OHMYGOSSIP — Lord Sugar has started work on a TV drama inspired by his own life story.
The 77-year-old ‘Apprentice’ star – who founded consumer electronics company Amstrad aged 21, and is the former chairman of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club – is said to be exploring possible producers and writers to hire for the project.
A TV source told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “From the days selling computers out of the back of a van to leading his colossal Amstrad business empire, Lord Sugar’s trajectory in the business world alone is inspiring.
“Then add to the mix his work within politics, football and beyond – plus the showbiz sparkle since he became the face of the BBC’s ‘Apprentice’ – and you’ve got a very rich tapestry for an amazing story.”
Discussions are said to be in place about whether to make a “straight biopic” about Lord Sugar’s life, or a drama “inspired by real-life events”.
The source added: “Talks are under way for the project, with ideas on the table spanning from a straight biopic through to a drama inspired by real-life events.
“Either way, as Lord Sugar approaches his 80th, he’s as keen as ever to stay ahead of the curve and sees the project as an interesting way to update his life story beyond everything covered in his 2010 autobiography.”
Lord Sugar is currently fronting the 18th series of BBC business show ‘The Apprentice’, and he has previously admitted he wants to at least reach a 20th series of the show.
Quizzed on whether he has an idea of how long he wants to do the show given the 20th anniversary is around the corner, Lord Sugar said: “Well, obviously we’re going to do that. No question.
“But bear in mind, it’s not my call, it’s the BBC’s call.
“They’re the ones that will decide whether the programme has got longevity beyond 20 series.
“I have a contract to do series 19, I don’t have a contract to do series 20 yet, but I’m pretty damn sure that I’ll ask them to do it and we’ll do it.
“But it’s really up to them. It’s up to their scheduling and all that type of thing.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Jo Brand has had to deal with criticism and bullying in the comedy industry for 40 years.
The 66-year-old stand-up began her act in the 1980s as part of the new wave of ‘alternative comedy’, and she admits that she has had countless insults hurled at her, mostly about her weight and looks.
But Jo insists that no audience heckler has ever really hurt her because she developed a very thick skin when she worked for 10 years as a psychiatric nurse, first at Cefn Coed Hospital in Swansea, Wales, and then at Maudsley Hospital in South London.
Appearing on the podcast ‘Great Company with Jamie Laing’, she said: “I’ve had that for nearly 40 years. I’ve been spat at, had drinks thrown at me. But having been a nurse on locked wards, I was used to getting some much better abuse, to be honest with you. Much more imaginative and much more cutting, you know? For example, someone would shout, ‘F*** off, you fat cow’. And it wasn’t like I hadn’t heard it before.
“I had heard it before, better – accompanied by a side dish of how they were going to kill me, or they were going to rape me. And I’ve been hit as a nurse – I’ve never been hit as a comic. I’ve had beer thrown at me, but you know.”
As a plus-sized woman, Jo – who first performed under the name “Sea Monster” – has always expected jibes from men about being overweight, but she became a specialist in coming back with an acerbic putdown which would often get a bigger laugh than her initial joke.
She explained: “I would say something like, ‘Oh, don’t worry, I deliberately keep my weight up so a tosser like you won’t fancy me’. So that would get a bigger laugh than the original heckle. As soon as you show a bit of vulnerability and start to falter a bit, audiences get worse. You can’t show any vulnerability at all.
“A woman in her early 80s came up to me in central London. She said, ‘I saw you many, many years ago and I remembered all your best putdowns. I’ve used them so many times with people that have been rude to me or shouted at me and they’ve just been brilliant, so thank you.'”
The ‘QI’ regular insists that resistance to a woman doing comedy doesn’t just extend to comedy club gigs but also on the corporate circuit, but she has developed many tricks to appease even the most potentially tricky audiences.
Recalling one set she performed at a hotel for approximately 900 builders, she said: “When you do those gigs, they don’t know who’s going to come on, so you’re kind of a surprise. So I got announced and I could just hear basically an audible sigh of despair. So I said, ‘I can tell you’re looking at me and thinking what on earth does she know about building. Well, my dad is a structural engineer, my brother’s a quantity surveyor, and my husband’s an effing plank’. That got a massive laugh and then they were much warmer to me.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Lorraine Kelly has “always wondered what might have been” after suffering a miscarriage more than 20 years ago.
The 64-year-old presenter has daughter Rosie, 29, with husband Steve Smith but she suffered a pregnancy loss almost 25 years ago and recalled being “very aware” of how it affected her entire family but is pleased that such issues are more openly discussed these days.
She told Saga magazine: “Sometimes I wonder what might have been. You’ve got this parallel life that didn’t happen. I do remember vividly the time when someone said, ‘Oh this is very common’. “They were trying to make me feel better, which made me feel worse. I thought, ‘Oh my God, so many people feel like this.’
“And I was also very aware that it didn’t just happen to me, it happened to Steve, to my mum. It has a ripple effect.
“I think it’s good that we are talking about things like this a lot more. We are more open, and you should be. You should be allowed to grieve and go through that whole process the way it suits you. “Some people don’t want to talk about it, and some do. It’s whatever suits you best.”
The former GMTV presenter and her husband tried unsuccessfully to conceive again with her husband but it never happened for them and while she thinks it “would have been nice” to have had more children, she feels “lucky” to have Rosie.
She said: “It didn’t happen for us.
“We weren’t doing anything to stop it from happening. But we never went down the road of doing anything about it, like IVF or tests. And by the time you realise it’s not happening… I was in my early forties, and just thought our time had passed. But we were very lucky to have Rosie, a happy, healthy kid. It would have been nice, but equally there are a lot of positives with just having the one.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sue Johnston struggles with her self-confidence.
The 80-year-old actress has been a mainstay on British television for decades and finds it “easier” to act on screen than be herself so fears that work might eventually dry up.
She told Woman’s Weekly magazine: “It’s pathetic, I know, but I’m just not good at being me. Really at my age, I should know better, but it’s a confidence thing and I’ve always had it. I’ve never had therapy for it, but it’s like you think you’re not very nice or people won’t like you. Where does that come from? I’ve had it since I was a kid. I think a lot of actors have it – that’s probably why we act, because to become someone else is much easier than to be yourself.
“When I’m working, I’m so happy. That’s why I dread drying up and not working again. That would just be tricky.”
Meanwhile, the former ‘Brookside’ actress explained that isn’t normally interested in taking part in reality TV but would love the chance to take part in the BBC Latin and ballroom show even though she thinks she is probably “too old” to do it now.
She told Woman’s Weekly: “I don’t fancy reality shows, but I would have done ‘Strictly’. I was asked, but at the time I couldn’t do it, and then when I was available, they didn’t ask, and now I’m probably too old!”
The ‘Royle Family’ star explained that she would like a shot on the programme because it would enable her to learn a new skill and was particularly impressed with how tennis legend Annabel Croft used her place in last year’s show to deal with the grief of losing her husband Mel to cancer.
She said: “That’s the one I’d do because you learn something. It’s just wonderful to watch people who haven’t danced become dancers. And watching Annabel Croft last year overcome her grief and to see the love that she and Johannes [Radebe] had as partners, it was joyful. It wasn’t just about dance,
“I’d want Johannes. He is adorable. I would probably have been given Anton [Du Beke] and I certainly wouldn’t have minded Anton.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Kelly Brook’s new TV show called ‘La Dolce Vita’ has reportedly been picked up by ITV.
Last year, the 44-year-old model/TV presenter filmed a pilot for a new series called ‘La Dolce Vita’ in the style of Jeremy Clarkson’s hit Amazon show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ featuring Kelly and her husband Jeremy Parisi attempting to harvest olives at his family’s estate in Italy – and a new report suggests it’s found a home at ITV and will air in a daytime slot.
According to The Sun newspaper, ITV have yet to reveal when the show will launch but it’s set to be broadcast as part of the channel’s daytime schedule.
Kelly previously declared she was thrilled to embrace her husband’s Italian roots for the show.
In a post on Instagram, she explained: “Last autumn, my husband and I filmed a pilot on his family farm in Italy during the olive harvest and captured the absolute beauty of where he is from and the beautiful family I am now married into!”
Kelly went on to reveal she didn’t know if the pilot would become a full series, but she enjoyed making it with James Corden’s Fulwell 73 Productions.
She added: “Thank you @fulwell73productions for making this dream a reality and capturing so many wonderful moments on film! We are not sure if this pilot will ever become a TV show however we are hoping one day it might!”
The former ‘Big Breakfast’ presenter added the region is where the couple married in 2022 and they are hoping to spend more time there in the future and learn more about harvesting olives.
She went on to write: “Arpino is where we were married and is definitely a place we will be spending more time in the future and I’m looking forward to learning more about the business of olive oil farming.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Bloodlands’ has reportedly been axed after just two seasons.
The hit BBC One police drama starring James Nesbitt as DCI Tom Branick – which was filmed in rural Northern Ireland and also saw Victoria Smurfitt play Olivia Foyle – is said to have been scrapped, according to The Sun.
Charlene McKenna – who played DS Niamh McGovern – previously suggested a third series wouldn’t be happening – despite wanting to reprise her role.
She told the Belfast Telegraph: “I want a series three so much, but, no, I don’t think so.
“Bloodlands may have reached its natural conclusion with James Nesbitt’s character, DCI Tom Brannick, being revealed as serial killer Goliath, but I really wanted one more season for him to finally get his comeuppance and for me to be the one to serve it to him.”
The first series was at one point the broadcaster’s biggest show, with an average of 8.2 million viewers in one month.
‘Bloodlands’ – which was created by writer Chris Brandon – told the story of Northern Irish police detective Barnick, who aims to track down a legendary assassin after a car containing a possible suicide note is pulled out of Strangford Lough.
The BBC also recently axed the popular comedy ‘Motherland’ after four seasons.
Diane Morgan, who played single mother Liz, told The Times: “I hate to say it because I still get women running up to me with prams in the street asking me when it’s coming back.”
However, it’s not all bad news, as she claimed a spin-off focused on Lucy Punch’s character Amanda is in the works.
She teased: “It’ll live on through her. The ladies with the prams will be pleased hopefully.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Jonathan Ross thinks ‘Tipping Point’ bosses make things “easier” for celebrities.
The 63-year-old chat show host and weighed in on the celebrity edition of the ITV1 daytime quiz show and suggested famous faces get special treatment when it comes to the questions they have to answer.
Speaking on his ‘Parenting Hell’ podcast, he said: “They make it easier when the celebs are on. The questions are always a little bit easier.”
Comedian Rob Beckett, 38, was on Jonathan’s podcast, and as another former ‘Tipping Point’ contestant he admitted there were ways to get a more favourable set of questions.
He teased: “The key in the ‘research chat’ is to act really thick.”
Jonathan quipped: “‘Have you heard about a guy called Napoleon?’ ‘Yeah I’ve heard of him. Waterloo…’
“Then, first question, ‘Where did Napoleon meet his defeat?’ ”
The quiz show – which is fronted by ‘This Morning’ host Ben Shephard – sees contestants answer questions to win counters which they use on a large coin pusher arcade-style machine in an attempt to win big.
The 49-year-old presenter has fronted the show since 2012, and he previously praised those who sign up for the show as “incredibly brave”.
He told the Daily Mirror: “These people are under pressure in an environment and their minds go blank and they can’t think of anything and the words don’t make sense.
“And I just have so much admiration for all of them. There have been some amazing answers but to be fair to all those people that come in, they are incredibly brave to take on the machine.”
The former ‘Good Morning Britain’ star – who made a name for himself hosting ‘GMTV’ alongside Kate Garraway in the early 2000s – would “hate” to think anyone was worried about making a fool of themselves because he has done that “a number of times” while working on the show.
He added: “And I would hate to think anybody would be nervous about coming in because they’re worried about making a fool of themselves, because I have done it on a number of occasions, and continue to make a fool of myself regularly.
“And I think that anybody can, when you’re under pressure like that. And hopefully they feel like we’re laughing with them and not laughing at them, because I would hate that to be the case.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Clara Amfo is launching a live primetime music show on ITV.
The 39-year-old presenter – who previously hosted her own show on BBC Radio 1 – is set to front ‘ITV Studio Sessions’, with the series expected to hit the airwaves next month.
She said: “I am thrilled to be part of something brand new on ITV with ‘Studio Sessions’, as I wholly believe that music performance on television is still such a treat for artists to do and for their fans to enjoy.
“As the host and consultant producer, I’m truly looking forward to having rooted conversations with our guests, so that audiences can learn something new about them and, of course, see them celebrate their most beloved and new songs.”
As reported by The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column, the lineup is set to include the lieks of Jess Glynne, Yungblud, Becky Hill, Tom Walker and Cat Burns.
The six-part series – with a new episode each week – will see the featured performers grace the stage at the Blueroom in London’s O2 Arena.
They will each perform a mix of new tunes alongside cover versions of classic hits, while chatting with Clara in between.
It marks another joint venture between ITV and The O2, following the Brit Awards and ‘An Audience With Kylie Minogue’.
Meanwhile, Clara is no stranger to the format, having fronted ‘Live Lounge’ and ‘Future Sounds’ on Radio 1, as well as interviewing the likes of Sir Elton John, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar and Dua Lipa.
Back in December, she announced her departure from ‘Future Sounds’, and revealed she was looking forward to the next stage of her career.
She said: “I’m energised and excited for my next chapter as part of the network and beyond.”
‘Chart Show’ host Jack Saunders is taking over the evening slot, which he admitted meant his “dreams have become a reality”.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Claude Littner is set to return to ‘The Apprentice’ next week.
The 74-year-old businessman will be back on the BBC’s entrepreneurial competition as he interviews the final five candidates, and he’s looking to “challenge” their plans.
As quoted by the Daily Star newspaper’s Hot TV column, he said: “I always ask the tough questions and look for honest and straightforward responses.
“That typically leads to a productive and constructive interview.
“My objective, having spent a considerable period leading up to the interview analysing their plans, is to challenge their business plans.”
Claude previously worked as an advisor to Lord Alan Sugar on the BBC show alongside Karren Brady, but he had to step away from his duties after sustaining injuries in a cycling accident in 2021 and he was replaced by former winner Tim Campbell.
Last month, he admitted it’s not his decision whether he resumes his role as an advisor.
Claude made the admission during an exchange with a fan on X – formerly known as Twitter – after the follower asked him: “Forgive my naivety, have you stepped aside permanently from following candidates weekly or are you still recovering? Missing you in the show!”
The TV star then replied: “Honestly, that is not my call. I am fully recovered. Thank you.”
In a separate message, Claude confirmed he will be seen on the show during the latter stages, adding: “I will be doing the interviews.”
At the time of his departure, Claude insisted he would be paying close attention to the candidates’ antics from his sofa instead of the boardroom. He said in a statement: “Whilst I’m disappointed that I won’t be out and about covering the tasks or in boardroom for this upcoming series, I’ll most definitely be glued to the action from my sofa.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Rebecca Bissonnet missed ‘The Repair Shop’ call because she was too busy buying cake.
The textiles guru – who once repaired Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation dress – is joining Jay Blades and the team on the upcoming series of the BBC restoration show, but when bosses initially tried to get in touch she didn’t actually answer the phone.
As quoted by the Daily Star newspaper’s Hot TV column: “‘The Repair Shop’ rang me as they were looking for a textiles expert.
“They had found my details through my website and I actually missed the cal because I had just popped next door to the village shop to buy cherry cake.
“I rang back and had a good chat followed by a Zoom call and that was it!”
The new six part series stars on April 10, and she has loved her experiences filming the show.
She added: “Some of the stuff brought in would be so expensive to fix, as it’s so time heavy. Heads-on work is so intensive.
“So we’re helping restore, repair and conserve items, giving conservation to people that may not necessarily have the resources to have them restored themselves, and it means they’ll now be future-proofed and be around for years to come.”
Rebecca – who has an Irish dancing dress in need for intricate repair work in the second episode – has previously working restoration in places like Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace.
For the upcoming series, the team have travelled all over the UK from the linen mills of Northern Ireland to an Italian treasure that found a home in Liverpool.
The fixes include cowboy boots with a wild connection to Sir Elton John, a Roald Dahl gate, and even a World War II code breaking cookbook.
Jay Blades said: “The show goes from strength to strength, and I think that is simply because we’re talking about community, it’s all about working together as a team and achieving a common goal for someone.
“It was great to welcome Rebecca to the barn, she just fitted like a glove and it’s always so special to be able to learn different skills from different people.”
“We can’t wait to share these new episodes.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online