OHMYGOSSIP — Vicki Michelle thinks comedy is being “nuked” by political correctness.
The 71-year-old actress previously starred as Yvette Carte-Blanche in the BBC comedy series ‘Allo ‘Allo!’, but she believes that the hit show – which was packed with innuendos – wouldn’t make it past censors today.
She explained: “Comedy is being neutralised – or nuked. I think 80 per cent of this country would love comedy like ‘Allo ‘Allo!’ to be made again, so 20 per cent might take aversion to some of the content.
“But people eff, blind and use the c-word on telly and that’s considered fine. And on reality TV people make love under a sheet, and that’s fine. There was none of that in ‘Allo ‘Allo!’.”
The comedy series – which ran between 1984 and 1992 – was filled with characters poking fun at the French and German accents, as well as lots of naughty double entendres.
But Vicki insists it was all just harmless fun.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “We stayed covered up, embraced instead of kissed and used nicknames which were used during wartime when the series was set. I don’t think there’s anything in there that would upset a normal person.”
Vicki also insists ‘Allo ‘Allo!’ didn’t take aim at any one group in particular.
The actress said: “‘Allo ‘Allo!’ didn’t send up anyone in particular – we sent up everyone: German, French, English. In fact, this is how co-writer David Croft described the characters: ‘The Germans were kinky, the French were randy and the English were stupid’. So I think we came off worse.
“It was a family show where the adults got the double entendres and the children just thought the situations were funny. You can see someone on telly in a bikini and their boobs out. Then there’s ‘Naked Attraction’ – I caught it one time and I went, what the hell?
“But, nowadays don’t you dare say something like master bedroom or gingerbread man. It’s ridiculous.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Bruce Montague has died at the age of 83.
The ‘Butterflies’ actor’s passing was confirmed by his agents Belfield and Ward, who said in a tribute on social media: “We are very sad to report that the glorious Bruce Montague has passed away. Such a gentleman and he will be so sorely missed.
“What a talent and what a career on stage and screen! From ‘Butterflies’ to more recently ‘Funny Girl’ and ’42nd St.’ Rest well darling man! 24/3/39 – 16/8/22.”
Montague acted in over 300 television productions since 1963, when he starred in the sci-fi series ‘Dimensions of Fear’.
Bruce’s best-known role was as Leonard Dunn in the sitcom ‘Butterflies’, a successful businessman and divorcee who the show’s lead, Wendy Craig’s Ria Parkinson, considers having an affair with.
In the early 2000s, Montague lent his voice to characters in the ‘Doctor Who’ audio adventures ‘The Genocide Machine’ and ‘Sword of Orion’.
He starred in ‘Hollyoaks’ in 2015 as the character Derek Clough and also made several appearances in ‘Doctors’.
Montague also had a successful stage career, having starred in ’42nd Street’, ‘Casa Valentina’ as well in ‘Funny Girl’ alongside Sheridan Smith and the late Darius Campbell Danesh.
Bonnie Langford – who starred with Bruce in ’42nd Street’ – paid tribute to the actor on Twitter, writing: “Such a lovely gentleman and artist. Dear Bruce. A dream to work with on ’42nd Street’. You’ll be missed.”
Actor Maxwell Caulfield also paid tribute, writing on social media: “A truly darling man #BruceMontague and the very essence of an actor (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Big Brother’ bosses are building an entirely new house for the upcoming revival.
The legendary reality show is making a comeback on ITV2 in 2023 and executives are said to have a shortlist of three potential sites on the outskirts of north London, as they look to create something they can use for years to come.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “The network is clearly in this for the long haul and plans on a successful multi-series run with ‘Big Brother’, just like Channel 4 did back in the day.
“Channel bosses don’t want to be moving locations and dealing with the often complicated rules and regulations of renting out a space.
“Building their own ‘Big Brother’ house will remove any risk. It’ll mean they can pretty much do whatever they want.”
Back in the day, the original ‘Big Brother’ house was in Bow, East London but it had to move in 2002 after the local council insisted the land had to be returned to its original state.
This meant the show found a new home at Elstree Studios, where it remained until Channel 5 cancelled the programme in 2018, and the house got demolished.
The source added: “They’ll choose between the three locations on their shortlist soon.
“Once they’ve decided, they’ll have the builders move in as soon as possible to bring the next ‘Big Brother’ house to life.”
Producers are keen to create something unique for the new series, but they still want to pay tribute to the past with “plenty of nostalgia”.
The insider said: “They’re already working on designs of how they want the house to look.
“It’s important to them that they put their own stamp on it while still giving plenty of nostalgia for long-time fans to enjoy.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Annie Jones has joined ‘Neighbours: The Farewell Tour’.
The 55-year-old star – who played Jane Harris in the show – will be joining former co-stars Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), April Rose Pengilly (Chloe Brennan) and Ryan Moloney (Todie Rebecchi) on the former soap’s goodbye tour around the UK from next year.
According to Metro.co.uk, she said: “I’m super excited to be joining the ‘Neighbours’ tour.
“There’s so much of the UK I’ve yet to discover and I can’t wait to meet as many of our devoted and loyal fans as I possibly can. Pop the kettle on, I’m coming over!”
Annie initially played the character, who is known as “Plain Jane Superbrain”, from 1986 to 1989.
She quit the Australian soap opera to try her hand at other roles, but left the showbiz life behind once her mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as she dedicated her life to caring for her.
Annie later returned in 2005 for the show’s 20th anniversary and made two guest stints in 2018 before returning for the 35th anniversary celebrations in February 2020, and later went back permanently in July that year.
She made her final appearance as Jane in the show’s star-studded finale, which featured the return of Guy Pearce as Mike Young, Jane’s former flame.
The soap came to an end in July after 37 years on air, but UK-based fans can say goodbye to the iconic show with a tour which will begin in Belfast on March 1st, 2023.
The tour’s audience will be treated to never-before-heard stories from Erinsborough and get a chance to ask questions to their most-loved actors.
Jackie and Alan were the first two ‘Neighbours’ stars confirmed for the soap’s farewell tour.
Alan said: “I have been incredibly moved by the outpouring of love and support from fans as their favourite TV show is ending it’s 37-year run.
“Which is why I am so excited to be involved in the ‘Farewell Tour’.
“These shows will bring together thousands of dedicated fans to join cast past and present in a huge celebration of the show we all love so much.
“I expect this tour to be an unforgettable experience for audience and cast alike.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Duggie Brown has died aged 82.
The comedian’s death was confirmed by comic Tommy Cannon, 84, who praised the former ‘Coronation Street’ star as a “funny, funny man”.
He wrote on Twitter: “Really sad to hear about the passing of Duggie Brown, Rest in peace pal, what a funny funny man- thinking of all your friends and family (sic)”
Duggie performed routines on the likes of light entertainment programme ‘The Good Old Days’ from 1971 to 1980, and he appeared on Granada Television’s series ‘The Comedians’.
The star also had a successful acting career, portraying a milkman in Ken Loach’s 1969 classic ‘Kes’ in one of his first-ever roles.
He starred as lab technician Phil Strong in detective series ‘The Enigma Files’ in the 1980s, and appeared in comedy series ‘The Glamour Girls’
Duggie had strong links to ‘Corrie’ through his sister Lynne Perrie, who portrayed iconic character Ivy Tilsley for 23 years from 1971 to 1994.
Lynne – who died in 2006 aged 74 – also starred in ‘Kes’ alongside her brother.
Duggie himself went on to star in the ITV soap, appearing as Ted Spear.
The character was struck by Faye Windass’ (Ellie Leach) car when she was driving back home following a New Year’s Eve party.
Ted appeared to be OK at first but was later found dead in his chair the following day.
But it wasn’t Duggie’s first appearance in ‘Corrie’.
He starred as The Hour Glass bar owner George Freeman in 1997, and seven years later he appeared as Bernie Cooper, the husband of Honor Blackman’s character Rula Romanoff, a friend of Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox).

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Vernon Kay would love to do ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ again.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ had “an absolute scream” with his fellow campers, such as ‘EastEnders’ star Shane Richie, during his stint on the ITV reality show in 2020, and he would be up for another crack at the programme.
The 48-year-old TV presenter told the Metro newspaper: “I remember the first thing Shane Richie said. It was when we jumped off the edge of that cliff. It was, ‘Listen, before we start, if you’ve got a plan where you’re thinking of being someone else, or gonna show a personality that isn’t yours, you’re gonna get into trouble. So let’s all just get on and have a great time and it’ll be a lot of fun.’ And it was! Me and Shane, we had an absolute scream in there. I would definitely do it again.
“It’s just three weeks of life! It’s like Mr Benn, where you go to the back of the clothes shop, put on an outfit and go into another world. People don’t realise how important it is to just step away. That’s what I learned by doing ‘I’m A Celebrity’. Put your phone down, put your emails on ‘out of office’ and put the digital world in the bin for, maybe 48 hours. Having a detox opens your eyes to, excuse my language, the absolute c*** we deal with on a day-to-day basis.”
The sometime ‘This Morning’ presenter – who his married to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ host Tess Daly, 53, with who he has two daughters, Phoebe, 17, and Amber, 12 – divulged how he avoids getting cancelled, after taking advice from veteran broadcaster, Richard Madeley.
Vernon said: “Years and years ago, when social media was just kicking off, I bumped into Richard Madeley. We were talking about Twitter and he said, ‘If you’ve got to think twice, don’t post it.’ I’ve sat with that mantra ever since. And the other thing I’ve learnt is never, ever have an opinion about football. Because that’s when Uncle K******* comes on the dancefloor.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Joe Sugg has launched a new production company, Final Straw Productions, and formed a partnership with BBC Studios.
The former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant’s new firm will aim to focus on developing entertainment and factual entertainment formats for people of all ages.
He said: “I am really excited to partner with BBC Studios on this future venture with Final Straw Productions.
“My head has always been so full of ideas, so to be able to have the opportunity to build a great team who can help bring these ideas to life with the backing of BBC Studios and their guidance and expertise is fantastic.”
YouTuber Joe, who’s worked with BBC since 2015, will be joined by BBC Studios’ ‘Top Gear’ exec Sacha Grimsditch as part of the deal, in order to help him set up the company.
Helen O’Donnell, Head of BBC Studios TalentWorks, added: “Joe is a fantastic creator who entertains and delights audiences across a range of platforms including his successful YouTube channel, on screen, as a podcast host and through his writing.
“He’s a creative force, and we’re so pleased that BBC Studios will continue to work with him during the next stage of his career. We can’t wait to support him in bringing his new projects to life.”
Joe is the brother of YouTube sensation Zoe Sugg, also known by her YouTube pseudonym Zoella, and has amassed over 7.7 million subscribers over the last few years.
In 2018, he achieved mainstream status after appearing in BBC’s ‘Strictly’, where he was runner-up alongside his professional partner and now-girlfriend Dianne Buswell.
Last year, Joe made his TV acting debut in BBC One’s drama ‘The Syndicate’.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Sir Lenny Henry says comedians don’t get the same freedom nowadays.
The ‘Tiswas’ star believes outside of the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Ronnie Barker many comic performers “don’t get the respect they deserve”, and used the example of ‘The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan’ on Channel 4, insisting it would’ve been different for host Mo Gilligan in Lenny’s heyday.
The 63-year-old star told the Radio Times magazine: “Look at Mo Gilligan – his talk show is great, but back in the day he’d have been given his own show where he’d get to do all his characters and talk to the audience.
“Producers tend to slightly body-swerve what you do and try to repurpose it to service their idea.
“Outside perhaps Ronnie Barker or Phoebe Waller-Bridge, comic performers don’t get the respect they deserve. It’s really hard.”
Lenny has starred in more drama productions, such as ‘The Syndicate’, ‘Broadchurch’, ‘Doctor Who’, and ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’, in recent years, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to comedy.
He said: “Before, there was a sense that I was just the first one to the dressing-up cupboard. I love comedy but it feels the world takes drama more seriously.
“But I’ve given 40 years to acting the fool and if a brilliant comic role came my way, of course I’d do it. It would be stupid for me to say, ‘I only do drama now, darling.’ ”
Last month, the ‘New Faces’ star gushed about how “massively proud” he was to carry the baton during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in his native Birmingham, after it travelled 90,000 miles across its 72 nations and territories, near to his hometown of Dudley.
Lenny said: “The chance to carry the Queen’s Baton on the final leg of its journey fills me with massive pride, especially when I think of how far it’s travelled over the past nine months.
“It has crossed land, sea and air to cover every corner of the Commonwealth, including my parent’s home of Jamaica, and all the way to Birmingham city centre (just down the road from Dudley where I got my first humongous break); and carried all the way by inspirational individuals whose stories have blown me away.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Jeremy Paxman is to step down from hosting ‘University Challenge’.
The former ‘Newsnight’ presenter will leave the quiz show – known for getting some of the nation’s best and brightest to test their knowledge against each other – after having a “blast” leading proceedings for more than 28 years.
The 72-year-old broadcaster said: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and to meet some of the swottier brains in the country. It gives me hope for the future.”
Jeremy – who is only the second person to sit in the chair as he joined the revival of the BBC Two show in 1994 which was originally run with host Bamber Gascoigne between 1962 to 1987 – will shoot his final episodes in the fall and his successor will be named later this week.
The bosses of the show say they “miss him greatly”.
Peter Gwyn, executive producer said: “Jeremy has been our presenter, colleague and friend for 28 years, and everyone on the University Challenge production team will miss him greatly.
“He’ll be sorely missed too by both our audience and by the generations of students who’ve relished the chance to pit themselves against him in more than 1,000 matches.”
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s head of unscripted show called Jeremy “without doubt one of the world’s finest, and most formidable quizmasters” and had been “at the front and centre of the show’s success”.
She continued: “We are hugely grateful to Jeremy for his dedication to the programme for an incredible 28 years, he will be much missed by us all and the show’s millions of viewers.”
Jeremy will front a ITV documentary exploring Parkinson’s, which in May 2021, he revealed he had and was experiencing “mild symptoms”.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Darius Campbell Danesh has died at the age of 41.
The singer and actor – who rose to fame on ‘Popstars’ and ‘Pop Idol’ two decades ago – was found unresponsive in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11.
His family said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh. Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office.
“The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.
“We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.”
The singer finished third on ‘Pop Idol’ in 2002, behind Will Young and Gareth Gates, and he subsequently topped the UK charts with his single ‘Colourblind’.
He later became a star in London’s West End, appearing in musicals such as ‘Chicago’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’.
Tributes have already been paid to the late star, including from former ‘X Factor’ contestant Rylan Clark.
He wrote on Twitter: “Proper sad about Darius [heart emoji] (sic)”
Elsewhere, actor Sanjeev Bhaskar recalled Darius’ appearance on the TV comedy series ‘The Kumars at No. 42’.
He wrote: “Sad news of Darius’ shockingly untimely passing. He was a guest on The Kumars and couldn’t have been a nicer, warmer guest with a great sense of self deprecation. (sic)”
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly also paid a glowing tribute to the late pop star.
She said: “This is really sad. Thoughts with his family and friends and everyone who loved him. A really good bloke – funny and kind and very talented.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online