TV
TV
The producer of 'Downton Abbey' has vowed to "quit while we're ahead".
Show boss Gareth Neame says he and creator-and-writer Julian Fellowes are wary of the show outstaying its welcome and will end the hit period drama when they feel it is the right time.
However, the producer says 'Downton' is still in its prime and won't be ending any time soon.
He told Vulture.com: "We have to get out right before people realise they want us to get out. We quit while we're ahead, while people still love the show, and while we've still got stories to tell. I still don't know when that will be yet.
"We don't want to jump out of it too early. We are working on a great big hit show, and one doesn't want to stop working on a great big hit show until you're ready."
Gareth also touched on the status of Julian's long-planned US-set period drama 'The Gilded Age', which is being produced by American network NBC.
The acclaimed writer has previously said he won't begin work on the series until 'Downton' ends.
Gareth explained: "We make eleven episodes of 'Downton' every year, and Julian writes all of it. It's a huge amount of writing for one person to do. There's no way he can do that and work on another show at the same time.
"NBC of course would like to have 'Gilded Age' but everyone accepts that 'Downton' is still a massive success. We're all part of the same company, too. My company is owned by NBC Universal, and as a group we all know 'Downton' is a very important property for the whole company."
Downton Abbey will ‘quit while ahead’
The producer of 'Downton Abbey' has vowed to "quit while we're ahead".
Show boss Gareth Neame says he and creator-and-writer Julian Fellowes are wary of the show outstaying its welcome and will end the hit period drama when they feel it is the right time.
However, the producer says 'Downton' is still in its prime and won't be ending any time soon.
He told Vulture.com: "We have to get out right before people realise they want us to get out. We quit while we're ahead, while people still love the show, and while we've still got stories to tell. I still don't know when that will be yet.
"We don't want to jump out of it too early. We are working on a great big hit show, and one doesn't want to stop working on a great big hit show until you're ready."
Gareth also touched on the status of Julian's long-planned US-set period drama 'The Gilded Age', which is being produced by American network NBC.
The acclaimed writer has previously said he won't begin work on the series until 'Downton' ends.
Gareth explained: "We make eleven episodes of 'Downton' every year, and Julian writes all of it. It's a huge amount of writing for one person to do. There's no way he can do that and work on another show at the same time.
"NBC of course would like to have 'Gilded Age' but everyone accepts that 'Downton' is still a massive success. We're all part of the same company, too. My company is owned by NBC Universal, and as a group we all know 'Downton' is a very important property for the whole company."
TV
Samuel Anderson will have a recurring role in the new series of 'Doctor Who'.
The former 'Emmerdale' actor has signed up to appear in Peter Capaldi's first series as the Doctor, playing school teacher Danny Pink, who works with the Time Lord's companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman), at Coal Hill School.
Samuel said in a statement: "I was so excited to join 'Doctor Who' I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It's a quintessential part of British culture and I can't believe I'm part of it. It's an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can't wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!"
'Doctor Who' executive producer Steven Mofatt commented: "For the fourth time in 'Doctor Who' history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it's the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi's first series of 'Doctor Who'!"
Production on the eighth series of the BBC sci-fi drama is currently under way in Cardiff, Wales, and will air on BBC One later this year.
Samuel Anderson joins Doctor Who
Samuel Anderson will have a recurring role in the new series of 'Doctor Who'.
The former 'Emmerdale' actor has signed up to appear in Peter Capaldi's first series as the Doctor, playing school teacher Danny Pink, who works with the Time Lord's companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman), at Coal Hill School.
Samuel said in a statement: "I was so excited to join 'Doctor Who' I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It's a quintessential part of British culture and I can't believe I'm part of it. It's an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can't wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!"
'Doctor Who' executive producer Steven Mofatt commented: "For the fourth time in 'Doctor Who' history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it's the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi's first series of 'Doctor Who'!"
Production on the eighth series of the BBC sci-fi drama is currently under way in Cardiff, Wales, and will air on BBC One later this year.
TV
Suzanne Shaw has written a musical with A1's Ben Adams.
The recently eliminated 'Dancing on Ice' contestant has teamed up with 'The Big Reunion' hunk to pen a theatre show, which is described as a "geeky 'Glee' versus 'Star Trek'."
Suzanne said: "I'm a huge fan of musicals. I love everything about them - the music, the costumes, the stories. The largest part of my career has been spent on the musical stage."
The former Hear'Say singer added: "Ben is an extremely talented writer and I'm privileged to be working with him on this."
Suzanne, 32, was eliminated from the all-stars series of 'Dancing on Ice' last week after finding herself in the skate-off with Kyran Bracken, who was himself eliminated last night (23.02.14).
Meanwhile, the star could be in line to join her former Hear'Say bandmate Myleene Klass on another ITV show, 'Loose Women'.
The bubbly blonde is in talks to join the ITV panel show and says her conversations with Myleene often feel like an episode of 'Loose Women'.
She said: "We often get on the phone and our bitching sessions are basically an episode of 'Loose Women'.
"Myleene has had a hell of a lot of changes in her life but we are both at a point where we are not bitter, we are not angry, but we are now very much changed women."
Suzanne Shaw writes musical with Ben Adams
Suzanne Shaw has written a musical with A1's Ben Adams.
The recently eliminated 'Dancing on Ice' contestant has teamed up with 'The Big Reunion' hunk to pen a theatre show, which is described as a "geeky 'Glee' versus 'Star Trek'."
Suzanne said: "I'm a huge fan of musicals. I love everything about them - the music, the costumes, the stories. The largest part of my career has been spent on the musical stage."
The former Hear'Say singer added: "Ben is an extremely talented writer and I'm privileged to be working with him on this."
Suzanne, 32, was eliminated from the all-stars series of 'Dancing on Ice' last week after finding herself in the skate-off with Kyran Bracken, who was himself eliminated last night (23.02.14).
Meanwhile, the star could be in line to join her former Hear'Say bandmate Myleene Klass on another ITV show, 'Loose Women'.
The bubbly blonde is in talks to join the ITV panel show and says her conversations with Myleene often feel like an episode of 'Loose Women'.
She said: "We often get on the phone and our bitching sessions are basically an episode of 'Loose Women'.
"Myleene has had a hell of a lot of changes in her life but we are both at a point where we are not bitter, we are not angry, but we are now very much changed women."
TV
Harry Hill and Cheska Hull have backed a new Fairtrade campaign to end supermarket price wars over bananas.
The two TV stars were in London's Clapham Common this morning (24.02.14) for the unveiling of a giant billboard made from over 5,000 of the fruits to mark the start of the Fairtrade Fortnight 'Make Bananas Fair' campaign, which has seen the organisation team with Colombian farmer Foncho Cantillo to petition the government to intervene after retail prices of bananas fell by almost half over the last decade, sparking financial problems for struggling growers.
Harry said: "While the banana business is booming, not everyone is enjoying the benefits. Price wars in supermarkets, coupled with the rise in the cost of producing bananas, mean many banana farmers and workers are unable to put enough food on the table or provide basics such as education and healthcare. We need a much fairer system."
Cheska added: "I was privileged enough to visit Fairtrade banana plantations in Ghana earlier this year and learnt how Fairtrade can change communities. That's why I am sticking with Foncho to make bananas fair."
Other famous faces backing the campaign include Amanda Holden, Caroline Flack, Eddie Izzard, Rankin, Helen Skelton, Sarah Parish, Sara Cox, Aggie MacKenzie, Simon Rimmer, Simon Reeve and Angela Griffin.
The 6x4 metre billboard - which took artists Henry Coate and Toby Crowther three days and 11 hours to make - features the iconic raised fist clutching a banana, and all the fruit used to create the signage will be donated to local food banks and Battersea Park Children's Zoo.
To sign the petition, find out more about the campaign and create your own personalised sticker, visit stickwithfoncho.org.uk.
Harry Hill launches Fairtrade campaign
Harry Hill and Cheska Hull have backed a new Fairtrade campaign to end supermarket price wars over bananas.
The two TV stars were in London's Clapham Common this morning (24.02.14) for the unveiling of a giant billboard made from over 5,000 of the fruits to mark the start of the Fairtrade Fortnight 'Make Bananas Fair' campaign, which has seen the organisation team with Colombian farmer Foncho Cantillo to petition the government to intervene after retail prices of bananas fell by almost half over the last decade, sparking financial problems for struggling growers.
Harry said: "While the banana business is booming, not everyone is enjoying the benefits. Price wars in supermarkets, coupled with the rise in the cost of producing bananas, mean many banana farmers and workers are unable to put enough food on the table or provide basics such as education and healthcare. We need a much fairer system."
Cheska added: "I was privileged enough to visit Fairtrade banana plantations in Ghana earlier this year and learnt how Fairtrade can change communities. That's why I am sticking with Foncho to make bananas fair."
Other famous faces backing the campaign include Amanda Holden, Caroline Flack, Eddie Izzard, Rankin, Helen Skelton, Sarah Parish, Sara Cox, Aggie MacKenzie, Simon Rimmer, Simon Reeve and Angela Griffin.
The 6x4 metre billboard - which took artists Henry Coate and Toby Crowther three days and 11 hours to make - features the iconic raised fist clutching a banana, and all the fruit used to create the signage will be donated to local food banks and Battersea Park Children's Zoo.
To sign the petition, find out more about the campaign and create your own personalised sticker, visit stickwithfoncho.org.uk.
TV
Sam Faiers says battling Crohn's disease is making her "stronger".
The 23-year-old beauty was diagnosed with the inflammatory bowel disease last week, after experiencing severe pains while in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house in January, and she reveals she may have been living with the ailment for a year and hopes to raise awareness around the symptoms.
Quizzed how her family and friends have reacted to her illness, she said: "They're really upset and really concerned and I feel like, with them being like that, it makes me want to be stronger and positive about it.
"Being a young girl and living a lifestyle like a lot of young girls do - like going out on the weekends - my doctor said by the looks of it, I've been living with this for a year. So I want to get the awareness out there that a lot of people can be living with it and not actually had a flare-up to go and get the tests you need."
'The Only Way is Essex' star is now on a liquid-only diet for six weeks in order to rest her bowel.
Appearing on ITV's 'This Morning' today (24.02.14), Sam said of her course of treatment: "I'm on tablets at the moment; I'm on two antibiotic and another drug which stops the inflammation. It's very ulcerated at the moment. And I'm on shakes ... I'm not eating anything for the next six weeks, so I'm on shakes that gives my body everything it needs."
Sam began feeling ill while in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house and first realised the severity of her illness after losing lots of weight.
She recalled: "I was losing more and more weight. Naturally, I'm a curvy girl and I was training, so I had muscle. When I was in the shower I said to myself, 'Oh my god, this weight is falling off me' ... that's when I thought this can't just be a tummy bug.
"There was a couple of days in the house I couldn't even get myself out of bed, my whole body was aching, all my joints were aching."
Sam Faiers wants to be ‘stronger’
Sam Faiers says battling Crohn's disease is making her "stronger".
The 23-year-old beauty was diagnosed with the inflammatory bowel disease last week, after experiencing severe pains while in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house in January, and she reveals she may have been living with the ailment for a year and hopes to raise awareness around the symptoms.
Quizzed how her family and friends have reacted to her illness, she said: "They're really upset and really concerned and I feel like, with them being like that, it makes me want to be stronger and positive about it.
"Being a young girl and living a lifestyle like a lot of young girls do - like going out on the weekends - my doctor said by the looks of it, I've been living with this for a year. So I want to get the awareness out there that a lot of people can be living with it and not actually had a flare-up to go and get the tests you need."
'The Only Way is Essex' star is now on a liquid-only diet for six weeks in order to rest her bowel.
Appearing on ITV's 'This Morning' today (24.02.14), Sam said of her course of treatment: "I'm on tablets at the moment; I'm on two antibiotic and another drug which stops the inflammation. It's very ulcerated at the moment. And I'm on shakes ... I'm not eating anything for the next six weeks, so I'm on shakes that gives my body everything it needs."
Sam began feeling ill while in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house and first realised the severity of her illness after losing lots of weight.
She recalled: "I was losing more and more weight. Naturally, I'm a curvy girl and I was training, so I had muscle. When I was in the shower I said to myself, 'Oh my god, this weight is falling off me' ... that's when I thought this can't just be a tummy bug.
"There was a couple of days in the house I couldn't even get myself out of bed, my whole body was aching, all my joints were aching."
TV
'Coronation Street's' Peter Barlow is to hit the bottle again after discovering his mistress Tina McIntyre is pregnant with his baby.
The recovering alcoholic - who is played by Chris Gascoyne - will turn to booze after the beautiful barmaid (Michelle Keegan) admits she's carrying his child following their ongoing passionate affair, reports the Daily Star newspaper.
In explosive scenes to be aired next month, Tina blurts out the news during a row.
She tells him: "You can be hard-faced sometimes, unless it's something you want, and then it's all charm and smiles.
"I think I'm pregnant. I haven't done the test yet but I'm late and I recognise the signs."
Peter then walks out on her, admitting: "Sorry, I can't take it in. I have to go."
However, the news couldn't come at a worse time for Peter as his wife Carla (Alison King) will also soon discover she's expecting their first child as well.
The baby dilemma will force the hunk into a meltdown and he'll turn to alcohol in a bid to cope with his lies and infidelity.
Carla will then turn to Peter's ex-wife Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) in a bid to seek comfort.
During a heart-to-heart with Leanne, Carla says: "He's drunk. I don't know what to do. It's been going on for two weeks. It's never going to end, is it?"
However, Leanne replies: "You can't blame yourself. It's what he does. It's not going to get any easier. Not today or tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Michelle is set to leave the cobbles in May in a mysterious whodunnit murder plot.
Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow in double baby shock
'Coronation Street's' Peter Barlow is to hit the bottle again after discovering his mistress Tina McIntyre is pregnant with his baby.
The recovering alcoholic - who is played by Chris Gascoyne - will turn to booze after the beautiful barmaid (Michelle Keegan) admits she's carrying his child following their ongoing passionate affair, reports the Daily Star newspaper.
In explosive scenes to be aired next month, Tina blurts out the news during a row.
She tells him: "You can be hard-faced sometimes, unless it's something you want, and then it's all charm and smiles.
"I think I'm pregnant. I haven't done the test yet but I'm late and I recognise the signs."
Peter then walks out on her, admitting: "Sorry, I can't take it in. I have to go."
However, the news couldn't come at a worse time for Peter as his wife Carla (Alison King) will also soon discover she's expecting their first child as well.
The baby dilemma will force the hunk into a meltdown and he'll turn to alcohol in a bid to cope with his lies and infidelity.
Carla will then turn to Peter's ex-wife Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) in a bid to seek comfort.
During a heart-to-heart with Leanne, Carla says: "He's drunk. I don't know what to do. It's been going on for two weeks. It's never going to end, is it?"
However, Leanne replies: "You can't blame yourself. It's what he does. It's not going to get any easier. Not today or tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Michelle is set to leave the cobbles in May in a mysterious whodunnit murder plot.
TV
Emma Willis helped Matt Willis learn 'EastEnders' lines in bed.
The Busted singer-turned-actor sought help from his famous wife - who hosts 'The Voice' UK and 'Big Brother' - as he read scripts for the BBC One soap, in which he plays the returning Stacey Branning's boyfriend Luke Riley.
Matt told The Sun newspaper: "I always learn lines better when I have someone reading them back to me. We'd sit in bed and read 'EastEnders' scripts.
"It was great fun and really helpful. Emma got into it. Her cockney accent is hilarious."
The 30-year-old star has wrapped his brief stint in Albert Square and isn't sure about a return to the show after forming musical super-group McBusted, who are set to go on tour for much of the year.
He added: "I have got a pretty full-on year but this was nice to do and I have the chance to come back if I want to.
"McBusted are touring until the end of July then we are talking about South America and Japan at the end of the year.
"I can't see myself doing more 'EastEnders' in this year's schedule but who knows what will happen next year."
Matt and Emma Willis rehearsed lines in bed
Emma Willis helped Matt Willis learn 'EastEnders' lines in bed.
The Busted singer-turned-actor sought help from his famous wife - who hosts 'The Voice' UK and 'Big Brother' - as he read scripts for the BBC One soap, in which he plays the returning Stacey Branning's boyfriend Luke Riley.
Matt told The Sun newspaper: "I always learn lines better when I have someone reading them back to me. We'd sit in bed and read 'EastEnders' scripts.
"It was great fun and really helpful. Emma got into it. Her cockney accent is hilarious."
The 30-year-old star has wrapped his brief stint in Albert Square and isn't sure about a return to the show after forming musical super-group McBusted, who are set to go on tour for much of the year.
He added: "I have got a pretty full-on year but this was nice to do and I have the chance to come back if I want to.
"McBusted are touring until the end of July then we are talking about South America and Japan at the end of the year.
"I can't see myself doing more 'EastEnders' in this year's schedule but who knows what will happen next year."
TV
Gemma Collins has become a "born-again virgin".
'The Only Way is Essex' star has sworn that she will stay single and abstain from sex for a year following her failed engagement to Rami Hawash.
The bubbly blonde got engaged to Rami over Christmas but their engagement lasted just three weeks.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I'm a born-again virgin. I'm not looking for any man. I'm off sex and off men - and I'll be staying well away. I've taken a chastity vow, hopefully for a year.
"I went through such a bad time that the thought of going out with someone else is just a big no. I'm not looking for love. I've got no interest."
The 33-year-old reality star also insists she isn't wallowing over the end of her relationship.
She added: "I'm having loads of fun. I was out last night having a good drink until 5am, and I'm having a brilliant time. It's so nice to be able to enjoy myself."
And Gemma even threw herself a big celebration after calling off her brief engagement to Rami, whom she has been dating on-and-off since 2011.
She revealed: "My freedom party was absolutely amazing. All the cast were there and Arg serenaded me."
Gemma previously claimed she ended her relationship due to Rami's alleged abusive behaviour.
She said: "He made me feel bad about myself. He'd say I was a 'fatsie'. If I got dressed up to go out he'd say, 'Look at you' with this sneer on his face and tell me I should put on jeans and a top. We would row all the time.
"I honestly think I went through a nervous breakdown. I felt under such pressure."
Gemma Collins becomes ‘born-again virgin’
Gemma Collins has become a "born-again virgin".
'The Only Way is Essex' star has sworn that she will stay single and abstain from sex for a year following her failed engagement to Rami Hawash.
The bubbly blonde got engaged to Rami over Christmas but their engagement lasted just three weeks.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I'm a born-again virgin. I'm not looking for any man. I'm off sex and off men - and I'll be staying well away. I've taken a chastity vow, hopefully for a year.
"I went through such a bad time that the thought of going out with someone else is just a big no. I'm not looking for love. I've got no interest."
The 33-year-old reality star also insists she isn't wallowing over the end of her relationship.
She added: "I'm having loads of fun. I was out last night having a good drink until 5am, and I'm having a brilliant time. It's so nice to be able to enjoy myself."
And Gemma even threw herself a big celebration after calling off her brief engagement to Rami, whom she has been dating on-and-off since 2011.
She revealed: "My freedom party was absolutely amazing. All the cast were there and Arg serenaded me."
Gemma previously claimed she ended her relationship due to Rami's alleged abusive behaviour.
She said: "He made me feel bad about myself. He'd say I was a 'fatsie'. If I got dressed up to go out he'd say, 'Look at you' with this sneer on his face and tell me I should put on jeans and a top. We would row all the time.
"I honestly think I went through a nervous breakdown. I felt under such pressure."