Dame Joanna Lumley wants to ban sex scenes on TV: ‘They’re rude and horrible!’

OHMYGOSSIP — Dame Joanna Lumley wants to ban sex scenes.
The 77-year-old actress loathes the idea of performing in the nude and admitted that if she had her way, she would “cut” all intimate scenes for good because they tend to distract the audience from the story.
She told the Radio Times: “The second you take your clothes off, the audience looks at you, the actor, and your attributes – what your breasts and genitals are like. You’ve immediately lost the character you’ve built.
“There’s a playground element to it – pull your pants down and let’s see what you’ve got. I’d cut them altogether. They slow things down.
“They’re rude and horrible. I don’t watch people on the lavatory!”
Meanwhile, the ‘Fool Me Once’ actress is now appearing in a Radio 4 sitcom ‘Conversations from a Long Marriage’ alongside Roger Allam and admitted that taking part in the show has made her realise that even though she is getting older she still feels young at heart.
She said: “I think people like to listen because it sounds like their own lives. It’s funny and light-hearted and also profound,” she said.
“There’s love and loss. Our characters realise they’re getting older – as do a lot of our listeners. I feel young but I know, by years, that I’m getting older!”
Joanna is best known for her role in ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and starred as boozy fashion editor Patsy Stone in the classic BBC sitcom alongside Jennifer Saunders as hapless PR guru Edina Monsoon but recently admitted that the idea of a reboot would be “impossible” because of how the “world has changed” since it was aired in the 1990s.
She told Metro: “It’s entirely up to Jennifer and she’s said she doesn’t want to do anymore. Things have their time. It would be impossible to make that series now, if you think of Edina’s ghastly take on the world, her appalling snobbery and racism, their drug-taking, heavy drinking and Patsy’s chain-smoking and the fact they have the morals of alley cats.
“It was funny because we used to laugh at those things. Now people are very strict and they go, ‘This is setting a bad example’ couldn’t get away with it now – the world has changed.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Jane Moore reveals if she has left Loose Women after being off-screen for months

OHMYGOSSIP — Jane Moore has no plans to leave ‘Loose Women’.
The 61-year-old journalist appeared on the very first episode of the ITV1 lunchtime chat show in 1999 and stayed with the programme until 2002 but returned full-time just over a decade ago and even though she has not been seen on-screen since the end of last year, insisted that she is still a part of the series.
Asked if she had any plans to leave the show, she told this week’s edition of Woman’s Own magazine: “No, no, I’ll definitely stay there. I’ve had a couple of months off because I’ve got so much other work on and I’ve just been on tour with Sharon Osbourne. I’ve had a holiday and I’ll be back to Loose Women on 1 March.”
The Sun columnist also added that she gets along with all of her co-stars, but is “particularly close” to the ones she has appeared on the programme with for a considerable amount of time, including the likes of singer Coleen Nolan, former ‘EastEnders’ actress Nadia Sawalha and broadcast legend Janet Street-Porter.
She said: “To be honest, [I get along] with all of them. I had lunch with Nadia ]today, and Kaye came to stay with me last week. Plus, I was just speaking to Janet on my way here, and Coleen.
“The ones I’m particularly closest to are the ones who have been there the longest, but I like and get on with everyone.”
Meanwhile, last year Jane announced that she and her husband Gary Farrow had parted ways after more than 20 years of marriage but insisted that she has no plans to start dating again.
Asked about the potential of finding someone new, she said: “Oh no, absolutely not! Well, I’ve only just got divorced, and I’m very much of the mind that you don’t have to be dating somebody to have a nice life.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Iain Stirling worries he’s too old for Love Island

OHMYGOSSIP — Iain Stirling is worried he’s getting too old for ‘Love Island’.
The 35-year-old star admitted that after around a decade serving as narrator on the ITV2 dating show, “one of his biggest fears” is realising his time on the show has come to an end.
Appearing on comedian Russell Howard’s ‘Wonderbox’ podcast, he said: “ITV2 are a young TV channel.
“I’ve been there for nine or ten years, and all of a sudden I’m a married 35-year-old with a kid.
“It’s one of my biggest fears that I’m hanging on to stuff, and it’s slowly going away, and I worry that I don’t fulfil my potential, that I don’t work hard enough – that everything will disappear.”
He admitted if ITV2 is no longer an option, he could always move to any channel but he joked that potential homes are limited.
He quipped: “There’s always ITV4, but they just show re-runs of Poirot.
“There’s no place where me and Keith Lemon can host a shopping show together or something?”
Late last year, it was confirmed Iain’s ITV2 panel show ‘CelebAbility’ would not be returned for a second series.
A network representative told Metro.co.uk: “There are no current plans for another series, before adding that the series had been “very successful”.
This news comes after previous reports branded the show’s format – which sees the stars take on a number of challenges and skill tests based on what they professed to have against some civilians – as “tired”.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “‘CelebAbility’ had a decent run, but ultimately the format was a bit tired and celeb panel shows can feel dated.
“Bosses are always keen to try new ideas and invest in fresh telly projects, it’s time for a change and Iain isn’t short of work.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Alexandra Burke lands role in new drama Curfew

OHMYGOSSIP — Alexandra Burke has landed a role in high-profile new crime drama ‘Curfew’ alongside Sarah Parish.
The former ‘X Factor’ star is getting back to work after welcoming her second child in September with a part in the new six-part Paramount Plus series set in a world in which men are forced to abide by a curfew in a bid to keep women safe.
Alexandra will play a teacher named Helen who is an advocate for “The Women’s Safety Act” which keeps all men at home between the hours of 7pm and 7am and forces them to wear electronic tags to track their movements.
The show focuses on an investigation into the murder of a woman who is killed during curfew hours with Parish playing the lead investigator who believes the crime must have been committed by a man, but her theory is rejected because officials believe the curfew is an effective way of keeping women safe.
‘Curfew’ will also feature former ‘Hollyoaks’ star Mandip Gill and Mitchell Robertson, who previously appeared in ‘A Very British Scandal’.
Producer Nathalie Peter-Contesse said of the show: “‘Curfew’ is a provocative and thrilling show that aims to contribute to the important conversation around violence against women. We are delighted to work with Paramount+ and Federation to bring it to UK and International audiences.”
Paul Testar of Paramount Plus added: “Curfew is a gripping addition to our UK originals slate for Paramount Plus. We are excited to be collaborating with the team at Vertigo Films and a brilliant cast to bring this propulsive thriller to life.”
Filming on ‘Curfew’ kicked off in London earlier this month

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Auli’i Cravalho returning for Moana 2

OHMYGOSSIP — Auli’i Cravalho is reprising her role in ‘Moana 2’.
The 23-year-old actress – who first voiced the titular Disney princess when she was just 14 back in 2016 – has revealed she will once again be voicing the character in the highly anticipated sequel.
She shared a video of herself at the Walt Disney Animation Studios building in California, as she put a yellow plumeria flower in her hair.
She wrote over the clip: “The feeling when you’re officially returning to Motunui.”
And in the caption, she teased: “We’re sailing WAY beyond the reef this November…”
Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced plans for the feature length sequel.
He said in a statement: “‘Moana’ remains an incredibly popular franchise, and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theaters this November.”
A first look image released at the time showed Moana and Maui in a boat as they track a giant, glowing whale, while a teaser showed Moana on the shore blowing a shell.
A press release teased: “‘Moana 2’ takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.
“After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has not officially been confirmed to be reprising his voice role as Maui, but the WWE legend – who is taking on the character in Disney’s separate live action adaptation of the original – is expected to return.
Cravalho previously revealed she wouldn’t be bringing her character to life in the live action film.
The project was originally set to be a TV series, but Iger was so impressed with the footage that the decision was made to go with a feature film theatrical release.
Music will come from duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, alongside Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, who worked on the original film, with Dave Derrick Jr. set to direct.
However, Lin-Manuel Miranda – who penned classic tracks ‘How Far I’ll Go’ and ‘You’re Welcome’ for the first movie – is not set to write new songs for ‘Moana 2’.

Source: IconInsider.com

Jake Gyllenhaal ’embraces the streaming world’

OHMYGOSSIP — Jake Gyllenhaal has declared he “embraces the streaming world” after his new movie was caught up in a row over its online-only release.
The 43-year-old actor actor stars in a remake of 1989 action movie ‘Road House’ and the film’s director Doug Liman has decided to boycott the premiere at the South by Southwest Film and TV Festival next month over Amazon MGM Studios’ decision not to release the movie in cinemas – but Jake is adamant he sees both sides of the argument.
He told Total Film magazine: “I’m a deep lover of cinema and the theatrical release – but I also do really embrace the streaming world.”
Jake also insisted he supports Liman’s decision not to attend the premiere because it shows how much he cares about the movie.
He explained: “I adore Doug’s tenacity, and I think he is advocating for filmmakers, and film in the cinema, and theatrical releases. But, I mean, Amazon was always clear that it was streaming.
“I just want as many people to see it as possible. And I think we’re living in a world that’s changing in how we see and watch movies, and how they’re made.
“What’s clear to me, and what I loved so much, was [Liman’s] deep love for this movie, and his pride at how much he cares for it, how good he feels it is, and how much people should see it.
“I’ve also sat watching a film on my computer, or in different places, and been so profoundly moved. If the job of a story is to move people, I have been moved in both forms.”
Liman previously explained his issue with the decision to only release the film via Amazon Prime Video in an essay written for Deadline.com, revealing he signed up to make a “theatrical” movie for MGM but that changed when Amazon bought the studio.
He went on to accuse Amazon bosses of “no interest in supporting cinemas” and hurting “both the filmmakers and stars of ‘Road House'”.
Liman wrote: “When Road House opens the SXSW film festival, I won’t be attending. The movie is fantastic, maybe my best, and I’m sure it will bring the house down and possibly have the audience dancing in their seats during the end credits. But I will not be there.
My plan had been to silently protest Amazon’s decision to stream a movie so clearly made for the big screen. But Amazon is hurting way more than just me and my film …
“Contrary to their public statements, Amazon has no interest in supporting cinemas. Amazon will exclusively stream Road House on Amazon’s Prime … That hurts the filmmakers and stars of ‘Road House’ who don’t share in the upside of a hit movie on a streaming platform.
“And they deprive Jake Gyllenhaal – who gives a career-best performance – the opportunity to be recognised come award season. But the impact goes far beyond this one movie. This could be industry shaping for decades to come.”

Source: IconInsider.com

This Morning star Siân Welby is pregnant with her first child

OHMYGOSSIP — Siân Welby is pregnant.
The 37-year-old presenter is best known for fronting Capital Breakfast alongside Roman Kemp and Chris Stark and announced Wednesday’s (28.02.24) show that she and her fiancé Jake Beckett are expecting their first child together as she joked that she has been through a lot of “stress” trying to keep the news to herself.
She said: “I’ve got a bit of an announcement for you! I’m pregnant! I don’t know how I’ve managed to keep it from you for so long. It’s not a joke, it’s not a joke! The stress I’ve gone through trying to pretend not to be drinking. The lies, the deceit, the mocktails! I couldn’t wait to tell you. This is a whole new journey for me and I want to take you all on it with me, and don’t worry I’m not going anywhere!
“This is going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to share it with you all.”
Sian’s co-stars were quick to congratulate her live on air.
Roman said: “Oh my god! Oh mate I’m so happy for you and Jake as well!”
Chris added: “Is this real? It is the most exciting news ever!”
Sian – who in recent weeks had also been seen fronting ITV’s ‘This Morning’ alongside Dermot O’Leary prior to the announcement that Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard would be taking over full-time – also took to social media to share the news.
Alongside a collage of photos showcasing her journey discovering her pregnancy, she wrote on Instagram: “We have some news…..”
Several other famous faces were quick to pile into the comments and send their congratulations.
Keith Lemon star Leigh Francis wrote: “Congratulations!” whilst Sian’s fellow radio host Sonny Jay – whose partner Danielle Peazer is also expecting her first child – said: “Can our babies be friends please”
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judge Amanda Holden wrote: “Soooo happy it’s finally out there!!! So happy for you both” whilst fellow ‘This Morning’ presenter Rochelle Humes said: “Best news ever! Congratulations beautiful people.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Janet Street-Porter recalls suffering from ‘utterly debilitating’ bout of shingles: ‘So painful!’

OHMYGOSSIP — Janet Street-Porter felt “utterly debilitated” when she was diagnosed with shingles.
The broadcast legend, 77, was struck down by the viral infection that causes a painful rash during a particularly busy period in her career some years ago and urged others to go for their vaccine if they are eligble because she found when she got it that it “took over” her entire life and she was in a considerable amount of pain.
Speaking on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’, she said: “Shingles vaccines are available now. They’re free, you’ve got to be over 65 this September or between 70 and 79 or over 50 if your immune system is compromised. I’m urging everyone who is eligible to go and get one. I had shingles twice
“The first time was when I was working so hard, I was doing two TV shows a week and writing a newspaper column. But suddenly this rash appeared appeared on my body and I thought ‘Oh I’ve got eczema, that’s a bit itchy, I’ll see what happens tomorrow’. Oh my goodness, it’s so itchy and so painful. You can’t think about anything else, it completely takes over your life and it’s utterly debilitating.
The ‘Loose Women’ star reminded viewers that one in four people are struck down with the virus and those who have suffered from chicken pox in the past are particularly as she remembered having to stop all commitments at the time just to recover.
She said: “One in four people in this country get shingles. If you’ve had chicken pox the virus is already in your body, it’s just dormant and it can be triggered by stress and all sorts of things. When I got it, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t think. You have to rest to recover. And then, a few years later, I got it again!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Traitors star Harry Clark fast-tracked out of the army to pursue TV career

OHMYGOSSIP — Harry Clark has left the army to pursue full-time TV work.
The 23-year-old former engineer is looking to carve out a career in television after winning the latest series of ‘The Traitors’ and now an insider has claimed that he has been fast-tracked out of his top job so that he can focus on stardom.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “After serving his country for six years there’s no questioning Harry’s commitment to the Army, but as he chases a media career they also know he is great PR for the services.
“He’s never hidden the fact that he used his military training to help him win on ‘The Traitors’ and, somehow, managed to outfox everybody while still keeping their affection and respect.
“Harry isn’t rushing into signing up for any shows that are likely to make the Army wonder why he gave up a good job.”
The TV star signed with a top television agent and revealed how Sky Sports football pundit and ex-England defender Gary, 48, advised him that he would just need a good lawyer to succeed.
Gary Neville stayed true to his word to provide me with amazing legal advice.
He said: “I met over 15 agencies and feel InterTalent are perfectly placed to guide me. Things are looking exciting already”
Harry – who won £95,000 after conning his fellow contestants into believing he was a Faithful on the hit BBC reality show when in fact he had been a Traitor the whole time – has now joined a client roster at Inter Talent that includes the likes of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Shirley Ballas, former ‘EastEnders’ star Ross Kemp and footballer Vinnie Jones.
Prior to that, it was reported that the reality star was in talks to compete in this year’s edition ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Chloe Brockett quits The Only Way Is Essex after 5 years

OHMYGOSSIP — Chloe Brockett has quit ‘The Only Way Is Essex’.
The 23-year-old reality star has confirmed she has bid farewell to the ITVBe reality series after five years – but did not disclose why.
Taking to her Instagram Stories this week, she announced: “I have made the decision to take a step back from Towie, it’s been in my life since I was 18 and I feel like it’s best for me at this point in my life to step away.
“I’m forever grateful to Towie for giving me the platform they have.
“Love you all.”
Chloe often appeared alongside her mum, Clare, who departed two years before her.
There had been reports that Chloe was suspended mid-series due to throwing numerous drinks at co-star Roman Hackett, however, she denied this.
She told OK!: “I’m still a cast member, I’ve been on the show for four years, so yes, I will be there.
“I missed five days of filming, everyone made out like I was missing the rest of the series but I am in it, so don’t worry.”
Last month, it was claimed Chloe is in talks for ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.
The former hairdresser is said to be keen to make a name for herself in the fly-on-the-wall show, and ITV producers think her fiery temper will make for “great TV”.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Chloe Brockett is in talks to appear on the show – nothing is signed yet but she’s really excited and can’t stop telling people.
“She grew up watching the show and her return to ‘TOWIE’ is still uncertain so it would be a good show to do while she’s waiting to see if she’ll go back to it.
“ITV already know Chloe is great TV.”
Show bosses are believed to be spending £2 million to secure a strong line-up of housemates, with their eyes on “intriguing” people, rather than just big-name stars.
‘Celebrity Big Brother’ returns on March 4 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

M Knight Shyamalan taking things in ‘very dark’ direction for next film

OHMYGOSSIP — M. Knight Shyamalan will take things in a “very dark” direction for his next movie.
The iconic filmmaker – who has directed the likes of ‘The Sixth Sense’, ‘Signs’, ‘Old’ and ‘Knock At The Cabin’ – is returning later in 2024 with new film ‘Trap’, starring Josh Hartnett.
The ‘Black Mirror’ actor told IndieWire: “It’s a pivot. But I try to make all of my roles pivots. If you’re playing the same thing again and again, it gets boring to the audience.
“Working with M. Night was one of the best experiences of my career. I think he’s a true artist in the capitol-A sense of the word.
“And I think people are gonna be really surprised and excited about the movie we make. It’s very bizarre, very dark, and it’s wild.”
Plot details – and Hartnett’s own role – are being kept closely under wraps, with Shyamalan well known for his film’s epic twists.
The movie is set to be released by Warner Bros Pictures on August 2, as part of an multi-year first look deal with the studio.
The partnership will also see Warner release his daughter Ishana Night Shyamalan’s directorial debut ‘The Watchers’, which is coming in June.
In a previous statement, the studio’s heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy said: “Night is one of the most iconic and influential directors of his generation and an auteur in every sense of the word.
“From ‘The Sixth Sense’ through ‘Split’ to his latest chiller ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ he’s one of the few directors in contemporary cinema whose name alone promises a bold, singular vision, compelling original storytelling and a provocative, surprising and entirely unique experience at the theater.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the Warner Bros. family, and look forward to an exciting collaboration with Night and the entire Blinding Edge team.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Paul Mescal: ‘Gladiator 2 is first movie that piqued my interest’

OHMYGOSSIP — Paul Mescal says ‘Gladiator 2’ was the first major movie that “piqued my interest”.
The 28-year-old actor – who shot to fame portraying heartthrob Connell in the hit TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s ‘Normal People’ – was cast as Lucius in Sir Ridley Scott’s sequel to the 2000 historical drama, and he admitted there was no way he was going to turn down the film.
He told AnOther magazine: “The script for Gladiator lands in your lap, and you simply can’t turn it down. Getting to work on a big-scale film like this, especially under the direction of Ridley Scott, is a straightforward decision. Until now, I hadn’t really encountered any major movies that piqued my interest.”
The ‘All of Us Strangers’ star has repeatedly said he is feeling the pressure of ensuring the movie is a box office hit.
He explained: “The decision feels incredibly appropriate. There’s also so much I can learn. This is the first time I’ve felt concerned about something like box office performance — a completely new kind of pressure for me. Ridley directs with a distinct, rapid pace that’s both dynamic and impressive. His clarity in knowing exactly what he wants is reminiscent of sports, satisfying in a similar way.”
Paul – who fights with baboons in the flick – previously admitted he was feeling both “stressed” and “excited” about landing his biggest role to date in the sequel.
Speaking to Esquire magazine prior to the Hollywood actors strike, Paul explained: “I can’t tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular, because it’s definitely the biggest one I’ve done. I feel really excited, but, like, it’s difficult to get away from the legacy of the film a bit. I think it’s really well written and it pays homage to the first one, but it’s very much something that I think I can step into and make comfortably my own.”
When asked if he had spoken to Russell Crowe – the star of the first ‘Gladiator’ film – he said he hadn’t and added: “I don’t know what we would talk about. Like, I’d love to hear his stories from filming, but the character is, like, totally separate.”
‘Gladiator 2’ is slated for release on November 22, 2024.

Source: IconInsider.com

The Traitors bosses ‘want Courteney Cox as first signing’ for celebrity spin off

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘The Traitors’ bosses reportedly want Courteney Cox as the first signing for the celebrity spin-off.
The ‘Friends’ legend previously appeared with friend and ‘Traitors’ host Claudia Winkleman in a sketch for the show, and producers would love to get her on board.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “Getting Courteney on board would be a real coup.”
They’re hoping to secure a star studded lineup of famous faces for the spin-off show, with the main series already proving popular around the world.
An insider added: “The fact the producers have a star from Friends in their sights shows the kind of calibre of famous faces ‘Celebrity Traitors’ is aiming for.
“After the show was announced, producers were swamped with calls from big names and their agents wanting to throw their hat in the ring — many of them a big surprise.
“Courteney has always been a fan of the show, particularly as the British version has her mate Claudia fronting it.”
The likes of Zoe Ball, Andrew Scott and Claire Foy are all big fans of ‘The Traitors’, and Rylan Clark even threatened to chop off Claudia’s iconic fringe if he isn’t picked for the spin-off.
He told Radio Times Magazine: “I would hate nothing more than to be a contestant again. Unless it was on Celebrity Traitors. I’d go to town on that.
“Literally every time I see Claudia, I’m like, ‘Why has this not been done? Sort it out or I’ll cut your fringe off, babe.’ ”
Meanwhile, Claudia previously revealed her own wish list for potential contestants on the celebrity edition.
She told press ahead of the show’s second series, which aired earlier this year: “Victoria Coren Mitchell, so I can cuddle her. I know her, that sounds weird.
“Adam Woodyatt, always. Andrew Garfield and I’ll have Stephen Fry as well.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Denis Villeneuve intentionally kept Anya Taylor-Joy’s Dune: Part Two appearance a secret

OHMYGOSSIP — Denis Villeneuve deliberately kept Anya Taylor-Joy’s cameo appearance in ‘Dune: Part Two’ under wraps.
The 27-year-old actress confirmed online speculation that she features in the sci-fi blockbuster when she appeared on the red carpet at the movie’s premiere in London earlier this month and the director revealed that he wanted it to be a shock for audiences.
Denis told The Hollywood Reporter at the picture’s New York premiere on Sunday (25.02.24): “I think that Hollywood is the most gossipy town on earth and I wanted, as an experiment, to see how long we could keep a secret.
“We did it. It was a special unit, we went to Africa to shoot with Anya under super-secrecy. I just loved the idea to keep something a surprise for the audience until the very end; it was like a gift I wanted to keep for the fans.”
Villeneuve revealed that he is already in the process of working on a third ‘Dune’ film and is currently writing the screenplay for the movie.
The 56-year-old filmmaker said: “I agreed to make ‘Part One’ and ‘Part Two’ back to back and now I think I will need to digest this experience and I want to come back with a strong screenplay. It’s almost done but it needs work, a bit, now.”
Anya walked the red carpet with cast members Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya in London but was coy when quizzed if she appears in the picture.
She told Warner Bros. UK: “You’ll have to see the film.”
The ‘Queen’s Gambit’ star added: “Having seen it, this is probably one of the best movies I’ve seen in my entire life. Genuinely, Denis has killed it, it’s incredible.
“This is a dream come true, you know? The books are incredible but with this cast and with Denis, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Naomi Watts and Bill Murray starring in The Friend

OHMYGOSSIP — Naomi Watts and Bill Murray are to lead the cast of ‘The Friend’.
The pair are attached to star in the indie picture based on Sigrid Nunez’s New York Times best-selling novel from writer-director duo Scott McGehee and David Siegel.
Other cast members include Sarah Pidgeon, Constance Wu, Ann Dowd and Noma Dumezweni.
‘The Friend’ follows a New York writer following the unexpected death of her lifelong pal and mentor as she is left to deal with his complicated literary legacy, three eccentric former wives and a broken-hearted Great Dane called Apollo.
The flick is currently in production in New York and is being produced by McGehee and Siegel for their Big Creek Projects company.
Naomi is involved as an executive producer on the film along with Mike Spreter for Big Creek and Margaret Chermin for 3dot Productions.
Watts, 55, explained last year that she was “proud” to still be working in the movie industry after the age of 40 and emphasised that “women’s stories don’t end at a certain age”.
The ‘Eastern Promises’ star told HELLO! magazine: “I’m proud to still be working; when the defining narrative used to be that if you were a hair over 40 you were basically forced into retirement, seeing that shift, that’s empowering…
“There’s growing recognition that women’s stories don’t end at a certain age.”
Meanwhile, Naomi recently said that she will “never” get over the death of her father – Pink Floyd sound engineer Peter Watts – from an apparent overdose when she was only seven years of age.
She told Marie Claire Australia magazine: “The grief never goes away but playing [different roles in movies] you find new ways of understanding it.
“Still to this day as a 55-year-old woman I wish I’d witnessed what it was like to have a father to speak to at various times in my life…
“I wish that he’d been there to pat me on the back when I’ve had successful moments or complex moments that I’ve been troubled by.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Paddy McGuinness praises Top Gear co-host Freddie Flintoff as ‘resilient’ following car crash

OHMYGOSSIP — Paddy McGuinness has praised his former ‘Top Gear’ co-host Freddie Flintoff and called him “resilient” following his brutal car crash.
The 50-year-old broadcaster presented the BBC motoring show alongside Freddie, 46, and Chris Harris, 49, before the programme was put on an indefinite hold following the cricketer’s devastating crash. Now, Paddy, has shared an update on Freddie’s condition, and insisted he will be “right as rain”.
During an appearance on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’, he said: “He’s all right. I’ve not spoken to him for a while, but, you know, he is getting on with it. He’s a very resilient character, is Fred. So I’ve no doubt he’ll be right as rain.”
The ‘Take Me Out’ host was then asked if he had any terrifying near-misses on the show, to which Paddy joked that “working was Chris Harris was the main one”.
He added: “Lots of things, honestly. I sound like a politician now, but I can’t really get into the ins and outs, because there’s all stuff still going on with ‘Top Gear’. At some point, it will all get sorted out.”
In December 2022, Freddie was at the the ‘Top Gear’ test track when he was involved in a high-speed crash that hospitalised him.
Since the incident, the BBC announced the show would be “rested for the foreseeable future”.
In a statement, the company said: “Given the exceptional circumstances, the BBC has decided to rest the UK show for the foreseeable future.
“The BBC remains committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy who have been at the heart of the show’s renaissance since 2019, and we’re excited about new projects being developed with each of them.
“We will have more to say in the near future on this. We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do.
“All other ‘Top Gear’ activity remains unaffected by this hiatus including international formats, digital, magazines and licensing.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online