OHMYGOSSIP — Joey Essex is reportedly the top priority for ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ bosses.
The 33-year-old TV personality, who is best known for appearing in ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!’, is said to be at the top of ITV’s wishlist for the new celebrity edition of the revived reality show.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “Joey is hugely popular with the top brass at ITV and they think he would be TV gold on ‘Celeb Big Brother’ – he’s hilarious, very likeable and likely to become one of the favourites to win.
“Joey has done lots of reality shows in the past, from the jungle to Dancing On Ice and even Splash! but he has never done Celebrity Big Brother.
“He was approached during the days when the show was on Channel 5 but it never quite lined up. Now, with the celebrity version being revived after six years off air, producers think the timing is perfect for him to do it.”
Although the casting for the programme is in its early stages, with a planned air date in the Spring, ITV bosses are keen to speak to Joey after Christmas and “see where the conversations go”.
The TV star had retired from showbiz and moved from the UK to Dubai last year to start a new career in boxing.
Previously, Joey had said that he would “leather” KSI after the YouTuber was defeated by Tommy Fury in the ring.
He told IFL TV: “If I was to do boxing, I’m doing that for me, you know what I mean? I’ve never done that before, but I’ve got it written on my bucket list. In my life I want to win some kind of gold medal, and this will be my gold medal and I’ll absolutely leather someone.
“Someone told me that KSI’s got a problem with me, but there’s no problem here – unless he wants a problem.
“I would leather him I reckon, especially after seeing that fight the other week!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Catherine Tate was certain the ‘Doctor Who’ 60th anniversary special ‘The Giggle’ would end with one “terrible final thing”.
The 54-year-old actress – who returned to the franchise as Donna Noble – appeared in the episode alongside David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, and after the Time Lord bigenerated, the hero handed over the TARDIS and Sonic Screwdriver to Ncuti Gatwa’s iteration, and opted to retire with Donna and her family.
However, the ending seemed too good to be true for Catherine, who said in BBC documentary ‘Imagine… Russell T. Davies’: “It was so not what I was expecting.
“I thought there was going to be a massive, terrible final thing. [But] to end in the garden eating crumble is, of course, exactly where they should be.”
Showrunner Russell T. Davies explained that he never wanted to put a definitive end on the life of David’s Doctor, and instead was keen to allow him to co-exist with Ncuti’s new version of the character.
He said: “”Everyone’s expecting David Tennant to die and for Ncuti to be reborn as the new guy and, instead, I’ve been dying to do this for years – he splits in half, so you have two Doctors.
“That moment on screen of them going [pop] is astronomically exciting. It is a happy ending and David Tennant survives.”
Russell also revealed that the bigeneration had an huge impact on the programme as a whole, with every previous Doctor, including Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker’s incarnations, living on in a separate timeline.
He said: “”I think all of the Doctors came back to life with their individual TARDISes, the gift of the Toymaker, and they’re all out there travelling round in what I’m calling a Doctor-verse.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Mark Gatiss is worried his new ‘A Ghost Story For Christmas’ will be the final one.
The former ‘Sherlock’ showrunner has adapted Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Lot No. 249’ for this year’s festive special as a companion piece to BBC Two docuseries ‘Killing Sherlock: Lucy Worsley on the Case of Conan Doyle’, which helped amid funding struggles for the one-off 30-minute tales.
He told RadioTimes.com: “We’ve been very blessed that this happened, because Lucy Worsley is doing this three-parter, so there was a way of doing it.”
And despite loving getting to work on this year’s adaptation, Gatiss – who first adapted ‘The Tractate Middoth’ by MR James in 2013 before launching ‘A Ghost Story For Christmas’ regularly from 2018 – is concerned for the future.
He explained: “But it’s just so hard – I mean, genuinely. If you talk to anybody, it’s scary how scarce the resources are.
“I don’t want to sound like a bleeding heart, but people love them and I really hope we can find a way.
“But I think it’s perilous because, as I always say, it’s such an unusual slot… it’s just really hard to scrape the money together.”
‘A Ghost Story For Christmas’ was first directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark as a series of short television films in 1971, which ran until 1978.
The BBC has occasionally gone back to the format since 2005.
Gatiss joked that he’s “hoping for an eccentric billionaire” to fund the next story.
‘Lot No. 249’ – which is based on Conan Doyle’s 1892 gothic horror short story – stars Kit Harington as young academic Abercrombie Smith, who crosses paths with strange Edward Bellingham (Freddie Fox).
Despite his experience bringing Sherlock Holmes to the small screen and now this latest project, Gatiss isn’t necessarily looking to adapt more of his work.
However, he thinks the Professor Challenge story ‘The Lost World’ is a possibility.
He added: “Steven [Moffat] and I talked a lot about ‘Challenger’ as a separate thing, because he’s a wonderful character – Doyle did that rare thing of getting another one!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘A Question of Sport’ is reportedly already set to return to its roots with a “reboot”.
Last week, it was confirmed the long running BBC sports quiz show had been axed after 53 years on air, but it’s been claimed bosses simply want to “put it on ice” to allow for a triumphant return to air after the 2020 revamp didn’t go down as well as producers had hoped.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “The axe hasn’t fallen permanently on the programme – the BBC just want to put it on ice for a while before bringing it back.
“It’s essentially a face-saving exercise because they realise they made a mistake fixing something that wasn’t broken.
“But rather than be seen as performing a spectacular and sudden U-turn, they can present it as a ‘reboot’ in a few years’ time.”
It’s said Paddy McGuinness could be scrapped as host, with the old format brought back in an attempt to revive the classic panel show.
The show – which had previously been hosted by David Vine, David Coleman, and Sue Barker – has seen a decline in viewing figures over recent years.
The BBC announced that it had stopped production after more than five decades, with the broadcaster explaining that the decision was taken due to “inflation and funding challenges”.
However, a spokesperson did insist it was “not the final whistle” for the show, explaining that the programme was “not being cancelled – it is just not in production at the moment”.
The situation has been compared to ‘The Weakest Link’ – the long-running TV game show – which has had gaps in production.
The spokesperson added: “‘Question of Sport’ is not going to appear on any other channels. It is the BBC’s intellectual property.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Ian Wright has revealed the reason he quit ‘Match of the Day’ – because he wants to watch even more football.
The Arsenal legend is looking forward to watching the club play more as a fan rather than a pundit, and he also can’t wait to watch his granddaughter Raphaella Wright-Phillips – whose dad is former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, 42 – play more of the beautiful game.
Speaking on his ‘Wrighty’s House’ podcast, he said: “I’m going to actually watch more football.
“I’m going to watch my grand-daughter. I’m going to watch a lot more women’s games.
“I’m going to watch a lot more Arsenal games, just to be there with fans. Go with my son and his missus, be amongst it, just to celebrate when we win or when we lose.
“It’s been a bit of a realisation that I want to give quality time to them.
“So that’s what I want. To watch games, spend time with people.”
Ian, who made his first appearance on the football highlights show in 1997, insisted his time on the programme was “more than I ever thought it would be”.
He added: “I don’t want to go too deep into what it means to me, but the music … every time I hear the music it takes me back to an unbelievable place when I first remember what ‘Match Of The Day’ meant to me, when I was allowed to actually be on it.
“When I was actually good enough to be on it as a regular, it was more than I ever thought it would be.
“When I first went on, I was winging it. I remember Des Lynam, when he welcomed me on, I said to him, ‘This is my Graceland’.
“You know, like when people visit Elvis? Match Of The Day was my Graceland. It’s an institution.”
The 60-year-old former footballer took to X on the weekend to reveal he will be “stepping back” from the show at the end of the season.
He wrote on X: “After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season. I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
“Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail. On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam. ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter has told how she would want to “ground her plane” if her mum flew to Dignitas, but admitted it is her mother’s “choice”.
Rebecca Wilcox admitted her mum’s health plight is “horrific”, but insisted Esther is “absolutely correct” that she should make her own decision about her life.
Childline founder Esther, 83, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in January, and revealed at the beginning of December that she had “joined Dignitas”, an assisted-dying clinic based in Switzerland.
Speaking on ‘Good Morning Britain’, Rebecca said: “My mother never makes a decision in complete isolation but doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.
“It’s horrific and she always promised us she would live forever and she not one to break her promises – but this is her choice.
“I would want to ground her plane if she was going to Zurich but it’s her choice. She is absolutely correct.”
Rebecca revealed one of the reasons her mother has joined Dignitas is because her father, documentary maker Desmond Wilcox, had a “horrific” death from heart disease in 2000.
She added: “My late father didn’t have a good death. It was horrific.
“His death replaced our memories of him for a very long time.
“That is what mum wants to avoid.”
Esther first revealed she had joined Dignitas at the start of the month.
Writing in The Times’ Weekend magazine, she revealed: “I rang my local surgery to tell them my diagnosis and ask if they had links to a hospice nearby. I spoke to someone who was not my usual doctor, and when I explained my situation he accused me of ‘catastrophising’. Slightly harsh, I thought.
“So I didn’t share with him the fact that I had joined Dignitas in case things got rough and I needed to fly to Zurich to end my life there.
“I can’t say my medical friends approve of that, but I know that having a bad death, one dominated by pain and other horrible symptoms, is dreadful for loved ones to witness, and that memory becomes a barrier blocking out other, happy ones.
“So I’m determined to do everything I can to try to achieve a good death, including flying to Zurich for a quick lethal dose of something, if necessary.”
She spoke about her decision again this week, telling Radio 4’s ‘The Today’ podcast she was undergoing a “miracle” treatment for stage four lung cancer and said if it fails she “might buzz off to Zurich”.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Kate Garraway’s husband “doesn’t look like he’s in a good way” amid his latest health setback, according to one of her co-stars.
Jenni Falconer, who works alongside Kate on Smooth FM, wished Derek well on Tuesday morning (19.12.23), and admitted it “doesn’t look good at the moment” for the 56-year-old lobbyist, who has been seriously ill since contracting COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic in 2020.
Speaking on the Smooth FM breakfast show, Jenni said: “On behalf of everyone here at Smooth we’re sending lots of love and Smooth best wishes to our very own Kate Garraway.
“Kate’s husband Derek as we all know has been struggling with long-lasting damage since he suffered from COVID and it doesn’t look good at the moment, it doesn’t look like he’s in a good way.
“So we’re sending lots of love to Kate, Derek and the family … especially at this time of the year.”
Last weekend, Derek was said to be “fighting for his life after a heart attack”, and Kate has reportedly cancelled all TV and radio work to keep a vigil at his bedside.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Everyone is praying for a miracle.
“Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
“It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
“This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.
“Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible – by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
After contracting COVID in 2020, Derek spent 13 months in hospital making him Britain’s longest-suffering coronavirus victim.
Kate – who has daughter Darcy, 17, and son Billy, 14, with Derek – previously revealed her husband’s health battle had left him with long-lasting organ damage and requiring 24/7 care at home.
The 56-year-old broadcaster has gone on to make two award-winning documentaries on her family’s experience living with the changes in Derek’s health.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Neil Jones was surprised to learn his ‘Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special’ partner Tillie Amartey didn’t have any previous dance experience.
The professional dancer, 41, will be taking to the floor with the 20-year-old Children’s ITV presenter for a festive one-off on the BBC programme later this month, and during rehearsals Neil was convinced she was au fait with the Latin and ballroom world.
He said: “At the beginning I thought she was a dancer. When she told me she wasn’t, I didn’t believe her, and then I realised when we started she really didn’t have any experience.
“But she picks everything up really quick, and she has her own way and style of dancing which is great.”
Tillie revealed her mother had been a dancer, but insisted that didn’t mean she was a natural when it came to showing off her moves.
She said: “When I was seven, maybe six, I did one dancing competition, because my mum was a dancer, and I did the competition, but then she asked me if I wanted to horse ride, so I took that instead as I didn’t do too well … so I’m going to say no!”
Tillie and Neil will be competing against ‘Battlefield Britain’ host Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent, ‘EastEnders’ star Jamie Borthwick and rugby player Danny Cipriani to impress the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas – in the festive special.
When the 20-year-old TV star was asked which judges she wanted to impress the most, Tillie admitted she is desperate to dazzle Craig and Shirley.
She said: “Anytime I watch ‘Strictly’, I think, ‘Ooh, I want to impress all of the judges, that would be fab-u-lous!’
“But I think I want to impress Craig, and Shirley, because we’re doing a Jive and Shirley really knows her stuff on the Jive so that would be good.”
Neil agreed, adding: “Yeah I would say the same. Doing a Jive, we want to impress Shirley. If she turns around and says that Jive was brilliant, then you know it was good.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Ncuti Gatwa is thankful for former ‘Doctor Who’ star Jodie Whittaker for advising him to “embrace the madness” when he first joined the sci-fi series.
The ‘Sex Education’ actor has taken on the role of the Fifteenth Doctor in the BBC series, and he has told how Jodie and David Tennant – who recently returned to the show as the Fourteenth Doctor, after previously portraying the Tenth Doctor – gave him a call, which was like a “welcome blanket”.
He told Empire magazine: “Thank God for that call on that day.
“Because it was such a huge day for me, and they just wrapped me up in warmth like a welcome blanket.”
Ncuti – who made his ‘Who’ debut in recent 60th anniversary special episode ‘The Giggle’ – was “wracked with nerves and anxiety” when he shot his first full season, which is already in the can, but he has been more relaxed and “far less stressed” while filming his second series.
He added: “When I started filming season one, I was wracked with nerves and anxiety.
“I was very, very nervous and questioned everything I did. I’d always want another take.
“Season two feels very fun, very enjoyable, very like it’s in my body.
“I’m far less stressed. I’m enjoying it now. Oh my God. This is actually the most fun role in the world!”
Ncuti recently admitted he has “no idea” if he will be on ‘Doctor Who’ for the long haul.
During an interview with Radio Times magazine, the actor was asked whether his time on the BBC show would go beyond the second season.
He said: “No idea, no plan. I just know that I’m loving it and my love for it is growing.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Mo Gilligan’s ‘That’s My Jam’ has been scrapped by the BBC after just one series.
The ‘Masked Singer’ panellist’s game show based on the segment from Jimmy Fallon’s music-themed segment on his US show ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ won’t be returning to screens.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed to The Sun: “Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made, so while there will not be another series of That’s My Jam, we would like to extend our thanks to Mo Gilligan and the teams at Uni­versal International Studios’ label Monkey and Universal Television Alternative Studio for bringing the series to audiences in the UK.”
It comes after Mo, 35, confirmed Channel 4’s ‘The Lateish Show’ has been canned after four seasons.
The presenter is also not returning as host of the BRIT Awards next year.
The funnyman took over from Jack Whitehall and presided over the annual ceremony in 2022 and 2023, but recently confirmed he won’t be taking the reins again in 2024 because the event clashes with his US comedy tour.
He wrote in a statement shared to Instagram: “I’ve had the most incredible time working on The Brits but unfortunately as I’ll be in the US for my first World Tour next spring, I’m sorry to say that I’ll be stepping down from hosting duties for 2024 and handing over the baton.
“It’s been phenomenal to work on this iconic event.
“I’ve loved getting to know all the remarkable people who run The Brit Trust and the outstanding Brit School.
“The tireless work you do to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts is sensational and I promise to supporting whenever I can.”
The 35-year-old star had also shared a tweet from 2011 in which he said: “In 2013 I need to host the #MOBO’s or #TheBritAwards *Fingers Crossed*.(sic)”
And Mo thanked broadcasters ITV for making his dream come true.
He added in his statement: “Thank you to ITV for making a young man’s dream come true and to all the brilliant performers, guests, production team and most importantly, the viewers at home for all your amazing support.
“It’s been an honour. See you on Tour!”
Mo insists he has plenty of work for 2024.
He told fans online: “Next year is a busy one for me.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Gemma Collins is hoping to become a mother in 2024.
The 42-year-old reality star- who is currently engaged to Rami Hawash – has suffered from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for 13 years and has suffered three miscarriages but an insider has claimed that the festive period is the “perfect time” for her star a family.
A source told OK! Magazine: “Gemma has been trying to become a mother for so long and it’s the perfect time, she’s so excited for Christmas and is hoping for a miracle and a little one for the new year.”
The comments come just weeks after ‘Diva Forever’ star Gemma spoke out following the news that Gordon Ramsay’s wife Tana, 49, had welcomed her sixth child with the celebrity chef and had been given hope for the future and had prompted her to seek medical help.
She said: “The Tana Ramsay news was the greatest thing to wake up to. Incredible. It really made me think positively about my future and kind of took the pressure off. I don’t think anyone knew she was pregnant, so it was a lovely surprise, but I got butterflies in my stomach when I saw it.
“This is amazing news for me. I’m starting my fertility journey within the next couple of weeks.
“I’m going to a clinic so watch these cards and get ready for me, honey.”
Prior to that, the former ‘TOWIE’ star previously admitted that trying to get pregnant naturally had become a “nightmare” and had struggled to speak to a doctor about her issue.
She told The Sun: “I cannot get pregnant. It is a nightmare. I cannot seem to get a doctor and I am looking to find a fertility doctor who can help me.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online