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Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Simone Ashley may not have made the final cut of Brad Pitt's F1 movie, but she owned the premiere. What a star
It's been a glowing, slaying, spotlight-stealing and, I would say, all-round fabulous week for Simone Ashley , star of Bridgerton and Leicester Square, where she was photographed on Monday for the London premiere of F1 despite being cut from the film. I say cut, but 'cut' no longer cuts it. In today's hyperbolic world, the British actor has had her scenes 'brutally cut' by the film's director, prompting such measured social-media responses as 'f**k you, Joseph Kosinski'. Technically, there's still a trace of Ashley in F1. Featuring briefly – extremely briefly – in the time-honoured role of 'Self', she is one of several celebrities shown arriving at a grand prix to see if Sonny (played by Brad Pitt ) can manage to finish a single race without smashing up his car. But let's just say this trace makes Isla Fisher's jarringly fleeting moment in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – described by its director, Michael Morris, as an 'elevated cameo for fun' – seem like a stamina-testing tour de force. READ MORE The backlash, led by Ashley fans already convinced she has not been given the same treatment as other season leads in Bridgerton, the Netflix drama, has centred on the claim that she is a victim of Hollywood's fondness for marginalising actors of colour, with this suspicion of window-dressing only furthered by her participation in the film's promotion. Blink and you will miss Ashley in F1. At the F1 premiere there was no chance of that. She shone, literally, in a gold peplum dress accessorised with an invisible yet unmistakable sign that read 'Cast me'. To some this elevated cameo outside Cineworld on Leicester Square was a case of the actor soldiering on amid a clear case of humiliation. Her appearance was proof of her grace, class and professionalism in the face of obvious mistreatment. Not everyone would have the capacity to be so brave in Balmain couture. [ F1 review: Kerry Condon injects Brad Pitt's thuddingly predictable racing flick with a welcome touch of Thurles Opens in new window ] To others this was more a case of Ashley being clever and unfazed enough to realise that she could transcend the tiny little technicality of not being in the film and reap the rewards of the red carpet. Her Instagram post the morning after appeared to confirm this, with every make-up artist, stylist and photographer involved in her look credited alongside a selection of images and video in which she was the sole star. In this post, inevitably reported as the actor 'breaking her silence', Ashley described it as 'a joy to reunite with the cast and crew' and celebrate the film in her hometown, adding that she 'couldn't have been prouder watching everyone shine on screen and on the carpet, all while wearing my couture @balmain gown that made me feel just as radiant'. There was more effusing, then an instruction to fans to 'Go see this movie!' – which they may well do, if only as a hate-watch. While a 'very, very small role' in F1 would have been nice, being cut from the film and making do with being 'just as radiant' on the red carpet is not a huge disaster, either Speaking of watches, and in something of a clue as to why she might have shown up, the Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen was tagged and prominently sported on her wrist. Indeed, IWC also gets more screen time than Ashley in the film. But, from her point of view, was her excision really that huge a career blow? Pushing back on the ever-so-slightly gleeful tone to the coverage of her axing, fans of nuance have been valiantly pointing out that the ditching of entire storylines is a normal part of film-making and is not necessarily, or even usually, a verdict on the actor's performance. Kosinski pointed out that 'you have to shoot more than you can use' and that Ashley's original 'very, very small role' as a 'mystery girl' whom Joshua, the driver played by Damson Idris, spies at races, was one of 'two or three' storylines that didn't make the final edit. Certainly, when you're watching F1, which has a runtime of two hours and 35 minutes, you don't think, 'What this film needs is a subplot in which the young hotshot has a crush on a random woman in the crowd.' [ Simone Ashley: 'Bridgerton is empowering women of colour' Opens in new window ] It's a hammy slab of dumb entertainment, a fantasy story sustained by bromance, high-speed spins and bland dialogue in which a key element of the tension derives from whether Joshua's mother will come around to the idea that the old rebel Sonny isn't such a bad guy. So while a 'very, very small role' in F1 would have been nice, being cut from the film and making do with being 'just as radiant' on the red carpet is not a huge disaster, either – not when the relatable disappointment endears you to new fans and helps you claim the much more satisfying role of heroine of the week. After the premiere, Ashley did a costume change and was snapped at the after-party, where, in the immortal words of the Daily Mail, she put on a 'leggy display'. Now that's stardom. She'll be back, and next time her role will be too big to cut.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Anais Gallagher makes rare public appearance with boyfriend Callum Scott Howells as they cosy up at the Into Film Awards
Anais Gallagher looked smitten with her boyfriend Callum Scott Howells as they attended the Into Film Awards at the Odeon in Leicester Square on Tuesday. The daughter of Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, 25, looked more loved-up than ever as she cosied up with her man on a rare joint outing. For the occasion, Anais looked effortlessly stylish in a pink and white striped shirt layered over blue jeans. She teamed the look with burgundy loafers and accesorised with a pair of gold frame sunglasses which sat on top her head. Meanwhile It's A Sin star Callum, looked cool in double denim consisting of a structured jacket and matching jeans. The pair appeared in good spirits as they posed for sweet snaps together at the celebratory event. Also at the awards ceremony was James Norton, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Olivia Cooke, and Elizabeth McGovern. The Into Film Awards is an annual celebration of the filmmaking of pupils and educators from across the UK. Categories are designed to highlight the many young creatives in the country, with hundreds of films being submitted each year. Awards are presented by a range of film industry talent, with previous guests including Eddie Redmayne, Daniel Craig, Lily James, Amma Asante and Martin Freeman. Anais and Callum have reportedly been seeing each other romantically since the autumn of 2023. Callum previously confirmed he identifies as queer, telling Pink News: 'I've always been happy to say to people. So for me, it was just part of it. 'I wouldn't like to speak for anyone else on that matter. But for me it was kind of: "It is what it is".' Anais had been spending quality time with Callum in the wake of her split from her long-term boyfriend Julius Roberts. She was in a relationship with the farmer for three years after they got together two days before Christmas in 2019. But a source revealed they have 'ended their relationship' in late 2022 and she was moving back up to London, after splitting her time between the city and his family farm in Dorset. It comes after Anais hit back at those branding her a nepo baby in an impassioned interview. Speaking to H! Fashion magazine, the influencer thanked her Oasis icon father Noel for the 'financial stability' he gave her early in life, but insisted she had paved out her own success. She said: 'There are a lot more dangerous industries in which nepotism is around – look at Donald Trump's sons. 'I would be far more concerned with people making legislation than an actor wanting to help out their daughter who wants to be an actress. 'All my privilege and, in quotation marks, "luck" has come from my financial stability – not my dad's fame.' The model, who Noel had with his first wife Meg Mathews just a year before their divorce in 2001, suggested that children of singers were more likely to come under fire over nepotism than those with parents successful in other professions. 'I went to school with a lot of very wealthy people who probably had the exact same amount of privilege as me, but they wouldn't get called a nepo baby because their dad's a lawyer or a politician. 'My dad paid for my private education, he paid for my university degree. I was given money to live on so I didn't have to get a job when I was at university. 'If I needed a new camera, he would buy me a new camera to help with my studies – all of those things made my life so much easier than my friends who had to struggle whilst they were studying. 'But I never wanted to be a musician, so him writing Wonderwall never really helped me out. But him having money? Yes.' Anais boasts 269,000 followers on her Instagram account but accepted that she owes at least part of her rapid rise to her rock legend father. 'You have to look at social media as fun,' she said. 'I think I'm in a really unique position in that I never decided I wanted to be an influencer. 'I posted on my Instagram as a normal teenager would, and then, because of who my dad was, initially, I got a lot of followers. I try to navigate social media exactly the same way as my friends who would have a private account of 100 people following it. 'My biggest criticism of certain influencers is that their feed feels like a magazine.' Of her famous dad, who is getting ready to reunite with brother Liam this summer for the first time in more than 15 years, Anais said: 'With my family, what you see is what you get. They are really hard-working people. 'With my dad, I would always go to him for help or advice – it's very funny that a rock star from the 90s is like the most level-headed person I know. He's definitely the guiding force in my life.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brad Pitt is joined by surprise guest Tom Cruise on red carpet of F1: The Movie premiere in London
Brad Pitt looked dapper as he stepped out British racing green-colored suit as he was joined by Tom Cruise for the European premiere of F1: The Movie in London. The actor, 61, was joined on the red carpet in Leicester Square by his pal, 62, as the pair greeted one another with a hug. Mission: Impossible star Tom wore a sleek, modern two-piece suit in charcoal gray. Showing off his buzzcut, Brad was also joined by his girlfriend Ines de Ramon as the couple walked the carpet together. The 32-year-old stunned in a floor-length, halter-neck dress that featured silver sequins and sparkling details throughout, creating a shimmering effect. She completed her look with a with a sparkling tasseled handbag. She was seen lovingly adjusting boyfriend Brad's scarf in between snaps on the carpet. F1: The Movie was made in collaboration with Formula One's governing body, the FIA, and one of the producers is seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton. Pitt plays the lead role of as troubled race car driver Sonny Hayes in the new release. His character is pitted against rookie and rival Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) as they battle it out at various Grand Prix's around the world. While the reviews for F1: The Movie aren't quite all in yet, social media reactions from several critics began flooding in on X this week. Many praised Brad and Damson's onscreen chemistry, as well the movie's overall look thanks to director Joseph Kosinski, who last worked on Top Gun: Maverick. Some have even branded F1 the 'Top Gun for racing fans' - three years after the Tom Cruise sequel made $1.5billion worldwide. Check it out: The two Hollywood stars were engrossed in conversation and checking out the impressive Formula 1 car on the set of the premiere Floral dress: Other stars in attendance for the premiere included singer Raye Dapper: Damson Idris oozed class in a white suit as he stopped on the carpet to pose for pictures
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Stars turn out for F1 The Movie premiere in London with Lewis Hamilton, Tom Cruise and Raye among those wowing fans
LEWIS HAMILTON and Tom Cruise were among the stars at the premiere of F1 The Movie. Famous faces from the world of sport and beyond hit the red carpet tonight at London's Leicester Square. 19 19 19 19 19 The film sees Brad Pitt play the main character and the Hollywood icon led an army of A-Listers turning up at the event. Cruise made a surprise appearance and embraced Pitt in front of cheering fans. Co-stars Kerry Condon, Damson Idris and Simone Ashley were next to pose alongside the legendary actor. Hamilton turned up in a stylish all black outfit and sunglasses. The seven-time world champion is down as a producer of the movie after helping to increase the film's realism. Singer Tate McRae went from her hit "Sports Car" to an F1 car as she dazzled in a long black dress. Sticking with music, DJ Peggy Gou and pop star Raye turned heads in bold outfits. Ed Sheeran was also in attendance, posing for photographers in a light blue suit alongside producer and songwriter Blake Slatkin. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Music icon rocked up in a Mercedes branded jacket with a speaker attached to his bag. Motorsport presenters Emma Walsh and Ariana Bravo, as well as racing driver Bianca Bustamante, also stole the show with incredible looks. Other celebs that caught the eye were model Naomi Campbell and TV host Clara Amfo. Gareth Bale was spotted with his wife Emma Rhys-Jones and the retired footballer revealed in an interview on the red carpet that he is looking to buy his hometown club Cardiff City. 19 19 The Tottenham and Real Madrid legend said: "To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true. "It's a club close to my heart. It's where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs. "I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together. "We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done." 19 19 19 19 19 19
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Amanda Holden's lookalike daughter Lexi, 19, follows in her famous mother's footsteps as she models for same bikini brand as the BGT judge
Amanda Holden 's lookalike daughter Lexi has followed in her famous mother's footsteps by venturing into the world of bikini modelling. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 54, took to Instagram on Monday to gush over her daughter's new photo shoot with swimwear brand Naia Beach. Lexi could be seen sporting an array of swimwear in the snaps, including a gold ruched bandeau swimsuit and a blue thick-strap bikini. Another snap showed Lexi sporting a plunging teal zip-up swimsuit as she posed during the shoot. 'So proud of our pretty little baby @ first shoot wearing @naia_beach .. enjoy the sunshine ☀️,' Amanda wrote. Lexi's shoot comes just months after her mother Amanda modelled for the brand back in April, showing off her abs in a floral two-piece. It comes after Amanda put on a leggy display as she waltzed out of the Heart FM office with no trousers on on Friday, confessing that the heat was too much to handle. The presenter looked chic in an oversized shirt and cream blazer from The Frankie Shop as she waltzed round Leicester Square. As temperatures soared to 29 degrees in the capital, the star shielded from the sun with large, square shades, and flaunted her tanned legs in a pair of strappy, open-toed heels. The mother-of-three twinned the pinstripe look with a matching tie and simple, silver jewellery. In one hand Amanda clutched a white handbag with thatched accents, and in the other she led her two dogs, the crossbreed Rudie and puppy Minnie, on a lead. On Instagram, the TV sensation mimed a phone call to joke about her lack of lower garments. She said: 'Hello? Yes, happy Friday. No, I haven't forgotten my trousers, no. 'This gorgeous jacket and this beautiful shirt is from The Frankie Shop, and to be honest with you, it's so hot I just thought, 'I'm going to pair it with a heel and I'm going to walk out the door.' 'Have a lovely weekend, babes.' Fans flooded the comment section, gushing over the sexy attire. The host often commands attention for her risqué wardrobe. On a recent getaway to Corfu, she dazzled in a series of stunning swimsuits, including a cut-out pink number and plunging peach costume. She was on the Greek island with Alan Carr, while filming their BBC renovation series. It has been renamed Amanda and Alan's Greek Job following their similar shows in Spain and Italy. She credits her slim physique with having a balanced diet and a varied exercise routine which includes yoga and running. Amanda has also praised the benefits of getting enough water, previously telling the MailOnline: 'It's good for my body and soul'. But while Amanda is clearly proud of her incredible body. She stressed that she does not restrict her diet and enjoys treats in moderation.
