TV
TV
Molly Smitten-Downes was sceptical about taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is Britain's entry for the annual European competition this year, but she's admitted she initially turned it down when BBC producer Guy Freeman - who is in charge of the British selection - asked her to represent the nation.
Molly told The Times newspaper: "I had a preconception about what Eurovision was and didn't see myself in it.
"I was flattered, but for the past four years I've not been courting the world of celebrity so I explained that it was a nice pat on the back but it wasn't for me."
However, when Molly - who will sing her anthem 'Children of the Universe' in Saturday (10.05.14) night's final - heard that Guy was looking for a musician rather than a well-known artist, she was swayed.
She added: "He said that they didn't want a household name and they wanted a songwriter. That changed things. I put the phone down and thought, 'I should go for this.' "
The brunette beauty, who was working at Topshop at the time, confessed she still couldn't believe it when she received the call saying she'd been selected to sing at the final.
She added: "I was actually on the bus and I had to do some restrained screaming on the top deck. It was like: clock off at Topshop, represent the country at Eurovision.
"And I wasn't allowed to tell anyone about it apart from my boyfriend. I did think, is this real?"
Molly Smitten-Downes wanted to turn down Eurovision
Molly Smitten-Downes was sceptical about taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is Britain's entry for the annual European competition this year, but she's admitted she initially turned it down when BBC producer Guy Freeman - who is in charge of the British selection - asked her to represent the nation.
Molly told The Times newspaper: "I had a preconception about what Eurovision was and didn't see myself in it.
"I was flattered, but for the past four years I've not been courting the world of celebrity so I explained that it was a nice pat on the back but it wasn't for me."
However, when Molly - who will sing her anthem 'Children of the Universe' in Saturday (10.05.14) night's final - heard that Guy was looking for a musician rather than a well-known artist, she was swayed.
She added: "He said that they didn't want a household name and they wanted a songwriter. That changed things. I put the phone down and thought, 'I should go for this.' "
The brunette beauty, who was working at Topshop at the time, confessed she still couldn't believe it when she received the call saying she'd been selected to sing at the final.
She added: "I was actually on the bus and I had to do some restrained screaming on the top deck. It was like: clock off at Topshop, represent the country at Eurovision.
"And I wasn't allowed to tell anyone about it apart from my boyfriend. I did think, is this real?"
TV
Jonathan Ross won't host 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The chat show host has ruled himself out of replacing Sir Bruce Forsyth on the BBC ballroom dancing competition following his involvement in the Andrew Sachs prank call scandal in 2008.
Jonathan, who hosted popular talk show 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross' on BBC One until 2010, says he won't return to work for the BBC and is "happy" at ITV, where he now fronts 'The Jonathan Ross Show'.
He told Digital Spy: "That would never happen, oh come on. I'm not going to be offered it. I'm very happy at ITV. I'm an ITV person. I have no problem with the BBC, but I have no intention of going back there to host shows."
'Strictly' dancer Anton Du Beke remains a firm favourite to host the new series with Tess Daly, but he recently indicated he isn't getting his hopes up.
He told BANG Showbiz: "I just wait for the phone to ring and see what they offer me. I don't really give it any thought and then you're never disappointed. It's like all these things unfortunately - it's sort of out of my hands.
"I found that in my life as a dancer and competitor you can only control the things you are involved in. The show is the show and on it goes."
Jonathan Ross rules out Strictly gig
Jonathan Ross won't host 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The chat show host has ruled himself out of replacing Sir Bruce Forsyth on the BBC ballroom dancing competition following his involvement in the Andrew Sachs prank call scandal in 2008.
Jonathan, who hosted popular talk show 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross' on BBC One until 2010, says he won't return to work for the BBC and is "happy" at ITV, where he now fronts 'The Jonathan Ross Show'.
He told Digital Spy: "That would never happen, oh come on. I'm not going to be offered it. I'm very happy at ITV. I'm an ITV person. I have no problem with the BBC, but I have no intention of going back there to host shows."
'Strictly' dancer Anton Du Beke remains a firm favourite to host the new series with Tess Daly, but he recently indicated he isn't getting his hopes up.
He told BANG Showbiz: "I just wait for the phone to ring and see what they offer me. I don't really give it any thought and then you're never disappointed. It's like all these things unfortunately - it's sort of out of my hands.
"I found that in my life as a dancer and competitor you can only control the things you are involved in. The show is the show and on it goes."
TV
Cilla Black plans to flash her leg as she collects her BAFTA TV Special Award.
The veteran entertainer will be recognised for her stellar work in television - such as hosting 'Blind Date' and 'Surprise Surprise' - at the British Academy Television Awards on May 18 and she has already picked out a flesh-baring dress.
Appearing on ITV's 'Loose Women' today (09.05.14), the 71-year-old star said: "I got my dress yesterday ... it's black and I've got a big split to show some leg off."
Cilla admits she is "surprised" to have been selected for the prestigious honour, quipping lifetime achievement awards usually go to "people who are dead".
The humble Liverpudlian added: "I've done exactly what I wanted to do in life, and why should I be awarded for that? It's only what I wanted to do."
The red-haired star first found fame in the 1960s as a pop star - managed by the man behind The Beatles - and her early career will be chronicled in a new ITV miniseries, with BAFTA winner Sheridan Smith playing her.
Cilla said of the actress: "I went out to dinner with her and she's fabulous! She turned up with the red hair - the full monty! Paul O'Grady was there, she was fantastic. We exchanged telephone numbers and I said, 'If ever you have a problem with anything, give me a call.' "
Cilla says it will be "strange" to watch her life played out in the TV drama, which will centre on the romance between her and her late husband Bobby Willis.
She added: "It's a love story, really, between Bobby and I, and it's all about my pop career. There's a whole generation that doesn't know I sang as a pop singer in those days. It ends with the beginning of my TV career [but] everybody knows about that."
Cilla Black to show leg at BAFTAs
Cilla Black plans to flash her leg as she collects her BAFTA TV Special Award.
The veteran entertainer will be recognised for her stellar work in television - such as hosting 'Blind Date' and 'Surprise Surprise' - at the British Academy Television Awards on May 18 and she has already picked out a flesh-baring dress.
Appearing on ITV's 'Loose Women' today (09.05.14), the 71-year-old star said: "I got my dress yesterday ... it's black and I've got a big split to show some leg off."
Cilla admits she is "surprised" to have been selected for the prestigious honour, quipping lifetime achievement awards usually go to "people who are dead".
The humble Liverpudlian added: "I've done exactly what I wanted to do in life, and why should I be awarded for that? It's only what I wanted to do."
The red-haired star first found fame in the 1960s as a pop star - managed by the man behind The Beatles - and her early career will be chronicled in a new ITV miniseries, with BAFTA winner Sheridan Smith playing her.
Cilla said of the actress: "I went out to dinner with her and she's fabulous! She turned up with the red hair - the full monty! Paul O'Grady was there, she was fantastic. We exchanged telephone numbers and I said, 'If ever you have a problem with anything, give me a call.' "
Cilla says it will be "strange" to watch her life played out in the TV drama, which will centre on the romance between her and her late husband Bobby Willis.
She added: "It's a love story, really, between Bobby and I, and it's all about my pop career. There's a whole generation that doesn't know I sang as a pop singer in those days. It ends with the beginning of my TV career [but] everybody knows about that."
TV
Ferne McCann has admitted she's the "worst friend and family member" when she's filming 'The Only Way Is Essex'.
The loud-mouthed reality star says the six-week shoot for each series is so intense she just doesn't have the time to maintain her relationships with her loved ones and sometimes she's so busy she doesn't even reply to text messages received.
Speaking at the launch of Tru Diamonds at the luxurious Westbury Hotel in London on Thursday night (08.05.14), she told BANG Showbiz: "For the six to eight weeks that I'm filming I'm the worst friend and family member ever. I don't text people back, I never go out, so when filming finishes I like to catch up with friends and family and I like going on holiday."
Ferne was partying at the exclusive bash with 'Made In Chelsea' star Rosie Fortescue and the fashion blogger admits she and her castmates have a similar problem although the shooting schedule for 'MIC' isn't as intense.
Rosie revealed: "'TOWIE' is filmed constantly and very intensely for six weeks whereas 'Made In Chelsea' is filmed over a prolonged period of time so in a way we do get to see our friends but things change, schedules change. It's just about managing your time, if you've just done a 12-hour day realistically the last thing that your'e going to do is go and meet friends at one in the morning."
The pair were joined at the event to launch the new jewellery range - available at Trudiamonds.co.uk - by Rosie's 'MIC' co-star Cheska Hull and host other celebrities.
Among the other guests were 'EastEnders' stars Patsy Palmer and Samantha Womack, actress Tamsin Outhwaite, Caprice and former 'TOWIE' regular Lydia Bright.
Ferne McCann: TOWIE makes me the worst friend
Ferne McCann has admitted she's the "worst friend and family member" when she's filming 'The Only Way Is Essex'.
The loud-mouthed reality star says the six-week shoot for each series is so intense she just doesn't have the time to maintain her relationships with her loved ones and sometimes she's so busy she doesn't even reply to text messages received.
Speaking at the launch of Tru Diamonds at the luxurious Westbury Hotel in London on Thursday night (08.05.14), she told BANG Showbiz: "For the six to eight weeks that I'm filming I'm the worst friend and family member ever. I don't text people back, I never go out, so when filming finishes I like to catch up with friends and family and I like going on holiday."
Ferne was partying at the exclusive bash with 'Made In Chelsea' star Rosie Fortescue and the fashion blogger admits she and her castmates have a similar problem although the shooting schedule for 'MIC' isn't as intense.
Rosie revealed: "'TOWIE' is filmed constantly and very intensely for six weeks whereas 'Made In Chelsea' is filmed over a prolonged period of time so in a way we do get to see our friends but things change, schedules change. It's just about managing your time, if you've just done a 12-hour day realistically the last thing that your'e going to do is go and meet friends at one in the morning."
The pair were joined at the event to launch the new jewellery range - available at Trudiamonds.co.uk - by Rosie's 'MIC' co-star Cheska Hull and host other celebrities.
Among the other guests were 'EastEnders' stars Patsy Palmer and Samantha Womack, actress Tamsin Outhwaite, Caprice and former 'TOWIE' regular Lydia Bright.
TV
Jeff Hordley says "being bad" is in his 'Emmerdale' character's DNA.
The 44-year-old actor first joined the ITV soap as Cain Dingle in the year 2000, taking a three-year break in 2006 before returning in 2009, and although he says his character has softened a bit, he claims he hasn't completely turned his back on being a bad boy.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Don't get me wrong, he's not going completely soft - being bad is in Cain's DNA. But he can't be cartoon evil all the times. It would be boring for me and the viewers.
"By the time I left in 2006 he was getting a bit like that. It was a bit predictable and I was a bit bored, if I'm honest.
"Going away allowed things to change and Cain had room to develop."
Cain is currently preparing for his wedding to girlfriend Moira Barton (Natalie Robb) and Jeff is enjoying having fans on his side for once.
He explained: "There was a time when people used to come up to me in the street and tell me off about what Cain was up to.
"Now they come up and say, 'I don't like that Ross Barton' or, 'Watch out for that James!'
"He's got a backstory and viewers are more understanding of him. Yes he's done bad things - thieving, affairs, violence, all of that - but now people know why."
Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley: Being bad is in Cain’s DNA
Jeff Hordley says "being bad" is in his 'Emmerdale' character's DNA.
The 44-year-old actor first joined the ITV soap as Cain Dingle in the year 2000, taking a three-year break in 2006 before returning in 2009, and although he says his character has softened a bit, he claims he hasn't completely turned his back on being a bad boy.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Don't get me wrong, he's not going completely soft - being bad is in Cain's DNA. But he can't be cartoon evil all the times. It would be boring for me and the viewers.
"By the time I left in 2006 he was getting a bit like that. It was a bit predictable and I was a bit bored, if I'm honest.
"Going away allowed things to change and Cain had room to develop."
Cain is currently preparing for his wedding to girlfriend Moira Barton (Natalie Robb) and Jeff is enjoying having fans on his side for once.
He explained: "There was a time when people used to come up to me in the street and tell me off about what Cain was up to.
"Now they come up and say, 'I don't like that Ross Barton' or, 'Watch out for that James!'
"He's got a backstory and viewers are more understanding of him. Yes he's done bad things - thieving, affairs, violence, all of that - but now people know why."
TV
Simon Cowell has admitted 'The X Factor' musical "didn't work out".
'I Can't Sing', which was written by comedian Harry Hill, will close this weekend after just two months on stage at the London Palladium, and Simon has blamed its failure on being too ambitious by going into a major theatre.
He told Digital Spy: "We took a punt and it didn't work out. If I could do things different, I would have gone to local theatres and built up a following. We went in too big a theatre - it's the biggest theatre in the West End."
'I Can't Sing' received positive reviews for its satirical take on 'The X Factor' and its stars, including Simon - played by Nigel Harman - Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and host Dermot O'Leary.
The story centres on a young Londoner, Chenice, who reluctantly auditions for 'The X Factor' and is catapulted to fame.
Leading lady Cynthia Erivo recently insisted she is incredibly proud of 'I Can't Sing', despite it's unceremonious axe.
She said: "We've had the best time. The whole run has been wonderful and we've had brilliant responses. We'll finish with a sparkle and we won't be forgotten easily.
"I think that it's nice that things have the chance to get to the West End, for six weeks or six months."
Simon Cowell: I Can’t Sing didn’t work out
Simon Cowell has admitted 'The X Factor' musical "didn't work out".
'I Can't Sing', which was written by comedian Harry Hill, will close this weekend after just two months on stage at the London Palladium, and Simon has blamed its failure on being too ambitious by going into a major theatre.
He told Digital Spy: "We took a punt and it didn't work out. If I could do things different, I would have gone to local theatres and built up a following. We went in too big a theatre - it's the biggest theatre in the West End."
'I Can't Sing' received positive reviews for its satirical take on 'The X Factor' and its stars, including Simon - played by Nigel Harman - Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and host Dermot O'Leary.
The story centres on a young Londoner, Chenice, who reluctantly auditions for 'The X Factor' and is catapulted to fame.
Leading lady Cynthia Erivo recently insisted she is incredibly proud of 'I Can't Sing', despite it's unceremonious axe.
She said: "We've had the best time. The whole run has been wonderful and we've had brilliant responses. We'll finish with a sparkle and we won't be forgotten easily.
"I think that it's nice that things have the chance to get to the West End, for six weeks or six months."
TV
The cast of 'The Only Way Is Essex' are set to film a spin-off show in Ibiza.
The ITV2 reality show already has already seen the likes of Mario Falcone, Jessica Wright, Ricky Rament and James Argent film in Marbella and Las Vegas for spin-off shows and now they are heading to the party island.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "They are planning to film on the island towards the end of the summer.
"It will mix it up a bit and a lot of the cast go out there a few times every summer anyway.
"The cast have been desperate to get them to film out there for years."
The last time the cast were holidaying in Ibiza back in July last year, James 'Diags' Bennewith and newbie Fran Parman hit it off and were seen frolicking in the pool of Ocean Beach in the party capital.
The soon-to-be housemates were seen kissing while taking a dip and the situation soon developed into a love triangle between the pair and friend Tom Pearce, who asked Fran out on a date.
Viewers will be expecting plenty of drunken scenes and flings during the spin-off show when they head back to Ibiza.
The Only Way Is Ibiza for TOWIE cast
The cast of 'The Only Way Is Essex' are set to film a spin-off show in Ibiza.
The ITV2 reality show already has already seen the likes of Mario Falcone, Jessica Wright, Ricky Rament and James Argent film in Marbella and Las Vegas for spin-off shows and now they are heading to the party island.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "They are planning to film on the island towards the end of the summer.
"It will mix it up a bit and a lot of the cast go out there a few times every summer anyway.
"The cast have been desperate to get them to film out there for years."
The last time the cast were holidaying in Ibiza back in July last year, James 'Diags' Bennewith and newbie Fran Parman hit it off and were seen frolicking in the pool of Ocean Beach in the party capital.
The soon-to-be housemates were seen kissing while taking a dip and the situation soon developed into a love triangle between the pair and friend Tom Pearce, who asked Fran out on a date.
Viewers will be expecting plenty of drunken scenes and flings during the spin-off show when they head back to Ibiza.
TV
Cilla Black will receive the BAFTA Special Award at the British Academy Television Awards.
The iconic TV star and singer will be honoured for her "outstanding" contribution to British television in a career spanning 50 years.
Cilla will be awarded the prize on Sunday, May 18, at the annual BAFTA TV Awards, held in London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
The flame-haired star said in a statement: "I am thrilled to be honoured with this award. I am totally delighted. I've been very fortunate to have a long and full career in television and this means the world to me."
BAFTA TV committee chairman Andrew Newman added: Andrew "Cilla Black is a true icon in the television and entertainment industry. From hosting her own show for the BBC in '68 to defining ITV entertainment throughout the '80s and '90s, Cilla has been an extremely popular and hugely influential entertainer throughout her long career in television.
"Last year she celebrated her half-century in show business and we are thrilled that she will receive this year's Special Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 18 May."
Beginning her career as a singer - managed by the man behind The Beatles - Cilla, 70, went on to become a staple of British TV with hit shows such as 'Blind Date' and 'Surprise Surprise'.
Previous BAFTA TV Special Award winners include Simon Cowell, Clare Balding, Jon Snow and Murray Walker.
Cilla Black to receive BAFTA Special Award
Cilla Black will receive the BAFTA Special Award at the British Academy Television Awards.
The iconic TV star and singer will be honoured for her "outstanding" contribution to British television in a career spanning 50 years.
Cilla will be awarded the prize on Sunday, May 18, at the annual BAFTA TV Awards, held in London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
The flame-haired star said in a statement: "I am thrilled to be honoured with this award. I am totally delighted. I've been very fortunate to have a long and full career in television and this means the world to me."
BAFTA TV committee chairman Andrew Newman added: Andrew "Cilla Black is a true icon in the television and entertainment industry. From hosting her own show for the BBC in '68 to defining ITV entertainment throughout the '80s and '90s, Cilla has been an extremely popular and hugely influential entertainer throughout her long career in television.
"Last year she celebrated her half-century in show business and we are thrilled that she will receive this year's Special Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 18 May."
Beginning her career as a singer - managed by the man behind The Beatles - Cilla, 70, went on to become a staple of British TV with hit shows such as 'Blind Date' and 'Surprise Surprise'.
Previous BAFTA TV Special Award winners include Simon Cowell, Clare Balding, Jon Snow and Murray Walker.