TV
TV
'Call the Midwife's writer Heidi Thomas is confident the medical period drama could go on for another "50 years."
The 53-year-old screenwriter has shot down whispers suggesting the midwifery series, which started in 2012, will be killed off by contraception, as she believes she has enough content to keep it going for another five decades.
She explained: "People have been saying 'Oh, it'll all end when the pill comes in' as though no more babies were ever born again and the entire world was sterilised.
"'Call The Midwife' could run for another 50 years and we could be covering the issues of today."
The popular programme has covered everything from homosexuality to abortion but the forthcoming fifth series is set to be the most tear-jerking to hit screens yet as it covers the dark history of the drug Thalidomide, which saw many children born with malformed limbs in the late '50s.
But it's not just the viewers who will be hit hard by the realisation of the drug, as the cast also had trouble getting their heads around it when a prosthetic model of a limbless thalidomide baby arrived on set for the latest plot-line.
Heidi said: "All our prosthetic babies turn up in boxes and we tend to drag them around during filming, but this baby was never dragged. She was called baby Susan - we don't usually name the babies - and when she came out of the box, the whole room was silent. They handed her to me and I just looked down at this little thing in the crook of my arm - and it did choke me, it really did."
Call the Midwife could go on for 50 years
'Call the Midwife's writer Heidi Thomas is confident the medical period drama could go on for another "50 years."
The 53-year-old screenwriter has shot down whispers suggesting the midwifery series, which started in 2012, will be killed off by contraception, as she believes she has enough content to keep it going for another five decades.
She explained: "People have been saying 'Oh, it'll all end when the pill comes in' as though no more babies were ever born again and the entire world was sterilised.
"'Call The Midwife' could run for another 50 years and we could be covering the issues of today."
The popular programme has covered everything from homosexuality to abortion but the forthcoming fifth series is set to be the most tear-jerking to hit screens yet as it covers the dark history of the drug Thalidomide, which saw many children born with malformed limbs in the late '50s.
But it's not just the viewers who will be hit hard by the realisation of the drug, as the cast also had trouble getting their heads around it when a prosthetic model of a limbless thalidomide baby arrived on set for the latest plot-line.
Heidi said: "All our prosthetic babies turn up in boxes and we tend to drag them around during filming, but this baby was never dragged. She was called baby Susan - we don't usually name the babies - and when she came out of the box, the whole room was silent. They handed her to me and I just looked down at this little thing in the crook of my arm - and it did choke me, it really did."
TV
Stephanie Davis and Sam Reece are still together.
The handsome model may have hinted he'd dumped the axed 'Hollyoaks' actress, 22, last night (11.01.16) after he watched scenes of her cuddling and kissing Jeremy McConnell in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house.
But it seems the hunk may have had a change of heart after he watched his naughty girlfriend crying her eyes out in the diary room while declaring her love for him, as he's since backtracked and confirmed they're still a "couple."
Taking to his Twitter account this afternoon (12.01.16), he said: "I would like to clarify that Stephanie and I continue to remain a couple irrespective of comments on social media surrounding our relationship that I've 'dumped' [her] as she still remains in the house.
"Monday's comment was me withdrawing my support via social media for the time being. I will be talking to her when she leaves the 'Big Brother' house.
"I would never end a relationship over text or social media. I want to talk to Steph face to face."
Sam sparked rumours he'd had enough of Stephanie's flirty behaviour last night when he told his fans he'd no longer be supporting her while she's in the abode.
He said: "Hi everyone, I will no longer be supporting Stephanie Davis... Thanks for all your support and love you have given me!! (sic)."
However, it's thought things would get complicated between the pair if they were to call time on their relationship as they reportedly share a house.
A source told the Mirror Online: "I've never known Sam to feel this way or be this serious about any girl, so I really hope they can sort things out. They've only just moved in together. I'm not sure if they're renting or if they've bought together but their relationship is very serious."
Stephanie Davis and Sam Reece are still together
Stephanie Davis and Sam Reece are still together.
The handsome model may have hinted he'd dumped the axed 'Hollyoaks' actress, 22, last night (11.01.16) after he watched scenes of her cuddling and kissing Jeremy McConnell in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house.
But it seems the hunk may have had a change of heart after he watched his naughty girlfriend crying her eyes out in the diary room while declaring her love for him, as he's since backtracked and confirmed they're still a "couple."
Taking to his Twitter account this afternoon (12.01.16), he said: "I would like to clarify that Stephanie and I continue to remain a couple irrespective of comments on social media surrounding our relationship that I've 'dumped' [her] as she still remains in the house.
"Monday's comment was me withdrawing my support via social media for the time being. I will be talking to her when she leaves the 'Big Brother' house.
"I would never end a relationship over text or social media. I want to talk to Steph face to face."
Sam sparked rumours he'd had enough of Stephanie's flirty behaviour last night when he told his fans he'd no longer be supporting her while she's in the abode.
He said: "Hi everyone, I will no longer be supporting Stephanie Davis... Thanks for all your support and love you have given me!! (sic)."
However, it's thought things would get complicated between the pair if they were to call time on their relationship as they reportedly share a house.
A source told the Mirror Online: "I've never known Sam to feel this way or be this serious about any girl, so I really hope they can sort things out. They've only just moved in together. I'm not sure if they're renting or if they've bought together but their relationship is very serious."
TV
Dermot O'Leary thinks 'The X Factor' needs to take a break.
The 42-year-old presenter, who hosted the singing competition for seven years until he was dropped and replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs last year, thinks the show needs to have a 12-month hiatus, or risk losing viewers forever, because the new changes have turned people away.
He explained: "If I was Simon Cowell, I'd take it off air for a year. I'd rest it, and then I'd get back to the rooms. For me, it was always room, arena, boot camp. Also I was really uncomfortable about the Six-Chair Challenge. I don't think it's a particularly nice bit of television."
Dermot believes a lot of viewers turned their back on 'The X Factor' last year and began watching rival show 'Strictly Come Dancing' because it gives off a "warmer" vibe.
He said: "One of the reasons people like 'Strictly Come Dancing' is because 'Strictly' is a very warm show, and I think you've got to keep that in mind."
But, although he may have walked away from his hosting gig on the winter weekend show, the handsome star is adamant he'll always support 'The X Factor', even though he hasn't spoken to big boss Simon, 56, since his departure in 2014.
He added to the RadioTimes: "I don't speak to Simon. But we barely talked when I was doing the show. We have a very professional relationship. We still do. We text from time-to-time. But I care about the show and I want it to do well."
Dermot O’Leary thinks X Factor needs 12-month hiatus
Dermot O'Leary thinks 'The X Factor' needs to take a break.
The 42-year-old presenter, who hosted the singing competition for seven years until he was dropped and replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs last year, thinks the show needs to have a 12-month hiatus, or risk losing viewers forever, because the new changes have turned people away.
He explained: "If I was Simon Cowell, I'd take it off air for a year. I'd rest it, and then I'd get back to the rooms. For me, it was always room, arena, boot camp. Also I was really uncomfortable about the Six-Chair Challenge. I don't think it's a particularly nice bit of television."
Dermot believes a lot of viewers turned their back on 'The X Factor' last year and began watching rival show 'Strictly Come Dancing' because it gives off a "warmer" vibe.
He said: "One of the reasons people like 'Strictly Come Dancing' is because 'Strictly' is a very warm show, and I think you've got to keep that in mind."
But, although he may have walked away from his hosting gig on the winter weekend show, the handsome star is adamant he'll always support 'The X Factor', even though he hasn't spoken to big boss Simon, 56, since his departure in 2014.
He added to the RadioTimes: "I don't speak to Simon. But we barely talked when I was doing the show. We have a very professional relationship. We still do. We text from time-to-time. But I care about the show and I want it to do well."
TV
'Coronation Street's Carla Connor's life will be left hanging in the balance next week following a botched raid at the Bistro.
The knicker factory owner - played by Alison King - will be left fighting for her life on the operating table after she is left for dead by her nemesis Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) when a burglary at the posh restaurant goes terribly wrong.
The brunette beauty finds herself caught up in the raid when she meets Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill) at the eatery to discuss their recent drunken one-night stand at the casino.
But the pair are blissfully unaware that the hunk's girlfriend Tracy is listening to every word of their conversation.
After Robert leaves, two thugs enter the Bistro planning to rob the place but come face-to-face with Carla and, instead of helping her neighbour, Tracy quickly flees the scene.
Things then take a dramatic turn for the worse when the thieves grab Carla's handbag and she chases after them.
As the strong-willed woman battles to get her bag back, Carla gets caught up in the raiders' white pick-up truck and sees her life flash before her as she's dragged along the ground.
The dramatic scenes, set to air at the beginning of next week, will lead up to the permanent departure of Carla.
Alison said recently: "I am actually leaving. It's been put out there that I'm taking a sabbatical, but I'm not."
Coronation Street’s Carla Connor to be left for dead after botched raid
'Coronation Street's Carla Connor's life will be left hanging in the balance next week following a botched raid at the Bistro.
The knicker factory owner - played by Alison King - will be left fighting for her life on the operating table after she is left for dead by her nemesis Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) when a burglary at the posh restaurant goes terribly wrong.
The brunette beauty finds herself caught up in the raid when she meets Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill) at the eatery to discuss their recent drunken one-night stand at the casino.
But the pair are blissfully unaware that the hunk's girlfriend Tracy is listening to every word of their conversation.
After Robert leaves, two thugs enter the Bistro planning to rob the place but come face-to-face with Carla and, instead of helping her neighbour, Tracy quickly flees the scene.
Things then take a dramatic turn for the worse when the thieves grab Carla's handbag and she chases after them.
As the strong-willed woman battles to get her bag back, Carla gets caught up in the raiders' white pick-up truck and sees her life flash before her as she's dragged along the ground.
The dramatic scenes, set to air at the beginning of next week, will lead up to the permanent departure of Carla.
Alison said recently: "I am actually leaving. It's been put out there that I'm taking a sabbatical, but I'm not."
TV
Emily Watson is set to star in a four-part adaptation of psychological thriller 'Apple Tree Yard'.
The 48-year-old actress - whose last acting job was on the big-screen in 'Everest' - will play the part of protagonist Yvonne Carmichael, a role which Emily feels "daunted" by because of the "steamy" nature of the storyline.
Of the part adapted by Amanda Coe from Louise Doughty's best-selling novel - she told the RadioTimes: "I am both relishing and daunted by the prospect of taking on this role; it's grown-up, steamy and of queasy moral complexity."
The dramatic series will see Emily star alongside Ben Chaplin, 46, as he takes on the role of hunky Mark Costley.
The blood-pumping thriller will depict the sexual encounter between Yvonne and Mark in the Houses of Parliament.
Details surrounding the series have been kept tightly under wraps but several stars; including, 'Line of Duty's' Mark Bonnar, Lydia Leonard and Frances Tomelty, have been cast, although the roles they will play are yet to be revealed.
Filming for the four-part thriller is expected to kick off at the end of January, while a broadcast date is yet to be confirmed.
Emily Watson stars as lead protagonist in Apple Tree Yard adaptation
Emily Watson is set to star in a four-part adaptation of psychological thriller 'Apple Tree Yard'.
The 48-year-old actress - whose last acting job was on the big-screen in 'Everest' - will play the part of protagonist Yvonne Carmichael, a role which Emily feels "daunted" by because of the "steamy" nature of the storyline.
Of the part adapted by Amanda Coe from Louise Doughty's best-selling novel - she told the RadioTimes: "I am both relishing and daunted by the prospect of taking on this role; it's grown-up, steamy and of queasy moral complexity."
The dramatic series will see Emily star alongside Ben Chaplin, 46, as he takes on the role of hunky Mark Costley.
The blood-pumping thriller will depict the sexual encounter between Yvonne and Mark in the Houses of Parliament.
Details surrounding the series have been kept tightly under wraps but several stars; including, 'Line of Duty's' Mark Bonnar, Lydia Leonard and Frances Tomelty, have been cast, although the roles they will play are yet to be revealed.
Filming for the four-part thriller is expected to kick off at the end of January, while a broadcast date is yet to be confirmed.
TV
Nick Knowles has split from his wife.
The 'DIY SOS' presenter, 53, has announced he and his spouse Jessica Rose Moor, 28, have gone their separate ways following three years of marriage but have vowed to stay amicable for the sake of their 18-month-old son Eddie.
Releasing a joint statement to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the couple said with heavy hearts: "It is with sadness that we announce we are separating. Our focus continues to be the happiness of our son Eddie."
The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Rome in September 2012 after meeting three years earlier when Jessica's parents asked Nick to help kick-start her career.
Two years after their nuptials, the pair up sticks and moved to Spain in a bid to live a healthier lifestyle.
Despite being slapped with criticism regarding their 25-year age gap, Nick - who already has three grown-up children, Charles, TJ and Tuesday from his previous marriage - has always praised Jessica for sticking by his side.
He said late last year: "I'm still very much in love with Jessica and we're very much a couple. Our relationship as man and wife is very important to us. But on top of that we now have this blissful layer of being Mum and Dad and it's wonderful."
Nick Knowles splits from wife
Nick Knowles has split from his wife.
The 'DIY SOS' presenter, 53, has announced he and his spouse Jessica Rose Moor, 28, have gone their separate ways following three years of marriage but have vowed to stay amicable for the sake of their 18-month-old son Eddie.
Releasing a joint statement to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the couple said with heavy hearts: "It is with sadness that we announce we are separating. Our focus continues to be the happiness of our son Eddie."
The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Rome in September 2012 after meeting three years earlier when Jessica's parents asked Nick to help kick-start her career.
Two years after their nuptials, the pair up sticks and moved to Spain in a bid to live a healthier lifestyle.
Despite being slapped with criticism regarding their 25-year age gap, Nick - who already has three grown-up children, Charles, TJ and Tuesday from his previous marriage - has always praised Jessica for sticking by his side.
He said late last year: "I'm still very much in love with Jessica and we're very much a couple. Our relationship as man and wife is very important to us. But on top of that we now have this blissful layer of being Mum and Dad and it's wonderful."
TV
Stephanie Davis wants to be a singer.
The former 'Hollyoaks' actress - who is currently enjoying a stint on 'Celebrity Big Brother' - is reportedly hoping exposure from the show will help her forge a career in music.
A source said: "Music has always been Stephanie's first love. She thinks her controversial exit from Hollyoaks was a sign that she now has to pursue her real dream. When it comes to music, she has a lot of confidence. Simon begged her as a teen to come back and audition another year on X Factor, but she never did.
"But now feels like the right time. She's been in the studio secretly working on material which she thinks will surprise people. It's very dance-y and has an Ibiza-style vibe to it. The tracks sound like they could have been recorded by Rihanna or Rita Ora."
And despite hoping for a music career, the 22-year-old beauty hasn't given up on acting.
The insider added to The Sun newspaper: "This doesn't mean she's completely turning her back on acting though. If the right role came up she'd of course jump at the chance."
However, Stephanie may have to follow her singing ambitions on her own as her boyfriend Sam Reece has revealed he is "no longer supporting" her on the show, sparking rumours he is calling time on their relationship.
Stephanie Davis wants music career
Stephanie Davis wants to be a singer.
The former 'Hollyoaks' actress - who is currently enjoying a stint on 'Celebrity Big Brother' - is reportedly hoping exposure from the show will help her forge a career in music.
A source said: "Music has always been Stephanie's first love. She thinks her controversial exit from Hollyoaks was a sign that she now has to pursue her real dream. When it comes to music, she has a lot of confidence. Simon begged her as a teen to come back and audition another year on X Factor, but she never did.
"But now feels like the right time. She's been in the studio secretly working on material which she thinks will surprise people. It's very dance-y and has an Ibiza-style vibe to it. The tracks sound like they could have been recorded by Rihanna or Rita Ora."
And despite hoping for a music career, the 22-year-old beauty hasn't given up on acting.
The insider added to The Sun newspaper: "This doesn't mean she's completely turning her back on acting though. If the right role came up she'd of course jump at the chance."
However, Stephanie may have to follow her singing ambitions on her own as her boyfriend Sam Reece has revealed he is "no longer supporting" her on the show, sparking rumours he is calling time on their relationship.
TV
Gemma Collins "gets taken for a ride" by men.
The 'Celebrity Big Brother' star, 34, is known for falling in love and getting her heart broken quickly and her mother Joan believes it's the blonde beauty's kind nature that gets her into trouble because she's willing to splash the cash on her lovers.
She explained to new! magazine: "She goes for more down-and-outs and feels like she can help them. She's passionate about that. She looks at someone and feels sorry for them if something's happened in their life. It pulls on her heartstrings. She's a softie, so she mothers them ...
"She needs to be patient and not feel sorry for these people ... she spends fortunes on them and gets taken for a ride."
The former 'The Only Way is Essex' star - who split from her "abusive" ex-boyfriend Alex Moss in 2014 after he allegedly beat her up - is now dating Stephen Mortimer, who has drug and violent offences under his belt, and her mother wishes she'd find a nice, caring, gentleman to settle down with.
Joan said: "Why would you be attracted to a bad boy or a gangster? I don't understand it.
"Gemma loves a character, that's what it is more than anything. And she's got to be entertained. The weirder the person, the most she likes them. They always have a story."
Gemma Collins is used by men
Gemma Collins "gets taken for a ride" by men.
The 'Celebrity Big Brother' star, 34, is known for falling in love and getting her heart broken quickly and her mother Joan believes it's the blonde beauty's kind nature that gets her into trouble because she's willing to splash the cash on her lovers.
She explained to new! magazine: "She goes for more down-and-outs and feels like she can help them. She's passionate about that. She looks at someone and feels sorry for them if something's happened in their life. It pulls on her heartstrings. She's a softie, so she mothers them ...
"She needs to be patient and not feel sorry for these people ... she spends fortunes on them and gets taken for a ride."
The former 'The Only Way is Essex' star - who split from her "abusive" ex-boyfriend Alex Moss in 2014 after he allegedly beat her up - is now dating Stephen Mortimer, who has drug and violent offences under his belt, and her mother wishes she'd find a nice, caring, gentleman to settle down with.
Joan said: "Why would you be attracted to a bad boy or a gangster? I don't understand it.
"Gemma loves a character, that's what it is more than anything. And she's got to be entertained. The weirder the person, the most she likes them. They always have a story."
TV
Dermot O'Leary will never go back to 'The X Factor.'
The 42-year-old presenter hosted the ITV singing competition for seven years until he was dropped and replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs last year and, despite the fall in ratings since his departure, he's adamant he'll never return.
He said: "I would never go back. It's like anything, if you make a call like that, you have to be clean and clinical about it."
And, although the popular programme may be at a loss without the handsome host, Dermot believes turning his back on 'The X Factor' has broadened his career options hugely.
He said: "One good thing about leaving 'The X Factor' is I'm now able, hopefully, to pick and choose projects and that's been the most liberating thing about leaving."
And he certainly hasn't wasted any time getting back in front of the camera as he's just finished shooting his new need-for-speed game show, 'The Getaway Car' in South Africa.
He explained: "It's brilliant - it's a couples and car game show and at the end contestants get to face The Stig [from 'Top Gear'] with a ten-second head start. It's not really about serious driving, though, it's really about couples and cars.
"If you put people who love each other behind the wheel of a car together, they speak to each other terribly. We've all been there and everyone watching will relate."
'The Getaway Car' is set to hit screens this weekend.
Dermot O’Leary won’t return to X Factor
Dermot O'Leary will never go back to 'The X Factor.'
The 42-year-old presenter hosted the ITV singing competition for seven years until he was dropped and replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs last year and, despite the fall in ratings since his departure, he's adamant he'll never return.
He said: "I would never go back. It's like anything, if you make a call like that, you have to be clean and clinical about it."
And, although the popular programme may be at a loss without the handsome host, Dermot believes turning his back on 'The X Factor' has broadened his career options hugely.
He said: "One good thing about leaving 'The X Factor' is I'm now able, hopefully, to pick and choose projects and that's been the most liberating thing about leaving."
And he certainly hasn't wasted any time getting back in front of the camera as he's just finished shooting his new need-for-speed game show, 'The Getaway Car' in South Africa.
He explained: "It's brilliant - it's a couples and car game show and at the end contestants get to face The Stig [from 'Top Gear'] with a ten-second head start. It's not really about serious driving, though, it's really about couples and cars.
"If you put people who love each other behind the wheel of a car together, they speak to each other terribly. We've all been there and everyone watching will relate."
'The Getaway Car' is set to hit screens this weekend.