TV
TV
Timothy West says TV soaps don't value older characters enough.
The 79-year-old star has just joined the cast of 'EastEnders' as Danny Dyer's on-screen dad Stan Carter and is glad he is able to breathe new life into the soap's older generation.
Asked whether older actors were represented enough in soaps, he told Radio Times magazine: "I find they're not valued so much and I suspect that's one of the reasons why I've been brought in [to 'EastEnders']. From what I hear, there hasn't been enough interest in older characters.
"Or enough older characters to be interested in. I do, though, have enormous respect for June Brown [Dot Cotton]."
However, Timothy insists that isn't the main reason he accepted the role and claims it's simply an advantage.
He added: "I took it because it's a good part."
While the theatre veteran doesn't think there was a "golden age" of television, he does regret the demise of the weekly play and believes soaps have filled that gap for the British public.
Timothy explained: "I do miss things like the single play. It was the event of the week. Now you have more channels, you don't get that conversation at the bus stop about what you saw last night.
"[Soaps are] not the same. But, in one way, they are similar, in that they offer an alternative to genre serials like police dramas. You know the detective is always going to solve the crime. But soap operas put characters in different situations that often have different outcomes."
Timothy West: Soaps don’t value older characters
Timothy West says TV soaps don't value older characters enough.
The 79-year-old star has just joined the cast of 'EastEnders' as Danny Dyer's on-screen dad Stan Carter and is glad he is able to breathe new life into the soap's older generation.
Asked whether older actors were represented enough in soaps, he told Radio Times magazine: "I find they're not valued so much and I suspect that's one of the reasons why I've been brought in [to 'EastEnders']. From what I hear, there hasn't been enough interest in older characters.
"Or enough older characters to be interested in. I do, though, have enormous respect for June Brown [Dot Cotton]."
However, Timothy insists that isn't the main reason he accepted the role and claims it's simply an advantage.
He added: "I took it because it's a good part."
While the theatre veteran doesn't think there was a "golden age" of television, he does regret the demise of the weekly play and believes soaps have filled that gap for the British public.
Timothy explained: "I do miss things like the single play. It was the event of the week. Now you have more channels, you don't get that conversation at the bus stop about what you saw last night.
"[Soaps are] not the same. But, in one way, they are similar, in that they offer an alternative to genre serials like police dramas. You know the detective is always going to solve the crime. But soap operas put characters in different situations that often have different outcomes."
TV
Luisa Zissman has challenged Helen Flanagan to a mud-wrestling fight.
The former 'Celebrity Big Brother' star says she would be happy to strip down to her underwear and tackle the former 'Coronation Street' star in a pool of mud, following her sensational claims last year that she would win in a "boob-off" with the actress.
Luisa told Zoo magazine: "I was only joking around, but given how crazy that story went, I would be bang up for a mud-wrestling shoot with Helen.
"We've cleared the air [now]. I'm a fan and didn't want her to think I was slagging her off. She was really sweet and suggested we go out for a coffee. Hopefully we'll meet up next time she's in London."
Luisa - who has openly admitted to hosting sex parties before rising to fame on 'The Apprentice' - also dished on her "pretty flirty" encounter with 'Made In Chelsea' lothario Spencer Matthews at a party but insists they could never date because she would be too dominating in their relationship.
Luisa, 26, added: "He's got a reputation as a Casanova, but I would eat him alive. I whipped him a bit with a riding crop; it was a sort of S&M party."
Meanwhile, Luisa says she hopes to "enrich the sex life of Britain" in her new role as a sex advice columnist for Zoo magazine.
Luisa Zissman: I’d mud wrestle Helen Flanagan
Luisa Zissman has challenged Helen Flanagan to a mud-wrestling fight.
The former 'Celebrity Big Brother' star says she would be happy to strip down to her underwear and tackle the former 'Coronation Street' star in a pool of mud, following her sensational claims last year that she would win in a "boob-off" with the actress.
Luisa told Zoo magazine: "I was only joking around, but given how crazy that story went, I would be bang up for a mud-wrestling shoot with Helen.
"We've cleared the air [now]. I'm a fan and didn't want her to think I was slagging her off. She was really sweet and suggested we go out for a coffee. Hopefully we'll meet up next time she's in London."
Luisa - who has openly admitted to hosting sex parties before rising to fame on 'The Apprentice' - also dished on her "pretty flirty" encounter with 'Made In Chelsea' lothario Spencer Matthews at a party but insists they could never date because she would be too dominating in their relationship.
Luisa, 26, added: "He's got a reputation as a Casanova, but I would eat him alive. I whipped him a bit with a riding crop; it was a sort of S&M party."
Meanwhile, Luisa says she hopes to "enrich the sex life of Britain" in her new role as a sex advice columnist for Zoo magazine.
TV
Simon Cowell is trying to hire Rihanna for 'The X Factor' judging panel.
The 54-year-old music mogul - who is set to return to the show with Cheryl Cole - is hoping to lure the 'Diamonds' hitmaker to join them because she draws lots of media attention and Simon is desperate to make the show more popular than BBC One rival 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Simon and Cheryl have two months to find someone to sit in that chair and they want to get the right person.
"This year is an important one for 'The X Factor'. Simon can't be complacent and has to come back with a real A-Team.
"Rihanna would be a shock selection because she is not an obvious choice for a family show - but that's what he wants."
Simon previously revealed he will include Cheryl, 30, in any discussions regarding who will join them on the panel and she will have final say on new appointments.
It's thought the pair are at odds over whether to rehire the show's longest serving judge, Louis Walsh, with Cheryl eager to axe him from the show.
Other names being discussed for 'The X Factor' panel include LMFAO rapper Redfoo - who is a judge on the Australian version of the singing competition - and Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie.
Simon Cowell wants Rihanna for X Factor
Simon Cowell is trying to hire Rihanna for 'The X Factor' judging panel.
The 54-year-old music mogul - who is set to return to the show with Cheryl Cole - is hoping to lure the 'Diamonds' hitmaker to join them because she draws lots of media attention and Simon is desperate to make the show more popular than BBC One rival 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Simon and Cheryl have two months to find someone to sit in that chair and they want to get the right person.
"This year is an important one for 'The X Factor'. Simon can't be complacent and has to come back with a real A-Team.
"Rihanna would be a shock selection because she is not an obvious choice for a family show - but that's what he wants."
Simon previously revealed he will include Cheryl, 30, in any discussions regarding who will join them on the panel and she will have final say on new appointments.
It's thought the pair are at odds over whether to rehire the show's longest serving judge, Louis Walsh, with Cheryl eager to axe him from the show.
Other names being discussed for 'The X Factor' panel include LMFAO rapper Redfoo - who is a judge on the Australian version of the singing competition - and Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie.
TV
Ferne McCann doesn't think 'The Only Way is Essex' has ruined her relationship with Charlie Sims.
The reality star broke up with her boyfriend last year on the show after he was photographed smooching another woman last summer, but the brunette beauty doesn't believe the programme was to blame for their split.
She told NEW! magazine: "'TOWIE' hasn't ruined mine and Charlie's relationship or our lives. If anything it's benefited it and it's accelerated our break up. We would have broken up 'TOWIE' or no 'TOWIE'."
Ferne also hasn't ruled out getting back with Charlie, who she has dated on/off for three years, because she'll always love him.
She said: "I love him and always will - he's my first love."
However, the 21-year-old hunk may not feel the same after he found out that Ferne had cheated on him back in December with Frank Major.
He said previously: Every excuse she has given is bulls**t. She says in every interview that she wasn't happy and couldn't trust me because of the cheating. She cheated on me and then dumped me the next day, a week before Christmas. That girl has no f***ing heart. I had Christmas presents under the tree for her - I'm pretty sure she didn't have them for me."
Ferne McCann doesn’t blame TOWIE for split with Charlie Sims
Ferne McCann doesn't think 'The Only Way is Essex' has ruined her relationship with Charlie Sims.
The reality star broke up with her boyfriend last year on the show after he was photographed smooching another woman last summer, but the brunette beauty doesn't believe the programme was to blame for their split.
She told NEW! magazine: "'TOWIE' hasn't ruined mine and Charlie's relationship or our lives. If anything it's benefited it and it's accelerated our break up. We would have broken up 'TOWIE' or no 'TOWIE'."
Ferne also hasn't ruled out getting back with Charlie, who she has dated on/off for three years, because she'll always love him.
She said: "I love him and always will - he's my first love."
However, the 21-year-old hunk may not feel the same after he found out that Ferne had cheated on him back in December with Frank Major.
He said previously: Every excuse she has given is bulls**t. She says in every interview that she wasn't happy and couldn't trust me because of the cheating. She cheated on me and then dumped me the next day, a week before Christmas. That girl has no f***ing heart. I had Christmas presents under the tree for her - I'm pretty sure she didn't have them for me."
TV
Kirk Norcross wanted to release a single so he could listen to it in his car.
The former 'The Only Way is Essex' star is trying his hand at music and has brought out his own track, but he insists he didn't create a song to storm onto the charts.
He explained: "It's always been a dream of mine. I'm not worried about the charts, I just want to listen to it in my car! That's why I'm giving the proceeds to the ADHD Foundation [Kirk was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when he was younger].
"I always get knocked for what I do, 'Celebrity Big Brother' and 'TOWIE' and stuff like that, but this is the only thing that's had positive comments. I really want to keep on singing."
The 25-year-old hunk admits he knows his song will go down well with his fans because N Dubz singer Dappy told him it was "amazing" when he played it to him.
Kirk said: "Dappy said it was amazing, which was enough for me because I think he's so talented."
Despite his admiration for the cheeky rapper, Kirk insists he'd never collaborate with him because he believes Dappy would put him to shame.
He told NEW! magazine: "Do you know what, I wouldn't, because he's so good, I just want him to do his thing."
Kirk's single 'Ain't No Sunshine' is out now.
Kirk Norcross makes music for his car
Kirk Norcross wanted to release a single so he could listen to it in his car.
The former 'The Only Way is Essex' star is trying his hand at music and has brought out his own track, but he insists he didn't create a song to storm onto the charts.
He explained: "It's always been a dream of mine. I'm not worried about the charts, I just want to listen to it in my car! That's why I'm giving the proceeds to the ADHD Foundation [Kirk was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when he was younger].
"I always get knocked for what I do, 'Celebrity Big Brother' and 'TOWIE' and stuff like that, but this is the only thing that's had positive comments. I really want to keep on singing."
The 25-year-old hunk admits he knows his song will go down well with his fans because N Dubz singer Dappy told him it was "amazing" when he played it to him.
Kirk said: "Dappy said it was amazing, which was enough for me because I think he's so talented."
Despite his admiration for the cheeky rapper, Kirk insists he'd never collaborate with him because he believes Dappy would put him to shame.
He told NEW! magazine: "Do you know what, I wouldn't, because he's so good, I just want him to do his thing."
Kirk's single 'Ain't No Sunshine' is out now.
TV
Michelle Keegan advised Georgia May Foote not to "fall out of taxis drunk".
The 'Coronation Street' star - who plays Tina McIntyre - has mentored her younger co-star on the perils of being in the public eye ahead of her departure from the soap next month.
Georgia told The Sun newspaper: "Michelle did warn me that I would get more attention when I started. She said, 'Give it a couple of years and all the cameras will be on you.'
"She told me to just get on with my life and remember what I know is true, because at times people will get the wrong idea and you can't set the world straight. She also warned me not to fall out of taxis drunk."
The 23-year-old actress - who plays Katy Armstrong - is tipped to be the next sex symbol on the cobbles when Michelle leaves, and while Georgia is "flattered" by the comparison, she insists they lead very different lives outside of the show.
Georgia explained: "It's very flattering to be compared to Michelle but I wish people would stop.
"I'm quite quiet and don't have her life outside 'Corrie'. She has her relationship with Mark Wright and goes out a lot, while I'm at home watching TV."
Michelle Keegan advises Georgia May Foote
Michelle Keegan advised Georgia May Foote not to "fall out of taxis drunk".
The 'Coronation Street' star - who plays Tina McIntyre - has mentored her younger co-star on the perils of being in the public eye ahead of her departure from the soap next month.
Georgia told The Sun newspaper: "Michelle did warn me that I would get more attention when I started. She said, 'Give it a couple of years and all the cameras will be on you.'
"She told me to just get on with my life and remember what I know is true, because at times people will get the wrong idea and you can't set the world straight. She also warned me not to fall out of taxis drunk."
The 23-year-old actress - who plays Katy Armstrong - is tipped to be the next sex symbol on the cobbles when Michelle leaves, and while Georgia is "flattered" by the comparison, she insists they lead very different lives outside of the show.
Georgia explained: "It's very flattering to be compared to Michelle but I wish people would stop.
"I'm quite quiet and don't have her life outside 'Corrie'. She has her relationship with Mark Wright and goes out a lot, while I'm at home watching TV."
TV
Sam Bailey won't try to hide her baby weight.
The 'X Factor' winner is expecting her third child with her husband Chris, but she's claims if she ends up putting the weight she lost last year on the ITV show back on, she won't be worried about trying to disguise it.
She said: "It's a natural thing to happen to your body. If I'm going to be fat and pregnant, I'm going to be fat and pregnant. I'm not going to wear a pair of Spanx to try and hide it."
The talent show champion is currently travelling across the United Kingdom on 'The X Factor' tour and she's confessed to having intense cravings at inconvenient times.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I wanted chips with vinegar - like proper chips, like Harry Ramsden's. So we're going to Brighton and I've got it in my head that I need chips now. The tour starts at half seven and it's 20 to seven, and the driver had to take me to a chip shop for fish and chips. There was no way I was going to get on that stage without it."
Sam also admitted that she got so hungry at one point that she ate all the treats that had been bought for the rest of the acts.
She added: "The catering department [on tour] bought two boxes of Twister lollies - that's like 20 lollies. The next day on the tour, I caned 14 of them."
Sam's debut album 'The Power of Love' was released today (24.03.14).
Sam Bailey won’t hide baby weight gain
Sam Bailey won't try to hide her baby weight.
The 'X Factor' winner is expecting her third child with her husband Chris, but she's claims if she ends up putting the weight she lost last year on the ITV show back on, she won't be worried about trying to disguise it.
She said: "It's a natural thing to happen to your body. If I'm going to be fat and pregnant, I'm going to be fat and pregnant. I'm not going to wear a pair of Spanx to try and hide it."
The talent show champion is currently travelling across the United Kingdom on 'The X Factor' tour and she's confessed to having intense cravings at inconvenient times.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I wanted chips with vinegar - like proper chips, like Harry Ramsden's. So we're going to Brighton and I've got it in my head that I need chips now. The tour starts at half seven and it's 20 to seven, and the driver had to take me to a chip shop for fish and chips. There was no way I was going to get on that stage without it."
Sam also admitted that she got so hungry at one point that she ate all the treats that had been bought for the rest of the acts.
She added: "The catering department [on tour] bought two boxes of Twister lollies - that's like 20 lollies. The next day on the tour, I caned 14 of them."
Sam's debut album 'The Power of Love' was released today (24.03.14).
TV
Tina O'Brien is pregnant with her second child.
The former 'Coronation Street' actress took to her Twitter account today (24.03.14) to announce that she's expecting her first baby with her boyfriend Adam Crofts.
The 30-year-old actress posted a picture of an ultrasound, which was accompanied with the message: "So @adstraining85 and I have some lovely news..."
The blonde beauty is yet to share anymore information about her pregnancy, but admitted she can't wait for her five-year-old daughter Scarlett - whom she shares with ex-husband-and former co-star Ryan Thomas - to become a big sister.
After a series of congratulatory messages from both co-stars and fans,Tina tweeted: "Thanks for your lovely comments we are so happy! Can't wait to have a little brother or sister for Scarlett to boss around (sic)."
Tina - who is known for playing Sarah-Louise Platt in the ITV soap from 1999 until 2007 - has been dating Adam, 27, for three years and she previously admitted she hasn't ruled out tying the knot with the personal trainer because he's everything she looks for in a man.
She said two years ago: "Adam is all of the things I want in a man. He is wonderful, very, very caring and supportive and he makes me happy. It's hard to explain how special he is, but I know he's got my back.
"And I fancy the pants off him too - which always helps. Do I want to get married again? Yeah, maybe..."
Tina O’Brien is pregnant again
Tina O'Brien is pregnant with her second child.
The former 'Coronation Street' actress took to her Twitter account today (24.03.14) to announce that she's expecting her first baby with her boyfriend Adam Crofts.
The 30-year-old actress posted a picture of an ultrasound, which was accompanied with the message: "So @adstraining85 and I have some lovely news..."
The blonde beauty is yet to share anymore information about her pregnancy, but admitted she can't wait for her five-year-old daughter Scarlett - whom she shares with ex-husband-and former co-star Ryan Thomas - to become a big sister.
After a series of congratulatory messages from both co-stars and fans,Tina tweeted: "Thanks for your lovely comments we are so happy! Can't wait to have a little brother or sister for Scarlett to boss around (sic)."
Tina - who is known for playing Sarah-Louise Platt in the ITV soap from 1999 until 2007 - has been dating Adam, 27, for three years and she previously admitted she hasn't ruled out tying the knot with the personal trainer because he's everything she looks for in a man.
She said two years ago: "Adam is all of the things I want in a man. He is wonderful, very, very caring and supportive and he makes me happy. It's hard to explain how special he is, but I know he's got my back.
"And I fancy the pants off him too - which always helps. Do I want to get married again? Yeah, maybe..."