TV
TV
Anne Kirkbride was planning her 'Coronation Street' comeback just three days before she died.
The late actress, who played Deirdre Barlow on the ITV soap for over 40 years, sadly passed away on Monday (19.01.15) after taking three months off work and producer Stuart Blackburn has now revealed how she spoke of making her return when he talked to her last Friday (16.01.15), before her condition deteriorated.
Stuart told The Sun newspaper: "She seemed so happy and she was talking about and really excited about coming back to work. She's so missed already."
Anne's close friend and on-screen husband William Roache (Ken Barlow) spoke earlier this week about going to hospital to see her on the day she died.
He said: "We were expecting her back [on Corrie] in a month or so, until suddenly last Friday we got the call that things were much, much worse."
The 82-year-old actor - who paid tribute to Anne, who's believed to have died battling breast cancer, at the National Television Awards on Wednesday (21.01.14) - says she looked "beautiful" on his last visit.
He added: "I was warned she had lost a lot of weight but she looked like a 16-year-old child. She looked beautiful."
Anne's family revealed yesterday (22.01.15) that her private funeral will take place next week.
Anne Kirkbride was planning Coronation Street comeback
Anne Kirkbride was planning her 'Coronation Street' comeback just three days before she died.
The late actress, who played Deirdre Barlow on the ITV soap for over 40 years, sadly passed away on Monday (19.01.15) after taking three months off work and producer Stuart Blackburn has now revealed how she spoke of making her return when he talked to her last Friday (16.01.15), before her condition deteriorated.
Stuart told The Sun newspaper: "She seemed so happy and she was talking about and really excited about coming back to work. She's so missed already."
Anne's close friend and on-screen husband William Roache (Ken Barlow) spoke earlier this week about going to hospital to see her on the day she died.
He said: "We were expecting her back [on Corrie] in a month or so, until suddenly last Friday we got the call that things were much, much worse."
The 82-year-old actor - who paid tribute to Anne, who's believed to have died battling breast cancer, at the National Television Awards on Wednesday (21.01.14) - says she looked "beautiful" on his last visit.
He added: "I was warned she had lost a lot of weight but she looked like a 16-year-old child. She looked beautiful."
Anne's family revealed yesterday (22.01.15) that her private funeral will take place next week.
TV
Marnie Simpson admits being on 'Geordie Shore' is harder now she has a boyfriend.
The 23-year-old star has confessed she found filming for the upcoming series of the MTV reality show more difficult than previous ones because she had to be away from boyfriend Dan Slone.
She shared: "Obviously this one's a bit different as I've got a boyfriend in this one and I introduce him so it's been very hard."
The reality TV star - who has previously had flings with co-stars Scott 'Scotty T' Timlin, Gary 'Gaz' Beadle and Aaron Chalmers - also hinted she may have been unfaithful to Dan while living in the 'Geordie Shore' house.
Speaking at the National Television Awards, she said: "You'll have to wait and see. I do let myself down a little bit but my boyfriend is quite laid back so he understands my history with some of the boys in the house."
However, Marnie has since claimed she's "single" after being spotted kissing 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Ricky Rayment at an NTA after party.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Ricky and I kissed goodbye leaving a party in London. I'm single and kissed a boy goodbye. Big deal!"
Marnie Simpson: Geordie Shore harder with boyfriend
Marnie Simpson admits being on 'Geordie Shore' is harder now she has a boyfriend.
The 23-year-old star has confessed she found filming for the upcoming series of the MTV reality show more difficult than previous ones because she had to be away from boyfriend Dan Slone.
She shared: "Obviously this one's a bit different as I've got a boyfriend in this one and I introduce him so it's been very hard."
The reality TV star - who has previously had flings with co-stars Scott 'Scotty T' Timlin, Gary 'Gaz' Beadle and Aaron Chalmers - also hinted she may have been unfaithful to Dan while living in the 'Geordie Shore' house.
Speaking at the National Television Awards, she said: "You'll have to wait and see. I do let myself down a little bit but my boyfriend is quite laid back so he understands my history with some of the boys in the house."
However, Marnie has since claimed she's "single" after being spotted kissing 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Ricky Rayment at an NTA after party.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Ricky and I kissed goodbye leaving a party in London. I'm single and kissed a boy goodbye. Big deal!"
TV
Barbara Windsor and Pam St. Clement have joined 'EastEnders: Back to Ours'.
The legendary actresses, who played love rivals Peggy Mitchell and Pat Butcher on the BBC One soap, will join each other on the sofa as they take a walk down memory lane for the new online series.
Barbara said: "I had such great fun filming this with Pam. At times we completely forgot we were being filmed and we got terribly carried away, in fact we got quite outrageous! It was such a lovely afternoon, we giggled for hours in fact we didn't want it to finish."
The show will give fans and stars a chance to look back at some of the most memorable storylines in 'EastEnders' history while stars from past and present share their memories and behind the scenes stories in celebration of it's 30th anniversary.
While Barbara is set to return to Albert Square for one episode during the special anniversary week next month, Pam - who returned as Pat during Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) flashback for a Comic Relief sketch earlier this year - will be looking on from the side-lines as her character passed away in 2012 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
She said of the project: "What fun - not only catching up with Babs but being surrounded by friends and crew from the 'EastEnders' production team - it was like coming home!"
Other characters confirmed to take part in 'Back to Ours' include Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) and Laurie Brett (Jane Beale) and Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) and Jessie Wallace (Kat Moon).
The series is set to launch on BBC iPlayer on January 27.
Barbara Windsor and Pam St. Clement for EastEnders: Back to Ours
Barbara Windsor and Pam St. Clement have joined 'EastEnders: Back to Ours'.
The legendary actresses, who played love rivals Peggy Mitchell and Pat Butcher on the BBC One soap, will join each other on the sofa as they take a walk down memory lane for the new online series.
Barbara said: "I had such great fun filming this with Pam. At times we completely forgot we were being filmed and we got terribly carried away, in fact we got quite outrageous! It was such a lovely afternoon, we giggled for hours in fact we didn't want it to finish."
The show will give fans and stars a chance to look back at some of the most memorable storylines in 'EastEnders' history while stars from past and present share their memories and behind the scenes stories in celebration of it's 30th anniversary.
While Barbara is set to return to Albert Square for one episode during the special anniversary week next month, Pam - who returned as Pat during Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) flashback for a Comic Relief sketch earlier this year - will be looking on from the side-lines as her character passed away in 2012 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
She said of the project: "What fun - not only catching up with Babs but being surrounded by friends and crew from the 'EastEnders' production team - it was like coming home!"
Other characters confirmed to take part in 'Back to Ours' include Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) and Laurie Brett (Jane Beale) and Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) and Jessie Wallace (Kat Moon).
The series is set to launch on BBC iPlayer on January 27.
TV
Alan Carr is backing Michelle Visage to win 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The 38-year-old chat show host has revealed he is rooting for the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' judge to win the Channel 5 show as he believes she's being her true self in the house.
Speaking at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London last night (21.01.15), he said: "CBB is addictive! I have just been on holiday to Costa Rica, I came back and just stayed in watching it eight hours back to back.
"We went out for dinner with Michelle Visage and she is so lovely. What you see in there is what she is like in real life. I think she's amazing and I love 'RuPaul's Drag Race'."
The 'Alan Carr: Chatty Man' star - who won the best Chat Show Host prize at the awards ceremony - was less complimentary about gossip blogger Perez Hilton, however.
Referring to Michelle's comments in the house that Perez's controversial behaviour had set the "entire" gay community "back 50 years", Alan said: "He's an idiot. I've dragged the gay community back 20 years, f**k off that's my job! He's not doing himself any favours.
"The trouble is you can't get other people's personalities because he's being such a..."
Meanwhile, the funnyman admits he would love to interview Beyonce on his show but is worried it would be as awkward as his encounter with Britney spears.
He shared: "I think Britney was just shy that's the trouble but Beyonce's a whole different thing isn't she? She'll be fine giving it [sings the lyrics and does the dance to 'Single Ladies']."
Alan Carr backing Michelle Visage to win Celebrity Big Brother
Alan Carr is backing Michelle Visage to win 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The 38-year-old chat show host has revealed he is rooting for the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' judge to win the Channel 5 show as he believes she's being her true self in the house.
Speaking at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London last night (21.01.15), he said: "CBB is addictive! I have just been on holiday to Costa Rica, I came back and just stayed in watching it eight hours back to back.
"We went out for dinner with Michelle Visage and she is so lovely. What you see in there is what she is like in real life. I think she's amazing and I love 'RuPaul's Drag Race'."
The 'Alan Carr: Chatty Man' star - who won the best Chat Show Host prize at the awards ceremony - was less complimentary about gossip blogger Perez Hilton, however.
Referring to Michelle's comments in the house that Perez's controversial behaviour had set the "entire" gay community "back 50 years", Alan said: "He's an idiot. I've dragged the gay community back 20 years, f**k off that's my job! He's not doing himself any favours.
"The trouble is you can't get other people's personalities because he's being such a..."
Meanwhile, the funnyman admits he would love to interview Beyonce on his show but is worried it would be as awkward as his encounter with Britney spears.
He shared: "I think Britney was just shy that's the trouble but Beyonce's a whole different thing isn't she? She'll be fine giving it [sings the lyrics and does the dance to 'Single Ladies']."
TV
Danny-Boy Hatchard says working on 'EastEnders' is like working at a factory.
The 23-year-old actor, who plays Lee Carter on the BBC One soap, claims that while his character has been involved in some tough storylines he's very aware that it's just his job and not real life.
Quizzed on whether he finds it hard to let go when the cameras aren't rolling, he told BANG Showbiz: "It can be quite tough but you just get into the swing of things. The way I describe 'EastEnders' is like a factory. You know, we produce scenes and episodes like a factory produces chocolate."
Danny also confessed it's been a dream come true to work with Danny Dyer - who plays his on-screen dad Mick Carter.
He said: "It's a pleasure, I've learnt a lot from him. He's a master of his craft along with everyone else at 'EastEnders' and as long as I'm here I'll continue learning."
However, the soap star admitted he was torn between whether he wanted Danny or actress Kellie Bright, who plays his on-screen mum Linda Carter, to win the Serial Drama Performance prize at the National Television Awards last night (21.01.15).
Speaking before Danny Dyer was presented with the award, he shared: "I think they both deserve it to be fair. Big shout out to Kellie Bright, the whole rape storyline ... She's been very, very strong and there's been some fantastic feedback. Danny wants her to win it so I'm going to go Kellie Bright on this one."
Danny-Boy Hatchard: Working on EastEnders like working at a factory
Danny-Boy Hatchard says working on 'EastEnders' is like working at a factory.
The 23-year-old actor, who plays Lee Carter on the BBC One soap, claims that while his character has been involved in some tough storylines he's very aware that it's just his job and not real life.
Quizzed on whether he finds it hard to let go when the cameras aren't rolling, he told BANG Showbiz: "It can be quite tough but you just get into the swing of things. The way I describe 'EastEnders' is like a factory. You know, we produce scenes and episodes like a factory produces chocolate."
Danny also confessed it's been a dream come true to work with Danny Dyer - who plays his on-screen dad Mick Carter.
He said: "It's a pleasure, I've learnt a lot from him. He's a master of his craft along with everyone else at 'EastEnders' and as long as I'm here I'll continue learning."
However, the soap star admitted he was torn between whether he wanted Danny or actress Kellie Bright, who plays his on-screen mum Linda Carter, to win the Serial Drama Performance prize at the National Television Awards last night (21.01.15).
Speaking before Danny Dyer was presented with the award, he shared: "I think they both deserve it to be fair. Big shout out to Kellie Bright, the whole rape storyline ... She's been very, very strong and there's been some fantastic feedback. Danny wants her to win it so I'm going to go Kellie Bright on this one."
TV
'Hollyoaks' actor Kieron Richardson thinks online dating is partly to blame for the rise in cases of HIV.
The 29-year-old star, who plays Ste Hay in the Channel 4 soap, has opened up about his character's upcoming storyline, in which he will be diagnosed with the virus, to reveal he believes apps such as Tinder and Grindr are somewhat responsible for the rise in cases.
He said: "I think Grindr and things like that ... Back in the day, if you wanted to have sex with somebody you had to go to a bar, you had to go and meet them. You don't anymore you just tap a button on your phone and can meet somebody ten metres away, so maybe that's one of the reasons why."
The upcoming storyline will mark the first time a British soap has featured a gay character with HIV and Kieron admits a lot of research has gone into making sure it's done right.
Speaking at the National Television Awards last night (21.05.15), he said: "I've got friends who have HIV and we work massively with the Terence Higgins Trust and we got some guys in that have HIV and have been through this - we didn't want to go out on a limb and just blag it - so we spoke to them, researched everything."
Explaining that he will draw on a number of real life stories, Kieron added: "Because everybody is completely different and everybody's journey is completely different, and we're a TV show and we have to bring the show to a wide audience, and there's a range of emotions you can go through with HIV, it's not going to be based on one person in particular."
Meanwhile, Kieron's co-star Stephanie Davis - who plays Sinead Roscoe - is hoping the storyline will educate people on safe sex but also that it is possible to continue living your life with the virus.
She said: "Hopefully it will broadcast to people how easy it is to go and get checked but also how easy it is to live with, even though you might think it's the end of the world, you can live with HIV."
Kieron Richardson on link between online dating and HIV
'Hollyoaks' actor Kieron Richardson thinks online dating is partly to blame for the rise in cases of HIV.
The 29-year-old star, who plays Ste Hay in the Channel 4 soap, has opened up about his character's upcoming storyline, in which he will be diagnosed with the virus, to reveal he believes apps such as Tinder and Grindr are somewhat responsible for the rise in cases.
He said: "I think Grindr and things like that ... Back in the day, if you wanted to have sex with somebody you had to go to a bar, you had to go and meet them. You don't anymore you just tap a button on your phone and can meet somebody ten metres away, so maybe that's one of the reasons why."
The upcoming storyline will mark the first time a British soap has featured a gay character with HIV and Kieron admits a lot of research has gone into making sure it's done right.
Speaking at the National Television Awards last night (21.05.15), he said: "I've got friends who have HIV and we work massively with the Terence Higgins Trust and we got some guys in that have HIV and have been through this - we didn't want to go out on a limb and just blag it - so we spoke to them, researched everything."
Explaining that he will draw on a number of real life stories, Kieron added: "Because everybody is completely different and everybody's journey is completely different, and we're a TV show and we have to bring the show to a wide audience, and there's a range of emotions you can go through with HIV, it's not going to be based on one person in particular."
Meanwhile, Kieron's co-star Stephanie Davis - who plays Sinead Roscoe - is hoping the storyline will educate people on safe sex but also that it is possible to continue living your life with the virus.
She said: "Hopefully it will broadcast to people how easy it is to go and get checked but also how easy it is to live with, even though you might think it's the end of the world, you can live with HIV."
TV
David Tennant enjoys the "power" of keeping 'Broadchurch' secrets.
The former 'Doctor Who' star has confessed that rather than struggling to keep the ITV drama's top secret storylines to himself, he actually enjoys being able to tell people that they'll have to wait to see what happens next.
Speaking after collecting his Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London last night (21.01.15), he said: "'Doctor Who' was good training for not giving anything away. I quite like that.
"I like having the power of not giving anything away. It probably drives people mad, I'm sure. But that's what thrillers are for - if you know the secret ... It's like anything, knowing the secret gives you a little hit but actually it's much less enjoyable than watching it all play out."
The 43-year-old actor - who plays Detective Inspector Alec Hardy in the show - also admits he never anticipated it would be such a success.
He explained: "I always though the first line of my obituary had been written after 'Doctor Who' and then 'Broadchurch' came along and suddenly it kicked off again in a different direction.
"I've been very jammy to end up in two shows that have been treated so enthusiastically by everyone."
David Tennant enjoys keeping Broadchurch secrets
David Tennant enjoys the "power" of keeping 'Broadchurch' secrets.
The former 'Doctor Who' star has confessed that rather than struggling to keep the ITV drama's top secret storylines to himself, he actually enjoys being able to tell people that they'll have to wait to see what happens next.
Speaking after collecting his Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London last night (21.01.15), he said: "'Doctor Who' was good training for not giving anything away. I quite like that.
"I like having the power of not giving anything away. It probably drives people mad, I'm sure. But that's what thrillers are for - if you know the secret ... It's like anything, knowing the secret gives you a little hit but actually it's much less enjoyable than watching it all play out."
The 43-year-old actor - who plays Detective Inspector Alec Hardy in the show - also admits he never anticipated it would be such a success.
He explained: "I always though the first line of my obituary had been written after 'Doctor Who' and then 'Broadchurch' came along and suddenly it kicked off again in a different direction.
"I've been very jammy to end up in two shows that have been treated so enthusiastically by everyone."
TV
Paul Hollywood had a "crush" on Anne Kirkbride.
The 'Great British Bake Off' judge has revealed he had a soft spot for the 'Coronation Street' actress - who passed away on Monday (19.01.15) aged 60 - when he was a young boy.
Speaking at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London last night (21.01.15), the 48-year-old star shared: "I never met her but she was a bit of a crush of mine when I was a kid.
"Whenever I think of 'Coronation Street' I always thought of her. I remember when I was a kid sitting at my mums, I always sat on the floor with my arms under my chin watching the tele, and it was always 'Coronation Street'. Mum wouldn't allow anything else on and she [Anne] was an icon and always will be."
The silver fox took home the Skills Challenge award at the annual ceremony, along with his 'Bake Off' colleague Mary Berry, but admitted he was more excited about spotting other celebrities at the event.
Explaining his plans for the night, he said: "I'm going to try and get as many selfies as I possibly can. Last year I did a couple with Ricky Gervais, in the loo actually which is a little bit embarrassing, but I'm like a kid and go, 'Ooh that's...', and I forget what I'm doing."
Paul also joked he and Mary were planning on celebrating their prize by going to "a lap dancing club".
He said: "I think we'll probably go out clubbing tonight [21.01.15], maybe go to a lap dancing club with Mary until about three o'clock in the morning and then we'll have to stick her in a taxi and get her home."
Paul Hollywood had a crush on Anne Kirkbride
Paul Hollywood had a "crush" on Anne Kirkbride.
The 'Great British Bake Off' judge has revealed he had a soft spot for the 'Coronation Street' actress - who passed away on Monday (19.01.15) aged 60 - when he was a young boy.
Speaking at the National Television Awards at The O2 in London last night (21.01.15), the 48-year-old star shared: "I never met her but she was a bit of a crush of mine when I was a kid.
"Whenever I think of 'Coronation Street' I always thought of her. I remember when I was a kid sitting at my mums, I always sat on the floor with my arms under my chin watching the tele, and it was always 'Coronation Street'. Mum wouldn't allow anything else on and she [Anne] was an icon and always will be."
The silver fox took home the Skills Challenge award at the annual ceremony, along with his 'Bake Off' colleague Mary Berry, but admitted he was more excited about spotting other celebrities at the event.
Explaining his plans for the night, he said: "I'm going to try and get as many selfies as I possibly can. Last year I did a couple with Ricky Gervais, in the loo actually which is a little bit embarrassing, but I'm like a kid and go, 'Ooh that's...', and I forget what I'm doing."
Paul also joked he and Mary were planning on celebrating their prize by going to "a lap dancing club".
He said: "I think we'll probably go out clubbing tonight [21.01.15], maybe go to a lap dancing club with Mary until about three o'clock in the morning and then we'll have to stick her in a taxi and get her home."
TV
Verity Rushworth was shocked Peter Andre knew her name.
The former 'Emmerdale' actress was up for the Serial Drama Performance prize at the National Television Awards last night (21.01.15) but confessed she wasn't worried about winning after meeting the 'Mysterious Girl' hitmaker.
Quizzed on whether she felt she had a good chance of taking home the award, she told BANG Showbiz: "Not really to be honest, I'm just thrilled to be nominated but I'm up against some amazing actors and I'm quite overwhelmed that I'm even here to be honest.
"I'm happy because I just met Peter Andre. So I'm done, I'm fine.
"He knew my name and I was like, 'Wow'. It made my night and it's not even started yet!"
The 29-year-old star - who played Donna Windsor in the ITV soap - lost out to 'EastEnders' actor Danny Dyer at the awards ceremony but had promised to get a round of drinks in for everyone if she'd won.
Speaking about her plans to celebrate, she said: "If I win tonight it's going to be my round at the bar, vodka cokes all night and never leaving the dance floor."
However, Verity didn't let losing out on the award ruin her night and later took to Twitter to speak of her excitement at meeting Peter and watching 'The X Factor' winner Ben Haenow perform during the ceremony.
She wrote: "What a night!! Interviewed by the legendary @MrPeterAndre and a sensational performance from @Bhaenow !!! Fabulous! (sic)"
Verity Rushworth: Meeting Peter Andre made my night
Verity Rushworth was shocked Peter Andre knew her name.
The former 'Emmerdale' actress was up for the Serial Drama Performance prize at the National Television Awards last night (21.01.15) but confessed she wasn't worried about winning after meeting the 'Mysterious Girl' hitmaker.
Quizzed on whether she felt she had a good chance of taking home the award, she told BANG Showbiz: "Not really to be honest, I'm just thrilled to be nominated but I'm up against some amazing actors and I'm quite overwhelmed that I'm even here to be honest.
"I'm happy because I just met Peter Andre. So I'm done, I'm fine.
"He knew my name and I was like, 'Wow'. It made my night and it's not even started yet!"
The 29-year-old star - who played Donna Windsor in the ITV soap - lost out to 'EastEnders' actor Danny Dyer at the awards ceremony but had promised to get a round of drinks in for everyone if she'd won.
Speaking about her plans to celebrate, she said: "If I win tonight it's going to be my round at the bar, vodka cokes all night and never leaving the dance floor."
However, Verity didn't let losing out on the award ruin her night and later took to Twitter to speak of her excitement at meeting Peter and watching 'The X Factor' winner Ben Haenow perform during the ceremony.
She wrote: "What a night!! Interviewed by the legendary @MrPeterAndre and a sensational performance from @Bhaenow !!! Fabulous! (sic)"