OHMYGOSSIP — Diane Morgan wants more “stupid comedy” on television.
The 48-year-old actress stars in the title role of BBC sitcom ‘Mandy’ – in which she plays a jobseeker constantly finding herself in bizarre situations – and insisted that some programmes at the moment may have a high budget, but it doesn’t make them come across any “funnier” on screen.
She told The Times: “‘Mandy’ is stupid. I don’t think there’s enough stupid stuff. Most [comedies] have always got a bit of drama or a bit of romance … and it looks like it has a lot of money spent on it and you can spend a lot of money on having something look nice, but it doesn’t make it any funnier. In fact, I think it sort of impinges on it.”
‘Mandy’ has now returned for its third run of six 15-minute episodes and throughout the series so far, the character – who is notable for her blonde beehive and constant turning – has been revealed to have been married to Happy Mondays star Shaun Ryder, found herself being buried alive and was even sent into space.
But the ‘Motherland’ star first came to prominence when she began ill-informed investigative reporter Philomena Cunk, and recalled that it had been a “big risk” to pitch the concept to television bosses but it eventually “changed [her] life”.
She said: “It was a big risk, offering that up, and they went for it. I think that changed my whole life. I would say things sincerely and people would laugh, I think because of the flatness, it’s the flatness. Even if I try to sound enthusiastic, it comes out sarcastic, because it’s just flat.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Race Across The World’ is returning to the BBC next month.
The hit BBC show – which sees two-person teams racing against each other to win a £20,000 cash price – is set for its fourth series, and fans don’t have to wait along.
It’s been confirmed the new series will start on April 10 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The contestants and route for this year’s edition are yet to be announced, but the travellers will once again be able to take any route they like, providing they don’t use any phones or take any flights.
Meanwhile, a further fifth series of the show has already been commissioned, as well as the celebrity spin-off series.
Tim Harcourt, creative director at production company Studio Lambert, said: “Audiences seem pleased that the difficult and disarming undertaking of the Race was not watered down for well-known personalities and their loved ones.
“We are thrilled to be making another series for the BBC.”
Last year, fans were treated to the first ever celebrity edition, with Alex Beresford, Harry Judd, Mel Blatt and Billy Monger all taking part.
For the 2023 civilian series, the five pairs raced across Canada, going between Vancouver, British Columbia and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, while the previous series saw them battling from Mexico City to Argentina.
The celebrities started in Marrakech, Morocco, and finished in Tromsø, Norway, ‘Good Morning Britain’ weatherman Alex Beresford and his dad Noel narrowly beat McFly’s Harry Judd and his mum Emma to win the show after travelling through 24 countries to get to the finish line.
‘Race Across The World’ returns to BBC One and iPlayer on April 10 at 9pm.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Paula Lane auditioned for ‘Emmerdale’ several times before landing a role.
The 37-year-old actress is best known for having played Kylie Platt in ‘Coronation Street’ from 2010 until 2016 and is now playing receptionist Ella Forster in fellow ITV1 soap opera but revealed that she actually wrote to bosses of the Yorkshire-based serial asking for a part when she was a student more than 20 years ago.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “It feels like it was meant to be. When I was just starting out, my very first audition was for the part of Gennie Dingle, so it’s come full circle. I was still at drama school at the time – I hadn’t even finished my training – and I wrote a letter to them, including a picture. I said I was from Yorkshire, that I was training as an actor and that I loved the show and would love to work there.
“I auditioned to play Gennie and, unfortunately, I didn’t get the part, but then later I went up for a few more roles. I was up for Holly Barton – I was screen-tested for that and got down to the last four – and I then auditioned for another part as a lawyer.”
After leaving drama school, Paula worked in a coffee shop before taking guest roles in ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘The Royal’ before getting her big break in ‘Coronation Street’ and insisted that she doesn’t take her success for granted after her mother struggled to help her get where she is.
She said: “I never went to an acting class as a child and we couldn’t afford dance lessons – I had to do all that much later on. But it means I never take anything for granted. It cost £40 a time to audition for them and also the cost of travel to London. My Mum, bless her, put it all on her credit card, but sadly I didn’t get any of them.”
During her time on ‘Coronation Street’, Paula’s character Kylie sold her young son Max to half-sister Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) for £20,000, battled drug addiction, married David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), and endured a fractious relationship with mother-in-law Gail Platt (Helen Worth) but was dramatically killed off when she was stabbed in broad daylight by teenager Clayton Hibbs (Callum Harrison).
Since leaving the Manchester-based soap, Paula has appeared in ‘Father Brown’ and ‘Call the Midwife’ and starred in the 2018 UK tour of the musical ‘Kinky Boots’, playing the female lead of factory worker Lauren.
She got her role in ‘Emmerdale’ after inviting producers to see her in a production of ‘Quality Street’ early last year.
She said: “It was so different to anything anybody has ever seen me do. I never left the stage and I went through every single emotion with the character, so it was a great showcase. Afterwards they got in touch to say they wanted to meet me for the part of Ella. I was extremely flattered. Now, when I’m there filming in the village, I think – ‘oh my gosh, this is just the right fit for me.’ Emmerdale has always been there and at this time in my life it feels very welcome. It’s exactly where I feel I should be right now.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Gogglebox’ star George Gilbey has died at the age of 40.
The TV star – who came fourth on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2014 – passed away following an “accident at work” on Wednesday (27.03.24) morning, with ambulance crews unable to save him following a fall.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.
“We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
George’s sister confirmed the news of his death online.
She wrote: “Rest in eternal paradise brother. Far too young but god only takes the best.”
George made his ‘Gogglebox’ debut in 2013 with his mum Linda and his stepfather Peter – who passed away in 2021 – before leaving to appear on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2014. His family returned to the TV-watching show in 2016, before George left two years later, though his mother and stepdad continued without him until 2020.
A spokesperson for the show remembered George as “part of the family”.
Paying tribute, a Channel 4 representative said: “George was part of the ‘Gogglebox’ family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“The family have asked for privacy.”
George’s former ‘CBB’ housemate Ricci Guarnaccio has been left devastated by the news.
He wrote: “Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truly going to be missed my friend.
“Always lit up the room, cared for others + the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you GG.(sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Helen Flanagan was sent into a “psychosis for a few days” after a “really bad reaction” to medication.
The former ‘Coronation Street’ star has opened up about her reaction to her ADHD medication as she returned to social media following a few months off, and Helen admitted she was “emotionally struggling” with the split from her ex, pro footballer Scott Sinclair – who she has daughters Matilda, seven, and Delilah, five, with as well as two-year-old son Charlie – throughout December and January.
She wrote on Instagram: “Hey
Had a few months off from social but I’m back now xxx
So basically I really struggled mental health wise December/ January xxx I felt really not great in my head over Christmas and I didn’t really feel that much different when I took the kids away for new year xxx I had a lot of difficult things going on things I just can’t talk about on Instagram x I felt terrible, so I was due my theatre tour which I was excited about so when I came back from holiday I thought it was best for me to take some medication so I’d feel better and be able to cope better with being a working single mum of three and I was emotionally struggling with the break up from the father of my kids but I had a really bad reaction though to the medication ( an ADHD medication) and it sent me into a psychosis for a few days which I didn’t know I was in x I just love my kids so much x (sic)”
Helen admitted this was the reason she had to pull out of the theatre tour for ‘Cluedo 2’.
She explained: “this bad reaction though was a few days before rehearsals were starting and sadly I just wasn’t mentally well enough to do it xxx I was heartbroken as I’ve always been professional as an actress but i needed to stay at home and feel better for me and my kids, with the help of my amazing parents xxx (sic)”
But Helen now feels in a “really good, happy place”, partly thanks to undergoing “amazing” therapy.
She said: “I’ve always been honest on here and I feel in a really good happy place now xxx therapy can be amazing and I feel like I’ve worked on myself with things that were quite tough to me but I feel lighter now anyway sending love and please be kind (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Danniella Westbrook is among the stars who have paid tribute to George Gilbey following his tragic death aged 40.
The ‘Gogglebox’ star passed away following an “accident at work” on Wednesday (27.03.24) morning, and former ‘EastEnders’ star Danniella has been left “absolutely gutted” by the shock news.
She wrote on Instagram: “Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George.
“I’m absolutely gutted xxx. (sic)”
Father-of-one George – who had seven-year-old daughter Amelie – finished fourth on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2014, and one of his fellow former housemates, Dee Kelly, has been left “heartbroken” by his passing.
She wrote: “I’m so heart broken. I’ve left it till now to post because i just can’t get my head around it.
“My gawjus George, my friend. I’m gonna miss you, miss our chats, miss our messages.
“My love and prayers go out to Lynne and family and his beautiful little girl. (sic)”
TV star Lizzie Cundy wrote on X: “So very very sad about gorgeous George Gilbey’s passing . Such fun memories of him. Myself and @mrmarkdolan did the most funny interview with him after he had left the BB house . Thoughts and prayers with his family at this very sad time (sic)”
George, his mum Linda and his stepdad Pete McGarry – who passed away from bowel cancer aged 71 in 2021, days after he had been given six months to live – first appeared in ‘Gogglebox’ in 2013’s second series, but George left the show to enter the ‘CBB’ house.
Linda is said to have been left “in bits” following George’s death.
A pal told The Sun newspaper: “This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
“First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional.
“George was like her little treasure.”
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.
“We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
George’s sister confirmed the news of his death online.
She wrote: “Rest in eternal paradise brother. Far too young but god only takes the best.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Spencer Matthews has changed the way he eats since filming ‘Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales’, after he learnt about fasting on the show.
The former ‘Made in Chelsea’ star starred alongside former model Christine McGuinness, actor Tom Rosenthal, wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, and journalist Sonali Shah, among others, as they embarked on a personal journey on the BBC programme along a route that celebrates Celtic early Christian saints.
Spencer has told how he learnt a lot about fasting from Sonali, and he now fasts on a daily basis.
He said: “I have some lasting friendships from doing the show. I learned about fasting through Sonali Shah.
“I did a 24-hour fast whilst filming, to show solidarity for Jainism, which is an ancient religion.
“I began to learn a lot about fasting and that led me to read books about fasting and breathing and that got me on to Wim Hof and James Nestor and I’ve suddenly found myself reading books about spirituality.
“I really feel like I broadened my mind an awful lot on that pilgrimage, and I still fast.
“I have been fasting ever since the last week of the pilgrimage on a daily basis. So, I’ve taken that with me.”
Asked if there were any particular instances or experiences during the pilgrimage that triggered any kind of change, he replied: “I’d go back to the fast, that has changed the way I eat since filming.”
Spencer admitted the pilgrimage – which ended at Bardsey Island, the fabled “Island of 20,000 saints”, just off the western tip of the Llyn Peninsula – has made him feel “happier to be alive”.
He added: “The whole experience made me feel even happier to be alive, if you know what I mean.
“I’m very conscious of health and wellness now – although I kind of have been for a while – but I’m particularly conscious of certain things.”
‘Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales’ airs Fridays at 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 29 March 2024.
Catch all three episodes on BBC iPlayer from Friday 29 March.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Dragon’s Den’ bosses are reportedly keen to bring in Spencer Matthews and Eddie Hearn.
The long running BBC One business show – which gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors – celebrates its 20th birthday next year, and producers want to build on relative newcomer Steven Bartlett and guest Gary Neville to keep pushing in a fresh direction.
As reported by The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column, bosses have the likes of ‘Made In Chelsea’ star Spencer, boxing promoter Eddie, and food entrepreneur Ella Woodard on their wish list.
A source added: “This isn’t a done deal and the names are just suggestions.
“But they’re aiming for an eclectic mix of people who each bring something unique.
“They want to introduce some surprise additions too — such as Spencer who’s best known for being in ‘Made In Chelsea’ but also runs his own non-alcoholic spirit alternatives business, CleanCo.”
However, it’s said they won’t be looking to change any of the show’s established ‘dragons’.
The insider said: “They aren’t about to start swapping in new names for the long-standing dragons, they are complementary additions.”
Of the current dragons, Peter Jones is the only original star to still appear on the show, while Steven has only been on for three series so far.
Deborah Meaden has been part of the cast since its third series, while Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies joined in the 13th and 17th season respectively.
Meanwhile, Gary Goldsmith – whose niece is Catherine, Princess of Wales – is reportedly looking to build on his shortlived run on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ by taking his business skills to ‘Dragon’s Den’.
A source told The Sun: “Gary has a number of successful businesses, and he wants to use his new platform to help others.
“He has mooted the idea of becoming one of the Dragons and thinks it could be a great move for him.
“Gary is an astute businessman and the idea of helping out new entrepreneurs is something he’s keen to dabble in ”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Si King finds it “really strange” to be carrying on with work after Dave Myers’ death.
The ‘Hairy Bikers’ star – who is still mourning after his friend and co-star died from cancer last month aged 66 after a two year battle – has sent a message to fans as voting on a prestigious prize is set to close.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Dave and I were so chuffed to be nominated once again for the Fortnum [and] Mason Food Personality of the Year Award for the 4th year running.
“Dave was so proud of this award, particularly because it’s voted for by our loyal followers and fans, the people who matter most to us.
“It’s really strange for us all not to have Dave around but for now, we will keep posting on the Hairy Bikers socials to keep in touch with all those people who have been so kind over many years and particularly in recent weeks.”
Voting for the award closes at midday on Friday (29.03.24).
Other nominees for the award include Big Zuu, Mary Berry, James Martin, Jamie Oliver, Wareing, Nadiya Hussain, Rick Stein, Matt Tebbutt and the ‘Great British bake Off’ duo of Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
Rounding off the shortlist are Big Has and Poppy O’Toole, Tom Kerridge, Nisha Katona, and an “alternative choice” to vote for someone who hasn’t been nominated.
Si promised that the team will stay in touch with fans about various “projects which will live on”, and he’ll be seeing people in person at events over the summer.
He continued: “We’ll also keep you updated on the events and projects which will live on and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at some of the Summer festivals this year.”
Bearded celebrity cooks Dave and Si were well known as the Hairy Bikers.
They have presented numerous motorcycling travelogues together, in which they would travel around the UK, and further afield, on motorbikes and stop off to sample some local delicacies, as well as cook up some tasty treats themselves.
Si announced Dave’s passing last month as he wrote on X: “Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
“Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.
“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.
“Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Russell T Davies wants to make sure ‘Doctor Who’ can survive the demise of the BBC.
The showrunner – who returned for last year’s 60th anniversary specials with David Tennant and Catherine Tate – will be at the helm for Ncuti Gatwa’s upcoming first series in the TARDIS, and he has reflected on the significance of the partnership between the BBC and Disney+.
He told the ‘Firecrotch and Normcore: They Like To Watch’ podcast: “You’ve got to look in the long term at the end of the BBC, which is somehow surely undoubtedly on its way in some shape or form.
“What, is Doctor Who going to die then? No, you’ve got to prepare for that kind of stuff – but all of that is kind of the flim flam on top of the fact that I love it and it’s the only chance you have in television, for me, to really write in pictures.”
Russell also pointed to the current climate in terms of television and society, as we find ourselves in “a science fiction age” and “a world of streaming”.
He added: “We live in a world where every 11-year-old is watching Stranger Things because there are 11-year-olds kids in it and that’s their language, that’s their culture, that’s their references, that’s their muse.”
With the likes of ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Mandalorian’ proving to be such huge successses on streaming platforms, the ‘Doctor Who’ boss insisted it would be a “real shame” if the beloved show wasn’t given the same treatment.
That meant seeing the programme “become a co-production”, because “there’s no way the BBC is going to fund” something on that scale.
He said: “If Disney collapsed tomorrow and we had to go back to making ‘Doctor Who’ on a normal BBC budget, we’d all rally round and make it and suddenly stories would become claustrophobic ghost stories, and a lot of people would like that very much.
“So I’m not saying you have to have this happen, but while it’s happening elsewhere I think it’s unfair that it doesn’t happen to ‘Doctor Who’ and it does open up stories that are now sometimes on a vast scale.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Jordan North will host his first Capital Breakfast show on April 8th.
The former BBC Radio 1 DJ has signed up to replace Roman Kemp on the station, and he will be joined by Chris Stark and Sian Welby to front his first-ever episode next month.
Jordan said: “My alarm clock is on, and I cannot wait to get started on Capital Breakfast! Buckle up as we’re going to wake the nation up with the best tunes, huge interviews and biggest laughs so make sure you tune in!”
Chris added: “Here we go! It’s not lost on all three of us what a huge a privilege it is to wake up the nation. I cannot wait for us to get started together.”
Sian admitted the trio have big plans for a “whole lot of mischief” on the show, as well as “huge guests”.
She said: “There is so much energy for the show, I know our listeners can’t wait to see what we’ve got in store – we’ve got plans for huge guests, huge games and a whole lot of mischief!
“I’ve known Jordan for a long time and its fantastic to be working with him.”
James Rea, Chief Content and Broadcasting Officer at Global, added: “Having heard the preparation for the show, the team here are very excited to get the all new Capital Breakfast show on air.
“The connection and fun between Jordan, Chris and Sian makes for a great listen.”
Listen to Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby from the 8th April weekdays 6am – 10am across the UK and on Global Player, the official Capital app.

Source: VacationHunter.Online