Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gives jam as swathe of film and TV celebrities add support, including Zone of Interest’s Jonathan Glazer and Thor’s Tessa Thompson
A host of film directors and stars, including Susan Sarandon, Paul Mescal and Olivia Colman, have added their names to those offering time and memorabilia to a Cinema for Gaza auction that is raising funds for humanitarian relief in Palestine.
Joining the celebrities is the former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn – billed as the star of Sumotherhood, thanks to his cameo in last year’s Adam Deacon urban thriller – who is donating a Zoom poetry reading and a selection of homemade jam.
A host of film directors and stars, including Susan Sarandon, Paul Mescal and Olivia Colman, have added their names to those offering time and memorabilia to a Cinema for Gaza auction that is raising funds for humanitarian relief in Palestine.
Joining the celebrities is the former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn – billed as the star of Sumotherhood, thanks to his cameo in last year’s Adam Deacon urban thriller – who is donating a Zoom poetry reading and a selection of homemade jam.
- 4/8/2024
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
Writer/director and star Adam Deacon returns with another chapter in his ‘hood series with Sumotherhood, which also stars Jazzie Zonzolo, Richie Campbell, Leomie Anderson in her feature film debut, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Danny Sapani, Peter Serafinowicz, Jaime Winstone, London Hughes, and Vas Blackwood.
Two aspiring roadmen decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank – but things don’t go as planned. Comedy drama.
Featuring cameos from the likes of Jennifer Saunders, Ed Sheeran and Jeremy Corbyn(!), Sumotherhood is available on digital platforms, such as Sky Store, in the UK now. Check out our review of the film below:...
Two aspiring roadmen decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank – but things don’t go as planned. Comedy drama.
Featuring cameos from the likes of Jennifer Saunders, Ed Sheeran and Jeremy Corbyn(!), Sumotherhood is available on digital platforms, such as Sky Store, in the UK now. Check out our review of the film below:...
- 1/2/2024
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
Adam Deacon’s star-stuffed parody arrives on digital platforms next week ahead of a boxing day rental release.
The latest film from BAFTA-winner Adam Deacon will be available to download and keep on digital platforms from the 12th December, before becoming rent-able (presumably from those same ‘digital platforms’) from the 26th December.
We’ve not managed to catch this one yet, but the synopsis (and a stacked cast list) have our curiosity piqued. Here is that very same synopsis:
In this parody of the UK urban genre Riko and Kane have got it all … big dreams, no respect and a fifteen grand debt. Could things get any worse?
Yes! So, it’s time to man up and finally be taken seriously as “Roadmen”. Once putting their heads together on various ways to make some money, they decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank,...
The latest film from BAFTA-winner Adam Deacon will be available to download and keep on digital platforms from the 12th December, before becoming rent-able (presumably from those same ‘digital platforms’) from the 26th December.
We’ve not managed to catch this one yet, but the synopsis (and a stacked cast list) have our curiosity piqued. Here is that very same synopsis:
In this parody of the UK urban genre Riko and Kane have got it all … big dreams, no respect and a fifteen grand debt. Could things get any worse?
Yes! So, it’s time to man up and finally be taken seriously as “Roadmen”. Once putting their heads together on various ways to make some money, they decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank,...
- 12/6/2023
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
Exclusive: The biggest players in UK children’s TV are being asked to attend a summit early next year to try and resolve grave funding issues amidst existential questions over the genre’s future.
The Children’s Media Foundation (Cmf) has been preparing the summit for months including via a series of consultative meetings with all the major broadcasters, producer groups and lobbyists from August to October. The likes of Netflix and YouTube, which have been hugely influential in shaping the modern children’s TV sector, will also be invited to attend. Organizers are concerned about the outsized impact these global behemoths are having on the local children’s TV sector.
Local children’s TV in the UK is in hot water, according to Cmf boss and summit organizer Greg Childs, due to stiff competition, the difficulties in attracting young audiences to broadcast TV, a sharp rise in production costs...
The Children’s Media Foundation (Cmf) has been preparing the summit for months including via a series of consultative meetings with all the major broadcasters, producer groups and lobbyists from August to October. The likes of Netflix and YouTube, which have been hugely influential in shaping the modern children’s TV sector, will also be invited to attend. Organizers are concerned about the outsized impact these global behemoths are having on the local children’s TV sector.
Local children’s TV in the UK is in hot water, according to Cmf boss and summit organizer Greg Childs, due to stiff competition, the difficulties in attracting young audiences to broadcast TV, a sharp rise in production costs...
- 12/6/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It felt somewhat fitting that we sat down with filmmakers, and friends, Adam Deacon and Jazzie Zonzolo, on World Mental Health Day, for their latest film, Sumotherhood, undercuts the overstated comedy and criminality, with some profound messages about reaching out.
Deacon, who has spoken out about his own issues in the past, talks to the importance of injecting conversations of this nature into his feature, while both he and Zonzolo speak about their friendship and how they came to know and work with one another. They also talk about the cameos in the film, in how they got Ed Sheeran to, well, poo in a bush – and even more surprising: how they got Jeremy Corbyn to say ‘wasteman’.
Watch the full interview with Adam Deacon & Jazzie Zonzolo here:
Synopsis
When Riko and Kane need money, they decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank,...
Deacon, who has spoken out about his own issues in the past, talks to the importance of injecting conversations of this nature into his feature, while both he and Zonzolo speak about their friendship and how they came to know and work with one another. They also talk about the cameos in the film, in how they got Ed Sheeran to, well, poo in a bush – and even more surprising: how they got Jeremy Corbyn to say ‘wasteman’.
Watch the full interview with Adam Deacon & Jazzie Zonzolo here:
Synopsis
When Riko and Kane need money, they decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
We present our red carpet interviews from the Cineworld Leicester Square and the Sumotherhood UK Premiere.
Directed by and starring Adam Deacon, the film also stars Jazzie Zonzolo, Danny Sapani, Richie Campbell, London Hughes, Vas Blackwood, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Jaime Winstone, Peter Serafinowicz, Arnold Jorge, Eddie Kadi, Ella Vaday, Charlie Sloth, Lethal Bizzle, Megaman, Denise van Outen, Tamzin Outhwaite, Jeremy Corbyn and introducing Leomie Anderson with Jennifer Saunders and Ed Sheeran.
The comedy hits cinemas on October 13th. Colin Hart and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet asking the questions, here are their interviews.
Sumotherhood UK Premiere Interviews
Plot:
In this parody of the UK urban genre Riko and Kane have got it all … big dreams, no respect and a fifteen-grand debt. Could things get any worse?
Yes! So, it’s time to man up and finally be taken serious as “Roadmen”. Once putting their heads together on various ways to make some money,...
Directed by and starring Adam Deacon, the film also stars Jazzie Zonzolo, Danny Sapani, Richie Campbell, London Hughes, Vas Blackwood, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Jaime Winstone, Peter Serafinowicz, Arnold Jorge, Eddie Kadi, Ella Vaday, Charlie Sloth, Lethal Bizzle, Megaman, Denise van Outen, Tamzin Outhwaite, Jeremy Corbyn and introducing Leomie Anderson with Jennifer Saunders and Ed Sheeran.
The comedy hits cinemas on October 13th. Colin Hart and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet asking the questions, here are their interviews.
Sumotherhood UK Premiere Interviews
Plot:
In this parody of the UK urban genre Riko and Kane have got it all … big dreams, no respect and a fifteen-grand debt. Could things get any worse?
Yes! So, it’s time to man up and finally be taken serious as “Roadmen”. Once putting their heads together on various ways to make some money,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
We present our red carpet interviews from the UK Premiere of The Old Oak, directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty and starrring Dave Turner, Ebla Mari, Claire Rodgerson, Chris Mcglade, and Trevor Fox. Oh, Jeremy Corbyn turned up too, so we quizzed the former Labour leader on his film tastes. Kept it light, you know. We saw the film recently and Loved it. Read our glowing review right here.
The film hits UK cinemas on September 29th. Ethan Hart and Colin Hart were on the red carpet, here are their interviews.
The Old Oak Premiere Interviews
Plot:
The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once-thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. Tj Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs...
The film hits UK cinemas on September 29th. Ethan Hart and Colin Hart were on the red carpet, here are their interviews.
The Old Oak Premiere Interviews
Plot:
The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once-thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. Tj Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs...
- 9/25/2023
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Paramount Pictures has debuted the trailer for Adam Deacon’s comedy parody ‘Sumotherhood.’
In this parody of the UK urban genre Riko and Kane have got it all … big dreams, no respect and a fifteen-grand debt. Could things get any worse?
Yes! So, it’s time to man up and finally be taken serious as “Roadmen”. Once putting their heads together on various ways to make some money, they decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank but things inevitably don’t go to plan!! However, somehow a misunderstanding leads them to be desired and acquired for business with one of East London’s toughest firms, putting them in the line of fire to the firm’s arch-rivals.
Can Riko and Kane live up to their name? Will Riko win the affection of Tamara and if he does, will Tyrese, Tamara’s lunatic stepbrother,...
In this parody of the UK urban genre Riko and Kane have got it all … big dreams, no respect and a fifteen-grand debt. Could things get any worse?
Yes! So, it’s time to man up and finally be taken serious as “Roadmen”. Once putting their heads together on various ways to make some money, they decide to rob a megastar in a nightclub toilet and hold up the local bank but things inevitably don’t go to plan!! However, somehow a misunderstanding leads them to be desired and acquired for business with one of East London’s toughest firms, putting them in the line of fire to the firm’s arch-rivals.
Can Riko and Kane live up to their name? Will Riko win the affection of Tamara and if he does, will Tyrese, Tamara’s lunatic stepbrother,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Elton John raised the roof at Glastonbury last night in what could be the Rocketman singer’s last ever performance, and he was watched by more than 7M viewers on the BBC. The figure was almost triple that of Paul McCartney’s headline slot in 2022.
The legendary British singer’s three-hour performance drew a near-50% audience share and becomes one of the most-watched TV shows of the year so far, according to Barb data from overnights.tv, just behind Happy Valley. His performance was by miles the most-watched Glastonbury set across the weekend on the BBC, which shows wall-to-wall coverage of the Worthy Farm fest.
At the festival, early estimates had the performance as one of the most-watched of all time, possibly eclipsing Dolly Parton in 2014 at well over 100,000.
John, who has previously said last night would be his final ever performance, trawled through all the hits across a five-decades-long...
The legendary British singer’s three-hour performance drew a near-50% audience share and becomes one of the most-watched TV shows of the year so far, according to Barb data from overnights.tv, just behind Happy Valley. His performance was by miles the most-watched Glastonbury set across the weekend on the BBC, which shows wall-to-wall coverage of the Worthy Farm fest.
At the festival, early estimates had the performance as one of the most-watched of all time, possibly eclipsing Dolly Parton in 2014 at well over 100,000.
John, who has previously said last night would be his final ever performance, trawled through all the hits across a five-decades-long...
- 6/26/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Glastonbury Festival has removed documentary Oh, Jeremy Corbyn, The Big Lie from its film program after Jewish groups accused it of putting forward an antisemitic conspiracy theory around why the politician never rose to the position of UK prime minister.
The move, which has prompted a counter backlash from supporters of Corbyn, comes just six years after the politician was given a rock star’s welcome at the festival when he addressed a 50,000-strong crowd in 2017.
The documentary, produced by activist London-based production house Platform Films, was due to screen in Glastonbury’s Pilton Palais cinema tent as part of a line-up also featuring The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Spider-Man: Across The Spider Verse as well as classics such as Withnail And I.
The film challenges allegations of antisemitism within the Labour Party under Corbyn’s leadership, which would eventually lead to him being suspended as a member in...
The move, which has prompted a counter backlash from supporters of Corbyn, comes just six years after the politician was given a rock star’s welcome at the festival when he addressed a 50,000-strong crowd in 2017.
The documentary, produced by activist London-based production house Platform Films, was due to screen in Glastonbury’s Pilton Palais cinema tent as part of a line-up also featuring The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Spider-Man: Across The Spider Verse as well as classics such as Withnail And I.
The film challenges allegations of antisemitism within the Labour Party under Corbyn’s leadership, which would eventually lead to him being suspended as a member in...
- 6/20/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Good Morning Britain star Ranvir Singh has shrugged off criticism over the age gap between herself and her partner Louis Church.
The ITV anchor has been together with Church for over two years. They met in 2020, with Church serving as a producer on Singh’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
They have an 18-year age gap. Singh is 45; Church is approximately 27 years old.
The couple have faced criticism over the age gap in their relationship. In a new interview with Woman & Home Magazine, Singh brushed off the comments.
“I don’t see an age gap,” she told the publication, as per Huffington Post.
“What really matters in any kind of relationship in life is a synchronicity of values and emotions. I don’t know why we’re so obsessed with the age gap.
“As we are, right now, we are blissfully happy and Louis lives very much in the present.
The ITV anchor has been together with Church for over two years. They met in 2020, with Church serving as a producer on Singh’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
They have an 18-year age gap. Singh is 45; Church is approximately 27 years old.
The couple have faced criticism over the age gap in their relationship. In a new interview with Woman & Home Magazine, Singh brushed off the comments.
“I don’t see an age gap,” she told the publication, as per Huffington Post.
“What really matters in any kind of relationship in life is a synchronicity of values and emotions. I don’t know why we’re so obsessed with the age gap.
“As we are, right now, we are blissfully happy and Louis lives very much in the present.
- 3/25/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
When it was announced yesterday that Frankie Boyle’s BBC series New World Order had been cancelled, the comedian’s reaction was frank but restrained. “Not surprising in the current climate, I suppose,” he told fans on Twitter, many of whom had followed his superb topical panel show devotedly for the five years it was on the air. Boyle didn’t elaborate on what he meant by the words “current climate”, but it doesn’t take too many imaginative leaps to hazard a guess. New World Order was one of the few shows on TV that was sincerely and unapologetically left-wing. And politically speaking, the BBC is in the midst of a full-fledged climate crisis.
It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...
It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...
- 3/24/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
It’s safe to say that no filmmaker has put more time into the struggles of the working class than Ken Loach. The 86-year-old British director has been making socially conscious dramas since the 1960s, when his kitchen sink drama “Cathy Come Home” aired as part of the BBC’s “The Wednesday Play” anthology. He has fixated on the victims of governmental neglect and oppression with an intimate gaze ever since, gaining momentum where many storytellers wound wind down: In 2006, he won the Palme d’Or for “The Wind That Shakes the Barley,” and nabbed a second for 2016’s “I, Daniel Blake,” a movie he came out of retirement to make.
Now he’s readying a new immigration drama, “The Old Oak,” which is expected to be ready for this year’s Cannes.
In the midst of this prolific career, Loach has also produced a steady stream of documentaries that reflect his socialist ideals.
Now he’s readying a new immigration drama, “The Old Oak,” which is expected to be ready for this year’s Cannes.
In the midst of this prolific career, Loach has also produced a steady stream of documentaries that reflect his socialist ideals.
- 3/16/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The BBC failed to fully heed advice in 2020 that could have helped the broadcaster avoid a weekend of carnage over a single tweet from Gary Lineker, its highest-paid presenter.
A review of the BBC’s social media guidelines three years ago recommended that it specifically examine rules for freelance presenters such as Lineker, who hosts the popular Premier League highlights program Match of the Day.
The revelation is likely to raise further questions about BBC Director-General Tim Davie’s handling of the Lineker saga, given he admitted today that there are “grey areas” in its guidance for freelancers. Lineker earns £1.35M ($1.62M) a year from the BBC in addition to other work, including running WME-backed podcast producer Goalhanger.
Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive and emeritus professor of journalism at Cardiff University, was engaged in 2020 to help draw up new social media rules for BBC journalists.
Sources said...
A review of the BBC’s social media guidelines three years ago recommended that it specifically examine rules for freelance presenters such as Lineker, who hosts the popular Premier League highlights program Match of the Day.
The revelation is likely to raise further questions about BBC Director-General Tim Davie’s handling of the Lineker saga, given he admitted today that there are “grey areas” in its guidance for freelancers. Lineker earns £1.35M ($1.62M) a year from the BBC in addition to other work, including running WME-backed podcast producer Goalhanger.
Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive and emeritus professor of journalism at Cardiff University, was engaged in 2020 to help draw up new social media rules for BBC journalists.
Sources said...
- 3/13/2023
- by Jake Kanter and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Lineker has been a major topic of discussion for days, following his tweet in response to Suella Braverman’s immigration bill.
Last week, the government announced a new policy to halt small boat crossings. It will result in the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive via boat to Rwanda or another “safe third country” without hearing their asylum claim.
Reacting to the news, Lineker expressed his distaste for the decision and responded to someone who pushed back on his view on Twitter.
He wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
After questions were raised about whether the football pundit had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use,...
Last week, the government announced a new policy to halt small boat crossings. It will result in the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive via boat to Rwanda or another “safe third country” without hearing their asylum claim.
Reacting to the news, Lineker expressed his distaste for the decision and responded to someone who pushed back on his view on Twitter.
He wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
After questions were raised about whether the football pundit had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Exclusive: Ken Loach has said the UK’s biggest film and TV trade union is at risk of failing vulnerable industry workers as years-long tensions at the labor rights group have come to a head.
The renowned socialist filmmaker said Prospect, which merged with Bectu in 2017, was not acting in the interests of members after four women quit the union’s top committee in a protest against management.
The Kes and The Wind That Shakes the Barley director said there had been a “clash of cultures” at the union following the merger, which he argued had been “damaging” to the identity of Bectu.
Loach, a member of Bectu and its previous incarnations for 60 years, did not support the merger and was articulating the concerns of others, who have harbored doubts about the coming together.
Tensions spilled over earlier this month when three Bectu members resigned from Prospect’s National Executive...
The renowned socialist filmmaker said Prospect, which merged with Bectu in 2017, was not acting in the interests of members after four women quit the union’s top committee in a protest against management.
The Kes and The Wind That Shakes the Barley director said there had been a “clash of cultures” at the union following the merger, which he argued had been “damaging” to the identity of Bectu.
Loach, a member of Bectu and its previous incarnations for 60 years, did not support the merger and was articulating the concerns of others, who have harbored doubts about the coming together.
Tensions spilled over earlier this month when three Bectu members resigned from Prospect’s National Executive...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Evangeline Lilly has spoken about Jeremy Renner’s “miraculous” recovery following his near-fatal snowplough accident.
On New Year’s Day, the Mayor of Kingstown actor was airlifted to hospital after being “crushed” by a PistenBully.
During his two-week hospital stint, Renner was treated for multiple injuries, including a collapsed chest, orthopaedic injuries and over 30 broken bones.
After a recent visit to his home, Lilly spoke out about her friend’s surprising development in the weeks since.
“He’s recovered like a mofo,” Lilly told Access Hollywood.
“I walked in his house and got chicken skin because I was like, ‘Why are you mobile? Why are you mobile? What’s happening?’,” the Ant-Man star remembered of her visit.
“I expected to sit at his bedside and hold his hand, while he moaned and groaned in pain, and wasn’t able to move. He was wheeling himself around, laughing with his friends.
On New Year’s Day, the Mayor of Kingstown actor was airlifted to hospital after being “crushed” by a PistenBully.
During his two-week hospital stint, Renner was treated for multiple injuries, including a collapsed chest, orthopaedic injuries and over 30 broken bones.
After a recent visit to his home, Lilly spoke out about her friend’s surprising development in the weeks since.
“He’s recovered like a mofo,” Lilly told Access Hollywood.
“I walked in his house and got chicken skin because I was like, ‘Why are you mobile? Why are you mobile? What’s happening?’,” the Ant-Man star remembered of her visit.
“I expected to sit at his bedside and hold his hand, while he moaned and groaned in pain, and wasn’t able to move. He was wheeling himself around, laughing with his friends.
- 2/8/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Jeremy Clarkson has admitted that major traffic caused by visitors to his shop at the Diddly Squat Farm prevented some people from getting to the local health centre for their Covid vaccinations.
The controversial former Top Gear presenter discussed the issue in Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm, a series that follows his attempts to run the farm in the Cotswolds.
In a preview of the first episode of the new series, seen by The Independent, Clarkson says the farm shop “turned out to be rather more popular than we’d expected”.
Speaking over footage of large queues, a rammed car park and road traffic, he continues: “Last week, the main road jammed up for three hours. People couldn’t get to be vaccinated at the health centre, and they couldn’t get a crew for the fire station.”
He adds: “I just didn’t think it through. I didn’t...
The controversial former Top Gear presenter discussed the issue in Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm, a series that follows his attempts to run the farm in the Cotswolds.
In a preview of the first episode of the new series, seen by The Independent, Clarkson says the farm shop “turned out to be rather more popular than we’d expected”.
Speaking over footage of large queues, a rammed car park and road traffic, he continues: “Last week, the main road jammed up for three hours. People couldn’t get to be vaccinated at the health centre, and they couldn’t get a crew for the fire station.”
He adds: “I just didn’t think it through. I didn’t...
- 2/6/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Cj Harris, a former contestant on American Idol, has reportedly died at the age of 31.
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Cj Harris, a former contestant on American Idol, has reportedly died at the age of 31.
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Music
A fan theory may have provided an explanation for one of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’s biggest unanswered questions.
The murder mystery film, a sequel to 2019’s whodunnit Knives Out, was released on Netflix last month.
Daniel Craig reprised the role of southern sleuth Benoit Blanc for the film, alongside a cast including Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Edward Norton and Dave Bautista.
Near the beginning of the film, the characters are seen boarding a boat owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Norton), which then transports them to his private island.
Before boarding the boat, however, the characters are given a high-pressure throat spray by one of Bron’s employees, played by Ethan Hawke. He then tells them that they will no longer require face masks.
While many have assumed that the spray contained an instant-effect Covid vaccine, the moment raises a number of other logistical questions. How, for instance,...
The murder mystery film, a sequel to 2019’s whodunnit Knives Out, was released on Netflix last month.
Daniel Craig reprised the role of southern sleuth Benoit Blanc for the film, alongside a cast including Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Edward Norton and Dave Bautista.
Near the beginning of the film, the characters are seen boarding a boat owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Norton), which then transports them to his private island.
Before boarding the boat, however, the characters are given a high-pressure throat spray by one of Bron’s employees, played by Ethan Hawke. He then tells them that they will no longer require face masks.
While many have assumed that the spray contained an instant-effect Covid vaccine, the moment raises a number of other logistical questions. How, for instance,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor has opened up about his cancer diagnosis in a new interview.
The guitarist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer four years ago, but only revealed the news publicly in November.
At the time, Taylor’s bandmates shared the news in a letter – written by the musician – ahead of their induction to the Hall of Fame, which he couldn’t attend.
“They very graciously, generously read that out before the ceremony,” explained Taylor while being interviewed on Channel 5 News.
“I didn’t have any plan, and then afterwards, the amount of love and support of offers of help,” he said on sharing the news of his health.
“I realised that by talking about it – Duran have quite a large female fanbase, so it’s like, your partner, your boyfriend – give them a nudge, get them a test.”
Taylor explained that he had first noticed...
The guitarist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer four years ago, but only revealed the news publicly in November.
At the time, Taylor’s bandmates shared the news in a letter – written by the musician – ahead of their induction to the Hall of Fame, which he couldn’t attend.
“They very graciously, generously read that out before the ceremony,” explained Taylor while being interviewed on Channel 5 News.
“I didn’t have any plan, and then afterwards, the amount of love and support of offers of help,” he said on sharing the news of his health.
“I realised that by talking about it – Duran have quite a large female fanbase, so it’s like, your partner, your boyfriend – give them a nudge, get them a test.”
Taylor explained that he had first noticed...
- 1/16/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
HBO’s new series The Last of Us left viewers “devastated” and “sobbing” after just 30 minutes of its opening episode.
Adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, the series is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been taken over by a zombie-like fungal plague.
Pedro Pascal stars in the series as Joel, while Bella Ramsey plays the character Ellie.
Spoilers follow for the first episode of The Last of Us – you have been warned!
In the series prologue, set 20 years before the main story begins, we see Joel’s home life with his teenage daughter Sarah.
However, their hometown quickly descends into chaos after the fungal cordyceps outbreak begins to spread.
Joel and Sarah manage to escape from a number of infected people, before encountering a law enforcement officer, who shoots at them. Sarah then dies in Joel’s arms.
The harrowing twist – which arrived around half an hour into...
Adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, the series is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been taken over by a zombie-like fungal plague.
Pedro Pascal stars in the series as Joel, while Bella Ramsey plays the character Ellie.
Spoilers follow for the first episode of The Last of Us – you have been warned!
In the series prologue, set 20 years before the main story begins, we see Joel’s home life with his teenage daughter Sarah.
However, their hometown quickly descends into chaos after the fungal cordyceps outbreak begins to spread.
Joel and Sarah manage to escape from a number of infected people, before encountering a law enforcement officer, who shoots at them. Sarah then dies in Joel’s arms.
The harrowing twist – which arrived around half an hour into...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Italian actor Gina Lollobrigida has died aged 95.
The film star, who was a high profile figure in cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s, died on Monday (16 January) in Rome. Her death was confirmed by Italian news agency Ansa.
Lollobrigida, whose biggest films included The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Beautiful But Dangerous, appeared on screen opposite stars such as Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Rock Hudson.
She was often described as “the most beautiful woman in the world” and, before her death, was considered to be one of the last remaining stars from the Golden Age of cinema.
Born in Subiaco in 1927, the young Lollobrigida modelled and participated in a number of beauty contests before taking small roles in Italian cinema.
Despite being prevented from working in American films shot in the US until 1959 by a contract signed with film producer Howard Hughes, she went on to find success in European cinema throughout the 1950s.
The film star, who was a high profile figure in cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s, died on Monday (16 January) in Rome. Her death was confirmed by Italian news agency Ansa.
Lollobrigida, whose biggest films included The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Beautiful But Dangerous, appeared on screen opposite stars such as Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Rock Hudson.
She was often described as “the most beautiful woman in the world” and, before her death, was considered to be one of the last remaining stars from the Golden Age of cinema.
Born in Subiaco in 1927, the young Lollobrigida modelled and participated in a number of beauty contests before taking small roles in Italian cinema.
Despite being prevented from working in American films shot in the US until 1959 by a contract signed with film producer Howard Hughes, she went on to find success in European cinema throughout the 1950s.
- 1/16/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Richard E Grant has been announced as the host of the 2023 Baftas ceremony, with Alison Hammond also receiving a hosting role.
The awards show will take place in February at the Royal Festival Hall in the South Bank Centre.
Grant, who is known for roles in the likes of Withnail and I, Game of Thrones and Gosford Park said: "I feel hugely privileged to be hosting the Ee Baftas for the first time and the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the extraordinary range of this year’s films.”
The 65-year-old actor will host the 76th year of the Baftas alongside This Morning host Hammond, who will present the Baftas Studios part of the show.
"I’m so excited to be hosting at this year’s Ee Bafta Film Awards with The Richard E Grant,” said the presenter.
"We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the...
The awards show will take place in February at the Royal Festival Hall in the South Bank Centre.
Grant, who is known for roles in the likes of Withnail and I, Game of Thrones and Gosford Park said: "I feel hugely privileged to be hosting the Ee Baftas for the first time and the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the extraordinary range of this year’s films.”
The 65-year-old actor will host the 76th year of the Baftas alongside This Morning host Hammond, who will present the Baftas Studios part of the show.
"I’m so excited to be hosting at this year’s Ee Bafta Film Awards with The Richard E Grant,” said the presenter.
"We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the...
- 1/16/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Film
Love Island is back for its second-ever winter edition.
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
- 1/16/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
Brendan Fraser left Critics Choice Awards viewers in tears during his Best Actor acceptance speech.
At the ceremony, held in Los Angeles on Sunday (15 January), Fraser was recognised for his work in The Whale, Darren Aronofsky’s drama about a reclusive teacher who weighs 600lbs (272kg).
Fraser has received widespread praise since the film’s US release last year and is expected to receive an Academy Award nomination later this month.
Accepting his Critics Choice Award, Fraser began his address to the audience with a quote attributed to Herman Melville, telling them: “‘There are only five critics in America; the rest are asleep.’ I don’t know what it means either,” he said to laughter, adding, “but I’m so glad you woke up for me.”
The actor went on to jokingly ask where the voting panel were for his much-panned 2010 family film, Furry Vengeance, before praising the performances of his on-screen daughter,...
At the ceremony, held in Los Angeles on Sunday (15 January), Fraser was recognised for his work in The Whale, Darren Aronofsky’s drama about a reclusive teacher who weighs 600lbs (272kg).
Fraser has received widespread praise since the film’s US release last year and is expected to receive an Academy Award nomination later this month.
Accepting his Critics Choice Award, Fraser began his address to the audience with a quote attributed to Herman Melville, telling them: “‘There are only five critics in America; the rest are asleep.’ I don’t know what it means either,” he said to laughter, adding, “but I’m so glad you woke up for me.”
The actor went on to jokingly ask where the voting panel were for his much-panned 2010 family film, Furry Vengeance, before praising the performances of his on-screen daughter,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - Film
The creator of HBO’s The Last of Us has explained the reasoning behind certain changes to the character of Joel.
In the series, adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, Joel is played by Pedro Pascal.
However, there are a number of subtle differences between the way the character is portrayed in the series, and the version of the character gamers may be familiar with.
One of the differences occurs early in the story, as we catch up with Joel after the prologue. In the game, he is involved in a weapons deal. In the series, however, he is after a car battery.
There are also physical discrepencies between the two versions of the character, which manifest in the ways they move.
“There are certain things that we embrace about our medium that are different than the game medium.” said co-creator Craig Mazin, in an interview with Polygon. “[In the game], Joel’s...
In the series, adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, Joel is played by Pedro Pascal.
However, there are a number of subtle differences between the way the character is portrayed in the series, and the version of the character gamers may be familiar with.
One of the differences occurs early in the story, as we catch up with Joel after the prologue. In the game, he is involved in a weapons deal. In the series, however, he is after a car battery.
There are also physical discrepencies between the two versions of the character, which manifest in the ways they move.
“There are certain things that we embrace about our medium that are different than the game medium.” said co-creator Craig Mazin, in an interview with Polygon. “[In the game], Joel’s...
- 1/15/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
HBO’s live-action seriesThe Last of Us has set a new record with its Rotten Tomatoes score.
The show, which premieres in the US on Sunday 15 January and on Monday 16 January on Sky Atlantic in the UK, is adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game of the same name.
Ahead of its debut, The Last of Us has been lavished with praise by many reviewers – including The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton.
On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently boasts a glowing “fresh” score of 97 per cent positive reviews.
The score is especially noteworthy given the tepid reception video game adaptations usually receive. Several – such as 1993’s Super Mario Bros or 2003’s Alone in the Dark – have been cited as ranking among the worst films ever made.
In fact, while it’s possible the series’ ranking may drop a percentage point or two in the next week,...
The show, which premieres in the US on Sunday 15 January and on Monday 16 January on Sky Atlantic in the UK, is adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game of the same name.
Ahead of its debut, The Last of Us has been lavished with praise by many reviewers – including The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton.
On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently boasts a glowing “fresh” score of 97 per cent positive reviews.
The score is especially noteworthy given the tepid reception video game adaptations usually receive. Several – such as 1993’s Super Mario Bros or 2003’s Alone in the Dark – have been cited as ranking among the worst films ever made.
In fact, while it’s possible the series’ ranking may drop a percentage point or two in the next week,...
- 1/15/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Christina Applegate has said that she will be attending this year’s Critics Choice Awards ceremony.
The occasion will mark the first time the actor has made a public appearance at an awards event since 2019, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Applegate is nominated for a trophy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Netflix’s Dead to Me.
Writing on Twitter, Applegate, 51, shared her thoughts ahead of the ceremony on Sunday (15 January) night.
“So this Sunday will be the first awards show I have been to since 2019,” she wrote. “And the first since Ms. Nervous! But grateful to the @CriticsChoice for including me.”
Applegate first spoke publicly about her Ms diagnosis back in August 2021.
When she began undergoing treatment for the condition, which often affects the brain and spinal cord, Dead to Me suffered a five-month filming hiatus, compounded by the Covid pandemic.
At Applegate’s behest,...
The occasion will mark the first time the actor has made a public appearance at an awards event since 2019, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Applegate is nominated for a trophy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Netflix’s Dead to Me.
Writing on Twitter, Applegate, 51, shared her thoughts ahead of the ceremony on Sunday (15 January) night.
“So this Sunday will be the first awards show I have been to since 2019,” she wrote. “And the first since Ms. Nervous! But grateful to the @CriticsChoice for including me.”
Applegate first spoke publicly about her Ms diagnosis back in August 2021.
When she began undergoing treatment for the condition, which often affects the brain and spinal cord, Dead to Me suffered a five-month filming hiatus, compounded by the Covid pandemic.
At Applegate’s behest,...
- 1/15/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Fans of And Just Like That are divided over a possible romantic reunion in the show’s second season.
In August 2022, it was announced that John Corbett would be joining Sarah Jessica Parker and the rest of the cast of in season two of the Sex and the City spin-off.
Corbett played the role of Aidan Shaw, one of Carrie’s two big love interests on Sex and the City, which ran from 1998 until 2004.
Along with Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, Aidan was one of two fan-favourite characters that did not appear in the show’s spin-off, which was released in 2021.
New photos from season two, released by the production on Friday (13 January), show Carrie (Parker) and Aidan walking through New York, holding hands.
Fans are split down the middle over whether to be thrilled by their possible reunion or worried that Carrie will break his heart for a third time.
In August 2022, it was announced that John Corbett would be joining Sarah Jessica Parker and the rest of the cast of in season two of the Sex and the City spin-off.
Corbett played the role of Aidan Shaw, one of Carrie’s two big love interests on Sex and the City, which ran from 1998 until 2004.
Along with Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, Aidan was one of two fan-favourite characters that did not appear in the show’s spin-off, which was released in 2021.
New photos from season two, released by the production on Friday (13 January), show Carrie (Parker) and Aidan walking through New York, holding hands.
Fans are split down the middle over whether to be thrilled by their possible reunion or worried that Carrie will break his heart for a third time.
- 1/15/2023
- by Maanya Sachdeva
- The Independent - TV
The third and fourth contestants have been eliminated from the 2023 series of The Masked Singer.
Saturday 14 January’s episode featured contestants such as Phoenix, Jellyfish, Otter, and Knitting face off against one another in a singing contest.
The rules of the hit ITV reality series remain the same: a roster of celebrities perform musical numbers while wearing elaborate identity-obscuring disguises. Viewers at home, and the panel of celebrity judges, are then tasked with guessing the masked singers’ real identities.
At the end of each episode, one contestant is voted off, and is de-masked.
In Saturday’s latest episode, Knitting and Cat and Mouse ended up in the bottom two, before the judges decided who to vote out.
Knitting was ultimately saved, with the judges approving of their performance of “Memories” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.
Cat and Mouse, meanwhile, performed “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes.
Saturday 14 January’s episode featured contestants such as Phoenix, Jellyfish, Otter, and Knitting face off against one another in a singing contest.
The rules of the hit ITV reality series remain the same: a roster of celebrities perform musical numbers while wearing elaborate identity-obscuring disguises. Viewers at home, and the panel of celebrity judges, are then tasked with guessing the masked singers’ real identities.
At the end of each episode, one contestant is voted off, and is de-masked.
In Saturday’s latest episode, Knitting and Cat and Mouse ended up in the bottom two, before the judges decided who to vote out.
Knitting was ultimately saved, with the judges approving of their performance of “Memories” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.
Cat and Mouse, meanwhile, performed “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes.
- 1/14/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer UK is back for a fourth season, welcoming a new cast of 12 incognito celebrities.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Love Island fever is here once again thanks to the imminent arrival of a winter series hosted by Maya Jama.
The contestants entering the South African villa this year include the show’s first-ever partially sighted contestant and an extra from the sitcom Benidorm.
Joining them is 27-year-old ring girl and actor Olivia Hawkins.
Hawkins can be seen in the background of Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film, No Time to Die.
Find out more about Love Island contestant Olivia Hawkins below.
Why has Olivia joined Love Island and what will she bring to the villa?
In short, Olivia has joined the show because she has never been in a relationship before.
She told ITV: “I’m 27 and I’ve never been in a relationship so I feel like now I’m really ready to settle down and hopefully find the love of my life.
Olivia said that...
The contestants entering the South African villa this year include the show’s first-ever partially sighted contestant and an extra from the sitcom Benidorm.
Joining them is 27-year-old ring girl and actor Olivia Hawkins.
Hawkins can be seen in the background of Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film, No Time to Die.
Find out more about Love Island contestant Olivia Hawkins below.
Why has Olivia joined Love Island and what will she bring to the villa?
In short, Olivia has joined the show because she has never been in a relationship before.
She told ITV: “I’m 27 and I’ve never been in a relationship so I feel like now I’m really ready to settle down and hopefully find the love of my life.
Olivia said that...
- 1/14/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Love Island’s winter edition kicks off on Monday 16 January.
The ITV2 dating show is returning to our screens for its second winter series filmed in South Africa.
Ahead of the show’s winter 2023 series, hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants.
Among them is Shaq Muhammad, a 24-year-old airport security officer from London. Find out more about Shaq below, from his biggest icks to what he’s looking for in the villa.
Who is Shaq Muhammad?
The self-proclaimed “talk of the terminal” has been single for almost two years. He’s not afraid to take an opportunity if he sees someone he likes, even admitting that he turns into a “big teddy bear” when he’s falling for someone.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shaq (@shaq24s_)
What is Shaq looking for on Love Island?
He’s after the love of his life.
The ITV2 dating show is returning to our screens for its second winter series filmed in South Africa.
Ahead of the show’s winter 2023 series, hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants.
Among them is Shaq Muhammad, a 24-year-old airport security officer from London. Find out more about Shaq below, from his biggest icks to what he’s looking for in the villa.
Who is Shaq Muhammad?
The self-proclaimed “talk of the terminal” has been single for almost two years. He’s not afraid to take an opportunity if he sees someone he likes, even admitting that he turns into a “big teddy bear” when he’s falling for someone.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shaq (@shaq24s_)
What is Shaq looking for on Love Island?
He’s after the love of his life.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Love Island is returning to our screens with a brand new series to brighten the winter days.
The ITV2 dating show is back this January for the first series filmed in South Africa since the pandemic.
Among this series’ group of islanders are a contestant with vitiligo, the show’s first partially sighted star, and a body double who once stood in for Emma Watson.
Among the contestants is Anna-May Robey, a payroll administrator. You can find out more about her below…
Who is Anna-May?
Hailing from Swansea, 20-year-old Anna-May is the youngest contestant in the original Love Island line-up this year.
The payroll administrator says she’s “funny, energetic and spontaneous” and will bring lots of fun to the villa. “I’m always running around singing and screaming,” she says. “My parents are always like, ‘Shut up!’”
What is Anna-May looking for in the villa?
Anna-May says she hopes...
The ITV2 dating show is back this January for the first series filmed in South Africa since the pandemic.
Among this series’ group of islanders are a contestant with vitiligo, the show’s first partially sighted star, and a body double who once stood in for Emma Watson.
Among the contestants is Anna-May Robey, a payroll administrator. You can find out more about her below…
Who is Anna-May?
Hailing from Swansea, 20-year-old Anna-May is the youngest contestant in the original Love Island line-up this year.
The payroll administrator says she’s “funny, energetic and spontaneous” and will bring lots of fun to the villa. “I’m always running around singing and screaming,” she says. “My parents are always like, ‘Shut up!’”
What is Anna-May looking for in the villa?
Anna-May says she hopes...
- 1/14/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Love Island: Who is Lana Jenkins? Meet the make-up artist who used to date I’m a Celeb’s Owen Warner
Love Island is back in South Africa for its second ever winter edition, with a whole new batch of hopefuls competing to find someone who’s “100 per cent their type on paper”.
The contestants entering the villa this year include the show’s first partially sighted star, a contestant with vitiligo, and one who has been a body double for Emma Watson.
Joining them is Lana Jenkins, a 25-year-old make-up artist from Luton. Find out more about Lana, from her Instagram profile to her claim to fame, below…
What is Lana’s job?
Lana is a make-up artist, who has worked with stars such as actor Michelle Keegan. Ahead of entering the villa, she told ITV: “In my work as a make-up artist I’ve worked with lots of celebrities. Also, when I was six years old I used to live in Spain and I was in an episode of Benidorm as an extra.
The contestants entering the villa this year include the show’s first partially sighted star, a contestant with vitiligo, and one who has been a body double for Emma Watson.
Joining them is Lana Jenkins, a 25-year-old make-up artist from Luton. Find out more about Lana, from her Instagram profile to her claim to fame, below…
What is Lana’s job?
Lana is a make-up artist, who has worked with stars such as actor Michelle Keegan. Ahead of entering the villa, she told ITV: “In my work as a make-up artist I’ve worked with lots of celebrities. Also, when I was six years old I used to live in Spain and I was in an episode of Benidorm as an extra.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Love Island’s second-ever winter season is back.
Ahead of the show’s return, which will be hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants heading to South Africa.
One of the contestants is Kai Fagan, who is a science and Pe teacher, as well as a semi-professional rugby player for Burnage Rfc.
Find more information about Kai below.
What does Kai do?
Kai, 24, is a science and Pe teacher, though he also plays semi-professional rugby for Burnage Rfc. He hails from Manchester.
The contestant has previously played rugby 7s for Jamaica. He has three different degrees and went to three different universities.
What is Kai looking for on ‘Love Island’?
Kai said he has “quite high expectations” and does not committ to anyone unless he is “absolutely buzzing” over them.
Kai says his friends would describe him as “chilled, caring, very impulsive and a good guy”, adding...
Ahead of the show’s return, which will be hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants heading to South Africa.
One of the contestants is Kai Fagan, who is a science and Pe teacher, as well as a semi-professional rugby player for Burnage Rfc.
Find more information about Kai below.
What does Kai do?
Kai, 24, is a science and Pe teacher, though he also plays semi-professional rugby for Burnage Rfc. He hails from Manchester.
The contestant has previously played rugby 7s for Jamaica. He has three different degrees and went to three different universities.
What is Kai looking for on ‘Love Island’?
Kai said he has “quite high expectations” and does not committ to anyone unless he is “absolutely buzzing” over them.
Kai says his friends would describe him as “chilled, caring, very impulsive and a good guy”, adding...
- 1/14/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
Love Island is back for its second-ever winter edition.
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
- 1/14/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer is back on our screens, turning the nation into at-home detectives as they try to figure out who this year’s celebrity contestants are.
The singing competition series, in which celebrities compete anonymously behind giant anthropomorphic costumes, returned on New Year’s Day, with the first group of contestants all performing.
Among the group was Phoenix, who was shown in their Vt standing within a grand castle and explaining in a posh accent that “I am rather hot, aren’t I?”
“Fire” by Kasabian then played as Phoenix said that they had risen from the ashes and been “born anew” and “reincarnated”.
They also said that they were good with “mysteries” and “following a trail”, while Phoenix was shown inspecting foot prints with a magnifying glass.
Phoenix’s first performance was a jazz version of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. While performing, they sang with an American accent.
The singing competition series, in which celebrities compete anonymously behind giant anthropomorphic costumes, returned on New Year’s Day, with the first group of contestants all performing.
Among the group was Phoenix, who was shown in their Vt standing within a grand castle and explaining in a posh accent that “I am rather hot, aren’t I?”
“Fire” by Kasabian then played as Phoenix said that they had risen from the ashes and been “born anew” and “reincarnated”.
They also said that they were good with “mysteries” and “following a trail”, while Phoenix was shown inspecting foot prints with a magnifying glass.
Phoenix’s first performance was a jazz version of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. While performing, they sang with an American accent.
- 1/14/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
As has become customary in January, The Masked Singer is back on our screens to kick off the year in chaotic fashion.
Joel Dommett takes charge of proceedings once again as 13 celebrities dressed in creative disguises show off their vocals every weekend on ITV.
The audience at home and in the studio are not the only ones guessing their identities, however. Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross are the judging panel, determining who progresses to the next stages of the competition.
After the first episode, Ghost was unveiled as football star Chris Kamara, and became the season’s first eliminated contestant.
Among the costumes competing this time around are Phoenix, Knitting, Jellyfish and Jacket Potato.
However, one of the most amusing identities in store for this season is Rubbish – a green refuse bin with bottles and cans emerging from the top.
(Note for The Masked Singer producers:...
Joel Dommett takes charge of proceedings once again as 13 celebrities dressed in creative disguises show off their vocals every weekend on ITV.
The audience at home and in the studio are not the only ones guessing their identities, however. Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross are the judging panel, determining who progresses to the next stages of the competition.
After the first episode, Ghost was unveiled as football star Chris Kamara, and became the season’s first eliminated contestant.
Among the costumes competing this time around are Phoenix, Knitting, Jellyfish and Jacket Potato.
However, one of the most amusing identities in store for this season is Rubbish – a green refuse bin with bottles and cans emerging from the top.
(Note for The Masked Singer producers:...
- 1/14/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer UK is back for a fourth season, welcoming a new cast of 12 incognito celebrities.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Jacob Elordi has not been cast as the next Superman – not yet anyway.
The Euphoria star has been the rumoured frontrunner to take on the red cape after it was announced that Henry Cavill would not be returning in the role, despite being told by DC Studios to “announce his return in October”.
On Twitter, DC head director James Gunn responded to a fan mock-up of Elordi in Superman’s costume with the caption: “Jacob Elordi is rumoured to be @JamesGunn's Superman for the #Dcu. Thoughts?”
In his reply, Gunn wrote: “My thoughts are no one has been cast as Superman yet. Casting, as is almost always the case with me, will happen after the script is finished or close to finished, and it isn’t.”
He continued: “We’ll announce a few things in not too long, but the casting of Superman won’t be one of them.”
Last month,...
The Euphoria star has been the rumoured frontrunner to take on the red cape after it was announced that Henry Cavill would not be returning in the role, despite being told by DC Studios to “announce his return in October”.
On Twitter, DC head director James Gunn responded to a fan mock-up of Elordi in Superman’s costume with the caption: “Jacob Elordi is rumoured to be @JamesGunn's Superman for the #Dcu. Thoughts?”
In his reply, Gunn wrote: “My thoughts are no one has been cast as Superman yet. Casting, as is almost always the case with me, will happen after the script is finished or close to finished, and it isn’t.”
He continued: “We’ll announce a few things in not too long, but the casting of Superman won’t be one of them.”
Last month,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Ezra Miller has avoided a jail sentence as they pleaded guilty to trespassing on a neighbour’s property.
Last year, the actor – who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns – found themselves facing a string of arrests and reports of erratic behaviour stretching from Hawaii to Vermont.
The trespassing incident involving Miller took place on 1 May 2022, when Vermont State Police responded to a burglary complaint in Stamford after several bottles of alcohol had reportedly been taken from a residence while the homeowner was away.
The homeowner said he had been friends with Miller for about 18 years and bought the home a year and half ago in the town, where Miller had also purchased a home.
Miller was charged after police consulted surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses. In October, they pleaded not guilty to stealing the alcohol.
On Friday (13 January), the 30-year-old appeared in court, where they entered a guilty plea...
Last year, the actor – who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns – found themselves facing a string of arrests and reports of erratic behaviour stretching from Hawaii to Vermont.
The trespassing incident involving Miller took place on 1 May 2022, when Vermont State Police responded to a burglary complaint in Stamford after several bottles of alcohol had reportedly been taken from a residence while the homeowner was away.
The homeowner said he had been friends with Miller for about 18 years and bought the home a year and half ago in the town, where Miller had also purchased a home.
Miller was charged after police consulted surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses. In October, they pleaded not guilty to stealing the alcohol.
On Friday (13 January), the 30-year-old appeared in court, where they entered a guilty plea...
- 1/13/2023
- by Wilson Ring
- The Independent - Film
Amy Winehouse will receive the biopic treatment in a new film about the singer.
On Friday (13 January), it was announced that the project, titled Back to Black, will be directed by Fifty Shades of Grey filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Starring as Winehouse will be Marisa Abela, who plays Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the TV series Industry, which is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
It is believed that Abela fought out many rising stars to win the role.
The film will focus on the singer’s “extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that infused everything she did”.
It has been described as transporting viewers “through the looking glass of celebrity to watch this journey from behind the mirror, to see what Amy saw, to feel what she felt”.
The film was written by Matt Greenhalgh, who previously scripted Taylor-Johnson’s John Lennon film Nowhere Boy (2009).
Shooting will begin on Monday (16 January), but an...
On Friday (13 January), it was announced that the project, titled Back to Black, will be directed by Fifty Shades of Grey filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Starring as Winehouse will be Marisa Abela, who plays Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the TV series Industry, which is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
It is believed that Abela fought out many rising stars to win the role.
The film will focus on the singer’s “extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that infused everything she did”.
It has been described as transporting viewers “through the looking glass of celebrity to watch this journey from behind the mirror, to see what Amy saw, to feel what she felt”.
The film was written by Matt Greenhalgh, who previously scripted Taylor-Johnson’s John Lennon film Nowhere Boy (2009).
Shooting will begin on Monday (16 January), but an...
- 1/13/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Rihanna is well aware that it’s been over six years since she dropped her last album Anti. 2,190 days to be exact.
So, when she announced last September that she would be making her highly anticipated return to music, performing at the NFL’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, she knew all eyes were on her.
“I’m nervous... but excited,” the “Love on the Brain” singer admitted to TMZ at the time.
Given that Rihanna’s big day – Sunday 12 February – is fast approaching, she’s now released the official trailer for her headlining show.
In the new teaser for the first-ever Apple Music Super Bowl Lvii Halftime show, the nine-time Grammy-winning artist is shown walking out of the shadows amidst paparazzi camera flashes.
As Rihanna effortlessly shrugs off a green fuzzy cape, a multitude of voices can be heard saying things like, “It’s been 2,190 days”, “Dude Rihanna, we’ve...
So, when she announced last September that she would be making her highly anticipated return to music, performing at the NFL’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, she knew all eyes were on her.
“I’m nervous... but excited,” the “Love on the Brain” singer admitted to TMZ at the time.
Given that Rihanna’s big day – Sunday 12 February – is fast approaching, she’s now released the official trailer for her headlining show.
In the new teaser for the first-ever Apple Music Super Bowl Lvii Halftime show, the nine-time Grammy-winning artist is shown walking out of the shadows amidst paparazzi camera flashes.
As Rihanna effortlessly shrugs off a green fuzzy cape, a multitude of voices can be heard saying things like, “It’s been 2,190 days”, “Dude Rihanna, we’ve...
- 1/13/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Music
Miley Cyrus is back with her new single “Flowers”.
The anticipated release shows Cyrus overcoming a failed relationship, where she sings: “I can love me better than you can”.
While Cyrus has not confirmed who the song is about, fans strongly believe that her lyrics relate to her relationship with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.
Cyrus, who dated Hemsworth on and off for over 10 years, released the new single on his birthday.
Fans are convinced the track is directed at Hemsworth, with one commenting: “Wow, @MileyCyrus really hates Liam Hemsworth eh? #Flowers.”
In the new song, which celebrates self-love, Cyrus sings: “We were good, we were gold / Kind of dream that can’t be sold /We were right ‘til we weren’t / Built a home and watched it burn”.
“Mmm, I didn’t wanna leave you, I didn’t wanna lie / Started to cry, but then remembered I” she sings before the empowering chorus.
The anticipated release shows Cyrus overcoming a failed relationship, where she sings: “I can love me better than you can”.
While Cyrus has not confirmed who the song is about, fans strongly believe that her lyrics relate to her relationship with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.
Cyrus, who dated Hemsworth on and off for over 10 years, released the new single on his birthday.
Fans are convinced the track is directed at Hemsworth, with one commenting: “Wow, @MileyCyrus really hates Liam Hemsworth eh? #Flowers.”
In the new song, which celebrates self-love, Cyrus sings: “We were good, we were gold / Kind of dream that can’t be sold /We were right ‘til we weren’t / Built a home and watched it burn”.
“Mmm, I didn’t wanna leave you, I didn’t wanna lie / Started to cry, but then remembered I” she sings before the empowering chorus.
- 1/13/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
The Brit Awards are receiving widespread criticism after failing to recognise a single woman in the Artist of the Year category.
Nominees were announced for the forthcoming ceremony on Thursday (12 January). This year is the second year that the organisation has abandoned gendered categories.
The artists nominated in the category celebrating the best in the UK were Central Cee, Fred Again.., George Ezra, Harry Styles and Stormzy.
No women were nominated for the prize, which has been seen as a big step backwards after Adele won the award in the gender-neutral category’s inaugural year in 2022.
“So the Brits introduced an Artist of the Year category as a gender-neutral replacement for Best Male and Best Female Artist category – but this year all five nominees are blokes,” tweeted musician Tim Burgess. “One step forward, three steps back.”
“Florence and the Machine being snubbed at the Brits when she could have fit...
Nominees were announced for the forthcoming ceremony on Thursday (12 January). This year is the second year that the organisation has abandoned gendered categories.
The artists nominated in the category celebrating the best in the UK were Central Cee, Fred Again.., George Ezra, Harry Styles and Stormzy.
No women were nominated for the prize, which has been seen as a big step backwards after Adele won the award in the gender-neutral category’s inaugural year in 2022.
“So the Brits introduced an Artist of the Year category as a gender-neutral replacement for Best Male and Best Female Artist category – but this year all five nominees are blokes,” tweeted musician Tim Burgess. “One step forward, three steps back.”
“Florence and the Machine being snubbed at the Brits when she could have fit...
- 1/13/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Music
Rick and Morty co-creator and star Justin Roiland is facing domestic violence charges in connection with a 2020 incident.
On Thursday (12 January), the voice behind both titular characters of the animated series appeared in Orange County court for a pre-trial.
In 2020, a criminal complaint seen by NBC News had been filed against Roiland, charging him with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit.
It stated that the incident had occurred on or around 19 January 2020, against a woman, who wished to remain anonymous, and who had apparently been dating Roiland at the time.
Roiland pleaded not guilty to both charges in October 2020, according to Orange County Superior records. He’s since had to attend more than a dozen court hearings and pre-trial hearings.
A trial date has not yet been set.
Roiland is currently free after posting...
On Thursday (12 January), the voice behind both titular characters of the animated series appeared in Orange County court for a pre-trial.
In 2020, a criminal complaint seen by NBC News had been filed against Roiland, charging him with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit.
It stated that the incident had occurred on or around 19 January 2020, against a woman, who wished to remain anonymous, and who had apparently been dating Roiland at the time.
Roiland pleaded not guilty to both charges in October 2020, according to Orange County Superior records. He’s since had to attend more than a dozen court hearings and pre-trial hearings.
A trial date has not yet been set.
Roiland is currently free after posting...
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Lisa Marie Presley has been “rushed to hospital” just days after attending the Golden Globes, her mother Priscilla confirmed.
“My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers,” Priscilla tweeted, adding: “We feel the prayers from around the world and ask for privacy at this time.”
On Thursday (12 January), the singer and daughter of the late Elvis, was transferred to hospital after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest in her Calabasas home.
Rolling Stone said it had confirmed the news with the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.A representative for Presley told The Independent they had “no comment at this time” regarding reports that she’d suffered a cardiac arrest.
When paramedics arrived on the scene TMZ reports they performed CPR on the 54-year-old before transporting her to hospital to receive additional medical care.
“My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers,” Priscilla tweeted, adding: “We feel the prayers from around the world and ask for privacy at this time.”
On Thursday (12 January), the singer and daughter of the late Elvis, was transferred to hospital after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest in her Calabasas home.
Rolling Stone said it had confirmed the news with the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.A representative for Presley told The Independent they had “no comment at this time” regarding reports that she’d suffered a cardiac arrest.
When paramedics arrived on the scene TMZ reports they performed CPR on the 54-year-old before transporting her to hospital to receive additional medical care.
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel and Tom Murray
- The Independent - Music
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