A university professor has argued that David Schwimmer was unappreciated as Ross Geller in Friends.

Dr Simone Knox, an Associate Professor in Film & Television at the University of Reading, has argued that while Schwimmer’s portrayal was one of the greatest comedic performances of our time, he was similarly the most undervalued in the smash-hit sitcom.

Sharing her evaluation in new book Friends: A Reading of the Sitcom, she wrote: ‘Schwimmer’s performance frequently draws on slapstick, which has often been regarded as one of the more basic forms of humour, but this does not explain its widespread appeal.

‘This dismissal, by audiences, critics or scholars, neglects to explore and assess the challenges and intricacies of a successful physical comedic performance, and the particular skills and craft involved, which are prevalent in a number of scenes in Friends, especially those involving Schwimmer.’

It’s no secret that showrunner Marta Kauffman had written Ross with Schwimmer in mind – and the character was written to play to his strengths.

Dr Knox explained further: ‘Out of the entire cast, Schwimmer, who has a background in the Chicago theatre scene, was perhaps most aware of the full range of performance opportunities and challenges presented by multi-camera filming before going into production and, more significantly, how to engage with them in front of a live audience.

‘This is particularly visible in Ross’s many slapstick moments in which Schwimmer’s strength of physicality, vocal delivery and comic timing are used particularly well.’

Schwimmer took centre stage in a load of side-splitting scenes throughout Friends’ 10 years.

Who can forget when he dressed up as the holiday armadillo or wore *those* leather pants?

Knox concluded that Schwimmer’s comedic skill is vastly underrated and that this is reflected in the fact that he only received a handful of award nominations for playing the character.

‘The beauty of this cast, and Schwimmer in particular, is they make it look so easy,’ she said.

‘Their reactions to one another, their awareness of the multi-camera production, and the way that they actually offered each other feedback on their performances in order to improve, all add to the uniqueness of the show.’

Friends is available to stream on Netflix in the UK and Friends: A Reading of the Sitcom is released through Palgrave Macmillan on 7 October.

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Maura Higgins revealed she stormed out of the Love Island villa, begging to go home, in unaired scenes.

The 28-year-old – who is currently dating Curtis Pritchard – had a rollercoaster ride on the ITV2 dating show, filled with fanny flutters and hidden wine stealing.

But she admitted there was a point she was desperate to go home, as she thought she would never find love.

Speaking on Boohoo podcast Get The Scoop, she said: ‘You have a lot of good moments, but then you have a lot of bad moments in there too because things get very heightened.

‘I’m so proud of the fact I didn’t give up because I was going to.

‘I actually stormed out of the villa and said, “I want to go home, I can’t do it anymore, I can’t find a man”.

‘But I’m so proud that I got the strength to stay and carry on… and now look, I’ve got a man!’

Despite some minor setbacks at the beginning of their romance, Maura and Curtis have been loved up ever since.

And she revealed meeting the professional dancer was actually her ‘best moment’ on the show.

‘My best moment in the villa was finally finding a man,’ she added. ‘My worst was missing my sister’s wedding and missing my niece’s birthday, oh my God I cried that day.

‘It was also my best friend’s two-year anniversary while I was away. I cried so many times.’

The lovebirds left the villa six weeks ago, and have faced their fair share of split rumours ever since.

However, after laughing most of them off, the ring girl blasted claims she was ‘all over’ pal Greg O’Shea, hours after he split from Amber Gill.

The pair were spotted out together following their joint appearance on The Late Late Show, when insiders claimed they were getting a little too close.

And Maura slammed the rumours in typical Maura form.

‘Do you know what? It’s 2019 right? If I was stood there besides a girl, nothing was going to be said about it,’ she told Metro.co.uk.

‘If I’m stood beside any man, I’m going to be accused of flirting. It’s absolutely ridiculous, come on!

‘He’s a friend and I don’t really care what people say.

‘I’ve always got on with lads, I’ve hung around with lads more than girls.

‘Just because I’m photographed besides a boy, doesn’t mean I’m flirting with them. Come on!’

So that’s that then.

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**Warning, NSFW.**

If you watched Glee back in the day your childhood is about to be ruined – and it’s all thanks to Matthew Morrison in the new American Horror Story, 1984.

The actor, who played the unforgettable Will Schuester in the teen dramedy, is now starring in season nine of the infamous horror and his character Trevor Kirchner has been gifted a rather large penis thanks to the prosthetics department.

1984 kicked off last night and Trevor first appeared wearing the tightest yellow short shorts imaginable, basically making it impossible to not catch a glimpse at his member.

Explaining his backstory, the gym enthusiast let loose that he was supposed to star in Jane Fonda’s work out video, but was forced to quit because his package was too distracting.

Trevor’s thang later captured the attention of camp counsellor Montana Duke (Billie Lourd), and the couple stripped off to go skinny dipping in the lake where one thing quickly lead to another.

And naturally, viewers can’t cope. Like, at all.

Taking to Twitter to express their views, one user wrote: ‘Can we just take a moment to talk about Matthew Morrison’s colossal bulge??’

Meanwhile, another added: ‘Watching Matthew Morrison half-naked and in tight shorts after growing up with Glee is traumatizing.’

We feel your pain.

Can we just take a moment to talk about Matthew Morrison’s colossal bulge??? @AHSFX #AHS1984  #AHS  #LunchBox

— Rhys Ayr-Cullen (@Ayrodynamic) September 19, 2019

watching matthew morrison half naked and in tight shorts after growing up with glee is traumatizing

— bella 🌈🌠💛 (@xgaypuff) September 19, 2019

Oh god I cant.. 😂😂 Matthew Morrison with that hair and mustache.. and short shorts… #AHS1984

— Karla G. Erazo (@Gemstone_LXXXII) September 19, 2019

matthew morrison and his b*lge makes me wanna thr*w up

— sar 𐋀 ahs spoilers (@BLACKHlLL) September 19, 2019

I haven’t seen Matthew Morrison in anything since Glee. I’m a lil disturbed at seeing Mr. Schue like this I- #AHS1984 pic.twitter.com/tXHMRMzvQR

— Olivia B (@LivB06) September 19, 2019

American Horror Story 1984 is set to be the ultimate slasher.

Taking place in a summer camp, the series features influences from classic scary movies such as Friday 13th and Sleepaway Camp, as well as Halloween and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

However, this chapter will be without two of the show’s biggest stars, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson, who’ve stepped down for this season.

American Horror Story airs Wednesdays on FX in the US.

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MORE: When is the American Horror Story 1984 UK air date?

It’s not gone unnoticed that Steph McGovern has been absent from the BBC Breakfast sofa in recent weeks.

The presenter has become well-known for fronting the business news part of the show – and has also become well-known as the host of the BBC’s consumer show Watchdog.

But she’s not been around on Breakfast of late – so what’s going on, and has she vanished from our screens for good?

Here’s what you need to know…

Where is Steph McGovern on BBC Breakfast?

There’s no real mystery to Steph’s absence – as she’s gone on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.

The presenter announced back in July that she was expecting a baby with her girlfriend.

A source told The Sun at the time that the couple would be keeping Steph’s pregnancy private, saying: ‘Steph and her girlfriend are absolutely thrilled.

‘Everyone at the Beeb is delighted too – she is one of the most popular faces on and off the red sofa.

‘But she won’t be doing any magazine shoots any time soon – she values her privacy too much.’

When is Steph McGovern’s baby due?

The presenter has revealed she is due to give birth some time in November.

She confirmed the pregnancy by referring to previous speculation that she was pregnant, which she had denied by explaining she had a ‘pot belly’.

‘I see my news is out!’ Steph said. ‘Yep, I am no longer with pot belly….I am with child.

She went on to admit on BBC Breakfast that it had been a ‘bit of a tough start’ to the pregnancy – almost throwing up on co-host Charlie Stayt at one point.

‘I’m all good thank you,’ she said. ‘Bit of a tough start. But I’m alright now,’ before saying: ‘Charlie nearly got covered in watermelon one morning.’

When co-host Jon Kay joked that she needed to prepare herself for the ‘broken nights and lack of sleep’ Steph quipped: ‘Well that’s what we do anyway.’

Is Steph still presenting Watchdog?

Despite being on maternity leave from BBC Breakfast, you’ll still see Steph on the current series of Watchdog, which kicked off on BBC One last week.

Awwww just seen this 🥰 — my TV family! Yep it’s my last day on the Breakfast sofa for a while. I’ll be on @BBCWatchdog for the new series starting next Thurs and then it’s
👶🏼🍼🤪 time. https://t.co/ttKmUl5jY6

— Steph McGovern (@stephbreakfast) September 4, 2019

The eight-part series continues on BBC One tonight at 8pm.

MORE: Watch BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern lose it on live TV

Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow have all thanked fans for their continued support ahead of the milestone 25th anniversary of Friends.

The foursome, who played Joey Tribbiani, siblings Monica and Ross Geller, and Phoebe Buffay, shared the same sweet throwback picture on their Instagram feeds to mark the occasion.

Yep, Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry *really* need to hurry up and jump on the photo-sharing app bandwagon.

‘Celebrating a Thursday night 25 years ago. Seems like yesterday. Thanks to all the fans for watching,’ Matt wrote alongside his picture.

Echoing pretty much the exact same sentiment, David captioned his: ‘Celebrating a Thursday night 25 years ago… THANK YOU to all the fans out there!! We couldn’t have done it without you.’

Meanwhile, Courteney poked fun at the iconic I’ll Be There theme tune and posted: ‘You’ve certainly been there for us!’

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mW4pMHXwC/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mW3JEjZSP/

Lisa let fans know that the cast are still pretty tight, despite Friends ending in 2004.

‘We might be in different places but we are connected,’ she revealed.

Are they on a group WhatsApp chat together?

Do they discuss all our theories – like Joey and Monica should’ve ended up together? We have so many questions.

It’s been 15 years since we last saw all our favourite characters together and it looks like things are gonna stay that way, as the cast have ruled out a reunion.

During an appearance on The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan, David poured ice-cold water on a reboot and said: ‘Well, no. I mean…. No.

‘I think we all feel it ended in the perfect way.’

Co-creator and executive producer Marta Kauffman also ruled out any chance of the show coming back.

‘We will not be doing a reunion show, we will not be doing a reboot,’ she said. ‘The show was about that time in life when friends are your family.’

Sob.

Friends is available to stream on Netflix in the UK.

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Strictly Come Dancing panelist Motsi Mabuse has explained how she’s going to judge her sister Oti Mabuse on the series.

The new judge, who is replacing Darcey Bussell on the BBC talent show, revealed on The One Show that she will do her best to be fair and will remain professional while delivering her critiques.

‘Well I’m looking at the whole big picture and this show, it’s so loved,’ Motsi began.

‘Me doing something very negative would be unfair to everyone. So with Oti, we’ve spoken.

‘We’re very professional about what we do. My sister is a brilliant dancer and so are the other dancers and we all know that.’

She continued: ‘Literally, I’m not judging them. I’m judging a celebrity that’s going to learn to dance and how he deals with it and I’m going to try to be fair.

‘At that moment, we’re in a job and we are not complete family, we’re just doing what we do.’

Motsi added: ‘After the show, of course, I’ll speak to her and we’ll deal with the situation.

‘We’ve done it before, it’s nothing new for us. Whatever my sister reaches, I’d never want to do something to tarnish her work.’

Oti first appeared as a professional dancer on Strictly back in 2015 and was partnered up with Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo.

In the 14th series the following year, Oti reached the final with Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac and just missed out on the glitterball by taking second place.

This year, Oti will be competing with late arrival Kelvin Fletcher who was called in last-minute to replace Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing after he sustained an injury in rehearsal.

The One Show continues tomorrow at 7pm on BBC One.

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First Date Hotel viewers were in pieces tonight as one singleton opened up about beginning the menopause at 15-years-old.

Shop assistant Maisie, 25, bravely told her potential love interest over dinner about her ordeal, which she’s still dealing with.

‘I am and have been going through the menopause,’ Maisie began. ‘It should happen when I’m about 50. I was diagnosed when I was 15 and still living through it.’

‘Was it a case of your periods not being regular?’ her date replied.

‘I don’t have them,’ Maisie said. ‘I’m not producing eggs. I may look fit, but I’m most definitely not.’

Speaking in private to the cameras, she continued: ‘I’ve always wanted to be a mum, always. I’m a very maternal person, my nanna was and my mum is and all the women around me are.;

Maisie talks about the struggles of early menopause. Starting at just 15 years old. #FirstDatesHotel pic.twitter.com/DPEV1EPLjs

— Channel 4 (@Channel4) September 19, 2019

Fighting back tears, she said: ‘As a little girl you always dream about your wedding and your kids and your house and all that sort of stuff. What do I do now?

‘It would be nice to have someone help pick me up, or brighten my day up a bit, take me out for a milkshake.’

Oh my gosh maisie…..#FirstDatesHotel

— Michelle Mafusire (@MafusireMiss) September 19, 2019

Early menopause at 15 and finding out you can’t have children when you really want is f*cking tough! Strong girl though 💪 #FirstDatesHotel

— 🦉Marie-Caroline🐈 (@NoWay7790) September 19, 2019

Owwww that’s so sad 😞 #FirstDatesHotel

— cheryl_88 (@88Cheryl) September 19, 2019

Poor Maisie you can still have a child there are other ways. #FirstDatesHotel

— Andi5008 (@Andi5008) September 19, 2019

Explaining her experiences to her date, Maisie put all her cards on the table: ‘It just makes you feel very fragile and very, very small. I’m still kind of coming to terms with it.’

Viewers were heartbroken by Maisie’s story, writing on Twitter: ‘Owwww that’s so sad.’

Echoing a similar sentiment, another added: ‘Wow what a big thing to talk about on a first date! What a lovely girl.’

First Dates Hotel continues on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/B2m2RQgB8BE/

In splendid news for fans of The Big Bang Theory, Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik are reuniting on a new show.

Cue all the Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler lovers going wild right about now.

Even better, it’s going to be based on the UK show Miranda.

After Big Bang wrapped for good back in May we were all left wondering where these two beloved actors might pop up again.

Turns out, they’d been marinating a little project of their own.

Taking to Instagram this evening, Mayim revealed the exciting news, sharing a selfie alongside Jim.

‘Well, friends. Here’s what I’ve been doing and brewing…my friend and co-star, @therealjimparsons, and I are working together again!!!’ she wrote as we spilled our tea.

‘He and I are joining to executive produce a show for me to star in based on the BBC show “Miranda.” It’s called “Carla” and it’s been an incredibly windy road to get here. SO worth it.

‘We could not be more excited to work together and bring you this show which features SO MANY CATS!!!!’

She continued: ‘Here’s us at one of our pitches, uncannily and totally coincidentally dressed like salt and pepper shakers. Link in my bio for all the exciting details!!’

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mayim will star in the show, based on the namesake series created by Miranda Hart for BBC. 

The comedy will revolve around Carla, a 39-year-old woman who ‘struggles against her mother to prove that you cannot have everything you want – and still be happy. That’s why she spent the money her parents set aside for her wedding to open a Cat Café in Louisville, Kentucky’.

As you do.

Darlene Hunt will pen the script and exec produce alongside Mayim, Jim, and his husband and producing partner Todd Spiewak, BBC Studios’ Angie Stephenson and Miranda.

The Big Bang Theory came to an end after twelve seasons in May this year.

Although Young Sheldon is somewhat keeping the spirit alive, director Mark Cendrowski previously teased that a second spin-off could be on the horizon ‘in a couple of years’ – which could see either one or a couple of characters return ‘for a catch up’.

The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Netflix.

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Although Liam Gallagher has invited his estranged brother Noel to his wedding, he’s not convinced he’ll come.

The former Oasis singer, who recently confirmed his engagement to girlfriend Debbie Gwyther, explained that he’s offered his sibling an olive branch and ‘dreams’ that he’ll accept it.

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, Liam revealed: ‘I’m going to invite him. Why not, he’s my brother.

‘All he can do is turn it down, can’t he? We’ll see, won’t we? I’m sure he… I can’t see him coming.’

Liam continued: ‘Me other brother’s [Paul Anthony] going to be a best man. He [Noel] ain’t going to come, but listen we can dream, can’t we?

‘Without a doubt man course [I’m optimistic]. It’s just going through a bit of a weird patch. He says s***, I say s***… it all gets a bit out of hand. We just need to grow up I guess. Ball’s in his court.’

Liam and Noel have been feuding since their legendary band broke up in 2009 and their spat has not yet ended.

Asked whether he believes himself or Noel are being unreasonable, he replied: ‘I think we’re both unreasonable and we’re both.. what was the other one? Reasonable.’

The wedding is set to be an extravagant affair too, with Liam spilling: ‘Yeah, I’ve never had a big one before, ceremony. It’s going to be abroad somewhere hopefully, it’s going to be hot.

‘About 150 people – now be about 3,000 after this [inviting the crowd].’

Liam has previously been married twice. His wed first wife Patsy Kensit in 1997, followed by a divorce in 2000 and then tied the knot with All Saints’ Nicole Appleton in 2008, which ended in divorce in 2014.

He shares a son, 19-year-old Lennon, with Patsy, and another son, 18-year-old Gene, with Nicole. He also shares a daughter, 22-year-old Molly, with singer Lisa Moorish, and another daughter, six-year-old Gemma, with journalist Liza Ghorbani.

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday at 10.30pm on ITV.

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Liam Gallagher has continued to shed light on Oasis’ split, believing perhaps he was ‘too rock and roll’ for his brother Noel.

The brothers have been at war since their group split in 2009, having a go at one another in public ever since.

Now Liam has apparently mellowed about their acrimonious relationship, wondering why they split in the first place.

‘I don’t know why we split up, I’d like to know. Maybe I might have been a bit too rock ‘n’ roll for him,’ he said on the upcoming episode of The Jonathan Ross Show.

‘I might have cancelled a few gigs, I’ve might have stayed up later than I should have some nights. We’re not S f***ing Club 7.

‘Maybe he wanted to go solo and do his thing and be on his own and take all the fun out… I don’t know what I’ve done really to be fair. We’ll get to the bottom of it one day.’

Speaking of solo success, he continued: ‘I’ve had a wobble but now I’m doing alright again. I think he’s [Noel] having a wobble now.’

Pushed on the hidden meaning behind the lyrics of his solo songs, Liam has made it clear he would be keen to get the band back together.

He continued: ‘I don’t think we should have split up. We’ve had worse arguments about lesser things. I think we need a good band like that, we did exactly what it said on the tin.’

Of being in a band, Liam made it sound like a walk in the park as he explained it ‘wasn’t hard work’ rocking in Oasis.

The Wonderwall star added: ‘I didn’t get stressed once being in that band. You wore exactly what you wore, you drank when you wanted to drink, you stayed up when you wanted to stay up, we had loads of people thinking this was all great, you know what I mean?

‘We weren’t a manufactured band where people were telling you what to say and that. We did exactly what we wanted to do 24/7…’

But at the end of the day, he insisted the ‘main thing is being brothers – forget the band’.

Asked by Jonathan to say something nice about Noel he said: ‘He’s a great songwriter, man. Leave it like that.’

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday 10.30pm on ITV.

MORE: Liam Gallagher gets emotional as he addresses Keith Flint’s death: ‘It’s terrible he got to that stage’

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Fran Drescher is in talks with Cardi B’s team about casting her as Fran Fine in a possible reboot of The Nanny.

Speaking to ET about the reboot of the famous nineties sitcom, Fran called the rapper her ‘top choice’ for the role.

Rumours of a possible The Nanny reboot starring Cardi B have swirled for almost a year but it seemed for a while like that’s all they were – rumours.

But in this chat Fran, who was the star and executive producer of the show, hasn’t ruled out the possibility and we are so ready!

**cue The Nanny theme singalong**

Asked about her meeting with Cardi B’s team, she said: ‘We’re not ready to dive into it yet so that was just kind of laying out groundwork but do think she’s great so she would be kinda like my top choice, if she’s disciplined to do this show every week.

‘It can be a grind, but she’s got a baby now and it could be a very comfortable, lovely way, you know, to work, be seen worldwide, and still do mini-concert tours when you’re on hiatus.’

The 61-year-old actor said that she hadn’t spoken directly with Cardi B about the possible reboot, but she did say that if it were to happen she would need somebody else to play Fran, not her.

‘We would have to write it for somebody else, which I would be excited to do actually,” she said. ‘I could play Sylvia, the mom. And John Leguizamo could play (Fran’s dad), Morty. So, you know, we’ll see.

‘There’s a lot of opportunities to do something fantastic with it and bring it right into the 21st century.’

Cardi has expressed interest in donning Fran’s famous frocks and Fran has noticed: ‘She compares herself to me a lot in photos.’

According to ET Fran is only interested in a reboot of the hit show – which ran on CBS from 1993 to 1999 – not a revival or follow-up along the lines of Will & Grace.

The casting would be welcome news for the Hustlers star who was named by Tekashi69 in his recent testimony.

Reps for Cardi told Metro.co.uk today the claims made against the rapper are not true.

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Michelle Keegan has opened up about her long-distance marriage to Mark Wright, admitting things were ‘really tough’ between them.

The lovebirds got married in a lavish ceremony back in 2015, but were soon forced to spend time apart as she jetted off to Malaysia for Our Girl filming, while her Towie beau got a presenting job in LA.

And the 32-year-old revealed the huge distance put a strain on their marriage.

During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, she told the host: ‘He got the job in LA while I was in Malaysia [filming Our Girl].

‘We were apart for about four months. It was really tough. People said, “How did you deal with it?” and stuff.

‘Thank God for FaceTime and things like that.’

Michelle also spoke out about plans to start a family with Mark, 32, admitting her mum keeps asking when they will have a baby.

And she explained the pair are not thinking about it just yet.

‘Not yet. Everyone always asks that question,’ she continued. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m not getting any younger.

‘My mum is on it as well. No plans yet, but we definitely do want children in the future.’

This isn’t the first time the former Coronation Street star has been questioned about whether the pair will be having children.

And she previously blasted baby questions as ‘horrible’, fuming it is no one else’s business.

She told The Sun: ‘It’s horrible. It’s like, “You’re 32. Are you not planning to have a baby yet?”

‘People don’t know if we’re trying. They don’t know the background of what’s happening. It’s no one else’s business. In this day and age you shouldn’t ask questions like that.

‘I’m asked purely because I’m a woman. But I’m immune to it now — it’s like a reaction and as soon as I hear it I brush it off, as it’s no one else’s business.’

MORE: Brad Pitt used alcohol and Netflix to ‘escape’ pain from Angelina Jolie split

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Curtis Pritchard has managed to get himself firmly in Maura Higgins’ bad books, and it’s all his own fault.

The Love Island star appeared on Good Morning Britain alongside brother AJ Pritchard, when he revealed a pretty huge secret about the 28-year-old.

Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway quizzed the 23-year-old on their relationship, when he let slip she was heading to Ireland for her brother’s surprise birthday party.

And it’s so, so awkward.

When asked his romance was going with the ring girl, he told the hosts: ‘Things are incredible, I’ve been very fortunate with things to do with work, things to do with Maura.

‘[It’s] fantastic, so good. She’s gone to Ireland, I believe. I can’t say what for, because it’s a surprise.

‘I don’t want to say it just in case her brother’s watching…’

With absolutely no prodding from anyone else, Curtis continued: ‘It’s a surprise birthday party for him.

‘I’m hoping he’s not watching right now.’

We hope so too, for your sake, hun.

Fans were understandably left fuming over his mistake, flocking to Twitter to voice their shock.

One wrote: ‘As if Curtis has just revealed live on TV that Maura has gone to Ireland for her brothers SURPRISE party!! @GMB.’

‘Memo to self: Never tell Curtis Pritchard a secret… #goodmorningbritain,’ another joked.

While a viewer questioned: ‘Has Curtis *actually* ruined the surprise? Or was he allowed to say?! #gmb.’

Maura has yet to mention his slip up on social media, so hopefully she’s still asleep and hasn’t seen it yet…

Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays, at 6am, on ITV.

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If you thought Ned Stark’s death in the Game of Thrones season one finale was as brutal as it can get, you were sadly mistaken.

Sean Bean has officially been named as the actor with the sixth-highest death rate in showbusiness, being killed off in almost everything he’s signed up to.

From Lord of The Rings to Game of Thrones, Sean’s days are usually numbered.

But after Ned was beheaded, rather than wallowing in bowing out early in what was to become the biggest show on the planet, the 60-year-old and the Game of Thrones crew had a game of kick-about with the befallen Lord of Winterfell’s head.

Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, Sean dismissed any suggestions his last day in Westeros as particularly poignant.

‘Not really, I filmed the death scene, I get beheaded, it’s very sudden, I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. Just a normal day, bacon and eggs, stuff like that, cup of tea and that were it… I was kneeling there, they don’t damage you in any way… they threw my dummy head on the floor,’ he began.

‘I wanted to [keep it] and they said they were going to give it to me, but they never did. Conan O’Brien had it last…’

Or at least what’s left of it.

‘Er… I think I started messing about with it a bit. And then [the crew] took it a bit further, start throwing it, then started booting it,’ he grinned.

Also appearing on tomorrow night’s Jonathan Ross Show, Liam Gallagher invites his estranged brother Noel to his wedding and opens up about their humongous fallout which caused the end of Oasis as we know it.

The Jonathan Ross Show airs tomorrow night at 10.30pm on ITV. Game of Thrones seasons one to seven are available to stream on NOW TV.

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Liam Gallagher has revealed that he used to annoy celebrity chef Jamie Oliver when he lived hear one of his watering holes, so much so he moved.

Talking on the upcoming The Jonathan Ross Show the musician was tasked with guessing who he was speaking about in old quotes.

Apparently the cheeky musician used to frequent a pub Jamie used to live across from, and his journey home was spent taunting the cook.

‘On the way home, we’d be going, “He’s got some scran in there”’,’ Gallagher said.

‘He’d come to his window and be going, “Liam Stop f***ing about, I’m getting the kids to bed” and we’re going, “Just chuck us down a couple of bacon sarnies!”’

It’s a feat to have managed to make even the mild-mannered Jamie Oliver angry enough to swear.

‘He’s moved,’ Gallagher laughed. ‘The funny thing is he’s moved to where I live now as well.’

Joking of making comments about others he said: ‘I am a bit of a t**t… funny though, innit? I don’t wish them any harm. People take the p*** out of me and I take it… It’s a laugh.’

The former Oasis singer, whose bitter feud with brother Noel has been going on for over a decade since 2009, said he was ‘too rock and roll’ for his brother Noel.

The pair have engaged in a number of public spats, but Liam appears to have thawed.

‘I don’t know why we split up, I’d like to know,’ he said on the upcoming episode of The Jonathan Ross Show. ‘Maybe I might have been a bit too rock ‘n’ roll for him.’

He continued: ‘I might have cancelled a few gigs, I might have stayed up later than I should have some nights. We’re not S f***ing Club 7.

‘Maybe he wanted to go solo and do his thing and be on his own and take all the fun out…I don’t know what I’ve done really to be fair. We’ll get to the bottom of it one day.’

Asked by Jonathan to say something nice about Noel he said: ‘He’s a great songwriter, man. Leave it like that.’

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday 10.30pm on ITV.

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Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield need to step aside, as the original hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are set to return to to This Morning.

That’s right, the iconic duo will be back on the infamous sofa for the first time in 18 years, and it’s all a bit too exciting.

The pair launched the breakfast show together 31 years ago, and presented the morning news for more than a decade, seeing them cover the death of Princess Diana and interview the likes of Margaret Thatcher.

And it seems they’re itching to get back on the screen, as they’re set to cover one episode next month.

Talking about the revelation, the duo released a joint statement, saying: ‘This Morning holds a very special place in our hearts, so we couldn’t be more delighted to take the helm once again.’

This Morning Editor, Martin Frizell, also added: ‘The This Morning family, both in the studio and at home, have been wanting to see Richard and Judy guest present the show for a while now.

‘The time finally felt right and we can’t wait to have these broadcasting legends back on the sofa.’

Since leaving the show, Richard has remained a presenter and finds himself causing controversy over on Good Morning Britain, so we can’t wait to see what he brings to the This Morning special.

He most recently fell under fire when dishing out ‘rude’ questions to Towie’s James Argent over his weight.

Speaking to the host, the reality star said: ‘I’ve noticed since I’ve turned 30 it’s harder for me. Usually I can get it off really quickly and now it’s proper hard work.’

In response, Richard asked: ‘Have you always had a bit of a struggle with your weight?’

The exchange ended with Madeley giving Argent an awkward compliment, saying: ‘You’re one of those lucky guys, you’re still very good looking.

‘You’re a good looking guy and the weight thing doesn’t get in the way. But I just worry about your health, you know.’

And viewers were not happy with the 63-year-old’s comments, as they branded Richard both ‘rude’ and ‘cringe’.

Watch Richard and Judy host This Morning on Friday 25 October from 10.30am on ITV.

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Simon Cowell has warned Britain’s Got Talent: the Champions fans that they’re in for a huge shock when the winner is announced later this month.

The music mogul, who claims to be 59-year-old but failed a lie detector test this week when asked about his age, treated fans to a second series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2019 with an all-star edition of the show which has been filmed, wrapped up and the actual champions of champions is already out there.

In turn, for the first time Simon knows who has landed the £100,000 prize before the rest of us.

Naturally, he’s not slipping but he did reveal to ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour during today’s Lorraine: ‘There is no way I’m going to tell you. The winner is a bit of a surprise, but at the same time you go, that act did deserve to win, 100 percent.’

So far Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions has been packed with major upsets. Not a single Britain’s Got Talent winner has made it through to the grand finale, with Paul Potts, Richard Jones and Lost Voice Guy all losing out on the ‘superfan’ vote.

Although, the eventual champ was leaked onto social media after they ended up celebrating with their trophy, which is understandable after mopping up a six-figure lump sum.

Simon also shed some light on the upcoming Celebrity X Factor, which has been shrouded in secrecy since the father to dance superstar Eric Cowell revealed he was scrapping The X Factor as we know it.

‘I thought [the celebrities] really did a good job, I think the show’s fun,’ he teased.

‘Sometimes I think change is fun and I think the people are interesting. I don’t want to give it away. They all do really want to win.’

So far the likes of Brendan Cole, Ben Cohen, a Love Island supergroup and The Chase star Jenny Ryan are all thought to be taking part

Lorraine airs weekdays at 8.30am on ITV. Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions continues tomorrow night at 8.30pm also on ITV.

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This Morning fans hoping to see Friday’s regular presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes on TV today will be disappointed, as the show has been cancelled until next week.

This is particularly disappointing after yesterday’s show was another good one, seeing Holly Willoughby unable to contain her laughter as former Prime Minister David Cameron accidentally swore live on TV.

So why isn’t the show on today and when is it back?

Why isn’t This Morning on today and when is it back?

This Morning has been cancelled today because ITV are airing the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo instead.

A statement from the show read: ‘Time for our last This Morning of the week because tomorrow at 10.25am the Rugby World Cup 2019 gets underway with the opening ceremony in Tokyo.’

ITV will air the opening game between hosts Japan and Russia after the ceremony, meaning Loose Women, which normally follows This Morning, is also cancelled.

We’ll have to wait a little longer to see Holly and Philip Schofield again too, as on Monday September 23, because of the time difference between the UK and Japan, Wales take on Georgia at 10.25am, meaning that This Morning is cancelled again then too.

Holly and Phil will be back on the sofa – and our TV screens – as normal again on Tuesday September 24.

This Morning continues on Tuesday September 24, at 10.30am, on ITV.

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Love Island fans are convinced that Maura Higgins is the latest star to sign up for Dancing on Ice as the latest image from the new series was revealed.

Our Strictly stars haven’t even performed their first dance yet, there’s no word on the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! line up, yet Dancing on Ice is already doing the most and teasing us with the stars set to appear on the 2020 series.

With a close up picture showing the signature pouty lips, brown hair and flawless skin (seriously, this woman can do no wrong in our eyes) that could only befit a reality TV star, fans were sure it could only be the Love Island 2019’s iconic catchphrase queen, the inimitable Irish Maura.

‘We can’t wait for this celeb to get their skates on…’ the caption read, leaving fans excited at the prospect of more Maura on our screens.

‘Pls can this be Maura,’ one wrote, while another fan added: ‘I’m convinced this is Maura omg.’

We’re crossing our fingers that this is true, as we expect very good things from the former model. I mean, her boyfriend is a ballroom dancer; hopefully she can follow in the footsteps of James Jordan and steal some of Curtis’ dance skill.

Definitely @MauraHiggins pic.twitter.com/m5SaiTPHEA

— THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (@polymorph2) September 20, 2019

MAURA

— Amy Mitchell 💛 (@Mitchy_x) September 20, 2019

Reports that Maura was battling it out with Amber Gill and Tommy Fury to represent #TeamLoveIsland in the ice skating competition emerged earlier this summer, but it seems like Maura’s hilarious personality won it for her in the end.

The fifth celeb from the class of 2020 to be teased, fans have been speculating which stars are going to appear on the upcoming series.

So far, Joe Swash and Diversity’s Perri Kiely look like the most likely contestants, while many fans guessed that H from Steps was the fourth celeb to be announced.

No word from the third picture, which simply shows a football: given the success of the Lionesses at the World Cup this summer, this picture doesn’t even give us a clue about the contestant’s gender. We need more than that guys!

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AJ Pritchard danced with Ben Shephard on Good Morning Britain, to show how same sex couples could work on Strictly Come Dancing.

And, shockingly, the world hasn’t ended.

The 24-year-old was on Good Morning Britain with brother Curtis Pritchard, when they decided to put Ben and co-host Kate Garraway through their paces.

AJ went straight for Ben, teaching him to salsa like a total pro.

It didn’t take long for the host to get the hang of things, with the pair spinning around the studio and having an absolute whale of a time.

Could this be the turning point for same sex pairings to finally be allowed on the BBC One series?

We hope so!

But Ben’s wife, Annie Perks, might have some thoughts, after he joked that he had already fallen victim to the infamous curse.

‘I am finding myself even more attracted to you now AJ,’ he told his pal. ‘I’ve got to be honest.’

The ITV host previously confessed Annie had banned him from taking part, as she didn’t want him to stray.

Speaking on a previous instalment of Good Morning Britain, he told Susanna Reid: ‘You know why I can’t do it? Because my wife doesn’t want me to have an affair.

‘That’s the only reason I wanted to do it!’

To be fair, the show hasn’t had quite the best track record when it comes to relationships…

Despite being suggested for years, Strictly UK has yet to air a same sex couple, with drag performer Courtney Act making it to the final of the Australian version as his drag persona.

But a BBC spokesperson recently confirmed the show is ‘open’ to having same sex couples performing at some point in the future.

In a statement to Metro.co.uk, they said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.

‘We are completely open to the prospect of including same sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.’

Petition for Ben and AJ to be the first, anyone?

Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays, at 6am, on ITV. Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on Saturday, at 7pm.

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