The Scurry, a British comedy film about killer squirrels, is in the works, here are the details of the new film.
There have been horror films about a variety of unusual killers over the years, from vengeful car Christine to a killer tyre in Rubber.
Squirrels are the next unlikely killers to get the spotlight, courtesy of the comedy horror The Scurry. The synopsis reads as follows:
Two pest controllers are called to an eco-café in a country park to investigate what begins as a routine vermin problem – but as nightfall approaches an avalanche of deranged squirrels descend, wreaking revenge and mayhem on the staff and visitors in the park.
With many fatalities the survivors take shelter in the café as a freak storm takes out the power and communications leaving them isolated and under attack. An eclectic mix of survivors include pest controllers, a sulky teenager, hypocritical vegans, and...
There have been horror films about a variety of unusual killers over the years, from vengeful car Christine to a killer tyre in Rubber.
Squirrels are the next unlikely killers to get the spotlight, courtesy of the comedy horror The Scurry. The synopsis reads as follows:
Two pest controllers are called to an eco-café in a country park to investigate what begins as a routine vermin problem – but as nightfall approaches an avalanche of deranged squirrels descend, wreaking revenge and mayhem on the staff and visitors in the park.
With many fatalities the survivors take shelter in the café as a freak storm takes out the power and communications leaving them isolated and under attack. An eclectic mix of survivors include pest controllers, a sulky teenager, hypocritical vegans, and...
- 3/21/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The BBC is developing a sports based spin-off of long running panel show Have I Got News For You, currently called Have I Got Sports For You
Have I Got News For You stands as one of the longest running panel shows on television. Starting in 1990, team captains Paul Merton and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop are still with the show 34 years later. Classic moments include the show where Roy Hattersley was replaced at the last minute with a tub of lard, the show which immediately followed a scandal involving original host Angus Deayton, prompting Hislop to bring in a copy of News Of The World only for Merton to upstage him by getting the front cover printed up as a t-shirt. Then, the legendary 2008 edition hosted by Brian Blessed.
The BBC is currently in the process of developing a spin-off entitled Have I Got Sports For You. It will...
Have I Got News For You stands as one of the longest running panel shows on television. Starting in 1990, team captains Paul Merton and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop are still with the show 34 years later. Classic moments include the show where Roy Hattersley was replaced at the last minute with a tub of lard, the show which immediately followed a scandal involving original host Angus Deayton, prompting Hislop to bring in a copy of News Of The World only for Merton to upstage him by getting the front cover printed up as a t-shirt. Then, the legendary 2008 edition hosted by Brian Blessed.
The BBC is currently in the process of developing a spin-off entitled Have I Got Sports For You. It will...
- 3/1/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
In 2021, Pointless fans had to come to terms with the fact that change is the only constant in this crazy, crazy world when the show’s co-creator and co-host Richard Osman left to pursue other career opportunities such as being an incredibly successful crime novelist, and taking the main seat on his own game show Richard Osman’s House of Games.
Good for Richard Osman, it all seems to be very going well for him. But for Pointless?
Taking its cue from satirical current affairs show Have I Got News For You?, which settled on a revolving carousel of guest hosts when its regular host Angus Deayton was forced to step down instead of plumping for a permanent chair, Pointless has welcomed a series of co-hosts in the past couple of years.
First up were Sally Lindsay, Stephen Mangan, Lauren Laverne, Alex Brooker, Konnie Huq and Ed Gamble. Next came Andi Oliver,...
Good for Richard Osman, it all seems to be very going well for him. But for Pointless?
Taking its cue from satirical current affairs show Have I Got News For You?, which settled on a revolving carousel of guest hosts when its regular host Angus Deayton was forced to step down instead of plumping for a permanent chair, Pointless has welcomed a series of co-hosts in the past couple of years.
First up were Sally Lindsay, Stephen Mangan, Lauren Laverne, Alex Brooker, Konnie Huq and Ed Gamble. Next came Andi Oliver,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Disney+ has unveiled the cast of Season 2 of “Extraordinary,” the coming-of-age comedy series from creator and writer Emma Moran and Sid Gentle Films (“Killing Eve”).
Season 2 of “Extraordinary” just wrapped production with a raft of new cast members, including Julian Barratt (“The Mighty Boosh”) as George, Jen’s power coach; Rosa Robson (“Inside No. 9”), who plays Nora, someone from Jizzlord’s past; Kwaku Mills (“The Other One”), as Clark, Carrie’s new work colleague; and Derek Jacobi (“Murder on the Orient Express”), who will voice a cameo role.
They join Máiréad Tyers (“Belfast”) who stars as Jen, alongside Sofia Oxenham (Carrie), Bilal Hasna (Kash) and Luke Rollason (Jizzlord). Additional cast members include Siobhán McSweeney and Robbie Gee, who are both back for the second season. Season 2 is looking to make its debut in early 2024.
In “Extraordinary,” everyone over the age of 18 got their superpower a decade ago — expect for Jen,...
Season 2 of “Extraordinary” just wrapped production with a raft of new cast members, including Julian Barratt (“The Mighty Boosh”) as George, Jen’s power coach; Rosa Robson (“Inside No. 9”), who plays Nora, someone from Jizzlord’s past; Kwaku Mills (“The Other One”), as Clark, Carrie’s new work colleague; and Derek Jacobi (“Murder on the Orient Express”), who will voice a cameo role.
They join Máiréad Tyers (“Belfast”) who stars as Jen, alongside Sofia Oxenham (Carrie), Bilal Hasna (Kash) and Luke Rollason (Jizzlord). Additional cast members include Siobhán McSweeney and Robbie Gee, who are both back for the second season. Season 2 is looking to make its debut in early 2024.
In “Extraordinary,” everyone over the age of 18 got their superpower a decade ago — expect for Jen,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Paul McCartney has many pre-show rituals he does before performing at his concerts. The former Beatle has been touring for over 60 years, so he knows what to do to prepare himself. One of his habits includes watching TV to relax, and Paul McCartney says he loves to watch this American game show.
Paul McCartney loves to watch ‘Family Feud’ before starting his concerts
Paul McCartney isn’t too much of a TV connoisseur. He’s often too busy with his music or other projects that occupy his time. He also loves exploring nature and lounging around his farm. However, a few shows still occupy his time, especially if he’s channel surfing.
In an interview with The Adam Buxton Podcast, McCartney said he appreciates shows like Storage Hunters and American Pickers but also enjoys comedy.
“I love comedy. I watch it on TV, you know Live From The Apollo, you see wonderful people on that,...
Paul McCartney loves to watch ‘Family Feud’ before starting his concerts
Paul McCartney isn’t too much of a TV connoisseur. He’s often too busy with his music or other projects that occupy his time. He also loves exploring nature and lounging around his farm. However, a few shows still occupy his time, especially if he’s channel surfing.
In an interview with The Adam Buxton Podcast, McCartney said he appreciates shows like Storage Hunters and American Pickers but also enjoys comedy.
“I love comedy. I watch it on TV, you know Live From The Apollo, you see wonderful people on that,...
- 7/16/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This fresh take on the satirical comedy slot will feature new programmes from the likes of Rachel Parris, who will kick off the series with a range of comic characters including digital stars Rosie Holt and Michael Spicer; Dom Joly, who will take a mischievous approach to investigating the week’s biggest stories; Ria Lina, bringing a global perspective to the news with comedians from around the world sharing news from their countries; Catherine Bohart, who will take a deep dive into the roots of a news story; Rhys James, bringing his trademark quick wit to interrogate the news; and Andrew Hunter Murray hosts the latest creation from The Skewer’s Jon Holmes, which takes aim at the way the news is packaged and presented.
The specials will be broadcast in Radio 4’s popular Friday Night Comedy slot this summer, between series of Dead Ringers and The News Quiz. Friday...
The specials will be broadcast in Radio 4’s popular Friday Night Comedy slot this summer, between series of Dead Ringers and The News Quiz. Friday...
- 7/5/2023
- Podnews.net
Get to shout out "Rhlstp!!" like a proper cool kid as the multi-award-winning and perennially popular live podcast interview series in which comedian Richard Herring chats with some of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment tours this autumn. Usually recorded in London’s glittering West End, Rhlstp is going on the road. The UK & Ire 2023 / 2024 tour will start in September and includes dates in Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Salford, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff and Dublin, along with multiple dates at the show’s spiritual home in London’s Leicester Square Theatre.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 30th June with an exclusive fan pre-sale on Thursday 29th June for Rhlstp badgers and plussers. To become a badger/plusser or to view all dates visit, visit richardherring.com
Richard Herring enjoys continual success as both a writer and performer and is widely known an innovator in the world of podcasts,...
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 30th June with an exclusive fan pre-sale on Thursday 29th June for Rhlstp badgers and plussers. To become a badger/plusser or to view all dates visit, visit richardherring.com
Richard Herring enjoys continual success as both a writer and performer and is widely known an innovator in the world of podcasts,...
- 6/29/2023
- Podnews.net
Respected British broadcaster Clive Myrie was removed at the last minute from presenting an edition of the BBC’s “News at Ten” last week, according to a report in the U.K.’s Times newspaper.
Myrie was replaced by Jane Hill as the news bulletin presenter on June 16 because BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore had impartiality concerns regarding the ruling Conservative party, per the Times. Earlier that evening, Myrie had hosted the BBC’s “Have I Got News For You,” a satirical comedy quiz show that grills celebrity contestants on the week’s top stories and news, where he made several jokes about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who had been found guilty of deliberately misleading the U.K. parliament over the ‘partygate’ scandal.
Myrie had opened the show saying: “After being found by the House of Commons committee to have lied repeatedly, Boris Johnson takes the opportunity to deny that...
Myrie was replaced by Jane Hill as the news bulletin presenter on June 16 because BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore had impartiality concerns regarding the ruling Conservative party, per the Times. Earlier that evening, Myrie had hosted the BBC’s “Have I Got News For You,” a satirical comedy quiz show that grills celebrity contestants on the week’s top stories and news, where he made several jokes about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who had been found guilty of deliberately misleading the U.K. parliament over the ‘partygate’ scandal.
Myrie had opened the show saying: “After being found by the House of Commons committee to have lied repeatedly, Boris Johnson takes the opportunity to deny that...
- 6/22/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jimmy Akingbola-hosted Sorry, I Didn’t Know, the UK’s first quiz show centered on Black history, has been recommissioned and shifted away from ITV’s Black History Month schedule.
TriForce Productions’ panel show has run for three seasons during the October commemorative month in the UK but ITV is showing its commitment to the four-parter by moving it later in the Autumn.
The fourth outing of the Rts-nominated entertainment format will likely air in November and this time will be series produced by BET Awards producer Jonte Richardson.
In Sorry, I Didn’t Know, which is hosted by Peacock’s Bel-Air star Akingbola and filmed in front of a live audience, team captains Chizzy Akudolu and Eddie Kadi lead guests who answer questions about Black history. The show started life as an ITV 2 pilot in 2016 before being commissioned four years later as the UK TV...
TriForce Productions’ panel show has run for three seasons during the October commemorative month in the UK but ITV is showing its commitment to the four-parter by moving it later in the Autumn.
The fourth outing of the Rts-nominated entertainment format will likely air in November and this time will be series produced by BET Awards producer Jonte Richardson.
In Sorry, I Didn’t Know, which is hosted by Peacock’s Bel-Air star Akingbola and filmed in front of a live audience, team captains Chizzy Akudolu and Eddie Kadi lead guests who answer questions about Black history. The show started life as an ITV 2 pilot in 2016 before being commissioned four years later as the UK TV...
- 6/21/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
For millions of music fans of all ages, The Beatles are without a doubt rock’s most influential group. The band, comprised of John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, broke boundaries and created bold new sounds that reverberate to this day. Behind the scenes, members of the band didn’t always get along – and this occasional tension led to a long-standing myth that Lennon once discredited Starr’s drumming skills. As it turns out, however, this rumor just doesn’t hold water, with internet sleuths figuring out that Lennon never actually made the remark in the first place.
John Lennon is often credited with making a joke at Ringo Starr’s expense
#Otd in #1964, #TheBeatles continued filming opening scenes for A Hard Day’s Night at Marylebone Station in London following the first shoot on the 5th April. pic.twitter.com/H3xdM840ZX
— The Beatles (@thebeatles...
John Lennon is often credited with making a joke at Ringo Starr’s expense
#Otd in #1964, #TheBeatles continued filming opening scenes for A Hard Day’s Night at Marylebone Station in London following the first shoot on the 5th April. pic.twitter.com/H3xdM840ZX
— The Beatles (@thebeatles...
- 4/27/2023
- by Christina Nunn
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Emma Watson has opened up in a rare personal post to mark her 33rd birthday.
The Harry Potter star, who turned 33 on Saturday (15 April), shared a post on Instagram describing how she had “stepped away from my life” over the past couple of years.
“This is 33,” she began. “Holy moly. Before 29 I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted.”
She went on to write about how she had learnt to surf “badly”, ridden horses, done “a lot of therapy” and “said goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa”.
“I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one handed for months,” she wrote. “I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things. I learnt more about love and being a woman…...
The Harry Potter star, who turned 33 on Saturday (15 April), shared a post on Instagram describing how she had “stepped away from my life” over the past couple of years.
“This is 33,” she began. “Holy moly. Before 29 I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted.”
She went on to write about how she had learnt to surf “badly”, ridden horses, done “a lot of therapy” and “said goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa”.
“I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one handed for months,” she wrote. “I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things. I learnt more about love and being a woman…...
- 4/16/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Film
The BBC has reportedly issued letters gauging interest for voluntary redundancy to its top presenting stars, sending shockwaves through the corporation.
The move is thought to be part of a cost-saving mission by the corporation, which includes reducing spending in its news division.
On Saturday night (15 April), the Mail reported that the BBC’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those to receive letters. The Independent has contacted their representatives for comment.
On Twitter, Edwards said the move was a “standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy” and “nothing more”.
Nick Robinson said on Twitter: “First newspapers call for cut to licence fee. Then same papers report shock at redundancies, closures or repeats. Later papers say...
The move is thought to be part of a cost-saving mission by the corporation, which includes reducing spending in its news division.
On Saturday night (15 April), the Mail reported that the BBC’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those to receive letters. The Independent has contacted their representatives for comment.
On Twitter, Edwards said the move was a “standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy” and “nothing more”.
Nick Robinson said on Twitter: “First newspapers call for cut to licence fee. Then same papers report shock at redundancies, closures or repeats. Later papers say...
- 4/16/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The Hunt for Raoul Moat has reignited public interest in Britain’s biggest manhunt – and Paul Gascoigne’s bizarre involvement in the case.
ITV’s newest true crime drama focuses on the July 2010 hunt by Northumbria Police for Moat, a former bouncer and bodybuilder who shot three people – his ex-girlfriend, her new partner, and a police officer – two days after he was released from Durham Prison.
What followed was a week-long manhunt, involving 160 armed officers (10 per cent of those available in England and Wales at any one time). Sniper teams, helicopters and TV survival expert Ray Mears were also involved in the search. Read the full true story here.
On 9 July, Moat was tracked to a National Trust estate near Rothbury, Northumberland, with police surrounding him while he held a gun to his neck. In an attempt to make him surrender, food and water were reportedly offered to Moat, while...
ITV’s newest true crime drama focuses on the July 2010 hunt by Northumbria Police for Moat, a former bouncer and bodybuilder who shot three people – his ex-girlfriend, her new partner, and a police officer – two days after he was released from Durham Prison.
What followed was a week-long manhunt, involving 160 armed officers (10 per cent of those available in England and Wales at any one time). Sniper teams, helicopters and TV survival expert Ray Mears were also involved in the search. Read the full true story here.
On 9 July, Moat was tracked to a National Trust estate near Rothbury, Northumberland, with police surrounding him while he held a gun to his neck. In an attempt to make him surrender, food and water were reportedly offered to Moat, while...
- 4/16/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Charlotte Ivers, a guest panellist on the latest episode of Have I Got News For You, has responded to criticism of her blinking on Twitter.
On last night’s episode (14 April) of the BBC One comedy current affairs show, Ivers was introduced by host Charlie Brooker as a “Sunday Times journalist and broadcaster who worked as a special adviser to Theresa May in 2019”. He quipped: “That special advice presumably being ‘quit’.”
While the show was airing, one viewer felt compelled to ask Twitter: “Why does Charlotte Ivers keep blinking?”
On Saturday morning (15 April), Ivers quoted the tweet, writing: “I don’t f***ing know Jack are we not meant to be blinking at the moment I can’t keep up with the trends Jesus.”
In a follow-up tweet, she wrote: “(This is mildly unfair I know I do a weird fluttering thing with my eyes but I Dont Know...
On last night’s episode (14 April) of the BBC One comedy current affairs show, Ivers was introduced by host Charlie Brooker as a “Sunday Times journalist and broadcaster who worked as a special adviser to Theresa May in 2019”. He quipped: “That special advice presumably being ‘quit’.”
While the show was airing, one viewer felt compelled to ask Twitter: “Why does Charlotte Ivers keep blinking?”
On Saturday morning (15 April), Ivers quoted the tweet, writing: “I don’t f***ing know Jack are we not meant to be blinking at the moment I can’t keep up with the trends Jesus.”
In a follow-up tweet, she wrote: “(This is mildly unfair I know I do a weird fluttering thing with my eyes but I Dont Know...
- 4/15/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Bruno Tonioli has praised David Walliams for reaching out with a “class” response after he joined the panel of Britain’s Got Talent.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge will appear alongside Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell on the judging panel for the new series of the talent competition, which returns this week.
Tonioli replaces Little Britain star Walliams, whose departure was announced in January. Months earlier, Walliams had come under fire after a leaked set recording from 2020 heard the actor and author making sexually explicit comments about a Bgt contestant.
Speaking to the Radio Times, Tonioli said that Walliams had been the first person to congratulate him for joining the show.
“I haven’t seen David, but he was the first person to send me a message saying congratulations,” the Italian choreographer said.
“He also sent a fantastic bottle of Italian wine to my dressing room on my first day.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge will appear alongside Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell on the judging panel for the new series of the talent competition, which returns this week.
Tonioli replaces Little Britain star Walliams, whose departure was announced in January. Months earlier, Walliams had come under fire after a leaked set recording from 2020 heard the actor and author making sexually explicit comments about a Bgt contestant.
Speaking to the Radio Times, Tonioli said that Walliams had been the first person to congratulate him for joining the show.
“I haven’t seen David, but he was the first person to send me a message saying congratulations,” the Italian choreographer said.
“He also sent a fantastic bottle of Italian wine to my dressing room on my first day.
- 4/11/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Bill Bailey has shared a touching tribute to Sean Lock.
The comedian posted a throwback photo of the pair out on a country walk 19 months after Lock died of cancer.
Bailey captioned the photo on Twitter: “Some days I still can’t quite believe he’s gone. Today is one of those days.”
He capped the post: “Miss you Sean old pal.”
Bailey participated in a charity walk one year after Lock’s death, raising more than £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support alongside Lee Mack and Lock’s family.
Last year, Bailey said that Lock was still cracking jokes in his final days. “Even in his last few days, we were still having a laugh, still joking, still coming up with ideas,” he said.
“We had great conversations. I brought in my guitar and sang him his favourite Johnny Cash songs.”
The comedian was best known for being a team...
The comedian posted a throwback photo of the pair out on a country walk 19 months after Lock died of cancer.
Bailey captioned the photo on Twitter: “Some days I still can’t quite believe he’s gone. Today is one of those days.”
He capped the post: “Miss you Sean old pal.”
Bailey participated in a charity walk one year after Lock’s death, raising more than £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support alongside Lee Mack and Lock’s family.
Last year, Bailey said that Lock was still cracking jokes in his final days. “Even in his last few days, we were still having a laugh, still joking, still coming up with ideas,” he said.
“We had great conversations. I brought in my guitar and sang him his favourite Johnny Cash songs.”
The comedian was best known for being a team...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- 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
Jenna Ortega has said she was “devastated” not to return to You in its fourth season.
The 20-year-old actor was unable to appear in the latest episodes of the hit Netflix serial killer drama due to her starring role in Wednesday.
In season two of You, released in 2019, Ortega played Ellie Alves, the 15-year-old sister of Delilah (Carmela Zumbado).
Series showrunner Sera Gamble recently revealed that she had wanted Ortega to return in season four, but the actor’s commitment to Wednesday posed too many scheduling problems.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ortega described her disappointment at being unable to reprise her You role.
“I was devastated,” she said. “It was easily one of my favorite sets that I’ve ever, ever been on. I was so devastated. I miss Ellie, and I’ve been wanting to go back to Ellie for a long time, but I was in Romania shooting Wednesday.
The 20-year-old actor was unable to appear in the latest episodes of the hit Netflix serial killer drama due to her starring role in Wednesday.
In season two of You, released in 2019, Ortega played Ellie Alves, the 15-year-old sister of Delilah (Carmela Zumbado).
Series showrunner Sera Gamble recently revealed that she had wanted Ortega to return in season four, but the actor’s commitment to Wednesday posed too many scheduling problems.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ortega described her disappointment at being unable to reprise her You role.
“I was devastated,” she said. “It was easily one of my favorite sets that I’ve ever, ever been on. I was so devastated. I miss Ellie, and I’ve been wanting to go back to Ellie for a long time, but I was in Romania shooting Wednesday.
- 3/3/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
The joke writers at Have I Got News for You have shared a brutal dig following the publishing of Matt Hancock’s WhatsApp messages.
On Thursday (2 March), the former health secretary broke his silence after messages were leaked to the Daily Telegraph by Isabel Oakeshott, the journalist who helped him write his pandemic memoir.
Hancock stated that he was “hugely disappointed” by what he said was a “massive betrayal and breach of trust”.
A post on the official Twitter account of the BBC comedy show Have I Got News for You on Thursday took aim at Hancock over the scandal.
“As Matt Hancock describes leaking of text messages as ‘a massive betrayal’, his ex-wife says she knows the feeling,” the post read.
In summer 2021, just before he resigned as health secretary, Hancock left his wife of 15 years, Martha Hancock, for Gina Coladangelo, the aide he was pictured kissing at work...
On Thursday (2 March), the former health secretary broke his silence after messages were leaked to the Daily Telegraph by Isabel Oakeshott, the journalist who helped him write his pandemic memoir.
Hancock stated that he was “hugely disappointed” by what he said was a “massive betrayal and breach of trust”.
A post on the official Twitter account of the BBC comedy show Have I Got News for You on Thursday took aim at Hancock over the scandal.
“As Matt Hancock describes leaking of text messages as ‘a massive betrayal’, his ex-wife says she knows the feeling,” the post read.
In summer 2021, just before he resigned as health secretary, Hancock left his wife of 15 years, Martha Hancock, for Gina Coladangelo, the aide he was pictured kissing at work...
- 3/3/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Frank Skinner has explained why he longer wishes to be on TV.
The comedian, who had his own BBC One chat show in the 1990s, which moved to ITV from 1999 to 2005, said he thinks “radio and podcasts is the place for me” during a new interview.
Skinner was responding to a question that asked him whetherhe was happiest “on stage, radio or telly”.
“I’m 66 now,” he told Metro.co.uk. “I think the human face gets quite hard to look at when you get to about 60 onwards. So I think probably radio and podcasts is the place for me.”
He continued: “Plus, I like not having to shave.”
Skinner has been a fixture on TV screens for three decades now, with appearances on comedy shows, Room 101, Have I Got News For You and Taskmaster.
In 2014, he appeared alongside Peter Capaldi in an episode of Doctor Who.
He currently...
The comedian, who had his own BBC One chat show in the 1990s, which moved to ITV from 1999 to 2005, said he thinks “radio and podcasts is the place for me” during a new interview.
Skinner was responding to a question that asked him whetherhe was happiest “on stage, radio or telly”.
“I’m 66 now,” he told Metro.co.uk. “I think the human face gets quite hard to look at when you get to about 60 onwards. So I think probably radio and podcasts is the place for me.”
He continued: “Plus, I like not having to shave.”
Skinner has been a fixture on TV screens for three decades now, with appearances on comedy shows, Room 101, Have I Got News For You and Taskmaster.
In 2014, he appeared alongside Peter Capaldi in an episode of Doctor Who.
He currently...
- 2/16/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Piers Morgan has called out the BBC’s coverage of the Qatar World Cup opening ceremony.
Those tuning into watch the event on Sunday (20 November) instead found Gary Lineker delivering an opening monologue, in which he criticised the host country’s treatment of migrant workers as well as its record on human rights.
Ahead of the first match, which was between Qatar and Ecuador, Lineker explained why the World Cup had become “the most controversial in history”.
Instead of showing events from the opening ceremony, which included a divisive cameo from Morgan Freeman, Lineker presented a segment that highlighted the allegations of corruption behind Fifa’s decision to let the country host the tournament.
He then led his fellow pundits Alex Scott, Ashley Williams and Alan Shearer in a discussion regarding workers rights and the country’s discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community.
Morgan said the BBC’s decision to...
Those tuning into watch the event on Sunday (20 November) instead found Gary Lineker delivering an opening monologue, in which he criticised the host country’s treatment of migrant workers as well as its record on human rights.
Ahead of the first match, which was between Qatar and Ecuador, Lineker explained why the World Cup had become “the most controversial in history”.
Instead of showing events from the opening ceremony, which included a divisive cameo from Morgan Freeman, Lineker presented a segment that highlighted the allegations of corruption behind Fifa’s decision to let the country host the tournament.
He then led his fellow pundits Alex Scott, Ashley Williams and Alan Shearer in a discussion regarding workers rights and the country’s discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community.
Morgan said the BBC’s decision to...
- 11/21/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
The BBC has debunked Piers Morgan ‘s criticism of its Qatar World Cup opening ceremony coverage.
Morgan took issue with the channel’s decision to not show the event, which included a divisive cameo from Morgan Freeman, in favour of reports on the controversy surrounding Qatar’s selection as host country.
Those tuning into watch the event on Sunday (20 November) instead found Gary Lineker delivering an opening monologue, in which he criticised the host country’s record on human rights.
Ahead of the first match, which was between Qatar and Ecuador, Lineker explained why the World Cup had become “the most controversial in history”.
He then led his fellow pundits Alex Scott, Ashley Williams and Alan Shearer in a discussion regarding workers’ rights and the country’s discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community.
Morgan claimed that the BBC’s decision to lead on the controversy as opposed to the opening...
Morgan took issue with the channel’s decision to not show the event, which included a divisive cameo from Morgan Freeman, in favour of reports on the controversy surrounding Qatar’s selection as host country.
Those tuning into watch the event on Sunday (20 November) instead found Gary Lineker delivering an opening monologue, in which he criticised the host country’s record on human rights.
Ahead of the first match, which was between Qatar and Ecuador, Lineker explained why the World Cup had become “the most controversial in history”.
He then led his fellow pundits Alex Scott, Ashley Williams and Alan Shearer in a discussion regarding workers’ rights and the country’s discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community.
Morgan claimed that the BBC’s decision to lead on the controversy as opposed to the opening...
- 11/21/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Rod Stewart has revealed he turned down more than 1m to play in Qatar.
The musician was discussing the forthcoming World Cup when he explained that he’d actually been asked to play a show in the country in 2021.
“I was actually offered a lot of money, over 1m, to play there 15 months ago,” Stewart, 77, told The Sunday Times. “I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms.”
The rocker’s comments come as comedian Joe Lycett told David Beckham he would shred £10,000 if the sportsman didn’t pull out of his Qatar World Cup deal. He is reportedly being paid £10m to be an ambassador.
Beckham has been heavily criticised for accepting the money from a country where homosexuality is illegal, given that he has previously been viewed as a great ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Many fans...
The musician was discussing the forthcoming World Cup when he explained that he’d actually been asked to play a show in the country in 2021.
“I was actually offered a lot of money, over 1m, to play there 15 months ago,” Stewart, 77, told The Sunday Times. “I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms.”
The rocker’s comments come as comedian Joe Lycett told David Beckham he would shred £10,000 if the sportsman didn’t pull out of his Qatar World Cup deal. He is reportedly being paid £10m to be an ambassador.
Beckham has been heavily criticised for accepting the money from a country where homosexuality is illegal, given that he has previously been viewed as a great ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Many fans...
- 11/13/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Music
Khalid Abdalla, the actor who portrays Dodi Fayed in season five of Netflix’s royal drama The Crown, has said the Egyptian film producer has “never really been mourned because he’s never really been known”.
Dodi was the son of billionaire and former Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed, and he was in a relationship with Princess Diana when they both died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Speaking about how little is known about Dodi, who only lived to the age of 42, Abdalla told The Independent: “Dodi’s name has been on people’s lips for 25 years and yet nobody really knows anything about him. When they actually ask themselves, ‘What do I know?’ They might get as far as they know who his father was, and they’ll have the word ‘playboy’, and that’s about it.”
He said: “You ask yourself the question, ‘Wait, how come...
Dodi was the son of billionaire and former Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed, and he was in a relationship with Princess Diana when they both died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Speaking about how little is known about Dodi, who only lived to the age of 42, Abdalla told The Independent: “Dodi’s name has been on people’s lips for 25 years and yet nobody really knows anything about him. When they actually ask themselves, ‘What do I know?’ They might get as far as they know who his father was, and they’ll have the word ‘playboy’, and that’s about it.”
He said: “You ask yourself the question, ‘Wait, how come...
- 11/8/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Mark Ruffalo has pleaded with Elon Musk to change his approach to running Twitter.
Musk completed his acquisition of the social media company on 27 October. The time since has seen upheaval at the company with layoffs, and the controversial proposal of a new subscription plan, in which users can pay for the “blue tick” verification badge.
In a series of tweets over the weekend, Ruffalo wrote directly to Musk following an accusation by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that Twitter had “bricked” her profile after she condemned Musk’s plans to introduce a payment model for verification.
The Marvel star wrote: “Elon. Please – for the love of decency – get off Twitter, hand the keys over to someone who does this as an actual job, and get on with running Tesla and SpaceX.
“You are destroying your credibility. It’s just not a good look.”
Musk responded to Rufallo, writing: “Not everything Aoc says...
Musk completed his acquisition of the social media company on 27 October. The time since has seen upheaval at the company with layoffs, and the controversial proposal of a new subscription plan, in which users can pay for the “blue tick” verification badge.
In a series of tweets over the weekend, Ruffalo wrote directly to Musk following an accusation by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that Twitter had “bricked” her profile after she condemned Musk’s plans to introduce a payment model for verification.
The Marvel star wrote: “Elon. Please – for the love of decency – get off Twitter, hand the keys over to someone who does this as an actual job, and get on with running Tesla and SpaceX.
“You are destroying your credibility. It’s just not a good look.”
Musk responded to Rufallo, writing: “Not everything Aoc says...
- 11/7/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
Ellie Simmonds’s touching question to her Strictly Come Dancing partner is resurfacing after the latest results show.
The Paralympic champion swimmer became the sixth contestant to leave the BBC competition after what head judge Shirley Ballas called “one of the best dance offs ever” with Molly Rainford.
Simmonds and professional partner Nikita Kuzmin were left overjoyed with their highest marks yet for their Charleston on Saturday’s episode (5 November).
However, it was not enough to keep them from being voted off, with Kuzmin saying he was “disappointed” by the result after it was announced.
Many highlighted a touching moment between the pair after they finished their performance on Saturday. While hugging Kuzmin, Simmonds asked him, “Was that Ok?”
While the crowd applauded, Kuzmin said it was, with Simmonds adding: “Was it? Was it? Are you sure?”
The pair’s friendship has been highlighted by viewers as being one of...
The Paralympic champion swimmer became the sixth contestant to leave the BBC competition after what head judge Shirley Ballas called “one of the best dance offs ever” with Molly Rainford.
Simmonds and professional partner Nikita Kuzmin were left overjoyed with their highest marks yet for their Charleston on Saturday’s episode (5 November).
However, it was not enough to keep them from being voted off, with Kuzmin saying he was “disappointed” by the result after it was announced.
Many highlighted a touching moment between the pair after they finished their performance on Saturday. While hugging Kuzmin, Simmonds asked him, “Was that Ok?”
While the crowd applauded, Kuzmin said it was, with Simmonds adding: “Was it? Was it? Are you sure?”
The pair’s friendship has been highlighted by viewers as being one of...
- 11/7/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is in full flow, with this year’s celebrity contestants continuing to battle it out to win the Glitter Ball trophy.
The latest episode was broadcast on Saturday (5 November), and saw some favourites stumble for the first time.
During the episode, Ellie Taylor apologised to her professional partner Johannes Radebe after receiving “cruel” judges’ comments for their performance.
This week, Hamza Yassin, Kym Marsh and Helen Skelton impressed the judges, while Ellie Taylor and Tyler West were forced to deal with some harsh feedback.
See all the scores below...
Week six leaderboard
1. Hamza Yassin and Jowita PrzystaÅ.
2. Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
3. Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
4. Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
5. Fleur East and Vito Coppola
6. Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
7. Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
8. Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
9. Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
10. Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Read More
Ian Hislop...
The latest episode was broadcast on Saturday (5 November), and saw some favourites stumble for the first time.
During the episode, Ellie Taylor apologised to her professional partner Johannes Radebe after receiving “cruel” judges’ comments for their performance.
This week, Hamza Yassin, Kym Marsh and Helen Skelton impressed the judges, while Ellie Taylor and Tyler West were forced to deal with some harsh feedback.
See all the scores below...
Week six leaderboard
1. Hamza Yassin and Jowita PrzystaÅ.
2. Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
3. Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
4. Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
5. Fleur East and Vito Coppola
6. Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
7. Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
8. Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
9. Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
10. Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Read More
Ian Hislop...
- 11/7/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
A man who was “chained” to a wall by Boy George has criticised ITV for signing him up to I’m a Celebrity.
In 2007, Audun Carlsen was detained by the Culture Club singer in an ordeal that led to the singer being jailed.
Carlsen, 41, has said that it’s “hurtful that ITV” have “given him the platform” following reports the singer had become the highest-paid contestant in the reality series history.
It’s been reported that Boy George, 61, has been paid £500,000 to take part.
Carlsen, who was 26 at the time, told The Mirror: “I think giving him this sort of platform and a record fee sends the wrong message to survivors of violence and abuse and is plain wrong. Had I been a woman and he did what he did, he would never have been given the platform.”
At the time, Boy George, whose real name is George O’Dowd, pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment.
In 2007, Audun Carlsen was detained by the Culture Club singer in an ordeal that led to the singer being jailed.
Carlsen, 41, has said that it’s “hurtful that ITV” have “given him the platform” following reports the singer had become the highest-paid contestant in the reality series history.
It’s been reported that Boy George, 61, has been paid £500,000 to take part.
Carlsen, who was 26 at the time, told The Mirror: “I think giving him this sort of platform and a record fee sends the wrong message to survivors of violence and abuse and is plain wrong. Had I been a woman and he did what he did, he would never have been given the platform.”
At the time, Boy George, whose real name is George O’Dowd, pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment.
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
TV viewers watched on in disbelief as a contestant on The Wheel won a huge amount of money after answering just one question.
Series three of the game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, returned for a new episode on BBC One on Saturday (5 November).
It sees three contestants, selected by chance, compete for a chance to win a hefty cash prize with help from celebrity guests.
Throughout the episode, two contestants named Zeki and Cassie, answered several questions correctly, putting £82,000 into the pot. The third contestant, Helen, was never selected, so wa sunable to contribute to the cash prize.
However, after Cassie answered her final question incorrectly, Helen was given a chance to win all of the money. After answering the winning question correctly, with help from Ally McCoist, she won the full jackpot – meaning that she became the first contestant in the show’s history to win the money...
Series three of the game show, hosted by Michael McIntyre, returned for a new episode on BBC One on Saturday (5 November).
It sees three contestants, selected by chance, compete for a chance to win a hefty cash prize with help from celebrity guests.
Throughout the episode, two contestants named Zeki and Cassie, answered several questions correctly, putting £82,000 into the pot. The third contestant, Helen, was never selected, so wa sunable to contribute to the cash prize.
However, after Cassie answered her final question incorrectly, Helen was given a chance to win all of the money. After answering the winning question correctly, with help from Ally McCoist, she won the full jackpot – meaning that she became the first contestant in the show’s history to win the money...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Ian Hislop is being praised for his “bang on” comments to Gary Neville on Have I Got News For You.
The satirical panel show’s latest episode was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and was guest hosted by the retired footballer.
When the subject of the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar came up, Hislop did not hold back.
When the former Manchester United pro, who is commentating at the sporting contest, asked Hislop if “it’s coming home”, he replied: “What, your reputation?”
The decision to attend the contest in Qatar has been branded “unacceptable” due to the country’s human rights record as well as the controversy surrounding migrant workers who were injured in the run-up to the sporting event.
Many are boycotting the event due to the coutry’s stance on the LGBT community, and are calling out Fifa for its “defeaning silence” on the matter as the contest grows nearer.
The satirical panel show’s latest episode was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and was guest hosted by the retired footballer.
When the subject of the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar came up, Hislop did not hold back.
When the former Manchester United pro, who is commentating at the sporting contest, asked Hislop if “it’s coming home”, he replied: “What, your reputation?”
The decision to attend the contest in Qatar has been branded “unacceptable” due to the country’s human rights record as well as the controversy surrounding migrant workers who were injured in the run-up to the sporting event.
Many are boycotting the event due to the coutry’s stance on the LGBT community, and are calling out Fifa for its “defeaning silence” on the matter as the contest grows nearer.
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 is in full flow, with this year’s celebrity contestants continuing to battle it out to win the Glitter Ball trophy.
The latest episode was broadcast on Saturday (5 November), and saw some favourites stumble for the first time.
During the episode, Ellie Taylor apologised to her professional partner Johannes Radebe after receiving “cruel” judges’ comments for their performance.
This week, Hamza Yassin, Kym Marsh and Helen Skelton impressed the judges, while Ellie Taylor and Tyler West were forced to deal with some harsh feedback.
See all the scores below...
Week six leaderboard
1. Hamza Yassin and Jowita PrzystaÅ.
2. Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
3. Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
4. Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
5. Fleur East and Vito Coppola
6. Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
7. Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
8. Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
9. Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
10. Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Read More
Ian Hislop...
The latest episode was broadcast on Saturday (5 November), and saw some favourites stumble for the first time.
During the episode, Ellie Taylor apologised to her professional partner Johannes Radebe after receiving “cruel” judges’ comments for their performance.
This week, Hamza Yassin, Kym Marsh and Helen Skelton impressed the judges, while Ellie Taylor and Tyler West were forced to deal with some harsh feedback.
See all the scores below...
Week six leaderboard
1. Hamza Yassin and Jowita PrzystaÅ.
2. Kym Marsh and Graziano Di Prima
3. Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
4. Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
5. Fleur East and Vito Coppola
6. Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
7. Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
8. Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
9. Ellie Taylor and Johannes Radebe
10. Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Read More
Ian Hislop...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Chris Evans has reacted to Jeremy Strong’s Captain American revelation.
Evans appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers, the super-strengthed Avenger.
When he is first introduced in 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger, though, he is shown to be rejected by Second World War military recruitment due to his skinny physical appearance.
In a new interview, Strong, who plays Kendall Roy in HBO show Succession, revealed that he was asked to play the double body of this early pre-Captain America version of Rogers.
Strong had tried and failed to get a part in Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens.
“Ok, f*** it, I will tell you this story,” he told The Sunday Times, adding that, after being told he’d lost out on the role, he was told about “a top-secret film about Captain america”.
“They needed someone to play Captain America’s young body,...
Evans appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers, the super-strengthed Avenger.
When he is first introduced in 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger, though, he is shown to be rejected by Second World War military recruitment due to his skinny physical appearance.
In a new interview, Strong, who plays Kendall Roy in HBO show Succession, revealed that he was asked to play the double body of this early pre-Captain America version of Rogers.
Strong had tried and failed to get a part in Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens.
“Ok, f*** it, I will tell you this story,” he told The Sunday Times, adding that, after being told he’d lost out on the role, he was told about “a top-secret film about Captain america”.
“They needed someone to play Captain America’s young body,...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Festival fans were left baffled after managing to secure Glastonbury tickets up to 45 minutes after the event had “sold out”.
On Sunday (6 November), general admission went on sale, three days after coach tickets sold out in 22 minutes.
Those who had previously registered for tickets rushed to purchase tickets, but many reported that the Seetickets holding site was crashing before they could get onto the processing page.
Twenty five minutes after sales began, seetickets reported a “technical problem”, and urged customers to be patient. However, 15 minutes later, it was announced that tickets had sold out.
Many resigned themselved to the fact they would not be attending the 2023 festival, which is rumoured to feature Bruce Springsteen, Arctic Monkeys and Rihanna on the line-up.
But, it was then reported that people were successfully purchasing up to six tickets despite the official “sold out” announcement.
The Independent learned that, as of writing, somebody was...
On Sunday (6 November), general admission went on sale, three days after coach tickets sold out in 22 minutes.
Those who had previously registered for tickets rushed to purchase tickets, but many reported that the Seetickets holding site was crashing before they could get onto the processing page.
Twenty five minutes after sales began, seetickets reported a “technical problem”, and urged customers to be patient. However, 15 minutes later, it was announced that tickets had sold out.
Many resigned themselved to the fact they would not be attending the 2023 festival, which is rumoured to feature Bruce Springsteen, Arctic Monkeys and Rihanna on the line-up.
But, it was then reported that people were successfully purchasing up to six tickets despite the official “sold out” announcement.
The Independent learned that, as of writing, somebody was...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
Graham Norton ripped Matt Hancock to shreds in the opening of his latest talk show episode.
The host came on stage in the latest instalment of The Graham Norton Show, which was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and immediately started poking fun at the former health secretary’s forthcoming appearance in I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.
“We’ve got a great show for you tonight – I couldn’t be more excited than if I was a maggot about to crawl into Matt Hancock’s ear.,” Norton said.
Showing a photo of the Conservative MP, who has been suspended after signing up to the show, Norton continued: “There he is arriving in Australia – has Hancock forgotten he’s got a job as an MP? I mean, I suppose it’s possible; for months, he had forgotten he was married.”
Norton was referencing the fact that Hancock found himself...
The host came on stage in the latest instalment of The Graham Norton Show, which was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and immediately started poking fun at the former health secretary’s forthcoming appearance in I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.
“We’ve got a great show for you tonight – I couldn’t be more excited than if I was a maggot about to crawl into Matt Hancock’s ear.,” Norton said.
Showing a photo of the Conservative MP, who has been suspended after signing up to the show, Norton continued: “There he is arriving in Australia – has Hancock forgotten he’s got a job as an MP? I mean, I suppose it’s possible; for months, he had forgotten he was married.”
Norton was referencing the fact that Hancock found himself...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Singer Aaron Carter, who was the brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick, has died aged 34.
A spokesperson confirmed the news to The Independent, writing: “We are extremely saddened and shocked to confirm the passing of Aaron Carter today.
Addressing his cause of death, the singer’s family said it was currently “being investigated”.
“We ask that you give the family time and they will have more information when available. We cannot express the outpouring of love coming in.”
Carter gained recognition after opening for Backstreet Boys on their 1997 tour when he was just 10.
His self-titled debut album was released later that year and his second record, Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It), went triple platinum following its release in 2000.
Songs featured on the album include “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat”.
That same year, he toured with Britney Spears on her Oops!… I Did It Again Tour.
A spokesperson confirmed the news to The Independent, writing: “We are extremely saddened and shocked to confirm the passing of Aaron Carter today.
Addressing his cause of death, the singer’s family said it was currently “being investigated”.
“We ask that you give the family time and they will have more information when available. We cannot express the outpouring of love coming in.”
Carter gained recognition after opening for Backstreet Boys on their 1997 tour when he was just 10.
His self-titled debut album was released later that year and his second record, Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It), went triple platinum following its release in 2000.
Songs featured on the album include “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat”.
That same year, he toured with Britney Spears on her Oops!… I Did It Again Tour.
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
The death of singer Aaron Carter is being investigated, his family has said.
It was announced on Saturday (5 November) that the former child star, who is the brother of Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter, had died aged 34.
A cause is yet to be announced but, in a statement to The Independent, his family said: “We are extremely saddened and shocked to confirm the passing of Aaron Carter today. At the moment his cause of death is being investigated.”
The statement continued: “We ask that you give the family time and they will have more information when available. We cannot express the outpouring of love coming in.”
Carter, whose body was reportedly found at his home, gained recognition after opening for Backstreet Boys on their 1997 tour when he was just nine.
His self-titled debut album was released later that year and his second record, Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It...
It was announced on Saturday (5 November) that the former child star, who is the brother of Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter, had died aged 34.
A cause is yet to be announced but, in a statement to The Independent, his family said: “We are extremely saddened and shocked to confirm the passing of Aaron Carter today. At the moment his cause of death is being investigated.”
The statement continued: “We ask that you give the family time and they will have more information when available. We cannot express the outpouring of love coming in.”
Carter, whose body was reportedly found at his home, gained recognition after opening for Backstreet Boys on their 1997 tour when he was just nine.
His self-titled debut album was released later that year and his second record, Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It...
- 11/6/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
Ian Hislop is being praised for his “bang on” comments to Gary Neville on Have I Got News For You.
The satirical panel show’s latest episode was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and was guest hosted by the retired footballer.
When the subject of the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar came up, Hislop did not hold back.
When the former Manchester United pro, who is commentating at the sporting contest, asked Hislop if “it’s coming home”, he replied: “What, your reputation?”
The decision to attend the contest in Qatar has been branded “unacceptable” due to the country’s human rights record as well as the controversy surrounding migrant workers who were injured in the run-up to the sporting event.
Many are boycotting the event due to the coutry’s stance on the LGBT community, and are calling out Fifa for its “defeaning silence” on the matter as the contest grows nearer.
The satirical panel show’s latest episode was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and was guest hosted by the retired footballer.
When the subject of the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar came up, Hislop did not hold back.
When the former Manchester United pro, who is commentating at the sporting contest, asked Hislop if “it’s coming home”, he replied: “What, your reputation?”
The decision to attend the contest in Qatar has been branded “unacceptable” due to the country’s human rights record as well as the controversy surrounding migrant workers who were injured in the run-up to the sporting event.
Many are boycotting the event due to the coutry’s stance on the LGBT community, and are calling out Fifa for its “defeaning silence” on the matter as the contest grows nearer.
- 11/5/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Helen Skelton has explained why she had a “face like thunder” when her Strictly Come Dancing partner addressed her marriage breakdown on air.
The Countryfile presenter and professional dancer Gorka Marquez were being interviewed by Claudia Winkleman when Marquez hinted at the “rough time” Skelton has had in recent months.
In April, Skelton revealed that her ex Richie Myler had “left the family home” just four months after they welcomed their third child.
“Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple,” she wrote. “He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.”
Skelton, who married Myler in 2013, accompanied the post with two broken heart emojis.
In a recent episode of the BBC competition, which aired on 15 October, Marquez said: “I know you’ve been having a difficult time and I know you may feel like you’re...
The Countryfile presenter and professional dancer Gorka Marquez were being interviewed by Claudia Winkleman when Marquez hinted at the “rough time” Skelton has had in recent months.
In April, Skelton revealed that her ex Richie Myler had “left the family home” just four months after they welcomed their third child.
“Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple,” she wrote. “He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.”
Skelton, who married Myler in 2013, accompanied the post with two broken heart emojis.
In a recent episode of the BBC competition, which aired on 15 October, Marquez said: “I know you’ve been having a difficult time and I know you may feel like you’re...
- 11/5/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
A UK footballer-turned-commentator has been called out on a TV quiz show for his hypocrisy in taking a World Cup commentary role in Qatar, where he has previously highlighted human rights abuses.
Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville — who usually serves as a thorn in the Tory government’s side with his comments on social media where he voices his concern for less well off people — sparked a blacklash when it was announced that he had agreed to be a pundit for Qatar’s state broadcaster beIN Sports for the World Cup – due to begin later this month in the country where human rights abuses, lack of tolerance for minority groups and treatment of migrant workers have all led critics to question why the world’s biggest sports tournament is taking place there.
When Neville made his debut as the guest host of the BBC’s topical news quiz Have I Got News For You...
Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville — who usually serves as a thorn in the Tory government’s side with his comments on social media where he voices his concern for less well off people — sparked a blacklash when it was announced that he had agreed to be a pundit for Qatar’s state broadcaster beIN Sports for the World Cup – due to begin later this month in the country where human rights abuses, lack of tolerance for minority groups and treatment of migrant workers have all led critics to question why the world’s biggest sports tournament is taking place there.
When Neville made his debut as the guest host of the BBC’s topical news quiz Have I Got News For You...
- 11/5/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Graham Norton ripped Matt Hancock to shreds in the opening of his latest talk show episode.
The host came on stage in the latest instalment of The Graham Norton Show, which was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and immediately started poking fun at the former health secretary’s forthcoming appearance in I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.
“We’ve got a great show for you tonight – I couldn’t be more excited than if I was a maggot about to crawl into Matt Hancock’s ear.,” Norton said.
Showing a photo of the Conservative MP, who has been suspended after signing up to the show, Norton continued: “There he is arriving in Australia – has Hancock forgotten he’s got a job as an MP? I mean, I suppose it’s possible; for months, he had forgotten he was married.”
Norton was referencing the fact that Hancock found himself...
The host came on stage in the latest instalment of The Graham Norton Show, which was broadcast on Friday (4 November), and immediately started poking fun at the former health secretary’s forthcoming appearance in I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.
“We’ve got a great show for you tonight – I couldn’t be more excited than if I was a maggot about to crawl into Matt Hancock’s ear.,” Norton said.
Showing a photo of the Conservative MP, who has been suspended after signing up to the show, Norton continued: “There he is arriving in Australia – has Hancock forgotten he’s got a job as an MP? I mean, I suppose it’s possible; for months, he had forgotten he was married.”
Norton was referencing the fact that Hancock found himself...
- 11/5/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Every year, there comes a point when the UK comedy industry suddenly becomes abuzz with whispers. Word gets about that the producers of Mock the Week are in town. They’re scouting out stand-up shows for new talent – and you could be next. “Everyone’s going, ‘You know they’re looking’,” comedian Maisie Adam tells me. “You suddenly ended up going to every gig feeling like you’re in those early episodes of X Factor, queuing up outside.”
When it was announced in August that the BBC was canning Mock the Week after 17 years, in order to “create room for new shows”, online discourse exploded. People questioned what the show ending in its current format (the team are optimistic it’ll find a home elsewhere) meant for the BBC, for the panel show format and for satire as a whole. But for comedians, the end of Mock the Week represented...
When it was announced in August that the BBC was canning Mock the Week after 17 years, in order to “create room for new shows”, online discourse exploded. People questioned what the show ending in its current format (the team are optimistic it’ll find a home elsewhere) meant for the BBC, for the panel show format and for satire as a whole. But for comedians, the end of Mock the Week represented...
- 10/20/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were met with faint boos as they appeared on stage at the National Television Awards.
The presenting duo attended the awards show on Thursday (13 October), whereThis Morning was named Best Daytime Show.
An emotional Schofield told the audience: “Please don’t ever feel like we get complacent and please don’t think we ever take this for granted. This means so much to us every year, especially this year.”
Willoughby added: “Thank you so much for everything. You make our show for us, you really do.”
However, during their speech, murmured boos could be heard from the audience among the cheers.
An ITV source told The Independent: “This is an award voted for by viewers which makes it extra special. The whole team were delighted to receive their 12th consecutive gong at the NTAs and the cheers they received on winning!
“The reception on the red carpet from fans,...
The presenting duo attended the awards show on Thursday (13 October), whereThis Morning was named Best Daytime Show.
An emotional Schofield told the audience: “Please don’t ever feel like we get complacent and please don’t think we ever take this for granted. This means so much to us every year, especially this year.”
Willoughby added: “Thank you so much for everything. You make our show for us, you really do.”
However, during their speech, murmured boos could be heard from the audience among the cheers.
An ITV source told The Independent: “This is an award voted for by viewers which makes it extra special. The whole team were delighted to receive their 12th consecutive gong at the NTAs and the cheers they received on winning!
“The reception on the red carpet from fans,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
The One Show hosts left wincing at Ian Hislop’s controversial joke: ‘We leave politics to your show’
The One Show hosts managed to keep the show on track after Ian Hislop and Paul Merton cracked a risky joke.
Hislop and Merton are both known for making political quips on Have I Got News For You, with Hislop having been a team captain on the BBC programme since its inception in 1990.
During their recent interview with Alex Jones and Ronan Kemp, however, the pair made a joke that put everyone in the studio on edge.
The duo were asked how they come up with content for Have I Got News For You, to which they explained the hosts usually “know what’s gonna come up” meaning that they can plan around it.
Hislop continued: “Except when something absolutely bizarre happens, like Liz Truss is Prime Minister – then you’re on your own.”
After a moment of silence, Merton added: “Oh did you feel that nervousness that went around the room then.
Hislop and Merton are both known for making political quips on Have I Got News For You, with Hislop having been a team captain on the BBC programme since its inception in 1990.
During their recent interview with Alex Jones and Ronan Kemp, however, the pair made a joke that put everyone in the studio on edge.
The duo were asked how they come up with content for Have I Got News For You, to which they explained the hosts usually “know what’s gonna come up” meaning that they can plan around it.
Hislop continued: “Except when something absolutely bizarre happens, like Liz Truss is Prime Minister – then you’re on your own.”
After a moment of silence, Merton added: “Oh did you feel that nervousness that went around the room then.
- 10/1/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
Graham Norton has said that he rejected the chance to “queue jump” the Queen line as he predicted a backlash.
The TV personality said that he was offered the chance to skip the public queue to see the Queen lying in state by a friend, who is an MP, but turned the offer down as he thought he would “get it in the neck”.
Norton also said that This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who have been targeted on social media over claims they jumped the public line, “did nothing wrong”.
Programme bosses maintain that the presenting duo were rushed into Westminster Hall as members of the press so they could film a segment for the show.
Speaking about the debate surrounding Schofield and Willoughby, Norton told Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Radio 5 Live: “For instance, recently Phil and Holly and the queue. So as far as I’m concerned they did nothing wrong.
The TV personality said that he was offered the chance to skip the public queue to see the Queen lying in state by a friend, who is an MP, but turned the offer down as he thought he would “get it in the neck”.
Norton also said that This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who have been targeted on social media over claims they jumped the public line, “did nothing wrong”.
Programme bosses maintain that the presenting duo were rushed into Westminster Hall as members of the press so they could film a segment for the show.
Speaking about the debate surrounding Schofield and Willoughby, Norton told Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Radio 5 Live: “For instance, recently Phil and Holly and the queue. So as far as I’m concerned they did nothing wrong.
- 9/29/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Graham Norton has said that he rejected the chance to “queue jump” the Queen line as he predicted a backlash.
The TV personality said that he was offered the chance to skip the public queue to see the Queen lying in state by a friend, who is an MP, but turned the offer down as he thought he would “get it in the neck”.
Norton also said thatThis Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who have been targeted on social media over claims they jumped the public line, “did nothing wrong”.
Programme bosses maintain that the presenting duo were rushed into Westminster Hall as members of the press so they could film a segment for the show.
Speaking about the debate surrounding Schofield and Willoughby, Norton told Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Radio 5 Live: “For instance, recently Phil and Holly and the queue. So as far as I’m concerned they did nothing wrong.
The TV personality said that he was offered the chance to skip the public queue to see the Queen lying in state by a friend, who is an MP, but turned the offer down as he thought he would “get it in the neck”.
Norton also said thatThis Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who have been targeted on social media over claims they jumped the public line, “did nothing wrong”.
Programme bosses maintain that the presenting duo were rushed into Westminster Hall as members of the press so they could film a segment for the show.
Speaking about the debate surrounding Schofield and Willoughby, Norton told Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Radio 5 Live: “For instance, recently Phil and Holly and the queue. So as far as I’m concerned they did nothing wrong.
- 9/27/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Susanna Reid had an awkward exchange on Monday’s (26 September) episode of Good Morning Britain, after cracking a joke about Rachel Reeves’s new haircut.
The ITV morning show host made the comments during a conversation about tax cuts in the new government mini-budget.
She alluded to the fact that it appeared further cuts had been made, referencing Reeves’s hair, an exchange that was made even more awkward when Reeves had trouble hearing the Gmb host, forcing her to repeat the joke.
Co-host Ed Balls appeared surprised by Reid’s comments, remarking: “Good job I didn’t say that about her hair – I’d be in total trouble!”
However, Reid defended her comment on air, claiming that a new hairstyle on a public figure such as an MP was noticeable.
The awkward moment in the Gmb studio also fell flat with many viewers at home, who shared their thoughts on social media.
The ITV morning show host made the comments during a conversation about tax cuts in the new government mini-budget.
She alluded to the fact that it appeared further cuts had been made, referencing Reeves’s hair, an exchange that was made even more awkward when Reeves had trouble hearing the Gmb host, forcing her to repeat the joke.
Co-host Ed Balls appeared surprised by Reid’s comments, remarking: “Good job I didn’t say that about her hair – I’d be in total trouble!”
However, Reid defended her comment on air, claiming that a new hairstyle on a public figure such as an MP was noticeable.
The awkward moment in the Gmb studio also fell flat with many viewers at home, who shared their thoughts on social media.
- 9/26/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Richard Ayoade and the cast of Have I Got News For You have ripped into the “national scandal” surrounding the alleged This Morning queue jump.
Presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were accused of “skipping the queue” to see the Queen’s coffin lying in state before her funeral on Monday (19 September) while filming for This Morning.
Willoughby and Schofield denied the accusations, saying that they would “never jump a queue”.
At the time of writing, nearly 70,000 people have signed a petition calling on ITV to “axe” the presenters over the alleged queue-jumping.
During Friday (23 September) night’s episode of Hignfy, host Ayoade joked that the “national scandal” was “the biggest thing that’s happened” this week.
“ITV’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield… apparently just appeared in Westminster Hall on Sunday without having spent the previous 36 hours queueing,” Ayoade said.
“Just appeared? Like a haunting?” comedian Roisin Conaty asked.
Presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were accused of “skipping the queue” to see the Queen’s coffin lying in state before her funeral on Monday (19 September) while filming for This Morning.
Willoughby and Schofield denied the accusations, saying that they would “never jump a queue”.
At the time of writing, nearly 70,000 people have signed a petition calling on ITV to “axe” the presenters over the alleged queue-jumping.
During Friday (23 September) night’s episode of Hignfy, host Ayoade joked that the “national scandal” was “the biggest thing that’s happened” this week.
“ITV’s Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield… apparently just appeared in Westminster Hall on Sunday without having spent the previous 36 hours queueing,” Ayoade said.
“Just appeared? Like a haunting?” comedian Roisin Conaty asked.
- 9/24/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers has said he “misses” his beard after losing it while undergoing chemotherapy.
The TV personality and chef shared an update on his cancer diagnosis during a chat with on-screen partner Si King.
“It’s the beard I miss, though,” Myers said during an episode of his podcast Agony Uncles, adding: “I was born with that beard.”
He added: ”I just miss having my beard – the feeling of it, because your skin’s different and all peachy. No, I want my beard back. I’m alright with my hair – I think the bald head and beard’s the way to go for a biker.”
He added that he’s “doing Ok under the circumstances”.
Myers first revealed his diagnosis on the podcast in May, telling listeners he would be taking a step back from filming and attending food festivals throughout the summer.
“Anyway Kingy, I’ve got to come clean now,...
The TV personality and chef shared an update on his cancer diagnosis during a chat with on-screen partner Si King.
“It’s the beard I miss, though,” Myers said during an episode of his podcast Agony Uncles, adding: “I was born with that beard.”
He added: ”I just miss having my beard – the feeling of it, because your skin’s different and all peachy. No, I want my beard back. I’m alright with my hair – I think the bald head and beard’s the way to go for a biker.”
He added that he’s “doing Ok under the circumstances”.
Myers first revealed his diagnosis on the podcast in May, telling listeners he would be taking a step back from filming and attending food festivals throughout the summer.
“Anyway Kingy, I’ve got to come clean now,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Taylor Hawkins’ 16-year-old son stole the show at the late drummer’s tribute concert.
On Saturday (3 September), Dave Grohl united numerous musicians for a six-hour fundraiser at London’s Wembley Stadium in honour of his former Foo Fighters bandmate.
Among those to perform were Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher, Queen and Mark Ronson.
However, it was Hawkins’ son Oliver Shane Hawkins who impressed those in attendance, as well as those watching along at home, the most. He sat in his dad’s spot to drum for Foo Fighters song “My Hero”.
The performance was accompanied by images of Oliver and his dad on the screen behind.
Hawkins died in March, aged 50. He was found in a hotel room in Colombia, and the cause of death was ruled as cardiovascular collapse .
Oliver was praised for “crushing” the performance, with many agreeing that he had the “same energy” as his dad.
The event...
On Saturday (3 September), Dave Grohl united numerous musicians for a six-hour fundraiser at London’s Wembley Stadium in honour of his former Foo Fighters bandmate.
Among those to perform were Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher, Queen and Mark Ronson.
However, it was Hawkins’ son Oliver Shane Hawkins who impressed those in attendance, as well as those watching along at home, the most. He sat in his dad’s spot to drum for Foo Fighters song “My Hero”.
The performance was accompanied by images of Oliver and his dad on the screen behind.
Hawkins died in March, aged 50. He was found in a hotel room in Colombia, and the cause of death was ruled as cardiovascular collapse .
Oliver was praised for “crushing” the performance, with many agreeing that he had the “same energy” as his dad.
The event...
- 9/4/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
Have I Got News for You viewers are reacting to Boris Johnson’s “brutal” send-off episode.
As the end of Johnson’s time as prime minister grows nearer, the satirical series recorded a special instalment, titled “Have I Got News for Boris: A Very Special Tribute”, which was broadcast on Friday (2 September).
In true Have I Got News for You style, the BBC series didn’t hold back in roasting Johnson.
Near the beginning of the episode, panellist Paul Merton noted how the BBC had billed the episode as a “tribute”, with Ian Hislop quipping: “Tribute? Funny way to spell ‘good riddance’”. When guest Janet Street Porter stated: “I hope it’s going to be balanced”, Merton replied: “Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.”
Many viewers couldn’t get enough of the episode, which one person branded a fitting send-off”. However, others found the Jack Dee-hosted episode to be disrespectful, and called...
As the end of Johnson’s time as prime minister grows nearer, the satirical series recorded a special instalment, titled “Have I Got News for Boris: A Very Special Tribute”, which was broadcast on Friday (2 September).
In true Have I Got News for You style, the BBC series didn’t hold back in roasting Johnson.
Near the beginning of the episode, panellist Paul Merton noted how the BBC had billed the episode as a “tribute”, with Ian Hislop quipping: “Tribute? Funny way to spell ‘good riddance’”. When guest Janet Street Porter stated: “I hope it’s going to be balanced”, Merton replied: “Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.”
Many viewers couldn’t get enough of the episode, which one person branded a fitting send-off”. However, others found the Jack Dee-hosted episode to be disrespectful, and called...
- 9/4/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.