Gillian Anderson is at work on the set of The Crown season four (Picture: Getty/Twitter)
Gillian Anderson has got to work on The Crown season four.
The actress is playing the UK’s first female prime minister Margaret Thatcher in the next season of the Netflix drama.
She will star alongside Olivia Colman, who is stepping into the role of Queen Elizabeth II for season three, taking over from Claire Foy.
The 51-year-old shared a picture of her trailer on Twitter as she arrived on set, ready to begin shooting her scenes.
In the photo the door to her trailer had a sign on the front that read ‘The Crown’ with ’12. Margaret Thatcher’ underneath it.
She wrote in the tweet: ‘Btw…@TheCrownNetflix.’
When her casting was confirmed, Gillian said: ‘I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of The Crown and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman.
The lady’s for turning (up to work) (Picture: Twitter)
‘Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era.’
The X-Files star follows in the footsteps of Patricia Hodge, Andrea Riseborough, Lindsey Duncan and Meryl Streep in playing the Tory PM
Streep won an Oscar for portraying the late politician in The Iron Lady.
Margaret Thatcher died in 2013 (Picture: In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)
Tobias Menzes will take over Matt Smith’s role of Prince Phillip, while Helena Bonham Carter is the new Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby.
Josh O’Connor will play Prince Charles, Erin Doherty is Princess Anne, Ben Daniels plays Tony Armstrong-Jones, Marion Bailey takes the role of Queen Mother, and Jason Watkins is Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
The third series will cover 1964 until 1977 – including Harold Wilson’s time as Prime Minister, the moon landing, the decolonisation of Africa and the Caribbean and Princess Margaret’s affair with Roddy Llewellyn.
The Crown returns to Netflix on 17 November.
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Richard Madeley has been on The Circle for less than two minutes and has already gone flying as he tripped up on live telly.
The daytime TV icon, known for his bumbling commentary on today’s world and ‘Alan Partridge’-isms, has joined the show in a shock twist.
In the upcoming episodes, he will catfish the other contestants with a persona picked by the viewers – either buff 23-year-old Richard, or 27-year-old blonde bombshell Judy.
(We’re keeping all our fingers crossed for him to play Judy, to be honest.)
Viewers were already aware he was going in to be an ‘agent of chaos’ for the show, as Emma Willis put it, and within seconds he proved to be classic viewing.
Moving into his apartment with a guitar under his arm, Richard made sure his new digs were kitted out with things to keep himself busy.
Getting himself excited over the presence of a typewriter for some novel-writing ‘in the downtime’ (because he’s not allowed a laptop), he then played a little ditty on the keyboard as he got used to his new pad.
Speaking outloud, he declared: ‘I bet Boris Johnson would trade places with me in a fingersnap!’
Richard seemed right at home in the Circle apartment (Picture: Channel 4)
The star will clearly be making some sweet music in his new pad (Picture: Channel 4)
‘Oh my God! Oh this is really cool! This is much nicer than I was expecting, this is fine. It’s going to be fine,’ he said as he saw his living room.
‘This is a proper prison, this is great! I bet my wife’s jealous! Alright Judy, wish you were here? Probably not.’
Fans already can’t wait for the twist to kick in next episode:
Richard will now be set a number of tasks in order to mess with the current eight players of the game.
These include Zoe Ball’s son Woody, a theology professor called Tim, mum Katie who’s playing as her son Jay, and James who’s playing as single mother Sammie.
Just 24 hours into the game and Georgina and Brooke (who are both playing as themselves) have found themselves vulnerable after being voted the least popular by the others – before they even said a word to each other.
It’ll be up to ‘Sammie’ and Tim to decide who goes in the next 24 hours after they were voted the most popular by their peers.
The Circle continues weeknights at 10pm on Channel 4.
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Emma Willis started The Circle off in style (Picture: Channel 4)
The Circle has finally kicked off, with another group of flatmates attempting to deceive their neighbours, to win £100,000.
Channel 4’s reality TV show sees ordinary people move in to the same block flats without ever meeting each other, only communicating through The Circle’s social media channels.
They create their own profile – either themselves or someone totally different – and communicate through group chats and private messages in a bid to be crowned the most popular and take home the prize money.
But, if the double Bake Off elimination sent you to bed in a huff and you missed the show, this is what went down on the launch night.
Richard Madeley joins the game
Richard Madeley seemed right at home in the Circle apartment (Picture: Channel 4)
This Morning’s Richard moved into the flat a little later than everyone else, but got right down to it as he explored his temporary surroundings, clutching a guitar.
He then gave us a little tour, showing off the old-school typewriter he has been given by producers, as well as a brand new keyboard.
Thoughts are with whoever’s flat has been placed next door to his…
But viewers were thrown a massive curveball as it was revealed that we would be able to decide on his profile – either a 22-year-old man named Richard, or a 27-year-old woman named Judy.
While we won’t know for sure who Richard will be playing until the next instalment, we can take a wild guess on which one fans (and wife Judy Finnegan watching on at home) went for…
Tim and Sammie voted as influencers
James is playing the game as single mum Sammie (Picture: Channel 4)
The Circlers were thrown straight in at the deep end as they faced the seriously awkward task of rating one another – without even having a single conversation. And, because they’ve never actually spoken, they had to go on looks and a quick glance over each other’s profiles.
So it’s basically Tinder but with your neighbours.
It was then revealed Tim and Sammie (who is being played by James) were ranked the highest by their co-stars, meaning they were given influencer status. But what exactly will they be influencing?
Tim, Brooke and Georgina are so pure
Tim became a firm fan favourite – and very popular with his co-stars – the second he entered his flat, thanks largely to his cat, Bey, named after Beyonce, obviously.
But he cemented himself in our hearts as he opened up a private chat with Brooke, telling her he ‘can’t sleep without knowing more about’ her.
Bit forward when you’ve only known her an hour, but we’ll let it slide hun.
Tim stole the show and must be protected at all costs (Picture: Channel 4)
As they bonded over their love of languages, they decided to invite Georgina into the chat, where she told them a little more about herself and how she lives with Crohn’s disease.
‘Having a Crohn’s disease is a super difficult struggle sometimes, but you just take each day as it comes and really enjoy yourself,’ she insisted.
Brooke and Georgina were full of praise, telling her they would always be there for her whenever she needed them, and honestly, it has warmed our hearts.
Katie screwing the game up in the very first second
One person who might need a little more help on the show is Katie, who almost managed to screw the whole thing up in the very first second of the game.
There’s another three weeks left of this…
Katie is playing as Jay, her real life son, and she decided to open a private chat with single mum Sammie – who is actually absolutely not a single mum, named James.
Keeping up?
Katie screwed the game up almost instantly (Picture: Channel 4)
And she initially started the chat up as a way of bonding over being parents, before remembering ‘Jay’ doesn’t have any kids, so probably wouldn’t know that much about the subject. All while poor James is on the other end of the screen, wondering what ‘he’ wanted to chat about.
Rescuing the whole thing, ‘Jay’ then praised Sammie for going it alone with her parenting, telling her that his mum ‘did a great job on her own’.
James somehow saw no red flags in the chat, and instead decided they were going to be total pals when the show is over.
‘I feel like we’re gonna get on, on the outside as well…,’ he told the camera. ‘Once he gets over the fact I’m not a young single mum.’
Something tells us James might need to get over some stuff too…
The Circle continues nightly at 10pm, on Channel 4.
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Piers Morgan has mocked Jennifer Lawrence over sharing her wedding registry list on Amazon, branding the promotion as ‘tacky’.
The 29-year-old actress is set to get married to art dealer Cooke Maroney, and decided to share her registry on the website so everyone can see what she’s hoping for from her A-list guests.
What’s in the list? There’s a pasta machine, an 11 piece copper fondue set, marble cheese slicer, a cork yoga mat, and the glamorous delights of a wi-fi extender.
Discussing the list on Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan was particularly baffled by the list, asking: ‘Why would you do this?
‘In the old days you’d have the mystique around Hollywood glamour, now it’s all like, “Oh here’s Jennifer Lawrence, she likes an expresso maker, a marble rolling pin and a ninja multi-cooker.”
‘It’s like the Generation Game.’
Jennifer Lawrence’s list hasn’t gone down well with Piers Morgan (Picture: Paul Zimmerman/REX)
Addressing Jennifer herself, Piers added: ‘You know what Jennifer it’s all a bit tacky love. Seriously, you’re a great actress, you’ve made brilliant movies and a few turkeys, this is not a good look seriously.
‘Putting out your cheap and cheerful wedding list on Amazon. Seriously. Not a good look.’
Describing her character, Amanda enthused: ‘I’m playing Rufina who has a very dry sense of humour, she’s flirty and very outrageous. I don’t know where she gets it from!’
‘She’s definitely on the prowl, but she’s not prepared to do anything too naughty because she’s married, she just wants a bit of fun,’ Amanda continued.
‘She likes to flirt with young, handsome boys! She’s a bit of a tease.’
Amanda Holden has been cast in Plebs (Picture: ITV)
The BGT judge plays a cougar (Picture: ITV)
It’s been revealed that Rufina will choose Jonathan Ponting’s character Jason as a ‘plaything for the evening’ when he gatecrashes a banquet and honestly, we can’t wait to see this.
Amanda’s casting was confirmed back in May and she shared a number of behind-the-scenes snaps to get us excited for her debut as she filmed on location in Bulgaria.
Plebs, starring Tom Rosenthal and Ryan Sampson, is set in Ancient Rome and will be dropping its fifth season next week.
As well as Amanda joining as a guest star, fans can expect a whole batch of familiar faces cropping up, including Silent Witness actress Emilia Fox, comedian Kevin Bishop and Blackadder’s Tony Robinson.
Emilia is set to star as a detective, while Tony will take on the role of an archaeologist.
The first episode sees the boys set off on a wine-buying trip to Tuscany, but disaster strikes when their cart has a collision on the road and they are forced to pull into a nearby village.
Plebs returns Monday 30 September at 10pm on ITV2.
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I’m not sure if the presenters know much that friendly pat on the shoulder means when you’re having a tough day (Picture: Channel 4)
STDs, tarts and rubber (pastry). Three words you wouldn’t think would go together in the Bake Off tent, but they all made an appearance this week.
As I sit in my hotel room in Switzerland, I think to myself how much has changed since 2016. I feel very lucky for the technicals we had – minus Marjolaine. This year’s seem tough. Hats off to the bakers for seeing each challenge through and a big well done for making it this far.
It’s great to have new themes and, after last week’s dairy fest, this is our first decade and they’ve picked a cracker!
The roaring 20s conjures up Leo sipping a cocktail in The Great Gatsby, flapper dresses and extravagant jazz parties. I’m just hoping that this week is more of a success, and hopefully Paul’s in a better mood…
I’m excited for custard pies – I didn’t know they were a 1920s staple. I’m already learning! I was hoping we would see a slapstick pie thrown at someone (Paul’s) face?
I’m not quite sure how Helena’s gorgons are 1920s but then again, Henry’s whipping up Kool Aid pies. It’s week five and creativity is alive and well in the tent.
To top it off, Rosie’s brought horse vaccine needles to the tent – definitely winning most original baking accessory, ever. By this point, I’m a little disappointed the bakers aren’t in costume.
Michael had a bit of a disaster this week (Picture: Channel 4)
I loved David’s flirty flapper biscuits on top of his custard pies. He’s aced this challenge, kept it simple and picked his flavours wisely. Time after time, we come back to the age old lesson – focusing on the bake is just as important as the decoration.
Turns out we did see one pie being thrown, but Rosie’s was aimed at the floor instead of at Paul. To summarise in her own words: ‘I despise pastry. I despise custard’. Fair enough.
I’m no lightweight but I guarantee you, I’d be hospitalised if I was to take a tequila shot for every time Paul said ‘sabayon’.
For the technical, there were beignets! Beignet soufflés with six instructions – deliciously fried choux pastry with very little guidance.
Sometimes I wonder how the judges aren’t obese. You would have to roll me out of that tent if I was a judge.
Choux caused a few challenges, with several bakers attempting a second batch.
I feel for Michael, when you have a day and it just won’t work. But at least Noel and Sandi are always there with an encouraging/distracting word.
I’m not sure if they know how much that friendly pat on the shoulder means when you’re having a bake-off disaster, but it really helps, as the tent can suddenly feel lonely.
Mel and Sue – or M&S as I used to call them – were absolute gems! Like the current presenters, they were great at judging a situation, very comforting and provided the sense of humour that you’d want when sh*t hits the fan in the tent.
Mel and Sue – or M&S as I used to call them – were absolute gems (Picture: BBC)
They were very supportive, chatty and gave great hugs. Always talking to us behind the scenes and during the challenges so there was never a dull moment
When it came down to the taste test, there were a few surprises, with Michael coming in eighth and David – who was doing pretty well until that point – ended up coming in last.
Let’s face it, unfortunately at times in the tent, it’s a bit like being confronted by a bear – you don’t need to outrun the bear, only the person next to you. Brutal but true.
Very pleased for Helena finally conquering a technical and Michael taking the win where he can get it. Making sure you have something, anything, to show the judges is better than nothing and sometimes that’s enough of a victory in itself.
David meanwhile, is having a roller-coaster of a week, getting a handshake on the signature bake and then nose diving in the technical, while Priya skirts around the edge of elimination.
For the third challenge, we’ve got prohibition bakes with a cocktail flavour – I bet Prue came up with this one!
Helena successfully produced a blood red, vampire themed cake – I’d expect nothing less at this point. I was a bit concerned Alice, Michelle and Steph’s cakes were going to taste like a Malibu pineapple with all of that coconut rum… but apparently both Paul and Prue are fans (I’m quietly judging them both.)
Priya’s also giving them a run for their money with a mocktail prohibition-friendly pina colada version. I didn’t realise tinned pineapple was such a 1920s store cupboard staple.
Overall, the showstopper only highlighted the divide between the bakers likely to see another week and those who may be packing up their work stations.
Middle class phrase of the week goes to the as stylish as ever Henry: ‘This is the strongest coffee I could find in the world – well, in Waitrose.’
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is set to be a whole lot filthier compared to its original American counterpart and we are here for it.
Ahead of the engines starting next week, co-creators Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato teased that the brand new series is very below the belt and neatly tucked with dirty puns.
Admitting there were a number of moments that shocked him while filming, Bailey said: ‘Absolutely, from the very first moment we started taping. We were like, “Good lord, this is going to be on the BBC?”
‘Cavalcade of filth, that’s what I would say. Flood of perversion.’
‘Every now and then Ru would turn and look at the camera and say, “You’re watching the BBC,”‘ Barbato added to Decider. ‘But sophisticated filth, that’s the thing.
We can’t wait for the BBC Three series (Picture: PA)
Time to see the UK represent and slay! (Picture: BBC)
‘They get away with it because they’re really loving creatures but they’re also really smart queens.’
Bailey continued: ‘The British have always had a love of double entendre, of corny puns, of deliberately bad jokes, and sort of bad taste and off-color humor is all a part of that. It’s ultimately is a celebration.’
Speaking about the series, RuPaul enthused: ‘Each of the UK queens is so unique, so courageous and so special. I can’t wait for the UK – and the world – to fall in love with them the same way I did.’
Mama Ru will be joined by resident judge turned Strictly Come Dancing contestant Michelle Visage, as well as Alan Carr and Graham Norton.
Meanwhile celebrity judges include Andrew Garfield, Cheryl and Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK begins Thursday 3 October on BBC Three.
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Plácido Domingo has left the Metropolitan Opera after 27 years (Picture: Getty Images)
Plácido Domingo has left the Metropolitan Opera after 27 years following numerous allegations of sexual harassment.
The acclaimed opera singer confirmed his departure in a statement while the company added that the singer had ‘agreed to withdraw from all future performances at the Met, effective immediately’.
The 78-year-old was scheduled to sing the titular role in the Met’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth which was due to open on 25 September.
In a statement, however, Domingo shared the news with fans as he continued to dispute the claims.
‘I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 27 and have sung at this magnificent theatre for 51 consecutive, glorious years,’ he said.
‘While I strongly dispute recent allegations made about me, and I am concerned about a climate in which people are condemned without due process, upon reflection, I believe that my appearance in this production of Macbeth would distract from the hard work of my colleagues both on stage and behind the scenes.
‘As a result, I have asked to withdraw, and I thank the leadership of the Met for graciously granting my request.’
Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Puerto-Rican soprano Ana Maria Martinez (Picture: Getty Images)
He concluded: ‘I am happy that, at the age of 78, I was able to sing the wonderful title role in the dress rehearsal of Macbeth, which I consider my last performance on the Met stage.’
The Met Opera’s general manager Peter Gelb sent an email to the Met staff on Tuesday which read: ‘We are grateful to him for recognising that he needed to step down.’
He had previously reminded staff that the company was still awaiting results of investigations by the LA Opera and the American Guild of Musical Artists, the union that represents various opera staff.
In August, it was claimed nine women had come forward to detail alleged incidents of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour that spanned three decades from the late 1980s into recent years.
A month later 11 more people came forward with allegations that included verbal harassment and groping.
Domingo has denied all the allegations.
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The retired ballet dancer, 50, departed as a judge on Strictly in April this year, after being a regular fixture on the show since 2012.
Following the first live show last Saturday, Darcey appeared on Good Morning Britain live from south west London in aid of National Fitness Day – and showed no interest whatsoever in commenting on the latest series.
Asked if she’s watched the latest series, Darcey said: ‘Well no I’ve been too busy doing National Fitness Day.
Darcey Bussell did not want to talk about Strictly (Picture: ITV)
‘We’re having a lot of fun because I run a wonderful diversity dance mix, and we put into state schools and it’s incredibly exciting for me because I love getting involved and being with all the kids.’
After discussing her work with the Chelsea Pensioners, Piers interjected with a question about the dip in ratings following the latest Strictly live show.
Darcey replied: ‘I’m not here Piers to talk about Strictly. I’m here to talk about National Fitness Day! About enjoying being active.’
As the interview came to an end with awkward chuckles aplenty, Piers remarked: ‘Wow. Did not want to talk about Strictly. Didn’t want to go there.’
Saturday’s show on BBC One drew an overnight audience of 7.72 million, down on the 8.85 million who watched the first live show in September 2018.
Darcey has been replaced on the judging panel by Motsi Mabuse, and stated she wanted to leave the show in order to spend more time on other dancing commitments.
Announcing her departure, Darcey said: ‘It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.
Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
‘I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire backstage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.
‘I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better.
‘I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.’
You can catch Good Morning Britain weekdays on ITV at 6am.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is just days away from returning for season 14 – so it’s only right we take a walk down memory lane.
Glenn Howerton has revealed his favourite episodes of the sitcom and surprisingly, there’s not a Nightman or D.E.N.N.I.S System in sight.
The actor, who plays narcissist Dennis Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny, chose his eight favourite episodes (including one two-parter) with Vice, and there’s some wildcards up in that selection.
The 43-year-old started back with episode seven of season three, The Gang Sells Out (the one where a restaurant chain offers to buy Paddy’s Pub), moving on to the two-parter Mac And Charlie Die (episodes five and six of season four) and The Gang Hits The Road (season five, episode two).
Glenn is returning for season 14 (Picture: FX)
Glenn skipped ahead to season seven to honour episode eight, The Anti-Social Network (aka the one where Dennis and Charlie stalk a shusher) before choosing two from season nine – The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award (episode three) and The Gang Gets Quarantined (episode seven).
Finally, the star selected episode one of season 10, The Gang Beats Boggs – the one where the gang attempt to drink ’50 to 70′ cans of beer on a cross-country flight.
Speaking to Vice, Glenn claimed that the show is able to keep going because it has a strong point of view.
He said: ‘It can be a big thing—like something political, or some sort of a larger issue, like abortion—or just having a really, really strong opinion about the acidity level of your coffee. It’s great comedy fodder, but it’s also emblematic of our society more and more.
‘The people that we hear about or from the most are the people who have strong opinions. And I think with that, you can just go anywhere.’
The star initially left the show at the end of season 12, but is back full-time with Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), Charlie (Charlie Day) and Frank (Danny DeVito).
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia season 14 premieres on 25 September on FX. All 13 seasons are available to stream on Netflix.
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Footballer Kevin Kilbane will be hitting the rink for the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice.
The 42-year-old sportsman announced his place on the line-up on Talksport Radio, meaning he’ll officially be joining the likes of Michael Barrymore and Maura Higgins.
‘I am going on as a total novice,’ Kevin admitted. ‘I’m starting from scratch here. This is going to be a massive challenge for me.
‘I’ve been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let’s just see how this one goes.’
‘I am up for the challenge, I am more excited than scared, I am brave and competitive and that will drive me,’ Love Island star Maura said.
Kevin Kilbane will be competing on Dancing On Ice (Picture: Rex)
‘I need someone strict,’ she added of her partner before revealing she has only ‘skated once in my life for fun, so I’ve no experience at all’.
‘I’m delighted to say that I’ll be joining the Dancing on Ice line up for 2020. I’m looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I’m very excited…it’s performance time!’ continued Michael who shared a video with the show.
A further nine celebrities are expected to be announced, with the competition show returning with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby at the helm in January.
‘I am so excited to be returning to the Dancing On Ice family,’ John enthused. ‘Unlike most I have been through the rigorous task of skating live as a contestant in the first series. ‘This is a thrilling adventure for me and I hope to bring a Fresh, Fun and Fab-u-lous angle to the judging panel.’
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV in January 2020.
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The Circle’s Georgina Aurelia has been praised for being frank about having Chron’s disease and talking openly about living with a stoma bag.
In last night’s episode, the 21-year-old contestant revealed her condition in her opening VT and began: ‘I have Chron’s disease. It’s an autoimmune disease. I had an ileostomy bag for about seven months.
‘It’s kind of weird having a bag because it is your new a******e, so you still fart out of your stomach.’
She continued: ‘I don’t think you lot realise how easy we have it when we have a bag. I can watch the whole of the Titanic and not get up to go to the toilet. That is a blessing.’
Chron’s disease is a life-long bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. It can affect people of all ages and the symptoms usually start in childhood or early adulthood.
The Circle’s Georgina was open about living with Chron’s disease (Picture: Channel 4)
She’s raising awareness of the condition (Picture: Channel 4)
Georgina talked openly about her health battles ahead of The Circle series two arriving too, saying: I had colorectal surgery – I had an ileostomy bag fitted but I had it reversed in June last year so I don’t have it anymore.
‘I’m a lot better but it’s Crohn’s disease so I’ve got it for life I’m afraid.’
She continued: ‘I also want to promote the idea that you shouldn’t judge people and that you should give everyone a fair chance, not just class them as disabled so they can’t do this, that and the other.
‘We can live our life, we can enjoy life and Crohn’s is just not going to win or stop you having new experiences or making new friendships.’
Viewers wasted no time in thanking Georgina for her openness on Twitter, with one writing: ‘Great bit of awareness for Crohn’s Disease and living life with a Stoma bag on #TheCircle.. breaking stereotypes for sure! I and many others that suffer are so grateful for the coverage. Let’s get people talking and feeling less embarrassed!’
Echoing a similar sentiment, another added: ‘Loving the Crohn’s Disease chat on #TheCircle tonight. It’s the worst part of my life and nobody outside of my best friends really get it and the fact it’s getting awareness on prime time TV is amazing.’
Loving the Crohn’s Disease chat on #TheCircle tonight. It’s the worst part of my life and nobody outside of my best friends really get it and the fact it’s getting awareness on prime time TV is amazing x
Great bit of awareness for Crohn’s Disease and living life with a Stoma bag on #TheCircle.. breaking stereotypes for sure! I and many others that suffer are so greatful for the coverage. Let’s get people talking and feeling less embarrassed! #IBD#CrohnsDisease#CrohnsSurvivor
Georgina has revealed that she’s going to be herself on The Circle, rather than adopting any kind of alter ego.
I worry that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the experience as much if I was constantly trying to channel somebody else,’ she said.
‘And if it was to go wrong and I got voted out, I’d be disappointed because I’d feel like I hadn’t been true to myself.’
She added: ‘If I’m true to myself then I can enjoy it for what it is.’
What a queen!
The Circle continues tonight at 10pm on Channel 4.
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There have been calls for Lord Alan Sugar to step down from his role on the show (Picture: PA)
BBC One’s The Apprentice is known as one of the toughest reality TV shows in the UK, and this year’s cast members are lined up for the biggest business challenge of their lives during 12 weeks in South Africa.
Savvy entrepreneurs for 2019 include Paralympic athlete and motivational speaker Souleyman Bah, finance manager Lubna Farhan and Carina Lepore, who is the owner of an artisan bakery, among others.
The winner (or winners, as we saw two people take home the prize in 2017) will be chosen by the show’s judges: the infamous Lord Alan Sugar, Karren Brady and Claude Littner – or will they?
At a press screening for the show, a reporter asked whether it was time to throw in the towel, following the negative feedback he had received from the public, to which Lord Sugar replied: ‘Really? Who are these people? People you’re making up? What’s the next question?.’
He doesn’t seem too fazed about the situation, but the question is, will he be back to put the candidates through their paces for The Apprentice 2019?
Is Lord Sugar coming back for the new season of The Apprentice?
There’s a lot going on in the world. Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament has been considered unlawful. A formal impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump has begun.
There’s a climate change crisis.
So we definitely needed this little injection of joy into our lives this Wednesday.
A five-year-old drummer was surprised by his hero Lenny Kravitz on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and it’s the cutest thing you’ll watch all day. Maybe in your life. It’s just that cute.
Justin Wilson II dropped by Ellen’s show to give her an update on his life since he last appeared on the show aged four, and he’s been very busy.
As well as starting kindergarten, Justin turned five and said of his party: ‘It was great! I went to Legoland and I went on two rollercoasters and I went on some race cars.’
Our hearts (Picture: NBC)
Justin is incredibly talented (Picture: NBC)
The ridiculously talented kid had played Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz on Ellen previously, and decided to keep the theme going by performing Are You Gonna Go My Way this time around.
Justin totally smashed it – but the best was yet to come, as Lenny came on stage at the end of the kid’s set, and his face was priceless.
With Kravitz, 55, lifting up Justin, he exclaimed: ‘Lenny, it’s so good to see you!’, before the rock star called him ‘amazing’.
Lenny said: ‘You know I’m a big fan. I’ve been watching you’, with Justin saying ‘thanks’ before giving him a high five.
Unfortunately for Lenny, he soon had his surprise topped as Ellen gifted Justin with an array of Spider-Man goodies. Sorry, Peter Parker trumps musical heroes, we don’t make the rules.
Justin shot to viral fame aged just one when his dad, also Justin, shared a video of his impressive drumming skills online.
Four years on and Justin is better than most adult drummers, operating under the name Baby Boy Drummer and posting his skills to Instagram.
Speaking about Justin meeting Lenny, his parents wrote on social media: ‘We couldn’t be more proud of little Justin as he shared his gift again on @theellenshow. He was so polite, adorable and funny.
‘Thanks so much to Lenny Kravitz who made the moment even more special! And thanks of course to Ellen and her team for wanting to keep up with Justin and sharing his smile with the world.’
Too. Much.
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Michonne is leaving in the upcoming series of The Walking Dead (Picture: Fox)
The first reviews for The Walking Dead season 10 have arrived, and early word is pretty positive.
The show’s tenth season kicks off in October, which marks the first outing without Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes and Lauren Cohan’s Maggie at the starting gate.
The next season also marks the departure of Danai Gurira’s Michonne, although it’s unclear whether she’ll be killed off or depart in a similar vein to Rick Grimes.
This is the second season under showrunner Angela Kang too, who has been largely praised for turning the show’s fortunes around in the ninth season.
So what are the early reviews from the US like? Here’s a spoiler-free rundown of their general thoughts.
‘Following up a very strong ninth season, the upcoming batch of episodes prove The Walking Dead is aiming to take its throne back. If the coming conflict is handled as well as the premiere episode, longtime fans are in for a treat while those who were discouraged from watching might be interested in getting back on board.’
‘Lines We Cross wants to get things moving as quickly as possible, and it accomplishes that, giving the season the forward momentum and exciting pace that has eluded it in past years.’
‘This season opener set a new foundation for the communities and primed the stage for the upcoming Whisperer war. Was it an action packed and profound episode of The Walking Dead? Not really. But, to be fair, every moment of life isn’t expected to be filled with intensity.’
‘It’s a solid opening to what should be another good season, I hope. The writing remains on point, the direction is solid. The show is still in a good place. I’m not worried.’
The episode titles and synopsis for season 10 were recently leaked online, teasing a number of possibilities as the war with the Whisperers heats up.
The ninth season ended with a mysterious radio call after the survivors crossed over into Whisperers territory, with the latest trailers teasing the ramifications to come.
The Walking Dead season 10 kicks off Sunday 6 October in the US, and returns on Fox Monday 7 October in the UK.
Piers Morgan’s wife Celia Walden has blamed her husband’s Good Morning Britain wakeup calls for ‘aging’ her – even if she looks infinitely fresher being woken up at 3am than we’ve ever looked after a lie-in.
The 43-year-old married the controversial presenter in 2010 and welcomed their first child and his first daughter Elise the following year.
With a successful career of her own, a young daughter and an alarm which goes off when many of us are going to bed, Celia reckons being married to Piers has taken its toll on her skin and appeared on Lorraine today to trial Victoria Beckham’s LED mask, designed to give skin a refreshed glow after 10 days.
Celia Walden explained the Premature Piers Aging effect to Lorraine viewers (Picture: ITV)
We’ll stick with our E45, thanks.
‘As anyone who hits 40 knows that’s when life really starts showing up on your face and when you’re married to Piers Morgan there’s a particularly high risk of PPA – that’s premature Piers related aging. There’s a lot of laughing going on but also a lot of frowning,’ she teased.
After just three days, Piers noticed the difference. ‘My husband asked if I’d slept well, so that’s a good sign’ Celia shrugged.
Piers Morgan’s wife Celia suggested being married to David Beckham is behind Victoria’s radiant skin (Picture: ITV)
Would you try this at home? (Picture: ITV)
But even with an LED mask, Celia noted Victoria has one perk which the rest of us can only dream of. And we have.
‘While I’m married to Piers Morgan and waking up at 3am, it’s no surprise I suffer from Piers related aging while VB is, of course, married to David Beckham,’ she grinned.
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The 60-year-old donned a Strictly-fied jumpsuit – a nod to the garments she famously wore on Challenge Anneka – as she and Kevin delivered a cha cha, scoring 14 points from the judges.
The pair will be discussing their Strictly journey on This Morning on Wednesday – but while Kevin might be her partner on the show, just who is her partner away from the ballroom?
Here’s what you need to know…
Who is Anneka Rice married to?
Anneka – whose real name is Anne Lucinda Hartley Rice – was previously married to theatre producer Nick Allott.
The couple were wed from 1988-1992.
She is now in a relationship with writer Simon Bell – author of the 1991 novel Blood Money – whom she has been with since 2005.
Does Anneka Rice have children?
Anneka was paired with reigning champion Kevin on the launch show (Picture: BBC)
Anneka has two sons, Thomas, 30, and 29-year-old Joshua, from her marriage to Nick Allott.
She also has a third son, Sam, 22, from a previous relationship with TV executive Tom Gutteridge.
Speaking about her kids’ reaction to her Strictly stint, Anneka explained: ‘Awkwardly, my sons found out about me doing Strictly when it was plastered all over the press.
‘Instead of the horror I was expecting their reaction was glorious. They even wanted to come along to the live shows.
What dance is Anneka Rice doing on Strictly this week?
This week Anneka and Kevin will take to the floor with a waltz in their bid to remain in the competition, as the first elimination looms.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday night on BBC One at 6.40pm.
This Morning is on Wednesday on ITV from 10.30am.
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Lewis shared a picture of himself and his two friends to accompany the prank, writing: ‘Thought we were going on a boat trip, turns out we were on a boat transfer and ended up in Syria.’
The ex-holiday rep’s snap quickly went viral, with Lewis then explaining on his Facebook post that it was all a hoax.
‘We just made it up for fun,’ he admitted.
The prank took place in 2016 (Picture: Sian Broderick)
Lewis and his friends duped the nation (Picture: Sian Broderick)
Lewis Ellis is competing in the new series of The Apprentice (Picture: PA)
Going into detail on how he tricked the country, Lewis later told The Mirror that they had indeed found themselves on the wrong boat.
‘The last club closed at 7:30am so we just powered through to our 9am boat trip and ended up blagging our way onto the wrong boat,’ he told the publication at the time.
‘We were wearing board shorts, hungover, looking like we were ready for a boat party.’
He continued: ‘Everyone was foreign and it was pretty much halfway out from the island when we asked ‘how come we’re so far away from land?
‘After hours and hours we turned up in this place and we were like ‘what the f***, where are we?’
Lewis’ friend added: ‘Eventually, we found a translator and when we told him he just fell about laughing.’
Lewis is set to be competing in the 15th series of The Apprentice, which kicks off next week.
‘People either love me, love my jokes and love everything about me or they hate me, despise me and do not want to talk to me,’ he told cameras in his audition.
‘I might not be the smartest guy in the room, but I’ll outwork you. Nine times out of 10, hard work beats talent – unless you meet a hardworking and talented guy, then you’re screwed.’
The Apprentice begins Wednesday 2 October on BBC One at 9pm.
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Louis wasn’t happy he wasn’t consulted before the animated fan-fiction was aired (Picture: Getty/Spotlight)
Louis Tomlinson says he was annoyed when he found out HBO drama Euphoria featured Larry Stylinson fan fiction in one of their episodes.
The former One Direction star revealed he was ‘tired’ of the speculation of a secret relationship with him and bandmate Harry Styles, which was conceived by the fans.
‘I know, culturally, it’s interesting, but I’m just a bit tired of it,’ he told The Guardian of fans speculating about ‘Larry’.
He explained: ‘Again, I get the cultural intention behind that. But I think … It just felt a little bit … No, I’m not going to lie, I was p***ed off. It annoyed me that a big company would get behind it.’
Larry Stylinson was the ‘ship’ name given to him and Harry, who fans believed to be in a secret sexual relationship with each other.
While the fan fiction may have been tiresome, it was minor in comparison to the incessant hounding of the paparazzi during the time One Direction were the biggest band in the world.
Louis said he was ‘tired’ of the stories made up about him and Harry (Picture: FilmMagic, Inc)
He revealed one of the moments he felt the intrusion was getting too much was during a stop in Australia when a local news station had a photographer in a helicopter trying to get pictures of Louis in his top floor hotel room.
Louis took to Twitter to slam the harassment he was receiving, but got criticised by people thinking he was being ‘bratty’.
‘I think I was naked, or just in my boxers, and even in my hotel room there was no escape. I could feel the pressure.
‘At times it did stress me out but never was I allowed to whinge, allowed to be a human and say: “Today has got too much for me.” I found that difficult at first. But there was much more positive that outweighed that.’
Euphoria is avilable to stream on NOW TV.
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Rumours are surrounding Bake Off’s Alice and Henry (Picture: Alice Fevronia; Channel 4)
We’re at the halfway mark of The Great British Bake Off 2019 – but rumour has it this year that there’s been more than just cakes being baked up in the tent.
The pair have sparked a whole lot of rumours with cute comments on social media – but are they actually an item?
Here’s what we know…
Are Bake Off’s Alice and Henry a couple?
It’s not actually been confirmed that the pair are romantically involved, and neither has confirmed it themselves.
However the pair definitely seem close, having bonded in the tent and spent time together since the series was filmed.
Their fellow bakers have voiced their approval (Picture: Instagram)
‘It is early days but they are a lovely couple and seem very happy,’ an insider told The Sun.
‘Pals have been joking that it’s the cherry on top of the experience.’
However other reports have suggested that the pair aren’t dating but are just very close friends.
They’ve certainly been active on each other’s Instagram, however, with Alice recently taking to social media to share some snaps of her and Henry at the Tate Modern after she was named Star Baker in Biscuit Week.
As she said how ‘overwhelmed’ she was with all the congraulatory messages Henry quipped: ‘I might exclusively take shadow photos from now on.’
Their fellow bakers were also quick to comment, with Helena Garcia saying: ‘You two couldn’t possibly be more adorable.’
Meanwhile Michael Chakraverty called them a ‘beautiful couple’.
Who is Bake Off’s Alice Fevronia?
Alice nabbed the Star Baker accolade in week two for her biscuit sheep (Picture: Channel 4)
Alice, 28, is originally from Essex and is a geography teacher at an East London school.
She began baking aged 15 after recovering from a back operation for scoliosis, which left her unable to do sport – and often uses cakes to help her demonstrate volcanic activity and coastal erosions during her lessons.
Who is Bake Off’s Henry Bird?
Henry Bird has impressed the judges with his efforts so far but is yet to be Star Baker (Picture: Channel 4)
He’s impressed the judges so far with his creations – despite suffering a collapsing sugar house in Cake Week – but despite this has yet to nab a Star Baker accolade.
The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday night on Channel 4 at 8pm.
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