TV
TV
Ashley Banjo has a phobia of cockroaches
The Diversity dancer is set to appear in the celebrity Christmas special of ITV's horror-reality show 'Release the Hounds' and he was only too happy to his fear to one side to raise money for charity on the programme.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I think there's only one thing that I'm afraid of - I don't really like cockroaches. I don't really like being in the dark, I don't like being chased by screaming, crazy dogs.
"None of these things are enjoyable, but you put yourself through it ... I'm just pleased that we were raising money for charity."
The 26-year-old star - who appeared on the dog-chasing show alongside fellow Diversity members Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely - had no idea what to expect when he agreed to film 'Release the Hounds' but insists he would much rather appear on the programme than 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'.
He added: "I knew it was going to be for charity, whereas with 'I'm a Celebrity' is a paid job that's only for your own benefit.
"So this wasn't going to be for me, but for the people who you're actually helping.
"I've seen how kids have had their wings clipped through bullying and bad home lives, and a lack of support
"I wanted to help charities that encourage kids to grow up and give them a good experience."
Catch 'Release The Hounds: Jingle Hell' tonight (18.12.14) at 9pm on ITV2.
Ashley Banjo’s cockroach phobia
Ashley Banjo has a phobia of cockroaches
The Diversity dancer is set to appear in the celebrity Christmas special of ITV's horror-reality show 'Release the Hounds' and he was only too happy to his fear to one side to raise money for charity on the programme.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I think there's only one thing that I'm afraid of - I don't really like cockroaches. I don't really like being in the dark, I don't like being chased by screaming, crazy dogs.
"None of these things are enjoyable, but you put yourself through it ... I'm just pleased that we were raising money for charity."
The 26-year-old star - who appeared on the dog-chasing show alongside fellow Diversity members Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely - had no idea what to expect when he agreed to film 'Release the Hounds' but insists he would much rather appear on the programme than 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'.
He added: "I knew it was going to be for charity, whereas with 'I'm a Celebrity' is a paid job that's only for your own benefit.
"So this wasn't going to be for me, but for the people who you're actually helping.
"I've seen how kids have had their wings clipped through bullying and bad home lives, and a lack of support
"I wanted to help charities that encourage kids to grow up and give them a good experience."
Catch 'Release The Hounds: Jingle Hell' tonight (18.12.14) at 9pm on ITV2.
TV
Solomon Akhtar thinks 'The Apprentice' finalist Bianca Miller has "no personality."
The 23-year-old hopeful was fired from the business show in Wednesday's (17.12.14) semi-final, and is now hoping Mark Wright wins the £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar because fellow finalist Bianca is like a "robot."
Speaking about who should win the coveted deal, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I think it will be a closely fought final. I'm definitely rooting for Mark. I think Bianca definitely comes across as a robot and basically has no personality. I think that is ultimately why she won't get hired."
However, while slating the 25-year-old entrepreneur - who is looking to secure the investment to set up a hosiery business - the former candidate said she may win because Lord Sugar only works with "bland" people.
He said: "To be honest though, I think Lord Sugar likes people without any personality, he really likes bland people and people who just do what they're told, and that's definitely not me."
Continuing his rant, he accused the other businessmen and women who have appeared on the programme's 10th series of being false during the process, something which he claims not to have done.
He continued: "I think I've come across as myself throughout the show. Throughout the process my character has come out, my genuine personality has come across. I am young and I am a bit immature but I'm not ashamed of that. I think a lot of people hid their real personalities in this process.
"I think some people put on a persona on the show whereas I was genuinely just myself throughout."
The Apprentice star Solomon slams fellow contestants
Solomon Akhtar thinks 'The Apprentice' finalist Bianca Miller has "no personality."
The 23-year-old hopeful was fired from the business show in Wednesday's (17.12.14) semi-final, and is now hoping Mark Wright wins the £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar because fellow finalist Bianca is like a "robot."
Speaking about who should win the coveted deal, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I think it will be a closely fought final. I'm definitely rooting for Mark. I think Bianca definitely comes across as a robot and basically has no personality. I think that is ultimately why she won't get hired."
However, while slating the 25-year-old entrepreneur - who is looking to secure the investment to set up a hosiery business - the former candidate said she may win because Lord Sugar only works with "bland" people.
He said: "To be honest though, I think Lord Sugar likes people without any personality, he really likes bland people and people who just do what they're told, and that's definitely not me."
Continuing his rant, he accused the other businessmen and women who have appeared on the programme's 10th series of being false during the process, something which he claims not to have done.
He continued: "I think I've come across as myself throughout the show. Throughout the process my character has come out, my genuine personality has come across. I am young and I am a bit immature but I'm not ashamed of that. I think a lot of people hid their real personalities in this process.
"I think some people put on a persona on the show whereas I was genuinely just myself throughout."
TV
Brendan O'Carroll insists there will definitely be more 'Mrs. Brown's Boys'.
The 59-year-old funny man, who stars as foul-mouthed patriarch Agnes Brown in the BBC comedy, has revealed he has no plans to stop making the show anytime soon.
Quizzed on rumours the series is coming to an end, he said: "No, no, no. Danny, my son, lives in Donegal and he was doing a charity function up in Donegal ... And in an interview he gave they said, 'So what's happening with Mrs. Brown', and he said, 'Oh, we're finished with Mrs. Brown'.
"But he meant we'd just finished the Christmas specials. So the newspaper went with, 'The end of Mrs. Brown's Boys', which is great, loads of publicity, fantastic."
Brendan - who received the Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award for the popular show at the British Comedy Awards earlier this week - confessed he's thrilled at how well received he's been.
He told Philip Schofield and Amanda Holden on 'This Morning': "I'm not the kind of guy that would work hard for 20 years and then as soon as we make something successful, stop."
Brendan O’Carroll: Mrs. Brown’s Boys isn’t over
Brendan O'Carroll insists there will definitely be more 'Mrs. Brown's Boys'.
The 59-year-old funny man, who stars as foul-mouthed patriarch Agnes Brown in the BBC comedy, has revealed he has no plans to stop making the show anytime soon.
Quizzed on rumours the series is coming to an end, he said: "No, no, no. Danny, my son, lives in Donegal and he was doing a charity function up in Donegal ... And in an interview he gave they said, 'So what's happening with Mrs. Brown', and he said, 'Oh, we're finished with Mrs. Brown'.
"But he meant we'd just finished the Christmas specials. So the newspaper went with, 'The end of Mrs. Brown's Boys', which is great, loads of publicity, fantastic."
Brendan - who received the Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award for the popular show at the British Comedy Awards earlier this week - confessed he's thrilled at how well received he's been.
He told Philip Schofield and Amanda Holden on 'This Morning': "I'm not the kind of guy that would work hard for 20 years and then as soon as we make something successful, stop."
TV
Gregg Wallace has proposed to his girlfriend.
The 'MasterChef' host is now engaged to Anne-Marie Sterpini after popping the question last week and is set to walk down the aisle for the fourth time following his failed marriages to first wife Christine, the mother of his children Tom and Libby, Denise and his third wife Heidi.
He confessed: "I've never been happier."
Despite having been married three times before, Gregg is said to believe that Anne-Marie, 29, is the one and thinks they'll be together for the rest of their lives.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Gregg has not had the easiest time in love.
"But he is convinced this time is different. He adores Anne-Marie, they have lots in common and get on incredibly well.
"The wedding will be sometime next year and you can guarantee the food will be great."
The 50-year-old presenter first revealed his plans to marry the caterer - whom he met on Twitter in 2013 and later moved in with - when he was voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing' in October, admitting he wanted to have a low-key ceremony in Italy.
He said previously: "My next challenge may be marrying my girlfriend. She's one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. A very quiet wedding in Italy would be ideal."
Gregg Wallace engaged to girlfriend
Gregg Wallace has proposed to his girlfriend.
The 'MasterChef' host is now engaged to Anne-Marie Sterpini after popping the question last week and is set to walk down the aisle for the fourth time following his failed marriages to first wife Christine, the mother of his children Tom and Libby, Denise and his third wife Heidi.
He confessed: "I've never been happier."
Despite having been married three times before, Gregg is said to believe that Anne-Marie, 29, is the one and thinks they'll be together for the rest of their lives.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Gregg has not had the easiest time in love.
"But he is convinced this time is different. He adores Anne-Marie, they have lots in common and get on incredibly well.
"The wedding will be sometime next year and you can guarantee the food will be great."
The 50-year-old presenter first revealed his plans to marry the caterer - whom he met on Twitter in 2013 and later moved in with - when he was voted off 'Strictly Come Dancing' in October, admitting he wanted to have a low-key ceremony in Italy.
He said previously: "My next challenge may be marrying my girlfriend. She's one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. A very quiet wedding in Italy would be ideal."
TV
'Coronation Street' actor Ryan Thomas is reportedly missing girlfriend Rio Fredrika.
The 30-year-old actor, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw in the ITV soap, is said to be "smitten" with the stunning model and is struggling with their long-distance relationship.
The couple - who got together last month following Ryan's split from Bollywood actress Amy Jackson - are reported to have only gone on a few dates since meeting because Rio is often on modelling jobs abroad.
A source revealed: "Ryan says her passport has more stamps than a pilot's. She's always in Dubai or New York and LA."
Ryan and Amy, 23, were first rumoured to have split in September but denied the claims with Ryan insisting they were "very happy together".
However, just a number of weeks later the pair decided to part ways because of their conflicting work schedules, with Amy filming in India and Ryan based in Manchester for Corrie.
A source said previously: "Sadly they have split up. They both tried to make it work but it just ended up proving too difficult due to their very busy work schedules, which meant they couldn't spend any real time together.
"Amy is often in India for long periods working on her films and that only added to the frustration. It's a real shame but they'll remain friends."
Ryan Thomas missing his girlfriend?
'Coronation Street' actor Ryan Thomas is reportedly missing girlfriend Rio Fredrika.
The 30-year-old actor, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw in the ITV soap, is said to be "smitten" with the stunning model and is struggling with their long-distance relationship.
The couple - who got together last month following Ryan's split from Bollywood actress Amy Jackson - are reported to have only gone on a few dates since meeting because Rio is often on modelling jobs abroad.
A source revealed: "Ryan says her passport has more stamps than a pilot's. She's always in Dubai or New York and LA."
Ryan and Amy, 23, were first rumoured to have split in September but denied the claims with Ryan insisting they were "very happy together".
However, just a number of weeks later the pair decided to part ways because of their conflicting work schedules, with Amy filming in India and Ryan based in Manchester for Corrie.
A source said previously: "Sadly they have split up. They both tried to make it work but it just ended up proving too difficult due to their very busy work schedules, which meant they couldn't spend any real time together.
"Amy is often in India for long periods working on her films and that only added to the frustration. It's a real shame but they'll remain friends."
TV
The Michaels family have been axed from 'Gogglebox'.
Andrew Michaels, his wife Carolyne, 53 and children, Alex, 24, and Louis, 17 will no longer appear on the Channel 4 show after it was revealed Andrew plans to run for the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in the General Election for the Hastings and Rye seat.
Channel 4 said: "Sadly any cast member becoming a party candidate will have to step down from involvement in 'Gogglebox'.
"The Michaels have been excellent contributors and we are very grateful."
Carolyne took to Twitter yesterday (18.12.14) to share the family's sadness at leaving the popular series.
She wrote: "its with g8t sadness that we must say goodbye to the wonderful Gogglebox family . Andy entering politics so can no longer stay with it .
"We've loved every min of our involvement. It's the best show on TV & I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support we'll miss u (sic)".
The family aren't the first to be kicked off the show as the Gilbey's were also axed after son George appeared on Channel 5's 'Celebrity Big Brother' earlier this year.
However, show favourites Steph and Dom Parker will be allowed to stay on the show despite Dom recently signing up for Channel 4's upcoming winter sports competition, 'The Jump'.
Ukip candidate kicked off Gogglebox
The Michaels family have been axed from 'Gogglebox'.
Andrew Michaels, his wife Carolyne, 53 and children, Alex, 24, and Louis, 17 will no longer appear on the Channel 4 show after it was revealed Andrew plans to run for the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in the General Election for the Hastings and Rye seat.
Channel 4 said: "Sadly any cast member becoming a party candidate will have to step down from involvement in 'Gogglebox'.
"The Michaels have been excellent contributors and we are very grateful."
Carolyne took to Twitter yesterday (18.12.14) to share the family's sadness at leaving the popular series.
She wrote: "its with g8t sadness that we must say goodbye to the wonderful Gogglebox family . Andy entering politics so can no longer stay with it .
"We've loved every min of our involvement. It's the best show on TV & I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support we'll miss u (sic)".
The family aren't the first to be kicked off the show as the Gilbey's were also axed after son George appeared on Channel 5's 'Celebrity Big Brother' earlier this year.
However, show favourites Steph and Dom Parker will be allowed to stay on the show despite Dom recently signing up for Channel 4's upcoming winter sports competition, 'The Jump'.
TV
'Emmerdale' actress Katherine Dow Blyton has been accused of killing its "magic".
The 50-year-old star, who plays vicar Harriet Finch in the ITV soap, has confessed her own family claim she's spoiled the show's illusion of reality by appearing in it.
She revealed: "My niece Rachel says I've ruined it - she said it's not the same now that I'm in it. Because it's someone she knows, she says I've killed the magic!"
Katherine admits her family have loved the soap ever since she was a little girl and having her in it means it's more obvious to them that what's happening isn't real.
She also revealed her mum had stopped watching 'Emmerdale' in favour of London-based soap 'EastEnders' but felt obliged to switch back in order to see her daughter.
She added to The Sun newspaper: "It's the programme I used to watch as a kid and my family still live here and most of them love it. My mum had switched to 'EastEnders' but now she's back in 'Emmerdale' world."
The brunette beauty also said she's been enjoying her character's storylines and is pleased Harriett and fellow clergyman Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) have finally locked lips, even if her family aren't.
Katherine Dow Blyton killing Emmerdale ‘magic’
'Emmerdale' actress Katherine Dow Blyton has been accused of killing its "magic".
The 50-year-old star, who plays vicar Harriet Finch in the ITV soap, has confessed her own family claim she's spoiled the show's illusion of reality by appearing in it.
She revealed: "My niece Rachel says I've ruined it - she said it's not the same now that I'm in it. Because it's someone she knows, she says I've killed the magic!"
Katherine admits her family have loved the soap ever since she was a little girl and having her in it means it's more obvious to them that what's happening isn't real.
She also revealed her mum had stopped watching 'Emmerdale' in favour of London-based soap 'EastEnders' but felt obliged to switch back in order to see her daughter.
She added to The Sun newspaper: "It's the programme I used to watch as a kid and my family still live here and most of them love it. My mum had switched to 'EastEnders' but now she's back in 'Emmerdale' world."
The brunette beauty also said she's been enjoying her character's storylines and is pleased Harriett and fellow clergyman Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) have finally locked lips, even if her family aren't.
TV
Alesha Dixon wants to emulate her idol Oprah Winfrey.
The 36-year-old beauty - who first found fame as part of R&B group Mis-Teeq - has recently held meetings with TV moguls in the US and Alesha admits she would like to enjoy success in the country by making a "difference in people's lives", just like her hero.
Reflecting on her admiration of Oprah, Alesha explained: "She's so incredible and she uses her fame for good. She tries to help other people.
"Oprah is a powerful woman proving you can do a lot of things against the odds.
"The way she lives her life is very centred, grounded and spiritual. It would be a dream to meet her."
Alesha, who has appeared on reality TV shows 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Britain's Got Talent', also cited Madonna as one of her heroes.
She revealed to The Sun newspaper: "What I love about Madonna is she does what pleases her. She writes her own script. She was a huge influence on me. I really loved her music and admired her as a female performer."
What's more, Alesha confirmed she would like to make more documentaries in the future, having explored the issue of domestic violence for the BBC in 'Don't Hit My Mum'.
She explained: "I love making documentaries and the ones I've done have been really rewarding.
"I would absolutely love to do more things like that. I think it's important to do things that make a difference in people's lives."
Alesha Dixon dreams of emulating Oprah Winfrey
Alesha Dixon wants to emulate her idol Oprah Winfrey.
The 36-year-old beauty - who first found fame as part of R&B group Mis-Teeq - has recently held meetings with TV moguls in the US and Alesha admits she would like to enjoy success in the country by making a "difference in people's lives", just like her hero.
Reflecting on her admiration of Oprah, Alesha explained: "She's so incredible and she uses her fame for good. She tries to help other people.
"Oprah is a powerful woman proving you can do a lot of things against the odds.
"The way she lives her life is very centred, grounded and spiritual. It would be a dream to meet her."
Alesha, who has appeared on reality TV shows 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Britain's Got Talent', also cited Madonna as one of her heroes.
She revealed to The Sun newspaper: "What I love about Madonna is she does what pleases her. She writes her own script. She was a huge influence on me. I really loved her music and admired her as a female performer."
What's more, Alesha confirmed she would like to make more documentaries in the future, having explored the issue of domestic violence for the BBC in 'Don't Hit My Mum'.
She explained: "I love making documentaries and the ones I've done have been really rewarding.
"I would absolutely love to do more things like that. I think it's important to do things that make a difference in people's lives."
TV
Solomon Akhtar was relieved to be fired from 'The Apprentice'.
The 23-year-old left the process in last night's (17.12.14) semi-final but revealed he wouldn't have wanted to go into business with Lord Alan Sugar anyway because he didn't want to be controlled by the entrepreneur.
He told BANG Showbiz: "Yeah in a way. Obviously I wanted to win it but I don't think I would want to be under Lord Sugar's iron fist for the rest of my life and I want to do other things. Lord Sugar and I just wouldn't have got on. I don't think we see eye to eye yet and I think that's because I'm a bit of a free spirit."
Continuing to talk about the 67-year-old's leadership style, he admitted he found his focus on forward planning to be too restrictive, and feels too young to go into business with the Amstrad founder.
He said: "I don't think we were suited at all, I don't think it would have worked. I'm probably too immature, I just want to live in the moment. He wants a five year business plan but no one plans five years in advance. I don't know what I'm going to be doing in five years."
The hopeful candidate reached the final five of the competition but said it was his failure to charm the interviewers in a gruelling grilling of his business plan which led to him leaving the competition.
He said: "I found it quite stressful. I think I'm quite wide-eyed, so I just went into it with an open mind thinking I could just charm them and Nick and Karen were quite easy to charm, but Lord Sugar's advisers were a completely different thing. With Claudine [Collins] I think I was fine - I think I get on better with girls - so I found her quite easy, but Claude [Littner] and Mike [Soutarg] just didn't put up with any of my bulls**t, so that's basically why I got fired."
Solomon Akhtar relieved to be fired from The Apprentice
Solomon Akhtar was relieved to be fired from 'The Apprentice'.
The 23-year-old left the process in last night's (17.12.14) semi-final but revealed he wouldn't have wanted to go into business with Lord Alan Sugar anyway because he didn't want to be controlled by the entrepreneur.
He told BANG Showbiz: "Yeah in a way. Obviously I wanted to win it but I don't think I would want to be under Lord Sugar's iron fist for the rest of my life and I want to do other things. Lord Sugar and I just wouldn't have got on. I don't think we see eye to eye yet and I think that's because I'm a bit of a free spirit."
Continuing to talk about the 67-year-old's leadership style, he admitted he found his focus on forward planning to be too restrictive, and feels too young to go into business with the Amstrad founder.
He said: "I don't think we were suited at all, I don't think it would have worked. I'm probably too immature, I just want to live in the moment. He wants a five year business plan but no one plans five years in advance. I don't know what I'm going to be doing in five years."
The hopeful candidate reached the final five of the competition but said it was his failure to charm the interviewers in a gruelling grilling of his business plan which led to him leaving the competition.
He said: "I found it quite stressful. I think I'm quite wide-eyed, so I just went into it with an open mind thinking I could just charm them and Nick and Karen were quite easy to charm, but Lord Sugar's advisers were a completely different thing. With Claudine [Collins] I think I was fine - I think I get on better with girls - so I found her quite easy, but Claude [Littner] and Mike [Soutarg] just didn't put up with any of my bulls**t, so that's basically why I got fired."