TV
TV
Pauline McLynn joined 'EastEnders' to work with June Brown.
The Irish actress makes her on-screen debut in tonight's (12.05.14) episode as Yvonne Cotton - the mother of Dot Branning's mysterious grandson Charlie Cotton (Declan Bennett) - and she admits she was initially reluctant to join the BBC One soap until she learned she would work with the Walford legend.
Quizzed about working with June, Pauline said: "That's why I'm there, I'll be honest with you. Sometimes you get a bit conflicted, thinking, do I want to be in something that's so iconic? And will I ever want to watch it again? Because that's my favourite soap.
"They said, 'Well, it would be a Dot Cotton storyline.' By the time they finished saying the word 'Dot', I said, 'I'll be there.'
"She's a goddess, really. She's done it all. I spent a day working with her in her [character's] living room and her kitchen, and just to see her working - the woman is 88-years-old and she's a dynamo!"
While Pauline is best known for her comedy roles - including the beloved Mrs Doyle in 'Father Ted' - she's excited to play a more serious character.
Appearing on ITV's 'Lorraine' this morning, she said: "She's a very dour woman. If she smiles at you, you're really in trouble then! I see a lot of people on social media going, 'There must be a bit of comedy coming to EastEnders' ... not with me there ain't!
"It's fabulous for me, because she's this stone-faced woman."
Pauline McLynn joined EastEnders for June Brown
Pauline McLynn joined 'EastEnders' to work with June Brown.
The Irish actress makes her on-screen debut in tonight's (12.05.14) episode as Yvonne Cotton - the mother of Dot Branning's mysterious grandson Charlie Cotton (Declan Bennett) - and she admits she was initially reluctant to join the BBC One soap until she learned she would work with the Walford legend.
Quizzed about working with June, Pauline said: "That's why I'm there, I'll be honest with you. Sometimes you get a bit conflicted, thinking, do I want to be in something that's so iconic? And will I ever want to watch it again? Because that's my favourite soap.
"They said, 'Well, it would be a Dot Cotton storyline.' By the time they finished saying the word 'Dot', I said, 'I'll be there.'
"She's a goddess, really. She's done it all. I spent a day working with her in her [character's] living room and her kitchen, and just to see her working - the woman is 88-years-old and she's a dynamo!"
While Pauline is best known for her comedy roles - including the beloved Mrs Doyle in 'Father Ted' - she's excited to play a more serious character.
Appearing on ITV's 'Lorraine' this morning, she said: "She's a very dour woman. If she smiles at you, you're really in trouble then! I see a lot of people on social media going, 'There must be a bit of comedy coming to EastEnders' ... not with me there ain't!
"It's fabulous for me, because she's this stone-faced woman."
TV
Russia's Vladimir Zhirinovsky insists Conchita Wurst's Eurovision Song Contest win symbolises the "end of Europe".
The bearded drag queen - whose real name is Thomas Neuwirth - won the 2014 competition on Saturday night (10.05.14), but has now been slammed by the leader of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party.
According to The Sun newspaper, Zhirinovsky said: "There is no limit to our outrage. It is the end of Europe. They don't have men and women anymore - they have 'it'."
Conchita - who won the competition for Austria with her song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' - accepted her award by thanking supporters of equality and freedom.
She said: "This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. We are unity and we are unstoppable.
"I share the opinion that this was not a victory just for me but for the people who believe in a future that works without discrimination and is based on tolerance and respect. This transcends borders."
Russian president Vladimir Putin has recently come under fire for introducing "anti-gay" laws which restrict the spreading of information described as promoting "non-traditional sexual relations", and his country's entry into the competition were greeted with boos at the live final.
Meanwhile, during a live TV debate Filipp Kirkorov, the producer of the Russian entry's song, claimed that Austria's winning contestant should serve to change the attitudes of Russian politicians.
He told Rossiya-1 television: "Maybe this is a kind of protest against some of our views in Russia. Maybe we should have a think. Maybe we shouldn't have such a categorical attitude to people of different sexual orientations."
Russian politician slams Eurovision winner
Russia's Vladimir Zhirinovsky insists Conchita Wurst's Eurovision Song Contest win symbolises the "end of Europe".
The bearded drag queen - whose real name is Thomas Neuwirth - won the 2014 competition on Saturday night (10.05.14), but has now been slammed by the leader of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party.
According to The Sun newspaper, Zhirinovsky said: "There is no limit to our outrage. It is the end of Europe. They don't have men and women anymore - they have 'it'."
Conchita - who won the competition for Austria with her song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' - accepted her award by thanking supporters of equality and freedom.
She said: "This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. We are unity and we are unstoppable.
"I share the opinion that this was not a victory just for me but for the people who believe in a future that works without discrimination and is based on tolerance and respect. This transcends borders."
Russian president Vladimir Putin has recently come under fire for introducing "anti-gay" laws which restrict the spreading of information described as promoting "non-traditional sexual relations", and his country's entry into the competition were greeted with boos at the live final.
Meanwhile, during a live TV debate Filipp Kirkorov, the producer of the Russian entry's song, claimed that Austria's winning contestant should serve to change the attitudes of Russian politicians.
He told Rossiya-1 television: "Maybe this is a kind of protest against some of our views in Russia. Maybe we should have a think. Maybe we shouldn't have such a categorical attitude to people of different sexual orientations."
TV
Hermione Norris is due to guest star on 'Doctor Who'.
The 'Cold Feet' actress has signed up to star opposite new Time Lord Peter Capaldi when the BBC One sci-fi show returns this autumn.
She said: "It's exciting to be part of such an iconic show, and one that my kids can watch!!!"
The unnamed episode will see the cast, which also includes Jenna-Louise Coleman as the Doctor's companion, jet off to the Spanish island of Lanzarote on a new adventure, penned by Peter Harness.
Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, commented: "It's a testament to the quality of Peter Harness's intense and emotional script, that we've been able to attract an actress of the brilliance of Hermione Norris.
"And for the first time since 1984, the 'Doctor Who' production team is heading to Lanzarote. The Doctor is returning to the scene of an old adventure - but there have been sinister changes since his last visit."
The episode will also star Ellis George, Tony Osoba and Phil Nice.
Other guest stars confirmed for the new series this autumn include Ben Miller, Tom Riley and Keeley Hawes.
Matt Smith left the programme last year after four years playing the titular Time Lord.
New incarnation Peter took over the role in the 2013 Christmas special, 'The Time of the Doctor'.
Hermione Norris to star in Doctor Who
Hermione Norris is due to guest star on 'Doctor Who'.
The 'Cold Feet' actress has signed up to star opposite new Time Lord Peter Capaldi when the BBC One sci-fi show returns this autumn.
She said: "It's exciting to be part of such an iconic show, and one that my kids can watch!!!"
The unnamed episode will see the cast, which also includes Jenna-Louise Coleman as the Doctor's companion, jet off to the Spanish island of Lanzarote on a new adventure, penned by Peter Harness.
Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, commented: "It's a testament to the quality of Peter Harness's intense and emotional script, that we've been able to attract an actress of the brilliance of Hermione Norris.
"And for the first time since 1984, the 'Doctor Who' production team is heading to Lanzarote. The Doctor is returning to the scene of an old adventure - but there have been sinister changes since his last visit."
The episode will also star Ellis George, Tony Osoba and Phil Nice.
Other guest stars confirmed for the new series this autumn include Ben Miller, Tom Riley and Keeley Hawes.
Matt Smith left the programme last year after four years playing the titular Time Lord.
New incarnation Peter took over the role in the 2013 Christmas special, 'The Time of the Doctor'.
TV
David Tennant and Olivia Colman are confirmed to return to 'Broadchurch'.
ITV has announced that a host of stars from the first series of the murder mystery drama will be back for the second series, including David, Olivia, Arthur Darvill, Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan.
David and Olivia will reprise their roles as police detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, who solved the murder of schoolboy Danny Latimer in the first series.
Olivia's character had her world torn apart when her husband Joe confessed to the killing.
Jodie and Andrew will return as Danny's grieving parents Beth and Mark Latimer, while former 'Doctor Who' star Arthur is back as local vicar Paul Coates.
The new series of 'Broadchurch' will begin filming in Dorset shortly, but as with the first series, writer Chris Chibnall has shrouded all plot details in utter secrecy.
ITV's director of drama Steve November said in a statement: "We're delighted 'Broadchurch' is back in production, but we're remaining tight-lipped about how the story develops. Suffice to say Chris has delivered as always and the scripts are just as exciting as the first series."
Director Jane Strong - who helmed five episodes of the first series - will be back to direct the first two episodes of series two.
She said: "The reaction to 'Broadchurch' from UK viewers has been incredible. So we'd like viewers to enjoy the new series knowing as little as possible about what's to come and for the story to unfold in real time."
Meanwhile, David is also set to star in a US remake of the series, titled 'Gracepoint'. The show will star 'Breaking Bad' actress Anna Gunn in Olivia's role as Ellie Miller.
David Tennant, Olivia Colman return to Broadchurch
David Tennant and Olivia Colman are confirmed to return to 'Broadchurch'.
ITV has announced that a host of stars from the first series of the murder mystery drama will be back for the second series, including David, Olivia, Arthur Darvill, Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan.
David and Olivia will reprise their roles as police detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, who solved the murder of schoolboy Danny Latimer in the first series.
Olivia's character had her world torn apart when her husband Joe confessed to the killing.
Jodie and Andrew will return as Danny's grieving parents Beth and Mark Latimer, while former 'Doctor Who' star Arthur is back as local vicar Paul Coates.
The new series of 'Broadchurch' will begin filming in Dorset shortly, but as with the first series, writer Chris Chibnall has shrouded all plot details in utter secrecy.
ITV's director of drama Steve November said in a statement: "We're delighted 'Broadchurch' is back in production, but we're remaining tight-lipped about how the story develops. Suffice to say Chris has delivered as always and the scripts are just as exciting as the first series."
Director Jane Strong - who helmed five episodes of the first series - will be back to direct the first two episodes of series two.
She said: "The reaction to 'Broadchurch' from UK viewers has been incredible. So we'd like viewers to enjoy the new series knowing as little as possible about what's to come and for the story to unfold in real time."
Meanwhile, David is also set to star in a US remake of the series, titled 'Gracepoint'. The show will star 'Breaking Bad' actress Anna Gunn in Olivia's role as Ellie Miller.
TV
Emmerdale's Natalie J. Robb wants a "simple but beautiful" wedding.
The 39-year-old star's alter-ego Moira Barton is set to marry Cain Dingle in the soap and although she's in a relationship she's not ready to tie the knot but has been thinking about marriage in light of her story line.
She said: "Being an Emmerdale bride does make you think about how you'd do things.
"For Moira and Cain it's the whole traditional thing but that isn't for me. It wouldn't be a big, white wedding -- I'd want to do something simple but beautiful. Not that I'm in any rush to get married. In real life it's never really been a big thing for me."
Natalie insists filming scenes in preparation for the big day have given her an idea of how stressful the big day can be in real life.
She added: "Even just filming these scenes makes you realise how stressful a wedding would be. Doing it for work was pressure enough, weddings seem to get out of control and I'm not sure how you stop that."
The brunette beauty got butterflies when she was filming her character's nuptials and admits it gave her a taste of what it would be like in reality.
She explained to The Sun newspaper: "It sounds a bit mad but I was actually quite nervous when it came to filming. When you walk down the aisle and all eyes are on you... despite acting for a living, I still felt really self-conscious.
"It's suddenly a bit too real. It's a bit overwhelming, so you can imagine what it would be like on your own day."
Natalie J. Robb wants a ‘simple but beautiful’ wedding
Emmerdale's Natalie J. Robb wants a "simple but beautiful" wedding.
The 39-year-old star's alter-ego Moira Barton is set to marry Cain Dingle in the soap and although she's in a relationship she's not ready to tie the knot but has been thinking about marriage in light of her story line.
She said: "Being an Emmerdale bride does make you think about how you'd do things.
"For Moira and Cain it's the whole traditional thing but that isn't for me. It wouldn't be a big, white wedding -- I'd want to do something simple but beautiful. Not that I'm in any rush to get married. In real life it's never really been a big thing for me."
Natalie insists filming scenes in preparation for the big day have given her an idea of how stressful the big day can be in real life.
She added: "Even just filming these scenes makes you realise how stressful a wedding would be. Doing it for work was pressure enough, weddings seem to get out of control and I'm not sure how you stop that."
The brunette beauty got butterflies when she was filming her character's nuptials and admits it gave her a taste of what it would be like in reality.
She explained to The Sun newspaper: "It sounds a bit mad but I was actually quite nervous when it came to filming. When you walk down the aisle and all eyes are on you... despite acting for a living, I still felt really self-conscious.
"It's suddenly a bit too real. It's a bit overwhelming, so you can imagine what it would be like on your own day."
TV
Kiefer Sutherland doesn't think a '24' film will ever happen.
The 47-year-old actor reprises his role as fugitive former Counter Terrorist Agent Jack Bauer after four years away in new series '24: Live Another Day' and although a movie version of the TV programme was mooted in the past he thinks the moment has now gone.
Kiefer also doesn't think the format of the show - real time events set over 24 hours - would be easy to translate into a film.
Kiefer said: "I think we had a run at a movie, I'm sure there are a lot of reasons why that didn't happen, I don't know all of them. 20th Century Fox is a very big company, we work with the television production end, the film end is a whole different group of people and another thing. For whatever reason that didn't happen, I think Season 8 when Jack looks up at that camera and he's given a 15-minute window to go dark and disappear that was the set up for the movie to potentially happen ... I don't see a film shaping itself around what we're doing right now. In all fairness trying to do a two-hour version of a 24-hour day would be impossible. But to go from 24 episodes down to 12, I've found this format right now to be the most interesting so this is what we're going to focus on."
Kiefer believes one of the main motivations for lead writer Howard Gordon bringing back '24' was that he was unhappy with how Season Eight ended for Jack.
He added: "I think one of the reasons why Howard really wanted to do these 12 episodes and where the idea came from for him as a writer was to end it, to bring a sense of closure to the show. That was a big part of it."
'24: Live Another Day' airs on Wednesdays at 9pm on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 +1.
Kiefer Sutherland says 24 film is unlikely
Kiefer Sutherland doesn't think a '24' film will ever happen.
The 47-year-old actor reprises his role as fugitive former Counter Terrorist Agent Jack Bauer after four years away in new series '24: Live Another Day' and although a movie version of the TV programme was mooted in the past he thinks the moment has now gone.
Kiefer also doesn't think the format of the show - real time events set over 24 hours - would be easy to translate into a film.
Kiefer said: "I think we had a run at a movie, I'm sure there are a lot of reasons why that didn't happen, I don't know all of them. 20th Century Fox is a very big company, we work with the television production end, the film end is a whole different group of people and another thing. For whatever reason that didn't happen, I think Season 8 when Jack looks up at that camera and he's given a 15-minute window to go dark and disappear that was the set up for the movie to potentially happen ... I don't see a film shaping itself around what we're doing right now. In all fairness trying to do a two-hour version of a 24-hour day would be impossible. But to go from 24 episodes down to 12, I've found this format right now to be the most interesting so this is what we're going to focus on."
Kiefer believes one of the main motivations for lead writer Howard Gordon bringing back '24' was that he was unhappy with how Season Eight ended for Jack.
He added: "I think one of the reasons why Howard really wanted to do these 12 episodes and where the idea came from for him as a writer was to end it, to bring a sense of closure to the show. That was a big part of it."
'24: Live Another Day' airs on Wednesdays at 9pm on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 +1.
TV
Danniella Westbrook wants her own reality TV show.
The former 'EastEnders' actress believes her home life with her boyfriend of six weeks, Tom Richards, and her children Kai, 17, and Jodi, 12, would make fore hilarious viewing and she's ready to let the cameras follow her around 24/7.
Quizzed on what she and Tom had planned for the future, she said: "We're talking about getting our own reality show. I always say my house is like a circus, so it'll make good TV."
The 40-year-old star - who began a relationship with the cage fighter after her 12-year marriage to Kevin Jenkins ended in January - famously battled a £400-per-day cocaine addiction during the 90s, but she's admitted even the end of her marriage didn't tempt her to back to the drug.
Quizzed on whether she's ever feared a relapse, she told Closer magazine: "Not once. It's been difficult, but I ended things with Kevin because I wasn't happy. I feel free now."
Danniella claims her relationship with her ex fell apart because he wasn't supportive of her work as an actress.
She explained: "It all came to a head last Christmas. I was doing panto in Portsmouth for eight weeks and he never came to see the show once. One day he called me and I just snapped. I told him to pack his bags and not be there when I got home. I'd had enough."
Danniella Westbrook wants own reality show
Danniella Westbrook wants her own reality TV show.
The former 'EastEnders' actress believes her home life with her boyfriend of six weeks, Tom Richards, and her children Kai, 17, and Jodi, 12, would make fore hilarious viewing and she's ready to let the cameras follow her around 24/7.
Quizzed on what she and Tom had planned for the future, she said: "We're talking about getting our own reality show. I always say my house is like a circus, so it'll make good TV."
The 40-year-old star - who began a relationship with the cage fighter after her 12-year marriage to Kevin Jenkins ended in January - famously battled a £400-per-day cocaine addiction during the 90s, but she's admitted even the end of her marriage didn't tempt her to back to the drug.
Quizzed on whether she's ever feared a relapse, she told Closer magazine: "Not once. It's been difficult, but I ended things with Kevin because I wasn't happy. I feel free now."
Danniella claims her relationship with her ex fell apart because he wasn't supportive of her work as an actress.
She explained: "It all came to a head last Christmas. I was doing panto in Portsmouth for eight weeks and he never came to see the show once. One day he called me and I just snapped. I told him to pack his bags and not be there when I got home. I'd had enough."
TV
Britain's Eurovision Song Contest entry Molly Smitten-Downes came in 17th place on Saturday night (10.05.14).
The previously unknown 27-year-old singer performed her self-penned song 'Children Of The Universe' dressed in a stunning dress and received 40 points from voters in 26 countries.
British voters gave their highest score of 12 points to Austria's entry, drag queen Conchita Wurst, who went on to win the competition.
She is known as the country's "bearded lady" and sang 'Rise Like A Phoenix', claiming: "We are unstoppable", as she collected her award on stage.
Although Mollie missed out on the top spot, she had plenty of support on Twitter with followers describing her performance as the "best song of the night".
One fan wrote: "Downloaded the song straight away. It's fair to say you've done the UK proud! stunning voice. Be proud of yourself. (sic)"
Ahead of her performance, Molly thanked fans on Facebook, writing: "Just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you. I am amazed everyday by your kindness, support and encouragement. I am so so grateful to be heading onto that stage singing a song I believe in so much.
"I'm gonna sing it like I mean it, because I do, every word. I hope you feel it wherever you are! Now enjoy the party! HERE WE GO!! (sic)"
The Netherlands came in second place in the Eurovision Song Contest, while Armenia came in third in the competition.
Molly Smitten-Downes misses out on Eurovision win
Britain's Eurovision Song Contest entry Molly Smitten-Downes came in 17th place on Saturday night (10.05.14).
The previously unknown 27-year-old singer performed her self-penned song 'Children Of The Universe' dressed in a stunning dress and received 40 points from voters in 26 countries.
British voters gave their highest score of 12 points to Austria's entry, drag queen Conchita Wurst, who went on to win the competition.
She is known as the country's "bearded lady" and sang 'Rise Like A Phoenix', claiming: "We are unstoppable", as she collected her award on stage.
Although Mollie missed out on the top spot, she had plenty of support on Twitter with followers describing her performance as the "best song of the night".
One fan wrote: "Downloaded the song straight away. It's fair to say you've done the UK proud! stunning voice. Be proud of yourself. (sic)"
Ahead of her performance, Molly thanked fans on Facebook, writing: "Just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you. I am amazed everyday by your kindness, support and encouragement. I am so so grateful to be heading onto that stage singing a song I believe in so much.
"I'm gonna sing it like I mean it, because I do, every word. I hope you feel it wherever you are! Now enjoy the party! HERE WE GO!! (sic)"
The Netherlands came in second place in the Eurovision Song Contest, while Armenia came in third in the competition.
TV
Rihanna has rejected an offer to be a judge on 'The X Factor'.
The singer was Simon Cowell's first choice to join Cheryl Cole on this year's panel, but it is said bosses have realised they won't be able to get her to agree to a deal.
An insider told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "Rihanna was Simon's ultimate choice and was right at the top of ITV's hitlist.
"Having her on the panel next to Cheryl and Simon would have been a ratings-winning dream but everyone has accepted it's not going to happen now."
Meanwhile, Simon has insisted a final decision on the judging panel won't be made until Louis Walsh's future is clear.
The media mogul is fighting for his friend, but admitted ITV bosses and returning coach Cheryl weren't keen on having him on board.
Speaking at the London cabaret Club's launch, he said: "We are waiting to see if Louis is back before deciding the fourth spot. ITV and Cheryl don't want him to come back but he will be if I get my way.
"We've seen a few people for the job but I think ITV are slowly coming round to my way of thinking.
"Louis is very underrated. People are finally realising how good he is."
Rihanna rejects X Factor role?
Rihanna has rejected an offer to be a judge on 'The X Factor'.
The singer was Simon Cowell's first choice to join Cheryl Cole on this year's panel, but it is said bosses have realised they won't be able to get her to agree to a deal.
An insider told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "Rihanna was Simon's ultimate choice and was right at the top of ITV's hitlist.
"Having her on the panel next to Cheryl and Simon would have been a ratings-winning dream but everyone has accepted it's not going to happen now."
Meanwhile, Simon has insisted a final decision on the judging panel won't be made until Louis Walsh's future is clear.
The media mogul is fighting for his friend, but admitted ITV bosses and returning coach Cheryl weren't keen on having him on board.
Speaking at the London cabaret Club's launch, he said: "We are waiting to see if Louis is back before deciding the fourth spot. ITV and Cheryl don't want him to come back but he will be if I get my way.
"We've seen a few people for the job but I think ITV are slowly coming round to my way of thinking.
"Louis is very underrated. People are finally realising how good he is."