TV
TV
Simon Cowell says Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is a "great friend".
The 55-year-old music mogul laughs when he reads that he and his fellow 'X Factor' judge are at loggerheads and insists they have a very close relationship.
Relations between the pair did become strained when Simon axed her from the judging panel of the US version of 'The X Factor' in 2011, but they were able to repair their relationship leading to the former Girls Aloud star returning to the UK version of the talent show this year.
Despite clashing over their acts on the panel - which also includes Mel B and Louis Walsh - Simon insists they get on brilliantly.
He posted on Twitter: "I keep reading me and @CherylOfficial have fallen out. We haven't. She has proven to be a great friend. (sic)"
Meanwhile, Simon is set to get a sexy Christmas present from Cheryl, 31, and Mel, 39.
The pair are reportedly going to present him with a racy pop art picture of themselves depicting Cheryl holding Mel's bare breasts emblazoned with the words "Feels So Good".
The artwork was created by American street artist Pegasus - who is now based in London - and is said to be worth £10,000 and the judges want to give it to Simon to say thanks for having them as mentors on 'The X Factor' this year.
Leonard Villa - Pegasus' manager - told the Daily Star newspaper: "He wanted to create a tongue-in-cheek painting of the girls which he thinks all three of them will love. Pegasus thinks Simon is a genius and has given us so much in terms of entertainment and great music, and he wanted to give something back. He's the artist and if he wants to gift some of his paintings through Cheryl and Mel for Christmas, then it's a very nice thing to do."
Simon Cowell: Cheryl is a great friend
Simon Cowell says Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is a "great friend".
The 55-year-old music mogul laughs when he reads that he and his fellow 'X Factor' judge are at loggerheads and insists they have a very close relationship.
Relations between the pair did become strained when Simon axed her from the judging panel of the US version of 'The X Factor' in 2011, but they were able to repair their relationship leading to the former Girls Aloud star returning to the UK version of the talent show this year.
Despite clashing over their acts on the panel - which also includes Mel B and Louis Walsh - Simon insists they get on brilliantly.
He posted on Twitter: "I keep reading me and @CherylOfficial have fallen out. We haven't. She has proven to be a great friend. (sic)"
Meanwhile, Simon is set to get a sexy Christmas present from Cheryl, 31, and Mel, 39.
The pair are reportedly going to present him with a racy pop art picture of themselves depicting Cheryl holding Mel's bare breasts emblazoned with the words "Feels So Good".
The artwork was created by American street artist Pegasus - who is now based in London - and is said to be worth £10,000 and the judges want to give it to Simon to say thanks for having them as mentors on 'The X Factor' this year.
Leonard Villa - Pegasus' manager - told the Daily Star newspaper: "He wanted to create a tongue-in-cheek painting of the girls which he thinks all three of them will love. Pegasus thinks Simon is a genius and has given us so much in terms of entertainment and great music, and he wanted to give something back. He's the artist and if he wants to gift some of his paintings through Cheryl and Mel for Christmas, then it's a very nice thing to do."
TV
'Emmerdale' boss Kate Oates doesn't want British soap operas to be the "poor relations" to American dramas.
The ITV chief has praised online video streaming service, Netflix - which has produced the original dramas, 'Orange Is The New Black' and 'House of Cards' - as she believes the company is pushing writers and directors to create more interesting episodes for the Yorkshire-based soap, such as the introduction of The White Family.
When asked if she feels under pressure to compete with Netflix, Kate said: "The bar has been set so high because of what's coming out of America. You don't want people watching British soaps and then watching Netflix and thinking: 'This is loads better,' and we look like poor relations.
"I think soaps are becoming better respected and I think that is partly because as producers and writers, we are so influenced by TV dramas."
Despite the variety of high quality soaps on offer, Kate told the Daily Star newspaper she still deals with "soap snobs" but explained how she tries to focus on improving the characters and storylines - which includes the addition of the wealthy White family to 'Emmerdale'.
She said: "I think people fall into two camps - either those who gets soap, understand it and love it or those who are a bit snobby about it.
"Those who are snobby about it, that's fine. It's not a problem.
"But for the rest of us, I think we invest in the characters."
Emmerdale boss says soaps must get better
'Emmerdale' boss Kate Oates doesn't want British soap operas to be the "poor relations" to American dramas.
The ITV chief has praised online video streaming service, Netflix - which has produced the original dramas, 'Orange Is The New Black' and 'House of Cards' - as she believes the company is pushing writers and directors to create more interesting episodes for the Yorkshire-based soap, such as the introduction of The White Family.
When asked if she feels under pressure to compete with Netflix, Kate said: "The bar has been set so high because of what's coming out of America. You don't want people watching British soaps and then watching Netflix and thinking: 'This is loads better,' and we look like poor relations.
"I think soaps are becoming better respected and I think that is partly because as producers and writers, we are so influenced by TV dramas."
Despite the variety of high quality soaps on offer, Kate told the Daily Star newspaper she still deals with "soap snobs" but explained how she tries to focus on improving the characters and storylines - which includes the addition of the wealthy White family to 'Emmerdale'.
She said: "I think people fall into two camps - either those who gets soap, understand it and love it or those who are a bit snobby about it.
"Those who are snobby about it, that's fine. It's not a problem.
"But for the rest of us, I think we invest in the characters."
TV
Mark Gatiss has revealed 'Sherlock' fans have changed the way the series is filmed.
The show's co-creator has revealed the upcoming new episodes of the BBC detective drama have largely been based indoors because of the growing amount of fans who turn up to watch the shoots and leak secrets online.
The craze - known as #setlock - has seen hundreds of fans arriving at filming locations to photograph and film the show's stars, including Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, and then post everything on Twitter along with the actor's lines and other pieces of information, which is something the producers are hoping to limit.
Gatiss - who works on the programme with Steven Moffat - explained: "When we were filming Baker Street exteriors last time, the fact you've got about 300 people behind crash barriers is ... interesting. So we have factored in trying to minimise large scenes outside.
"If you're just drawing up in a taxi and running through a door, it's easier but large dialogue scenes outside are quite tough."
Apart from the leaking of storylines, the 48-year-old screenwriter explained it is nerve-racking for the show's stars to film in front of what he describes as "a live studio audience" and the crew have also had problems trying to avoid including 'Sherlock' super-fans in the background of shots.
Gatiss - who also plays Sherlock's brother, Mycroft - added to RadioTimes.com: "First of all it gives a lot away, which is a shame, but also just in terms of concentration it's hard when you feel like you're being observed by more than just the crew,"
However, viewers will have to wait for another year before finding out what is in store for the characters, with a Christmas special being broadcast in 2015 followed by the fourth series in 2016.
Fans have changed Sherlock filming
Mark Gatiss has revealed 'Sherlock' fans have changed the way the series is filmed.
The show's co-creator has revealed the upcoming new episodes of the BBC detective drama have largely been based indoors because of the growing amount of fans who turn up to watch the shoots and leak secrets online.
The craze - known as #setlock - has seen hundreds of fans arriving at filming locations to photograph and film the show's stars, including Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, and then post everything on Twitter along with the actor's lines and other pieces of information, which is something the producers are hoping to limit.
Gatiss - who works on the programme with Steven Moffat - explained: "When we were filming Baker Street exteriors last time, the fact you've got about 300 people behind crash barriers is ... interesting. So we have factored in trying to minimise large scenes outside.
"If you're just drawing up in a taxi and running through a door, it's easier but large dialogue scenes outside are quite tough."
Apart from the leaking of storylines, the 48-year-old screenwriter explained it is nerve-racking for the show's stars to film in front of what he describes as "a live studio audience" and the crew have also had problems trying to avoid including 'Sherlock' super-fans in the background of shots.
Gatiss - who also plays Sherlock's brother, Mycroft - added to RadioTimes.com: "First of all it gives a lot away, which is a shame, but also just in terms of concentration it's hard when you feel like you're being observed by more than just the crew,"
However, viewers will have to wait for another year before finding out what is in store for the characters, with a Christmas special being broadcast in 2015 followed by the fourth series in 2016.
TV
Miranda Hart is "terrified" of not leaving 'Miranda' on "a high".
The 41-year-old comedienne announced in October the 2014 Christmas specials would mark the end of the popular BBC sitcom but she's confessed she's worried about saying goodbye to the character on a bad note.
She explained: "I will really miss her - she has been so very good to me. But I'm terrified of not leaving on a high, plus I think in some way I've grown out of performing it. When I trip over, or sing, or do fruit people - I think, 'Oh come on Sitcom Miranda Person, that's a bit embarrassing now'."
However, Miranda is proud of the journey her character has made and claims that's why she's decided to bring the show to an end.
She added: "She couldn't stay in that 'getting it wrong' place perpetually. Well, she could, that's the sitcom, but I feel it's time for her to learn a bit and grow a bit and start to like herself a bit.
"And when she knows what to do, she's not funny any more. She's come into her own - and once she's come into her own, we've done her. It's over."
The actress previously admitted her family were relieved when she announced she was calling time on the programme - which began in 2009 and also stars Sarah Hadland, Tom Ellis and Patricia Hodge.
She said: "Most of my family went, 'Thank goodness', because they know how stressed I get writing it. But all my cast members were very sad, so we shall see [about further episodes], but I have written a finale."
Miranda Hart’s sitcom fears
Miranda Hart is "terrified" of not leaving 'Miranda' on "a high".
The 41-year-old comedienne announced in October the 2014 Christmas specials would mark the end of the popular BBC sitcom but she's confessed she's worried about saying goodbye to the character on a bad note.
She explained: "I will really miss her - she has been so very good to me. But I'm terrified of not leaving on a high, plus I think in some way I've grown out of performing it. When I trip over, or sing, or do fruit people - I think, 'Oh come on Sitcom Miranda Person, that's a bit embarrassing now'."
However, Miranda is proud of the journey her character has made and claims that's why she's decided to bring the show to an end.
She added: "She couldn't stay in that 'getting it wrong' place perpetually. Well, she could, that's the sitcom, but I feel it's time for her to learn a bit and grow a bit and start to like herself a bit.
"And when she knows what to do, she's not funny any more. She's come into her own - and once she's come into her own, we've done her. It's over."
The actress previously admitted her family were relieved when she announced she was calling time on the programme - which began in 2009 and also stars Sarah Hadland, Tom Ellis and Patricia Hodge.
She said: "Most of my family went, 'Thank goodness', because they know how stressed I get writing it. But all my cast members were very sad, so we shall see [about further episodes], but I have written a finale."
TV
Security has been stepped up at the 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' camp because there is a murderer on the loose.
ITV bosses have reportedly taken extra measures to protect the contestants - who include Michael Buerk, Vicki Michelle, Jimmy Bullard and Melanie Sykes - following a "shocking" incident in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, which is just five miles away from where the show is filmed, causing police to worry their suspect is hiding out in the jungle.
An ITV source said: "We have a security team on site. The safety and security of our celebrities and crew is of the utmost importance."
The shocking incident took place when a man in his 40s was stabbed in the eye during a raid on his home. The day after he returned home from hospital, the same attacker is alleged to have killed him and injured his 25-year-old son.
A local resident told The Sun newspaper: "It's a sleepy place and we're not used to this sort of thing happening.
"It was a shocking thing to happen and we're still reeling from it."
A New South Wales police spokesman added: "The investigation into this case continues."
I’m A Celeb bosses boost security
Security has been stepped up at the 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' camp because there is a murderer on the loose.
ITV bosses have reportedly taken extra measures to protect the contestants - who include Michael Buerk, Vicki Michelle, Jimmy Bullard and Melanie Sykes - following a "shocking" incident in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, which is just five miles away from where the show is filmed, causing police to worry their suspect is hiding out in the jungle.
An ITV source said: "We have a security team on site. The safety and security of our celebrities and crew is of the utmost importance."
The shocking incident took place when a man in his 40s was stabbed in the eye during a raid on his home. The day after he returned home from hospital, the same attacker is alleged to have killed him and injured his 25-year-old son.
A local resident told The Sun newspaper: "It's a sleepy place and we're not used to this sort of thing happening.
"It was a shocking thing to happen and we're still reeling from it."
A New South Wales police spokesman added: "The investigation into this case continues."
TV
Richard Hammond "lost the ability to connect emotionally" after his coma-inducing crash in 2006.
The 'Top Gear' presenter was filming an item at the wheel of a jet-powered dragster when tyre failure caused him to crash at 288 mph and he's now opened up about the recovery from his two-week-long coma.
He said: "For a time I lost the ability to connect emotionally. I began picking away at my own personality and that was very dizzying. I don't think I was very easy to work with for a good while, The team was very patient."
The 44-year-old star - who has daughters Izzy and Willow with wife Amanda - revealed the accident left him susceptible to "depression, obsession, compulsion and paranoia" and questioning whether it'd been his own fault.
He explained to Radio Times magazine: "I was difficult on shoots, losing my temper, feeling threatened by everything, very defensive. And I massively needed to know if the crash was my fault, because I'd risked the girls growing up without their dad.
"The telemetry showed I'd done everything right and it was an accident. But the girls still remember it very clearly."
Richard Hammond unable to emotionally connect
Richard Hammond "lost the ability to connect emotionally" after his coma-inducing crash in 2006.
The 'Top Gear' presenter was filming an item at the wheel of a jet-powered dragster when tyre failure caused him to crash at 288 mph and he's now opened up about the recovery from his two-week-long coma.
He said: "For a time I lost the ability to connect emotionally. I began picking away at my own personality and that was very dizzying. I don't think I was very easy to work with for a good while, The team was very patient."
The 44-year-old star - who has daughters Izzy and Willow with wife Amanda - revealed the accident left him susceptible to "depression, obsession, compulsion and paranoia" and questioning whether it'd been his own fault.
He explained to Radio Times magazine: "I was difficult on shoots, losing my temper, feeling threatened by everything, very defensive. And I massively needed to know if the crash was my fault, because I'd risked the girls growing up without their dad.
"The telemetry showed I'd done everything right and it was an accident. But the girls still remember it very clearly."
TV
Sam Faiers wants to be "best friends" with Kim Kardashian West.
The former reality star has her eyes on Kim, as Sam admitted she wants to become close friends with the 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' starlet, after bumping into her while vacationing in Los Angeles.
When asked what it was like to meet Kim, Sam said: "She was really sweet and polite. The next step is to become best friends. They were filming ['Keeping Up With The Kardashians'] when I saw her - I might be in the background."
Sam - who starred in 11 series of 'The Only Way Is Essex' before quitting in April of this year - explained she would never want to swap her home in England for a place in Hollywood because she would miss her sister Billie and her four-month-old niece, Nelly.
She told Now magazine: "My friend lives there, so I want to go out there more, but I couldn't live there, no. I was Skyping Billie and baby Nelly after three days. I couldn't leave my home in Essex."
Sam Faiers wants to be best friends with Kim Kardashian West
Sam Faiers wants to be "best friends" with Kim Kardashian West.
The former reality star has her eyes on Kim, as Sam admitted she wants to become close friends with the 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' starlet, after bumping into her while vacationing in Los Angeles.
When asked what it was like to meet Kim, Sam said: "She was really sweet and polite. The next step is to become best friends. They were filming ['Keeping Up With The Kardashians'] when I saw her - I might be in the background."
Sam - who starred in 11 series of 'The Only Way Is Essex' before quitting in April of this year - explained she would never want to swap her home in England for a place in Hollywood because she would miss her sister Billie and her four-month-old niece, Nelly.
She told Now magazine: "My friend lives there, so I want to go out there more, but I couldn't live there, no. I was Skyping Billie and baby Nelly after three days. I couldn't leave my home in Essex."
TV
Delta Goodrem is returning to 'Neighbours'.
The 30-year-old singer-songwriter will reprise her role as Nina Tucker for a three episode stint to celebrate the Australian soap's 30th anniversary in 2015.
Confirming the news on her Twitter account, she wrote: "I am so excited to be making a guest appearance as my character Nina for neighbors special 30th anniversary xx (sic)."
In a further tweet, the star posted a photo of the cast from 2002 and said: "Look out Ramsey street I'm back.... #ninareturns #30thanniversaryspecial xx (sic)."
The blonde beauty was a regular on the show between 2002 and 2003, but hasn't been seen on Ramsay Street since 2005, when she featured as part of the show's 20th anniversary celebrations.
Writers for the show have not yet revealed details of the storyline in which the actress will be involved, but it's believed her return may focus on her character's musical ability.
Speaking about Delta's comeback, series producer Jason Herbison said: "It's natural that music would somehow be involved. Having Delta join us for this momentous occasion is the icing on the cake, we are delighted."
The announcement follows news that the iconic Erinsborough residents Harold and Madge Bishop, played by Ian Smith and Anne Charleston, will be returning to the show for the milestone.
In August rumours of a return from fellow singing superstar Kylie Minogue began to circulate now that her on-screen son, Daniel Robinson, is on the show.
However, the star - who played Charlene in the soap - has since shut down hopes for a comeback.
She told ITV London: "It's just not happening. It's just a little rumour that got legs."
Delta Goodrem returning to Neighbours
Delta Goodrem is returning to 'Neighbours'.
The 30-year-old singer-songwriter will reprise her role as Nina Tucker for a three episode stint to celebrate the Australian soap's 30th anniversary in 2015.
Confirming the news on her Twitter account, she wrote: "I am so excited to be making a guest appearance as my character Nina for neighbors special 30th anniversary xx (sic)."
In a further tweet, the star posted a photo of the cast from 2002 and said: "Look out Ramsey street I'm back.... #ninareturns #30thanniversaryspecial xx (sic)."
The blonde beauty was a regular on the show between 2002 and 2003, but hasn't been seen on Ramsay Street since 2005, when she featured as part of the show's 20th anniversary celebrations.
Writers for the show have not yet revealed details of the storyline in which the actress will be involved, but it's believed her return may focus on her character's musical ability.
Speaking about Delta's comeback, series producer Jason Herbison said: "It's natural that music would somehow be involved. Having Delta join us for this momentous occasion is the icing on the cake, we are delighted."
The announcement follows news that the iconic Erinsborough residents Harold and Madge Bishop, played by Ian Smith and Anne Charleston, will be returning to the show for the milestone.
In August rumours of a return from fellow singing superstar Kylie Minogue began to circulate now that her on-screen son, Daniel Robinson, is on the show.
However, the star - who played Charlene in the soap - has since shut down hopes for a comeback.
She told ITV London: "It's just not happening. It's just a little rumour that got legs."
TV
'Strictly Come Dancing' stars were kept in the dark about Claudia Winkleman's absence from the show.
According to singer Pixie Lott, who is currently competing on the BBC One dance competition, contestants were unaware Claudia's eight-year-old daughter Matilda had been badly burned in an accident on Halloween and were simply told by show bosses that the presenter had "family issues" when she failed to turn up to the live show.
Pixie told BANG Showbiz: "We just knew when she didn't turn up one Saturday. And everyone was like, 'Oh no'. I didn't know what it was; they just said it was family issues."
Claudia, 42 - who was replaced by spin-off show 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball during her three week absence - returned to her hosting duties this weekend after taking time off to care for her daughter and celebrity contestants were thrilled to see her back.
Pixie said: "Everyone loves Claudia so everyone was so happy to have her back.
"She's so funny. She's honestly a top lady. She's exactly the same on camera and off camera with everyone."
The blonde beauty, 23, was speaking at the secret launch of her new album 'Platinum Pixie' in association with Viber yesterday (25.11.14) after fans were given the chance to win tickets to the gig by following Pixie's Public Chat on the messaging app, and added that the stars of the show are trying their best to support Claudia on her return.
She said: "Everyone's very supportive. She did so well last Saturday to come back because it must be a very tough time but she's such an amazing lady."
To download the Viber app visit
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/viber/id382617920?mt=8
Pixie Lott kept in the dark over Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly absence
'Strictly Come Dancing' stars were kept in the dark about Claudia Winkleman's absence from the show.
According to singer Pixie Lott, who is currently competing on the BBC One dance competition, contestants were unaware Claudia's eight-year-old daughter Matilda had been badly burned in an accident on Halloween and were simply told by show bosses that the presenter had "family issues" when she failed to turn up to the live show.
Pixie told BANG Showbiz: "We just knew when she didn't turn up one Saturday. And everyone was like, 'Oh no'. I didn't know what it was; they just said it was family issues."
Claudia, 42 - who was replaced by spin-off show 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball during her three week absence - returned to her hosting duties this weekend after taking time off to care for her daughter and celebrity contestants were thrilled to see her back.
Pixie said: "Everyone loves Claudia so everyone was so happy to have her back.
"She's so funny. She's honestly a top lady. She's exactly the same on camera and off camera with everyone."
The blonde beauty, 23, was speaking at the secret launch of her new album 'Platinum Pixie' in association with Viber yesterday (25.11.14) after fans were given the chance to win tickets to the gig by following Pixie's Public Chat on the messaging app, and added that the stars of the show are trying their best to support Claudia on her return.
She said: "Everyone's very supportive. She did so well last Saturday to come back because it must be a very tough time but she's such an amazing lady."
To download the Viber app visit
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/viber/id382617920?mt=8