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Natalie Cassidy was "naïve" about her first lesbian storyline in 'EastEnders'.
The 30-year-old actress feels more at ease with her character Sonia Fowler's latest same-sex romance with Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) - with whom married Sonia locked lips earlier this week - but she admits she didn't understand the reasoning behind her previous storyline with nurse Naomi Julien (Petra Letang) in 2005.
Speaking on 'BBC Breakfast' this morning (02.05.14), she said: "I don't know where it's going to go, but at the time it felt right for Sonia to do that. Sonia's dabbled with women before in the past.
"When I was younger, I think it was a little bit naïve. When I was 21, 22, I was a bit like, 'Oh, Sonia wouldn't do that.' As an actress and as the character I thought, 'Well, actually, I'm not sure if Sonia would do this.'
"Now, because I've had that past and I've got that background, that's why this [storyline] works."
Natalie recently returned to 'EastEnders' and is at the centre of a dramatic plot which has seen Sonia's mother Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) diagnosed with breast cancer.
The actress has praised the BBC One soap for its strong storylines at the moment, including the murder of Lucy Beale.
She added: "I think the show's really good at the moment. There's a lot of excitement surrounding the show - that's how it should be. 'EastEnders' should be like that and people are talking about it again. It's an exciting place to be."
Natalie Cassidy ‘naive’ over Sonia lesbian plot
Natalie Cassidy was "naïve" about her first lesbian storyline in 'EastEnders'.
The 30-year-old actress feels more at ease with her character Sonia Fowler's latest same-sex romance with Tina Carter (Luisa Bradshaw-White) - with whom married Sonia locked lips earlier this week - but she admits she didn't understand the reasoning behind her previous storyline with nurse Naomi Julien (Petra Letang) in 2005.
Speaking on 'BBC Breakfast' this morning (02.05.14), she said: "I don't know where it's going to go, but at the time it felt right for Sonia to do that. Sonia's dabbled with women before in the past.
"When I was younger, I think it was a little bit naïve. When I was 21, 22, I was a bit like, 'Oh, Sonia wouldn't do that.' As an actress and as the character I thought, 'Well, actually, I'm not sure if Sonia would do this.'
"Now, because I've had that past and I've got that background, that's why this [storyline] works."
Natalie recently returned to 'EastEnders' and is at the centre of a dramatic plot which has seen Sonia's mother Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) diagnosed with breast cancer.
The actress has praised the BBC One soap for its strong storylines at the moment, including the murder of Lucy Beale.
She added: "I think the show's really good at the moment. There's a lot of excitement surrounding the show - that's how it should be. 'EastEnders' should be like that and people are talking about it again. It's an exciting place to be."
TV
Ashley Banjo thinks Adam Garcia's return will "recharge" 'Got To Dance'.
The Diversity dancer is ecstatic Adam is returning to the Sky One show for series five after JLS singer Aston Merrygold filled in for him last year, and believes having the original gang back together will make it the best dance star search to date.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It's recharged, refreshed and everyone's ready to bring it back with a bang, especially now we've got the old team back together. I was really happy when I found out Adam was back, I think this year's going to be a really special year.
"We had to start from scratch [last series], even though I knew Aston already and he's a really cool guy. I think me, Adam and Kimberly Wyatt have got experience, not as friends, but mainly [working] together ... we know how it works.
"I think one of the things that works with me, Kim and Adam is that we are all so different and that's only going to be magnified now we're dancing more and working closely with the contestants."
Ashley believes the major format shake-up, which sees the judges each mentoring their own team of six dance acts, will result in "fireworks" during the live shows and boost their natural competitiveness.
He explained: "I think the new twist is going to bring a whole new dynamic to the show, it gives the judges and the contestants a completely different relationship and I think it's going to bring some fireworks kicking off in the live shows.
"I'm naturally competitive. I'm only going to pick and fight for acts that I'm passionate about. I'm going to want it all the more for them."
However, the street dance star admitted he is apprehensive about the supersized week of live shows, which will allow each judge complete control of one show each - choosing everything from the choreography, styling, music and lighting.
Ashley added: "Of course it's nerve wrecking and it's a big responsibility, big pressure, but at the same time there's so much talent and 'Got To Dance' is one of those shows that's all about talent."
Ashley Banjo: Adam Garcia return will refresh Got To Dance
Ashley Banjo thinks Adam Garcia's return will "recharge" 'Got To Dance'.
The Diversity dancer is ecstatic Adam is returning to the Sky One show for series five after JLS singer Aston Merrygold filled in for him last year, and believes having the original gang back together will make it the best dance star search to date.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It's recharged, refreshed and everyone's ready to bring it back with a bang, especially now we've got the old team back together. I was really happy when I found out Adam was back, I think this year's going to be a really special year.
"We had to start from scratch [last series], even though I knew Aston already and he's a really cool guy. I think me, Adam and Kimberly Wyatt have got experience, not as friends, but mainly [working] together ... we know how it works.
"I think one of the things that works with me, Kim and Adam is that we are all so different and that's only going to be magnified now we're dancing more and working closely with the contestants."
Ashley believes the major format shake-up, which sees the judges each mentoring their own team of six dance acts, will result in "fireworks" during the live shows and boost their natural competitiveness.
He explained: "I think the new twist is going to bring a whole new dynamic to the show, it gives the judges and the contestants a completely different relationship and I think it's going to bring some fireworks kicking off in the live shows.
"I'm naturally competitive. I'm only going to pick and fight for acts that I'm passionate about. I'm going to want it all the more for them."
However, the street dance star admitted he is apprehensive about the supersized week of live shows, which will allow each judge complete control of one show each - choosing everything from the choreography, styling, music and lighting.
Ashley added: "Of course it's nerve wrecking and it's a big responsibility, big pressure, but at the same time there's so much talent and 'Got To Dance' is one of those shows that's all about talent."
TV
Lee Ryan has pleaded guilty to criminal damage.
The Blue singer was hit with a £3,325 fine and banned from driving for two years at Ealing Magistrates Court, in west London, today (02.05.14) after he admitted to urinating in his police cell and failing to provide a specimen sample following his drink-driving arrest in April.
The 30-year-old star blamed his behaviour on the online abuse he received following his stint on Channel 5's 'Celebrity Big Brother' earlier this year.
The court heard that Lee had been detained in the early hours of April 11 after officers spotting him driving erratically in west London following a night out to celebrate his bandmate Duncan James' birthday.
There was an empty bottle in the pocket of the driver's seat and police said they could smell booze on the singer.
He also slurred his words and was unsteady of his feet.
Majit Mahal, for the prosecution, told the court: "Officers could immediately smell alcohol from Mr Ryan's breath and his eyes appeared glazed.
"Asked if he had consumed some alcohol that night, Mr Ryan said 'Yes, a few.' "
Lee refused to take a breath test to see if he had been driving over the legal limit and also chanted foul-mouthed abuse at officers, branding one a "c**t".
He was then taken to a cell at Acton police station, where he vomited and urinated on the floor, which leaked through the door and into the hallway.
The star is said to have told the police: "I didn't realise there was a toilet here."
Meanwhile, Lee was previously banned from driving and fined £2,250 due to drink-driving in 2003.
Lee Ryan pleads guilty to criminal damage
Lee Ryan has pleaded guilty to criminal damage.
The Blue singer was hit with a £3,325 fine and banned from driving for two years at Ealing Magistrates Court, in west London, today (02.05.14) after he admitted to urinating in his police cell and failing to provide a specimen sample following his drink-driving arrest in April.
The 30-year-old star blamed his behaviour on the online abuse he received following his stint on Channel 5's 'Celebrity Big Brother' earlier this year.
The court heard that Lee had been detained in the early hours of April 11 after officers spotting him driving erratically in west London following a night out to celebrate his bandmate Duncan James' birthday.
There was an empty bottle in the pocket of the driver's seat and police said they could smell booze on the singer.
He also slurred his words and was unsteady of his feet.
Majit Mahal, for the prosecution, told the court: "Officers could immediately smell alcohol from Mr Ryan's breath and his eyes appeared glazed.
"Asked if he had consumed some alcohol that night, Mr Ryan said 'Yes, a few.' "
Lee refused to take a breath test to see if he had been driving over the legal limit and also chanted foul-mouthed abuse at officers, branding one a "c**t".
He was then taken to a cell at Acton police station, where he vomited and urinated on the floor, which leaked through the door and into the hallway.
The star is said to have told the police: "I didn't realise there was a toilet here."
Meanwhile, Lee was previously banned from driving and fined £2,250 due to drink-driving in 2003.
Movies
James Marsden thinks Elizabeth Banks is one of the world's "best comedic talents".
The 40-year-old actor stars alongside the 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno' actress in 'Walk of Shame' and has confessed he's always admired her as an actress who doesn't rely on her beauty to secure film roles.
He said: "I've always been a huge fan of Elizabeth's comedic talent. I think she is one of our best. She's one of these actresses that could get roles based solely on her looks, but she's clearly so talented as a dramatic and comedic actress."
The 'X-Men' star claimed the blonde beauty's sense of humour and ability to understand what makes audiences laugh is her secret to success rather than her image.
He explained: "She's one of these comediennes trapped in a beautiful person's body ... She gets what's funny about being human. She's great at looking utterly shabby and not looking like a superstar - and in the process, she looks like a superstar. That's why she's great."
Banks plays a local news anchor who fails to succeed in her personal or professional life until she's persuaded by her friends to go and let loose, which is when she meets Marsden's character and has her world turned upside down.
Marsden admits he's always wanted to make a movie with the 40-year-old actress and jumped at the chance when he was sent the script.
Quizzed on what made him take on the role, he told moviefanatic.com: "It was less the story than I knew Elizabeth for a long time ... And I wanted to work with her for years. It was like getting together with your family and making a movie."
James Marsden praises Elizabeth Banks’ ‘comedic talent’
James Marsden thinks Elizabeth Banks is one of the world's "best comedic talents".
The 40-year-old actor stars alongside the 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno' actress in 'Walk of Shame' and has confessed he's always admired her as an actress who doesn't rely on her beauty to secure film roles.
He said: "I've always been a huge fan of Elizabeth's comedic talent. I think she is one of our best. She's one of these actresses that could get roles based solely on her looks, but she's clearly so talented as a dramatic and comedic actress."
The 'X-Men' star claimed the blonde beauty's sense of humour and ability to understand what makes audiences laugh is her secret to success rather than her image.
He explained: "She's one of these comediennes trapped in a beautiful person's body ... She gets what's funny about being human. She's great at looking utterly shabby and not looking like a superstar - and in the process, she looks like a superstar. That's why she's great."
Banks plays a local news anchor who fails to succeed in her personal or professional life until she's persuaded by her friends to go and let loose, which is when she meets Marsden's character and has her world turned upside down.
Marsden admits he's always wanted to make a movie with the 40-year-old actress and jumped at the chance when he was sent the script.
Quizzed on what made him take on the role, he told moviefanatic.com: "It was less the story than I knew Elizabeth for a long time ... And I wanted to work with her for years. It was like getting together with your family and making a movie."
Movies
Domhnall Gleeson is still "coming to terms" with being cast in 'Star Wars Episode VII'.
The 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' actor joins Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker who are returning to the franchise and he's still trying to swallow the magnitude of being involved in the sci-fi adventure.
He told Dublin radio show 2FM: "I'm still struggling to come to terms with it. It all happened really quickly for me.
"It was like the day before and then I'm at a table reading with Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. It was madness but it was great."
Gleeson, 30, was careful not to reveal details about his character and the plot.
He added: "I'm afraid if I say anything I'll give away the plot of the whole movie. I've got two years of this ahead of me.
"The movie is released in December 2015 - that's the amount of time I have to keep my mouth shut!"
'Star Wars Episode VII' will also star previously rumored, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Andy Serkis, as well as 'Mr. Selfridge' actress Daisy Ridley, 'Inside Llewyn Davis' actor Oscar Isaac and Swedish actor Max von Sydow.
Domhnall Gleeson still coming to terms with Star Wars role
Domhnall Gleeson is still "coming to terms" with being cast in 'Star Wars Episode VII'.
The 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' actor joins Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker who are returning to the franchise and he's still trying to swallow the magnitude of being involved in the sci-fi adventure.
He told Dublin radio show 2FM: "I'm still struggling to come to terms with it. It all happened really quickly for me.
"It was like the day before and then I'm at a table reading with Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. It was madness but it was great."
Gleeson, 30, was careful not to reveal details about his character and the plot.
He added: "I'm afraid if I say anything I'll give away the plot of the whole movie. I've got two years of this ahead of me.
"The movie is released in December 2015 - that's the amount of time I have to keep my mouth shut!"
'Star Wars Episode VII' will also star previously rumored, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Andy Serkis, as well as 'Mr. Selfridge' actress Daisy Ridley, 'Inside Llewyn Davis' actor Oscar Isaac and Swedish actor Max von Sydow.
Showbiz
Jennifer Lopez is "terrified" of plastic surgery.
The 44-year-old singer, who has six-year-old twins Max and Emme with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, admits she'll do "whatever it takes" to keep her enviable figure in tip-top condition, but she insists she'd never go under the knife to maintain her youthful looks.
When asked if she'd ever have cosmetic surgery, she replied: "I'm terrified of anything like that, like going under, I would be like, 'No, don't put me to sleep.' "
The 'On the Floor' hitmaker admits she has to work hard at achieving her famously shapely derrière, but she believes anyone can do it if they workout and eat healthily.
Speaking in an interview on the Jules, Merrick and Sophie with Mel B Show on Australian radio station 2DayFM, she said: "[You can achieve a good butt with regular upkeep] little by little - as opposed to letting it get away and pulling it back with a knife. I think you can do it with eating healthy things and working out ... I've always been quite an athlete. From very young, I used to run track and do tennis. For me, it's always about getting into the gym or getting out there and just running outside - whatever it takes to kind of just, keep it all together. I think you can do that with good...you know, eating healthy things and working out, and you don't have to go crazy, you don't have to be a fanatic but just upkeep little by little."
Despite her determination to exercise and main a healthy diet, she admits she sometimes has days where she feels "fat", but deals with it by dressing to suit her mood.
When asked if she has 'fat days', she said: "Oh yeah, oh my God yeah, I mean and I dress for ... you know, when you have those days, you dress for those days. Like, when I wear the really loose ... it's like, maybe we should just wear kind of a tent dress today - but, make it cute."
Jennifer Lopez is ‘terrified’ of plastic surgery
Jennifer Lopez is "terrified" of plastic surgery.
The 44-year-old singer, who has six-year-old twins Max and Emme with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, admits she'll do "whatever it takes" to keep her enviable figure in tip-top condition, but she insists she'd never go under the knife to maintain her youthful looks.
When asked if she'd ever have cosmetic surgery, she replied: "I'm terrified of anything like that, like going under, I would be like, 'No, don't put me to sleep.' "
The 'On the Floor' hitmaker admits she has to work hard at achieving her famously shapely derrière, but she believes anyone can do it if they workout and eat healthily.
Speaking in an interview on the Jules, Merrick and Sophie with Mel B Show on Australian radio station 2DayFM, she said: "[You can achieve a good butt with regular upkeep] little by little - as opposed to letting it get away and pulling it back with a knife. I think you can do it with eating healthy things and working out ... I've always been quite an athlete. From very young, I used to run track and do tennis. For me, it's always about getting into the gym or getting out there and just running outside - whatever it takes to kind of just, keep it all together. I think you can do that with good...you know, eating healthy things and working out, and you don't have to go crazy, you don't have to be a fanatic but just upkeep little by little."
Despite her determination to exercise and main a healthy diet, she admits she sometimes has days where she feels "fat", but deals with it by dressing to suit her mood.
When asked if she has 'fat days', she said: "Oh yeah, oh my God yeah, I mean and I dress for ... you know, when you have those days, you dress for those days. Like, when I wear the really loose ... it's like, maybe we should just wear kind of a tent dress today - but, make it cute."
Showbiz
Charlize Theron credits Seth MacFarlane for reigniting her love of acting.
The 38-year-old actress admits she was feeling disillusioned with her career until she teamed up with the 'Family Guy' creator for Western comedy 'A Million Ways to Die in the West', which was also written and directed by Seth.
She said: "I'd gone through like a two-year period where I wasn't really enjoying making movies anymore. And this movie really just shook me and made me realise how much I love it. I owe a lot of that to Seth."
The movie sees Seth portray a cowardly sheep farmer who Charlize's character helps regain his confidence and the 'Ted' star joked their onscreen relationship reflected their real-life bond.
He told the New York Times newspaper: "That wasn't much of a stretch for me. I won't even get on the freeway without my navigator.
"There was a parallel between my personal experience on the movie, for my virgin effort at being on camera, and the story itself.
"As we went along, Charlize was the one person I could quietly turn to, and say, 'Hey, did that seem good to you, or was it too James Brolin?' I don't know why I just said that. He's never done anything to me. Sorry, James Brolin, I think you're great."
Charlize Theron rediscovers love of acting
Charlize Theron credits Seth MacFarlane for reigniting her love of acting.
The 38-year-old actress admits she was feeling disillusioned with her career until she teamed up with the 'Family Guy' creator for Western comedy 'A Million Ways to Die in the West', which was also written and directed by Seth.
She said: "I'd gone through like a two-year period where I wasn't really enjoying making movies anymore. And this movie really just shook me and made me realise how much I love it. I owe a lot of that to Seth."
The movie sees Seth portray a cowardly sheep farmer who Charlize's character helps regain his confidence and the 'Ted' star joked their onscreen relationship reflected their real-life bond.
He told the New York Times newspaper: "That wasn't much of a stretch for me. I won't even get on the freeway without my navigator.
"There was a parallel between my personal experience on the movie, for my virgin effort at being on camera, and the story itself.
"As we went along, Charlize was the one person I could quietly turn to, and say, 'Hey, did that seem good to you, or was it too James Brolin?' I don't know why I just said that. He's never done anything to me. Sorry, James Brolin, I think you're great."
Showbiz
Kiefer Sutherland hid behind a street light to avoid a fan who mocked him after he fell off his bike.
The '24' actor - who reprises the role of Jack Bauer in forthcoming '24: Live Another Day' - fell off his bicycle while riding in Los Angeles and was thoroughly embarrassed to find he'd attracted the attention of those around him.
Talking on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', he explained: "In Silverlake I was riding my bicycle. This is dorky to begin with, but I have a basket in my bike so I can put my groceries, and I had a friend weld a pole on the back so I can get my dry cleaning. There I am riding down Silverlake, believe it or not in Los Angeles every once in a while they have pedestrian traffic and I seemed to find it that day. So I had to slow way down and I hit a pot hole and I went flying over the handle bars, my laundry went that way [pointing right], my groceries went that way [pointing forward]. I was like 'I'm so embarrassed, I'm humiliated, people are trying to help'. I'm like, 'Leave the stuff alone, I'm so sorry, just don't pay attention.' As I'm doing this some guy drives by and goes, 'Jack Bauer can't ride a bike!' "
Kiefer, 47, didn't anticipate bumping into the stranger as he continued his journey and this time he decided to hide to avoid him, but, to his disappointment he was caught out.
He explained: "I was humiliated and I managed to get all the stuff back on the bike and I'm riding down and then he's stuck at the red light. I don't want to see him because I'm already embarrassed so I'm kinda hiding behind a street light and he yells out, 'I can still see you.' "
However, the situation turned out for the best, with Kiefer adding: "I fell apart laughing and we actually became friends."
Embarrased Kiefer Sutherland hid after bike fall
Kiefer Sutherland hid behind a street light to avoid a fan who mocked him after he fell off his bike.
The '24' actor - who reprises the role of Jack Bauer in forthcoming '24: Live Another Day' - fell off his bicycle while riding in Los Angeles and was thoroughly embarrassed to find he'd attracted the attention of those around him.
Talking on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', he explained: "In Silverlake I was riding my bicycle. This is dorky to begin with, but I have a basket in my bike so I can put my groceries, and I had a friend weld a pole on the back so I can get my dry cleaning. There I am riding down Silverlake, believe it or not in Los Angeles every once in a while they have pedestrian traffic and I seemed to find it that day. So I had to slow way down and I hit a pot hole and I went flying over the handle bars, my laundry went that way [pointing right], my groceries went that way [pointing forward]. I was like 'I'm so embarrassed, I'm humiliated, people are trying to help'. I'm like, 'Leave the stuff alone, I'm so sorry, just don't pay attention.' As I'm doing this some guy drives by and goes, 'Jack Bauer can't ride a bike!' "
Kiefer, 47, didn't anticipate bumping into the stranger as he continued his journey and this time he decided to hide to avoid him, but, to his disappointment he was caught out.
He explained: "I was humiliated and I managed to get all the stuff back on the bike and I'm riding down and then he's stuck at the red light. I don't want to see him because I'm already embarrassed so I'm kinda hiding behind a street light and he yells out, 'I can still see you.' "
However, the situation turned out for the best, with Kiefer adding: "I fell apart laughing and we actually became friends."
Showbiz
Jason Priestley claims he once shared a cannabis joint with Sir Mick Jagger.
The former 'Beverly Hills 90210' star met The Rolling Stones rocker at a star-studded awards show after-party in Dublin, Ireland, in 2000.
Jason found himself in Mick and his ex-wife Jerry Hall's hotel suite and shared the herbal drug with the singer and his spouse.
Recalling the experience in his new tell-all book 'Jason Priestly: A Memoir', he revealed: "Mick and Jerry Hall (were) lounging on a bed, passing a joint back and forth ... (My friend) said, 'Hey, Mick, pass it around.' 'So sorry, love,' he said. Then he got up and handed the joint to me; I took a drag and passed it."
Jason also recalls his time living with Brad Pitt in 1987 in Hollywood before they found fame.
The 44-year-old actor reveals he and the fellow heartthrob would have a smelly competition over who could go the longest without washing or shaving.
He said: "Just for fun, we used to have competitions over who could go the longest without showering and shaving. Brad always won. Having to go on an audition meant cleaning up, which is what usually put an end to the streak."
Jason Priestley smoked cannabis with Mick Jagger
Jason Priestley claims he once shared a cannabis joint with Sir Mick Jagger.
The former 'Beverly Hills 90210' star met The Rolling Stones rocker at a star-studded awards show after-party in Dublin, Ireland, in 2000.
Jason found himself in Mick and his ex-wife Jerry Hall's hotel suite and shared the herbal drug with the singer and his spouse.
Recalling the experience in his new tell-all book 'Jason Priestly: A Memoir', he revealed: "Mick and Jerry Hall (were) lounging on a bed, passing a joint back and forth ... (My friend) said, 'Hey, Mick, pass it around.' 'So sorry, love,' he said. Then he got up and handed the joint to me; I took a drag and passed it."
Jason also recalls his time living with Brad Pitt in 1987 in Hollywood before they found fame.
The 44-year-old actor reveals he and the fellow heartthrob would have a smelly competition over who could go the longest without washing or shaving.
He said: "Just for fun, we used to have competitions over who could go the longest without showering and shaving. Brad always won. Having to go on an audition meant cleaning up, which is what usually put an end to the streak."