge part of the show from the very first series. He created some of the shows iconic moments, from performing the first ever headbanger on the very first show with partner Bonnie Langford, storming to victory with partner Suzanne Shaw in season three, and performing in our first ever same sex couple with Ian ‘H’ Watkins on season 12. Matt will always be a part of the Dancing On Ice family and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Read more: Dancing On Ice fans have already decided who they want to replace Holly – even though she hasn’t quit!

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.

Robert Leigh is a freelance entertainment and showbiz writer for Entertainment Daily with 20 years of experience working for nationals titles and magazines in the UK.

[ad_2]

Robert Leigh

Source link

October 21, 2023
Emmerdale casts newcomer Suni Sharma to bring romance for once lost villager

[ad_1]

After a huge 50th anniversary year in 2022, which saw plenty of deaths and exits, who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2023?

An exit has just been revealed as one of Emmerdale’s longest-serving cast members has announced he’s moving on.

And is anyone returning to Emmerdale? Here’s our round-up of who’s coming and going in 2023.

Who’s leaving Emmerdale in 2023?

Matthew will be appearing in Elf this Christmas (Credit: ITV)

David Metcalfe

David has been part of life in Emmerdale for almost two decades. But now, after 17 years with the show, actor Matthew Wolfenden has announced he’s moving on.

Matthew visited This Morning recently to talk about leaving the show and he admitted he was “so nervous” about his decision. But he added it was the right time to go.

He told viewers that David isn’t being killed off so the door will be left open for the stressed-out shopkeeper to return in the future.

“Who knows?” he teased. “I might be back.”

And he gave a few hints about how David might exit the show, mentioning that Victoria Sugden will be central to Mr Metcalfe’s departure.

Victoria and David fell for one another while he was still mixed up with serial killer Meena Jutla. They risked death (well, Victoria did!) and the disapproval of their friends to be together

But their romance fell apart when David lied to the police and told them Victoria had been driving his speeding van – when really it was him!

Now David’s feelings for Vic have resurfaced and it seems this could be what leads to him leaving the village.

He said there would be a “resolution of sorts” but added: “Victoria is the reason he leaves the village, put it that way.”

Matthew is taking to the stage when he waves goodbye to the Dale. He’ll be playing Buddy the elf in the West End production of Elf this Christmas, alongside Strictly star Tom Chambers.

Is Bernice saying goodbye to the village – again? (Credit: ITV)

Bernice Blackstock

In the summer, rumours were rife that Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice, had quit the show for the fourth time.

The Sun reported that Samantha had decided it was time to call it quits – again – and had told the show’s bosses she wanted to move on.

Like her co-star Matthew Wolfenden, Samantha will be treading the boards this Christmas – she’s appearing in Cinderella at the Alhambra theatre in Bradford this festive season.

But does that mean she’ll be saying goodbye to Emmerdale?

Who’s returning to Emmerdale in 2023?

Vanessa’s absence will only be temporary (Credit: ITV)

Vanessa Woodfield

Actress Michelle Hardwick announced she was expecting her second baby last year. Michelle and wife Kate Brooks already have son, Teddy, who is two. Michelle gave birth to baby Betty in November 2022.

Her maternity leave has meant Vanessa has been off screens again this year. Viewers watched as Vanessa decided to take a job in Canada.

She was meant to be going with love interest Suzy, but the pair split up over the lack of trust in their relationship. At the last minute, Vanessa left alone.

It’s not known how long Michelle is expected to take for maternity leave, but it’s thought she’ll be back at the end of 2023, which means things Vanessa could already be booking her tickets for a flight home!

But what will be waiting for her in Emmerdale? A rekindled romance with Suzy? Or newly single Charity?! And what will Ness’s return mean for new vet, Tom King?

Laura Norton has left as Kerry (Credit: ITV)

Kerry Wyatt

It was a busy few months for Kerry Wyatt in the build-up to her exit.

She confessed Chloe was in fact her real daughter, who she’d given up at birth. Then she discovered the truth about cheating fiancé Al Chapman. With life in the village all too much, Kerry decided to leave the village to take a job on cruise ships.

Kerry actress Laura Norton gave birth to her second child, with fiancé Mark Jordon, earlier this year, so the exit was to cover her maternity leave.

Although nothing has been confirmed, she expected to take roughly a year away from the Dales, as she did with her first child. And she has already appeared on a video call with Chloe after the young mum gave birth.

Kerry is expected to return to the village in November 2023 – but what dramas will she return with this time?

Who’s arriving in Emmerdale in 2023?

Caleb Miligan is Emmerdale’s newest arrival (Credit: ITV)

Caleb Miligan’s wife?

Emmerdale dropped a huge bombshell just before Easter when they revealed Caleb Milligan is the long-lost son of Faith Dingle and Frank Tate.

Caleb’s plan to steal Home Farm and ruin Kim Tate went very, very wrong when she caught him out – and kicked him out. Brother Cain also turned his back on Caleb when he discovered how Caleb had ruined Moira and her business as part of his plot.

Caleb ended up at the bottom of a cliff and it was revealed his son, Nicky, who had been working with his dad, had pushed him. Nicky and Caleb made up and are making a go of things in the village.

But what about Nicky’s mum – where is she? Do we know Caleb’s estranged wife? Is she already in town? Or have we met her before? She’s the last missing piece of the puzzle, so surely it’s only a matter of time before we get to meet her too?

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!

**This article is regularly updated to reflect ongoing cast changes in Emmerdale.

Carena Crawford has been in the soap game for 15 years, working on magazines including All About Soap, Inside Soap and Reveal. She’s pulled pints in the Rovers, the Woolpack, The Vic, and The Dog, interviewing the landlords, landladies and most of the regulars, and has been known to predict more than a few upcoming storylines.

[ad_2]

Carena Crawford

Source link

October 20, 2023