OHMYGOSSIP — Bradley and Barney Walsh caused filming delays for ‘Gladiators’ because they couldn’t stop laughing.
The 63-year-old TV star, who hosts the gameshow ‘The Chase’ and his son, 26, have been signed to host the rebooted ITV show, but caused production to slow down after they kept getting the giggles.
Barney is quoted by The Daily Star’s HotTV column as saying: ”There were lots of laughs. We had fun.
“There had to be retakes because we were just having a laugh with each other. But that’s what our relationship is like!”
The father-son duo have worked together before, including the ITV reality show ‘Bradley Walsh and Son: Breaking Dad’, but ‘Gladiators’ will be their biggest project to date.
Although Bradley admitted he was nervous about the programme, the 26-year-old TV star insisted he was “very excited” to helm one of the most iconic British gameshows.
He said: “Of course there is pressure. It’s a loved programme. It’s loved by the British public.
“It’s a huge show and we’re very excited to bring it back. It’s exciting.”
Bradley agreed and said he felt honoured to be hosting ‘Gladiators’.
He said: “I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be a part of this iconic show.”
Last night (18.12.23) Bradley hosted ‘The Royal Variety’, in which Prince William and Princess Kate watched some of the biggest stars, including Cher, ‘Ted Lasso’ actress Hannah Waddingham and ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer Rick Astley.
The former ‘Coronation Street’ actor had previously performed on the show, but this was the first time he had hosted the programme.
He told OK! Magazine: “Thirty years ago, that was my first time performing at The Royal Variety Performance.
I was very, very nervous back then, but I’m so looking forward to hosting this year. At my first Royal Variety show I met Cilla Black and I did eight minutes on stage.
“I also performed in 1993 when the Bee Gees were on the bill and myself, Darren Day and Joe Pasquale were in the newcomers’ slot.
”I shared a dressing room with [Joe] Pasquale, Darren Day, Brian Conley and Shane Richie, so all the young lads were together. It was great fun.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Annabel Croft wants to “do something different” for her first Christmas without her husband.
The 57-year-old tennis legend was married to Mel Coleman – who died earlier this year at the age of 60 following a short battle with cancer – and has Amber, 27, Charlie, 26, as well as 24-year-old Lily with him but admitted that now that her time on the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is up, she now has to face the prospect of her first Christmas without him.
Speaking on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’, Annabel – who placed fourth in the BBC Latin and ballroom show – told stand-in host Ranvir Singh: “It’s a bit weird. My feet are going to come back down to earth quite quickly. I haven’t even had time to think for a moment because every day as I said on the show it gave me a purpose to get out of bed in the morning and go and see [professional partner] Johannes [Radebe], put my dancing kit on. My kids were very much a part of the whole thing and I really could not have done it without them.
“Johannes came to our house many times and they loved him, he loved them. We hope this is going to be the beginning of a lifelong friendship but it is going to be a bit weird this Christmas.
“I would never have believed…we had a very normal family Christmas last year, and I would never have believed that one year later my husband wouldn’t be around.
“It’s horrific – you don’t even know how to put words to describe it but we’re going to try to do something a little bit different this year. Nobody wanted to be at the house. Mel always carved the turkey, he did the ham and was always just busybodying around in the kitchen.”
The sports star – who will perform in the 2024 live tour of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ – went on to pay tribute to professional Amy Dowden, 33, who was forced to take time away from the show after she was diagnosed with breast cancer this year but was able to return to Saturday’s (16.12.23) final after finishing treatment for a guest appearance.
Annabel said: “She got a massive cheer when the light went on her for the group dance. She’s had a very difficult time of it of late and it’s just wonderful to see her out there enjoying herself. Of course, she’s had a foot injury as well. I just couldn’t believe she was up there giving it large, it was fantastic. I wish her all the best and wish her well.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Millie Gibson is tipped to get her Hollywood break in 2024.
The 19-year-old actress, who played Kelly Neelan on ‘Coronation Street, will make her debut as Ruby Sunday alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Time Lord in the ‘Doctor Who’ 60th Anniversary Special on Christmas Day, and insiders believe will propel her to Hollywood stardom.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede said: “Millie tackled some really heavy storylines in ‘Corrie’, which will show Hollywood producers she’s adept at lots of roles and is a very believable actress.
“Paired with her good looks and terrific personality, I can see her being cast in a blockbuster quicker than you can say Tardis.”
Nick emphasised that the actress’ breakout role in the BBC sci-fi show will make her “one to watch in 2024” as casting directors will want to cash in on her recognition and popularity.
Millie would not be the first ‘Doctor Who’ star to find her way into Hollywood. Karen Gillan, who played Amy Ponds alongside Matt Smiths incarnation of the Time Lord went on to play Nebula in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise, whilst Catherine Tate, who has returned with David Tennant for the 60th Anniversary Specials, landed a role in the US version of ‘The Office’ after her time on the BBC programme came to an end in 2008.
Although the young actress is tipped to shoot to stardom, Millie has admitted she is not ready for global fame.
She told The Times magazine: “No, it doesn’t seem real. It feels like we’ve made a lovely little project and it’s never going to be released to the world — but it is. I’ve got to wrap my head around that. I’m bracing myself.”
“So many people have sat me down and said, ‘Look, your life will change.’ It is hard to accept that.
“It’s a baffling thing to be told, to be honest. The first part was actually doing the job, preparing for that. And then the second part will be preparing for when it comes out.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — AJ and Curtis Pritchard have been announced as official ambassadors for The Smiley Charity Film Awards and Smiley Movement.
The awards celebrate the very best films and videos that have been created for, or on behalf of, registered charities within the UK.
The two brothers – famous for their ballroom dancing skills – will lend their support to the Smiley Charity Film Awards by promoting and presenting gongs on the evening. Their role will spotlight previous winners and entrants for Smiley Movement and host a series of films which will further extend the support for charity entries.
The series will be showcased on Smiley Movement website as well as the Smiley News social channels.
Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional AJ, 29, said: “We are honoured to join the Smiley Charity Film Awards and Smiley Movement as ambassadors this year. Film has an incredible ability to inspire and bring people together, and we are excited to be part of an event that harnesses this power for positive change. I can’t wait to see all of the nominees and winners on the awards night, it’s going to be a great evening for a great cause.”
Ex ‘Love Island’ star Curtis, 27, added: “As ambassadors, we look forward to encouraging filmmakers and the audience alike to engage with meaningful stories that make a difference. Supporting charities through the medium of film is an impactful way to contribute to important causes. Most recently, we’ve been working with Smiley Movement to create a charity spotlight series to highlight ten films from the list of previous award winners. It’s been great working first hand with winners and seeing the amazing work that they do.”
The nominations for the 2024 awards have been confirmed and now there will be a public vote of all the films entered, which will determine the final shortlist. This will then be judged by a panel of experts and a final round of public voting.
You can vote for your favourite film on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website (Smileycharityfilmawards.com/charities) from now until 12 January, 2024.
The winners will be announced at a gala event on the 20 March, 2024 – the United Nations International Day of Happiness – at The Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square London.
Since the creation of The Smiley Charity Film Awards in 2017, more than 3,000 charities have entered and benefitted, by raising awareness of their causes and boosting exposure, volunteer numbers and much-needed donations.
In 2023, the Charity Film Awards drove an additional 35 million views across all entered films. Nearly half a million members of the public have voted in the awards and the moving, uplifting and powerful films have reached almost 500 million people.
Last year’s winners included Welsh Refugee Council, Brooke (action for working horses and donkeys), World Connection inc, ASDA and so many more incredible charities.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sara Cox is sent into a panic when people come to her house as she hates small talk.
The 49-year-old broadcaster, who previously hosted Radio 1 Breakfast on BBC Radio 1, is happy to speak for hours on end on the air, but hates normal social situations.
She told the Waitrose and Partners Weekend magazine:”Nothing banishes the warm fuzzy feeling of freedom and replaces it with an icy dread more than people ‘popping over’ to ours.
“I have a deep fear of small talk, even with much-loved pals or family.”
Even so, there are certain people she doesn’t mind talking to.
She continued: “What actually happens is that my in-laws turn up, drink tea and we have a right laugh.
“I don’t know where this self-imposed pressure comes from.”
Although she is uncomfortable with small talk, Sara gladly talks with guests and callers for her show on BBC Radio 2.
Previously, the broadcaster had defended the decision from BBC bosses to replace DJ Ken Bruce with Vernon Kay after the 72-year-old had given 45 years of service to the station.
Speaking with Woman and Home magazine, she said: “[In radio] people move on and get replaced,” she said. “When change happens, it feels really big in the moment and within days, you’re like, ‘It’s fine. It’s still Radio 2.’
“Ken [Bruce] going was a bit of a shocker,” she admitted. “Then Vernon [Kay] started and within three links he sounded at home.
“Also, don’t forget, Vernon’s a good-looking lad, but he’s not 21, arriving with his cap on backwards, on a skateboard.
“He’s knocking 50 and he’s greying beautifully. He’s older than Ken was when he started. It may feel like [Radio 2] is getting in all these young ’uns, but we’ve still got all the legends on there.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Jeremy Clarkson has insisted that a “clean, green” planet will be joyless.
The ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ presenter, 63, thinks that a world that focuses on environmentalism will be depressing because so many natural pleasures will need to be “sacrificed” in order to achieve it.
In his column for The Times, he wrote: “To achieve a clean and green world, they will have to sacrifice so much of what makes us happy. Instead of food, for example, we may have to live on pills. Made by AI machines in solar-powered factories, these will give us all the vitamins and energy we need — but where’s the joy in that? Compared, say, with carving a lovely piece of beef and opening the oven door to find your Yorkshire puddings are perfect for once. Who wants to live in a world without gravy?
“I watch people now, chewing on grass, like cows, and pausing occasionally to sip from their lumpy green juice, and they always look so desperately pale and unhappy compared with the slightly tipsy person queueing for some late-night fish and chips.
“It’s a noble quest. But what they will lose if they are ever successful in their endeavours is the one thing that makes life worth living. Joy.”
The former ‘Top Gear’ star – who has Emily, 29, Katya, Finlo, 26 and 22-year-old Katya with ex-wife Frances Cain – also bashed “woke” culture and lamented at the loss of humour that is quickly deemed offensive.
He wrote: “I’ve always told my children that the most important thing they can do in life is make people laugh.
“It used to be fairly easy: you just said something funny. But in the new world, where giving offence is not allowed, it’s not easy at all. Flippant morning exchanges with the security guy at your office. Risqué exchanges on WhatsApp. Bons mots with the girl at the coffee shop. The little things that once brought a momentary flutter of levity into your life.
“Not possible, I’m afraid, as a man can’t walk into a pub any more. Because he may not be a man.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sally Nugent had always been “too scared to think about” going on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ – but will appear in the Christmas special.
The 52-year-old journalist – who is best known for fronting BBC Breakfast – is taking part in the festive special of the Latin and ballroom competition alongside professional partner Graziano Di Prima and admitted that she accepted the opportunity because there isn’t as much “pressure” for the one-off special compared to the regular series.
She said: “It was all about timing, I’ve always been too scared to even think about Strictly, and it’s always been one of those things where lots of people who do my job do it and I’ve always run in the other direction. But you know what, I just thought it was time to do something joyful and fun and happy, and escape from the real world for a little bit, and go into this bubble of glitter, and sequins and happiness and giddiness.
“I just loved the idea of doing Christmas because it felt like everybody is going to be happy, there’s no pressure, it doesn’t feel like it’s a competition to me. It feels like it’s a chance to have a laugh, and spread a little joy on my favourite day. It’s one of my favourite shows to watch on Christmas day anyway, so to be in it is incredible.”
However, the TV presenter admitted that she hasn no dance experience at all and is relying solely on the help of her professional partner to teach her what she needs to know as she joked it took her a while to be able to walk in a straight line.
She said: “I’m not a stage school kid, I’m not trained in any way, so to even be on the stage is a win for me. Graziano has been dancing for 21 years and I’ve been dancing for two weeks, so he’s needed to give me a lot of advice. Not a natural dancer at all. Graziano had to teach me to take steps forward, and take steps backward, and it took a long time for me to even just walk in a straight line.”
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special’ will air on Christmas Day at 4.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Julie Hesmondhalgh once bought a cardboard cutout of herself.
The 53-year-old actress was honoured to have had a picture of herself looking “very glam” at an awards ceremony made into a life-sized novelty print and was even more thrilled to see the price had gone up in recent years as she revealed she bought a copy for her friend who lives in London.
She told Metro newspaper’s SixtySeconds column: “I think the price has gone up! That’s better than your IMDb page is that – how much your cardboard cutout is. I got one for my mate Raz who I stay with when I’m in London, so he wouldn’t miss me when I wasn’t there. It’s me at the National TV Awards so I’m very glam in it.
“I don’t think he’s ever seen me like that in his life.”
Julie is best known for her portrayal of knicker stitcher Hayley Cropper on ‘Coronation Street’ but almost a decade after leaving the ITV1 soap, she has been reunited with former co-star Katherine Kelly – who played diamond-in-the-rough Becky Granger on the serial – as they both star in the upcoming ITV1 drama ‘Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office’, which is based on the Post Office scandal that saw a number of sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted for fraud.
During their time on ‘Coronation Street’, Hayley became something of a surrogate mother towards Becky and Julie explained that even though this time round, they only had a couple of days on set, they had an “absolutely joyous” time together.
She said: “It’s funny because we were both in ‘Happy Valley’ series two but on that we never even crossed paths in the make-up chair. On this we only had two days together, but it was absolutely joyous between scenes. We have a lot to catch up on every time.”
‘Mr. Bates vs the Post Office’ will air on ITV1 from 1 January.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Shirley Ballas has blasted claims ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is fixed.
The 63-year-old head judge hit out on social media after viewers suggested she and the rest of the panel had been “deciding who wins” and were ready for West End star Layton Williams to lift the Glitterball Trophy ahead of Bobby Brazier and Ellie Leach.
Shirley had posted on X: “My final show of It Takes Two complete @bbcstrictly now we just wait for the final. Who’s excited? Xxx.(sic)”
In response, one user replied: “Not me as you and your judges have already decided who will win! A professional, dancing with a professional!!”
But the Latin expert quickly wrote back: “Thank you for your message. We as judges are only to guide in the final. We have no say on who will win. It is completely and utterly down to the public vote.”
Shirley urged the disgruntled viewer to “pick up that phone” and cast a vote.
She added: “So I say pick up that phone Neil and vote as that is what counts. Enjoy the show and have a beautiful day Xxx.”
Layton, who dances with Nikita Kuzmin, reposted Shirley’s reply with a yellow heart emoji.
He then added: “What Shirley said.”
Earlier this week, former ‘Strictly’ professional dancer James Jordan admitted he was unimpressed with Layton taking part in the show because of his background in dance and musical theatre.
He told Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “Is that what ‘Strictly’ is supposed to be. Is that what ‘Strictly’ has come to that we have fully-trained dancers on the show? For me, it’s not what ‘Strictly’ is supposed to be.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Nigel Harman will be at the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final – but won’t be performing.
The 50-year-old actor was forced to pull out of the show two weeks ago after suffering a rib injury while rehearsing with partner Katya Jones and though he’s looking forward to being back in the ballroom on Saturday (16.12.23) night to see either Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach or Layton Williams take home the Glitterball Trophy, he still isn’t fit enough to join his fellow former contestants on the dancefloor.
Appearing on spin-off show ‘Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two’ on Friday (15.12.23) night, Nigel said: “It’s genuinely heartwarming to be back, to see our friends, and not to be dancing but just having a good time.”
The former ‘EastEnders’ star is pleased with how his recovery is going but admitted he still has a few weeks before he’s fully back to fitness.
Sitting alongside fellow ex-contestants Adam Thomas and Annabel Croft, he said: “It’s progressing well. I’m a bit achy. I have about another month of recovery, but aside from that, I’m fine.”
He then jokingly added: “Just looking at Adam makes it feel so much better.”
Adam embraced his pal and laughed: “I have that effect, I really do. I just make people feel good. That’s what I do.”
The ‘Casualty’ actor previously explained he suffered the injury while rehearsing a Charleston.
Speaking on ‘Strictly’, he said: “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men. And, as I flew, I was Peter Pan and as I landed, I was in A+E. So, I’ve done something to my rib basically and it’s quite painful and I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well, but I’m having a lovely time!
“I’ve loved it, I’ve loved it and I’m loving it. It’s too soon to say ‘loved’.It hasn’t really sunk in. When I watched everyone come down the stairs, I was like ‘Oh, this is real, I’m not part of this anymore’. I’ve been avoiding Katya all day because that makes it really real.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Ellie Leach has won ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 22-year-old actress and her professional partner Vito Coppola have been crowned the winners of ‘Strictly’ after wowing the judges and the public during the live final.
After being announced as the winner, Ellie said: “I actually, genuinely cannot believe this.”
Ellie – who is best known for playing Faye Windass on ‘Coronation Street’ – was awarded 40 points for her final dance of the night.
Craig Revel Horwood heaped praise on the actress, observing that she’s made huge progress since the start of the series.
He said: “It’s just been wonderful to see you grow and develop as a dancer.”
Ellie and Vito danced a routine to the sound of ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ by Robbie Williams, and they earned full marks from the judges.
The duo also performed a pasodoble routine, as well as a show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix.
Ellie overcame competition from Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to claim the coveted ‘Strictly’ crown.
Layton and his partner Nikita Guzman were actually awarded 40 points by the judges for their final dance of the series.
Motsi Mabuse said: “I don’t think we’ve ever had a dancer like you, Layton, and I don’t think we ever will. You are a role model to many and I know there are just bigger things to come.”
Elsewhere, pop star Olly Alexander announced during the show that he will represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024.
Olly, 33, said on ‘Strictly’: “I love Eurovision so much, it’s a dream come true. I’m just so, so excited.”
The show also featured an emotional performance from ‘Strictly’ star Amy Dowden.
The 33-year-old dancer was unable to have a celebrity partner this year after she was diagnosed with cancer, but Amy was able to perform the opening routine during the live final.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Jade Goody was “looking down from heaven” with pride at her son Bobby Brazier competing in the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final.
Jade’s mother Jackiey Budden believes her late daughter – who died in 2009 after a battle with cancer – would have been filled with pride at seeing her son perform on Saturday’s (16.12.23) final of the BBC One dance show.
She told The Sun: “She would have been so proud of him, as am I, and a lot of other people are too.
“He always wears his mum’s bracelet, so she is always with him and he knows she’s always looking down on him.”
Jackiey did not attend the final due to a feud with Bobby’s father Jeff Brazier but is looking forward to catching up with Bobby and his brother Freddie.
She said: “I’ve had a tough few years – like everyone has, they’ve really knocked me for six.
“I still get the odd health set-back which I’ll battle through but I’m still well enough to see the boys.
“I can’t wait to see him and give him a huge hug.”
‘EastEnders’ actor Bobby and West End star Layton Williams were beaten in the final by ‘Coronation Street’ actress Ellie Leach, 22, who is ‘Strictly’s youngest ever winner.
She said: “I actually genuinely cannot believe this.”
She told her emotional professional partner Vito Coppola: “For once you’re crying more than me, this is for you.”
He responded: “I mean this is like the cherry on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you have been so amazing, you are ‘Strictly’. You represent ‘Strictly’. You are the diamond, you are shining.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Derek Draper is reportedly “fighting for his life after a heart attack”.
The 56-year-old husband of TV presenter Kate Garraway has been seriously ill since contracting COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic in 2020 and Kate is said to have 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.”
Derek spent 13 months in hospital making him Britain’s longest suffering coronavirus victim.
Back in October, Kate – who has daughter Darcy, 17, and son Billy, 14, with Derek – revealed her husband was not doing well and his health battle had left him with long-lasting organ damage and requiring 24/7 care at home.
The 56-year-old broadcaster – who has made two award-winning documentaries on her family’s experience living with the changes in Derek’s health – told Metro.co.uk: “He’s not doing great, to be honest.
“But the battle goes on,” before confirming that she had made steps to secure a private one-to-meeting with the health secretary Steve Barclay.
Kate made a public appeal on the ITV1 breakfast show to the Conservative minister after he was interviewed live on-air by her co-star Susanna Reid, 52, to speak to him on behalf of “millions of people” in situations similar to her own.
She said: “I don’t want to ambush you on air but I have been trying to contact you and I have been trying to contact Helen Whately as well and I haven’t been able to.
“I’d like to come and talk to you – not about Derek by the way, this is not me trying to get something for him.
“This is about representing millions of people across the country who, like me, in one hand feel like they’re holding the life of their loved one and in the other hand punching away at a system and it isn’t about money.
“I’ve got five points and I’d love to meet with you if you would return some of my attempts to contact you.”
The politician responded by telling the ex ‘GMTV’ star that he was “happy” to meet with her.
Steve said: “It’s the first I’ve heard that you’ve been trying to reach out to me, so that message hadn’t got to me.
“I can absolutely confirm that I would be very happy to meet so we will pick this up after the interview and set that meeting up.”
The ex ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star recently told the Times newspaper that her husband “can neither breathe in oxygen nor expel carbon dioxide efficiently” after contracting the virus more than three years ago.

Source: VacationHunter.Online