TV
TV
Peter Andre is finding 'Strictly Come Dancing' training "tough".
The 'Mysterious Girl' hitmaker is enjoying preparing for the ballroom dancing contest, but is being pushed to the limit by his professional partner Janette Manrara.
He said: "I'm well and truly in rehearsals now for the 'Strictly' live shows. This is not going to be a walk in the park!
"It's so tough but incredibly rewarding. My dance partner Janette is such a great teacher and I've discovered muscles I never knew existed."
The 42-year-old singer is planning on eating as much as possible on the show after receiving some advice from former contestant Thom Evans.
He said: "Tom has advised me to be careful about losing too much weight after he lost 3st during his series.
"I really appreciated his advice. He's been through it before so he knows what kind of toll the show can take on your body.
"For me, I can lose a lot of weight through dancing, so I'm going to eat loads as the last thing I want is to become too thin."
And as well as honing his dancing skills, Peter has been preparing his comedy for the show.
Writing in his column for new! magazine, Peter added: "I'd like to apologise to everyone in advance now about my 'jokes' on the show. They've asked me to throw a few in and I have, but I just cringe."
Peter Andre: Strictly Come Dancing training ‘tough’
Peter Andre is finding 'Strictly Come Dancing' training "tough".
The 'Mysterious Girl' hitmaker is enjoying preparing for the ballroom dancing contest, but is being pushed to the limit by his professional partner Janette Manrara.
He said: "I'm well and truly in rehearsals now for the 'Strictly' live shows. This is not going to be a walk in the park!
"It's so tough but incredibly rewarding. My dance partner Janette is such a great teacher and I've discovered muscles I never knew existed."
The 42-year-old singer is planning on eating as much as possible on the show after receiving some advice from former contestant Thom Evans.
He said: "Tom has advised me to be careful about losing too much weight after he lost 3st during his series.
"I really appreciated his advice. He's been through it before so he knows what kind of toll the show can take on your body.
"For me, I can lose a lot of weight through dancing, so I'm going to eat loads as the last thing I want is to become too thin."
And as well as honing his dancing skills, Peter has been preparing his comedy for the show.
Writing in his column for new! magazine, Peter added: "I'd like to apologise to everyone in advance now about my 'jokes' on the show. They've asked me to throw a few in and I have, but I just cringe."
TV
Ant and Dec have been voted the UK's favourite celebrities to share a takeaway with.
The TV duo - whose full names are Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - proved more popular than the Queen, Stephen Fry and the Beckhams in a new survey of the ultimate dinner dates, while it appears One Direction have fallen out of favour as just two percent of respondents would like to be share their favourite takeaway with the British boy band.
Rounding out the top five were controversial presenter Jeremy Clarkson and Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch.
Seven percent of respondents would like to enjoy a meal with the Royal Family and four percent selected the Kardashian family as their dream dinner companions, but 39 percent admitted they would prefer to just eat their takeaway alone.
Graham Corfield, Managing Director at JUST EAT said: "It's clear that 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' had a resounding impact on fans, as people choose them as the ultimate guests for sharing a takeaway. Also, it may be because takeaways are often a treat for Friday and Saturday nights."
The research was commissioned by JUST EAT ahead of the British Takeaway Awards.
To vote for your favourite takeaway, please visit: http://www.thebtas.co.uk
Ant and Dec voted top dinner dates
Ant and Dec have been voted the UK's favourite celebrities to share a takeaway with.
The TV duo - whose full names are Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - proved more popular than the Queen, Stephen Fry and the Beckhams in a new survey of the ultimate dinner dates, while it appears One Direction have fallen out of favour as just two percent of respondents would like to be share their favourite takeaway with the British boy band.
Rounding out the top five were controversial presenter Jeremy Clarkson and Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch.
Seven percent of respondents would like to enjoy a meal with the Royal Family and four percent selected the Kardashian family as their dream dinner companions, but 39 percent admitted they would prefer to just eat their takeaway alone.
Graham Corfield, Managing Director at JUST EAT said: "It's clear that 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' had a resounding impact on fans, as people choose them as the ultimate guests for sharing a takeaway. Also, it may be because takeaways are often a treat for Friday and Saturday nights."
The research was commissioned by JUST EAT ahead of the British Takeaway Awards.
To vote for your favourite takeaway, please visit: http://www.thebtas.co.uk
TV
Richard Hammond knew almost straight away he was going to quit 'Top Gear' after Jeremy Clarkson was sacked.
The 45-year-old presenter has admitted he and James May decided almost immediately to stand by their long-time colleague after he was axed from their BBC motoring show for punching a producer in a row over a steak.
Richard said: "It all became a bit obvious past a certain point, you know, we do what we do and for whatever reason and whether you agree or not there are those that think we do it quite well, so it became obvious and I thought, well if we're going to carry on doing that, we'll do it together."
The 'Jungle Quest' host also insisted he never for a moment attempted to fight with the BBC over their decision to sack Clarkson.
Speaking on 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' on BBC Radio 2, Richard explained: "At the age of 45 I have finally learnt, and accepted, and shared with those around me, that I am not a natural leader of men. I'm not a born general. I'm a very happy, very good foot soldier so I'd far rather somebody else blows a whistle and tells me what to do and then do it well."
And Richard insists that while his new Amazon Prime car show with Jeremy and James has given them the opportunity to get really creative, there's a lot of pressure on them to succeed.
Asked if Jeremy is his "general", he added: "No. Actually, no. In this instance there's a lot of other people.
"We've had a riotous year and we're now positioned somewhere where none of us would have expected to be a year, two years, three years ago - poised to reinvent ourselves, to be creative in a way we would never have been."
Richard Hammond knew he’d quit Top Gear
Richard Hammond knew almost straight away he was going to quit 'Top Gear' after Jeremy Clarkson was sacked.
The 45-year-old presenter has admitted he and James May decided almost immediately to stand by their long-time colleague after he was axed from their BBC motoring show for punching a producer in a row over a steak.
Richard said: "It all became a bit obvious past a certain point, you know, we do what we do and for whatever reason and whether you agree or not there are those that think we do it quite well, so it became obvious and I thought, well if we're going to carry on doing that, we'll do it together."
The 'Jungle Quest' host also insisted he never for a moment attempted to fight with the BBC over their decision to sack Clarkson.
Speaking on 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' on BBC Radio 2, Richard explained: "At the age of 45 I have finally learnt, and accepted, and shared with those around me, that I am not a natural leader of men. I'm not a born general. I'm a very happy, very good foot soldier so I'd far rather somebody else blows a whistle and tells me what to do and then do it well."
And Richard insists that while his new Amazon Prime car show with Jeremy and James has given them the opportunity to get really creative, there's a lot of pressure on them to succeed.
Asked if Jeremy is his "general", he added: "No. Actually, no. In this instance there's a lot of other people.
"We've had a riotous year and we're now positioned somewhere where none of us would have expected to be a year, two years, three years ago - poised to reinvent ourselves, to be creative in a way we would never have been."
TV
'Loose Women's' Andrea McLean and actress Anita Dobson have posed naked for the Women's Institute.
The TV stars stripped off as part of a unique celebration for the organisation's 100th birthday and used a pair of tasty-looking buns each to hide their modesty.
Talking about the shoot, Andrea - who is a regular panelist on the ITV daytime show - said: " I tell you what, they didn't need considerably bigger buns when it came to me. A couple of Jammie Dodgers and it would have been fine!
"It was great fun though and Anita and I, we'd never worked together before and it was a case of 'hello' and [strip off] but it was great, all good!"
Anita - who rose to fame in the '80s when she played Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts on 'EastEnders'- jokingly claimed she and Andrea are now very close after taking part in the shoot.
Talking about the experience on the show, Anita said: "We are bosom buddies now!"
The shoot was inspired by the 2003 hit movie 'Calendar Girls' - that starred starred Dame Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Linda Bassett - about the true story of a group of women who produced a calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research.
The film was later adapted for the West End in 2008 and starred EastEnders' veteran actress June Brown (Dot Cotton).
The first British WI meeting took place in 1915 at Llanfairpwll on Anglesey in North Wales and Queen Elizabeth is a member of the Sandringham WI.
‘Loose Women’ become Calendar girls
'Loose Women's' Andrea McLean and actress Anita Dobson have posed naked for the Women's Institute.
The TV stars stripped off as part of a unique celebration for the organisation's 100th birthday and used a pair of tasty-looking buns each to hide their modesty.
Talking about the shoot, Andrea - who is a regular panelist on the ITV daytime show - said: " I tell you what, they didn't need considerably bigger buns when it came to me. A couple of Jammie Dodgers and it would have been fine!
"It was great fun though and Anita and I, we'd never worked together before and it was a case of 'hello' and [strip off] but it was great, all good!"
Anita - who rose to fame in the '80s when she played Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts on 'EastEnders'- jokingly claimed she and Andrea are now very close after taking part in the shoot.
Talking about the experience on the show, Anita said: "We are bosom buddies now!"
The shoot was inspired by the 2003 hit movie 'Calendar Girls' - that starred starred Dame Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Linda Bassett - about the true story of a group of women who produced a calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research.
The film was later adapted for the West End in 2008 and starred EastEnders' veteran actress June Brown (Dot Cotton).
The first British WI meeting took place in 1915 at Llanfairpwll on Anglesey in North Wales and Queen Elizabeth is a member of the Sandringham WI.
TV
June Brown wants to appear in more 'EastEnders' scenes.
The 88-year-old actress - who has played Dot Branning in the BBC One soap since 1985 - has revealed she wants to be involved in more storylines as it helps to keep her mind active.
She said: "I potter in and out and do a scene now and again.
"It's been very hard not to open my big mouth. I would like to do more, my mind needs occupying all the time. If it isn't, it goes all over the place."
However, until recently Dot was in prison for failing to call an ambulance while her beloved son Nasty Nick Cotton was suffering a heroin overdose during 'EastEnders' 30th anniversary live week in February.
But after making her return to Albert Square, June will now be hoping for an increase in scenes as she recently claimed she hopes to continue working into her 90s despite the fact she's losing her sight.
She said previously: "I see things in my eyes now. My eyes are not very good. In the left occasionally I do get this small circle with what looks like cross-wires. I do pray about my sight - maybe it will return."
June Brown wants more EastEnders scenes
June Brown wants to appear in more 'EastEnders' scenes.
The 88-year-old actress - who has played Dot Branning in the BBC One soap since 1985 - has revealed she wants to be involved in more storylines as it helps to keep her mind active.
She said: "I potter in and out and do a scene now and again.
"It's been very hard not to open my big mouth. I would like to do more, my mind needs occupying all the time. If it isn't, it goes all over the place."
However, until recently Dot was in prison for failing to call an ambulance while her beloved son Nasty Nick Cotton was suffering a heroin overdose during 'EastEnders' 30th anniversary live week in February.
But after making her return to Albert Square, June will now be hoping for an increase in scenes as she recently claimed she hopes to continue working into her 90s despite the fact she's losing her sight.
She said previously: "I see things in my eyes now. My eyes are not very good. In the left occasionally I do get this small circle with what looks like cross-wires. I do pray about my sight - maybe it will return."
TV
Fleur East says going on 'The X Factor' twice saved her music career.
The 27-year-old singer - who hails from London - first tried her luck on the second series of the ITV talent contest as a member of the girl group Addictiv Ladies in 2005 and then again as a solo artist last year.
Speaking about her struggle to make it before her second attempt, Fleur said: "Before going on X Factor again, I felt like I'd tried everything else. I got to the point where I'd featured on songs, I'd done backing singing for major artists, I'd done all these shows but it was always for other people. At this point I thought 'What do I do now?' I either go, just get a job doing something else, but that terrified me because all I know and all I love is music."
But Fleur said appearing on the show was still the most stressful time in her life.
She added: "It's a lot less glamorous than it appears. It's a lot of hard work. It's probably the most stressful thing I've ever done. There's so much pressure but I think if you really love it, if you truly love it and it's your passion to sing, then that's what will get through. I think if you don't have that, you'll realise quickly.
Meanwhile, the singer's debut single will be released on SYCO Music soon but she says the tracks she covered on 'The X Factor' are a good indication of the sound she's followed.
She told the latest issue of Fault magazine: "I was fortunate enough that on the show, the songs that I was given represented the sort of direction that I wanted to go in. It's basically really strong, sassy, full of attitude, really confident, vibrant and energetic."
Fleur East: ‘The X Factor’ saved me
Fleur East says going on 'The X Factor' twice saved her music career.
The 27-year-old singer - who hails from London - first tried her luck on the second series of the ITV talent contest as a member of the girl group Addictiv Ladies in 2005 and then again as a solo artist last year.
Speaking about her struggle to make it before her second attempt, Fleur said: "Before going on X Factor again, I felt like I'd tried everything else. I got to the point where I'd featured on songs, I'd done backing singing for major artists, I'd done all these shows but it was always for other people. At this point I thought 'What do I do now?' I either go, just get a job doing something else, but that terrified me because all I know and all I love is music."
But Fleur said appearing on the show was still the most stressful time in her life.
She added: "It's a lot less glamorous than it appears. It's a lot of hard work. It's probably the most stressful thing I've ever done. There's so much pressure but I think if you really love it, if you truly love it and it's your passion to sing, then that's what will get through. I think if you don't have that, you'll realise quickly.
Meanwhile, the singer's debut single will be released on SYCO Music soon but she says the tracks she covered on 'The X Factor' are a good indication of the sound she's followed.
She told the latest issue of Fault magazine: "I was fortunate enough that on the show, the songs that I was given represented the sort of direction that I wanted to go in. It's basically really strong, sassy, full of attitude, really confident, vibrant and energetic."
TV
Cressida Bonas is to appear alongside Tom Hollander and Ian McShane in 'Doctor Thorne'.
The 26-year-old actress - who previously dated Prince Harry - has been cast in the upcoming drama adapted for ITV by 'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes from one of his favourite novels by Anthony Trollope.
Fellowes said: "'Doctor Thorne' is a wonderful example of Trollope's gift for understanding the tangles we humans get into. He is sharply observant, critical and merciful in equal measure and, above all, highly entertaining. With the cast we have assembled, I am confident we can bring all of these qualities to the screen."
'Rev' actor Hollander will star as Dr. Thomas Thorne, who lives in the village of Greshamsbury in Barsetshire with his penniless young niece Mary Thorne (Stefanie Martini).
Mary has grown up alongside the Gresham family, whose Greshamsbury Park house dominates the county.
However, Francis Gresham Senior (Richard McCabe) has frittered away the family fortune and now his wife Lady Arabella Gresham (Rebecca Front), their daughters Augusta (Gwyneth Keyworth) and Beatrice (Nell Barlow), and their handsome brother Frank (Harry Richardson) face losing their home.
And when the terrifying Lady Arabella Gresham discovers that her darling son Frank has fallen in love with Dr. Thorne's niece she is horrified.
Her husband Gresham is only being kept afloat by very favourable loans that Dr. Thorne has secured from railway millionaire Sir Roger Scatcherd (Ian McShane).
Cressida - who previously appeared alongside Cara Delevingne in 'Tulip Fever' - has been cast as Mary's friend and confidante Patience Oriel.
The cast also includes Alison Brie, who played Trudy Campbell in 'Mad Men', 'Fortitude's Phoebe Nicholls and 'Ordinary Lies' actress Kate O'Flynn.
Niall McCormick is to direct the drama with Helen Gregory on board as producer.
Cressida Bonas cast alongside Tom Hollander in Doctor Throne
Cressida Bonas is to appear alongside Tom Hollander and Ian McShane in 'Doctor Thorne'.
The 26-year-old actress - who previously dated Prince Harry - has been cast in the upcoming drama adapted for ITV by 'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes from one of his favourite novels by Anthony Trollope.
Fellowes said: "'Doctor Thorne' is a wonderful example of Trollope's gift for understanding the tangles we humans get into. He is sharply observant, critical and merciful in equal measure and, above all, highly entertaining. With the cast we have assembled, I am confident we can bring all of these qualities to the screen."
'Rev' actor Hollander will star as Dr. Thomas Thorne, who lives in the village of Greshamsbury in Barsetshire with his penniless young niece Mary Thorne (Stefanie Martini).
Mary has grown up alongside the Gresham family, whose Greshamsbury Park house dominates the county.
However, Francis Gresham Senior (Richard McCabe) has frittered away the family fortune and now his wife Lady Arabella Gresham (Rebecca Front), their daughters Augusta (Gwyneth Keyworth) and Beatrice (Nell Barlow), and their handsome brother Frank (Harry Richardson) face losing their home.
And when the terrifying Lady Arabella Gresham discovers that her darling son Frank has fallen in love with Dr. Thorne's niece she is horrified.
Her husband Gresham is only being kept afloat by very favourable loans that Dr. Thorne has secured from railway millionaire Sir Roger Scatcherd (Ian McShane).
Cressida - who previously appeared alongside Cara Delevingne in 'Tulip Fever' - has been cast as Mary's friend and confidante Patience Oriel.
The cast also includes Alison Brie, who played Trudy Campbell in 'Mad Men', 'Fortitude's Phoebe Nicholls and 'Ordinary Lies' actress Kate O'Flynn.
Niall McCormick is to direct the drama with Helen Gregory on board as producer.
TV
Jenna Coleman has quit 'Doctor Who'.
The 29-year-old actress is to depart her role as the Time Lord's assistant Clara Oswald after landing the lead in a new £10 million eight-part ITV drama about Queen Victoria.
Jenna will play the monarch from when she became queen at the age of 18 in 1837, through the early part of her 63-year reign.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Jenna clinching the role has been a closely guarded secret. There's a lot of excitement about the series."
The series, 'Victoria', is being written by novelist Daisy Goodwin and produced by the 'Poldark' team and ITV are hoping it will be as big a ratings hit for them as 'Downton Abbey' has been.
It is believed Jenna - who joined 'Doctor Who' three years ago - has already shot her final scenes alongside Peter Capaldi and her exit from the sci-fi series will broadcast before the show's Christmas special.
Peter will be sad to see his co-star depart, as he recently spoke of how much he enjoys working with her.
He said: "I was so lucky it was Jenna because it might not have worked with anyone else. It's tricky to come into a long-established show, especially as the lead, and Jenna has proved to be a wonderful actress and friend."
Jenna Coleman quits Doctor Who
Jenna Coleman has quit 'Doctor Who'.
The 29-year-old actress is to depart her role as the Time Lord's assistant Clara Oswald after landing the lead in a new £10 million eight-part ITV drama about Queen Victoria.
Jenna will play the monarch from when she became queen at the age of 18 in 1837, through the early part of her 63-year reign.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Jenna clinching the role has been a closely guarded secret. There's a lot of excitement about the series."
The series, 'Victoria', is being written by novelist Daisy Goodwin and produced by the 'Poldark' team and ITV are hoping it will be as big a ratings hit for them as 'Downton Abbey' has been.
It is believed Jenna - who joined 'Doctor Who' three years ago - has already shot her final scenes alongside Peter Capaldi and her exit from the sci-fi series will broadcast before the show's Christmas special.
Peter will be sad to see his co-star depart, as he recently spoke of how much he enjoys working with her.
He said: "I was so lucky it was Jenna because it might not have worked with anyone else. It's tricky to come into a long-established show, especially as the lead, and Jenna has proved to be a wonderful actress and friend."
TV
Gillian Taylforth's fiance is awaiting tests to find out if his cancer has spread.
The 'EastEnders' actress' partner Dave Fairbairn is reportedly set to undergo a colonoscopy tomorrow (17.09.15) to determine whether he is free of the disease.
A source shared: "Dave is trying to remain as upbeat as possible. He is going into hospital on Thursday for a colonoscopy and is hoping to get the all clear.
"However, at the back of his mind, he is concerned the cancer may have spread beyond his prostate.
"Throughout his cancer battle, Dave has always remained optimistic - and so far that attitude has helped him through one of the toughest ordeals of his life.
"But it's a real setback as he had been hoping to be in remission by the end of this year."
The couple put on brave faces earlier this month as they holidayed in Cyprus with Gillian's children Jessica and Harrison from her marriage to Geoff Knights, who lost his battle with stomach cancer in 2013.
The source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Gillian, Dave and the kids had a fantastic time away. It was just the break they needed.
"It was a time to celebrate both their 60th birthdays and allow Dave the chance to rest up before coming back to face a potential fight."
Gillian - whose return to the BBC One soap is said to have been overshadowed by her worries about Dave's health - revealed her husband-to-be had been diagnosed earlier this year as she admitted having the disease affect so many of her loved ones had made her "hate the world".
Gillian Taylforth set back by fiancé s cancer
Gillian Taylforth's fiance is awaiting tests to find out if his cancer has spread.
The 'EastEnders' actress' partner Dave Fairbairn is reportedly set to undergo a colonoscopy tomorrow (17.09.15) to determine whether he is free of the disease.
A source shared: "Dave is trying to remain as upbeat as possible. He is going into hospital on Thursday for a colonoscopy and is hoping to get the all clear.
"However, at the back of his mind, he is concerned the cancer may have spread beyond his prostate.
"Throughout his cancer battle, Dave has always remained optimistic - and so far that attitude has helped him through one of the toughest ordeals of his life.
"But it's a real setback as he had been hoping to be in remission by the end of this year."
The couple put on brave faces earlier this month as they holidayed in Cyprus with Gillian's children Jessica and Harrison from her marriage to Geoff Knights, who lost his battle with stomach cancer in 2013.
The source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Gillian, Dave and the kids had a fantastic time away. It was just the break they needed.
"It was a time to celebrate both their 60th birthdays and allow Dave the chance to rest up before coming back to face a potential fight."
Gillian - whose return to the BBC One soap is said to have been overshadowed by her worries about Dave's health - revealed her husband-to-be had been diagnosed earlier this year as she admitted having the disease affect so many of her loved ones had made her "hate the world".