Never Mind The Buzzcocks recommissioned for 2nd series on Sky

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Never Mind the Buzzocks’ is returning for a second series on Sky.
The pop-themed comedy panel game show – which originally ran on the BBC from 1996 until 2015, until Sky revived it in 2020 – will see host Greg Davies return alongside Noel Fielding and Daisy May Cooper as team captains and Jamali Maddix as a regular panellist.
Greg said in a statement: “I’m delighted that ‘Buzzcocks’ is coming back. I can’t wait to give more musicians the chance to increase their cool by hanging out with fat uncle Greg and his three odd children.”
There will be 10, hour-long episodes for season 30, the second series on Sky.
‘Never Mind The Buzzcock’ is one of four shows that’s been commissioned for Sky. The channel has also announced the return of ‘Fantasy Football League’, and new shows ‘Got Got Need’ and ‘Hold The Front Page’.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Entertainment, said: “There’s something for everyone this year on Sky Max; from football, to music, to local news, to Daisy May Cooper’s laugh. We’re excited to showcase some of the best of British talent from the small screen in a host of entertainment shows that will provide us all with some much-needed light relief.”
‘Got Got Need’ will see football father and son Harry and Jamie Redknapp put to the test by executive producer Jack Whitehall.
The Redknapps will use their connections to bag meetings with top football players in the hope of creating their very own fantasy team.
Jack added: “I have always been, like many, a devoted fan to the World Cup and I am beyond excited to be putting one of my best mates and his dad to the test in this exciting new World Cup challenge. More importantly, I can’t wait for Sky viewers to watch Jamie Redknapp fail.”
‘Hold the Front Page’ will see comedians Nish Kumar and Josh Widdicombe’s comical venture into local journalism in a six-part series.
Josh said: “I was forced to become a comedian after a period of being by far the worst journalist on the Guardian Sports Desk. Consequently, I’m delighted that Sky have given me the opportunity to prove once and for all that I 100% made the right decision in leaving this noble trade. Most of all I’m delighted they have paired me with one of the only people I know who has less chance of doing well in a proper important job.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Lenny Henry leads tributes to Kay Mellor

OHMYGOSSIP — Lenny Henry has led tributes to Kay Mellor, following her death aged 71.
The TV drama creator – the mother of former ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Emmerdale’ actress Gaynor Faye – was the brains behind the likes of ‘Band of Gold’, ‘Fat Friends’, ‘Playing the Field’, and ‘The Syndicate’, among many other shows.
She sadly passed away on Sunday (15.05.22), and tributes have poured in following her death.
Lenny – who portrayed Godfrey Watson in series three of ‘The Syndicate’ in 2015 – wrote on Twitter: “I was saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I was lucky to work with her on the Syndicate and found her to be incredibly creative , funny and instinctive. She knew what she wanted and knew how to get the best from us as actors. She will be missed. Condolences to her family. (sic)”
A tweet from the official BAFTA account read: “We’re saddened to hear that Kay Mellor, the hugely influential BAFTA-winning writer, actor and director whose hit TV series include Fat Friends, Band of Gold and Playing the Field, has died. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Lisa Riley – who appeared in ‘Fat Friends’, which helped launch the career of James Corden – admitted Kay was the “best boss to work for”.
She wrote on Instagram: “DEAREST KAY REST IN PEACE……..what a massive shock to hear this news, you have been taken far far far to young. You were the best boss to work for, you embraced all that is good about our industry, believing in talent. #rip #kaymellor (sic)”
Former ‘Coronation Street’ star Kym Marsh – who starred in ‘The Syndicate’ last year – wrote: “I am so so sad to hear of the passing of Kay Mellor. I had the pleasure of working with Kay briefly last year and it was an absolute honour. A huge talent, a huge personality a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends x (sic)”
Several ‘Emmerdale’ stars sent their well wishes to their former co-star Gaynor, and her sister Yvonne Francas, following the death of their mother.
Michelle Hardwick posted: “So so very sad to read the news about the incredible Kay Mellor. She produced some of the best dramas of our time. Was so lucky to meet her on many occasions. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family
@MsGfaye @yvonnejfm (sic)”
Danny Miller wrote: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Dear Kay Mellor. An incredible talent in the TV world and someone who always had a warming smile on offer with open arms. Sending all of my love to Gaynor and the rest of the beautiful family during this difficult time (sic)”
Several ‘Coronation Street’ stars also paid tribute to Kay and sent well wishes to her family.
Melanie Hill posted: “Totally devastated to hear that the beautiful talented #KayMellor has passed away – sending love to @MsGfaye and @yvonnejfm and all her family .can’t take this in (sic)”
Antony Cotton tweeted: “I’m totally shocked to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I can’t imagine how her family feel. Devastating. She was a real trailblazer for women in this industry. Rest In Power, Kay x (sic)”
Ex-‘Corrie’ star Shayne Ward – who appeared in the ‘Band of Gold’ stage show – was “absolutely devastated” to hear of Kay’s passing.
He wrote: “I’m Absolutely Devastated to hear the passing of this incredible woman Kay Mellor.
I had the privilege and blessing to have worked for her in #bandofgold
My sympathies condolences go to @MsGfaye and family at this heartbreaking time.
You will be truly missed Kay. Love shayne x (sic)”
Former cobbles and Dales star Hayley Tamaddon tweeted: “Such sad sad news about the wonderful kay mellor.. She was always so lovely and kind to me.. a truly brilliant lady. My thoughts and love and strength to @MsGfaye and all her family at this difficult time. (sic)”
‘Corrie’ writer Jonathan Harvey wrote: “Such sad news about Kay Mellor. A pioneer in television writing. I had the privilege of working with her a few times over the years. She taught me so much. She was funny, kind,so so bright, and always with a clarity of vision. All love to Gaynor, Yvonne and all the family xxx (sic)”
A spokesman for Kay’s TV production company, Rollem Productions, said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022.
“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends at this time.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Sir David Attenborough watched 2 dinosaurs have sex on new show

OHMYGOSSIP — Sir David Attenborough watched two dinosaurs have sex on his new show.
The ‘Prehistoric Planet’ narrator stopped recording the Apple TV+ show to be “a voyeur” to the “extraordinary” recreation of two Tyrannosaurus rexes mating.
According to Mike Gunton, the series’ producer, the 96-year-old environmental activist “was recording the commentary, but took his headphones and glasses off and leant forward”.
Mike added to the Radio Times magazine: “He said, ‘You know, Mike, watching these two T-rex courting was like watching them with a pair of binoculars. I felt I was there. It was utterly, utterly extraordinary – every element of that behaviour was perfect.’ ”
David believes the new nature series – which is dropping on the streaming service on May 23 – will blow audiences’ minds as it shows them dinosaurs they’ve never seen before, such as the quetzalcoatlus and masiakasaurus.
He said: “Sharing my passion for the natural world is something I have done for many years using different technologies, from the first days of black-and-white television, to colour, HD, 3D, 4K and now using the most advanced CGI animation to bring these incredible animals to life on our screens.
“I hope it will inspire in our audience the same fascination that it does in me.”
The five-part series – which is also being brought to life by Jon Favreau and Tim Walker, with a score by Hans Zimmer – is being billed as a programme that “will transport viewers 66 million years in the past to discover our world – and the dinosaurs that roamed it – all in stunning detail”.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Richard Osman’s ancestor led group of amateur detectives like in his novel

OHMYGOSSIP — Richard Osman found it “extraordinary” that his ancestor led a group of amateur detectives, like in his novel ‘The Thursday Murder Club’.
The ‘House of Games’ presenter joked that “you just couldn’t make up” after finding out about the sleuth-like hobby of Gabriel Gilliam – his four-time great grandfather, born in 1789 – after he discovered Gabriel had uncovered a dead body and helped solve the case, just like in his best-selling novel about a group of retirees investigating cold cases.
After finding out about his relative on the long running BBC series ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, the 51-year-old television personality told the Radio Times magazine: “Given the books I write, you just couldn’t make it up!
“It was extraordinary to discover that Gabriel Gilliam formed an amateur gang of detectives. It felt like it would make a good Sunday night TV drama.
“There are a million stories about the British upper class, from ‘Downton’ to ‘Bridgerton’, but very few about poor communities.”
Richard’s book – which is to become a trilogy after the follow-up ‘The Man Who Died Twice’ – is billed as: “In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.”
The ‘Pointless’ co-presenter recently revealed that he will departing the hit BBC One show and “will miss everyone so much” – including his co-host, comedian Alexander Armstrong – but will return for the “celebrity shows”.
At the time of the announcement, Richard said: “I will miss everyone so much, but I’m thrilled that I’ll still be presenting the celebrity shows. I can’t thank everyone enough for twelve amazing years.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Hayden Christensen happy to be embraced by Star Wars fans

OHMYGOSSIP — Hayden Christensen is grateful to finally be embraced by ‘Star Wars’ fans.
The 41-year-old actor portrayed Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the prequel trilogy of the sci-fi franchise and is pleased that the movies have grown to be respected by fans after not being well-received at first.
Hayden told StarWars.com: “It’s like those films had a gestation period, where they needed a little time to ferment in the public psyche. The reception that the films have now, it’s very heartwarming.”
The actor is returning to the ‘Star Wars’ universe in the upcoming Disney+ spin-off series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ and was impressed when he watched the trilogy back in preparation for the role.
Hayden said: “Watching them again as a whole, I was really struck with the quality and depth of the storytelling and George’s vision for all of it. It’s so nuanced, complex, and layered. Really remarkable.”
The actor was also pleased to reunite with co-star Ewan McGregor – who reprises his role as the titular Jedi Master – in the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ series.
Hayden explained: “We were very close and remain close. We just hadn’t seen each other in a little while. But we got together before we started filming, just to catch up, and it was so nice to reconnect with him. I love the man so much.”
Ewan previously questioned the quality of the prequel series as he felt the scripts lacked quality and said that filming could be “tedious” due to director George Lucas’ obsession with using CGI technology.
The 51-year-old star recalled: “George loves technology and loves pushing into the realm. He wanted more and more control over what we see in the background.
“After three or four months of that, it just gets really tedious – especially when the scenes are … I don’t want to be rude, but it’s not Shakespeare. There’s not something to dig into the dialogue that can satisfy you when there’s no environment there. It was quite hard to do.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Julian Fellowes made films to ease work for Downton Abbey cast

OHMYGOSSIP — Julian Fellowes turned ‘Downton Abbey’ into a film franchise to ease the workload on the cast.
The 72-year-old screenwriter created the period drama – which has transitioned from the small to the big screen – and feels that the stars are happier working together on a movie rather than spending much of the year filming television episodes.
Speaking to Variety at the New York premiere of the sequel ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’, Julian said: “I think the cast particularly had enough of working from February to November, whereas as a film is eight weeks out of their lives every two and a half years.
“It’s a different commitment. They have these very successful careers and wanted to get back to them. That seems fair enough to me.”
The movie sees half of the cast – which includes stars such as Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery – travelling to the Crawley family’s newly-inherited villa in the south of France after it was mysteriously acquired by Lady Violet Crawley (Dame Maggie Smith) and Julian explained that he wanted to get the characters away from their “comfort zone”.
He said: “I wanted to get at least some of them away from their comfort zone and play out something different. With Robert and Cora, they were more in touch with their emotional side because they weren’t performing as the Earl and Countess of Grantham. It brought a certain honesty into the proceedings.”
Fellowes also discusses the possibility of making a third movie and says the audience will decide if it reaches the cinema.
He said: “Well, I wouldn’t tell you if I knew. It’s the audience that tells you that.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Ryan Gosling to lead big-screen adaptation of The Fall Guy

OHMYGOSSIP — Ryan Gosling is to star in a big-screen adaptation of 80s classic ‘The Fall Guy’.
The ‘Notebook’ actor looks set to play the lead role of a Hollywood stuntman, who has a side hustle as a bounty hunter.
Ryan, 41, has previously played a stuntman in the 2011 action flick ‘Drive’.
Lee Majors played the part in the original series, which ran between 1981 and 1986.
As filming is to take place in Australia, the federal government and the New South Wales state authorities will throw millions at the flick.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, the movie will bring the local economy $171 million and provide 1,000 Australians with jobs on set.
Fletcher told Variety: “We are pleased to welcome ‘The Fall Guy’ down under with $30 million ($21.1 million) in support from our highly successful Location Incentive, with the production to employ over 1,000 Australian cast and crew, and more than 3,015 Australian extras.”
Universal Pictures’ president, physical production, Jeff LaPlante, commented: “After a successful partnership on the studio’s production of ‘Ticket to Paradise’ in Queensland, Universal is thrilled to return to Australia and base in New South Wales for the highly-anticipated film, ‘The Fall Guy’.”
In 2013, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was reported to be in talks to bring the TV show to life on the big screen.
What’s more, Nicolas Cage was also previously attached to the role.
Ryan’s upcoming movies include playing Ken in the live-action ‘Barbie’ film and ‘The Gray Man’.

Source: IconInsider.com

Piers Morgan takes swipe at Dan Walker as he departs BBC Breakfast

OHMYGOSSIP — Piers Morgan took a swipe at Dan Walker after he filmed his final ‘BBC Breakfast’ show.
The ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ host was previously involved in a number of Twitter spats with the 45-year-old star when he was co-hosting ‘BBC Breakfast’ rival ‘Good Morning Britain’, and he couldn’t resist one last dig after Dan’s final episode on Tuesday (17.05.22).
Piers posted a picture of Dan on the show, and he wrote: “End of an error. Congrats mate @mrdanwalker”
Dan replied: “Thanks… I think [crying laughing emoji]”
The TV presenter co-hosted his last ever ‘BBC Breakfast’ episode yesterday after six years on the show, ahead of his move to Channel 5 News.
Dan bowed out of ‘BBC Breakfast’ in an emotional final show, which saw his former co-host Louise Minchin make a one-off return.
In a heartfelt speech, he said: “I’ve had so many incredible moments working on this programme and wonderful moments this role has given me. There aren’t many jobs where you get a chance to give a voice to people who don’t have a voice, and to tell other people’s stories.
“It’s been a real privilege to sit here and present this programme.
“The other thing I want to say is thank you for tuning in. Thank you for all the comments, the kind messages, and the many lovely words over the years. And thank you for the support in loads of different things, including the dancing.
“I think it’s safe to say that I, and all of us, we never take any of that for granted, the fact people watch this programme and enjoy this programme, and feel it’s a part of their lives.
“I also wanted to thank the team on ‘BBC Breakfast’. Everybody has been up most of the night making this programme, as they do every day, and you are all, genuinely, some of the best people I’ve ever worked with in my career.
“Thank you for all the support and the help and the love and the hard work as well.
“At a time when trust and truth have never been more important, it’s great to work with a team who do everything to make sure that what we do and what we say is fair and accurate. That is so important.”
In July 2021, Dan admitted he “misses” Piers, after the TV presenter quit ‘GMB’ after he refused to apologise for comments on air about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Dan said at the time: “We’re OK. I sometimes miss the back and forth – we had a little ding dong about Emma Raducanu on social media.
“Him just pontificating about how she should have acted and what was going on in her head, so I just asked him what he would have felt if she’d stormed off in a huff.
“I thought it was healthy for both programmes. I never shied away from a bit of competition and it’s good, it keeps you on your toes as well.
“I’m sure we’ll see him back on a screen sometime soon though. So I don’t miss it too much.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Adam Thomas would ‘love’ to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing

OHMYGOSSIP — Adam Thomas would “love” to sign up for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The ‘Waterloo Road’ actor would be well up for donning his dancing shoes and sequins on the BBC Latin and ballroom show later this year, but the star admitted he hasn’t put pen to paper on a deal for this year’s series.
Responding to speculation he is set to sign up for the programme, he wrote on his Instagram Stories: “As much as I’d love this to be true!! … Unfortunately it’s not haha [crying laughing emoji] (sic)”
The former ‘Emmerdale’ star’s comments come after he was said to already be honing his dance moves ahead of the series later this year.
A source told The Sun newspaper this week: “Adam has got what it takes to win and is already practising his moves. And he’s got a big female fanbase.
“This has been a little while in the making but it’s happening this year.”
Adam – the brother of ex-‘Coronation Street’ actor Ryan Thomas and former ‘Love Island’ star Scott Thomas – portrayed Adam Barton in ITV soap ‘Emmerdale’ from 2009 to 2018, after he shot to fame on the BBC school drama ‘Waterloo Road’, portraying Donte Charles from 2006 to 2009.
Adam has recently signed up to return to the show, and his son Teddy Thomas will play his on-screen son Tommy Charles.
What’s more, his real-life niece, Scarlett Thomas – Ryan’s daughter with his ex, ‘Coronation Street’ star Tina O’Brien – will play his on-screen daughter in the show.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen reboot in the works

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ is being rebooted for Hulu.
Justin Haythe – whose credits range from ‘Revolutionary Road’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, to the Jennifer Lawrence spy thriller ‘Red Sparrow’ – has reportedly been tapped to pen the screenplay, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
News of the movie comes despite the comic’s creator Alan Moore detesting 2003’s ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’.
The movie was unanimously panned and marked the end of the late Sir Sean Connery’s acting career until he decided to make a comeback in 2012’s ‘Sir Bill’.
Moore created the comic series with artist Kevin O’Neill.
He has said he accepted pay for Hollywood adaptations of his work – which includes ‘Watchmen’ – “as long as I could distance myself by not seeing them.”
Set in an alternate Victorian Age world, ‘League’ included a satire of James Bond, the iconic spy who Connery was first to play in 1962’s ‘Dr. No’.
It followed a group of famous contemporary fantasy, science fiction, and adventure characters —including Captain Nemo, Dorian Gray and Tom Sawyer – as they teamed up on a secret mission.
Don Murphy, who produced the original adaptation of ‘League’ in 2003, is said to be coming back as a producer for the upcoming sequel.
Joining him is producing partner Susan Montford as well as Erwin Stoff of 3 Arts Entertainment.
The first two volumes of the ‘League’ comic were published by an imprint of DC Comics starting in 1999.
But the creator-owned series moved to indie publishers after Moore, whose graphic novels also include ‘V for Vendetta’, saw his infamously prickly relationship with DC deteriorate further.
Several other volumes and graphic novels followed, with the last storyline wrapping up in 2019.
The first volume won the Bram Stoker Award for best illustrated narrative while the second won an Eisner Award for best limited series.
The 2003 movie infamously took liberties with the source material, adding Tom Sawyer as a US Secret Service agent.
But the movie proved to be a moneymaker and grossed more than $179 million (£144m) worldwide, and became a popular DVD seller.

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Kit Harington lands role in Mary’s Monster

OHMYGOSSIP — Kit Harington is set to star in ‘Mary’s Monster’.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ actor has been cast alongside Clara Rugaard in the film about the life and times of the ‘Frankenstein’ author Mary Shelley.
The period movie will deal with Mary’s mental torment as she tries to write her iconic horror novel. Clara will portray the author while Kit will be ‘the monster’.
An official synopsis for the movie reads: “Mary is seduced by her own inner monster catapulting her into a dangerous, destructive psychological romance. Realising the monster is inextricably linked to her own mental state, her only route to salvation is in bringing him to life.”
The film is on sale at the Cannes market and production is set to begin in the UK in August. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo will also star in the movie with additional casting underway.
Farren Blackburn is to direct the movie from a script by Deborah Baxtrom and Stephen Hallett. Fulwell 73’s Leo Perlman and Heather Greenwood will produce with Richard Kondal and Patrick Fischer serving as executive producers for the company.
Harington said: “‘Mary’s Monster’ is a brilliantly original and fascinating script and I’m relishing the idea of depicting the unique part of ‘The Monster’. An embodiment of Mary Shelley’s psyche. I’m excited by Farren’s vision and passion for the project.”
Rugaard – the rising Danish actress who starred in the TV series ‘The Rising’ – said: “I am incredibly honoured to jump on board this project and be a part of telling the story of such an influential and revolutionary woman. I’m beyond excited to be bringing this celebrated female voice to life and to further delve into the world and psyche of Mary Shelley.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Pete Davidson and Naomi Scott to star in Wizards!

OHMYGOSSIP — Pete Davidson and Naomi Scott will star in ‘Wizards!’.
The pair will be joined by Franz Rogowski and Sean Harris in the movie from the Australian writer-director David Michod.
The movie follows two hapless beach-bar operators (played by Davidson and Rogowski) who get into trouble when they come across some stolen loot that they should have just left alone.
Michod has written the script for the movie, which is based on a story he created with Joel Edgerton. Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner will produce for Plan B alongside Liz Watts.
The film is set to be shot in the Australian state of Queensland.
Pete has been in the headlines for his relationship with Kim Kardashian but has continued to stay busy in the world of TV and film as the 28-year-old comedian is also starring in the Miramax horror thriller ‘The Home’.
The flick is being helmed by ‘The Purge’ director James DeMonaco – who has penned the script for the movie with Adam Canto.
Pete will play the role of Max, a troubled man who starts working at a retirement home and realises its residents and caretakers harbour sinister secrets. As he investigates the building and its forbidden fourth floor, Max begins to uncover connections to his own past and upbringing as a foster child.
Miramax chief Bill Block said: “We’re excited to be backing DeMonaco’s brilliant vision.
“James’ ‘The Purge’ horror franchise has grossed over $450 million at the worldwide box office. With his masterful storytelling abilities and Pete’s versatility as an actor, this film will put audiences everywhere on the edge of their seats.”

Source: IconInsider.com

Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren signed for Yellowstone prequel

OHMYGOSSIP — Harrison Ford and Dame Helen Mirren will star in the upcoming ‘Yellowstone’ prequel series.
The pair are to appear in show ‘1932’ for Paramount+ after the Montana ranch family drama, fronted by Kevin Costner, became the most popular show on cable TV.
Paramount+ said the ‘1932’ prequel show will “explore the early 20th century when pandemics, historic drought, the end of Prohibition and the Great Depression plague the mountain West and the Duttons who call it home”.
Ford and Mirren are the latest stars to join ‘Yellowstone’, created by Taylor Sheridan, which has already produced the spin-off ‘1883’, featuring Sam Elliott, 77, and Faith Hill, 54.
The American drama premiered in 2018 on the Paramount Network with Costner, 67, as widowed John Dutton, a sixth-generation patriarch of the Dutton family who operates the Yellowstone/ Dutton Ranch.
Its season four finale reached the same popularity as ‘Game of Thrones’, with a peak of 9.3 million viewers.
It was also the most-watched show on cable since ‘The Walking Dead’ season eight premiere on AMC in 2017, which attracted 11.4 million viewers.
Creator Sheridan, 51, said the neo-Western’s popularity is mainly down to how it uses art to reflect life.
He added: “Our job as artists is to hold a mirror up to the world and let people see the reflection, to teach them about a part of life and human experience that they may not be aware of.
“Whenever we’re ignorant of something, then typically we fear it, or we judge it, or we dislike it. And it’s the job of all artists, I think, to try and find these little pockets of the world and show some humanity.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

James Corden thanks Kay Mellor for ‘changing his life’

OHMYGOSSIP — James Corden has thanked Kay Mellor for “changing [his] life”.
The 43-year-old star has paid tribute to the late TV drama creator, after she passed away on Sunday (15.05.22) aged 71, admitting he is grateful to her for taking a chance on him when she cast James in Noughties drama ‘Fat Friends’.
James – who portrayed Jamie Rymer in the show, about the lives of attendees of a Leeds slimming club – wrote on Instagram: “Kay Mellor sadly passed away today.
“She was the most generous, kind and loving person. An exceptionally gifted writer. She changed my life when she cast me in Fat Friends on ITV. She saw something in me that no one had before that point. (sic)”
James has the “fondest memories” of being on the set of the show, which also featured his ‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-stars Ruth Jones and Alison Steadman, as well as Kay’s daughter, Gaynor Faye.
He added: “She gave so many people their first chances. I have the fondest memories of being on set with her. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time x (sic)”
A spokesman for Kay’s TV production company, Rollem Productions, confirmed her passing earlier this week.
They said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022.
“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends at this time.”
Several other stars have also paid tribute to Kay, including James’ ‘Fat Friends’ co-star Lisa Riley.
She wrote on Instagram: “DEAREST KAY REST IN PEACE……..what a massive shock to hear this news, you have been taken far far far to young. You were the best boss to work for, you embraced all that is good about our industry, believing in talent. #rip #kaymellor (sic)”
Kay was also known for being behind TV dramas such as ‘Band of Gold’, ‘Playing the Field’, and ‘The Syndicate’, in which Lenny Henry portrayed Godfrey Watson in 2015’s third series.
He wrote on Twitter: “I was saddened to hear that Kay Mellor has died. I was lucky to work with her on the Syndicate and found her to be incredibly creative , funny and instinctive. She knew what she wanted and knew how to get the best from us as actors. She will be missed. Condolences to her family. (sic)”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Emmerdale star Danny Miller had to stop filming during anxiety and depression battle

OHMYGOSSIP — Danny Miller had to stop ‘Emmerdale’ filming because of his struggles with depression and anxiety.
The 31-year-old actor – who played Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap from 2008 to 2021 – has opened up about “hitting rock bottom” and having on-set panic attacks.
Danny said: “I’m not gonna sit here and lie and say, ‘I wanted to kill myself’, but I certainly thought it would be easier if I wasn’t here.”
He described his panic attacks as “an out of body experience” and recalled having to halt shooting so he could recover.
Danny added: “Suddenly I start sweating, I start almost passing out. I had it loads in ‘Emmerdale’ when I’ve got a big scene and I’ve gone, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna pass out’.
“They go, ‘Stand by’, and my brain’s going, ‘You’re gonna f*** this up, you’re gonna f*** this up’. I’m sweating and I go, ‘Sorry, you’ll have to cut there, I’m sweating.’ ”
Meanwhile, Danny admitted he didn’t realise he was suffering from anxiety and depression until he spoke to his GP, and he “burst into tears”.
He explained: “I used to think it was an overactive thyroid. That’s what I got checked for. But it was anxiety. I just didn’t know how to deal with it.”
The former ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ winner – who revealed he turns to ABBA’s “uplifting” hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ to help him – was prescribed antidepressants six years ago, and took them for two years, while therapy continues to help him.
And he insisted despite hitting a low, he didn’t “have the balls” to actually end his life.
Speaking on the ‘Mancs On the Mic’ podcast, he said: “I didn’t have anything to lose and I thought it would just be easier if I wasn’t here … so if I take myself out of the situation. That was the deepest and darkest it went. I never thought about it. I couldn’t.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

Gemma Collins ‘signs big-money deal’ with Walkers Crisps

OHMYGOSSIP — Gemma Collins has reportedly signed a big-money deal with Walkers Crisps.
The 41-year-old reality star is set to front a new campaign for the popular snack brand after Gary Lineker – who became the face of the company from 1995 – took on more of a supporting role.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: “Gemma is so sought after by companies because she’s both glamorous and down to earth, and people really seem to connect with her.
“That’s a perfect combination for big brands who need to appeal to a mass market — just like Gary used to for more than two decades.”
It’s said the former ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star – who has previously fronted campaigns for the likes of Burger King, Durex, Boohoo and Wizz Air – is a big lover of “grab bags”, and she’ll be throwing herself into the adverts, which will see her following in the footsteps of the likes of Paddy McGuinness and Emily Atack.
The insider added: “The adverts are guaranteed to be some hilarious take on The GC’s big personality – and she’s a self-confessed fan of grab bags.”
Gemma – who reconciled with her ex-fiance, Rami Hawash, last year following her split from on/off partner James ‘Arg’ Argent – has denied rumours he proposed again, and insisted she’s in no rush to get hitched.
Speaking to OK!, she said of the engagement speculation: “What a load of c***! Basically, he did buy me an engagement ring years ago and it is beautiful. And every now and then I dust it off and wear it, but we’re not officially engaged.
“I’m a free spirit, honey! I won’t tie the knot until I’m about 50. I’m an eternal free spirit. I’ll be in Hollywood by then, darling, so it’s best not to … I never think long-term. It’s always like I live for each day!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online