TV
TV
Peter Kay's 'Phoenix Nights' live shows raised over £5 million for Comic Relief.
The 41-year-old comedian has confirmed that with the help of his co-stars and fans of the TV show, which aired for two series from 2000 to 2001, the stage show version has managed to raise the whopping sum for the charity.
A statement on his Facebook page reads: "A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported Phoenix Nights Live:
"Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights which took over Manchester Arena last month has raised an astonishing £5,031,146.47 for Comic Relief, the most money raised by a live comedy show in the world.
"Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights live received rapturous applause from audiences and critics alike over 16 sold out shows selling a massive 196,000 tickets."
Kay reprised his role as working men's club owner Brian Potter alongside Paddy McGuinness as doorman Paddy and Dave Spikey as Jerry 'St. Clair' Dignan for free with all proceeds going to Comic Relief ahead of Red Nose Day tomorrow (13.03.15).
Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights live show raises over £5 million
Peter Kay's 'Phoenix Nights' live shows raised over £5 million for Comic Relief.
The 41-year-old comedian has confirmed that with the help of his co-stars and fans of the TV show, which aired for two series from 2000 to 2001, the stage show version has managed to raise the whopping sum for the charity.
A statement on his Facebook page reads: "A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported Phoenix Nights Live:
"Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights which took over Manchester Arena last month has raised an astonishing £5,031,146.47 for Comic Relief, the most money raised by a live comedy show in the world.
"Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights live received rapturous applause from audiences and critics alike over 16 sold out shows selling a massive 196,000 tickets."
Kay reprised his role as working men's club owner Brian Potter alongside Paddy McGuinness as doorman Paddy and Dave Spikey as Jerry 'St. Clair' Dignan for free with all proceeds going to Comic Relief ahead of Red Nose Day tomorrow (13.03.15).
TV
'Coronation Street' bosses will pay tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride by keeping her name plate on her dressing room door.
The actress - who passed away from breast cancer, aged 60, in January - will be immortalised in the ITV studios, despite the room now being occupied by her close friend Beverley Callard, who plays Liz McDonald in the soap.
Anne starred as Deirdre Barlow on the popular show for 42 years and is greatly missed by her cast mates who are keen to keep her legacy alive.
Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, told The Sun newspaper: "Anne is still there, she is still around us.
"Everytime we pass her dressing room we see her name and it has been decided that her name will stay there.
"Beverley has just moved into her dressing room with Anne's name on the door as well.
"They were close friends, the legacy is still there.
"Her name will be kept there, permanently."
'Coronation Street' bosses are also planning to erect another memorial in tribute to the late actress at the studios in Salford Quays, Manchester.
A spokesperson for the show said: "Nothing is set in stone as yet but it will be soon."
Deirdre was one of the show's longest-serving characters, having first appeared on the Weatherfield cobbles in 1972.
Coronation Street bosses pay tribute to Anne Kirkbride
'Coronation Street' bosses will pay tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride by keeping her name plate on her dressing room door.
The actress - who passed away from breast cancer, aged 60, in January - will be immortalised in the ITV studios, despite the room now being occupied by her close friend Beverley Callard, who plays Liz McDonald in the soap.
Anne starred as Deirdre Barlow on the popular show for 42 years and is greatly missed by her cast mates who are keen to keep her legacy alive.
Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, told The Sun newspaper: "Anne is still there, she is still around us.
"Everytime we pass her dressing room we see her name and it has been decided that her name will stay there.
"Beverley has just moved into her dressing room with Anne's name on the door as well.
"They were close friends, the legacy is still there.
"Her name will be kept there, permanently."
'Coronation Street' bosses are also planning to erect another memorial in tribute to the late actress at the studios in Salford Quays, Manchester.
A spokesperson for the show said: "Nothing is set in stone as yet but it will be soon."
Deirdre was one of the show's longest-serving characters, having first appeared on the Weatherfield cobbles in 1972.
TV
Jeremy Clarkson thinks he will be fired by the BBC "very soon".
The 'Top Gear' presenter was suspended by the broadcaster earlier this week after it was confirmed he'd been involved in a "fracas" with a producer and he's now confessed he thinks it's inevitable he will be permanently sacked from the show, which he hosts alongside Richard Hammond and James May.
He said: "Well, it's coming, isn't it?"
Asked if he's worried about getting fired, he told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Honestly, it's very soon. Let's just let sleeping dogs lie for the moment."
The 54-year-old star is reported to have punched producer Oisin Tymon, 36, over a "catering issue" and it's now emerged the problem arose when he told Tymon he fancied an 8oz sirloin steak with fondant potatoes, pan fried wild mushrooms, grilled cherry tomatoes and peppercorn sauce on upon arriving at his hotel after shooting for 'Top Gear'.
When Tymon told Clarkson the kitchen at the Simonstone Hall Hotel in Hawes, Yorkshire had already closed but offered him a platter of cold meats and cheeses instead he's said to have lashed out.
A local from the hotel, near where the show was filming on location, told The Sun newspaper: "The staff knew the BBC were arriving late so they organised meat and cheese platters. The chef had already gone home.
"Clarkson didn't like the idea of sandwiches and demanded a juicy steak. He wanted his own way.
"The producer was being blamed for not arranging hot food."
However, the witness went on to claim that Jeremy did not hit Tymon and revealed he was eventually provided with the steak he'd requested.
The insider added: "Clarkson didn't hit him - but he did use every possible swear word you can imagine. He had to be held back. The producer just stood there looking embarrassed.
"The general manager ended up cooking Clarkson's steak. He apologised the next morning."
Meanwhile, it's been revealed the incident was not reported to senior bosses at the BBC until five days later and 'Top Gear' employees are said to be shocked by how serious the issue has become.
An insider told the newspaper: "It does seem extraordinary that it has got to this stage ... Everyone gets on together pretty well at 'Top Gear'. I certainly wouldn't say Jeremy and Oisin had a bad relationship. I don't know where this has come from."
Jeremy Clarkson thinks he’ll be fired ‘very soon’
Jeremy Clarkson thinks he will be fired by the BBC "very soon".
The 'Top Gear' presenter was suspended by the broadcaster earlier this week after it was confirmed he'd been involved in a "fracas" with a producer and he's now confessed he thinks it's inevitable he will be permanently sacked from the show, which he hosts alongside Richard Hammond and James May.
He said: "Well, it's coming, isn't it?"
Asked if he's worried about getting fired, he told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Honestly, it's very soon. Let's just let sleeping dogs lie for the moment."
The 54-year-old star is reported to have punched producer Oisin Tymon, 36, over a "catering issue" and it's now emerged the problem arose when he told Tymon he fancied an 8oz sirloin steak with fondant potatoes, pan fried wild mushrooms, grilled cherry tomatoes and peppercorn sauce on upon arriving at his hotel after shooting for 'Top Gear'.
When Tymon told Clarkson the kitchen at the Simonstone Hall Hotel in Hawes, Yorkshire had already closed but offered him a platter of cold meats and cheeses instead he's said to have lashed out.
A local from the hotel, near where the show was filming on location, told The Sun newspaper: "The staff knew the BBC were arriving late so they organised meat and cheese platters. The chef had already gone home.
"Clarkson didn't like the idea of sandwiches and demanded a juicy steak. He wanted his own way.
"The producer was being blamed for not arranging hot food."
However, the witness went on to claim that Jeremy did not hit Tymon and revealed he was eventually provided with the steak he'd requested.
The insider added: "Clarkson didn't hit him - but he did use every possible swear word you can imagine. He had to be held back. The producer just stood there looking embarrassed.
"The general manager ended up cooking Clarkson's steak. He apologised the next morning."
Meanwhile, it's been revealed the incident was not reported to senior bosses at the BBC until five days later and 'Top Gear' employees are said to be shocked by how serious the issue has become.
An insider told the newspaper: "It does seem extraordinary that it has got to this stage ... Everyone gets on together pretty well at 'Top Gear'. I certainly wouldn't say Jeremy and Oisin had a bad relationship. I don't know where this has come from."
TV
Dan Osborne's father has branded his son's ex-girlfriend the "scum of the earth".
The 'Only Way Is Essex' star's father Jim has reportedly spoken out following his son's suspension from the ITVBe show after an audio recording of him threatening to stab his ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin - with whom he has 14-month-old son Teddy - emerged last month.
According to The Sun newspaper, he wrote on Facebook: "You [Dan] are worth a million of Megan and [her mother] Pam, the old dog is loading the bullets for the little munter to fire.
"Pure 100% scum of the earth. Tramp, great role model.
"Nasty, horrible little people who think they are clever trying to use violence on a good man, tut tut, you should be ashamed of yourself."
It is not the first time Dan's father has come to his defence, as soon after the tape emerged he insisted his son is far too "laid back" to be guilty of abusing or assaulting Megan.
He wrote on Twitter: "Despite what you may read in some newspapers, my son @DannyO is more laid back than a dentist chair and so chilled he sleeps standing up xxx (sic)."
Meanwhile, Dan, 23 - who welcomed daughter Ella with his 'EastEnders' actress girlfriend Jacqueline Jossa last month - released a statement last week claiming he was "ashamed and embarrassed" about his behaviour.
He said: "It has taken me a while to find the right words but I would like to say that I am truly sorry to anyone who was offended by what they heard ... While I acknowledge that there is absolutely no excuse for my deeply regrettable behaviour, I plead for some understanding that I had no intention of violence."
Dan Osborne’s dad brands son’s ex-girlfriend ‘scum’
Dan Osborne's father has branded his son's ex-girlfriend the "scum of the earth".
The 'Only Way Is Essex' star's father Jim has reportedly spoken out following his son's suspension from the ITVBe show after an audio recording of him threatening to stab his ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin - with whom he has 14-month-old son Teddy - emerged last month.
According to The Sun newspaper, he wrote on Facebook: "You [Dan] are worth a million of Megan and [her mother] Pam, the old dog is loading the bullets for the little munter to fire.
"Pure 100% scum of the earth. Tramp, great role model.
"Nasty, horrible little people who think they are clever trying to use violence on a good man, tut tut, you should be ashamed of yourself."
It is not the first time Dan's father has come to his defence, as soon after the tape emerged he insisted his son is far too "laid back" to be guilty of abusing or assaulting Megan.
He wrote on Twitter: "Despite what you may read in some newspapers, my son @DannyO is more laid back than a dentist chair and so chilled he sleeps standing up xxx (sic)."
Meanwhile, Dan, 23 - who welcomed daughter Ella with his 'EastEnders' actress girlfriend Jacqueline Jossa last month - released a statement last week claiming he was "ashamed and embarrassed" about his behaviour.
He said: "It has taken me a while to find the right words but I would like to say that I am truly sorry to anyone who was offended by what they heard ... While I acknowledge that there is absolutely no excuse for my deeply regrettable behaviour, I plead for some understanding that I had no intention of violence."
TV
Dean Gaffney enjoyed the "trappings of fame" too much.
The 37-year-old actor, who starred as Robbie Jackson on the BBC soap 'EastEnders' from 1993 to 2003, has had a number of flings down the years and after he was recently pictured with dancer Maddie Stephens, his 22-year relationship with Sarah Burge - the mother of his twin 18-year-old daughters, Charlotte and Chloe, has been left in the balance.
He admitted: "We are in a place where we don't know what the future holds. No one wants to see pictures of someone that's been in their life for so long with someone else. No one wants to be humiliated.
"When you meet someone when you're 14 or 15 you need to grow. You might need to grow together, or you might need to grow separately. At the moment we're growing."
Dean - who made one-off returns to 'EastEnders' in 2004 and 2010 - admits he used his celebrity status to meet women.
He recalled: "I was 15 when I joined EastEnders. You can't believe you're getting into clubs free - women, drink, whatever. My flaw might have been enjoying the life too much, enjoying the trappings of fame. And that might mean meeting women.
"I'm a red-blooded male. I make mistakes like every other human. And it's about learning from those mistakes. I wasn't proud at the time of the choices that I made. It's not acceptable to treat women in that way, especially when you have daughters."
Dean Gaffney fell victim to the ‘trappings of fame’
Dean Gaffney enjoyed the "trappings of fame" too much.
The 37-year-old actor, who starred as Robbie Jackson on the BBC soap 'EastEnders' from 1993 to 2003, has had a number of flings down the years and after he was recently pictured with dancer Maddie Stephens, his 22-year relationship with Sarah Burge - the mother of his twin 18-year-old daughters, Charlotte and Chloe, has been left in the balance.
He admitted: "We are in a place where we don't know what the future holds. No one wants to see pictures of someone that's been in their life for so long with someone else. No one wants to be humiliated.
"When you meet someone when you're 14 or 15 you need to grow. You might need to grow together, or you might need to grow separately. At the moment we're growing."
Dean - who made one-off returns to 'EastEnders' in 2004 and 2010 - admits he used his celebrity status to meet women.
He recalled: "I was 15 when I joined EastEnders. You can't believe you're getting into clubs free - women, drink, whatever. My flaw might have been enjoying the life too much, enjoying the trappings of fame. And that might mean meeting women.
"I'm a red-blooded male. I make mistakes like every other human. And it's about learning from those mistakes. I wasn't proud at the time of the choices that I made. It's not acceptable to treat women in that way, especially when you have daughters."
TV
Danny Dyer wants Hugh Bonneville to join 'EastEnders'.
The 37-year-old actor - who plays pub landlord Mick Carter in the BBC One soap - admitted he isn't keen on appearing in period drama 'Downton Abbey', but would like the Earl of Grantham actor, Hugh, to join 'EastEnders' because he would be "brilliant".
When asked if he'd appear on 'Downton Abbey', he told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Nah. I'm all about 'EastEnders'. I don't want to be on any other show because 'EastEnders' is the best.
"I don't think 'Downton' is ready for me, but I want to get Hugh a part in 'EastEnders'. I think he'd be brilliant. He's a good guy."
Although Hugh, 51, can't see himself leaving his popular ITV show any time soon, he admitted he has a mutual appreciation for Danny.
He said: "I'm a real fan of Danny - he's a good giggle."
However, a potential role in the show wouldn't be unusual for Hugh, who made a cameo appearance as a headmaster back in 1995.
Speaking about the potential for a return in 2013, he said: "I might go back.
"I am a jobbing actor and I will take whatever comes along, thank you very much. I would never say never.
"The actors who work in soaps are the hardest working actors. The amount of material they have to learn is phenomenal."
Danny Dyer wants Hugh Bonneville for EastEnders
Danny Dyer wants Hugh Bonneville to join 'EastEnders'.
The 37-year-old actor - who plays pub landlord Mick Carter in the BBC One soap - admitted he isn't keen on appearing in period drama 'Downton Abbey', but would like the Earl of Grantham actor, Hugh, to join 'EastEnders' because he would be "brilliant".
When asked if he'd appear on 'Downton Abbey', he told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Nah. I'm all about 'EastEnders'. I don't want to be on any other show because 'EastEnders' is the best.
"I don't think 'Downton' is ready for me, but I want to get Hugh a part in 'EastEnders'. I think he'd be brilliant. He's a good guy."
Although Hugh, 51, can't see himself leaving his popular ITV show any time soon, he admitted he has a mutual appreciation for Danny.
He said: "I'm a real fan of Danny - he's a good giggle."
However, a potential role in the show wouldn't be unusual for Hugh, who made a cameo appearance as a headmaster back in 1995.
Speaking about the potential for a return in 2013, he said: "I might go back.
"I am a jobbing actor and I will take whatever comes along, thank you very much. I would never say never.
"The actors who work in soaps are the hardest working actors. The amount of material they have to learn is phenomenal."
TV
Lee Ryan thinks Joey Essex fakes being stupid.
The Blue singer claims the former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star is nowhere near as unintelligent as he comes across on television and believes he's simply putting on an act for the sake of entertainment.
Speaking about him and his bandmates - Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Duncan James - being tricked by TV producers on their ITV2 show 'Blue Go Mad In Ibiza', he told BANG Showbiz: "I think if we did go into that show thinking we were going to come off trying to be cool [we'd have been upset] ... It's the entertainment game.
"You meet people like Joey Essex, he plays it so well. That guy's not stupid, he plays it like he's stupid because it's entertaining and people go, 'No, he is stupid'. And it's like, 'He isn't, he's far from it'."
The 31-year-old star - who appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2014 - went on to admit, however, that he thinks most people in the entertainment industry take themselves too seriously these days.
He explained: "At the end of the day we're in the entertainment industry and the one thing that I think sometimes has been a bit lost from this industry from when we first started out is that some people really don't want to let their guard down and don't want to play the fool."
Blue's new album 'Colours' is available now.
Lee Ryan thinks Joey Essex fakes being dumb
Lee Ryan thinks Joey Essex fakes being stupid.
The Blue singer claims the former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star is nowhere near as unintelligent as he comes across on television and believes he's simply putting on an act for the sake of entertainment.
Speaking about him and his bandmates - Simon Webbe, Antony Costa and Duncan James - being tricked by TV producers on their ITV2 show 'Blue Go Mad In Ibiza', he told BANG Showbiz: "I think if we did go into that show thinking we were going to come off trying to be cool [we'd have been upset] ... It's the entertainment game.
"You meet people like Joey Essex, he plays it so well. That guy's not stupid, he plays it like he's stupid because it's entertaining and people go, 'No, he is stupid'. And it's like, 'He isn't, he's far from it'."
The 31-year-old star - who appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2014 - went on to admit, however, that he thinks most people in the entertainment industry take themselves too seriously these days.
He explained: "At the end of the day we're in the entertainment industry and the one thing that I think sometimes has been a bit lost from this industry from when we first started out is that some people really don't want to let their guard down and don't want to play the fool."
Blue's new album 'Colours' is available now.
TV
Michelle Keegan wants her and Mark Wright to be like Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
The former 'Coronation Street' actress insists she and her fiance have no plans to work together but would never rule it out.
She said: "I want to be Ruth and Eamonn. We'd never say no to working together, but I like us doing separate things, so we can get home and crash on the sofa and talk about our day."
The couple are planning their wedding this summer and love watching bridal show 'Don't Tell The Bride' - where the groom plans the entire day in secret - but Michelle insists they don't disagree like some of the couples on the show.
She said: "The plans are coming together, we're both really excited.
"I love 'Don't Tell The Bride', so we watch that and laugh about it - but we like the same things, so we haven't had any fallings-out over anything."
The 27-year-old actress enjoys going to glamorous events with Mark, but they both prefer a night in at home.
She told heat magazine: "We're both so busy that when we get home, we just like to chill out.
"I'll make him fajitas or meatballs, and he always offers to rehearse my lines with me.
"It's fun getting dressed up for parties, but nothing beats a night on the sofa."
Michelle Keegan wants to work with Mark Wright
Michelle Keegan wants her and Mark Wright to be like Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.
The former 'Coronation Street' actress insists she and her fiance have no plans to work together but would never rule it out.
She said: "I want to be Ruth and Eamonn. We'd never say no to working together, but I like us doing separate things, so we can get home and crash on the sofa and talk about our day."
The couple are planning their wedding this summer and love watching bridal show 'Don't Tell The Bride' - where the groom plans the entire day in secret - but Michelle insists they don't disagree like some of the couples on the show.
She said: "The plans are coming together, we're both really excited.
"I love 'Don't Tell The Bride', so we watch that and laugh about it - but we like the same things, so we haven't had any fallings-out over anything."
The 27-year-old actress enjoys going to glamorous events with Mark, but they both prefer a night in at home.
She told heat magazine: "We're both so busy that when we get home, we just like to chill out.
"I'll make him fajitas or meatballs, and he always offers to rehearse my lines with me.
"It's fun getting dressed up for parties, but nothing beats a night on the sofa."
TV
James May doesn't think Jeremy Clarkson's suspension is "that serious".
The 'Top Gear' presenter, whose colleague has been suspended from the BBC show by after it was reported he'd punched a producer for failing to provide food on a shoot, has confirmed the incident occurred because of an argument over catering but confessed he doesn't think Jeremy will be permanently sacked.
Admitting he wasn't there when the "fracas" took place, he told BBC News: "I think he's been involved in a bit of a dust-up and I don't think it's that serious."
The BBC has confirmed they've launched an investigation into the altercation between Jeremy and a producer named by the Daily Mirror newspaper as Oisin Tymon.
They've also decided to cancel the broadcasting of the next two episodes of 'Top Gear' and may axe the rest of the series altogether.
James added: "I don't think there's anything more to say about Jeremy that isn't already in the statement."
Perry McCarthy - who previously appeared on the show as the anonymous driver Stig - also jumped to his former colleague's defence, claiming there's been a "complete over-reaction" by people "looking to be offended".
Meanwhile, 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Katie Hopkins has revealed she is also hoping for Jeremy to return, claiming he's the only reason she pays the licence fee which funds BBC programming.
Writing on Twitter after the news of his suspension broke, Katie said: "Clarkson suspended by BBC. I don't care what he said. Clarkson all the way. #TopGear #topbloke
"@JeremyClarkson v @BBC Without him, the licence fee makes no sense whatsoever. Enough left lunacy. Get the man back on #topbloke #TopGear (sic).
James May: Jeremy Clarkson suspension not ‘that serious’
James May doesn't think Jeremy Clarkson's suspension is "that serious".
The 'Top Gear' presenter, whose colleague has been suspended from the BBC show by after it was reported he'd punched a producer for failing to provide food on a shoot, has confirmed the incident occurred because of an argument over catering but confessed he doesn't think Jeremy will be permanently sacked.
Admitting he wasn't there when the "fracas" took place, he told BBC News: "I think he's been involved in a bit of a dust-up and I don't think it's that serious."
The BBC has confirmed they've launched an investigation into the altercation between Jeremy and a producer named by the Daily Mirror newspaper as Oisin Tymon.
They've also decided to cancel the broadcasting of the next two episodes of 'Top Gear' and may axe the rest of the series altogether.
James added: "I don't think there's anything more to say about Jeremy that isn't already in the statement."
Perry McCarthy - who previously appeared on the show as the anonymous driver Stig - also jumped to his former colleague's defence, claiming there's been a "complete over-reaction" by people "looking to be offended".
Meanwhile, 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Katie Hopkins has revealed she is also hoping for Jeremy to return, claiming he's the only reason she pays the licence fee which funds BBC programming.
Writing on Twitter after the news of his suspension broke, Katie said: "Clarkson suspended by BBC. I don't care what he said. Clarkson all the way. #TopGear #topbloke
"@JeremyClarkson v @BBC Without him, the licence fee makes no sense whatsoever. Enough left lunacy. Get the man back on #topbloke #TopGear (sic).