OHMYGOSSIP — ‘EastEnders’ boss Chris Clenshaw has teased returns for more legendary characters.
Fans of the BBC soap were delighted to see Ian and Cindy Beale actors Adam Woodyatt and Michelle Collins make a comeback last summer, and there could be more familiar faces on Albert Square in the build-up to next year’s 40th anniversary.
He told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot.
“Into the autumn and the end of the year, we’ve got quite a few treats coming up.”
Executive producer Chris refused to go into details on what exactly that could mean, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of long-departed characters coming back into the fold.
He said: “Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are. But it has to come from character, it has to come from story.”
He insisted “it all connects” on the soap in the lead-up to the 40th anniversary, and eagle-eyed fans may have already seen some clues about potential returns.
Asked if there have been hints in the scripts, he teased: “It would depend when they’re looking back from, but probably.
“The 40th has been in the works for quite some time and Christmas is well under way.
“In the story office there is a board and it all connects. I compare it to a tapestry board, everything has to fit together.”
Michelle previously admitted she almost “crashed the car” when she heard ‘EastEnders’ bosses wanted to bring Cindy back.
Speaking on ‘The One Show’ in January, she said: “I was driving somewhere up north and had Bluetooth on, of course. I got the call, John Cannon called from ‘EastEnders’ asking if I would go back.
“I nearly crashed the car actually, I was like ‘I’ve got to stop!’ I had to pull over. Then I thought ‘I’ve got to phone Adam [Woodyatt, Ian Beale].’
“He said, ‘I’ve just had the call, have you?’ and we both said yes!
“I didn’t want to go back for one episode. It wouldn’t have been worth it. I wanted to make sure it was planned properly. It was a big move for me. I had to make sure it was the right decision. If I left five years ago, I would have said no.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Chris Packham has bashed Tottenham Hotspur F.C. over plans to turn part of a public wildlife park into football fields.
The ‘Springwatch’ presenter, 63, has long been an advocate of the environment, and he has now taken aim at the sports club after bosses revealed they would build a women’s football academy on some of Whitewebbs Park in Enfield, north London.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he said: “There’ll be no football on a dead planet….what we are up against is the bloated monster that is the football Premier League with its unfortunate economic might. This is another case of David versus Goliath.”
Chris described the move as “absolutely nonsensical”.
He continued: “What’s the score at the moment? Tottenham: 1, Planet: Nil. That’s it isn’t it.
“If they’ve done without the astro turf and pitches up until this point then why do they need it there now? We are going to lose so much valuable space for what are essentially football pitches. We are losing that acid rich grassland to a small group of people behind fences who kick a ball around. It’s absolutely nonsensical.”
Spurs stated The Women’s and Girl’s Training Grounds will take up roughly 18 per cent of the Whitewebbs area – with the club vowing to repair a local pond, plant 3,000 new trees and create a “biodiversity corridor” in the area – but Chris insisted “every last square of greenery” needs to be protected at all costs, particularly in major cities like London.
He argued: “This is at a time where we are conscious of the fact we need to protect every last square of greenery, particularly in cities where it has multiple values.
“It’s not just about nature conservation, it’s about people’s mental health and access to nature for people who are living in a crowded urban environment. It’s absolutely bonkers and Spurs are totally disconnected from reality.”
The conservationist emphasised “nature needs to come first”, and insisted Spurs should look to build the academy “somewhere where it doesn’t matter”.
He explained: “The reality is that we can’t afford to lose anymore green spaces in our cities, they keep the cities cool. You only need a map to look at the world, to see that many parts of it are cooking.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Charlotte Bellamy was once rushed to hospital after suffering a nasty accident on set.
The 51-year-old ‘Emmerdale’ actress – who has played Laurel Thomas on the ITV soap since 2002 – revealed she had to be raced to A+E when a “blunt knife” slipped and cut “the top of [her] finger off” while she was wearing a fake baby bump for the programme.
During an appearance on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’, Charlotte was asked about the time she ended up in hospital and said: “This is something that happened on set years ago.
“During filming, I was making a bolognese, as you do, with a very blunt knife and I’m chopping and on the take I chop the top of my finger off.”
The show’s prop man had to accompany her to the hospital while she wore the fake baby bump, and joked doctors were “more worried” about her fake unborn child than the finger injury.
She continued: “At the time, I was pretend pregnant as Laurel so I had to get rushed into A and E with the prop man and with my pretend bump.
“They were so confused and they were more worried about my baby, but obviously my baby wasn’t real and nor was my husband.”
Host Lorraine Kelly added: “And then you have to go, ‘That’s not my husband and the baby isn’t real but I have actually chopped the top of my finger off with a knife while making bolognese for a show’, and they go, ‘Ahh ok’. It’s bonkers, isn’t it?”
In tonight’s (03.07.24) episode of ‘Emmerdale’, Laurel suddenly collapses in a church after having a heated argument with Jai Sharma – played by Chris Bisson – leaving her shocked step-daughter Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) to call an ambulance.
Away from the show, Charlotte has children Sunnie, 20, Herbie, 17, and Teddie, 16, with her real life husband Mungo Denison.
Speaking to Lorraine, she admitted the trio were “harder as babies”, but are now “funny” and “very independent” now they’ve grown up.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Gemma Collins would “happily” swap her TV career to “sell pants and plus-size dresses”.
The former ‘TOWIE’ star, 43, is one of the biggest reality TV icons, but the GC insisted she’d be just as successful running her own market stall.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, she said: “I’d love to run market stalls. I’d happily do that tomorrow. I’d sell plants and plus-size dresses. It’s what the people want. I know I’d kill it.”
While the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ alum would love to be a market seller, she admitted her agent wouldn’t be as keen on her becoming one because the profession wouldn’t be a big earner.
She added: “I’ve had conversations about having a market stall, but my agent won’t let me do it because it wouldn’t make as much money.”
“But if I’m passionate about something then I like to do it. It’s never about the money for me. I like being with people. What’s meant to be will be.”
Before becoming a reality star, Gemma worked in clothing stores and as a BMW sales executive, though ultimately moved into the showbiz world once she was cast in ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ in 2011.
Since then, the ‘I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!’ star has become a household name, although she recently revealed she doesn’t identify with her public persona in her day-to-day life.
She told new! magazine: “The GC is very much the business, and there’s a whole series of events that happen before she appears – there’s make-up, the big hair, the whole performance. People call me GC and I’m like, ‘My name’s Gemma, not ‘The GC.’
“As Gemma, I’m all about my garden, growing my vegetables, [and] walking the dog. I’m a very homely, earthy person.”
Meanwhile, the former ‘Dancing on Ice’ contestant has also shared her dream of having an “earthy” wedding with her 49-year-old fiancé Rami Hawash.
She said: “If I get married, I’ll get married in the woods. I want it to be earthy.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Oliver Farnworth has joined ‘Emmerdale’ as the newest member of the Sugden family.
The former ‘Coronation Street’ actor – who played Andy Carver on the cobbles – will take on the role of John Sugden on the ITV soap, and his character is expected to shake things up for Victoria (Isabel Hodgins), the clan’s only remaining member.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. The show has such a rich history, and the Sugden family is integral to that.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my character to life and working with such a talented and dedicated team.”
The Sugden family was at the heart of the soap when it first launched in 1972, and it’s yet to be revealed exactly how John fits into their story, or what his relation is to Victoria.
She has been left as the sole member of the clan in recent years, with adoptive niece Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) focused on her Dingle roots, while her father Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) went on the run eight years ago.
Meanwhile, Victoria’s half brother Robert (Ryan Hawley) is in prison for murder, and their stepmother Diane (Elizabeth Estensen) made the move to Portgual three years ago.
Away from the Sugdens, John is also expected to become a love interest for another unsuspecting villager, with plenty to come after his arrival.
Elsewhere, Oliver has also appeared in ‘Hollyoaks’, and enjoyed success on stage in ‘The Girl on the Train’.
‘Emmerdale’ producer Laura Shaw said: “We are thrilled to have an actor with Oliver’s talent and presence join the Emmerdale family.
“The Sugdens have always been central to Emmerdale, and introducing a new member opens up exciting possibilities for future storylines.
“Mysterious John’s arrival will no doubt create a stir in the village for Victoria and the wider community.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Dad’s Army’ has been hailed “the best-ever use of licence fee money” by a former BBC chief.
The iconic sitcom – which focused on the UK’s Home Guard during World War II – first aired in 1968 and ran for nine series until 1977, with repeats still drawing in big numbers decades later.
The BBC’s former head of comedy Shane Allen told the Daily Star newspaper: “The show that has been the best-ever use of licence fee money in the history of the BBC remains ‘Dad’s Army’.
“When it’s on BBC Two, it’ll do a solid one million viewers and there are next to no clearance costs because the cast and writers are sadly no longer with us.”
The show was penned by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, and featured an ensemble cast including the likes of Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, John Laurie, James Beck, Arnold Ridley and Ian Lavender.
With the enduring popularity of ‘Dad’s Army’ and more recent hit sitcoms like ‘Friday Night Dinner’, Shane believes comedy is still vital to the Beeb.
He explained: “Other genres just don’t get rediscovered over and over.
“Is anyone watching the 2011 series of ‘The X Factor’? No. But ‘Friday Night Dinner’ from that year continues to perform consistently year on year, and will for decades.”
Earlier this year, legendary TV actor Ian Lavender – who played Private Pike in ‘Dad’s Army’ and was the last surviving cast member – died aged 77.
Ian was just 22 years old when he was given the role of Pike, and starred in all 80 episodes of the iconic British comedy.
A statement posted to the Dad’s Army Radio Show’s X account read: “We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful, Ian Lavender.
“In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad’s Army main cast.
“His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Tracy-Ann Oberman is to return to ‘EastEnders’ after nearly 20 years away from Albert Square.
The 57-year-old actress will reprise her role as Chrissie Watts this autumn, after she departed Walford in December 2005 when she was jailed for the murder of her husband, Den Watts, who was portrayed by the late Leslie Grantham.
Tracy-Ann said: “Chrissie Watts was such a great character to play – a victim or a villain. She is a real fan favourite so, when Chris Clenshaw asked me to come back and re-visit her and see what has happened in the last 19 years, I jumped at the chance.
“The scripts are fantastic and I hope the viewers enjoy her as much as I am enjoying playing her again.”
Chrissie made many enemies during her one-and-a-half-year stint in Albert Square, but the biggest was Den’s adoptive daughter Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders’ Executive Producer, added: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Tracy-Ann back to the iconic role of Chrissie Watts.
“Although the character hasn’t been seen on screen for almost twenty years, Chrissie is cemented in EastEnders’ rich history for her murder of Walford’s most infamous villain, and Sharon’s beloved father, Dirty Den.
“I’m keeping tight-lipped on the exact circumstances relating to her return for the time being, but what I can promise is that it’s never quiet when Chrissie Watts is around.”
During her time in Walford, Chrissie, alongside Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), buried Den under the floor of the Queen Vic barrel store, but she drunkenly dug up his body on Sharon and Dennis Rickman’s (Nigel Harman) wedding day.
However, her actions were uncovered when Sam’s brothers Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) returned to Walford to free their sister, and Chrissie was imprisoned.
Tracy-Ann – who has also starred in ‘Friday Night Dinner’ and ‘Doctor Who’ – has already started filming her ‘EastEnders’ return.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Stephanie Waring admitted her ‘Hollyoaks’ character Cindy Cunningham is “worthy of her tears”, as she bowed out of the soap after 28 years.
The 46-year-old actress was left devastated earlier this year when she discovered she had been axed from the Channel 4 soap as part of a cast cull, and she departed the programme on Wednesday (03.07.24) after filming her final scenes.
Stephanie took to Instagram to share a supportive message from her fiancé Tom Brookes, and she wrote in the caption: “I knew today would be hard. However I have been putting my feelings about saying goodbye to the life I have known for 16 years in a box. I thought “I will be fine I have been preparing for 3 months” I can’t wait to start my new life” .. I woke up to this message from my fiancé @tomtbrookes . It reminded me to feel.. it reminded me of how strong I am, it reminded me of what I have accomplished, it reminded me that I created a Hollyoaks Icon and she is worthy of my tears. It reminded me that I am loved and that I am so unbelievably lucky to have a man who sees me for me in my life. Who sees the beauty and the brilliance, the flaws and loves them anyway.
Today I say Goodbye and I will feel it and cherish all of my memories. Cindy let’s do one last take! (sic)”
After shooting her final scenes, Stephanie took to her Instagram Stories to cheers her character with a pint and a spaghetti Bolognese in an Italian restaurant.
She wrote: “Here’s to you Cindy!!”
‘Hollyoaks’ star Ross Adams – who plays Scott Drinkwell in the soap – wrote on his Instagram Stories: “Thinking of you today @stephwaring on your last day at Hollyoaks.
“Scott and Cindy didn’t get much together over the years but when we did, it was always a joy working with you. You should be so proud of Cindy. Forever an icon. Now fly high (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Vicky Pattison has landed a deal with E4 to showcase her wedding.
The former ‘Geordie Shore’ star – who is to wed fiance Ercan Ramadan, 30, after a two-year engagement – gushed about finally having her “happily ever after” while teasing there might be “tears and tantrums”, as it was announced they will be televising their Puglia wedding on E4, in a two-part special, ‘Vicky Pattison: Destination Wedding’, later this year.
The 36-year-old TV personality said: “Ercan and I are super excited to share our journey with E4 viewers.
“No doubt there’ll be tears, tantrums and tense moments over table plans! But ultimately, we can’t wait to start this next chapter of our lives surrounded by our incredible friends and family. I’m finally getting my happily ever after.”
Channel 4 dubbed the happy couple’s big day as “a reality royal wedding”.
The network’s Genna Gibson said: “It’s an honour to bring a reality royal wedding to E4. Vicky has shared her unique warmth and wit through many highs and lows over the years – growing up on our screens – and this two-part special is sure to be filled with emotions as she and Ercan get ready to celebrate the biggest day of their lives.”
Ercan – who was once a cast member of ‘The Only Way is Essex’ – popped the question to Vicky back in 2022 while beachside in Dubai.
Showing off her big sparkler, she wrote on Instagram: “I choose you and I’ll choose you over and over without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat… It’ll always be you. To our forever.”
Ercan added in a separate post: “She’s only gone and said yes..”
He added: “My Rock. Love you forever and always. Can’t wait to begin our new chapter together.”
Their engagement came after Vicky revealed she had opted to freeze her eggs because she had “chosen the cougar life”, opting for a younger man.
She told The Sun newspaper: “I have a man who loves me just as much in my baked bean-stained trackies as when I am dolled up to the nines, having spent three hours in hair and make-up.
“But at 34, I have decided to freeze my eggs. Ercan is only 28 and I have chosen the cougar life!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Danny Dyer has confirmed his ‘EastEnders’ character is dead – but hinted he could still return to the soap.
The 46-year-old actor left soap fans devastated in 2022 when he revealed he was leaving the BBC One show after nine years, and his dramatic exit saw the character get lost at sea over the 2022 festive period.
While ‘EastEnders’ fans have been wondering ever since whether Mick is dead or alive, he has finally revealed his alter-ego has met his maker.
He told Heat magazine: “Everyone is asking when I’m going back to EastEnders, which is very interesting to me.
“But he’s dead!”
However, that won’t necessarily stop Danny from making an ‘EastEnders’ return.
The ‘Football Factory’ actor admitted Mick could be back in one of his alcoholic wife Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) dreams, or during an hallucination, as part of the show’s 40th anniversary in February.
He said: “Look, I take it as a compliment that people want me to go back. Who knows? If there’s no closure there, then maybe I would come back for a dream sequence. I don’t think Mick could just rock up covered in seaweed!
“I think if they did it right, with the 40th anniversary coming up, if they came up with an idea of maybe Linda drunk or hallucinating, then I would come back and do some scenes with her.”
Danny admitted he would welcome a return to the soap, because he misses working with Kellie.
He said: “You know, because I do miss Kellie, and I think maybe that would stop people asking me when I’m going back!”
Since departing Albert Square, Danny has gone on to appear in ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer’, and ‘Celebrity Gogglebox’, as well as land a role in British-Australian thriller ‘Heat’ and front game show ‘Scared of The Dark’.

Source: VacationHunter.Online