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The Independent
7 minutes ago
- The Independent
Bend It Like Beckham sequel planned more than 20 years after first film
Director Gurinder Chadha OBE has announced that a follow-up to her hit film Bend It Like Beckham is currently in development. Chadha revealed she has finally found a "fantastic story" for the sequel after 23 years of searching, inspired by the significant growth of women's football. The new project is targeting a 2027 release, which will coincide with the original film's 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Chadha hopes to reunite the original cast, including Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, and has enlisted US women's national team manager Emma Hayes to collaborate on the script. The original 2002 film, made on a budget of £3.5 million, grossed almost £60 million worldwide and is widely credited with inspiring a generation of female footballers.
Daily Mail
7 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Saving money, money, money: Abba Voyage chiefs replace experienced band with cheaper musicians to cut costs
It is the lucrative show that allows Abba fans to experience a concert from the group as they were in their prime – or rather, through digital 'Abbatars' and a glittering ten-piece band. But despite having raked in £300 million in ticket sales, The Mail on Sunday has discovered that the producers of Abba Voyage are cutting costs. They have replaced the live band – which accompanies the four singing avatars of Abba – with cheaper musicians. The show has attracted more than 2.5 million visitors since it opened in 2022 at the Abba Arena in London 's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and it has contributed £1.5 billion to the economy. The original line-up of musicians – to accompany the avatars of Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – was put together by former Klaxons singer James Righton, husband of Keira Knightley. He scoured the globe for a band that could bring the group's hits to life, hiring the likes of singer-songwriter Victoria Hesketh, known as Little Boots, on the keyboard. 'The [band was] always brilliant and had amazing players,' Righton told NME magazine at the time. 'This band had to step up to being as good as the original line-up.' However, neither Righton nor any of the musicians who worked with Abba members Benny and Bjorn in Stockholm to bring the extravaganza to life still work at the 3,000-capacity arena. 'Now it is a huge success with sell-out audiences, the bosses have begun cost-cutting and have even replaced the band with cheaper musicians,' one worker said. 'If something as successful and lucrative as Abba Voyage is cutting corners, there is not much hope for the rest of the industry.' Last month auditions took place for new performers after an open call for 'a full-time contract with our live band at the Abba Arena'. The advert said: 'We are searching for professional guitar, bass, keyboard, saxophone, drums and percussion players, as well as female-identifying singers of the highest quality. Ability to read sheet music is a bonus.' Workers fear that the quality of the show will be compromised when the new musicians take over in December. Abba Voyage, a 95-minute run-through of 20 of the band's greatest hits, took five years and an estimated £15 million to make. One of the most iconic moments in the show is when the four avatars are silhouetted against vintage footage of Abba winning the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton in 1974. Originally billed as a temporary structure, the Abba Voyage venue is not slated to be earmarked for housing redevelopment until 2029. Abba were approached for comment.
The Sun
7 minutes ago
- The Sun
Prince William tells Lionesses the nation is behind them as they go for glory in Euros 2025 final
PRINCE William last night told the Lionesses the nation was behind them in their quest for Euros 2025 glory today — and hailed their stunning fightbacks. He delivered a stirring message to Sarina Wiegman 's warriors as they aim to become the first England team to win a tournament on foreign soil. 5 5 Wills, who will be in the stands in Basel for the final against Spain, said: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. "The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on!' He will be hoping England avenge their World Cup final defeat to Spain two years ago — though he will be joined by Spanish heir to the throne Princess Leonor and younger sister Infanta Sofía. Spain are the favourites today but fans believe England can pull off a stunning upset to land their second Euros in a row. They nearly lost in the quarters to Sweden and the semi against Italy before supersub Michelle Agyemang, 19, helped haul us through in both. Wills' show of support was echoed yesterday by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, who played footie anthem Three Lions outside Buckingham Palace. Basel's 38,000 St Jakob-Park is a sell-out for the 5pm kick-off, while an estimated 16million people will watch live on BBC or ITV. Celebrities also roared on the Lionesses last night, including BGT star Amanda Holden who said: 'You can do it girls! The whole country is behind you and we are so proud. Bring it home.' Loose Women's Katie Piper added: 'Good luck Lionesses! You've already inspired so many with your passion, teamwork and fight.' England skipper Leah Williamson revealed the players know about the weight of expectation from home. Supersub Chloe Kelly's late winner sends England into Euro 2025 final She said: 'We're very connected to what it means to the nation because it means the same to us. "The opportunity of tomorrow and what's on offer is the best thing in football — we have a chance to fight for the trophy. 'We recognise the opportunity and we'll do everything we can to take it.' Manager Sarina is the first female or male coach to reach five consecutive major tournament finals — two with the Netherlands and now three with England. 5 5 Sarina, who guided the Lionesses to their first-ever major tournament win when they beat Germany at Wembley in 2022, said: 'We are happy we're in the final and really want to win it. "And we're going to do everything to make that happen.' Supporters back home are estimated to spend a staggering £183million on drinks, food and party items while pubs can stay open to 1am. Fans have also been swarming into the Swiss city of Basel all weekend, including sports shop worker Kiri-Teegan Shirley-Smyth, 20, from London. She said: 'I'm going to party till Wednesday when we win.' Aimee Jones, 16, from Portsmouth, arriving with her friend and their dads, said: 'The players have been brilliant with their 'Proper England' attitude pulling them through. I'm sure they can do it again.'
