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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
JESSICA BOULTON: Only one BBC icon's been UNFAIRLY 'cancelled' this week - and it's not John Torode
Forget MasterChef's Gregg Wallace and John Torode, Jessica Boulton's ruthless rundown of the showbiz week reveals the EIGHT stories you should be talking about instead..... including the only cancelled BBC star who actually deserves our tears Jessica Boulton works on the Mirror's features desk, specialising in celebrity features and interviews. She also writes a weekly observational comedy column Jess Saying, which runs each Saturday. In addition, she oversees the entertainment pages, helps co-ordinate the Pride of Britain coverage and newsletter and guest edits The Diary. Jessica joined The Mirror's sister paper The People in 2006, and has since worked on the Sunday Mirror and Now magazine. Most likely to be found raving about The Oscars, BAFTAs, Netflix, Friends or Star Wars. Daily Mirror Columnist Jessica Boulton brings you Jess Saying, her wry, witty and slightly whimsical take on the heroes and villains, winners and losers and the outright outrageous showbiz shenanigans keeping us amused this week. better to start than.... JUSTICE FOR BBC ICON MONDAY I've always considered myself to be woke. I'm left-wing, open-minded and look good in red (in the UK, definitely not in the US). I'd fully support trigger warnings on Bambi and The Lion King. And I'd argue there should be one on Titanic (for 'scenes of disturbing door hoggery'). But this week I'm afraid to say, even I think the woke world has gone too far. For a true BBC icon has outrageously and undeservedly been cancelled. It's a sad, sad state of affairs after 30 years of excellence. But it's a sign of the times: one day everyone loves you and the persona non grata, written off as a bad fit for the Gen Zs of today (who don't watch TV anyway, so why are we pandering?). So which iconic BBC veteran has been tragically stripped of work this week? Clue: they first appeared in 1995 – and won millions of fans overnight. Yes, you've guessed it. There's only one BBC star I'm weeping for: Mr Darcy. Well, his Wet White Shirt, to be precise. For three decades, the sterling performance of Colin Firth's infamous Pride and Prejudice shirt has never been equalled. But its outstanding contribution to entertainment has now been called into question – over fears it's been objectifying men. Yup. It's true. Some buttoned-up bores at Netflix are currently debating what'll make the cut and what won't in their upcoming P&P remake. Considering Slow Horses' Jack Lowden is the new Darcy (alongside The Crown's Emma Corrin as Lizzie Bennet), I was FERVENTLY in support of the decision to completely remove the Wet White Shirt, at first. But then I realised I'd got the wrong end of the stick...I'm only teasing of course. But I do have two little points I'd like to flag to people's attention: POINT 1. What else would Netflix need to change to fit a more '2025-friendly' adaptation? Jane's famous first line definitely loses a certain something after my woke rewrite: "It is a truth universally acknowledged – but not necessarily accepted as we each have our 'own truth' – that a single man, sorry, dependent-free gender-neutral individual, in possession of a 'good fortune' (aka, a disproportionate amount of wealth thanks to genetic privilege and the unjust dominance of patriarchy), must be – although is under no obligation to be and will face no judgment if they are not – in want of a wife..... or a loving relationship that equally fulfils the needs of both you and your consenting partner/partners, but does not necessarily adhere to any societal expectations.' NAKED AMBITION TUESDAY The Primetime Emmy nominations are finally in! Adolescence was the UK's biggest contender this year – with nods including Best Actor for Stephen Graham and Best Supporting for 15-year-old Owen Cooper (I'd argue it should be reversed). Meanwhile, leading the way with a mindblowing 27 noms was Apple's truly genius Severance – a drama in which people clock off at 5pm and all memory of work from that day is completely wiped. (You can decide for yourselves if that's a good thing or not.) The most delightful Emmy news of all? Nobody Wants This, with my all-time celeb faves Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, landed nods for best comedy series, actor and actress. It was an achievement Kristen's hubby Dax Shepard immediately celebrated with this pic – of Kristen's naked yoga workout. I'm not married, so maybe I'm wrong... But should Dax really have gone so very public with his congratulations? A great big bear bare hug may have been the better choice. END OF TORODE WEDNESDAY Talking of draaaaaama and cancellations… it was all going off the boil at MasterChef this week. Just days after Gregg Wallace was given the heave-ho after vowing to fight the dozens of allegations against him, his co-star John Torode was ALSO left with egg on his face. Torode was accused of making a racial slur – said to be ' the worst word possible' – in a social setting some years ago. Torode denied it. But it left Auntie with a sour taste, so he was sent packing with a P45 as well. The poor BBC now has an entire as-yet-unreleased pre-recorded series of MasterChef with not one but TWO disgraced hosts. That's got to be tough to swallow. It also explains the reasoning behind one of its latest new hires. For even wholesome Blue Peter has had its share of scandalous stars... So when faced with finding its latest prestigious presenter, the Beeb hired someone who's been nothing but a safe pair of hands their whole career. Some might even go as far to say he's the perfect corporate puppet..... (see below). FISHING FOR INSULTS? THURSDAY Gregg and John might be in for a grilling over their alleged behaviour, but another under-fire celeb, Sacha Baron Cohen, was probably feeling a little, um, roasted this week. Yes, his actress ex-wife Isla Fisher has not had the most amicable of splits with Da Ali G and Borat actor. So some social media users took her quip on Instagram to be a tiny dig at his expense (literally). The Confessions Of A Shopaholic star wrote: 'For all the men who say 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?', here's an update for you. 'Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? 'Because women realise it's not worth buying an entire pig… just to get a little sausage.' No porkies there! I'd rather bring home the bacon alone than be stuck with a man who's the literal wurst. So, bravo, Isla! That took proper chops. FACING FACTS FRIDAY You can't make this one up. And to be fair, whatever you say about Katie Price, at least she can take the mickey out of herself. Which is why she's made a startling admission this week. Apparently Katie was travelling and got pulled over by security at passport control – because she's had so many trips under the knife, the scanners couldn't recognise her passport photo. Yes, Katie might have been accused of being two-faced in the past, but, as she'll admit herself, she's been through at least 10 of them now. On the upside, it's something to add to her CV next time she's bankrupt. After all, everyone wants their staff to multi-faceted nowadays. PICTURE OF THE WEEK She's always been a woman with Klass. So it's good to see Myleene hasn't let her newly-award MBE go to her head. Ahem. Yes, Myleene was presented the honour this week after her tireless charity work, including raising the awareness of the emotional toll of miscarriage. But it looks like the Hear'Say singer might be taking the honour a little too literally. For the morning after receiving the medal - alongside fellow honouree Leona Lewis OBE - Myleene posted this bathtime snap. Umm….It looks like you've got a little something in your hair, Myleene. To be fair, it could have been worse. She could have posted a snap of her in her tiara…. sitting on the throne. JESS A QUICKIE: Myleene's not the only one having some bathroom fun. Charlotte Crosby decided to promote her new fiction tome by sitting in a bath of books. It makes sense: she's always swimming with novel ideas.* * Sorry I couldn't help myself
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Cancelled Will Smith's comeback is tragic – but selling less than 300 records is the least of his worries
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE dominated the nineties and noughties with a string of chart hits and Hollywood blockbusters. Collecting four Grammy Awards from eight nominations and an Oscar for his role in King Richard along the way. 10 Despite his previous success, Will Smith failed to set the world alight with his new album Credit: Getty 10 The star has struggled after slapping Chris Rock at The Oscars Credit: Reuters 10 The actor is the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons Credit: Getty - Contributor But in recent years Will Smith, 56, has been struggling to get his spark back after being outcast by Tinsel Town following the 2022 Oscars. In case you've been living under a rock and somehow avoided the fateful night, Will saw red and slapped comedian host Chris Rock live on stage for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. His actions were indefensible - even if it did turn into one of the must-see moments of the year. Will later issued a grovelling apology insisting his behaviour was "unacceptable" and he was "deeply remorseful". But the damage was done and within a flash Will became a pariah - with the shallow world of Hollywood turning their back on him. When I spoke to Will at the premier of Aladdin, in which he plays the Genie, back in 2019 he was on top of the world. He told me: "I'm working a lot smarter, instead of harder and I'm having a beautiful time." But fast forward a few years and things are very different. Previously a box office powerhouse thanks to the likes of Men in Black, iRobot and I Am Legend, Will's latest work has been hit and miss too. Big-budget slavery movie Emancipation, for which he was reportedly paid £28million and also produced, was only rolled out to select cinemas before becoming available on Apple TV. Will Smith snaps at wife Jada Pinkett in previously unseen video as they discuss their marriage counselling On top of that, the Smiths' production company Westbrook has reportedly been forced to lay off half its staff. Before the fallout from the Oscars debacle, the couple had been close to selling Westbrook for over the billion mark. Meanwhile, Jada went on US TV to openly talked about her fling with son Jaden's pal August Alsina before admitting she and Will were a couple in name only - has also damaged his supercool image. Jada told The Sunday Times in 2023: 'We hadn't called each other husband and wife since 2016.' I'm working a lot smarter, instead of harder and I'm having a beautiful time Will on his career And insiders says the couple only remain married because divorce would hit the bank balance hard. They said: 'At this point the talk is that it's more of a business arrangement than an emotional connection. 'The two companies they're attached to serve as a vehicle for most of their money-making endeavours and it would most likely need to be split up or totally revamped if they were to put a formal end to the marriage. 'That is just not something that they have wanted to do. 'For logistical purposes it's been more convenient for them to keep the status quo and do their own things in different places for the better part of five years.' But Will was said to be hurt by Jada's reaction to the Oscars slap, which came after Rock's cruel joke about her alopecia. At the time, Jada, 53, said: 'People thought I gave Will a look and 'made' him do it. But let me start with this: Nobody can make Will Smith do anything, and surely not me.' Movie hopes With the Oscar scandal and box office struggles, many commentators were quick to assume the once lauded Fresh Prince of Bell Air was over. 10 The star is still appearing in movies - but not all are blockbusters 10 These days Will spends lots of time making TikTok videos 10 With his wife Jada - their marriage is a hot topic of discussion Credit: Getty However, last year's Bad Boys: Ride or Die met with surprise praise from critics - proving Will may be down but not out. In recent months, he has been keen to revive plans for his movie projects, including a possible sequel to 2007 hit I Am Legend and a remake of the 1987 Christmas classic Planes, Trains And Automobiles. And if you ask me, there's nothing more Hollywood loves than a comeback story. Though admittedly in today's age of cancel culture they also love a global pile look at the current situation with Katy Perry. Earlier this month Will released his first album in 20 years. Tackling his fall from grace head on, Based On A True Story directly references everything from the breakdown of his marriage to his Oscars slap. Int. Barbershop Day opens with: "Will Smith is cancelled" before going into a back and forth about the star's life and mistakes. This is the comeback arc in real time. A source "Will Smith used to be cool" it continues before adding: "He still the s***, he can fit your whole house in his pool." I have to praise Will for not hiding away from the global debate about his life and trying to turn it into art. Many celebs simply bury their head in the sand after scandal, but Will went the other way - to the extreme. The only problem? No one seemed to be listening. 10 Will won Grammy for Best Rap Solo for the song Men In Black in 1998 Credit: AP:Associated Press 10 He has won four Grammy's throughout his career Credit: Reuters The album sold just 268 copies in its first week in the UK. It won't have helped that Will did next to no press for his new record. Many people I've spoken to didn't even know he had one out. A pal of the star told The Sun: "Sure, the first album didn't top charts but this was never meant to be a one-and-done moment. "It was a soft launch, the first chapter in a trilogy that's as much about growth as it is about music. "With a nearly sold-out UK tour and two more albums on the way, Will Smith isn't chasing validation, he's building something bigger. "This is the comeback arc in real time.' Another added: "This project was not about topping charts. It's about putting his truth into the world on his own terms. Will knows this isn't an overnight fix, it's legacy work now.' 10 Will is well loved for his role in Fresh Prince Credit: Getty 10 Will is working on his first ever headline tour this summer Credit: Getty While pals are always going to have Will's back, there is still time to turn his career around. In the age of songs going viral on TikTok and streaming, all it takes is for one track to catch on and boom - you're back to being loved. While some of Will's videos are cringeworthy - though aren't all TikToks if we really think about it - it's not like his followers have deserted him. His page boasts a staggering 79.8M followers with over 652.7m likes. This summer he will embark on his first ever headline tour. While not quite sold out, all dates are now at low availability - with promoters no doubt breathing a sigh of relief. A trip to Ibiza is also on the cards. The singer is the face of newly revamped superclub UNVRS - a brand new venue capable of hosting 15,000 revellers. There is no shying away from it. It's been a seriously rough couple of years for Will, I think even he would admit that. But a few months is a long time in showbiz and, who knows, by the end of summer Will could be the golden boy once more. Just keep his wife's name out of your f***ing mouth.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Warner Bros. Discovery TV Viewership Grew 3% in March Thanks to NCAA and ‘The White Lotus,' Nielsen Says
March was a good month for Warner Bros. Discovery. During that time, the company saw the largest monthly viewership increase among media distributors, according to Nielsen's latest Gauge report. Warner Bros. Discovery saw a 3% growth in television viewing compared to February. This growth was largely due to March Madness coverage on TBS, TNT and truTV. Max, Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming vertical, also had a notable month. It saw a 6% increase in viewership, the largest month-over-month increase among streaming services. Along with March Madness, which brought in younger consumers, new episodes of 'The White Lotus' and 'The Pitt' contributed to this growth. Mike White's vacation thriller was Nielsen's No. 4 most-streamed title in March, accounting for 4.5 billion viewing minutes. As for the Noah Wyle-led 'The Pitt,' that medical drama generated 2.3 billion viewing minutes and ranked on Nielsen's Streaming Top 10 for the first time during the week of March 17. Even with those numbers, Warner Bros. Discovery was still seventh on Nielsen's rankings of media distributors, only counting for 6.7% of overall television viewership. For the second month in a row, YouTube was at the top of Nielsen's Gauge list. The behemoth captured 12% of overall TV viewing in March, breaking its own previous record of 11.6%. YouTube set that previous record in February. The Walt Disney Company came in second place on the Gauge report, gaining half a share point over its February numbers and accounting for 10.5% of total TV viewing time in March. The company's simulcast of The Oscars across ABC and Hulu contributed to the lift as the event brought in 20.3 million viewers. 'American Idol' and 'ABC World News Tonight' also contributed. And third place for the month went to Paramount, a jump from its fifth place ranking in February. Paramount's viewership total jumped by 0.3 points and accounted for an overall 8.5% share of television. This rise was also due to March Madness paired with a crop of strong CBS dramas. During the spring month, 'Tracker' drew 10.7 million viewers, and 'Matlock' drew 9.2 million viewers. NBCUniversal then came in fourth place with 8% of the overall share of viewership despite seeing a 0.1 decline compared to February. Finally, The Roku Channel set a platform record, accounting for 2.2% of television. Regardless, the record did not change the channel's ranking on Nielsen's Media Distributor Gauge. The post Warner Bros. Discovery TV Viewership Grew 3% in March Thanks to NCAA and 'The White Lotus,' Nielsen Says appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meek Mill Was Allegedly Kidnapped, Held For Ransom By Rolling 60s Crips Gang
Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was once allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom by members of the Rolling 60s gang at the behest of suspected gang leader Eugene 'Big U' Henley. These claims were made by social media personality Luce Cannon, a reputed Rolling 60s member, during an interview with DJ Akademiks. 'Basically, Meek Mill was talking real reckless on Twitter and stuff like that so we caught him at the club where he was performing in and then we grabbed cuz,' Luce Cannon said of the alleged incident. When Akademiks questioned why Meek Mill's security did not intervene, Luce Cannon explained that many bodyguards in Los Angeles have stronger ties to local gangs than to their celebrity clients. 'The security is L.A. niggas. We're from Rolling 60s. You're getting $500 a day just to make sure he's good, but ni**a, you gonna lose your life. Is that $500 that important? It's not that important.' Describing the moment Meek Mill was confronted, Luce Cannon detailed how the rapper was forcibly accosted with no resistance. 'Cuz didn't even get to that part,' the gang member said of Meek's planned performance. 'As soon as he walked in, all the security that was with him, they spinned around, I grabbed cuz like, 'Bro, what's up? Get on the phone with Ross, Neighborhood Crip. So he got on the phone with Ross [and] I took the phone from Ross.' Luce Cannon further claimed that Meek Mill's release hinged on a financial transaction rather than any pre-existing debt. 'We needed that bag or cuz wasn't gonna leave. No, he didn't owe no money, we took the money.' According to Luce Cannon, Rick Ross ultimately paid $50,000 to secure Meek Mill's freedom. When asked whether Luce Cannon was by himself while confronting meet, the L.A. rep clarified that he was accompanied by several dozen cohorts. 'It was probably about 50 of us,' Luce Cannon said of the crew present during the incident. Luce Cannon emphasized that the ransom was paid in cash and was confident that neither Meek nor Ross would challenge his recollection of the alleged incident. He also claimed that this incident played a role in Meek Mill and late rap star Nipsey Hussle's later camaraderie while further souring Nipsey's relationship with Big U. 'That's why Meek and Nipsey became cool after that situation because they started using the same PR. Meek got smart and started hitting Nipsey up and that's why the Big U feud kept going with Nipsey.' Luce Cannon alleged that Big U maintained control over events and interactions at major Hollywood gatherings, stating, 'They kept beefing because Big U looking at it like 'Ni**a, BET Awards coming up, The Oscars.'' He further claimed that if the ransom had not been paid, Meek Mill would have faced dire consequences, including possibly being murdered. In addition, Luce Cannon also claimed that Gillie Da Kid was another victim of Henley and the Rolling 60s, as he was said to have been stripped and robbed alongside his late son during an alleged encounter. 'Man, you better ask Gillie,' Luce Cannon said of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game cohost. 'Gillie got stripped down by the homies because of the ni**a Big U. He got his son stripped down and he stripped down Gillie.' Luce Cannon also mocked Gillie for maintaining a friendly demeanor with Big U on social media despite past altercations. Meek Mill nor Rick Ross has publicly responded to Luce Cannon's claims. Last week, Henley surrendered and was arrested after a federal indictment was handed down accusing him of running a criminal enterprise that participated in various illegal activities, including murder, extortion, and racketeering. See Luce Cannon's interview with DJ Akademiks below. More from City Girls, Trina, Uncle Luke, More Honored With Street Names In Miami Wack 100 Denies Big U's Claim He Helped Feds Build Rollin' 60s RICO Case Eugene "Big U" Henley Arrested In Rollin' 60s Crips RICO Takedown
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Oscars and Golden Globes Announcing Their Hosts and Dates Early Helps Awards Season
The Oscars announced their new date this morning, along with the news that that show is bringing back Conan O'Brien as host of the 98th ceremony after the comic scored strong notices for emceeing the 97th edition. It comes a week after the Golden Globes announced Nikki Glaser would return for their January ceremony. There's a predictable rhythm to awards season: critics' groups weigh in, guilds make their voices heard, and, finally, there's the grand spectacle of the Oscars to close the show. But in recent years, that rhythm has felt more erratic than ever. Last year's SAG Awards became a non-factor since it took place after the final Oscar voting period had concluded. Sudden date changes, last-minute hosting decisions, and uncertainty over producers have made Hollywood's most prestigious night feel rushed rather than revelatory and sometimes anti-climatic rather than suspenseful unfolding. That's why this sudden case of 'planning ahead' by announcing that the Oscars broadcast will air on March 15, 2026, may be the boost the awards season could use. More from Variety Conan O'Brien to Return as Oscars Host for 98th Ceremony Set for March Conan O'Brien Details Oscars Opening That Got Cut, Says the Academy Refused to Let Him Put Clothes on an Oscar or Lay It Down Horizontally: 'That Blew My Mind' The Oscars 'Messed Up' by Excluding Shannen Doherty From In Memoriam, Says 'Beverly Hills, 90210' Co-Star Jennie Garth Award season is a finely tuned machine, with each show serving a purpose in the greater narrative of honoring the year's best in film (and television). The Golden Globes establishes early momentum, the Critics Choice Awards can reinforce their choice of frontrunners or pivot to highlight a new group of contenders, the SAG Awards offers a direct pulse from industry insiders, and the BAFTAs provide the international perspective. Then there's the other vital guilds — DGA and PGA — to provide a jolt to the proceedings. When the Academy locks in its date 12 months in advance, these precursors can position themselves strategically, ensuring a natural flow rather than an overcrowded calendar. In the past, shifting Oscar dates have created unnecessary congestion, with some ceremonies rushing to squeeze in before the Academy Awards. And then there are the years that the Oscars abbreviate the season with unforeseen consequences. For example, when the Oscars moved earlier in 2020 (which happened on Feb. 9 and resulted in 'Parasite' winning), the truncated season gave films and performances less time to gain traction. Each year, one of the most scrutinized decisions is who will host the Oscars. When that choice is left too late, the Academy often scrambles for a last-minute selection, and sometimes that leads to controversy, as seen in the Kevin Hart debacle in 2019. By announcing a host a year in advance, audience anticipation grows, and the producers can focus on putting on a great show. The best Oscar ceremonies feel like well-orchestrated events, not hurried productions. Hollywood runs on prestige, and award season isn't just about handing out statues. It's about marketing, campaigning, and celebrating artistry. When the major awards lock in their schedules too late, studios are left scrambling to position their films in the calendar. A clearly defined calendar allows everyone, from distributors to film festivals, to plan their release strategies accordingly. It could also lead to a more engaged audience. We already know when the Super Bowl is in 2026 (Feb. 8), and while the awards timeline hasn't been announced yet (that comes in April), it helps to have a fuller picture of what's in store. The entertainment industry thrives on structure. While spontaneity has its place, awards season is a months-long marathon that requires careful orchestration. The Academy and the Globes are taking the lead in announcing their dates, hosts, and producers a full year ahead, setting a new standard that benefits the industry, the audience, and the Oscars' prestige. After all, if we can predict the likely Oscar nominees months in advance, we can plan the ceremony that celebrates them just as early. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
