TV
TV
Sarah Lancashire has praised the TV industry for creating more roles for actresses aged over 35.
The 50-year-old star - who won a Best Drama Series award at the BAFTAs on Sunday (10.05.15) for the BBC drama 'Happy Valley' - said it's "brilliant" TV shows are involving older women and observed that "female-led" plotlines are popular at the moment.
Sarah said: "It's a strong time for female-led stories, so fortunately what's happening is that we are all crawling out of the woodwork and taking these fantastic leading roles.
"It's brilliant and it really is about time. The good thing is that it's women of a certain age, so it's very exciting.
"I'm absolutely certain that audiences want to see older women on their TVs. I suppose at the role of women in life evolves, the drama has to evolve with it. Maybe that's what we're seeing now."
However, the 'Last Tango in Halifax' star still thinks there's progress that needs to be made on the issue of diversity.
Sarah told The Sun newspaper: "The roles do get fewer as you get older. That's the same for all professions, there's fewer roles for people later in life.
"I don't think it should be like that because as long as you are able to do your job then people should keep working with you. It shouldn't come down to age."
Sarah Lancashire: It’s brilliant older actresses are getting roles
Sarah Lancashire has praised the TV industry for creating more roles for actresses aged over 35.
The 50-year-old star - who won a Best Drama Series award at the BAFTAs on Sunday (10.05.15) for the BBC drama 'Happy Valley' - said it's "brilliant" TV shows are involving older women and observed that "female-led" plotlines are popular at the moment.
Sarah said: "It's a strong time for female-led stories, so fortunately what's happening is that we are all crawling out of the woodwork and taking these fantastic leading roles.
"It's brilliant and it really is about time. The good thing is that it's women of a certain age, so it's very exciting.
"I'm absolutely certain that audiences want to see older women on their TVs. I suppose at the role of women in life evolves, the drama has to evolve with it. Maybe that's what we're seeing now."
However, the 'Last Tango in Halifax' star still thinks there's progress that needs to be made on the issue of diversity.
Sarah told The Sun newspaper: "The roles do get fewer as you get older. That's the same for all professions, there's fewer roles for people later in life.
"I don't think it should be like that because as long as you are able to do your job then people should keep working with you. It shouldn't come down to age."
TV
Jessica Raine will star in 'Jericho'.
The 31-year-old actress will act alongside Hans Matheson and Clarke Peters in the new eight-part ITV series set in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1870s.
Written by 'Sherlock''s Steve Thompson, 'Jericho' follows a community of pioneers, settlers and outcasts, many of whom have secrets to hide.
Jessica - who has previously been seen in 'Call The Midwife' - will play the central role of Annie Quaintain, a woman who is left shattered by her husband's death and penniless from his gambling. Kicked out of her home and shunned by her former friends, she leaves for Jericho with her two teenage children in a bid to rebuild their lives.
Annie meets railway agent Ralph Coates - played by Clarke - who offers her a helping hand, leading the widow to open a boarding house for navvy labourers in Jericho. However, he also has a past that he's trying to run away from.
Executive Producer Kate Bartlett said: "We're delighted to be embarking on the production of 'Jericho', an epic character driven drama set in the visually striking landscape of a frontier community.
"We're also thrilled that we have a wonderful cast with Jessica Raine, Hans Matheson and Clarke Peters in the leading roles."
Mark Addy, Lorraine Ashbourne and Amy James-Kelly will also appear in the programme, which will go into production later this month in North Yorkshire.
Jessica Raine to star in Jericho
Jessica Raine will star in 'Jericho'.
The 31-year-old actress will act alongside Hans Matheson and Clarke Peters in the new eight-part ITV series set in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1870s.
Written by 'Sherlock''s Steve Thompson, 'Jericho' follows a community of pioneers, settlers and outcasts, many of whom have secrets to hide.
Jessica - who has previously been seen in 'Call The Midwife' - will play the central role of Annie Quaintain, a woman who is left shattered by her husband's death and penniless from his gambling. Kicked out of her home and shunned by her former friends, she leaves for Jericho with her two teenage children in a bid to rebuild their lives.
Annie meets railway agent Ralph Coates - played by Clarke - who offers her a helping hand, leading the widow to open a boarding house for navvy labourers in Jericho. However, he also has a past that he's trying to run away from.
Executive Producer Kate Bartlett said: "We're delighted to be embarking on the production of 'Jericho', an epic character driven drama set in the visually striking landscape of a frontier community.
"We're also thrilled that we have a wonderful cast with Jessica Raine, Hans Matheson and Clarke Peters in the leading roles."
Mark Addy, Lorraine Ashbourne and Amy James-Kelly will also appear in the programme, which will go into production later this month in North Yorkshire.
TV
Aidan Turner is too "fat" and "hairy" to pose shirtless now.
The 31-year-old actor earned a legion of female fans after showing off his six-pack and chest for his lead role in 'Poldark', but he claims he's let himself go since filming wrapped on the first series of the period drama.
Aidan said: "I'm way too hairy. I think keeping my top on these days is probably a good idea. Plus I'm nothing like the shape I was.
"It's quite hard to get into that sort of shape, people are just, 'Hey, where's your six-pack?' I'm like, 'I'm fat now, what are you talking about?' "
While 'Poldark' got seven million views per episode, the BBC drama seemed to be more popular for Aidan's body rather than the storyline.
However, Aidan doesn't mind attracting a big fan base for being a sex symbol because it's all just a bit of "fun" to him.
Speaking to ShortList magazine, Aidan said: "It's all part of it. People are enjoying the show. The one thing I was concerned about was that it might become distracting. So, early on, when that scything scene happened, people were saying before they'd even seen the show that it's the next bodice-ripper.
"My fear was that they'd forget about the drama and (writer) Winston (Graham)'s great show and focus on silly things. But it's entertainment at the end of the day. We don't take ourselves that seriously. It's all fun."
Aidan Turner: I’m too fat and hairy to go topless
Aidan Turner is too "fat" and "hairy" to pose shirtless now.
The 31-year-old actor earned a legion of female fans after showing off his six-pack and chest for his lead role in 'Poldark', but he claims he's let himself go since filming wrapped on the first series of the period drama.
Aidan said: "I'm way too hairy. I think keeping my top on these days is probably a good idea. Plus I'm nothing like the shape I was.
"It's quite hard to get into that sort of shape, people are just, 'Hey, where's your six-pack?' I'm like, 'I'm fat now, what are you talking about?' "
While 'Poldark' got seven million views per episode, the BBC drama seemed to be more popular for Aidan's body rather than the storyline.
However, Aidan doesn't mind attracting a big fan base for being a sex symbol because it's all just a bit of "fun" to him.
Speaking to ShortList magazine, Aidan said: "It's all part of it. People are enjoying the show. The one thing I was concerned about was that it might become distracting. So, early on, when that scything scene happened, people were saying before they'd even seen the show that it's the next bodice-ripper.
"My fear was that they'd forget about the drama and (writer) Winston (Graham)'s great show and focus on silly things. But it's entertainment at the end of the day. We don't take ourselves that seriously. It's all fun."
TV
'Coronation Street' star Simon Gregson is expecting a baby with his wife Emma Gleave.
The 40-year-old actor, who plays the part of Steve McDonald in the ITV soap, confirmed the news on Twitter by posting a picture of himself holding a beer stood alongside his wife with the word 'baby' appearing on her stomach.
Simon captioned the image: "After a stressful few months....myself and @emmagleave are excited to announce..... (sic)"
The duo, who tied the knot in 2010, already have two children together - seven-year-old Alfie and five-year-old Harry.
Brooke Vincent, who stars as Sophie Webster on the show, was among the first to extend her congratulations to her co-star and his wife.
She tweeted: "I'll drink for you Em don't worry!! (sic)"
Beverley Callard, who stars as Simon's character's on-screen mother Liz McDonald on the soap, wrote: "Oh so thrilled.'
Meanwhile, Samia Ghadie - who plays Maria Connor on 'Coronation Street' and is currently pregnant with her first child with boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon's - also congratulated her co-star.
She wrote: "aw brilliant!! So happy for u monkeys! #babyboom xxx. (sic)"
Simon made his first 'Coronation Street' appearance in 1989 and is among the longest-serving members of the current cast.
Simon Gregson announces he’s expecting a baby
'Coronation Street' star Simon Gregson is expecting a baby with his wife Emma Gleave.
The 40-year-old actor, who plays the part of Steve McDonald in the ITV soap, confirmed the news on Twitter by posting a picture of himself holding a beer stood alongside his wife with the word 'baby' appearing on her stomach.
Simon captioned the image: "After a stressful few months....myself and @emmagleave are excited to announce..... (sic)"
The duo, who tied the knot in 2010, already have two children together - seven-year-old Alfie and five-year-old Harry.
Brooke Vincent, who stars as Sophie Webster on the show, was among the first to extend her congratulations to her co-star and his wife.
She tweeted: "I'll drink for you Em don't worry!! (sic)"
Beverley Callard, who stars as Simon's character's on-screen mother Liz McDonald on the soap, wrote: "Oh so thrilled.'
Meanwhile, Samia Ghadie - who plays Maria Connor on 'Coronation Street' and is currently pregnant with her first child with boyfriend Sylvain Longchambon's - also congratulated her co-star.
She wrote: "aw brilliant!! So happy for u monkeys! #babyboom xxx. (sic)"
Simon made his first 'Coronation Street' appearance in 1989 and is among the longest-serving members of the current cast.
TV
Simon Cowell reportedly wants Kate Moss to appear on the next series of 'The X Factor'.
The 55-year-old music mogul has approached radio DJ Nick Grimshaw - a friend of the British model - to apply "gentle pressure" so she accepts a role at the judges' houses phase of the ITV talent show.
A source shared: "Although it's unlikely she would ever become a judge, Kate may help Grimmy choose final contestants at the judges houses.
"Kate is a huge fan of 'The X Factor'.
"Simon has asked Grimmy to put gentle pressure on her to take part."
Simon is said to have wanted Kate to appear on the show after seeing her excel on the Channel 4 observational documentary 'Gogglebox'.
The source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Simon knows Kate would never reveal the 'mystery' that makes up Moss by talking much on telly.
"But the chemistry between Grimmy and Kate could be a magic."
Meanwhile, it was revealed recently that Simon convinced Olly Murs to take up the presenting spot on 'The X Factor' over a curry.
The 'Troublemaker' singer - who will replace Dermot O'Leary in fronting the show alongside Caroline Flack - shared: "He asked if I wanted a curry and I said I love curry.
"So I go round to his house and he has all these amazing curries that have been home-made in his kitchens.
"There was a spicy chicken curry and a milder one, and all these dishes of chutneys and poppadoms and naan bread, a proper feast. And then at his end of the table there was this huge bowl of shepherd's pie.
"He said, 'I decided I didn't want curry in the end, so I'm having shepherd's pie. But I know you wanted curry'.
"So all these dishes were just for me and he had this minced beef!
"I had to work my way through all these different curries on my own and we had a good chat about the show."
Kate Moss to join The X Factor?
Simon Cowell reportedly wants Kate Moss to appear on the next series of 'The X Factor'.
The 55-year-old music mogul has approached radio DJ Nick Grimshaw - a friend of the British model - to apply "gentle pressure" so she accepts a role at the judges' houses phase of the ITV talent show.
A source shared: "Although it's unlikely she would ever become a judge, Kate may help Grimmy choose final contestants at the judges houses.
"Kate is a huge fan of 'The X Factor'.
"Simon has asked Grimmy to put gentle pressure on her to take part."
Simon is said to have wanted Kate to appear on the show after seeing her excel on the Channel 4 observational documentary 'Gogglebox'.
The source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Simon knows Kate would never reveal the 'mystery' that makes up Moss by talking much on telly.
"But the chemistry between Grimmy and Kate could be a magic."
Meanwhile, it was revealed recently that Simon convinced Olly Murs to take up the presenting spot on 'The X Factor' over a curry.
The 'Troublemaker' singer - who will replace Dermot O'Leary in fronting the show alongside Caroline Flack - shared: "He asked if I wanted a curry and I said I love curry.
"So I go round to his house and he has all these amazing curries that have been home-made in his kitchens.
"There was a spicy chicken curry and a milder one, and all these dishes of chutneys and poppadoms and naan bread, a proper feast. And then at his end of the table there was this huge bowl of shepherd's pie.
"He said, 'I decided I didn't want curry in the end, so I'm having shepherd's pie. But I know you wanted curry'.
"So all these dishes were just for me and he had this minced beef!
"I had to work my way through all these different curries on my own and we had a good chat about the show."
TV
'Coronation Street' bosses have planned a "heartbreaking" exit for Anne Kirkbride's character Deirdre Barlow.
The actress died in January, aged 60, after losing her battle with cancer and it's been revealed her character's 42-year association with the soap will conclude when Ken Barlow - played by Bill Roache - throws a surprise party for her, only to be told by Bev Unwin - played by Susie Blake - that Deirdre suffered a suspected brain aneurysm and died "peacefully" in her garden.
A show source said: "Filming this was emotional for everyone involved. Tracy (Barlow) just breaks down and howls as Steve (McDonald) comforts her, and Ken sits there in stunned silence.
"The scenes will be absolutely heartbreaking to watch."
Before filming, 'Coronation Street' bosses checked with Anne's husband David Beckett that he was happy with the storyline they'd written for the soap star's exit.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Bosses devoted a lot of time and effort to ensuring Deirdre's death was both sensitively explained and befitting a Corrie legend.
"They discussed the scenes with Anne's husband David to make sure he was happy with their plans - and he approved of them."
Coronation Street bosses plan ‘heartbreaking’ Deirdre Barlow exit
'Coronation Street' bosses have planned a "heartbreaking" exit for Anne Kirkbride's character Deirdre Barlow.
The actress died in January, aged 60, after losing her battle with cancer and it's been revealed her character's 42-year association with the soap will conclude when Ken Barlow - played by Bill Roache - throws a surprise party for her, only to be told by Bev Unwin - played by Susie Blake - that Deirdre suffered a suspected brain aneurysm and died "peacefully" in her garden.
A show source said: "Filming this was emotional for everyone involved. Tracy (Barlow) just breaks down and howls as Steve (McDonald) comforts her, and Ken sits there in stunned silence.
"The scenes will be absolutely heartbreaking to watch."
Before filming, 'Coronation Street' bosses checked with Anne's husband David Beckett that he was happy with the storyline they'd written for the soap star's exit.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Bosses devoted a lot of time and effort to ensuring Deirdre's death was both sensitively explained and befitting a Corrie legend.
"They discussed the scenes with Anne's husband David to make sure he was happy with their plans - and he approved of them."
TV
Louis Walsh wants to star on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The 62-year-old music manager - who's reportedly been dropped from the judging panel of rival reality TV show 'The X Factor' - has revealed that although he has no dancing skills, he'd love to follow in the footsteps of Caroline Flack by appearing on the BBC show.
Louis said: "I can't dance at all, that's why it'll [Strictly] be so good. I'd like to be partnered with Ola.
"I was in touch with Caroline when she was sacked and she took a big chance when she went on Strictly."
Meanwhile, Louis also denied suggestions he'd been "sacked" from 'The X Factor' by music mogul Simon Cowell and admitted he'd be open to a return.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The truth is I've done it for 11 years, I never thought I would even be on TV for four or five. To get 10 was great, to get 11 was amazing, I'm not hanging around for them this year.
"I haven't been sacked, I can honestly tell you that, but I'm not hanging around for them this year because I want to go back to being a manager. I'm basically going back to my roots, which is the reason I got into this business - music. I love music.
"But I wasn't sacked, I haven't been hired and I'm not hanging around."
Louis Walsh wants to do Strictly Come Dancing
Louis Walsh wants to star on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The 62-year-old music manager - who's reportedly been dropped from the judging panel of rival reality TV show 'The X Factor' - has revealed that although he has no dancing skills, he'd love to follow in the footsteps of Caroline Flack by appearing on the BBC show.
Louis said: "I can't dance at all, that's why it'll [Strictly] be so good. I'd like to be partnered with Ola.
"I was in touch with Caroline when she was sacked and she took a big chance when she went on Strictly."
Meanwhile, Louis also denied suggestions he'd been "sacked" from 'The X Factor' by music mogul Simon Cowell and admitted he'd be open to a return.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The truth is I've done it for 11 years, I never thought I would even be on TV for four or five. To get 10 was great, to get 11 was amazing, I'm not hanging around for them this year.
"I haven't been sacked, I can honestly tell you that, but I'm not hanging around for them this year because I want to go back to being a manager. I'm basically going back to my roots, which is the reason I got into this business - music. I love music.
"But I wasn't sacked, I haven't been hired and I'm not hanging around."
TV
Claudia Winkleman has described the incident in which her daughter's Halloween costume caught alight as "life changing".
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' presenter has recalled the dramatic accident last year that saw her eight-year-old daughter, Matilda, suffer serious burns when her witch's costume brushed against a candle at a house in London.
The 43-year-old star said: "I was talking to somebody and then I heard her shout and she was on fire, it feels like she was on fire for hours.
"I live in a square (in West London) where all the kids dress up and we go round the square trick-or-treating.
"It was like horrific birthday candles you blow out and they come back, it was really, really fast, not fire like I'd seen.
Matilda has undergone several operations since the accident, but Claudia insisted it's something her family can move on from.
Claudia - who has called for tougher fire safety laws on fancy dress outfits - told BBC's 'Watchdog: "It's life changing, but not life defining. It was definitely life changing for me. I can't remember life before it ... I wish I had been dressed as the witch is mainly all I wish, that it happened to me.
"I would like parents on Halloween just to think about what they're going to put their kids in because I didn't, and it cost us."
Claudia Winkleman reveals ‘life changing’ fire horror
Claudia Winkleman has described the incident in which her daughter's Halloween costume caught alight as "life changing".
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' presenter has recalled the dramatic accident last year that saw her eight-year-old daughter, Matilda, suffer serious burns when her witch's costume brushed against a candle at a house in London.
The 43-year-old star said: "I was talking to somebody and then I heard her shout and she was on fire, it feels like she was on fire for hours.
"I live in a square (in West London) where all the kids dress up and we go round the square trick-or-treating.
"It was like horrific birthday candles you blow out and they come back, it was really, really fast, not fire like I'd seen.
Matilda has undergone several operations since the accident, but Claudia insisted it's something her family can move on from.
Claudia - who has called for tougher fire safety laws on fancy dress outfits - told BBC's 'Watchdog: "It's life changing, but not life defining. It was definitely life changing for me. I can't remember life before it ... I wish I had been dressed as the witch is mainly all I wish, that it happened to me.
"I would like parents on Halloween just to think about what they're going to put their kids in because I didn't, and it cost us."
TV
The cast of 'Made in Chelsea' are set to film a spin-off show in Los Angeles.
The Chelsea socialites featured in 'Made in Chelsea NYC' last summer which saw them spend time together in the Big Apple, and the stars of the show are now set to make a similar series which will follow their lives as they relocate to Beverly Hills.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "The gang will fit in brilliantly in Beverly Hills. The designer stores of Rodeo Drive are likely to take a battering.
"Beverly Hills also has some of the best restaurants, fanciest bars and swishest clubs in the world. Then there are the beaches.
"If you thought Made In Chelsea was glamorous already, just wait until they hit LA."
Cast members including Stephanie Pratt, Binky Felstead, Louise Watson and Jamie Laing all took part in the New York series, with Louise Thompson even finding love, meeting Manhattan-born Alik Alfus who has since moved to London and is now a regular on the E4 series.
The move could also mark a return for previous 'Made in Chelsea' star Gabriella Ellis who now lives in Los Angeles, and who made a cameo when the socialites visited New York.
E4 will celebrate 100 episodes of 'Made in Chelsea' on 15 June, with the ninth series currently airing.
Made in Chelsea Los Angeles spin-off planned
The cast of 'Made in Chelsea' are set to film a spin-off show in Los Angeles.
The Chelsea socialites featured in 'Made in Chelsea NYC' last summer which saw them spend time together in the Big Apple, and the stars of the show are now set to make a similar series which will follow their lives as they relocate to Beverly Hills.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "The gang will fit in brilliantly in Beverly Hills. The designer stores of Rodeo Drive are likely to take a battering.
"Beverly Hills also has some of the best restaurants, fanciest bars and swishest clubs in the world. Then there are the beaches.
"If you thought Made In Chelsea was glamorous already, just wait until they hit LA."
Cast members including Stephanie Pratt, Binky Felstead, Louise Watson and Jamie Laing all took part in the New York series, with Louise Thompson even finding love, meeting Manhattan-born Alik Alfus who has since moved to London and is now a regular on the E4 series.
The move could also mark a return for previous 'Made in Chelsea' star Gabriella Ellis who now lives in Los Angeles, and who made a cameo when the socialites visited New York.
E4 will celebrate 100 episodes of 'Made in Chelsea' on 15 June, with the ninth series currently airing.