TV
TV
Shabnam Masood's baby will be stillborn in 'EastEnders'.
The tragic scenes - which will air later this month - will show her and Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) struggle to come to terms with the death of their unborn baby, which will have devastating effects on their lives.
Rakhee Thakrar, who plays Shabnam, said she hopes the storyline will help the public become more open about the issue, explaining: "In the UK, 3628 babies were stillborn in 2013, that's one in every 216 births; a shocking fact I've come to learn during my preparation for telling this story. It is an experience that profoundly changes a person's life forever, and we feel a heavy responsibility to tell the truth of this. Our hope is that we can encourage people to talk about their experiences and their babies that have died."
The BBC One soap has worked with neonatal death and stillbirth charity Sands while creating the plotline in order to accurately reflect the turmoil which such a loss can cause and the organisation insists the scenes will be portrayed with "incredible sensitivity".
Erica Stewart, Bereavement Support Services Manager at Sands, added: "We hope that with a TV drama as popular as 'EastEnders' covering this heartbreaking experience, it will help to lift the taboo, and raise awareness of all the issues that surround the death of a baby. We worked closely with the writers and actors on this storyline. We really appreciate their dedication to ensuring that they portray the impact that the death of a baby has on bereaved families as truthfully as possible. Everyone involved has approached this storyline with incredible sensitivity."
Shabnam Masood to have stillborn baby in EastEnders
Shabnam Masood's baby will be stillborn in 'EastEnders'.
The tragic scenes - which will air later this month - will show her and Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) struggle to come to terms with the death of their unborn baby, which will have devastating effects on their lives.
Rakhee Thakrar, who plays Shabnam, said she hopes the storyline will help the public become more open about the issue, explaining: "In the UK, 3628 babies were stillborn in 2013, that's one in every 216 births; a shocking fact I've come to learn during my preparation for telling this story. It is an experience that profoundly changes a person's life forever, and we feel a heavy responsibility to tell the truth of this. Our hope is that we can encourage people to talk about their experiences and their babies that have died."
The BBC One soap has worked with neonatal death and stillbirth charity Sands while creating the plotline in order to accurately reflect the turmoil which such a loss can cause and the organisation insists the scenes will be portrayed with "incredible sensitivity".
Erica Stewart, Bereavement Support Services Manager at Sands, added: "We hope that with a TV drama as popular as 'EastEnders' covering this heartbreaking experience, it will help to lift the taboo, and raise awareness of all the issues that surround the death of a baby. We worked closely with the writers and actors on this storyline. We really appreciate their dedication to ensuring that they portray the impact that the death of a baby has on bereaved families as truthfully as possible. Everyone involved has approached this storyline with incredible sensitivity."
TV
Katie Hopkins "could end up paralysed" by brain surgery.
The controversial TV personality and writer is set to undergo open-brain surgery later this year in a bid to cure her of her epilepsy but has confessed she is terrified about the operation as there is a very real chance she could end up unable to move or even dead.
She said: "The part they need to take out [og my brain] for me is in deep. This is the fear, it makes me sweat just thinking about it.
"There's a 40 per cent chance I could get rid of it altogether. But there's a 20 per cent chance I would lose my left arm or leg - I could end up paralysed.
"There's also a one per cent chance I will die."
The 40-year-old contended columnist - who originally rose to fame as a candidate on 'The Apprentice' and finished second in the latest series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' - admitted she has had to face the facts she could die during the surgery and had an upsetting conversation with her 50-year-old husband Mark and her doctor about leaving behind her three children, India, 11, Poppy, 10, and Maximillian, six.
She said: "We're trying to ask big questions about life. Is 11, 10 and six the right age? If I don't make it, is that the right age to leave them?"
And ahead of the launch of her new TV show 'If Katie Hopkins Ruled The World' on TLC, Katie confessed she is much more anxious than she lets people believe.
She told The Sun newspaper: "There are billboards up around saying, 'If Katie Hopkins Ruled The World' to promote my TV show.
"But then there's actually just this tiny squeaky person who has to have an operation and has a big fear."
Katie Hopkins could be ‘paralysed’ by brain surgery
Katie Hopkins "could end up paralysed" by brain surgery.
The controversial TV personality and writer is set to undergo open-brain surgery later this year in a bid to cure her of her epilepsy but has confessed she is terrified about the operation as there is a very real chance she could end up unable to move or even dead.
She said: "The part they need to take out [og my brain] for me is in deep. This is the fear, it makes me sweat just thinking about it.
"There's a 40 per cent chance I could get rid of it altogether. But there's a 20 per cent chance I would lose my left arm or leg - I could end up paralysed.
"There's also a one per cent chance I will die."
The 40-year-old contended columnist - who originally rose to fame as a candidate on 'The Apprentice' and finished second in the latest series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' - admitted she has had to face the facts she could die during the surgery and had an upsetting conversation with her 50-year-old husband Mark and her doctor about leaving behind her three children, India, 11, Poppy, 10, and Maximillian, six.
She said: "We're trying to ask big questions about life. Is 11, 10 and six the right age? If I don't make it, is that the right age to leave them?"
And ahead of the launch of her new TV show 'If Katie Hopkins Ruled The World' on TLC, Katie confessed she is much more anxious than she lets people believe.
She told The Sun newspaper: "There are billboards up around saying, 'If Katie Hopkins Ruled The World' to promote my TV show.
"But then there's actually just this tiny squeaky person who has to have an operation and has a big fear."
TV
Declan Donnelly will get married today (01.08.15).
The 39-year-old TV host - who is one half of presenting duo Ant and Dec along with his friend Anthony McPartlin - will tie the knot with his agent Ali Astall in his home city of Newcastle, just nine months after getting engaged.
A friend of the 'I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!' presenter said: "It felt right for him to go back to Newcastle because Dec is such a proud Geordie. Dec always wanted to get married before he turned 40, which happens next month.
"The fact that he's waited so long to marry shows how serious he is about marriage vows, but he has absolutely no doubts that Ali is The One."
The ceremony will be officiated by Father Dermott Donnelly - who is Dec's older brother - with Ant taking on the duties of best man as Dec did for his pal's wedding to Lisa Armstrong in 2006.
A host of famous faces from British broadcasting are set to attend the wedding including Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness and Leigh Francis.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It's a lovely group of people who have been close to Dec and Ali for years."
And 'Britain's Got Talent' judge Simon Cowell has also bagged himself an invite but recently admitted he wasn't sure if he'd be able to make it to the event.
He said: "I don't know if I can go but I've been invited. I'm very happy for him."
Declan Donnelly to get married today
Declan Donnelly will get married today (01.08.15).
The 39-year-old TV host - who is one half of presenting duo Ant and Dec along with his friend Anthony McPartlin - will tie the knot with his agent Ali Astall in his home city of Newcastle, just nine months after getting engaged.
A friend of the 'I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!' presenter said: "It felt right for him to go back to Newcastle because Dec is such a proud Geordie. Dec always wanted to get married before he turned 40, which happens next month.
"The fact that he's waited so long to marry shows how serious he is about marriage vows, but he has absolutely no doubts that Ali is The One."
The ceremony will be officiated by Father Dermott Donnelly - who is Dec's older brother - with Ant taking on the duties of best man as Dec did for his pal's wedding to Lisa Armstrong in 2006.
A host of famous faces from British broadcasting are set to attend the wedding including Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness and Leigh Francis.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It's a lovely group of people who have been close to Dec and Ali for years."
And 'Britain's Got Talent' judge Simon Cowell has also bagged himself an invite but recently admitted he wasn't sure if he'd be able to make it to the event.
He said: "I don't know if I can go but I've been invited. I'm very happy for him."
TV
Ruth Langsford thinks Eamonn Holmes is "handsome and charismatic".
The 'Loose Women' presenter finds it frustrating when people make unkind remarks about her husband's weight because there are much more "interesting" things about him.
She gushed: "I have a huge amount of respect for Eamonn as a broadcaster. He also makes me die laughing, we have a great humour between us.
"We're very much in love and we have been for years.
"It is irritating when people go on about Eamonn's weight. I think he looks great for his age.
"I find him handsome and very engaging and charismatic. There's a lot more you could say about him rather than focusing on his weight - it's the least interesting thing about him."
Ruth and Eamonn have a 13-year-old son, Jack, together and the presenter feels "very lucky" to have him as she worried she was too late to have children before she got pregnant at 41.
She told Woman magazine: "I didn't realise how lucky I was to conceive naturally in my 40s. It took seven months, which to me felt like forever, but then I spoke to my doctor who told me that's not a long time for a woman of 41.
"I didn't wait that long through choice.
"By the time I met Eamonn, I was concerned that maybe I wouldn't be able to have children so I felt very lucky.
"That's why I didn't push for a second child, because I just thought, 'Be grateful for this wonderful boy, conceived naturally, he's healthy and you're happy.' "
Ruth Langsford: Eamonn ‘handsome and charismatic’
Ruth Langsford thinks Eamonn Holmes is "handsome and charismatic".
The 'Loose Women' presenter finds it frustrating when people make unkind remarks about her husband's weight because there are much more "interesting" things about him.
She gushed: "I have a huge amount of respect for Eamonn as a broadcaster. He also makes me die laughing, we have a great humour between us.
"We're very much in love and we have been for years.
"It is irritating when people go on about Eamonn's weight. I think he looks great for his age.
"I find him handsome and very engaging and charismatic. There's a lot more you could say about him rather than focusing on his weight - it's the least interesting thing about him."
Ruth and Eamonn have a 13-year-old son, Jack, together and the presenter feels "very lucky" to have him as she worried she was too late to have children before she got pregnant at 41.
She told Woman magazine: "I didn't realise how lucky I was to conceive naturally in my 40s. It took seven months, which to me felt like forever, but then I spoke to my doctor who told me that's not a long time for a woman of 41.
"I didn't wait that long through choice.
"By the time I met Eamonn, I was concerned that maybe I wouldn't be able to have children so I felt very lucky.
"That's why I didn't push for a second child, because I just thought, 'Be grateful for this wonderful boy, conceived naturally, he's healthy and you're happy.' "
TV
Michael Parr is "flattered and insulted" at being voted one of soap's sexiest men.
The 'Emmerdale' actor - who plays bad boy Ross Barton in the ITV soap - has admitted he's torn between feeling flattered and insulted when people refer to him as one of the hunkiest men in British soaps, as he'd rather be praised for his acting.
He said: "It's flattering and insulting at the same time because I want to be known for my acting but, 'Hey you look good'. I'll take it."
The 28-year-old star's character is currently caught up in a love triangle with his brother's fiancee Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), but he insists his own life is far less chaotic.
Speaking about whether he finds it difficult to wind down after filming dramatic scenes, he told ITV's 'This Morning': "I don't know ... I don't take my personal life into work and I don't take my work home with me. It's easy to switch off. I eat out quite a lot. I'm a horrible cook, so I go out. Yeah I'm useless, I can't make a sandwich it's that bad."
Meanwhile, Michael has teased stunts, break-ups and even deaths in the Dales next week when Debbie is set to marry Ross' brother Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan).
He shared: "It's going to be up there with the biggest week in soap history. There's going to be stunts, explosions, people breaking up ... Maybe a few people don't make it."
The soap star also hinted Ross - who was recently revealed as the father of Debbie's mum Charity's baby - may not make it past next week.
Michael added: "You'll just have to wait and see if he survives. He might not, I'm sworn to secrecy."
Michael Parr ‘flattered and insulted’ by hunk comments
Michael Parr is "flattered and insulted" at being voted one of soap's sexiest men.
The 'Emmerdale' actor - who plays bad boy Ross Barton in the ITV soap - has admitted he's torn between feeling flattered and insulted when people refer to him as one of the hunkiest men in British soaps, as he'd rather be praised for his acting.
He said: "It's flattering and insulting at the same time because I want to be known for my acting but, 'Hey you look good'. I'll take it."
The 28-year-old star's character is currently caught up in a love triangle with his brother's fiancee Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), but he insists his own life is far less chaotic.
Speaking about whether he finds it difficult to wind down after filming dramatic scenes, he told ITV's 'This Morning': "I don't know ... I don't take my personal life into work and I don't take my work home with me. It's easy to switch off. I eat out quite a lot. I'm a horrible cook, so I go out. Yeah I'm useless, I can't make a sandwich it's that bad."
Meanwhile, Michael has teased stunts, break-ups and even deaths in the Dales next week when Debbie is set to marry Ross' brother Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan).
He shared: "It's going to be up there with the biggest week in soap history. There's going to be stunts, explosions, people breaking up ... Maybe a few people don't make it."
The soap star also hinted Ross - who was recently revealed as the father of Debbie's mum Charity's baby - may not make it past next week.
Michael added: "You'll just have to wait and see if he survives. He might not, I'm sworn to secrecy."
TV
BBC Two are planning a professional version of 'The Great British Bake Off'.
A casting call on the website Chefs In Scotland has revealed the channel's plans to have professional bakers go up against one another in a format similar to that of the hit show.
According to Digital Spy, it reads: "Love Productions - makers of 'The Great British Bake Off' - are launching a brand new TV series for BBC Two.
"We've brought the excitement of amateur homebaking to a wider audience. Now it's time to showcase and celebrate the elite from the world of professional pastry in the UK."
However, it appears that rather than having individual bakers go head to head, the professionals will instead be in teams of three.
The casting call continues: "We are looking for teams of three people to take part in a new series to find Britain's best pastry chefs. Whether you work in the best hotels, restaurants, top patisseries or high-end supplier we would love to hear from you.
"This is a ground breaking new series that will, for the first time, give professional pastry chefs across the country a platform to showcase their skill, passion and artistic flair in front of a TV audience.
"This will be an exciting celebration of patisserie in Britain and the people who dedicate their lives to their profession."
Meanwhile, Radio Times magazine also claims to have seen a flyer with an application for the new show printed on it.
It reportedly says that contestants will have "little or no advance warning or preparation time", which is in keeping with the format of the original 'Bake Off'.
The document also states that the working title for the show is 'Bake Off: The Professionals', with filming scheduled to begin next month.
However, it is yet to be revealed whether Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry will be in charge of judging the professionals with Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins hosting as they do in 'Bake Off'.
BBC Two planning ‘Bake Off: The Professionals’
BBC Two are planning a professional version of 'The Great British Bake Off'.
A casting call on the website Chefs In Scotland has revealed the channel's plans to have professional bakers go up against one another in a format similar to that of the hit show.
According to Digital Spy, it reads: "Love Productions - makers of 'The Great British Bake Off' - are launching a brand new TV series for BBC Two.
"We've brought the excitement of amateur homebaking to a wider audience. Now it's time to showcase and celebrate the elite from the world of professional pastry in the UK."
However, it appears that rather than having individual bakers go head to head, the professionals will instead be in teams of three.
The casting call continues: "We are looking for teams of three people to take part in a new series to find Britain's best pastry chefs. Whether you work in the best hotels, restaurants, top patisseries or high-end supplier we would love to hear from you.
"This is a ground breaking new series that will, for the first time, give professional pastry chefs across the country a platform to showcase their skill, passion and artistic flair in front of a TV audience.
"This will be an exciting celebration of patisserie in Britain and the people who dedicate their lives to their profession."
Meanwhile, Radio Times magazine also claims to have seen a flyer with an application for the new show printed on it.
It reportedly says that contestants will have "little or no advance warning or preparation time", which is in keeping with the format of the original 'Bake Off'.
The document also states that the working title for the show is 'Bake Off: The Professionals', with filming scheduled to begin next month.
However, it is yet to be revealed whether Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry will be in charge of judging the professionals with Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins hosting as they do in 'Bake Off'.
TV
Joanna Lumley is disappointed she was never asked to star in 'Downton Abbey'.
The 69-year-old actress has confessed she "sent letters" to the ITV show's creator, Julian Fellowes, asking for a part in the period drama, which is to come to an end following the upcoming sixth series.
Joanna said: "I have sent letters to Julian Fellowes. I've auditioned by simpering about whenever I'm with them. I've interviewed the cast for a big charity thing. I can't bear to think what's happened to them and now it's all over."
However, while the 'Absolutely Fabulous' star never got to appear in 'Downton', she was able to write and star in a sketch that mocked the popular show at Christmas and also got to kiss Hollywood actor George Clooney in the process.
Speaking to Magic Radio, Joanna said: "Oh, it was fantastic. Really, utterly thrilling. Now there's something to achieve in a day, doing that whole gorgeous bit of filming. And at the end, Mr. Clooney."
The comedian - who also got to kiss Leonardo DiCaprio in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' - went on to speak of how "charming" the 'Gravity' star was when she met him.
Joanna said: "He was so charming. I'm collecting kisses now, from obviously kissing DiCaprio on 'Wolf of Wall Street', now I'm kissing Mr. Clooney.
"I mean all these things, you should sort of put it into your contract. He was just charming and delightful, and everybody fell hook, line and sinker for him."
Joanna Lumley disappointed at Downton Abbey snub
Joanna Lumley is disappointed she was never asked to star in 'Downton Abbey'.
The 69-year-old actress has confessed she "sent letters" to the ITV show's creator, Julian Fellowes, asking for a part in the period drama, which is to come to an end following the upcoming sixth series.
Joanna said: "I have sent letters to Julian Fellowes. I've auditioned by simpering about whenever I'm with them. I've interviewed the cast for a big charity thing. I can't bear to think what's happened to them and now it's all over."
However, while the 'Absolutely Fabulous' star never got to appear in 'Downton', she was able to write and star in a sketch that mocked the popular show at Christmas and also got to kiss Hollywood actor George Clooney in the process.
Speaking to Magic Radio, Joanna said: "Oh, it was fantastic. Really, utterly thrilling. Now there's something to achieve in a day, doing that whole gorgeous bit of filming. And at the end, Mr. Clooney."
The comedian - who also got to kiss Leonardo DiCaprio in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' - went on to speak of how "charming" the 'Gravity' star was when she met him.
Joanna said: "He was so charming. I'm collecting kisses now, from obviously kissing DiCaprio on 'Wolf of Wall Street', now I'm kissing Mr. Clooney.
"I mean all these things, you should sort of put it into your contract. He was just charming and delightful, and everybody fell hook, line and sinker for him."
TV
Lorraine Kelly wants to get a tattoo on her bum.
The 'Lorraine' host has revealed she's been thinking about marking her next landmark birthday with a discrete inking for her husband Steve Smith's eyes only.
She told At Home magazine: "Oh, I might get a little one on my bum when I turn 60!
"No one will see it - just my hubby Steve.
"But it's kind of fun."
The 55-year-old presenter's comments come two years after she admitted she'd be unimpressed if her daughter Rosie, 21, came home with any body art.
She said at the time: "Rosie can make her own choices now. I wouldn't like her to get a tattoo, for example, but I know I couldn't stop her."
Rosie responded, saying: "Not even a wee, pretty tattoo on my foot? That wouldn't be so bad, would it?"
Lorraine added "I like what President Obama said - that if either of his girls has a tattoo, he and his wife would get the same tattoo in the same place! No child would want the same matching tattoo as their parents!"
Lorraine Kelly wants bum tattoo
Lorraine Kelly wants to get a tattoo on her bum.
The 'Lorraine' host has revealed she's been thinking about marking her next landmark birthday with a discrete inking for her husband Steve Smith's eyes only.
She told At Home magazine: "Oh, I might get a little one on my bum when I turn 60!
"No one will see it - just my hubby Steve.
"But it's kind of fun."
The 55-year-old presenter's comments come two years after she admitted she'd be unimpressed if her daughter Rosie, 21, came home with any body art.
She said at the time: "Rosie can make her own choices now. I wouldn't like her to get a tattoo, for example, but I know I couldn't stop her."
Rosie responded, saying: "Not even a wee, pretty tattoo on my foot? That wouldn't be so bad, would it?"
Lorraine added "I like what President Obama said - that if either of his girls has a tattoo, he and his wife would get the same tattoo in the same place! No child would want the same matching tattoo as their parents!"
TV
Rita Ora "worked hard" to become an 'X Factor' judge.
The 24-year-old singer has insisted she has "as much right" to be on the ITV talent show panel as any of the other judges - Simon Cowell, Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez -Versini, and claimed she isn't doing the job just to boost her music career.
Rita said: "It's not about thinking, "Oh my God, I want to be on TV every Saturday night!" I'm a musician, I've built this bond with my team, with the music industry.
"I've worked hard to be involved with everything you see my name associated with. It doesn't happen overnight, and I feel I have as much right to be on that panel as everyone does."
The former 'The Voice UK' coach went on explain how her new job came about, revealing she accepted Simon's offer as she "really liked his vision".
Rita told Glamour magazine: "Simon and I planned to meet and just chat. There wasn't any pressure. We could only meet around midnight 'cause we were so busy. So we met at his place in west London.
"We spoke about the changes in the show, about his goals and aims, and I started to agree with the changes that were gonna happen. We had a two-hour conversation and I really liked his vision."
Rita Ora ‘worked hard’ for X Factor role
Rita Ora "worked hard" to become an 'X Factor' judge.
The 24-year-old singer has insisted she has "as much right" to be on the ITV talent show panel as any of the other judges - Simon Cowell, Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez -Versini, and claimed she isn't doing the job just to boost her music career.
Rita said: "It's not about thinking, "Oh my God, I want to be on TV every Saturday night!" I'm a musician, I've built this bond with my team, with the music industry.
"I've worked hard to be involved with everything you see my name associated with. It doesn't happen overnight, and I feel I have as much right to be on that panel as everyone does."
The former 'The Voice UK' coach went on explain how her new job came about, revealing she accepted Simon's offer as she "really liked his vision".
Rita told Glamour magazine: "Simon and I planned to meet and just chat. There wasn't any pressure. We could only meet around midnight 'cause we were so busy. So we met at his place in west London.
"We spoke about the changes in the show, about his goals and aims, and I started to agree with the changes that were gonna happen. We had a two-hour conversation and I really liked his vision."