OHMYGOSSIP — Toby Jones and Monica Dolan are to star in new ITV series ‘Mr Bates vs. The Post Office’.
The ‘Detectorists’ actor will play titular character Alan Bates in the four-part ITV1 and ITVX drama series, which will also feature Julie Hesmondhalgh, Lesley Nicol, Will Mellor, and Katherine Kelly.
It will tell the story of what is widely regarded as one of the greatest miscarriages of justices in British legal history, when hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a defective IT system.
Toby said: “I am proud to be a part of this shocking, unsettling but ultimately inspirational drama.”
Alan said: “This is one of the most egregious scandals the country has ever seen and a major corporation has managed to keep it covered up for years.
“Thankfully this has now been exposed and the victims are finally on their way to finding the justice they deserve.”
Shaun Dooley, Amit Shah, Alex Jennings, Ian Hart, Lia Williams, Clare Calbraith, and Adam James will also star in the drama, which has been written by screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes.
Executive Producer Natasha Bondy said: “Despite this being a scandal that is now widely regarded as the biggest miscarriage of justice in our country’s legal history, it’s still a story that many people don’t know about. We hope this series changes that.”
ITV Commissioning Editor Helen Perry said: “We are so grateful to the extraordinary cast that have come together for this show.
“Their talent will help shine a spotlight on one of the most important and unbelievable stories of injustice in recent British history.”
Some of the wronged workers ended up being imprisoned for crimes they never committed, ruining their lives.
However, following the landmark Court of Appeal decision to overturn their criminal convictions, dozens of former sub postmasters and postmistresses have been exonerated on all counts as they battled to finally clear their names.
They fought for more than 10 years to finally prove their innocence.
The drama will tell the story of how in 2009, a group of sub postmasters from across the UK formed the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Frankie Sims “had to do a lot of explaining” to her parents about filming a reality show for OnlyFans.
The ex ‘The Only Way is Essex’ star is on a mission to clear up the misconception that the website, which allows people to share content for a monthly subscription free, is not just for “raunchy” material as she prepares to drop her family’s new show, ‘The House of Sims’, in which she takes Hollywood with her siblings, Chloe, Demi and Charlie.
The 28-year-old reality television personality told Heat magazine: “People were really confused about the concept. We’ve had to do a lot of explaining at the beginning and to our parents!
“There’s a taboo around OnlyFans, but people are starting to understand the streaming platform is completely different to the app. The app is used for other things – fitness, cooking and workouts – but all anybody talks about about is the raunchy content that gets posted.
“OnlyFans do have a bit of a thing they’re labelled with, but we’re hoping to change that.”
Frankie detailed how she moved Stateside with dreams of “falling in love” with an American man, but she might have found what she wants when she returned to the UK.
She said: “I didn’t date for a year. When I knew the show was coming up, I had my heart set on going to America, meeting an American man, falling in love and getting married.
“I actually do follow that on the show – I meet up with a matchmaker and she sets me up with somebody but it doesn’t work out.
“I’ve been single so for long, so I was disappointed. I came back to England last month and I was here for two days and I met somebody from London. So, now I’m in a bit of a pickle, because I’ve spent every day with them for the past month. I’m like, ‘How does this happen?’ ”
Frankie has extended an invitation to him to go to America with her, and it would be “exciting” if he accepted.
She said: “I’m going back in June, and I’ve invited him. It’ll be exciting if he does come.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Stephen Tompkinson has broken his silence on his grievous bodily harm trial, and believes it should’ve been “investigated a lot sooner”.
The 57-year-old actor was found not guilty of causing GBH last week after he was accused of punching a drunken man outside his home in Whitley Bay, north-east England, in May 2021.
Karl Poole had alleged that Stephen’s actions caused him to fall and fracture his skull, which the ‘DCI Banks’ star denied.
Stephen has now told how he thought it could’ve been “dealt with there and then” rather than two years later.
Speaking on ‘Lorraine’, he said: “I thought myself it could’ve been investigated a lot sooner and dealt with there and then, rather than waiting two years.”
During his conversation with host Lorraine Kelly on Friday (19.05.23), Stephen admitted the case “had to be answered”, but he also questioned whether it was worth bringing after deliberations took “less than an hour”.
When asked how long it took to throw out his case, he said: “Less than an hour. You have to wonder, was it worth bringing it in in the first place.
“They were trying to prove a punch that never happened, there was no physical evidence on my hand or the guy’s face, he was just incredibly drunk and he fell.”
When the verdict was announced at Newcastle Crown Court last week, he nodded but showed no visible emotion.
As he left the court, he told reporters at the time: “I just want to go home.”
During the trial, the star insisted he wasn’t responsible for Poole’s injuries.
He said: “I didn’t apply any excessive force that would have caused any sober person to fall over … I am not responsible for Karl Poole’s double skull fracture.
“He went off due to his own instability. He fell in a completely different direction.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Ben Elton has ruled out a ‘Blackadder’ reboot.
The ex ‘Friday Night Live’ host and co-creator of the iconic BBC comedy series has axed hopes of a revival as nothing has topped its original run.
The 64-year-old comedian told the Daily Star newspaper: “‘Blackadder’ isn’t coming back.
“We’re all still very good friends, all of us, genuinely, and I think one of the reasons for that is because we don’t do a ‘Blackadder’.
There’s been a couple of half-a**** bits and pieces of revivals and I think they’re all pretty s*** to be honest so I don’t think so.”
Ben admitted himself, co-creator Richard Curtis, and cast members Rowan Atkinson, Sir Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry – never envisaged the programme being so popular.
He said: “We did something surprisingly special; nobody has the slightest idea that it would resonate in the way it did.
“Of course, you can’t you can’t plan for any of your successes or failure, I certainly didn’t plan for any of my failures but they come all the same.
“And I think it’s best to leave it where it was you know were all a lot older and doing a lot of other things and you know it’s hard to get Ryan out of the house you know it takes a long time to make any decision.”
The programme’s 40th anniversary will be marked on UKTV Gold with talking heads speaking about their experience.
Tony – who played loveable fool Baldrick – said: “Blackadder holds a special place in the nation’s heart and in mine too. I’m delighted to be part of its 40th Birthday celebrations on Gold. It’s been wonderful to journey back to where it all began and chat to some of the biggest names in comedy who made it all happen.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Danny Dyer has hinted he could return to ‘EastEnders’.
The ‘Scared of the Dark’ host doesn’t “regret” saying goodbye to his longtime role of Mick Carter in the BBC One soap, but he suggested that despite his alter-ego’s death, he could return to Albert Square.
The 45-year-old actor told the Radio Times magazine: “I don’t regret leaving, but it was really emotional for me.
“Mick’s exit felt like a real ‘full stop’, but maybe it was a ‘dot, dot, dot’.”
Danny’s character is survived by his onscreen ex-wife Linda (Kellie Bright), who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her former spouse and also trying to keep the Queen Vic boozer – her family’s home, which she ran with him – after his jailed wife Janine Butcher got Mick’s share after his death.
And the new co-owner was recently revealed to be Linda’s mother, Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), after Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Nish (Navin Chowdhry) and Suki (Balvinder Sopal) were misled.
Announcing his exit last year, Danny said: “The big news is I’ve decided not to renew my contract. That’s all. That’s not because I’ve fallen out with anybody, I love everybody.
“I am leaving EastEnders. I’m very lucky, I’m very grateful.
“When you’re in a job like a soap your contract comes up for renewal, and every time it has, they’ve asked me to stay, and I’m very grateful for that. Because I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. It’s very tough.”
Meanwhile, the ‘Vendetta’ star recently spoke about how “intrigued” he was to travel to Australia to shoot the new film ‘Heat’ alongside the rest of the cast, including ‘Neighbours’ stars Olympia Valance and Richie Morris.
Danny told The Sun newspaper: “I can’t wait to get amongst this beautiful piece of work in Australia. I’ve always been intrigued about working there.
“It’s my first gig since ‘EastEnders’. Heat has a powerful, dark script and strong Australian cast and crew. Let’s have it!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Big Zuu is thrilled to have created a new “scrumdiddlyumptious” dessert for Zizzi.
The BAFTA-Award winning star previously worked with the Italian restaurant chain on the Big Zuu’s Zillionaire Rustica pizza last year and he was delighted to be asked to craft something sweeter this time round, coming up with the Big Zuu Big Apple Cal’ZUU’ne.
He said of his new creation: “Yo it’s Big Zuu! To celebrate the launch of their new Spring Menu Zizzi have invited me down to the kitchen to create my own dessert.
“I’ve come up with the Big Zuu, Big Apple Cal’zuu’ne!, my super charged spin on an Apple Pie. It’s beautiful and scrumdiddlyumptious”
The chef’s dessert is a sweet, Calzone-style folded pizza crammed with cinnamon spiced apple, caramel and marscapone, topped with vanilla gelato, honeycomb, toffee popcorn and salted caramel sauce.
Big Zuu’s culinary creation has already proved to be a hit with diners, with the likes of AJ Tracey, Katya Jones, Laura Anderson and Woody Cook tucking into the sweet treat at a special launch party at Zizzi, The Strand, in London last month.
Big Zuu Big Apple Cal’ZUU’ne – which will be on the menu for a limited time – joins Zizzi’s brand-new spring menu, which boasts over 20 new or refreshed menu options and drinks, including seven new desserts.
Kathryn Turner, Director of Zizzi Food Development, said: “We are delighted to welcome Big Zuu back to spice up our menu again – after the success of the Big Zuu Zillionaire Rustica Pizza last year. Big Zuu’s Big Apple Cal’ZUU’ne will join our Spring menu line up as a ‘special guest’ dish – we’ve worked hard to listen to customer feedback, adding twists to Zizzi classics.
“This menu is bold, exciting and full of delicious flavours.”
For more information and to sign up to Zizzi’s loyalty platform Zillionaires’ Club, visit: https://zillionaires.zizzi.co.uk/

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Stephanie Davis has joined the cast of ‘Coronation Street’.
The 30-year-old actress – who is best known for playing Sinead O’Connor on ‘Hollyoaks’ – has been cast as Courtney Vance, the glamorous wife of Darren, one of Dev Alahan’s business associates.
Stephanie – who left ‘Hollyoaks’ in 2019 – said in a statement: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of ‘Coronation Street’, playing the part of Courtney Vance.
“Growing up I have always watched and loved the show, so to be part of the biggest TV soap in Britain, which is in the hearts and homes of so many people, is an honour.”
Stephanie is being joined on the set by Ryan Early, who has been cast in the role of Darren Vance.
The actor has also revealed that he’s a long-time fan of the ITV soap.
He said: “I am so thrilled to be playing Darren Vance on ‘Coronation Street’ and joining the most iconic soap. I grew up watching the show with my grandmother so to walk on the cobbles is such an honour.”
Stephanie and Ryan start filming this week and will make their ‘Coronation Street’ debuts in July.
‘Coronation Street’ producer Iain MacLeod has already promised viewers that the new recruits will be at the centre of a “fun, fiery storyline”.
Looking forward to the summer, Iain shared: “In Stephanie and Ryan, we have cast two fantastic actors as the catalyst for this fun, fiery storyline.
“Aadi will quickly find himself way out of his depth as he risks everything for Courtney. And while it is the best time he’s ever had in his life, he stands to end up in a whole heap of trouble!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sir Lenny Henry is set to explore the careers of his comedian peers in a new Channel 4 show.
The 64-year-old stand-up is hosting ‘In Legends of Comedy with Lenny Henry’, which will see him reunited with his pals Paul Whitehouse, Sally Phillips, Romesh Ranganathan and Alexei Sayle.
The funnyman will “carve up the career and work of his funny guest, taking a deep dive to discover how they — and other comedy icons — made their mark.”
In a statement, Lenny said: “It was great fun spending time with my friends and hearing about what makes them laugh and what they take inspiration from. I hope the audience enjoys it as much as I did.”
Deborah Dunnett, commissioning editor for Channel 4, added: “It’s a true privilege to be bringing the legendary Sir Lenny Henry together with such a fantastic line-up of talented and brilliantly funny comedians to learn more their careers, their heroes and their craft.
“I can’t wait to see the chats between Lenny and his fabulous guests, which are guaranteed to be very very funny.”
Tom Edwards, Creative Director, Red Sauce, added: “It’s a joy to craft an entirely new comedy-ents format with a performer like Sir Lenny. It’s a really fresh way to carve up the comedy space, full of genuine insight and hearty laughs.”
Henry started out as a stand-up comedian and impressionist in the late 1970s and early 1980s, culminating in ‘The Lenny Henry Show’ in 1984.
He’s moved into acting more recently, with prominent roles in ‘The Sandman’, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ and ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Amanda Holden is reuniting with Alan Carr for another series of ‘Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job’.
The 52-year-old TV star and Alan, 46, are joining forces once again to test their DIY and design skills in the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany.
Amanda said: “I’m obviously absolutely delighted that Alan and I have been given a second series of a show that we created together.
“This time I’m considering ditching my nail extensions but I’ll certainly be keeping the lashes! I’ve got the Aperol Spritz on ice and I’m being fitted for a new boiler suit as we speak!
The first series proved a big hit with TV viewers.
The duo are now reuniting to explore the rich culture of Tuscany, which is one of Italy’s most idyllic regions.
Amanda added: “I adore Alan and this job suits us both perfectly. The sweetest thing about it all is that we can continue to raise more money for charities that make a huge difference to the lives of so many.”
Alan is also thrilled to be returning for a second series.
He shared: “So excited to be returning to Italy with my good friend Amanda for more blood sweat and tiles. Can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and transform another Euro house. What could possible go wrong?!!”
Meanwhile, Clare Mottershead, the BBC’s lead commissioning editor of factual entertainment and events, has promised viewers that they “are in for a treat”.
Clare said: “Amanda and Alan are a ray of sunshine on our screens. With their passion for interior design, making friends and diving headlong into local life, they entertained and inspired millions last winter.
“We’re thrilled they are back to take on an even more incredible one-Euro renovation project in another stunning location. Viewers are in for a treat and we can’t wait to join them – and their irresistible sense of fun – on a new adventure.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Brenda Blethyn is thrilled to be returning for the 13th series of ‘Vera’.
The 77-year-old actress has played DCI Vera Stanhope in the TV crime drama since 2011, and she’s likened reprising the role to a homecoming.
Brenda said in a statement: “Stepping back into Vera’s shoes for the 13th series feels like coming home again.
“The support from the locals in the North East is truly heart-warming and reuniting with the talented David Leon and the rest of our exceptional team is an absolute delight.
“Together, we embark on this new chapter with a terrific script crafted by the brilliant Paul Matthew Thompson.”
David Leon is also looking forward to the new series, revealing that he’s excited to reunite with Brenda.
David – who is reprising the role of Joe Ashworth on the ITV show – said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to ‘Vera’. It’s fantastic to be back in the North East and reunited with Brenda and the crew for the new series.
“I’m looking forward to exploring the relationship between Joe and Vera as they make up for lost time.”
Meanwhile, executive producer Will Nicholson is thrilled to be back in the North East and he can’t wait to work with the show’s cast and crew once again.
He shared: “Being from the North East it is always a joy to film ‘Vera’ here and we are very grateful for the warmth and support from the fans during production.
“Starting the new series is incredibly exciting and alongside the incomparable Brenda Blethyn and the rest of our talented cast, we are delighted to welcome David Leon back to the show.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online