Latest news with #DavidWalliams
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stevie Wonder, 75, cracks blind joke on stage during BST Hyde Park set as he pays tribute to John Lennon and Marvin Gaye
Stevie Wonder cracked a blind joke while paying tribute to John Lennon and Marvin Gaye on stage on Saturday. The legendary singer, 75, brought his joyful catalogue of music – spanning six decades – to BST Hyde Park for the second time. With over 100 million records sold all over the world, it's no surprise that Stevie's appearance sold out. Arriving on stage, Stevie was dressed in a white tunic with stitched portraits of John and Marvin on either side. Tapping one side, Stevie told fans, 'This is Marvin Gaye,' but quickly realised he was showcasing John's face. He corrected himself and playfully added: 'I'm sorry y'all I'm blind,' which had the large crowd laughing. Kicking off with Love's In Need of Love Today, he attributed the song to the fragility of the world today. He said: 'We've been through the hate, [but] love is far bigger. We need - in a time when this planet is too angry — light. So, I want to start off with a song off that you would by now know…' An extra special, and unexpected, cover of Imagine by John Lennon followed. The setlist also included Everybody Is A Star, Master Blaster (Jammin'), Higher Ground and You Are The Sunshine of My Life. Stevie ended with Superstition and Another Star before the American star took his final bow. AJ Odudu, Emily Atack, David Walliams and Vicky McClure were amongst those in the crowd. It comes as it was announced that BST's final day had been cancelled, after Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) pulled out of the headline slot. A statement from organisers said: 'Following the news that Jeff Lynne's ELO will not be able to perform at BST Hyde Park due to medical reasons, Sunday 13 July's event will sadly be cancelled. AJ Odudu (left), Emily Atack (right), David Walliams and Vicky McClure were amongst those in the crowd 'Ticket holders will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticket agent with further details.' An earlier statement from BST said: 'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park show. 'Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule- 'The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today - and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time.' The band were due to be joined at BST Hyde Park by Californian rockers The Doobie Brothers, English songwriter Steve Winwood and Dhani Harrison, the son of late Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison. Other acts on the bill included W.H. Lung, Cats in Space, High Fade, Neckbreakers, Bobbie Dazzle and Bec O'Malley. ELO's latest cancellation comes after the rock band, best known for their hit song Mr Blue Sky, pulled out of a performance at Manchester's Co-Op Live on July 10 at the last minute. The musician, best known for hit Mr Blue Sky, revealed on X that he was battling a 'systemic infection' and said that doctors 'have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time' The band cancelled less than an hour before they were due to take to the stage, with thousands of fans already seated in the vemue. They were told that the performance would not go ahead as planned due to 'illness.' The band posted on social media: 'Unfortunately due to illness tonight's (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not going ahead. 'Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.' The band was formed in Birmingham in 1970 by Lynne, multi-instrumentalist Roy Wood and drummer Bev Bevan, and first split in 1986.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Russell Crowe Returns to Malta, Site of ‘Gladiator' Filming, and Recalls Intensity of Ridley Scott Epic: 'It Wasn't an Easy Production'
There's a moment in Ridley Scott's Gladiator when Russell Crowe's enslaved Roman general Maximus, fresh from eviscerating five foes in short order, throws his arms in the air and asks a stunned arena, 'Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained?' It would not be that far from fiction to picture the organizers of Sunday night's Golden Bee Awards repeating the same question after the final spectacle had been presented to close out a nearly three-hour ceremony held inside Gzira's Fort Manoel in Malta. Presented by the Mediterrane Film Festival and hosted by David Walliams, the outdoor show finished shy of midnight and by that point had featured around a dozen musical numbers (complete with props, backup dancers and custom backdrops), a slew of Hollywood presenters (Anna Camp, Chris Perfetti, Jared Harris, Karen Pittman and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier), three fireworks displays and even Maximus himself. More from The Hollywood Reporter Why Everyone Is Talking About Malta Right Now Barbie Ferreira to Receive Rising Star Award at Malta's Mediterrane Film Festival 'Pusherman' Director Legs McNeil Reveals the Real Story of 'American Gangster' Frank Lucas Crowe made a triumphant (and surprise) return to Malta to accept a film legend award to mark the 25th anniversary of Gladiator. The film, like its recent sequel, was shot on the islands not far from the historic 18th century fort that hosted the awards and has long been a source of local pride. 'You want to know what I love about Malta? Everything,' Crowe declared, calling the island nation a 'paradise,' one that he has regularly visited over the years on vacation. To prove his point, he said he arrived with his two sons, walked the streets of the capital city of Valletta at sunset, acquired his favorite lasagna and admired his favorite jewelry store Mario Zampa. 'I love coming to Malta and I'm grateful for your welcome every time I'm here.' Crowe accepted his trophy from Johann Grech, Malta film commissioner and CEO of Malta Film Studios. He praised Grech for his commitment and passion for Malta and his 'understanding of the opportunity that Malta has at the center of the Mediterranean film industry.' With that, Crowe urged the local government to further fuel a commitment to the arts and to support education for young Maltese people 'who want to explore film as a career in whatever capacity, because it truly takes a village to make a movie.' Crowe then recounted coming to the country 26 years ago to star in the epic Gladiator. 'You could say, in a funny way, I became a man in Malta,' he said. 'Whatever films I'd done before then, nothing had the majesty, ambition, budget and ultimately reach of Gladiator. I say 'became a man' because it wasn't an easy production. I had to fight every day for the integrity of the character I was playing, just like the journey of the character himself in a movie. Sometimes you get lucky enough to make something that resonates with people.' It's still resonating. Crowe detailed an encounter he had with a man a week ago while visiting Monterosso in Italy's Cinque Terre. 'I was leaving a restaurant at nighttime. As I came out in the street, this young man, he saw me, he recognized me, and he asked me for a photo,' Crowe recalled. 'I shook his hand and he started to cry. His friends told me later that he's the head lifeguard at the local beach — he's got muscles on muscles and lots of responsibility and authority — and they'd never seen him like that.' Crowe said the 'crying got more intense' and the man couldn't wipe the tears from his eyes, so he ended up hugging him. 'When he got himself together, he said, 'You don't understand. When I was 8 years old, my mother sat me in front of TV and put on a video cassette of Gladiator. She told me that if you are ever wondering what type of man your mother expects you to be, it's this type of man — the honor, the integrity, the faith, this type of man.' A man made in Malta.' The anecdote drew cheers and applause from the crowd, estimated at close to 2,000 guests. Prior to Crowe's remarks, Grech delivered a lengthy address that resonated much like a campaign speech. He paid particular attention to the milestone anniversary — 2025 marks 100 years of filming in Malta — while also noting the strides that have been made under his administration. Malta has long been a magnet for Hollywood, as it has welcomed such films as Munich, Troy, Jurassic World Rebirth, Captain Phillips, World War Z, Murder on the Orient Express, Assassin's Creed, By the Sea, The Da Vinci Code, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Last Breath and dozens of others. Grech called out the skeptics that doubted Malta's place as an international hub for filmmaking and said that they've come from 'yes we can' to 'yes we have' over the past nearly eight years (thanks in large part to a lucrative 40 percent tax rebate). 'The film industry is bigger than it's ever been,' Grech said. 'The next 100 years will be better than the first. Let us never stop believing because we are Malta. We are film.' The last sentence repeated the theme of this year's Mediterrane Film Festival, established on the islands of Malta in 2023 as a showcase for films from the area and beyond. This year's edition wrapped Sunday after running from June 21-29, and featured 55 films from more than 20 countries. Sunday night's Golden Bee Awards saw the official festival prizes doled out as chosen by the juries in addition to one people's choice award. Amel Guellaty's Where the Wind Comes From picked up steam by claiming two awards including best feature film and best performance for Eya Bellagha's starring turn in the drama that follows rebellious 19-year-old Alyssa (Bellagha) and shy 23-year-old Mehdi (Slim Baccar), who dream of escaping their reality. Upon discovering a contest offering a chance to flee, they set out on a road trip to southern Tunisia. Julio Medem's 8 also picked up two prizes including best screenwriting for its writer-director Medem as well as a jury's choice award. The film covers 90 years and follows the eight encounters between a man, Octavio (Javier Rey), and a woman, Adela (Ana Rujas), that happen to mirror pivotal moments in Spain's history. The Mare Nostrum award went to Miyazaki: Spirit of Nature, which was 'recognized for its lyrical exploration of nature and spirit,' per the jury, while the people's choice award went to Polly Steele's Four Letters of Love. Serving the Mediterrane Film Festival jury this year were Catherine Hardwicke, Elli Griff, Rick Carter, Charlese Antoinette, James Price, Mario Philip Azzopardi and Joseph Vassallo. A special Mare Nostrum jury, composed of Grainne Humphreys, Ania Trzebiatowska and Melisa Sözen, selected from a roster of films curated around themes of climate and environmentalism. Crowe was far from the only notable name honored Sunday. Fellow Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas, a veteran producer who landed gold for Bernardo Bertolucci's best picture winner The Last Emperor from 1988, was presented with a lifetime achievement award, while veteran location manager Pierre Agius snagged a career achievement honor. As previously announced, Euphoria breakout Barbie Ferreira touched down in Malta to pick up a rising star award for her screen accomplishments. The black-tie gala also hosted bold-faced names like Jon Watts, Edmund Donovan, Joaquim de Almeida, Bailey Bass and Kerry Ingram. See below for scenes from inside Sunday's celebration. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Blast off with Astrochimp: a fun space adventure for kids
Blast off with Chump, and encounter dog space pirates and evil insects. Image: Loot Description: Astrochimp – David Walliams Blast off with Chump, and encounter dog space pirates, evil insects, and the silliest chimpanzee who ever lived in this wildly funny space opera, fully illustrated in fantastic colour. Price:R235 Visit: Show off your love for Pokémon with this cool eraser blister. Image: Loot Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Description: Pokémon The Trading Card Game Eraser Set (2023) (Assortment) (1x Unit - supply may vary) Join in the back-to-school fun! Show off your love for Pokémon with this cool eraser blister. Each blister includes: 2 Pokémon TCG booster packs, 1 Eraser, Promo card OR coin Price: R239 Visit: In the magical city of Nevermoor, long-buried secrets are coming to light. Image: Loot Description: Silverborn - Jessica Townsend In the magical city of Nevermoor, long-buried secrets are coming to light, and Morrigan Crow's life is about to turn upside down. Book 4 in the Nevermoor series. Price: R285 Visit: Full functions - double sides running, forward, backward, turn left, turn right, extreme 360 degree tumbling, spins and flips on land. Image: Loot
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Russell Crowe shows off his dramatic weight loss as he arrives at the Golden Bee Awards in Malta with fiancée Britney Theriot
Russell Crowe cut a dashing figure when he attended the Golden Bee Awards in Malta on Sunday. The 60-year-old was looking trim and terrific in an all-black look that consisted of an immaculately tailored suit paired with a crisp black dress shirt and vest. The Gladiator star added a pop of colour to his monochrome display with a golden pocket square. Russell's fiancée Britney Theriot also attended the event, and looked equally stylish in a longline shift dress. The Broken City actress opted to keep her accessories to a minimum, but carried a chic designer handbag. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. At one point, Russell was photographed catching up with comedian-turned-author David Walliams. It comes after Russell ignited rumours he is set to tie the knot with Britney in Rome. The pair sparked speculation they are engaged when Britney was seen sporting a diamond ring. Claims are circulating they are eyeing up an Italian wedding after reportedly visiting a church during their latest visit to the city. The couple, who started dating in 2020, visited Rome last year when Russell performed with his band The Gentlemen Barbers at the Forum Theatre. They were spotted sightseeing during their lavish getaway and reportedly visited a church in the city. ' Italy was always going to be their wedding destination. Every time they go there, they come back more in love,' an insider told Woman's Day. 'It's always been their dream to get married there.' Russell and Britney frequently visit Italy together and first sparked engagement rumours during a trip to the European country last year. The pair then confirmed their long-rumoured romance with a kiss on a tennis court in November 2020. The couple are regularly seen jetting between Sydney and Coffs Harbour, where Russell is building a $400million film studio dubbed 'Aussiewood '. The Beautiful Mind star owns a 400hectare farm in nearby Nana Glen, and divides his time between this rural estate and his home in Sydney. Russell was previously married to Australian actress Danielle, 55, having tied the knot in April 2003 during a ceremony at his farm in Nana Glen. The couple welcomed two sons together but went their separate ways in 2012 and finalised their divorce six years later. Despite their high-profile split, Danielle previously told Stellar magazine the couple are still friends and see one another as 'family'. 'We have a lot of respect for each other and I consider him to be a member of my family,' she said. 'The marriage ended, but that didn't mean our friendship ended. We've had holidays together in the past and we can happily sit down and chat.'
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Explore the latest Lottie Brooks diary and fun games for kids
The first ever official David Walliams annual, packed with fun activities and featuring characters from his laugh-out-loud stories. Image: Loot Description: David Walliams Annual 2025 The first ever official David Walliams annual, packed with fun activities and featuring characters from his laugh-out-loud stories. Price: R235 Visit: From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a brand-new diary in the phenomenal Lottie Brooks series. Image: Loot Description: Lottie Brooks vs The Ultra Mean Girls :From hilarious mega bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a brand-new diary in the phenomenal Lottie Brooks series. Releases in July. Pre-order your copy now. Price: R250 Visit: Junior Scrabble lives up to its claim of being an "ideal introduction for children to the world's favourite game".. Image: Loot Description: Scrabble Junior Junior Scrabble lives up to its claim of being an "ideal introduction for children to the world's favourite game". Choose one of two levels to suit the age group of the players. Young children can start with "words and pictures", a game specially created to help with word formation and recognition. Rainbow Scrabble is more challenging and is intended for children aged seven and older, having been specially formulated to introduce players to the adult version of Scrabble, though with a far simpler scoring system. Price: R450 Visit: Description: Pictionary Card Game Pictionary™ Card Game mixes the fun of Pictionary™ with the action of charades in the craziest card game ever – no drawing required. In this game, four or more players ages 8 years or older divide into two teams then race to act out clues using nothing but the simple images printed on their set of picture cards. Colours and decorations may vary. Price: R169 Visit:
