TV
TV
Rylan Clark's "dream American contestant" has been signed up for 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The 'Big Brother's Bit On The Side' host and former 'CBB' winner has revealed the contestant he'd most like to see on the show is set to enter the house next week for the UK vs. USA-themed series.
He said: "My dream American contestant is going in! I can't tell you who but they have always been on my dream list."
Emma Willis - who presents the main show - admitted she'd love to see 'This Morning' presenter Eamonn Holmes and US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres compete against each other in the upcoming series.
She said: "For the UK it would be Eamonn Holmes, and for the US it would be Ellen DeGeneres. The two of them would be amazing! Eamonn I know is a lovely person and Ellen seems like a lovely woman, she is bright, fun and entertaining. It would be the best debate in the world!"
The brunette beauty also thinks the theme is perfect after viewers complained about the number of American housemates who took part in the last series.
She added: "There was such a hoo haa about how many Americans were in the last series, that it's both ironic and amusing that this series ended up being UK vs. USA! I think it will be competitive but I am intrigued as to whether the housemates will play that game and try to get the opposition on side. I love to see if people play the game with each other."
'Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launch' airs Thursday August 27 at 9pm on Channel 5.
Rylan Clark’s ‘dream contestant’ signed up for Celebrity Big Brother
Rylan Clark's "dream American contestant" has been signed up for 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The 'Big Brother's Bit On The Side' host and former 'CBB' winner has revealed the contestant he'd most like to see on the show is set to enter the house next week for the UK vs. USA-themed series.
He said: "My dream American contestant is going in! I can't tell you who but they have always been on my dream list."
Emma Willis - who presents the main show - admitted she'd love to see 'This Morning' presenter Eamonn Holmes and US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres compete against each other in the upcoming series.
She said: "For the UK it would be Eamonn Holmes, and for the US it would be Ellen DeGeneres. The two of them would be amazing! Eamonn I know is a lovely person and Ellen seems like a lovely woman, she is bright, fun and entertaining. It would be the best debate in the world!"
The brunette beauty also thinks the theme is perfect after viewers complained about the number of American housemates who took part in the last series.
She added: "There was such a hoo haa about how many Americans were in the last series, that it's both ironic and amusing that this series ended up being UK vs. USA! I think it will be competitive but I am intrigued as to whether the housemates will play that game and try to get the opposition on side. I love to see if people play the game with each other."
'Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launch' airs Thursday August 27 at 9pm on Channel 5.
TV
Stephanie Pratt smoked crystal meth "12 or 13 times a day" as a teenager.
The 'Made In Chelsea' star has opened up about her struggle with the highly-addictive drug to reveal she was so hooked that she even smoked it before going to and during school at just 14 years old.
In an extract from her new book 'Made In Reality', as published in new! magazine, she says: "I was 14 or 15 [when I first smoked crystal meth] ... I was on the extreme level and addiction developed instantly.
"[I smoked] probably four times before school, then at snack ... Probably 12 or 13 times a day."
The 29-year-old beauty - who previously starred alongside her famous brother Spencer Pratt in 'The Hills' - was attending the prestigious Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, California at the time.
And she admits she often got behind the wheel while under the influence of meth and cocaine as her parents attempted to ignore her out of control behaviour.
Stephanie explained: "I didn't care about anything. I could live or die, I didn't care. I had nothing to get out of bed for, nothing was exciting."
However, the stunning blonde - who has now moved from Los Angeles to London to star in the E4 reality show - was eventually arrested in 2006 after she was caught trying to steal $4,000 worth of designer clothes while high on drugs.
She recalled: "I woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed. When I landed back in LA, Mum took me back home and I went upstairs to my old bedroom and I felt so much shame."
Stephanie Pratt smoked meth ’12 or 13 times a day’
Stephanie Pratt smoked crystal meth "12 or 13 times a day" as a teenager.
The 'Made In Chelsea' star has opened up about her struggle with the highly-addictive drug to reveal she was so hooked that she even smoked it before going to and during school at just 14 years old.
In an extract from her new book 'Made In Reality', as published in new! magazine, she says: "I was 14 or 15 [when I first smoked crystal meth] ... I was on the extreme level and addiction developed instantly.
"[I smoked] probably four times before school, then at snack ... Probably 12 or 13 times a day."
The 29-year-old beauty - who previously starred alongside her famous brother Spencer Pratt in 'The Hills' - was attending the prestigious Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, California at the time.
And she admits she often got behind the wheel while under the influence of meth and cocaine as her parents attempted to ignore her out of control behaviour.
Stephanie explained: "I didn't care about anything. I could live or die, I didn't care. I had nothing to get out of bed for, nothing was exciting."
However, the stunning blonde - who has now moved from Los Angeles to London to star in the E4 reality show - was eventually arrested in 2006 after she was caught trying to steal $4,000 worth of designer clothes while high on drugs.
She recalled: "I woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed. When I landed back in LA, Mum took me back home and I went upstairs to my old bedroom and I felt so much shame."
TV
Kitty McGeever has died aged 44.
The former 'Emmerdale' actress - who played Lizzie Lakely in the ITV soap from 2009 to 2013 - passed away "surrounded by her loving family", an ITV spokesperson has confirmed.
The spokeswoman said: "Kitty was a great talent and a true inspiration to all who worked with her. The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us."
The 44-year-old TV star became the first completely visually impaired actress to have a leading role in British soap operas and had a great impact during her four years on the programme.
Floods of Kitty's colleagues have taken to social media to share their memories of her.
Natalie Anderson, who plays Alicia Metcalfe in 'Emmerdale', wrote on Twitter: "RIP the unbelievably wonderful Kitty McGeever. An absolutely incredible inspiring and funny woman whom I was lucky enough to know. #kitty (sic)"
And Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle) spoke of her "infectious" laughter, writing: "So sad to hear the news our dear Kitty Mcgeever has died ... Never forget the scenes we used to have with her infectious laugh miss you xxx (sic)."
It's not yet known what the cause of death was, however Kitty - who lost her sight aged 33 - had suffered from several health problems throughout her life including problems with her heart and kidney failure.
Kitty McGeever dies at 44
Kitty McGeever has died aged 44.
The former 'Emmerdale' actress - who played Lizzie Lakely in the ITV soap from 2009 to 2013 - passed away "surrounded by her loving family", an ITV spokesperson has confirmed.
The spokeswoman said: "Kitty was a great talent and a true inspiration to all who worked with her. The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us."
The 44-year-old TV star became the first completely visually impaired actress to have a leading role in British soap operas and had a great impact during her four years on the programme.
Floods of Kitty's colleagues have taken to social media to share their memories of her.
Natalie Anderson, who plays Alicia Metcalfe in 'Emmerdale', wrote on Twitter: "RIP the unbelievably wonderful Kitty McGeever. An absolutely incredible inspiring and funny woman whom I was lucky enough to know. #kitty (sic)"
And Gemma Oaten (Rachel Breckle) spoke of her "infectious" laughter, writing: "So sad to hear the news our dear Kitty Mcgeever has died ... Never forget the scenes we used to have with her infectious laugh miss you xxx (sic)."
It's not yet known what the cause of death was, however Kitty - who lost her sight aged 33 - had suffered from several health problems throughout her life including problems with her heart and kidney failure.
TV
Sir Tom Jones has slammed the BBC for the "deeply insulting" way in which they axed him from 'The Voice'.
The 75-year-old star was told he'd been dropped as a coach on the BBC One singing competition on the same day the official announcement was made last week and he's admitted he's unimpressed with the way bosses handled the situation.
He said: "That the executives in charge couldn't be ladies and gentlemen about it, that they were filled with paranoia about a 'leak' above all, is deeply insulting to our professionalism."
Sir Tom - who has been a judge on the show since the first series four years ago - was dropped in favour of new coaches Boy George and Paloma Faith and he insists neither he nor his team were given any warning about his departure.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If there were any issues with our engagement, we were not aware, nor made aware. There was never even a hint that any member of the staff, or indeed the production executives, were unsatisfied, unhappy or disgruntled."
The 'Delilah' hitmaker claims he's more upset about the way he's been treated than actually being sacked.
Jones added: "It's not that I was let go, it is how it was handled.
"If indeed the producers were planning a cast change back in March/April, after the most successful year of the series in terms of viewer numbers, a warm and civilised conversation was in order at that time."
Meanwhile, Culture Club star Boy George has spoken for the first time since the news broke.
He wrote on Twitter: "I have absolute respect for Tom Jones. The man is an absolute legend. Huge fan."
Sir Tom Jones ‘deeply insulted’ by BBC’s attitude
Sir Tom Jones has slammed the BBC for the "deeply insulting" way in which they axed him from 'The Voice'.
The 75-year-old star was told he'd been dropped as a coach on the BBC One singing competition on the same day the official announcement was made last week and he's admitted he's unimpressed with the way bosses handled the situation.
He said: "That the executives in charge couldn't be ladies and gentlemen about it, that they were filled with paranoia about a 'leak' above all, is deeply insulting to our professionalism."
Sir Tom - who has been a judge on the show since the first series four years ago - was dropped in favour of new coaches Boy George and Paloma Faith and he insists neither he nor his team were given any warning about his departure.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If there were any issues with our engagement, we were not aware, nor made aware. There was never even a hint that any member of the staff, or indeed the production executives, were unsatisfied, unhappy or disgruntled."
The 'Delilah' hitmaker claims he's more upset about the way he's been treated than actually being sacked.
Jones added: "It's not that I was let go, it is how it was handled.
"If indeed the producers were planning a cast change back in March/April, after the most successful year of the series in terms of viewer numbers, a warm and civilised conversation was in order at that time."
Meanwhile, Culture Club star Boy George has spoken for the first time since the news broke.
He wrote on Twitter: "I have absolute respect for Tom Jones. The man is an absolute legend. Huge fan."
TV
Gemma Collins has quit 'The Only Way is Essex'.
The 34-year-old reality star announced her exit from the ITVBe show on Twitter today (18.08.15) and thanked her "fabulous fans" for their support over years.
She wrote: "I've had a blast on @OnlyWayIsEssex. Thank you @LimePictures, @ITV & especially the fabulous fans. Lots of love, GC."
The bubbly blonde - who previously had a fling with co-star James 'Arg' Argent - leaves on good terms with show bosses, who let her return last year after she jumped ship to 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
Gemma - who quit the ITV reality show after just 72 hours in the Australian jungle - admitted she will miss her explosive storylines.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It's been so much fun, it's been dramatic and emotional at times but I've loved every minute of it. I will really miss all the cast and crew and wish the show continued success."
Although Gemma reportedly couldn't hack the grueling filming schedule, the star is planning to stick with TV and has been offered a number of deals already.
A source shared: "Filming four, five days a week just was not working out for her.
"TOWIE are in a bit of a pickle at the minute - Mario Falcone's gone, Gemma's leaving; there will be more jumping ship soon. But Gemma has had lots of offers and a lot of people want to do massive budget pilots with her.
"It's a hectic schedule and it hasn't been ideal. The time is definitely right to leave."
Gemma Collins quits The Only Way Is Essex
Gemma Collins has quit 'The Only Way is Essex'.
The 34-year-old reality star announced her exit from the ITVBe show on Twitter today (18.08.15) and thanked her "fabulous fans" for their support over years.
She wrote: "I've had a blast on @OnlyWayIsEssex. Thank you @LimePictures, @ITV & especially the fabulous fans. Lots of love, GC."
The bubbly blonde - who previously had a fling with co-star James 'Arg' Argent - leaves on good terms with show bosses, who let her return last year after she jumped ship to 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
Gemma - who quit the ITV reality show after just 72 hours in the Australian jungle - admitted she will miss her explosive storylines.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It's been so much fun, it's been dramatic and emotional at times but I've loved every minute of it. I will really miss all the cast and crew and wish the show continued success."
Although Gemma reportedly couldn't hack the grueling filming schedule, the star is planning to stick with TV and has been offered a number of deals already.
A source shared: "Filming four, five days a week just was not working out for her.
"TOWIE are in a bit of a pickle at the minute - Mario Falcone's gone, Gemma's leaving; there will be more jumping ship soon. But Gemma has had lots of offers and a lot of people want to do massive budget pilots with her.
"It's a hectic schedule and it hasn't been ideal. The time is definitely right to leave."
TV
Gillian Taylforth has been helping writers with her 'EastEnders' character Kathy Beale's return.
The 60-year-old actress made a shock appearance in the BBC One soap's 30th anniversary live episode earlier this year and is now preparing for a permanent return and she's admitted that while the writers have been great, she's had to remind them about some of her early storylines.
Speaking about how she joined the soap before some of the writers had even been born, Gillian said: "It's not a problem here. The writers said, 'If there's anything you think doesn't sound right for Kath, just come and talk to us'.
"But I've got nine scripts so far and they're all fantastic. Sometimes I'll remind them of something from the beginning, like her being Mark Fowler's godmother or having been a vegetarian originally."
The former 'Hollyoaks' star confessed she couldn't hold back the tears when executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins first asked her to reprise her role.
She told Radio Times magazine: "Dom told me that they wanted me to come back. And he got all emotional and cried. I was so shocked that I didn't. But then I got into the car to go home and sobbed, 'They want me back! They want me back!' "
However, Gillian was slightly concerned about how they were planning to explain the fact that Kathy was supposed to have died in a car crash 15 years ago.
She added: "Yeah, I was wondering about that and he told me a little bit. Obviously, she was killed off-screen. And it's funny because a lot of people have always said to me, 'Why don't you come back to 'EastEnders'?' And when I say, 'I'm dead!' they always respond, 'Well, I never saw that!' "
Gillian Taylforth helping EastEnders writers with Kathy Beale’s return
Gillian Taylforth has been helping writers with her 'EastEnders' character Kathy Beale's return.
The 60-year-old actress made a shock appearance in the BBC One soap's 30th anniversary live episode earlier this year and is now preparing for a permanent return and she's admitted that while the writers have been great, she's had to remind them about some of her early storylines.
Speaking about how she joined the soap before some of the writers had even been born, Gillian said: "It's not a problem here. The writers said, 'If there's anything you think doesn't sound right for Kath, just come and talk to us'.
"But I've got nine scripts so far and they're all fantastic. Sometimes I'll remind them of something from the beginning, like her being Mark Fowler's godmother or having been a vegetarian originally."
The former 'Hollyoaks' star confessed she couldn't hold back the tears when executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins first asked her to reprise her role.
She told Radio Times magazine: "Dom told me that they wanted me to come back. And he got all emotional and cried. I was so shocked that I didn't. But then I got into the car to go home and sobbed, 'They want me back! They want me back!' "
However, Gillian was slightly concerned about how they were planning to explain the fact that Kathy was supposed to have died in a car crash 15 years ago.
She added: "Yeah, I was wondering about that and he told me a little bit. Obviously, she was killed off-screen. And it's funny because a lot of people have always said to me, 'Why don't you come back to 'EastEnders'?' And when I say, 'I'm dead!' they always respond, 'Well, I never saw that!' "
TV
Carol Kirkwood has signed up for 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The weather presenter has become the sixth celebrity to be confirmed for the upcoming series of the BBC One dance contest but has confessed her ballroom skills aren't the best.
Speaking after 'BBC Breakfast' host Bill Turnbull announced the news, she shared: "I can't believe this at all. It's been a dream for so long that I can't believe that it is finally happening.
"I can't even Waltz, I'm useless!"
The 53-year-old star - who says her past experience includes Scottish dancing and "mum dancing" - joins BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham, former 'Coronation Street' star Georgia May Foote, 'EastEnders' actress Kellie Bright, TV chef Ainsley Harriott and BBC Radio 2 DJ Jeremy Vine on the line-up.
Meanwhile, 'Call the Midwife' actress Helen George is being tipped as the next celebrity to be announced for the show's 13th series, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reports.
The 31-year-old beauty is said to be in good shape having ran the London Marathon earlier this year while her character on the BBC drama, midwife Trixie, is a keen dancer.
Gok Wan is also rumoured to be gearing up to take part in the competition.
Carol Kirkwood confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing
Carol Kirkwood has signed up for 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The weather presenter has become the sixth celebrity to be confirmed for the upcoming series of the BBC One dance contest but has confessed her ballroom skills aren't the best.
Speaking after 'BBC Breakfast' host Bill Turnbull announced the news, she shared: "I can't believe this at all. It's been a dream for so long that I can't believe that it is finally happening.
"I can't even Waltz, I'm useless!"
The 53-year-old star - who says her past experience includes Scottish dancing and "mum dancing" - joins BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham, former 'Coronation Street' star Georgia May Foote, 'EastEnders' actress Kellie Bright, TV chef Ainsley Harriott and BBC Radio 2 DJ Jeremy Vine on the line-up.
Meanwhile, 'Call the Midwife' actress Helen George is being tipped as the next celebrity to be announced for the show's 13th series, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reports.
The 31-year-old beauty is said to be in good shape having ran the London Marathon earlier this year while her character on the BBC drama, midwife Trixie, is a keen dancer.
Gok Wan is also rumoured to be gearing up to take part in the competition.
TV
June Brown has no plans to quit 'EastEnders' despite the fact she's going deaf.
The 88-year-old actress, who stars as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap, has insisted she has no intention of walking away from the much-loved character after announcing news of her ailment during a Q&A on Saturday (15.08.15) with her friend and 'EastEnders' veteran Barbara Windsor, 78.
Barbara - who played Peggy Mitchell for sixteen years - brought her former co-star to the stage, as June explained: "Are you talking to me, Babs?
"Tell me, because I am deaf you see and it is very hard for me to hear so I don't know what you are talking about. What did you say to me?"
Later, June requested everyone at the Q&A spoke louder so she could follow the conversation.
She said, apologetically: "Sorry, I would like you all to shout because I can't hear, you see. I am ever so sorry. I am straining here..."
Despite this, June remains hopeful that her hearing will return to normal at some stage soon.
She explained to The Sun newspaper: "Unfortunately it happened when I was going up to Glasgow for a charity. My ears impacted and they haven't come back since. I hope that they might do at some moment.
"I thought it was a bit unkind given I was flying up for charity! But I only spoke about it on stage because I was having a discussion with Barbara."
June Brown reveals she’s going deaf
June Brown has no plans to quit 'EastEnders' despite the fact she's going deaf.
The 88-year-old actress, who stars as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap, has insisted she has no intention of walking away from the much-loved character after announcing news of her ailment during a Q&A on Saturday (15.08.15) with her friend and 'EastEnders' veteran Barbara Windsor, 78.
Barbara - who played Peggy Mitchell for sixteen years - brought her former co-star to the stage, as June explained: "Are you talking to me, Babs?
"Tell me, because I am deaf you see and it is very hard for me to hear so I don't know what you are talking about. What did you say to me?"
Later, June requested everyone at the Q&A spoke louder so she could follow the conversation.
She said, apologetically: "Sorry, I would like you all to shout because I can't hear, you see. I am ever so sorry. I am straining here..."
Despite this, June remains hopeful that her hearing will return to normal at some stage soon.
She explained to The Sun newspaper: "Unfortunately it happened when I was going up to Glasgow for a charity. My ears impacted and they haven't come back since. I hope that they might do at some moment.
"I thought it was a bit unkind given I was flying up for charity! But I only spoke about it on stage because I was having a discussion with Barbara."
TV
Stephanie Davis says it was her choice to leave 'Hollyoaks'.
The 22-year-old actress - who played feisty Sinead O'Connor on the Channel 4 soap for five years - was reportedly sacked last month for skipping work and arriving on set drunk but she's now insisted it was her decision to quit.
She said: "It was ultimately my choice to leave! I just walked and then the producers told me if I didn't come back they'd have no option but to terminate my contract, but that it was my choice. I regret the way it ended - I probably should've gone about it in a better way, but I was desperate for a break."
The brunette beauty also rubbished claims her partying had got out of control.
She told the latest issue of Zoo magazine: "I've always had fun and when I started the show I did like to party, but I'm just like any normal 22-year-old and I'm sure everyone is the same as they're growing up - everybody has to be 18 and a little crazy at some point. The drunken thing was there for people to believe if they wanted to but I know people in the industry know me for what I really am."
Meanwhile, the actress - who hasn't been signed up for any new TV roles yet - is planning to ditch acting for music.
She said: "My passion has always been music, so I've been working with a few record labels and hopefully I'll be in the studio soon and then I can look at releasing some tracks in the new year. I've written some really good music and the only other person I know to make the jump from soaps is Kylie Minogue - so let's try to do that!"
The full interview with Stephanie appears in this week's ZOO, on sale on now.
Stephanie Davis: I chose to leave ‘Hollyoaks’
Stephanie Davis says it was her choice to leave 'Hollyoaks'.
The 22-year-old actress - who played feisty Sinead O'Connor on the Channel 4 soap for five years - was reportedly sacked last month for skipping work and arriving on set drunk but she's now insisted it was her decision to quit.
She said: "It was ultimately my choice to leave! I just walked and then the producers told me if I didn't come back they'd have no option but to terminate my contract, but that it was my choice. I regret the way it ended - I probably should've gone about it in a better way, but I was desperate for a break."
The brunette beauty also rubbished claims her partying had got out of control.
She told the latest issue of Zoo magazine: "I've always had fun and when I started the show I did like to party, but I'm just like any normal 22-year-old and I'm sure everyone is the same as they're growing up - everybody has to be 18 and a little crazy at some point. The drunken thing was there for people to believe if they wanted to but I know people in the industry know me for what I really am."
Meanwhile, the actress - who hasn't been signed up for any new TV roles yet - is planning to ditch acting for music.
She said: "My passion has always been music, so I've been working with a few record labels and hopefully I'll be in the studio soon and then I can look at releasing some tracks in the new year. I've written some really good music and the only other person I know to make the jump from soaps is Kylie Minogue - so let's try to do that!"
The full interview with Stephanie appears in this week's ZOO, on sale on now.