Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts dead at 80

Allman Brothers co-founder Dickey Betts has died. The guitarist died on Thursday (18.04.24) at the age of 80 after...

Sampha and Yussef Dayes lead the way in this year’s Ivors nominations

Sampha and Yussef Dayes lead the way in this year’s Ivors nominations. The 35-year-old singer – full name Sampha...

Stevie Nicks confirms first support acts for BST Hyde Park show

Stevie Nicks has revealed the first wave of special guests for her upcoming show at American Express presents BST Hyde Park.

Childish Gambino previews new songs with Kanye West and Kid Cudi

Childish Gambino has previewed two new tracks featuring Kanye West and Kid Cudi. During his latest Instagram Live GILGA...

Basement Jaxx to make UK show return

Basement Jaxx are reportedly going to front a number of big shows in the UK this year. The electronic...

Latest Articles

Joey Essex and Sam Faiers turn down reality show


Joey Essex and Sam Faiers have turned down their own reality show.
The couple - who met and found love on 'The Only Way Is Essex' - have reportedly turned down the chance to have a reality series of their own following their departures from the ITV2 show, because they feel their relationship needs time away from the cameras.
A source revealed: "It was an idea being touted and they were approached, but they feel their relationship has been on screen for a while.
"They've been a lot happier together as a couple since they left the show and they don't want to ruin that any time soon."
Sam and Joey were seen getting engaged and later calling quits on their relationship during their time on the show, but after Joey left to compete on 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here' Sam appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' and was later diagnosed with Crohn's disease, prompting her to quit TOWIE and get back together with her former love.
The source added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Since Sam was diagnosed with Crohn's they've been taking things easy, mostly out of the spotlight. They're getting on so much better as a result."

Lacey Turner enjoys swearing in Our Girl


Lacey Turner enjoys playing a soldier in 'Our Girl' because she's allowed to swear.
The 26-year-old actress stars as Molly Dawes in the BBC One military drama and admits she finds the role fun because she's not banned from cursing like she is when playing Stacey Branning in 'EastEnders', which is broadcast before the watershed.
She explained to the Daily Star newspaper: "It's fun swearing, because there are times in 'EastEnders' when you feel there should be a swear word there but you can't.
"No matter how disgusting it is, everyone swears."
Speaking to The Sun newspaper about her character's foul language, she added: "I got home and thought, 'My god, my language is disgusting!"
The brunette beauty confessed she finds working on 'Our Girl' more challenging than the BBC One soap because she feels pressure to present viewers with a realistic portrayal of a soldier.
She told the Daily Star newspaper: "When you are trying to portray a job someone does for real - a doctor or a policeman or whatever - you want to get it as close to real as possible to do it justice. I hope we have done them justice."
Lacey added: "We did a few bits with some real soldiers, which is embarrassing, because you're not a real soldier ... You know they are laughing at you.
"They are amazing in what they do - their strength and bravery is just inspiring. The training alone is horrific."

Anne Kirkbride offered new £250k Coronation Street deal


Anne Kirkbride has been offered a new £250,000 deal to stay on 'Coronation Street'.
The 60-year-old actress, who has portrayed Deirdre Barlow for 42 years, is expected to earn the huge sum after she was offered a new one-year contract three months earlier than she was due to sit down with soap bosses for talks.
A show source said: "Anne is delighted with her contract renewal - it has further cemented her role as an indispensable cast member."
In a double boost, the star is said to be delighted with the return of her on-screen husband Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) - who was cleared of historic sex assault and rape charges in February - after she reportedly found it "tough" when he was away.
The source added to The Sun newspaper: "It's another positive note for her after Bill Roache returned to the set recently. She found his time away very tough.
"They have been a double act for so long that it was strange for her to be without him.
"But now, thankfully, things are back to normal for them. This contract is yet another bonus for her."
Bill, 82, recently returned to the cobbles after being written out of 'Corrie' in May 2013 when the charges - which included four counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape against girls under 16 between 1965 and 1971 - were first brought against him.
A Corrie spokesperson said: "We don't comment on contracts."

Vicky Pattison contemplated suicide after arrest


Vicky Pattison has revealed she contemplated suicide in the wake of her arrest in 2013.
The 'Geordie Shore' star and her fellow cast member Holly Hagan were taken into custody on suspicion of assaulting a model in July 2013 while shooting the seventh series of the MTV programme.
The arrest - and her split from ex-fiancé Ricci Guarnaccio - sent Vicky spiralling into depression as she felt she'd let down her family, friends and the producers who had given her a career and thought the only way out would be to end her life.
Speaking candidly in her new autobiography 'Nothing But The Truth', she revealed: "I was so down in the weeks that followed I genuinely contemplated killing myself at times ... I am dramatic about things when it comes to love or my mates, but I had never in my life before suffered from serious depression or considered suicide.
"I'd always thought of suicide as a selfish act and that you would be hurting other people and leaving all of your problems for them to deal with by going through with it.
"I felt like all I was doing was messing up and embarrassing my family. I had lost everything I had going for me and I didn't want to live any more. I couldn't see any other way out."
Vicky sought help from MTV's resident psychiatrist, who works with all the 'Geordie Shore' cast.
After numerous professional counselling sessions and the support of her sister, the 25-year-old beauty was able to beat her depression.
Vicky - who is now dating hockey player James Morgan - explained: "Things couldn't get any worse and I said to myself, 'Stop lying on the f***ing sofa feeling sorry for yourself. Get up, go to the gym, see your friends, and if 'Geordie Shore' don't want you back then it's not meant to be.'
"It was that fighting instinct in me, and my amazing sister and friend who got me through that made me realise that I would achieve nothing by killing myself. I would have left the only people who cared about me heartbroken."
Vicky pleaded guilty to the assault in January 2014 and was sentenced in February to 180 hours of unpaid community service. Her victim was awarded £4,000 in compensation.

Barbra Streisand to release duet album


Barbra Streisand is releasing a new duet album.
The 'Woman In Love' hitmaker took to Instagram for the first time to announce the official release date of the upcoming album, entitled 'Partners', which sees the legendary singer duet with the world's greatest male vocalists.
'Partners' is the first duet album to be released by the 72 year old in over a decade and features collaborations on some of her best loved tracks.
Among the songs are renditions of 'New York State Of Mind' with Billy Joel, 'It Had To Be You' with Michael Bublé, 'The Way We Were' with Lionel Richie, 'Evergreen' with Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds and 'Love Me Tender' with Elvis Presley.
It also features her first ever studio-recorded duet with her son Jason Gould on 'How Deep Is The Ocean', as well as perfomances with Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, John Legend, John Mayer, Blake Shelton and Stevie Wonder.
The UK version of the album will include five bonus tracks including her classic 'Guilty' with vocals from Bee Gees star Barry Gibb.
'Partners' was executive produced by Barbra and Jay Landers and was produced by Babyface and Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff.
It is available to pre-order from today (14.08.14), with its official release date set for September 15.

Nicki Minaj to perform at MTV VMAs


Nicki Minaj will perfom at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.
The 'Starships' hitmaker will take to the stage at The Forum in Inglewood, California, on August 24, to sing her new track 'Anaconda' from her latest album 'The PinkPrint' which is due out later this year, reports MTV News.
It will be the third time the 31-year-old singer and rapper has performed at the annual ceremony.
In 2012 she joined Alicia Keys on stage for a rendition of her hit 'Girl On Fire' after making her debut performance at the event with her track 'Your Love' in 2011.
Nicki said: "The VMAs is a pretty big deal so people go all out for it.
"I am very, very excited and looking forward to the performance."
Nicki joins a star-studded line-up which already includes boyband 5 Seconds Of Summer, Usher, pop princess Ariana Grande and Beyoncé
However, the 'Super Bass' singer isn't just known for her performances at the awards, having scooped the prize for Best Hip-Hop Video for 'Super Bass' in 2011 and again for Best Female Video for 'Starships' in 2012.

Ella Henderson says James Arthur is like a brother


Ella Henderson says James Arthur is like a brother.
The 'Ghost' hitmaker - who met James, 26, when they appeared on 'The X Factor' together in 2012 - says the 'Impossible' singer was incredibly supportive of her during her time on the show and the subsequent UK tour and treated her like a younger sibling.
She told The Daily Star newspaper: "I haven't seen [James] probably since we came off The X Factor tour.
"What I do know is that the James I know from the show was like a big brother to me at the time and he was lovely."
However, the 18-year-old singer hasn't kept in contact with James - who was dropped from his SyCo record label this year after being reprimanded for his use of homophobic lyrics - and believes she doesn't know him well enough anymore to comment on his controversial behaviour.
She explained: "You know you hear of things that have happened since. I don't really have an opinion on it because I don't know the person he is now."
Meanwhile, Ella - whose debut single 'Ghost' shot to the top of the charts in June - is looking forward to releasing her second single 'Glow' and her long-anticipated debut album 'Chapter One', which the pretty brunette describes as her "baby".
She said: "It feels like I'm going to give birth to my baby when the album comes out. I've taken two years to write the album.
"Seeing the positive reaction my music has got so far is incredible. I've put my all into it.
"It's mental what's happened in the last 10 weeks. I couldn't be any happier."

People assume I’m always happy, says Simon Pegg


Simon Pegg says fans assume he's always happy simply because he's a comedian.
Speaking at the London premiere of 'Hector and the Search for Happiness', in Leicester Square, Pegg reflected on what makes him happy, which is the central theme of the new comedy drama.
The 44-year-old said: "I think people assume if you're an actor and work in Hollywood you must be happy. That's not always the case, but I've found my happiness in Hertfordshire, north of London."
The flick sees Pegg play the role of Hector, a psychiatrist who sets out across the world to discover what makes people happy, and the 'Star Trek' actor revealed what makes him content.
He said: "I haven't been on a journey like Hector but I went on my own journey personally. As you grow up and live life you start to figure out what happiness is to you.
"It took having a kid and finding out what I want from life. It's an important thing we've all got to strive to find ... and also to realise sometimes that when you're unhappy it might be a prelude to being happy again, it doesn't mean you never will be again."

Sophie Turner to star in Mary Shelley’s Monster


Sophie Turner is to play the title role in 'Mary Shelley's Monster', a new biopic of 'Frankenstein' author Mary Shelley.
The 18-year-old 'Game of Thrones' actress will appear in the film alongside 'War Horse' star Jeremy Irvine, who will play the poet Percy Shelley, her on-screen lover and eventual husband.
Producer Rose Ganguzza says 'Mary Shelley's Monster' will tell the story of "the most extraordinary 19th century teenage heroine told in a visceral, sexy, contemporary way".
She told Deadline.com: "Our film is not a period drama. It is a story of youth that transcends time, a gothic romance, a love triangle that involves a dark passenger and we are tremendously excited to have such an exciting cast onboard this wonderful project."
The flick will also feature Taissa Farmiga, star of 'Higher Ground', while directing responsibilities have been handed to Coky Giedroyc, who is best known for her work with TV dramas, such as 'Wuthering Heights' and 'The Virgin Queen'.
In addition to Rose Ganguzza, the film will be produced by J Todd Harris, Damon Lane and Marc Marcum.
Filming is set to begin later this year in the UK and Malta, although a release date is still to be announced.

Dynamo fan Prince Harry


Britain's Prince Harry tried to "bribe" Dynamo into telling him his secrets.
The 29-year-old royal is a big fan of the magician and was desperate to find out how he pulls off illusions such as levitating people and appearing to walk across the River Thames.
Dynamo - whose real name is Steven Frayne - told the Daily Star newspaper: "Harry is very cool. He came to a performance I did at The Olympics. He was trying to get my secrets by trying to bribe me with the Crown Jewels."
Dynamo has a huge celebrity fanbase and the likes of Coldplay and One Direction appear in the new series of his show 'Magician Impossible', and the illusionist claims he "can't get away" from the 'Little Things' hitmakers.
He said: "They are scallywags. They accosted me at a Tinie Tempah concert backstage four years ago and I didn't have a clue who they were. They were like, 'Dynamo, do some magic for us.' So I did.
"I can't get away from them. So when they asked me to come and do a 1D Day, I tried to claim it as 1Dynamo day."
He also admitted the next series of the programme will be the last.
He said: "It's a good time to come to a close. It is good to leave your audience wanting more."





Robin Williams’ funeral to be in San Francisco


Robin Williams will be laid to rest in San Francisco.
Susan Schneider, the third wife of the 63-year-old actor - who committed suicide on Monday (11.08.14) - is reportedly planning a "very private" funeral in the Bay Area, and family members, including his 31-year-old son Zak, have begun flying into town ahead of the service.
According to a source, the memorial will be intimate and for close friends and family - including his younger children Zelda, 25, and Cody, 22 - only.
The source told E! News: "It's not official yet, but that's the plan. It will be small. They were both very private people."
In addition to the private service, the source claims a comedy benefit night will be held for the public in honour of the 'Hook' actor.
The tribute will take place at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, California, some time in the next few weeks, but nothing has yet been finalised.
The venue cancelled their planned show on Tuesday (12.08.14) out of respect for the popular local star.
Announcing their decision, the theatre said: "We are in deep mourning for our dear friend and incredible human being, Robin Williams. Tomorrow's 'Mark Pitta & Friends show has been cancelled. We ask for your understanding at this time."
Following Robin's shock death, Susan - who married the 'Aladdin' star in 2001 - said she was "utterly heartbroken" by the loss of her "best friend".
She said in a statement: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."



Jennifer Lopez thrown surprise party


Jennifer Lopez enjoyed a surprise belated birthday party at the weekend.
The 'Dance Again' hitmaker - who split from boyfriend Casper Smart after three years together in June - was close to tears when she arrived at a private estate in Calabasas, California, on Saturday (09.08.14) to be greeted by 150 friends.
A source said: "She looked ecstatic and surprised and really happy.
"You could tell she was touched. She was almost crying.
"You would have never thought she had just recently had a split. She was out having fun with her good friends."
As well as cake and dancing, the 'American Idol' judge was also treated to a short film called 'A.K.A. The Movie (No More Worries)', a personal video of memories from the singer's most recent tour.
The source added to E! News: "When she watched the film, she was laughing, very giddy and screaming about it with her friends.
"She looked fabulous. She spent the night hanging out and enjoyed seeing her friends."
Jennifer turned 45 on July 24, and celebrated with a group of friends including rumoured new love interest Maksim Chmerkovskiy, manager Benny Medina, Khloé Kardashian and boyfriend French Montana, Scott Disick, Leah Remini, Kelly Ripa and Andy Cohen.
A source said at the time: "No one danced more than Jennifer. She barely sat down all night! She was really tearing it up, dancing until the very end."