OHMYGOSSIP — Simon Bird felt “really sad” that ‘Friday Night Dinner’ came to an end following Paul Ritter’s death, but insists he is “irreplaceable”.
The 38-year-old actor was left “heart-broken” when Paul passed away in April 2021, aged 54 from a brain tumour, and a month later it was confirmed the sitcom was to end.
But Simon believes nobody else could’ve played Paul’s part of patriarch Martin Goodman.
He said: “It was heart-breaking news and a real shock. And it’s really sad that ‘Friday Night Dinner’ has come to an end as well.”
When it was suggested the show couldn’t go on without Paul, Simon said: “No way. He’s irreplaceable. Nobody could come and do that part.”
Simon admits Paul was an “inspiration” to him, and felt like a “father figure”.
Speaking on ‘This Morning’, he added: “He was an inspiration for me, both as an actor but also just as a guy. It’s weird, because he was literally and figuratively a father figure to me.”
As well as starring in ‘Friday Night Dinner’ as Martin’s son Adam Goodman, Simon is also well known for portraying awkward teen Will McKenzie in ‘The Inbetweeners’.
But the star admitted this week he doesn’t think the 00s E4 comedy – which also featured Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison and James Buckley – would’ve been commissioned nowadays.
He said: “I honestly think it wouldn’t be commissioned today.”
After being questioned if this was because of sexism and other jokes, Simon said: “Yeah, and the casual homophobia.”
But the ‘Days of the Bagnold Summer’ director justified the show’s legacy, saying the series – which spanned three seasons between 2008 and 2010 and spawned two movies – was supposed to be “an accurate representation” of teen life.
Simon said: “I rationalise it to myself by saying that at the time it was an accurate representation of the way teenagers talk to each other. Is that still the case now? I assume not.
“Although the programme was set in the 2000s, it was based on a pilot set in 1990, so even in the 2000s it wasn’t really an accurate reflection of how teenagers spoke.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Ant and Dec have told how the new All-Stars version of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ is “brutal”.
The pair headed to South Africa last year to shoot the series, in which some of the favourites from the show’s past will aim to become the first-ever “Legend of the Savanna”, but Ant revealed contestants will go head-to-head in challenges and the loser will leave the show.
Dec said: “It’s kind of an all-stars … taking some of your favourite campmates from the last 20 years and taking them for a brand new challenge in South Africa.
“So it’s a completely different landscape and they’re doing it again. They’re competing to become the first ever ‘I’m A Celebrity’ ‘Legend of the Savanna’… It’s very special.”
Ant said: “And it’s slightly different to the show we do in Australia because they go head-to-head in trials and whoever loses leaves.
“It’s quite brutal, so that’s how we decided the winner.”
Dec added: “We’ve done it, we’ve shot it and it’s really, really good.”
The pair admitted it was quite different filming the show in South Africa, compared to their usual Australian home for the main ‘I’m A Celebrity’ show, because there were “baboons everywhere” they looked.
Ant said: “Do you know what though, there was loads of baboons when we filmed the series.
“There was baboons everywhere. Like we’d be in the middle of doing a trial and then you would just hear the noise, literally just behind the cameraman, and a whole family of baboons … is that what you call them? A group of baboons? A school of baboons? I don’t know. A babble of baboons would just sit watching the trial.”
Speaking in a joint interview on ‘Lorraine’, Dec added: “They came along in the middle of the trial, they just came along and just sat there.
“That was the audience, yeah! Hopefully there will be a few more watching when it goes on telly…”
Ant joked: “We didn’t get any laughs from the baboons!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘The Apprentice’ winner Harpreet Kaur says “something blossomed” romantically with fellow contestant Akshay Thakar.
The Oh So Yum founder blushed when she was asked about her budding relationship – which was made Instagram official this August – with the Tips 360 owner.
Speaking to comic Tom Allen on ‘The Apprentice: You’re Fired’ on Thursday (05.01.22), following the start of the new season of the BBC One business competition, the 31-year-old entrepreneur said: “Well, since the show and in the past few months, you know, something has blossomed between us.”
Harpreet made the admission after the 39-year-old comedian asked why the 29-year-old star was really in the audience.
Turning his attention to Akshay, Tom asked: “Akshay, you were a candidate in last year’s process, but there’s also another reason you’re here, isn’t there?,” a question that was met with laughter from the giggles from the audience.
After Harpreet reconfirmed their union, Tom quipped: “Is it a £250,000 investment?”
Harpreet responded: “I feel like you’re waiting for more juicy details, aren’t you?,” to which Tom asked her to “tell us everything”.
The baking boss insisted that “literally” no funny business went on during filming.
Harpreet said: “There was literally absolutely nothing going on at the house. And I think just going through the process, coming out of it, we built a friendship and it kind of went from there.”
Askshay agreed, saying: “Me and Harpreet barely spoke on the show because we never worked on the same team.
“And even while the show aired, we hardly spoke. It was only after I was like, ‘Let’s grab dinner’.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Faye Winter “absolutely” supports the new ‘Love Island’ social media ban.
The 27-year-old television personality – who appeared on the ITV2 reality show in 2021 – called it a “shame” that the rule, which will see ITV ask contestants to make their accounts dormant while they are in the villa, has had to be implemented to prevent trolls and bullies attacking the contestants and their families online.
While taking part in a Q and A on her Instagram about the development, Faye wrote: “For the welfare of my family and friends ABSOLUTELY but I do think what a b***** shame.
“All because narrow minded people genuinely believe they can judge, torment and bully others based of a 45 minute show which is highly edited and each person probably gets 8 minutes of airtime.
“Sad when you think about it but absolutely necessary to protect there innocent darling heads – people will moan and it will be those that caused it. (sic)”
Faye – who generated 25,000 Ofcom complaints from viewers in response to her behaviour on the show – recently ended up in a “really dark place” after her time on the show, after she displayed the “worst” of herself during an infamous Movie Night row.
Faye said: “I would literally be sat inside four walls all day, looking at social media … judging myself, because I’m my own biggest critic. You can get yourself in a really dark place and I’ve been there.
“He saw the worst of me on that show, the absolute worst, it was so high-pressured, I’d never been in an environment like that. I did lose it. And you can only really go up from that.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Coronation Street’ trio Alan Halsall, Jack P Shepherd and Andy Whyment have reportedly signed new deals.
The three stars – who play Tyrone Dobbs, David Platt and Kirk Sutherland respectively – are all said to have put pen to paper on new deals to stay on the cobbles for another year.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: “The bosses are thrilled to keep them on the cobbles through 2023.
“Alan, Andy and Jack are show legends and it wouldn’t be the same without them. They all jumped at the chance – they love their jobs.
“Fans will be glad they’re signed on for another year and not going anywhere.”
In this year’s Christmas special, mechanic Tyrone finally tied the knot with Fiz Stape (Jennie Alpine), while hairdresser David’s troubled son Max (Paddy Bever) has been involved in a grooming storyline.
Meanwhile, Andy has played Kirk – delighting fans with his comedy quips – for 22 years, and previously told bosses he would be happy to stay for the rest of his career.
The latest report follows news that Sally Dynevor – who has played Sally Metcalfe on the ITV soap since 1986 – has also committed herself to the shwo for another year.
Last month, a source said: “For many, Sally is ‘Corrie’ so bosses were chuffed she chose to renew her contract.”
Michael LeVell – who plays the part of Kevin Webster – has also signed a new contract.
The 58-year-old actor joined the long-running soap in 1983 and he has already appeared in more than 3,000 episodes of ‘Coronation Street’.
In fact, between them, Sally and Michael have appeared in almost 7,000 episodes of the show.

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OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Only Fools and Horses’ fans have been travelling “hundreds of miles” to pay their respects to John Challis.
The actor – who was best known for playing Boycie in the BBC sitcom – passed away in September 2021, aged 79, and fans have been travelling from across the country to pay tribute to him at his grave in Shropshire.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TV column: “Some have been travelling hundreds of miles to pay their respects. And they feel leaving these personal gifts would make John laugh. It’s lovely to see and his widow Carol has been left humbled by it.”
Meanwhile, Sue Holderness previously revealed she finds it hard to believe that her former co-star has gone.
The 73-year-old actress – who played Marlene Boyce in ‘Only Fools and Horses’ – recalled seeing John a month before he died, following a lengthy cancer battle.
Sue – who was John’s on-screen wife – shared: “How lucky was I that John Challis became to be the other husband in my life? We were friends from the word go.
“Just five weeks ago we were having lunch together, and less than four weeks before he died John and I were filming together all day and he was fine. He was as much fun as usual, but he got a bit tired towards the end of the day.
“So the end came very quickly.
“I can honestly say I don’t believe he’s gone. I think he’s watching us now, and we must talk about our loved ones who are no longer with us.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘The Singles Table’ has reportedly been axed after just one series.
ITV has decided to scrap the dating show after just a single series, and the broadcaster is now focusing “on other shows”.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TV column: “‘The Singles Table’ seemed a good idea at the time and was easy to make. But after much consideration, ITV decided to focus on other shows.
“It proves that dating series need to be instant hits, otherwise they’re unlikely to be renewed.”
In recent years, various broadcasters have tried to emulate the success of ITV’s ‘Love Island’.
However, many of the rival shows – including Channel 4’s ‘The Love Trap’ and ITV’s ‘Ready To Mingle’ – have failed to capture the imagination of the British public and have therefore been axed after a single series.
Meanwhile, ‘Love Island’ bosses recently announced a new set of duty of care measures for 2023.
The hit TV show – which is now hosted by Maya Jama – has previously been accused of failing to provide sufficient support for its contestants.
Dr Paul Litchfield – who reviews the measures with Dr Matthew Gould – said in a statement: “The duty of care arrangements for ‘Love Island’ continue to evolve in the light of advances in scientific knowledge and awareness of the pressures young people face in establishing healthy relationships.
“That culture of continuous improvement ensures that Islanders are well placed to benefit from their experience of participating in one of the UK’s most popular TV shows.”
Prior to entering the villa, the contestants will receive guidance and training around mutually respectful behaviour in relationships. They will also receive guidance about inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Steven Moffat would “start writing ‘Sherlock’ tomorrow” if Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman agreed to return for another season.
The 61-year-old screenwriter co-created the hit TV series – which ran from 2010 until 2017 – and Steven has admitted that he’d love to revive the show one day.
But, during an interview on the ‘Today’ programme, he joked: “They’re on to bigger and better things but, Martin and Benedict, please come back?”
Steven also confirmed that he’s “just started talking about” a second season of his BBC drama show ‘Inside Man’.
The first season starred the likes of Stanley Tucci and David Tennant, and Steven is keen to make a another season.
Meanwhile, Benedict previously admitted to being surprised by the success of ‘Sherlock’.
The 46-year-old actor – who played the show’s central character, Sherlock Holmes – revealed that he initially struggled to return to the programme to film season two.
He explained: “It felt awkward, actually, coming back the first time. Not because it was strange but in a way because it had been such a success.
“I think we both felt slightly that we were outside of it, looking in. I was looking at Martin Freeman and thinking: ‘God, I saw you on the telly in something rather good during the summer.’ It took a little bit of time to get the rhythm and pacing back, partly because of what had happened in the meantime.”
Despite this, Benedict insisted he didn’t have any doubts about returning for a second season.
He said: “It’s not like coming back to a series. It’s a very special thing. It’s unique. It doesn’t feel like you’re constraining yourselves to a format in the normal television way.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Zoe Clifton is embracing the “very big challenge” of going vegan for a month.
The ‘Married at First Sight’ star was famously horrified when she learned her partner Jenna Robinson followed a plant-based diet, causing difficulties in their relationship, but the committed carnivore has pledged to stay meat-free during January and she can’t believe how much she’s changed.
Zoe – who is the official Ambassador for Asda’s new OMV! and Plant Based by Asda ranges – said: “This time last year, I’d never have contemplated dating a vegan as I had more love for meat. One year on not only am I in a relationship with a vegan, but I’m also going meat and dairy free.
“As my family and friends know, this is a very big challenge, but I’ve been assured that I won’t be able to taste the difference between plant-based alternatives.
“Jenna will be there to support me and stop me sneaking off for a cheeky fry-up.”
Jenna is “over the moon” with Zoe’s pledge but admitted she isn’t expecting it to be easy.
She said: “Whilst I never thought this day would come, I’m over the moon that Zoe is opening her mind to my way of life.
“I’m anticipating some ups and downs along the way, but I’m so looking forward to giving Zoe an insight into my lifestyle and proving her wrong about a plant-based diet being boring. Let the challenge begin!”
Over 80 new products are launching across the ranges this month and throughout January, customers who spend £5 on them can also earn £1 back in their cash pot in the Asda Rewards app.
Zoe’s progress can be followed on Instagram at @zoeclifton and @jennarobo, and on TikTok at @zoeclifton and @jennathegayvegan, where the pair will be posting regular updates.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Rhod Gilbert will touch on his own experience of cancer in his next stand-up show.
The 54-year-old comedy star revealed in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and Rhod plans to include his health struggles in his next stand-up routine.
He shared: “It does feel weird. I don’t know how much to talk about the cancer. I haven’t really worked out what to say.
“I’m more than happy to talk about it but I haven’t had time to process it at all.”
Rhod actually feels that his comedy improved drastically after he started to include serious themes – such as Alzheimer’s and mini strokes – into his routines.
The comedian made the change for his 2012 live show, ‘The Man With The Flaming Battenberg Tattoo’, and he thinks his fans have appreciated it, too.
He said: “I was having to look for things to be angry about, to fit what I did. And that’s diminishing returns, clearly. I felt that, and I think audiences felt that.”
Rhod previously revealed that he was feeling “happy and positive” amid his cancer battle.
In December, he wrote on his Facebook page: “I am making plans for 2023, so watch this space for info on the comedy stuff; there have been a lot of laughs in odd places, so I am not going to be short of material.”
Rhod has undergone surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff over recent months, and he thanked the staff there for their efforts.
He wrote: “I am recovering well, laughing a lot and feeling happy and positive; we are all optimistic that I will come through this.
“Until then, thanks again for your kindness and support. Big love to you all, and Merry Christmas. Rhod. (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online