TV
TV
Les Dennis's on-screen character in 'Coronation Street' has the same life threatening heart condition that killed his father.
The 61-year-old entertainer - who plays Michael Rodwell on the ITV soap - has revealed that cardiomyopathy is also the condition that killed his long-standing comedy partner, Dustin Gee.
He reflected: "The parallels with this storyline are quite freaky. Michael has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - Dustin had dilated cardiomyopathy, while my dad died from a heart condition.
"Because of this, it is something I obviously relate to. Dustin was in his prime and doing really well at 43, then he was suddenly taken away. I draw on the tears easier because of it.
"Dustin knew he had this condition, he knew he was on borrowed time but Dustin being Dustin, a fatalist, just said, 'F*** it. When I go, I go'."
Les said he hopes the story of his on-screen character will help to educate some viewers.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "With this storyline I hope to show people how to deal with it - there's no cure but it can be lessened.
"I know the researchers spoke to a lot of consultants and were very keen to get everything right. I also spoke to two guys who have the same condition as Michael. They had to undergo a heart transplant but have both come out the other side."
Les Dennis reveals personal meaning of Coronation Street storyline
Les Dennis's on-screen character in 'Coronation Street' has the same life threatening heart condition that killed his father.
The 61-year-old entertainer - who plays Michael Rodwell on the ITV soap - has revealed that cardiomyopathy is also the condition that killed his long-standing comedy partner, Dustin Gee.
He reflected: "The parallels with this storyline are quite freaky. Michael has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - Dustin had dilated cardiomyopathy, while my dad died from a heart condition.
"Because of this, it is something I obviously relate to. Dustin was in his prime and doing really well at 43, then he was suddenly taken away. I draw on the tears easier because of it.
"Dustin knew he had this condition, he knew he was on borrowed time but Dustin being Dustin, a fatalist, just said, 'F*** it. When I go, I go'."
Les said he hopes the story of his on-screen character will help to educate some viewers.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "With this storyline I hope to show people how to deal with it - there's no cure but it can be lessened.
"I know the researchers spoke to a lot of consultants and were very keen to get everything right. I also spoke to two guys who have the same condition as Michael. They had to undergo a heart transplant but have both come out the other side."
TV
Danny Dyer says it was "beautiful" smashing up the pub in 'EastEnders'.
The 37-year-old actor - who plays pub landlord Mick Carter in the BBC One soap - has revealed that he was "excited" to film the explosive scenes.
He said: "I've done some exciting stuff as an actor. I've done shootouts, a lot of my own stunts. But to be allowed to smash up THE most iconic pub in Britain? We had a big meeting and they said, 'What do you want to do?' I said, 'I will keep smashing it until something really hurts me'.
"To see it, it's a beautiful thing and thoroughly deserved for the character to do it. It is like Mick has suppressed this anger for years, from his childhood in care to having all his family around him who he is trying to take care of.
"Now everything he thought of as being his has been taken away from him. He flies into a rage and the first thing he attacks is the Queen Vic."
Danny also revealed that when he was handed the scripts by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, it was like the "greatest Christmas present" ever.
He explained to The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "It was like the greatest Christmas present as an actor you can ever have. For me it is what I have lived for, to have that chance to show what I can do.
"My first reaction was to find Dom and put the lips on him because I knew he had given me a gift.
"To show every bit of range as an actor on Christmas Day in front of millions - it gave me a tingle up my spine."
Viewers of tomorrow's (25.12.14) episode will see Mick discover that his pregnant wife Linda (played by Kellie Bright) was raped by Dean Wicks (played by Matt Di Angelo) and that the unborn child she is carrying could belong to his brother.
Danny Dyer enjoys smashing EastEnders pub
Danny Dyer says it was "beautiful" smashing up the pub in 'EastEnders'.
The 37-year-old actor - who plays pub landlord Mick Carter in the BBC One soap - has revealed that he was "excited" to film the explosive scenes.
He said: "I've done some exciting stuff as an actor. I've done shootouts, a lot of my own stunts. But to be allowed to smash up THE most iconic pub in Britain? We had a big meeting and they said, 'What do you want to do?' I said, 'I will keep smashing it until something really hurts me'.
"To see it, it's a beautiful thing and thoroughly deserved for the character to do it. It is like Mick has suppressed this anger for years, from his childhood in care to having all his family around him who he is trying to take care of.
"Now everything he thought of as being his has been taken away from him. He flies into a rage and the first thing he attacks is the Queen Vic."
Danny also revealed that when he was handed the scripts by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, it was like the "greatest Christmas present" ever.
He explained to The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "It was like the greatest Christmas present as an actor you can ever have. For me it is what I have lived for, to have that chance to show what I can do.
"My first reaction was to find Dom and put the lips on him because I knew he had given me a gift.
"To show every bit of range as an actor on Christmas Day in front of millions - it gave me a tingle up my spine."
Viewers of tomorrow's (25.12.14) episode will see Mick discover that his pregnant wife Linda (played by Kellie Bright) was raped by Dean Wicks (played by Matt Di Angelo) and that the unborn child she is carrying could belong to his brother.
TV
Dan Osbourne has a takeaway every Christmas Eve.
The 'Only Way is Essex' star and his family follow the same festive rituals every year but because he is appearing in pantomime up in Liverpool this year, he won't be able to tuck into his tasty treat until much later this evening (24.12.14).
He said: "On Christmas Eve we go to my mum's house and we have an Indian takeaway. I don't know why but we do it every year.
"This year I won't be home until midnight though, so I'll get her to put it in the fridge."
Last year, Dan - whose on/off girlfriend Jacqueline Jossa is expecting his second child - became a father for the first time just four days before Christmas when his former partner Megan Tomlin gave birth to their son Teddy, and though he can't remember much of their festive celebrations, he insists it was the "best Christmas" ever.
He said: "Last year Teddy was three days old and to be honest I can't remember it. It was such a whirlwind - I just remember having Ted and becoming a dad.
"It was the best Christmas I could ever have imagined."
Dan Osbourne’s festive feast
Dan Osbourne has a takeaway every Christmas Eve.
The 'Only Way is Essex' star and his family follow the same festive rituals every year but because he is appearing in pantomime up in Liverpool this year, he won't be able to tuck into his tasty treat until much later this evening (24.12.14).
He said: "On Christmas Eve we go to my mum's house and we have an Indian takeaway. I don't know why but we do it every year.
"This year I won't be home until midnight though, so I'll get her to put it in the fridge."
Last year, Dan - whose on/off girlfriend Jacqueline Jossa is expecting his second child - became a father for the first time just four days before Christmas when his former partner Megan Tomlin gave birth to their son Teddy, and though he can't remember much of their festive celebrations, he insists it was the "best Christmas" ever.
He said: "Last year Teddy was three days old and to be honest I can't remember it. It was such a whirlwind - I just remember having Ted and becoming a dad.
"It was the best Christmas I could ever have imagined."
TV
Claire King will spend the "whole day" drinking at Christmas.
The 51-year-old actress admits Christmas Day is a boozy celebration in her household, with the festivities beginning with a trip to the pub and ending in a very long late lunch.
She said: "We go for a bevvy at the pub at lunchtime and then come back for drinks and presents.
"We don't eat until about 4pm and everybody is usually sat at the table at 10pm.
"So we spend the whole day just drinking and getting fat. Christmas isn't all bad."
The 'Coronation Street' actress - who was previously married to her 'Emmerdale' co-star Peter Amory - and her family have agreed this year to just buy one gift for a specific person to avoid being given "a whole load of c**p".
She explained: "This year I'm doing Secret Santa with my family. I'm not being Scrooge about it, but it's a much better idea.
"You can get one really good present that you want, as opposed to a whole load of c**p."
Claire King’s boozy Christmas
Claire King will spend the "whole day" drinking at Christmas.
The 51-year-old actress admits Christmas Day is a boozy celebration in her household, with the festivities beginning with a trip to the pub and ending in a very long late lunch.
She said: "We go for a bevvy at the pub at lunchtime and then come back for drinks and presents.
"We don't eat until about 4pm and everybody is usually sat at the table at 10pm.
"So we spend the whole day just drinking and getting fat. Christmas isn't all bad."
The 'Coronation Street' actress - who was previously married to her 'Emmerdale' co-star Peter Amory - and her family have agreed this year to just buy one gift for a specific person to avoid being given "a whole load of c**p".
She explained: "This year I'm doing Secret Santa with my family. I'm not being Scrooge about it, but it's a much better idea.
"You can get one really good present that you want, as opposed to a whole load of c**p."
TV
Kym Marsh has urged those suffering from depression to talk about it.
The 38-year-old actress - who plays Michelle Connor in 'Coronation Street' - admitted that she suffered from the illness when she tragically lost her baby in 2009 after he was born 18 weeks premature.
She said: "I've suffered a couple of times. Depression is something that kind of remains with you. You do get better, but there are times when you do end up revisiting it. The last time I had it was when I lost my little boy in 2009.
"It's weird because at the time you don't realise that's happening to you. You feel that what you're doing is completely normal and actually it isn't. And it takes people to kind of point things out to you. Then for me I went and discussed things with a doctor and got help that way, and had a little bit of counselling."
Kym turned to her friends, unlike her on-screen partner in the ITV soap, Steve McDonald (played by Simon Gregson) whose depression has alienated him from Michelle.
She told BBC Breakfast: "The best thing to do is talk. And particularly in the first place to reach out to those people around you.
"I think we've seen that with Steve, he's pushed everyone away, when actually what he should be doing is bringing those people closer because it is a dark place to be, especially if you're on your own ...
"Steve is in denial about what's wrong with him. He's been to see a doctor, the doctor has told him he's got depression, but he's not actually doing anything about it and he's certainly not talking to anyone around him about what's wrong.
"I think he's trying to kid himself in a way that he doesn't need any help."
Kym Marsh opens up about depression
Kym Marsh has urged those suffering from depression to talk about it.
The 38-year-old actress - who plays Michelle Connor in 'Coronation Street' - admitted that she suffered from the illness when she tragically lost her baby in 2009 after he was born 18 weeks premature.
She said: "I've suffered a couple of times. Depression is something that kind of remains with you. You do get better, but there are times when you do end up revisiting it. The last time I had it was when I lost my little boy in 2009.
"It's weird because at the time you don't realise that's happening to you. You feel that what you're doing is completely normal and actually it isn't. And it takes people to kind of point things out to you. Then for me I went and discussed things with a doctor and got help that way, and had a little bit of counselling."
Kym turned to her friends, unlike her on-screen partner in the ITV soap, Steve McDonald (played by Simon Gregson) whose depression has alienated him from Michelle.
She told BBC Breakfast: "The best thing to do is talk. And particularly in the first place to reach out to those people around you.
"I think we've seen that with Steve, he's pushed everyone away, when actually what he should be doing is bringing those people closer because it is a dark place to be, especially if you're on your own ...
"Steve is in denial about what's wrong with him. He's been to see a doctor, the doctor has told him he's got depression, but he's not actually doing anything about it and he's certainly not talking to anyone around him about what's wrong.
"I think he's trying to kid himself in a way that he doesn't need any help."
TV
'Celebrity Big Brother' is in crisis after the show's date was changed.
The decision - which was ordered by the bosses at Channel 5 - has meant that the show, which was originally meant to finish at the end of January, will now be extended a week until February 6, the Daily Star newspaper reports.
Some celebrities - who have work lined up in early February - are reportedly now telling bosses they can't appear in the show.
The cast of the reality series has yet to be confirmed but Calum Best, 33, 'Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison, 27, 'The Apprentice's Katie Hopkins, 39 and celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton, 36, are some of the rumoured contestants.
Keith Chegwin, 57 is another possible entry - with bookmakers Ladbrokes already making him 5-1 favourite to win the show.
The late departures mean there has been a last-minute rush to fill the spaces with 'X Factor's Chloe Jasmine Whichello, 24, and US reality star Austin Armacost, 26, reportedly in line to step in.
Meanwhile, 'Celebrity Big Brother's host Emma Willis recently teased a "stellar" cast for the upcoming series.
She previously said: "I normally stay very blind to it all right up until the last minute but this year I've actually seen part of a list very early.
"This is going to be one of the best ever series of the show. I have such high hopes for the series - that's how good I think it's going to be. You won't not recognise anybody if it stays like this. This year seems like a proper stellar cast and that's always great to watch."
Date change puts Celebrity Big Brother in crisis
'Celebrity Big Brother' is in crisis after the show's date was changed.
The decision - which was ordered by the bosses at Channel 5 - has meant that the show, which was originally meant to finish at the end of January, will now be extended a week until February 6, the Daily Star newspaper reports.
Some celebrities - who have work lined up in early February - are reportedly now telling bosses they can't appear in the show.
The cast of the reality series has yet to be confirmed but Calum Best, 33, 'Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison, 27, 'The Apprentice's Katie Hopkins, 39 and celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton, 36, are some of the rumoured contestants.
Keith Chegwin, 57 is another possible entry - with bookmakers Ladbrokes already making him 5-1 favourite to win the show.
The late departures mean there has been a last-minute rush to fill the spaces with 'X Factor's Chloe Jasmine Whichello, 24, and US reality star Austin Armacost, 26, reportedly in line to step in.
Meanwhile, 'Celebrity Big Brother's host Emma Willis recently teased a "stellar" cast for the upcoming series.
She previously said: "I normally stay very blind to it all right up until the last minute but this year I've actually seen part of a list very early.
"This is going to be one of the best ever series of the show. I have such high hopes for the series - that's how good I think it's going to be. You won't not recognise anybody if it stays like this. This year seems like a proper stellar cast and that's always great to watch."
TV
'Not Going Out' may have its last episode tomorrow (24.12.14).
Lee Mack, the creator of the BBC sitcom, has admitted that the show is taking up a lot of his time.
He said: "The truth of the matter is it could be the last-ever episode of 'Not Going Out' on Christmas Eve (24.12.14).
"For the last eight years 'Not Going Out' has dominated my life. It takes about six months a year to write and two or three months to film, the bulk of the year. It's time for a little down time now."
Viewers of last week's show saw Lee propose to landlady, Lucy (Sally Bretton) and fans will eagerly be awaiting tomorrow's (24.12.14) episode to find out whether the couple actually get hitched.
The 46-year-old comedian - who was recently crowned as Best Male TV Comic at the British Comedy Awards - hinted that the characters may return for a "live show".
He said: "If we end up getting married who knows, maybe we could tour on the back of it as a married couple - maybe do it as a live show before it goes on television.
"Or they might not end up getting together."
Meanwhile, Lee has revealed that his part in the sitcom has given him a new-found love of acting.
He shared: "I'm very much a stand-up in a sitcom, I'm not an actor.
"In the ... proposal episodes we got more into the drama of it than we have done before. I did enjoy doing that."
He added: "Listen, it's still a gaggy sitcom, I'm not pretending it's some great big Shakespearean piece but it was just nice dipping the toes into the dramatic way of writing.
"I probably am starting to have a little bit of desire to get more into that world, which I never used to have."
With his new skills, Lee is hoping he can have a small role in 'Doctor Who'.
He told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "I'm absolutely desperate to be in 'Doctor Who'.
"I would do anything. Like what Frank Skinner did, really - a little cameo."
Lee Mack hints that Not Going Out will end its run
'Not Going Out' may have its last episode tomorrow (24.12.14).
Lee Mack, the creator of the BBC sitcom, has admitted that the show is taking up a lot of his time.
He said: "The truth of the matter is it could be the last-ever episode of 'Not Going Out' on Christmas Eve (24.12.14).
"For the last eight years 'Not Going Out' has dominated my life. It takes about six months a year to write and two or three months to film, the bulk of the year. It's time for a little down time now."
Viewers of last week's show saw Lee propose to landlady, Lucy (Sally Bretton) and fans will eagerly be awaiting tomorrow's (24.12.14) episode to find out whether the couple actually get hitched.
The 46-year-old comedian - who was recently crowned as Best Male TV Comic at the British Comedy Awards - hinted that the characters may return for a "live show".
He said: "If we end up getting married who knows, maybe we could tour on the back of it as a married couple - maybe do it as a live show before it goes on television.
"Or they might not end up getting together."
Meanwhile, Lee has revealed that his part in the sitcom has given him a new-found love of acting.
He shared: "I'm very much a stand-up in a sitcom, I'm not an actor.
"In the ... proposal episodes we got more into the drama of it than we have done before. I did enjoy doing that."
He added: "Listen, it's still a gaggy sitcom, I'm not pretending it's some great big Shakespearean piece but it was just nice dipping the toes into the dramatic way of writing.
"I probably am starting to have a little bit of desire to get more into that world, which I never used to have."
With his new skills, Lee is hoping he can have a small role in 'Doctor Who'.
He told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "I'm absolutely desperate to be in 'Doctor Who'.
"I would do anything. Like what Frank Skinner did, really - a little cameo."
TV
'Downton Abbey's Christmas special will feature a love triangle.
The two-hour episode of the ITV hit drama will see the Dowager Countess of Grantham (played by Maggie Smith) get caught up in a love struggle with an old flame and his estranged wife.
Viewers of the last series saw Prince Kuragin (Rade Serbedziga) arrive back into the Countess' life again, after a fling when they were young.
The Prince fled to England after the Russian Revolution where he revealed that his wife, Princess Irina (Jane Lapotaire) was missing.
So the royal is more than shocked when the missing Princess turns up at Downton after the Countess tracks her down.
A source revealed: "Kuragin isn't best pleased to see his wife back on the scene. He only has eyes for Violet."
Meanwhile, the special episode will also see the departure of a much-loved character and whilst the cast are remaining quiet on who it may be, a source has admitted that it will be "emotional".
The insider added to the Daily Star newspaper: "It's very emotional. Get a hanky ready."
The Christmas special was filmed in two locations - the "downstairs" staff remained at Downton, whilst the "upstairs" stars took a trip to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, the same set used for the 'Harry Potter' films.
Downton Abbey’s love triangle
'Downton Abbey's Christmas special will feature a love triangle.
The two-hour episode of the ITV hit drama will see the Dowager Countess of Grantham (played by Maggie Smith) get caught up in a love struggle with an old flame and his estranged wife.
Viewers of the last series saw Prince Kuragin (Rade Serbedziga) arrive back into the Countess' life again, after a fling when they were young.
The Prince fled to England after the Russian Revolution where he revealed that his wife, Princess Irina (Jane Lapotaire) was missing.
So the royal is more than shocked when the missing Princess turns up at Downton after the Countess tracks her down.
A source revealed: "Kuragin isn't best pleased to see his wife back on the scene. He only has eyes for Violet."
Meanwhile, the special episode will also see the departure of a much-loved character and whilst the cast are remaining quiet on who it may be, a source has admitted that it will be "emotional".
The insider added to the Daily Star newspaper: "It's very emotional. Get a hanky ready."
The Christmas special was filmed in two locations - the "downstairs" staff remained at Downton, whilst the "upstairs" stars took a trip to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, the same set used for the 'Harry Potter' films.