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TV
Simon Cowell has become a "comedian" on 'Britain's Got Talent' this year.
Judge Alesha Dixon - who sits on the 'BGT' panel with Simon, David Walliams and Amanda Holden - says the normally stern panellist has lightened up while filming auditions for the latest series, but comic David has become more "serious".
She said: "This year, he's become a comedian, which I never knew possible! I never knew Simon could be so funny. And this year, David has become more serious, so they've sort of swapped roles. David doesn't like it when Simon's funny because that's his role. That's been quite fun!"
The 35-year-old beauty - who recently welcomed her first child, daughter Azura Sienna - thinks Simon, 54, is essential to the 'Britain's Got Talent' judging panel and hopes he won't quit the show now he has signed up to return to 'The X Factor' UK.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at 'Britain's Got Talent' auditions at London's Hammersmith Apollo yesterday (11.02.14), Alesha said: "I think he's a valuable person to have on the 'Britain's Got Talent' panel because people genuinely want to impress him, therefore he attracts a lot more talented people because they want to come and get the 'yes' from Simon. If people get three yeses from us and a no from Simon, it breaks their heart because they genuinely want to impress him."
Alesha Dixon: Simon Cowell is a comedian
Simon Cowell has become a "comedian" on 'Britain's Got Talent' this year.
Judge Alesha Dixon - who sits on the 'BGT' panel with Simon, David Walliams and Amanda Holden - says the normally stern panellist has lightened up while filming auditions for the latest series, but comic David has become more "serious".
She said: "This year, he's become a comedian, which I never knew possible! I never knew Simon could be so funny. And this year, David has become more serious, so they've sort of swapped roles. David doesn't like it when Simon's funny because that's his role. That's been quite fun!"
The 35-year-old beauty - who recently welcomed her first child, daughter Azura Sienna - thinks Simon, 54, is essential to the 'Britain's Got Talent' judging panel and hopes he won't quit the show now he has signed up to return to 'The X Factor' UK.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at 'Britain's Got Talent' auditions at London's Hammersmith Apollo yesterday (11.02.14), Alesha said: "I think he's a valuable person to have on the 'Britain's Got Talent' panel because people genuinely want to impress him, therefore he attracts a lot more talented people because they want to come and get the 'yes' from Simon. If people get three yeses from us and a no from Simon, it breaks their heart because they genuinely want to impress him."
Showbiz
Shia LaBeouf wanted to wear a penis cam for 'Nymphomaniac'.
The 27-year-old actor - who plays Jerôme in the risqué drama about a woman's erotic journey from birth to the age of 50 - asked director Lars Von Trier if he could put a filming device on his manhood while shooting the sex scenes to give viewers the "full experience".
An insider told the New York Post newspaper: "Shia had wanted Von Trier to put a camera on his penis while filming, so that audiences could have the full experience."
However, the cheeky close-up would have been too much for the audience and his co-stars, so the idea was scrapped.
Meanwhile, it is believed the star's recent antics - including showing up to the film's premiere wearing a paper bag over his head and pulling his own tooth out to get into his role for 'Fury' - could be costing him potential parts in upcoming movies.
However, insiders insist his erratic behaviour is all part of a "performance art" hoax.
The source said: "Everyone who knows Shia is in on the joke. It's all part of an act."
Shia launched in his own free week-long art show titled '#IAmSorry' at the Cohen Gallery on Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, yesterday (11.02.14), where he sat in silence with his famous paper bag with the words 'I Am Not Famous Anymore' on his head.
Shia LaBeouf wanted penis cam for Nymphomaniac
Shia LaBeouf wanted to wear a penis cam for 'Nymphomaniac'.
The 27-year-old actor - who plays Jerôme in the risqué drama about a woman's erotic journey from birth to the age of 50 - asked director Lars Von Trier if he could put a filming device on his manhood while shooting the sex scenes to give viewers the "full experience".
An insider told the New York Post newspaper: "Shia had wanted Von Trier to put a camera on his penis while filming, so that audiences could have the full experience."
However, the cheeky close-up would have been too much for the audience and his co-stars, so the idea was scrapped.
Meanwhile, it is believed the star's recent antics - including showing up to the film's premiere wearing a paper bag over his head and pulling his own tooth out to get into his role for 'Fury' - could be costing him potential parts in upcoming movies.
However, insiders insist his erratic behaviour is all part of a "performance art" hoax.
The source said: "Everyone who knows Shia is in on the joke. It's all part of an act."
Shia launched in his own free week-long art show titled '#IAmSorry' at the Cohen Gallery on Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, yesterday (11.02.14), where he sat in silence with his famous paper bag with the words 'I Am Not Famous Anymore' on his head.
Showbiz
Seth Rogen wants to educate young people about Alzheimer's disease.
The '50/50' actor and spouse Lauren Miller's organisation Hilarity For Charity (HFC) - which aims to use the power of laughter to bring attention to the degenerative disease - have now set up a collegiate scheme called HFC U, which encourages students to throw their own HFC event to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association.
Seth said: "Alzheimer's sucks. That's the honest truth but a truth that can't be ignored. We [HFC] aim to communicate to a younger generation about the disease and help provide the proper tools and support they may need."
Lauren - whose mother has Alzheimer's - is "excited" to see what the students come up with.
She added: "This disease is something that my family is far more familiar with than we'd like. But, like Seth said, it's something that shouldn't be ignored. HFC is here to shed light on it in a fun and one-of-a-kind way. We're excited to see what each of these campuses and student organisations have up their sleeves!"
As an incentive, the university which raises the most money between now and April 11 will win a special advance screening and Q&A session of 'Neighbors', Seth's forthcoming comedy, which also stars Zac Efron and Rose Byrne.
Seth Rogen educating young people about Alzheimer’s
Seth Rogen wants to educate young people about Alzheimer's disease.
The '50/50' actor and spouse Lauren Miller's organisation Hilarity For Charity (HFC) - which aims to use the power of laughter to bring attention to the degenerative disease - have now set up a collegiate scheme called HFC U, which encourages students to throw their own HFC event to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association.
Seth said: "Alzheimer's sucks. That's the honest truth but a truth that can't be ignored. We [HFC] aim to communicate to a younger generation about the disease and help provide the proper tools and support they may need."
Lauren - whose mother has Alzheimer's - is "excited" to see what the students come up with.
She added: "This disease is something that my family is far more familiar with than we'd like. But, like Seth said, it's something that shouldn't be ignored. HFC is here to shed light on it in a fun and one-of-a-kind way. We're excited to see what each of these campuses and student organisations have up their sleeves!"
As an incentive, the university which raises the most money between now and April 11 will win a special advance screening and Q&A session of 'Neighbors', Seth's forthcoming comedy, which also stars Zac Efron and Rose Byrne.
TV
Almost a third of British people have missed a friend's birthday party to watch their favourite TV show.
The average viewer watches over four hours of live TV a day, new research has found, and over a third of people have admitted to shunning a night out in favour of a night in front of the box, prompting Freesat to coin the term FOMOOT (Fear Of Missing Out On Telly).
The survey showed 31 per cent of people have missed a friend or family member's birthday celebration to watch their favourite show, 1 in 10 have skipped work to ensure they don't miss a programme, and four per cent have even tuned into their top shows while at work. An astonishing seven per cent of respondents have left a funeral or wedding early to ensure they don't miss out on the latest episode of their best-loved series.
'Sherlock' is the top programme viewers don't want to miss, with 'Doctor Who' and 'Coronation Street' following close behind. Rounding out the top five must-see shows are period drama 'Downton Abbey' and comedy 'Mrs. Brown's Boys'.
Following the research, Freesat have created a free new Freesat App - a TV guide to help viewers plan how and what to watch through TV and On Demand.
Paul Gilshan, Marketing Director of Freesat, said:
"We know that TV is important to the British public but we were surprised to see some of the lengths that we'll go to, to avoid missing our favourite shows.
"People should know that they don't need to be chained to their TV to enjoy their unmissable programmes - with On Demand and our new Freesat App you can enjoy the best of both worlds - recording remotely from wherever you are, so no more missing a friend's wedding for The Voice again."
People fear missing TV shows
Almost a third of British people have missed a friend's birthday party to watch their favourite TV show.
The average viewer watches over four hours of live TV a day, new research has found, and over a third of people have admitted to shunning a night out in favour of a night in front of the box, prompting Freesat to coin the term FOMOOT (Fear Of Missing Out On Telly).
The survey showed 31 per cent of people have missed a friend or family member's birthday celebration to watch their favourite show, 1 in 10 have skipped work to ensure they don't miss a programme, and four per cent have even tuned into their top shows while at work. An astonishing seven per cent of respondents have left a funeral or wedding early to ensure they don't miss out on the latest episode of their best-loved series.
'Sherlock' is the top programme viewers don't want to miss, with 'Doctor Who' and 'Coronation Street' following close behind. Rounding out the top five must-see shows are period drama 'Downton Abbey' and comedy 'Mrs. Brown's Boys'.
Following the research, Freesat have created a free new Freesat App - a TV guide to help viewers plan how and what to watch through TV and On Demand.
Paul Gilshan, Marketing Director of Freesat, said:
"We know that TV is important to the British public but we were surprised to see some of the lengths that we'll go to, to avoid missing our favourite shows.
"People should know that they don't need to be chained to their TV to enjoy their unmissable programmes - with On Demand and our new Freesat App you can enjoy the best of both worlds - recording remotely from wherever you are, so no more missing a friend's wedding for The Voice again."
Showbiz
Mitch Winehouse doesn't blame Amy Winehouse's ex-husband for her death.
The showbiz patriarch insists he wishes Blake Fielder-Civil - who was married to the late singer from 2007 to 2009 and has admitted introducing her to heroin - no ill will and hopes he is doing well in his life.
He said: "I haven't heard anything from Blake, I don't know what he's doing, I know he wasn't well a few months ago. I don't blame him for Amy's passing, I wish him well."
Since Amy's death from accidental alcohol poisoning in July 2011, Mitch has established the Amy Winehouse Foundation and would like to enlist Blake to work for the organisation, which trains recovering addicts to go into schools and speak of their experiences.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Blake is the kind of person who we send into schools to talk to kids about the dangers of drugs. He has a story to tell and he could help many hundreds of young people through his story.
"Blake could pay back something to society by going to talk to kids and doing the kind of work we do. If he wants to do that we will make it happen.
"Who better to tell that story than Blake? It would be incredibly powerful."
Although Mitch admits life is still difficult without Amy, the charity helps him and his family cope with their grief.
He added: "We are channelling our grief into positivity. If we didn't have the foundation I don't know what we would do to be honest. From a selfish point of view the foundation, though it does help many thousands of people now, helps us too.
"To go and work with young kids who are homeless and we are feeding and helping them. It is wonderful and extremely rewarding.
"Any parent will tell you that you never really get over it. We are in recovery - like an addict."
Mitch Winehouse doesn’t blame Amy’s ex
Mitch Winehouse doesn't blame Amy Winehouse's ex-husband for her death.
The showbiz patriarch insists he wishes Blake Fielder-Civil - who was married to the late singer from 2007 to 2009 and has admitted introducing her to heroin - no ill will and hopes he is doing well in his life.
He said: "I haven't heard anything from Blake, I don't know what he's doing, I know he wasn't well a few months ago. I don't blame him for Amy's passing, I wish him well."
Since Amy's death from accidental alcohol poisoning in July 2011, Mitch has established the Amy Winehouse Foundation and would like to enlist Blake to work for the organisation, which trains recovering addicts to go into schools and speak of their experiences.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Blake is the kind of person who we send into schools to talk to kids about the dangers of drugs. He has a story to tell and he could help many hundreds of young people through his story.
"Blake could pay back something to society by going to talk to kids and doing the kind of work we do. If he wants to do that we will make it happen.
"Who better to tell that story than Blake? It would be incredibly powerful."
Although Mitch admits life is still difficult without Amy, the charity helps him and his family cope with their grief.
He added: "We are channelling our grief into positivity. If we didn't have the foundation I don't know what we would do to be honest. From a selfish point of view the foundation, though it does help many thousands of people now, helps us too.
"To go and work with young kids who are homeless and we are feeding and helping them. It is wonderful and extremely rewarding.
"Any parent will tell you that you never really get over it. We are in recovery - like an addict."
Showbiz
Rihanna claims she was "effectively bankrupt" in 2009.
The 'Only Girl in the World' hitmaker blames her accountants' poor decision making for her fortune dwindling away from $11 million in cash at the beginning of the year to $2 million several months later.
In documents filed in her gross mismanagement case against the accountancy firm, Berdon LLP, Rihanna claims they gave her the go-ahead to buy a house priced between $7 and $7.5 million, which she did - and later sold for a $2 million loss.
To further add to her financial woes that year, the singer's expenses "doubled", TMZ reports.
In the lawsuit, Rihanna also claimed her 2009 'Last Girl on Earth' tour was losing money but she was never warned of this by the accountants.
Berdon previously claimed Rihanna's own "financial action or inaction" or those of people working for her caused her to lose money, not their decision-making.
They also dismissed the 'Diamonds' star's previous objection she paid an "above-average" commission of 22 per cent as something she had signed off on herself.
The 25-year-old star is now worth an estimated $43 million.
Rihanna was ‘effectively bankrupt’
Rihanna claims she was "effectively bankrupt" in 2009.
The 'Only Girl in the World' hitmaker blames her accountants' poor decision making for her fortune dwindling away from $11 million in cash at the beginning of the year to $2 million several months later.
In documents filed in her gross mismanagement case against the accountancy firm, Berdon LLP, Rihanna claims they gave her the go-ahead to buy a house priced between $7 and $7.5 million, which she did - and later sold for a $2 million loss.
To further add to her financial woes that year, the singer's expenses "doubled", TMZ reports.
In the lawsuit, Rihanna also claimed her 2009 'Last Girl on Earth' tour was losing money but she was never warned of this by the accountants.
Berdon previously claimed Rihanna's own "financial action or inaction" or those of people working for her caused her to lose money, not their decision-making.
They also dismissed the 'Diamonds' star's previous objection she paid an "above-average" commission of 22 per cent as something she had signed off on herself.
The 25-year-old star is now worth an estimated $43 million.
TV
Davina McCall is experiencing pain around her "lady garden" as she completes a triathlon for Sport Relief.
The brave TV presenter is midway through a charity challenge - which will see her run, cycle and swim from Edinburgh, Scotland, to London - and she admits the gruelling triathlon will mean she can't be intimate with her husband of 13 years, Matthew Robertson, for a while afterwards.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I have sores everywhere. I've tried everything - Vaseline, padded shorts, shifting in the saddle. Nothing helps. Poor Matthew will have to be patient."
The 46-year-old TV favourite has been tested for suspected hypothermia and also collapsed while swimming Lake Windermere earlier this week, but she is determined to complete the charity triathlon.
She said: Three things are motivating me in the darkest hours. First, the women I met in Kenyan quarries, chopping up lumps of coal. They couldn't even talk among themselves; if they did they lost concentration and lost a finger.
"The second thing is Matthew and getting my [wedding] ring back. The third is my children."
Davina has admitted to having "dark moments" during her seven-day sporting feat, but she refuses to give up.
She adamantly exclaimed: "My main concern is not letting people down. And so I know that I simply cannot give up on this. I can't quit."
Davina McCall’s pain from Sport Relief challenge
Davina McCall is experiencing pain around her "lady garden" as she completes a triathlon for Sport Relief.
The brave TV presenter is midway through a charity challenge - which will see her run, cycle and swim from Edinburgh, Scotland, to London - and she admits the gruelling triathlon will mean she can't be intimate with her husband of 13 years, Matthew Robertson, for a while afterwards.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I have sores everywhere. I've tried everything - Vaseline, padded shorts, shifting in the saddle. Nothing helps. Poor Matthew will have to be patient."
The 46-year-old TV favourite has been tested for suspected hypothermia and also collapsed while swimming Lake Windermere earlier this week, but she is determined to complete the charity triathlon.
She said: Three things are motivating me in the darkest hours. First, the women I met in Kenyan quarries, chopping up lumps of coal. They couldn't even talk among themselves; if they did they lost concentration and lost a finger.
"The second thing is Matthew and getting my [wedding] ring back. The third is my children."
Davina has admitted to having "dark moments" during her seven-day sporting feat, but she refuses to give up.
She adamantly exclaimed: "My main concern is not letting people down. And so I know that I simply cannot give up on this. I can't quit."
Movies
George Clooney didn't have time to play pranks while filming 'The Monuments Men'.
The 52-year-old actor stars as Lieutenant Frank Stokes in the action drama which he also produced and directed, and because of the intensity of his involvement in the film he didn't have time to mess around with most of the A-List cast, but he made an exception for co-star Matt Damon.
Bob Balaban - who stars as Private Preston Savitz alongside the Hollywood legend - told BANG Showbiz at the movie's UK premiere at the Odeon in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday night (11.02.14): "George doesn't have time to play pranks when he's directing and acting in the movie - I don't know how he had time to eat - but he did do one, he pranked Matt Damon. But none of the rest of us had the pleasure of getting embarrassed."
Balaban praised Clooney for his attitude on set and dedication to the film which is based on the true story of a team of soldiers who recovered millions of pieces of artwork stolen by the Nazis in WWII.
He added: "I found him [George] wonderfully self-effacing and interested in doing his job."
Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin and Hugh Bonneville were among the other stars to attend the premiere.
George Clooney had no time for pranks on The Monuments Men
George Clooney didn't have time to play pranks while filming 'The Monuments Men'.
The 52-year-old actor stars as Lieutenant Frank Stokes in the action drama which he also produced and directed, and because of the intensity of his involvement in the film he didn't have time to mess around with most of the A-List cast, but he made an exception for co-star Matt Damon.
Bob Balaban - who stars as Private Preston Savitz alongside the Hollywood legend - told BANG Showbiz at the movie's UK premiere at the Odeon in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday night (11.02.14): "George doesn't have time to play pranks when he's directing and acting in the movie - I don't know how he had time to eat - but he did do one, he pranked Matt Damon. But none of the rest of us had the pleasure of getting embarrassed."
Balaban praised Clooney for his attitude on set and dedication to the film which is based on the true story of a team of soldiers who recovered millions of pieces of artwork stolen by the Nazis in WWII.
He added: "I found him [George] wonderfully self-effacing and interested in doing his job."
Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin and Hugh Bonneville were among the other stars to attend the premiere.
Music News
Paolo Nutini treated fans to an exclusive preview of his new album during a secret gig in London last night (11.02.14).
The 'Last Request' hitmaker took to the stage at the tiny Boston Arms in Islington to preview material from his latest record 'Caustic Love', which is released on April 14.
The audience included 400 lucky fans and about 100 journalists, who were given the chance to hear the singer perform his new songs live.
He opened with the lead single 'Scream (Funk My Life Up)', before paying tribute to his mother who had travelled from Scotland to celebrate with her son.
The 27-year-old star introduced his new track 'Looking For Something' at the 70s dancehall and said: "This is a song about my dear mother who is here tonight. I love you mum."
Other tracks including 'Diana', 'Better Man' and 'Looking For Something' had fans dancing transfixed and he continue to thank them for their support, saying: "I appreciate you haven't heard these songs before so thank you for coming to check them out, hopefully you will know them soon so you can sing along."
Paolo also gave fans a retrospective of his greatest hits such as 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty', 'Candy', and 'New Shoes'.
'Caustic Love' is Paolo's third studio album and follows 'Sunny Side Up' in 2009 and 'These Streets' in 2006.
The singer is playing a number of shows to promote his new material in coming weeks, including a gig at the Glasgow Barrowland on March 29.
Paolo Nutini plays secret gig in London
Paolo Nutini treated fans to an exclusive preview of his new album during a secret gig in London last night (11.02.14).
The 'Last Request' hitmaker took to the stage at the tiny Boston Arms in Islington to preview material from his latest record 'Caustic Love', which is released on April 14.
The audience included 400 lucky fans and about 100 journalists, who were given the chance to hear the singer perform his new songs live.
He opened with the lead single 'Scream (Funk My Life Up)', before paying tribute to his mother who had travelled from Scotland to celebrate with her son.
The 27-year-old star introduced his new track 'Looking For Something' at the 70s dancehall and said: "This is a song about my dear mother who is here tonight. I love you mum."
Other tracks including 'Diana', 'Better Man' and 'Looking For Something' had fans dancing transfixed and he continue to thank them for their support, saying: "I appreciate you haven't heard these songs before so thank you for coming to check them out, hopefully you will know them soon so you can sing along."
Paolo also gave fans a retrospective of his greatest hits such as 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty', 'Candy', and 'New Shoes'.
'Caustic Love' is Paolo's third studio album and follows 'Sunny Side Up' in 2009 and 'These Streets' in 2006.
The singer is playing a number of shows to promote his new material in coming weeks, including a gig at the Glasgow Barrowland on March 29.