OHMYGOSSIP — Lorraine Kelly has hailed Paul O’Grady as “a really special man” following his death.
The 63-year-old star has led tributes to the late comedian and TV presenter – who was also known for his iconic drag queen persona Lily Savage – after he died on Tuesday aged 67.
She tweeted: “Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise. Will be sorely missed. A really special man.”
‘Good Morning Britain’ star Charlotte Hawkins wrote: “Oh no, such sad news to wake up to that the magnificent Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67.
“What a warm-hearted, hugely talented and funny man he was. Plus a dog-lover of course, with his brilliant show @RealPOGDogs supporting @Battersea_. Such a loss [and] gone too young”
Actor John Barrowman admitted he was “totally shocked and sad” after hearing “the awful news”.
He added: “I am totally shocked and sad to hear the awful news that Paul O’Grady has died. An awesome talent stretching decades.
“From watching him as Lily Savage at the Vauxhall Tavern to sitting with him laughing backstage at West End Bares to being a guest on his @itv Paul O’Grady show…”
Singer Aled Jones described him as “a lovely lovely person”, while Vernon Kay hailed him as “one of the nicest and kindest people” he’s ever met.
Vernon continued on Twitter: “Always a joy to be around and obviously, so much fun. He will be missed. Telly and friends have lost one of the best… RIP.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan tweeted: “RIP Paul O’Grady, 67. A wonderfully warm, mischievous, hilarious guy with a sublime natural talent for broadcasting and making people laugh.”
‘Countdown’ legend Carol Vorderman suggested O’Grady would be “Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven”.
She added: “Paul, what are we meant to do without you?”
And Danny Beard, who won the fourth series of ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK’, described the late star as “the most important person in British culture for drag”.
He told ‘BBC Breakfast’: “I don’t think there’s anyone who does the job that I do that doesn’t class Paul as an icon.”
O’Grady died “unexpectedly and peacefully” on Tuesday (28.03.23) evening, according to his partner Andre Portasio.
He said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘EastEnders’ is welcoming a new family, the Knights, to Albert Square.
Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) mother, Elaine Peacock, is set to arrive in Walford to help her daughter with running the Queen Victoria, and she’ll be joined by her lover George Knight and his daughter Gina and Anna.
‘James Bond’ actor Colin Salmon will play “loveable rogue” George, while ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ actress Harriet Thorpe will portray Elaine.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Molly Rainford has been cast as Anna, and ‘A Discovery of Witches’ star Francesca Henry will play her older sister Gina. The family is completed by their beloved chihuahua, Tyson.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said in a statement: “The arrival of the Knights brings a new dawn to Albert Square. George Knight is a charming rogue and an old-school gent who dotes on his two daughters, Gina and Anna.
“George will take up residence in The Queen Vic when he joins his beloved Elaine, a powerhouse of a landlady who knows just how to have fun.
“The couple will be joined by feisty, determined and demanding Gina, who is as sharp and cool as cut diamonds but with a temper that blazes like fire, whereas younger sister, Anna is fun, loveable, and big-hearted, but don’t underestimate her.
“George, Gina and Anna have been bound together for years and arriving in Walford is the fresh-start the Knights are looking for.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this hugely talented group of actors; Colin Salmon, Harriet Thorpe, Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford who will be immediately thrown into the heart of the Square, and we can’t wait for everyone to meet them.”
Colin is “thrilled” to have been cast as a “true East End gentleman”.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders to take on the role of George Knight. I’m excited to explore the character of George, a true East End gentleman having been born in the East End myself. I have a great affinity and love for the show and I look forward to being part of the great legacy.”
Meanwhile, Harriet is looking forward to honouring the “incredible, iconic queens” who have defined the soap over the years.
She said: “I’m thrilled to be playing Elaine who is an ultimate matriarch with a huge and vivid personality with a heart of gold who takes no prisoners and fights with all she’s got, but has a vulnerable side that she only shows a select few.
“The Vic needs strong women running it, and I want to honour the incredible, iconic queens who define EastEnders since the beginning. The entire company is a dream come true to work with, full of support, laughs, and creativity, with the warmest welcome from day one.
“The East End is where my family started out, so for me this feels like coming home!”
The family will first appear on screen in early summer.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Samantha Barks is being lined up for ‘Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream’.
The ‘Les Miserables’ star – who shot to fame on the Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed BBC hunt to find a Nancy for the West End revival of Lionel Bart’s beloved musical ‘Oliver!’ in 2008 – has been touted by those in the know to be on the judging panel for ITV1’s latest search, this time for the next Sophie and Sky in the long-running ABBA jukebox.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “Bagging her for the new ‘Mamma Mia!’ show is seen as a real coup by the creators as Samantha has firmly established herself as a real stage star.
“Rather like Cheryl Cole becoming a judge on ‘X Factor’, it seems Samantha’s come full circle from a contestant to a judge on a singing competition.
“But she not only brings 15 years of experience with her, she’s also impressed telly bosses with her screen presence on several TV shows.”
Samantha – who is still a mainstay in the theatre world after coming third on the show and is currently appearing as Elsa in ‘Frozen’, based on the 2013 smash hit Disney animated flick – will appear on the show with Zoe Ball and Alan Carr.
At the time of the programme’s announcement, Judy Craymer, the writer and producer of the musical, said: “’MAMMA MIA!’ has always been a show that has encouraged young actors and given opportunities to those making their stage debuts – just as our current Sophie and Sky in London (Meg Hateley and Miles Henderson) are making their West End debuts – so it feels the perfect fit for a TV show that will seek out new talent for musical theatre.
“In the lead-up to the celebrations for the stage musical’s 25th birthday in 2024, we’re really looking forward to working with Thames and ITV on this show and involving our well-loved musical as much as possible in the programme.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Challenge Anneka’ has been pulled off air after just two episodes.
The Channel 5 reboot of the hit series – which was originally on air between 1989 to 1995 – was dropped from the schedule after just half its intended run as the slot is “highly competitive”.
A spokesperson for Channel 5 said: “The first episode of ‘Challenge Anneka’ was enjoyed by 1.25 million viewers, but Saturday evenings are always highly competitive, especially at this time of year.
“The public and critical reaction to Challenge Anneka’s return has been amazing and we have decided to preserve the remaining two shows and reschedule them soon.”
Anneka responded by reminding concerned viewers she “knew” it would be a threat when they went into production on the show that sees her being dared to complete task within a set timeframe.
The 64-year-old television presenter wrote on Twitter: “Thanks if you’ve watched so far! We always knew we were on a ‘floating schedule’ so might be bumped off at any moment. We’ll keep you posted.
“The main thing for me is the projects are all up and running and I love [and] salute our army of volunteers who made this possible.vThank you.”
The former ‘Treasure Hunt’ star added it was time to find a “new home” for the show – which on the last episode saw her help do over a community food hub in Stockon-on-Tees – by posting a snap of her and her colleague Dave.
Anekka wrote on social media: “24 hours to find a new home”.
Meanwhile, the former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ recently revealed how proud she is of the way ‘Challenge Anneka’ featured so many women behind the camera.
She added: “It was mostly women. It was groundbreaking stuff. Many of them have gone on to practically run television.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Susanna Reid fought back tears as she paid tribute to Paul O’Grady.
The ‘Good Morning Britain’ star spoke about the late, great presenter – who was also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage – during Wednesday’s (29.03.23) episode of the ITV breakfast show after he died “far too early” at the age of 67.
She said: “You can acknowledge the humour and the love and compassion that he brought at the same time, as we mourn his loss, far too early.”
Her co-star Richard Arnold hailed O’Grady as a “trailblazer” and added: “Looking back there, there’s so many fond memories.”
MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis also appeared on the show and said: “You don’t know whether to smile or be sad right now, I’m torn between those two emotions because he was such a funny man and when you think about him it makes you smile he was funny, and then you remember he’s gone.”
He had earlier wrote on Twitter: “Quite shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of Paul O’Grady passing. #RipPaulOgrady. A funny man, with incredibly quick wit, who made millions laugh.”
Meanwhile, comedian Les Dennis tweeted: “So sad to wake to the news that Paul O’Grady has died. He was a true comedy great and his twinkly, mischievous presence will be missed by so many. RIP dear Paul.”
‘Top Gear’ star Paddy McGuinness remembered O’Grady as someone who was “just great to be around”, paying tribute to the way he became “an icon of British TV”.
He wrote: “Paul O’Grady let me stand in for him on his chat show over 15 years ago. He was always supportive, kind and just great to be around.
“Paul started in the pubs and working men’s clubs but finished has an icon of British TV. I’ll miss him very much. Rest in peace Paul.”
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judge Amanda Holden tweeted: “Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, searingly sharp and very funny..
“I loved our conversations ..I can’t quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family ..”
And former ‘X Factor’ star Joe McElderry said: “I was stood in Paul O’grady’s dressing room @TheatreRoyalNew less than 3 weeks ago! He was full of life chatting and being so wonderful as always! so so sad! And such a loss! A true showbiz entertainer! May he rest in peace (sic)”
O’Grady’s partner Andre Portasio revealed he died “unexpectedly and peacefully” on Tuesday (28.03.23) evening.
He said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sir David Jason’s wife has admitted it’s been “lovely to embrace” his newfound daughter.
Lady Gill White, 62, has opened up about the family’s reaction to news that the 83-year-old ‘Only Fools and Horses’ legend has discovered he is the father of actress Abi Harris, 52, and has a 10-year-old grandson, Charlie.
Gill – who has daughter Sophie, 22, with Jason – told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “I can only imagine was a shock it was for David and Abi to realise their new relationship and so I felt very supportive towards them from the start.
“It is lovely to embrace Abi into our family and I’m so please that everyone has been so understanding.”
Gill heaped praise on Sophie for the way she has adjusted to the “massive surprise”.
She added: “We obviously waited for the right moment to tell Sophie as it was a massive surprise for her too.
“David took her off and worded it beautifully and she took it all in with great understanding and maturity.”
Abi – who has appeared in ‘Doctor Who: The Eighth of March’ – was born in October 1970 after David had a brief relationship with her mum, actress Jennifer Hill, who he starred alongside in Dylan Thomas’s ‘Under Milk Wood’ at London’s May Fair theatre.
Abi had an inkling David might be her biological father after hearing about her time with Jennifer – who starred in ‘Doctor Who’ and 1983 James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ – and she noticed she had a similar shaped nose to ‘The Darling Buds of May’ star.
She decided to write David a letter, quoting a line from Dylan’s play, and asked if would take a paternity test, which he agreed to.
After the result showed he was Abi’s father, the pair met up at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, Central London.
Abi has admitted she feels “tickled pink and incredibly proud” at discovering David is her dad, but is also “completely overwhelmed with sorrow” for the years she didn’t know.
Meanwhile, David told the Mirror: “To say it was a surprise to find out I had a daughter from years ago is an understatement.
“However, on settling with the news, I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Doctor Who’ legend Colin Baker once signed a breast implant.
The sixth doctor – who starred in the show with his assistant Bonnie Langford, 58, between 1984 and 1986 – is no stranger to weird fan requests and recalled the time he faced an unusual request for his autograph.
The 79-year-old actor is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: “A woman once me (rather cautiously for reasons that will immediately become apparent) whether I would sign her breast implant.
“I matched her cautiousness. I enquired what this might involve. It transpired the item was no longer in situ.
“This hemisphere of some gelatinous material was presented to me and now bears my signature.”
Colin – who admitted he loves doling out autographs to fans who loved his appearance in the long-running BBC sci-fi show that run on and off since the 60s – also detailed how he was accosted while having a wee.
He said: “I once had an item offered for signature while standing at a urinal.
Colin made a guest appearance in last year’s special episode, ‘The Power of the Doctor’ – which marked the end of Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Time Lord, the first woman to take on the role – alongside the other ex Doctors like Peter Davidson, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann.
The 40-year-old departing doctor said about the episode at a press screening: “The scene for me where I get to meet other iterations was such an emotional day, such a wonderful day. And it was like being at the ultimate Comic-Con!”
Recently, Colin detailed his “interesting” stint on ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ with politician Nadine Dorries and Helen Flanagan.
Reflecting on the 2012 show, he told LeftLion: “It was an interesting time; I lost a lot of weight, I think about fifty pounds. All we had was rice and beans for the first two days because Helen Flanagan refused to do any challenges. One thing I assure you of is that everything is 100 percent genuine, you’re not allowed out and there are guards outside and no extra food ferried in.
“We were not taken out to the pub every night. You do learn a lot about yourself when you are away from everything you know, it was quite an experience. I did manage to pay off my mortgage, though, so there is that.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Gordon Ramsay “would love” to do ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ star is keen to follow in his 21-year-old daughter Tilly’s footsteps and compete on the BBC’s Latin and ballroom contest – in which she finished ninth with pro Nikita Kuzim two years ago – while revealing he is also up to get stuck in on intense Channel 4 challenge show ‘Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins’.
The 56-year-old celebrity chef is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: “Yes, I would love to learn how to dance. I’ve just got to find the time.”
He added: “I love SAS Who Dares Wins, too. I’d love to do that.”
Meanwhile, he has recently been embroiled in a spat with Lord Alan Sugar, who alleged Gordon stole his ‘Apprentice’ format for new show, ‘Future Food Stars’, which sees 12 entrepreneurs trying to create a foodie business vie for a £150,000 investment.
Alan told the Daily Mail newspaper: “I think broadcasters, Channel 4, Channel 5, and ITV have tried for many years at least for 17 years to try and replicate the elimination process of The Apprentice. I say this with great respect to them but they’ve failed.
“I like Gordon and I think he’s very good and should stick to what he should do, cooking and all that stuff. He had some thing, which was like, I don’t know how the lawyers allowed it because it was a virtual rip-off of ‘The Apprentice.’ ”
Gordon clapped back to the mogul and claimed he was talking “absolute b*******”.
He told The Sun newspaper: “He has no right to start throwing his toys out the pram. Do you think Simon Cowell started complaining about ‘The Voice’ when he was running ‘The X Factor’? Of course he didn’t.
“One of his contestants who ran a cupcake firm got in touch. What is a cupcake firm going to Alan Sugar for money for? They should be coming to me.
“Anyway, she said to me, ‘I love the show, I am a huge supporter, how can I apply to come on?’. I wanted to send it and say, ‘See, you are b******* about me but your contestants are dying to come on the show!’ ”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Joe Lycett is giving away his own car after Channel 4 said they won’t pay for prizes on his show.
The 34-year-old comedian has claimed the broadcaster pointed to the costs of filming outside London as a reason for their decision, and so he’s taken matters into his own hands for the ‘Which Lee Has The Key?’ segment on his upcoming programme ‘Late Night Lycett’.
He wrote on Twitter: “Long story short I had a zoom with channel 4 to ask about paying for some prizes on my show and they said they wouldn’t give us any more money cause it’s expensive to do a live show outside of London or some s***.
“I jokingly said, ‘I’ll just give away my possessions shall I?’ Anyway we’re giving away my actual f****** car.
“It’s a Lexus hybrid so not full leccy but also not full plastic bottle in a dolphin’s gob. I love it and am annoyed.”
A follower pointed out that the whole situation reminded them of Steve Coogan’s hapless comedy creation Alan Partridge.
Referencing a parody account on Twitter, Joe replied: “If it doesn’t end up on accidental partridge I’ll be livid.”
The broadcaster has confirmed Joe’s actual car is up for grabs, and on its website Channel 4 revealed how people can get involved.
On the application page, they wrote: “We’re looking for people who have a funny but unfortunate story.
“If you are aged 18 or over and meet the other eligibility requirements below and think you’ve got a story to beat all other stories then what are you waiting for?”
The channel noted they “actively welcome and encourage applications from underrepresented groups”.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Dame Prue Leith thinks it is “fantastic” that Alison Hammond is joining ‘The Great British Bake Off.’
The 83-year-old chef has served as a judge alongside Paul Hollywood on the Channel 4 baking competition since 2017 and following the news that ‘This Morning’ presenter Alison Hammond will be joining Noel Fielding as host in place of Matt Lucaslater this year, explained that she is “looking forward” to having another woman around on set.
She told Metro newspaper’s Sixty Seconds column: “I think it’ll be fantastic, not only because of her character and her personality, but I like the fact she’s a woman. I love Matt Lucas and I’m sure we’ll be friends for life, but the fact is, when there were three men and me, because there were numbers of them, they just got sillier and sillier and I never understand the jokes. They can go into hysterics about the word sausage. They’re like four years olds. So, I’m looking forward to having a woman around.”
Alison – who shot to fame on ‘Big Brother’ in 2002 – made the announcement earlier this month with a video depicting herself and the rest of the ‘GBBO’ team as figurines on a cake.
Speaking to her inanimate cake model in the humorous video posted to Twitter, she said: “So yes, it’s breaking news. Alison Hammond is joining the team of ‘The Great British Bake Off.’ Alison, have you got any words whatsoever?
“‘Well, do you know what, I’m just absolutely thrilled. I’m joining The Great British Bake Off and as you can see, all my colleagues are just speechless. We’re just speechless! We’re so, so very happy and we just can’t wait to get started!'”

Source: VacationHunter.Online