John Barrowman makes astonishing gay 'cover-up' claim against the BBC - and says corporation was full of homosexual men 'married to women': RICHARD EDEN'S DIARY
The Scottish-American actor, 58, was one of the original hosts of BBC children's programme Live & Kicking in the 1990s and says he was encouraged to hide his homosexuality.
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The Independent
37 minutes ago
- The Independent
'Superman' brings a message of hope to a cynical world
Superman might do more than just save Metropolis — filmmaker James Gunn hopes the beloved superhero will bring hope to a cynical world. 'Everybody's gotten so cynical and ironic," said Gunn. 'Everybody's ironic about everything all the time. And he (Superman) is a good-natured guy who wants to be kind. And when you see the world through Superman's eyes, everyone is beautiful.' 'Superman,' which flies into theaters nationwide Thursday, is a bit of a change in tone for the writer and director who brought a mischievous playfulness and snark to the chaotic worlds of 'Suicide Squad' and the 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' But this wasn't some fringe misfit: It's Superman. And a certain amount of optimism was necessary. The Man of Steel has been a symbol since he first appeared in 1938 among the technicolor pages of Action Comics #1 as a baby from the planet Krypton sent to Earth as a last resort to save him from his planet's demise. In the 87 years since, various iterations of Superman have graced countless comic books, animated series and live-action television shows and films, many focusing on the hero's origin story. Through Gunn's lens, audiences meet a Superman three years into his self-appointed journey to save anyone in need of help. Superman has reached a point where he must confront what it means to do good and seek justice in a complicated world where many, especially the infamous Lex Luthor, question his intentions. 'We get to really discover what are his flaws, what are his opinions, what are his ideals. I think we get a very intimate look at his relationship with Lois. I also think that it's a bigger movie than it's ever been told with Superman before,' Gunn said. Gunn's vulnerable Superman is someone simply wanting to make the world a better place in an attempt to be accepted by his adopted homeland. He quickly learns that despite his super strength and metahuman abilities, he cannot do it all on his own. David Corenswet said in recent interviews that Gunn's first instructions to him were to 'work on his shoulders and his vulnerability.' Rather than transform into Superman, leaning into his own humanity and inner self is what led Corenswet to find the character. 'Any fantasy I had of transforming into this character sort of got dashed by James' desire, I think, for me to bring a little more of myself to the role,' Corenswet told The Associated Press. Meet the Justice Gang The themes resonated with many of the actors on and off screen. Actor Isabela Merced, who portrays Hawk Girl, says watching the film before its release gave her a sense of hope after a challenging week of consuming news stories. 'Perfect timing, I think. This film is speaking on history. I mean, you could apply this to many historical events, but I think it's really amazing. It's really amazing that this movie is coming out and has a great message behind it," Merced said. "I was really relieved when I watched it. I was having a terrible week, consuming way too much real media and watching this made me feel really light and happy and at least hopeful." While Edi Gathegi, who plays Mister Terrific, says the film is a 'meditation on the human spirit.' 'Whatever problem that you're going through, you can attack," Gathegi said. 'If it's a big societal issue or interpersonal issue, you have the power to deal with the problems that you can deal with.' Merced, Gathegi and Nathan Fillion, who plays Green Lantern Corp member Guy Gardner, round out the upcoming members of the Justice League, playfully referred to in the film as the Justice Gang. But don't hold on to that label; it's still a working title among the characters. Superman's acts of heroism are never isolated throughout the film. The Man of Steel is accompanied by his superdog Krypto, the Justice Gang, Metamorpho or Lois Lane and the team of journalists at the Daily Planet. Kent's job at the paper isn't just a title either: Journalism gets its own spotlight in the fabric of the film. Power of the Press Gunn doesn't just focus on Superman's humanity but highlights the importance of truth and the power of journalism to fight against injustice. 'James' intentional focus on the importance of journalism and journalistic integrity in this film is potentially more important now than it has been," Brosnahan said. 'One of the joys of stepping into this has been understanding in a deeper way what you all do and the ways in which you put yourselves on the line in pursuit of the truth, and it's been an honor to step into that.' Beck Bennett, who plays reporter Steve Lombard, says it was nice to see the Daily Planet journalists help the superhero go up against the villain. 'They are exposing some truth so that people can get the truth and turn on the person who is actually doing them harm," Bennett said. "It's really cool to see that. I think that could be exciting for younger people who might want to be journalists to be like, 'Wow, they do have this power. They are superheroes.'' Skyler Gisondo, who plays Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen and best friend to Clark Kent, says the scenes in the newsroom felt as high stakes as the action sequences. 'Reading the script, you have a sense that the work that we're doing is just as important as the action itself,' said Gisondo. One real journalist makes a cameo in the film: news correspondent Will Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve, who played Superman in the 1978 film. Reeve said that the message of hope from the early film is one that still reigns true today from his father's legacy. 'The fact that my dad and his character and then his subsequent personal story resonated and perhaps inspired maybe billions of people around the world," Reeve said. "That means a lot to me, and I think that has a lot with what Superman is and represents as a character.' For actor Wendell Pierce, who plays Daily Planet editor-in-chief Perry White, superhero films like Superman are more than just a fun pastime for comic book fans. They bring a sense of optimism in troubled times and a feeling that even the everyday person has the power to create change. ' People want to feel empowered," Pierce said. "They want to feel as though they can make a contribution in some way and change the dynamic to change this dysfunctional paradigm. And so we turn off the lights and go into a small theater because we want to see collectively, decide what our values are and who we are, where we've been, where we've failed, where we can triumph. But ultimately decide what our values are and walk out of the theater and act on those.' ___ Sian Watson in London contributed to this report.
Scottish Sun
38 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Latest MasterChef series to be scrapped completely as BBC ‘whitewash' Gregg Wallace from show's history
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREGG Wallace could be whitewashed from MasterChef history — as the BBC weighs up binning his entire final series. Episodes filmed last summer had been shelved while production firm Banijay completed its probe into the TV chef's behaviour. 6 The BBC could whitewash Gregg Wallace from MasterChef history Credit: PA 6 Wallace had hosted Masterchef alongside John Torode since 2005 Credit: BBC 6 It is understood Wallace has not been offered any form of pay-out since his axing Credit: BBC But now the run of shows, which featured civilian cooks having their culinary efforts assessed, is set to be canned completely. It is news that could send furious Wallace to a tribunal as The Sun understands that he will receive no payout from the BBC. We can also reveal the shamed chef is also threatening to make an Ofcom complaint against BBC News over its coverage of him. A source said last night: 'The investigation into Gregg is yet to be published but when he released his own statement on Tuesday it sparked a wave of events. 'One has been escalating the issue of how to handle the 'lost' series of MasterChef, which Gregg filmed last summer before all this began. 'It had been shelved whilst the investigation was underway but now bosses are aware they need to make a decision as there are contributors to consider. "Bosses are inclined to can the whole thing, but that would also mean binning the time — and hopes — poured into making the show by those plucky amateur chefs. 'Another option is installing the series on iPlayer only, so viewers would 'elect' to stream it, with their understanding that it included Gregg. Editing him out is not an option. 'Either way it's a major headache for the BBC, and would be a final crushing blow for Gregg.' Wallace appears in the series until the finale, at which point he stood aside amid reports of inappropriate behaviour at work. Gregg Wallace offers advice to fans for £200 The BBC's director general Tim Davie will make a decision on the subject in days. Meanwhile, it is understood Wallace has not been offered any form of pay-out since his axing. It's a major headache for the BBC, and would be a final crushing blow for Gregg Source The seven-month external probe into 30 historical complaints against him — which was followed by 50 new claims following a fresh BBC News investigation published on Tuesday — is due to be published tomorrow. A source added that Wallace is said to be furious with the BBC News coverage — accusing it of a 'witch-hunt' as he claims the new allegations were actually dealt with in the report by external lawyers Lewis Silkin. They said: 'He plans on making a formal complaint to Ofcom and believes he has a case.' Wallace had hosted Masterchef alongside John Torode since 2005 and has also fronted other BBC programmes including Inside the Factory and Supermarket Secrets. 6 Wallace is said to be furious with BBC News coverage Credit: BBC 6 The host has been cleared of a number of the most serious allegations Credit: David Cummings - Commissioned by The Sun In late 2024 it was reported the BBC had been made aware of complaints as far back as 2017, while it was claimed that a letter had been sent to the broadcaster in 2022 stating that women had been made to feel 'uncomfortable' in his presence. However, The Sun revealed yesterday Wallace has been cleared of a number of the most serious allegations, including those against high profile complainants such as broadcaster Kirsty Wark and 2021 contestant Penny Lancaster. Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation? Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years. Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark - accusations he denies. The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Yet the former greengrocer spoke out on social media to blast the "women of a certain age" who he claimed were behind the allegations. The cooking show's production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged misconduct. While he angrily slammed the BBC in his Instagram post on Tuesday, promising 'not to go quietly', the BBC have been keen to distance themselves from him. A source adds: 'The BBC are adamant in making clear that Gregg was a Banijay employee, not a BBC one — despite the fact he was pretty synonymous with the corporation. 'But, at the same time, with so many people coming forward the BBC is also under enormous pressure to show it's serious about protecting staff and making widespread cultural changes to look after staff.' A BBC spokesman said last night: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. 'We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' COMIC Jack Dee branded Wallace a 'bald knob' during Radio 4 show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue — just hours before news of his sacking on Tuesday.
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Love Island's Meg ‘was told secret info by Casa boys but it WASN'T shown on camera' say fans
LOVE Island fans are convinced the Casa Amor boys told Meg about Dejon's behaviour in unaired scenes. Despite a couple of wobbles following the arrival of bombshells Malisha and Billykiss, Meg believed Dejon was loyal to her. However, seeds doubting his intentions seemed to have been sown in Meg's mind during a villa game shortly before Casa Amor when Billykiss brought up Dejon's unwillingness to close things off with her. Though Meg initially said there was no need to for them to do that and the other girls were just jealous, days later she was reduced to tears thinking about Dejon's behaviour. The dramatic emotional switch appeared to come out of the blue as she poured her heart out to Helena. Now viewers think the new boys have told her how Dejon has really been acting, having seen some of the show before taking part themselves. One person wrote in a fan forum: "It was a bit odd that it took casa for Meg to finally wake up and realize that Dejon has been playing with her since day 1? Like a lot of the girls warned her. I genuinely believe that the producers or the casa boys let her in on some info. And also, if Helena knew why didn't she tell her? Lol." Another said: "The casa boys definitely got into her head. Ty was telling her that Dejon never tells her the full story or something like that and I'll bet others have said things." A third wrote: "Probably some of the Casa boys said stuff to her about what's been shown and people's opinions of him on the outside." A fourth said: "I think she's been told some stuff but she won't stick to her opinion." Meg chose to couple up with Dejon at the very start of the series and they've been together ever since. Though very flirtatious, he has remained loyal to "his Meg," claiming the "tests" have only made them stronger as a couple. Love Island girls in explosive clash after joke goes wrong Though some viewers feel Dejon's game plan is to stick with Meg so he can coast to the £50k prize. And Meg is also now doubting his intentions, telling Helena: "I just feel really upset today. I don't know why. "I was just talking about things with Em, and I don't know, we just, like, certain things with me and D, like, it actually makes me realise he really doesn't mean what he says sometimes." In Casa Amor, Dejon admitted he had a spark with new girl Andrada, telling her: "And I feel like the more time we spend with each other, the better things are getting." His eyes also lit up after Andrada made a steamy confession. Clearly determined to turn his head for good, the newcomer opened up about her high sex drive. When Dejon asked about her type, Andrada said: 'I have to want them three times a day… I have to.' Looking impressed, Dejon asked: 'So you have a high sex drive?' She said: 'I do… It's really bad." But Dejon remarked: 'That's not bad.' However, he later backtracked by declining to share a bed with her out of "respect" for Meg. Will they pick up where they left off in tonight's recoupling? Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2. 4
