Latest news with #soapopera
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Samantha Womack reveals quitting EastEnders WASN'T her choice as she admits she was 'REJECTED' by BBC bosses
Samantha Womack has opened about leaving EastEnders, revealing she was forced out of the show after being 'rejected' by its directors. The actress, 52, became a fan favourite as the fiery Ronnie Mitchell on the BBC soap opera, having bagged the part in 2007. But after a decade in Walford, Samantha's time on the show came to an abrupt and brutal end in 2017 as Ronnie and her sister Roxy (Rita Simons) were killed off together on Christmas Day. The move was a widely unpopular one, with some EastEnders die-hard fans even choosing to boycott the prime-time soap over the death of the much-loved Mitchell sisters. Now, Samantha has opened up on her EastEnders exit in an interview with MailOnline, revealing she still 'doesn't understand' why her and Rita's characters were killed off. The much-loved siblings were brutally killed off on Christmas Day in 2017 after an accident in a swimming pool (pictured) - Samantha still 'doesn't understand' why fan-favourites Ronnie and Roxy were killed off by BBC producers The mother-of-two said: 'It was really hard for us because it wasn't in our hands. 'We didn't make the decision to go. I don't really understand what happened, one producer was leaving and another was coming in, I don't know what went on. 'At the time it felt like bereavement, it felt like losing a family member. It was like losing family and losing stability. 'But the thing that was the most painful - and it really was painful - was that me and Rita loved feeling like we belonged there, and then to be rejected, and I know that's emotional but that's what it was, it hit us both so hard. 'I do look back now and think, "God, I could still be there", I would never have moved to Valencia, I would never have done half the things I've done. I was like getting a barnacle off a rock, I probably needed to be forced off at that time.' Since leaving EastEnders, Samantha - who shot to fame on EuroVision aged 18 - has made her way into the world of theatre, appearing in a West End production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in 2022. But it was during her time playing the White Witch that she was diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of breast cancer. 'I didn't have any lumps or feel ill,' she said, 'I've never been a doctor person so in the middle of two shows I went for a check-up not expecting to find anything. 'So I went for the ultrasound and there was a little screen on the wall in the doctors' room, looking at it afterwards we saw this little black shadow that wasn't a circle. My step-dad is doctor and I knew that most things natural are circular. Everyone just went quiet. 'In my brain, I did think, "there you are". I do feel like somewhere in our brains, our intuition is important. I've learnt to listen to that voice in my head as it basically saved my life.' Samantha was back in the theatre just hours after her scan, and recalls giving a hectic performance on-stage as the reality of the situation sunk in. 'I hadn't thought the whole thing through, I think we all knew that it was cancer but it hadn't been confirmed yet,' she said. 'I didn't have any time to think about going back to the theatre to do a second show. I was playing the White Witch, and the play's all about life and death and how close those two things are. 'For my entrance, I was lifted into the sky on this machine and all of this snow is coming down, there's cello music playing. I just remember having this moment of floating in all this snow, looking out into all this black space - I couldn't process what was happening. 'It was sinking in on-stage in front of everybody. I was mad that evening, I was doing all kinds of crazy things. In a way I was letting go of everything.' Samantha was later diagnosed with a high grade three form of breast cancer and required chemotherapy in order to recover. The EastEnders star - who was diagnosed in her late 40s - called the treatment 'terrifying' and remembers the 'awful' smell of chemotherapy on her skin, but went on to announce she was cancer-free five months later. Three years on from her recovery and the actress is now working with GenesisCare on their Keep Abreast of your Breast Density campaign to educate women about breast cancer diagnosis. In particular, they're encouraging women to ask vital questions during mammograms about issues such as their breast density. Women with extremely dense breasts are shockingly six times more likely than those with fatty breasts to get breast cancer. 'Cancer-free's a weird term,' Samantha said, 'we all have cancer in our cells all the time, so there's always a chance it can come back. 'To get a proper diagnosis you need proper information. There are four types of breast density, A, B C and D, but if you're extremely dense it's really difficult to spot a tumour. 'There are options though, if there's anything bothering you at any time, you can instigate these investigations on your own. GenesisCare are empowering women to ask the right questions, and they will tell you what your breast density is. 'Early diagnosis is the difference between cancer sounding like a death sentence and like something you can work through.' Samantha says that she's now feeling 'better, calmer and happier' than ever as she enjoys life at her home in Valencia, Spain. She's more picky and 'willing to say no' to opportunities now, but didn't close the door on a possible return to soap television in the UK. 'The fanbase for Ronnie and Roxy is extraordinary,' the actress said. 'They still to this day go loopy when they hear there's any sort of chance we could come back. 'I don't know (how we could come back), the only way is that they could possibly say that we didn't actually die. I don't know. 'It's a big commitment, I know only too well what those working days are like. But I have a strong affection for the show, I love everyone there and I miss everyone there. 'I loved working with Rita, it felt silly, it felt fun, we were controversial, we were naughty.
Fox News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Whoopi Goldberg announces 'crazy' new role in Italian soap opera
Actress and "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg declared in a social media video Friday that she is joining the cast of Italian soap opera "Un Posto Al Sole." "I just wanted to stop in to say how happy I am to be joining the cast of 'Un Posto Al Sole,'" she said in a viral video shared on Instagram, with what appears to be the Italian coastline behind her. "They know it's a crazy idea, I know it's a crazy idea, but what a wonderful thing to do. So I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited." "I know my Italian is not perfect," she added, "But we've worked it out." The video was shared on the official Instagram of Fremantle Italia, which is the production and distribution company behind "Un Posto Al Sole." The soap opera has been in syndication for decades, having first debuted in 1996. The Internet Movie Database describes the show as one where "The daily events of the inhabitants of the 'Palladini Palace' are intertwined with each other between love stories and deceptions, and the splendid Gulf of Naples as a background." The production company offered further details about how she will take part in their show, writing, "A surprise is coming to #UnPostoAlSole: [Whoopi Goldberg] joins the cast!Her character will be part of a special storyline and will appear in multiple episodes in 2026." Goldberg has frequently made headlines with her controversial political hot-takes on ABC's "The View," such as when she compared living in the U.S. to Iran last week, but she initially rose to fame as an entertainer, and has won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. She also branched out to comic books in 2023, where she co-wrote a comic book about a menopausal Black superhero grandmother.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Real life soap couple in heartbreaking SPLIT after two years of dating and holidays with her famous dad
A REAL-LIFE soap couple have called time on their relationship after two years of dating. The couple met while both working on the soap and spent two years together, even holidaying with her famous dad. 3 3 3 Former Hollyoaks stars Owen Warner and Jemma Donovan have split, The Sun can exclusively reveal. A source said: 'It's over and they're no longer friends. 'It was very sudden - everyone was so upset for them.' The couple were known for sharing their lives on Instagram, with multiple daily stories and posts shared with their fans. However earlier this month Jemma failed to post anything for Owen's birthday when she had previously gushed over him. And likewise he failed to share her gig with Gary Barlow, despite having previously bigging up all of her professional achievements. Jemma also appears to have untagged Owen in her pictures. Meanwhile Owen has been enjoying a holiday with his brothers - model Louis and videographer Jake. The couple previously shared lavish holidays with Jemma's dad, actor and singer Jason Donovan. Speaking about their romance, Owen previously said: "Jemma kept messaging me and messaging and asking me to go on dates and then I just gave in. Hollyoaks' Owen Warner poses topless with stunning girlfriend Jemma Donovan in Morocco "Ahhh seriously though it took me a while to pluck up the courage to ask her out. "I've just been on holiday with her family they are all amazing.' Jemma joined Hollyoaks in October 2022, with her character Rayne entering a relationship with Owen's role, Romeo. The pair even went public in real-life the following June, but later briefly called time on the romance before reuniting. Real-life soap couples Soaps are renowned for their sweet and scandalous romances – but it's not just in scripted storylines where love is blossoming. A number of our favourite small-screen actors have fallen for co-stars and soapland rivals when the cameras have stopped rolling. Max Parker and Kris Mochrie Despite playing brothers Luke and Lee Posner on Emmerdale, the pair never actually shared any scenes together. But the pair still fell in love after meeting on set. Max and Kris got together in 2020, moving in together later than same year and got engaged in 2022. In a sweet Instagram post, the couple confirmed they're planning a 2025 wedding. Beth Cordingly and Ian Kelsey Beth, who plays Ruby Fox-Miligan, announced her love for her co-star Ian Kelsey, who played Dean Glover, shortly after she joined Emmerdale at the beginning of 2024. 'I am very in love with Ian and very happy. I think it really does work him being an actor too. He has been so fantastic," she gushed. Laura Norton and Mark Jordan Kerry Wyatt and Daz Eden actors Laura and Mark met on the set of Emmerdale in 2014. The couple, who got engaged in 2018, told Loose Women they spent a long time deciding whether they should "just stay as friends." Although it seems they were meant to be and the pair now share two children together. Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley Emmerdale favourites Zoe and Jeff, who play Rhonda Goskirk and Cain Dingle met at drama college in 1994 and have been together ever since. While working together might be too much for some couples, that's definitely not the case for Zoe and Jeff. Zoe previously told The Sun: "Working on the same show as Jeff also helps because if one of us is having a bad day then the other will completely understand." Lesley Dunlop and Chris Chittell Lesley and Chris are another Dales romantic success story. Unlike some of the other soap stars, the pair who play Brenda Walker and Eric Pollard, are together on and off screen, officially tying the knot in 2016. They also adore working together, but have clear home-work boundaries. "We make a point of not talking about Emmerdale when we're at home, though – that would be just too sad, wouldn't it?" Chris revealed. Sally Carman and Joe Duttine Abi Franklin and Tim Metcalfe actors Sally and Joe got together after meeting on the set of Coronation Street in 2017 and they tied the knot in July 2022. But unlike some of the Emmerdale stars, Sally and Joe prefer that their characters don't interact much. Sally previously admitted it "would be horrendous" to work on a storyline with Joe because "he's too funny." Anthony Cotton and Peter Eccleston Sean Tully may have been unlucky in love on the cobbles, but in real life Antony's met his Prince Charming. The soap star started dating long-term partner Peter in 2005, after they met when he was working as an assistant props buyer on Corrie. Jane Danson and Robert Beck Corrie favourite Jane Danson tied the knot with soap star Robert Beck in 2005. The actress, who plays Leanne Battersby, shares two children, Harry and Sam, with the former Brookside star. During their marriage, Robert has also done a stint in Weatherfield playing criminal Jimmy Dockerson. Caroline Harding and Chris Gascoyne Chris, who played pub landlord Peter Barlow, married soap star Caroline in 2002. Although she is best known as an Emmerdale star, Caroline did visit her husband at work when she did a two-episode stint as doctor on the Manchester soap in 2020. The couple share a daughter called Belle, plus two children, Pip and Freddie from Caroline's previous marriage. Nadine Mulkerrin and Rory Douglas Speed Nadine Mulkerrin, and Rory Doulas Speed are known for their Hollyoaks alter egos Cleo McQueen and Joel Dexter. The loved-up pair got engaged on a December 2018 trip to Amsterdam - just over a year after they announced they were dating. They now share two kids, Reggie and Dougie. Sophie Austin and Shayne Ward Former Hollyoaks star Sophie, whose best known for playing villain Lindsay Butterfield, was introduced to singer and ex-Corrie star Shayne through mutual friends. She gave birth to their daughter Willow in December 2016 and they welcomed a son in 2022. Jemma's character Rayne was murdered in a high-profile storyline in 2023 with Owen's character Romeo being revealed as her killer shortly before his own exit.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley reunites with soap legend sparking hopes of a comeback
EMMERDALE star Lisa Riley reunited with a soap legend - sparking hopes of a comeback. Lisa, 48, originally played Mandy Dingle from 1995 to 2000 before returning from 2019 onwards. 4 4 4 Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a snap with former Emmerdale co-star Adele Silva. Adele, 44, portrayed the feisty Kelly Silva on and off from 1993 to 2011. Lisa captioned the photo: "After work at @emmerdale today I had the most wonderful afternoon with this beauty @silvaliningx . "Thanks so much for such a lovely day-friends for life. Gorgeous late lunch at @sancarlorestaurants #leeds 'Flying Pizza' lots and lots and lots to chat about- still smiling." One of Lisa's followers commented: "Such a natural beauty she is too bring Kelly back really miss all the oldies." Another added: "Awe wow, would love to see you both on Emmerdale. Hope Adele comes back - causes some trouble for Jimmy. "I think we need to marry her with a Dingle - Kelly Dingle sounds much better." A third wrote: "Kelly was my absolute favourite back in the day. She looks just the same. She has no business not aging." While a fourth simply remarked: "Bring back our Kelly." Mandy Dingle shouts out for Vinny as she's about to get married Kelly arrived alongside dad Vic (Alun Lewis), adoptive mother Viv (Deena Payne) and stepbrother Scott (Ben Freeman). During her time in the village, Kelly had a relationship with Jimmy King (Nick Miles), which originally began as a fling. Her other notable storylines include sleeping with her stepbrother Scott and an affair with her teacher, Tom Bainbridge (Jeremy Turner-Welch). She left in 2011 alongside her and Jimmy's son Elliot - although the latter returned to the soap in 2016. Aside from Emmerdale, Adele has also appeared in programmes such as Hollyoaks, EastEnders and The Bill. Adele co-created and teaches drama workshops for children with Youth Screen Collective. The star also works in casting and has taught at the National Film and Television School. Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX. 4
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders legend returning after 27 years – but co-star won't be with her
AN EASTENDERS legend is making a shock return after 27 years - but her co-star won't be with her. The BBC soap has announced a huge comeback for a star last seen in the cobbles in 1998. 5 5 5 Actress Karen Henthorn is reprising her role as Nigel's wife Julie Bates this summer - 27 years after she was last seen in Albert Square. Nigel left Julie last year without explanation and returned to Walford, initially telling friends that they had separated. Later, Nigel admitted that he didn't want to become a burden to Julie, so he chose to disappear and deal with his dementia alone. However, Julie is set to discover the truth when she arrives in Albert Square later this summer. Karen last appeared in the show in 1998 when Julie and Nigel moved to Scotland to start a new life together and was briefly heard last year in a phone call. Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: 'We are delighted to have Karen Henthorn returning to reprise her role as Julie, who arrives looking for Nigel. 'Julie hasn't seen Nigel in almost two years and is unaware of his diagnosis and reasons for leaving, so her arrival will pose questions for the pair of them.' Karen Henthorn said: 'It's very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again - it's scary how fast the time has gone! 'Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive. 'It's been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel's dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.' 5 5 However Karen will not be arriving with her on-screen step-daughter Gemma Bissix as Nigel's daughter Claire Bates. Now back in Hollyoaks as iconic villain Clare Devine, Gemma told The Sun how BBC bosses hadn't approached her for a return despite Nigel's storyline. She said: 'No, they didn't ask me. I think they did fantastic with their 40th birthday celebrations. 'They brought so many characters back from the '90s. I think that Paul Bradley is doing fantastically well with his dementia storyline. 'And you know, realistically, had that sort of that had come on the cards, that storyline would have probably been, you know, Claire Bates going and taking his money from a dementia sufferer character, which actually probably isn't something I would want to do either.'
