TV
TV
ITV are planning to steal 'The Voice' from the BBC.
The commercial TV network is reportedly plotting a sensational bid to buy the show off of the public service broadcaster after a government report instructed the BBC to stop chasing ratings with big-budget programmes.
Although BBC One has one series of the singing competition left on its current deal, The Sun newspaper reports that it's unlikely they will pay £11 million to secure the format for another year.
ITV also bought Talpa Media - who make the show - earlier this year, putting them in a good position to acquire the rights.
The news comes after former 'The Voice' judge Rita Ora decided to quit the show in favour of it's ITV rival 'The X Factor' earlier this year.
A source told the newspaper: "If ITV got 'The Voice' it would be a huge coup and send shockwaves through the TV world.
"Entertainment programmes are hard to come by, so strong ones like this are at a premium. But a deal is becoming more and more realistic by the day.
"The show would also fit perfectly into ITV's schedule. January to April has been a quiet time for them since they dropped 'Dancing On Ice' in 2014.
"They could run 'The Voice' until 'Britain's Got Talent' in April, then 'The X Factor' would take over from August to the year end. ITV would dominate Saturday night TV. BBC would have no blockbuster formats other than 'Strictly Come Dancing'."
ITV to steal The Voice from the BBC?
ITV are planning to steal 'The Voice' from the BBC.
The commercial TV network is reportedly plotting a sensational bid to buy the show off of the public service broadcaster after a government report instructed the BBC to stop chasing ratings with big-budget programmes.
Although BBC One has one series of the singing competition left on its current deal, The Sun newspaper reports that it's unlikely they will pay £11 million to secure the format for another year.
ITV also bought Talpa Media - who make the show - earlier this year, putting them in a good position to acquire the rights.
The news comes after former 'The Voice' judge Rita Ora decided to quit the show in favour of it's ITV rival 'The X Factor' earlier this year.
A source told the newspaper: "If ITV got 'The Voice' it would be a huge coup and send shockwaves through the TV world.
"Entertainment programmes are hard to come by, so strong ones like this are at a premium. But a deal is becoming more and more realistic by the day.
"The show would also fit perfectly into ITV's schedule. January to April has been a quiet time for them since they dropped 'Dancing On Ice' in 2014.
"They could run 'The Voice' until 'Britain's Got Talent' in April, then 'The X Factor' would take over from August to the year end. ITV would dominate Saturday night TV. BBC would have no blockbuster formats other than 'Strictly Come Dancing'."
TV
Brian Dowling is getting married today (30.07.15).
The former 'Big Brother' winner and host is tying the knot to choreographer Arthur Gourounlian at a country house close to Dublin, Ireland, in what will be the country's first celebrity gay wedding.
Brian uploaded a series of photographs to social media site Instagram last night (29.07.15) and revealed that his former 'Big Brother' housemate and pal Narinder Kaur is one of his trio of bridesmaids.
He captioned the post: "Sssshhhh! I'm getting married in the morning. Wedding Fun (sic)"
And Brian - who has slimmed down for the big day - invited a host of his famous friends to celebrate with him including fellow Irishman Louis Walsh, married TV presenters Vernon Kay and Tess Daly and ex-Girls Aloud singer Kimberly Walsh.
The pair were legally married in London earlier this year but as gay marriage recently became legal in Brian's native Ireland, the couple decided to make it official there too.
Brian, 37, told The Sun newspaper: "We did it in London as we didn't know how the law would go in Ireland. We wanted to make sure we got it right.
"All my friends and family are coming. Our suits are by Tom Ford they are tight fitted. Especially at the back."
Brian Dowling gets hitched in Ireland
Brian Dowling is getting married today (30.07.15).
The former 'Big Brother' winner and host is tying the knot to choreographer Arthur Gourounlian at a country house close to Dublin, Ireland, in what will be the country's first celebrity gay wedding.
Brian uploaded a series of photographs to social media site Instagram last night (29.07.15) and revealed that his former 'Big Brother' housemate and pal Narinder Kaur is one of his trio of bridesmaids.
He captioned the post: "Sssshhhh! I'm getting married in the morning. Wedding Fun (sic)"
And Brian - who has slimmed down for the big day - invited a host of his famous friends to celebrate with him including fellow Irishman Louis Walsh, married TV presenters Vernon Kay and Tess Daly and ex-Girls Aloud singer Kimberly Walsh.
The pair were legally married in London earlier this year but as gay marriage recently became legal in Brian's native Ireland, the couple decided to make it official there too.
Brian, 37, told The Sun newspaper: "We did it in London as we didn't know how the law would go in Ireland. We wanted to make sure we got it right.
"All my friends and family are coming. Our suits are by Tom Ford they are tight fitted. Especially at the back."
TV
Shane Warne "would consider" appearing on a dating show.
The retired cricket star - who split from model and actress Elizabeth Hurley in 2013 after a three year engagement - has admitted he would be up for finding love in front of the cameras.
The 45-year-old star made the confession after a fan asked him if he would appear on 'The Bachelor'.
A Twitter user named Dave Hughes wrote: "Surely a celebrity version of The Bachelor starring Shane Warne is in the pipeline?"
Shane replied, saying: "Hahaha I would consider that buddy, as it could be a lot of fun!! (sic)"
Opening up about his split from Liz last month, Shane claimed it was her decision to go back to work that put a strain on their relationship.
He said: "It wasn't just scheduling. When we first met, she was basically not doing anything. She was a farmer. And I had retired from international cricket. But then Elizabeth went back to work, shooting movies and TV series.
Meanwhile, the 50-year-old beauty - who previously dated Hugh Grant and split from husband Arun Nayar shortly before she began her relationship with Shane - insists she will always love the former sports star.
The 'Royals' star said previously: "Love isn't a switch that you can turn on or off at will and of course I still love him - we are part of each other's history.
"We finally parted ways in November 2013 and it was a very sad time for both of us."
Shane Warne ‘would consider’ dating show
Shane Warne "would consider" appearing on a dating show.
The retired cricket star - who split from model and actress Elizabeth Hurley in 2013 after a three year engagement - has admitted he would be up for finding love in front of the cameras.
The 45-year-old star made the confession after a fan asked him if he would appear on 'The Bachelor'.
A Twitter user named Dave Hughes wrote: "Surely a celebrity version of The Bachelor starring Shane Warne is in the pipeline?"
Shane replied, saying: "Hahaha I would consider that buddy, as it could be a lot of fun!! (sic)"
Opening up about his split from Liz last month, Shane claimed it was her decision to go back to work that put a strain on their relationship.
He said: "It wasn't just scheduling. When we first met, she was basically not doing anything. She was a farmer. And I had retired from international cricket. But then Elizabeth went back to work, shooting movies and TV series.
Meanwhile, the 50-year-old beauty - who previously dated Hugh Grant and split from husband Arun Nayar shortly before she began her relationship with Shane - insists she will always love the former sports star.
The 'Royals' star said previously: "Love isn't a switch that you can turn on or off at will and of course I still love him - we are part of each other's history.
"We finally parted ways in November 2013 and it was a very sad time for both of us."
TV
Sarah Harding has reportedly been axed from 'Coronation Street'.
The former Girls Aloud singer's four-episode-stint on the ITV1 soap - as Joni Preston - was "a failed experiment" according to a TV insider and as a result "they will not be getting her back".
The source revealed: "It's safe to say Sarah's Corrie career hasn't gone as planned. Fans and critics have been pretty unimpressed with her acting. They will not be getting her back and the general consensus on set is that this was a failed experiment."
And a spokesperson for the show confirmed "there are no immediate plans for the character of Joni to return".
The representative said: "Sarah was cast for four episodes in a cameo role for a specific storyline. There are no immediate plans for the character of Joni to return."
Bosses of 'Corrie' have also been "accused" of "chasing ratings with gimmicks".
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It [Sarah's acting] doesn't reflect well on Corrie, who have been accused of chasing ratings with gimmicks."
The blonde beauty's acting received harsh comments from critics and the general public on social media.
One fan of the soap wrote: "#corrie I was looking forward to seeing Sarah Harding on the cobbles but ouch..!! Looking great but stick to singing love... (sic)"
While another tweeted: "We need to talk about Sarah Harding's "acting" #Corrie (sic)"
Sarah Harding axed from Coronation Street?
Sarah Harding has reportedly been axed from 'Coronation Street'.
The former Girls Aloud singer's four-episode-stint on the ITV1 soap - as Joni Preston - was "a failed experiment" according to a TV insider and as a result "they will not be getting her back".
The source revealed: "It's safe to say Sarah's Corrie career hasn't gone as planned. Fans and critics have been pretty unimpressed with her acting. They will not be getting her back and the general consensus on set is that this was a failed experiment."
And a spokesperson for the show confirmed "there are no immediate plans for the character of Joni to return".
The representative said: "Sarah was cast for four episodes in a cameo role for a specific storyline. There are no immediate plans for the character of Joni to return."
Bosses of 'Corrie' have also been "accused" of "chasing ratings with gimmicks".
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It [Sarah's acting] doesn't reflect well on Corrie, who have been accused of chasing ratings with gimmicks."
The blonde beauty's acting received harsh comments from critics and the general public on social media.
One fan of the soap wrote: "#corrie I was looking forward to seeing Sarah Harding on the cobbles but ouch..!! Looking great but stick to singing love... (sic)"
While another tweeted: "We need to talk about Sarah Harding's "acting" #Corrie (sic)"
TV
Jodi Albert feels like her mother is "living on" through her baby son.
The former 'Hollyoaks' actress and husband Kian Egan welcomed second child Zekey into the world in May, on what would have been her beloved mum Eileen's birthday and she can see a huge likeness between the baby and her parent, who died of cancer in February.
Jodi - who gave birth via a planned caesarean section - said: "We couldn't believe he would be arriving on Mum's birthday. And he reminds us so much of her too - same hair, same eyes. It's like she's living on through baby Zekey...
"It breaks my heart that she'll never meet him, so the fact he was born on her birthday is extra special as it means she's a part of him."
Kian added: "And she always will be now. That's the incredible part about it, we'll tell him, 'You were born on the same day as your Nanny and she'd have loved you so much."
And the couple - who also have three-year-old son Koa together -are astonished by the physical resemblance between Zekey and his late grandmother.
Jodi said: "When Zekey came out we couldn't believe how much he looked like her. We both cried our eyes out as we couldn't believe what a miracle it was. I mean, Koa was blond and blue eyed."
Kian added: "When you have a fair child, you expect something similar for the next time. I look into his eyes sometimes and go, 'Alright Ei?' "
Jodi settled on her baby's name before he was born and though it was particularly "appropriate" when she learned the meaning behind the moniker.
She told OK! magazine: "When I first found out I was pregnant, I got obsessed with naming my next child something beginning with Z, so I came up with Zeke.
"When I looked it up, it was an abbreviation of the name Ezekiel, which means God will strengthen and that felt so right and so appropriate as I'd only just found out my mum was going to pass.
"It was like the name picked itself and everything slotted into place.
"We added a y at the end after two weeks to make it easier for people to pronounce."
Jodi Albert feels mother living on through baby son
Jodi Albert feels like her mother is "living on" through her baby son.
The former 'Hollyoaks' actress and husband Kian Egan welcomed second child Zekey into the world in May, on what would have been her beloved mum Eileen's birthday and she can see a huge likeness between the baby and her parent, who died of cancer in February.
Jodi - who gave birth via a planned caesarean section - said: "We couldn't believe he would be arriving on Mum's birthday. And he reminds us so much of her too - same hair, same eyes. It's like she's living on through baby Zekey...
"It breaks my heart that she'll never meet him, so the fact he was born on her birthday is extra special as it means she's a part of him."
Kian added: "And she always will be now. That's the incredible part about it, we'll tell him, 'You were born on the same day as your Nanny and she'd have loved you so much."
And the couple - who also have three-year-old son Koa together -are astonished by the physical resemblance between Zekey and his late grandmother.
Jodi said: "When Zekey came out we couldn't believe how much he looked like her. We both cried our eyes out as we couldn't believe what a miracle it was. I mean, Koa was blond and blue eyed."
Kian added: "When you have a fair child, you expect something similar for the next time. I look into his eyes sometimes and go, 'Alright Ei?' "
Jodi settled on her baby's name before he was born and though it was particularly "appropriate" when she learned the meaning behind the moniker.
She told OK! magazine: "When I first found out I was pregnant, I got obsessed with naming my next child something beginning with Z, so I came up with Zeke.
"When I looked it up, it was an abbreviation of the name Ezekiel, which means God will strengthen and that felt so right and so appropriate as I'd only just found out my mum was going to pass.
"It was like the name picked itself and everything slotted into place.
"We added a y at the end after two weeks to make it easier for people to pronounce."
TV
Keira Knightley almost skipped her premiere to watch the 'Great British Bake Off' final.
The 'Imitation Game' actress is a huge fan of the BBC baking contest and was horrified to learn of a date clash between the end of the series and her own red carpet event.
Discussing celebrity fans, show judge Paul Hollywood said: "Keira Knightley. When she found out her premiere was the same night as the 'Bake Off' final, she didn't want to go to her premiere."
The show is set to return for a new series on August 5, and Paul and fellow judge Mary Berry have found the competition to be of a higher standard than in previous years.
Paul said: "This year's been a real game changer. They've all been exceptionally good right from the start and very professional in the way they attack the food."
Mary added to OK! magazine: "The contestants are more adventurous. They've watched 'Bake Off' before and they've really searched the internet to find new flavours.
"They're amazing. They know what is expected of them and they're out to do their best."
Keira Knightley considered skipping premiere for Bake Off final
Keira Knightley almost skipped her premiere to watch the 'Great British Bake Off' final.
The 'Imitation Game' actress is a huge fan of the BBC baking contest and was horrified to learn of a date clash between the end of the series and her own red carpet event.
Discussing celebrity fans, show judge Paul Hollywood said: "Keira Knightley. When she found out her premiere was the same night as the 'Bake Off' final, she didn't want to go to her premiere."
The show is set to return for a new series on August 5, and Paul and fellow judge Mary Berry have found the competition to be of a higher standard than in previous years.
Paul said: "This year's been a real game changer. They've all been exceptionally good right from the start and very professional in the way they attack the food."
Mary added to OK! magazine: "The contestants are more adventurous. They've watched 'Bake Off' before and they've really searched the internet to find new flavours.
"They're amazing. They know what is expected of them and they're out to do their best."
TV
Nick Grimshaw wants Shaggy to be 'The X Factor's new voiceover artist.
The 30-year-old judge is hoping the 'It Wasn't Me' hitmaker will join the ITV singing competition for the upcoming series following the departure of booming TV announcer Peter Dickson, who has quit the show after 11 years.
He said: "I thought Shaggy could replace him, I thought that'd be nice don't you think?"
The BBC Radio 1 DJ isn't the only one who would like to see the 46-year-old singer come on board as fellow judge Rita Ora was also enthusiastic about the idea.
Speaking on ITV's 'Lorraine', she agreed: "Shaggy would be great!"
Meanwhile, Only The Young - who appeared on the show last year - have blasted their mentor and former judge Louis Walsh for failing to keep in touch with them after the competition came to an end.
Mikey Bromley said: "I tried to FaceTime him yesterday but he didn't reply. We've tried but he hasn't been in touch."
And they aren't the only band to have been shunned by the music manager, as fellow hopefuls Stereo Kicks recently slammed Louis by saying they "blame" him for their recent split as he didn't support them after they were eliminated from the 2014 series.
Lead singer James Graham said: "I'll be brutally honest - and the other boys might not want me to say this - but I blame Louis entirely.
"I think he didn't support us. I think he had his mind elsewhere, naming nothing, his other boyband ... I think he was concentrating on them. He didn't want another boyband to come through maybe. I dunno, that's just guessing. But he didn't give us what he could have given us."
Nick Grimshaw wants Shaggy to voice The X Factor
Nick Grimshaw wants Shaggy to be 'The X Factor's new voiceover artist.
The 30-year-old judge is hoping the 'It Wasn't Me' hitmaker will join the ITV singing competition for the upcoming series following the departure of booming TV announcer Peter Dickson, who has quit the show after 11 years.
He said: "I thought Shaggy could replace him, I thought that'd be nice don't you think?"
The BBC Radio 1 DJ isn't the only one who would like to see the 46-year-old singer come on board as fellow judge Rita Ora was also enthusiastic about the idea.
Speaking on ITV's 'Lorraine', she agreed: "Shaggy would be great!"
Meanwhile, Only The Young - who appeared on the show last year - have blasted their mentor and former judge Louis Walsh for failing to keep in touch with them after the competition came to an end.
Mikey Bromley said: "I tried to FaceTime him yesterday but he didn't reply. We've tried but he hasn't been in touch."
And they aren't the only band to have been shunned by the music manager, as fellow hopefuls Stereo Kicks recently slammed Louis by saying they "blame" him for their recent split as he didn't support them after they were eliminated from the 2014 series.
Lead singer James Graham said: "I'll be brutally honest - and the other boys might not want me to say this - but I blame Louis entirely.
"I think he didn't support us. I think he had his mind elsewhere, naming nothing, his other boyband ... I think he was concentrating on them. He didn't want another boyband to come through maybe. I dunno, that's just guessing. But he didn't give us what he could have given us."
TV
Jenson Button could be set to join Chris Evans on 'Top Gear'.
The Formula 1 driver has been tipped to join the BBC Radio 2 DJ on the new presenting line-up of the BBC motoring show after Jeremy Clarkson was sacked earlier this year for punching a producer, resulting in his colleagues Richard Hammond and James May stepping down as co-hosts.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "An announcement is imminent."
The 35-year-old star appeared on the popular show as a celebrity guest twice while Clarkson, May and Hammond hosted the show but he could now be set to join the show on a permanent basis.
Neither Button's spokesperson nor the BBC have denied that talks are in place although they've both refused to comment on "speculation".
Chris, 49, and Jenson are said to be good friends and the racing driver even appeared on his breakfast show in July 2013.
Meanwhile, he recently hinted that he could be set to retire from the sport in the near future.
He said: "I would be pretty happy if I retired now with my career in terms of achievements."
However, Button is not the only name being linked to a spot on the presenting team.
Jodie Kidd and Suzi Perry are both said to be in the running to become the first female presenter on the show while Guy Martin, Dermot O'Leary and Philip Glenister are also favourites to join Chris on the revamped show.
Jenson Button to join Chris Evans on Top Gear?
Jenson Button could be set to join Chris Evans on 'Top Gear'.
The Formula 1 driver has been tipped to join the BBC Radio 2 DJ on the new presenting line-up of the BBC motoring show after Jeremy Clarkson was sacked earlier this year for punching a producer, resulting in his colleagues Richard Hammond and James May stepping down as co-hosts.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "An announcement is imminent."
The 35-year-old star appeared on the popular show as a celebrity guest twice while Clarkson, May and Hammond hosted the show but he could now be set to join the show on a permanent basis.
Neither Button's spokesperson nor the BBC have denied that talks are in place although they've both refused to comment on "speculation".
Chris, 49, and Jenson are said to be good friends and the racing driver even appeared on his breakfast show in July 2013.
Meanwhile, he recently hinted that he could be set to retire from the sport in the near future.
He said: "I would be pretty happy if I retired now with my career in terms of achievements."
However, Button is not the only name being linked to a spot on the presenting team.
Jodie Kidd and Suzi Perry are both said to be in the running to become the first female presenter on the show while Guy Martin, Dermot O'Leary and Philip Glenister are also favourites to join Chris on the revamped show.