TV
TV
Dan Walker is set to co-present 'BBC Breakfast'.
The 'Football Focus' host, 38, is "thrilled" to be saddling up next to Louise Minchin on the red sofa three days a week - Monday to Wednesday - when he joins the early morning television news programme at the end of the month.
He said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the 'BBC Breakfast' team. I have watched the show avidly over the years and am even looking forward to setting my alarm clock and doing what I can to make it even more successful."
Dan's new gig will see him replace Bill Turnbull after he announced his decision to leave the breakfast show last September following 15 years fronting the programme.
He explained: "It is an honour to be given this opportunity and to follow in the footsteps of someone like Bill Turnbull."
However, the good-looking presenter - who has three children with his wife Sarah - isn't nervous about following in the footsteps of Bill, 60, as he has over 17 years experience in the industry and is determined to do him proud.
He added: "The man has significant shoes to fill so I hope I can do as good a job as he did waking up the nation."
Dan Walker to co-present BBC Breakfast
Dan Walker is set to co-present 'BBC Breakfast'.
The 'Football Focus' host, 38, is "thrilled" to be saddling up next to Louise Minchin on the red sofa three days a week - Monday to Wednesday - when he joins the early morning television news programme at the end of the month.
He said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the 'BBC Breakfast' team. I have watched the show avidly over the years and am even looking forward to setting my alarm clock and doing what I can to make it even more successful."
Dan's new gig will see him replace Bill Turnbull after he announced his decision to leave the breakfast show last September following 15 years fronting the programme.
He explained: "It is an honour to be given this opportunity and to follow in the footsteps of someone like Bill Turnbull."
However, the good-looking presenter - who has three children with his wife Sarah - isn't nervous about following in the footsteps of Bill, 60, as he has over 17 years experience in the industry and is determined to do him proud.
He added: "The man has significant shoes to fill so I hope I can do as good a job as he did waking up the nation."
TV
Sir David Attenborough refused to give Sir Terry Wogan a presenting job in 1965.
The late legendary broadcaster, who died at the end of last month following a short battle with cancer, wrote to the 89-year-old naturalist when he was just 26 years old asking to be considered for a vacancy at the BBC but his efforts were rejected because he didn't fit the channel's criteria.
In a series of correspondence dug up from the BBC Archive, Sir Terry - who was working for Irish Broadcaster RTE at the time - said his main reason for penning the letter was "simply ambition" and he hoped Sir David would be "receptive enough of new ideas and personalities."
However, Sir David - who was controller of BBC Two at the time - shot down the application because the channel already had an announcer - Denis Tuohy - from Dublin.
He replied: "I'm afraid that at the moment we do not have any vacancies for anyone with your particular talents and experience - and as one of our chief announcers on BBC2 is also from Dublin. We would feel, other things being equal, we should look for someone from a different part of the country if we were to make an additional appointment."
However, despite the knock back, Sir Terry - who passed away on January 31, 2016 aged 77 - made his big break on the channel one year later when he was offered a job on the BBC Light Programme in 1966, fronting 'Midday Spin'.
When Sir David was asked about the exchange, he told the Radio Times magazine he had no recollection of the letter and had met Sir Terry on numerous occasions afterwards but he had never mentioned the shocking rejection.
He told the publication: "Good Lord, he wrote to me asking for work? I don't remember this at all."
But, despite his disbelief, Sir David, still stands by his decision.
He explained: "I think it was a perfectly reasonable answer. To have had two Irishmen presenting on BBC Two would have looked ridiculous. This is no comment whatsoever on Terry Wogan's talents."
Sir David Attenborough turned down Sir Terry Wogan for a job
Sir David Attenborough refused to give Sir Terry Wogan a presenting job in 1965.
The late legendary broadcaster, who died at the end of last month following a short battle with cancer, wrote to the 89-year-old naturalist when he was just 26 years old asking to be considered for a vacancy at the BBC but his efforts were rejected because he didn't fit the channel's criteria.
In a series of correspondence dug up from the BBC Archive, Sir Terry - who was working for Irish Broadcaster RTE at the time - said his main reason for penning the letter was "simply ambition" and he hoped Sir David would be "receptive enough of new ideas and personalities."
However, Sir David - who was controller of BBC Two at the time - shot down the application because the channel already had an announcer - Denis Tuohy - from Dublin.
He replied: "I'm afraid that at the moment we do not have any vacancies for anyone with your particular talents and experience - and as one of our chief announcers on BBC2 is also from Dublin. We would feel, other things being equal, we should look for someone from a different part of the country if we were to make an additional appointment."
However, despite the knock back, Sir Terry - who passed away on January 31, 2016 aged 77 - made his big break on the channel one year later when he was offered a job on the BBC Light Programme in 1966, fronting 'Midday Spin'.
When Sir David was asked about the exchange, he told the Radio Times magazine he had no recollection of the letter and had met Sir Terry on numerous occasions afterwards but he had never mentioned the shocking rejection.
He told the publication: "Good Lord, he wrote to me asking for work? I don't remember this at all."
But, despite his disbelief, Sir David, still stands by his decision.
He explained: "I think it was a perfectly reasonable answer. To have had two Irishmen presenting on BBC Two would have looked ridiculous. This is no comment whatsoever on Terry Wogan's talents."
TV
EastEnders' Ben Mitchell will be hit with a bombshell this week as his girlfriend Abi Branning reveals she's pregnant.
The confused mechanic - played by Harry Reid - was planning to break the news to his smitten lover (Lorna Fitzgerald) that he's actually in love with handsome hairdresser Paul Coker (Jonny Labey) and has been having an affair with him while she's been on a skiing holiday.
But the wannabe bad boy's feelings will be dealt a blow when the bossy babe makes a shocking revelation upon her return.
Harry explained: "Ben was so nearly there! He was finally about to step up and have his moment with Paul, so it's a massive shock when Abi tells him she's pregnant."
However, although Ben thinks having a little one with Abi could help prove to his drunken father Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that he's a proper man, the handyman is convinced he can still keep Paul as his dirty little secret.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, Harry said: "Ben later realises that the baby is a chance for him to be the man he's always aspired to be. Ben reckons he can play happy families and continue to keep Paul in the background - he's got to have his side dish, hasn't he?
"Ben is greedy and selfish and mixed-up and he hasn't yet learned how to control his temptations."
EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell hit with baby bombshell
EastEnders' Ben Mitchell will be hit with a bombshell this week as his girlfriend Abi Branning reveals she's pregnant.
The confused mechanic - played by Harry Reid - was planning to break the news to his smitten lover (Lorna Fitzgerald) that he's actually in love with handsome hairdresser Paul Coker (Jonny Labey) and has been having an affair with him while she's been on a skiing holiday.
But the wannabe bad boy's feelings will be dealt a blow when the bossy babe makes a shocking revelation upon her return.
Harry explained: "Ben was so nearly there! He was finally about to step up and have his moment with Paul, so it's a massive shock when Abi tells him she's pregnant."
However, although Ben thinks having a little one with Abi could help prove to his drunken father Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that he's a proper man, the handyman is convinced he can still keep Paul as his dirty little secret.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, Harry said: "Ben later realises that the baby is a chance for him to be the man he's always aspired to be. Ben reckons he can play happy families and continue to keep Paul in the background - he's got to have his side dish, hasn't he?
"Ben is greedy and selfish and mixed-up and he hasn't yet learned how to control his temptations."
TV
'Coronation Street's Carla Connor is set to be driven out of Weatherfield by Tracy Barlow's vicious blackmail plot.
The lingerie factory boss - portrayed by Alison King - will come to blows with the toxic florist (Kate Ford) at a wedding fair next week after Tracy discovers her archenemy, who is engaged to be married, had a one-night stand with her boyfriend Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill).
Alison said: "Tracy has Carla over a barrel. She'd like nothing better than to get rid of Carla, to ruin her and take away everything she has that Tracy has always been jealous of."
In a twisted plot to gain control of the wine-loving businesswoman, Tracy comes up with a conning plan to bribe Carla into selling her fiancé Nick Tilsley's (Ben Price) restaurant to her.
The 42-year-old actress explained to Inside Soap: "Tracy wants Carla to convince Nick to sell the Bistro to her and Robert, then get out of their lives. She really relishes the chance to use Carla's secret against her. I don't know how long Carla will be able to cope with it. She knows Tracy would have no qualms about ruining everything for her."
Meanwhile, the emotional scenes, set to air at the beginning of next week, will no doubt lead to the permanent departure of Carla after Alison revealed last month that she's bowing out of the long-running ITV soap for good.
The talented actress - who has portrayed Carla for 10 years - said recently: "I am actually leaving. It's been put out there that I'm taking a sabbatical, but I'm not."
Coronation Street’s Carla Connor hit with twisted blackmail plot
'Coronation Street's Carla Connor is set to be driven out of Weatherfield by Tracy Barlow's vicious blackmail plot.
The lingerie factory boss - portrayed by Alison King - will come to blows with the toxic florist (Kate Ford) at a wedding fair next week after Tracy discovers her archenemy, who is engaged to be married, had a one-night stand with her boyfriend Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill).
Alison said: "Tracy has Carla over a barrel. She'd like nothing better than to get rid of Carla, to ruin her and take away everything she has that Tracy has always been jealous of."
In a twisted plot to gain control of the wine-loving businesswoman, Tracy comes up with a conning plan to bribe Carla into selling her fiancé Nick Tilsley's (Ben Price) restaurant to her.
The 42-year-old actress explained to Inside Soap: "Tracy wants Carla to convince Nick to sell the Bistro to her and Robert, then get out of their lives. She really relishes the chance to use Carla's secret against her. I don't know how long Carla will be able to cope with it. She knows Tracy would have no qualms about ruining everything for her."
Meanwhile, the emotional scenes, set to air at the beginning of next week, will no doubt lead to the permanent departure of Carla after Alison revealed last month that she's bowing out of the long-running ITV soap for good.
The talented actress - who has portrayed Carla for 10 years - said recently: "I am actually leaving. It's been put out there that I'm taking a sabbatical, but I'm not."
TV
Christopher Biggins is planning to quit pantomime next year.
The 67-year-old actor kick-started his budding career on stage in 1965 - playing Rat in 'Dick Whittington' at Wiltshire's Salisbury Playhouse - but he has revealed his final curtain call will come in 2017 following four decades in the industry.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Last year was so exhausting. I'm going to have a sabbatical this year, then I'm going to go back and finish the year after. That's going to be my last one."
The funnyman, known for his contagious laughter and catchphrase "naughty naughty", has been dedicated to writing, acting and directing theatre performances for many years - having only missed one Christmas panto because of his gig on 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' in 2007, which ultimately led to him being crowned King of the Jungle.
But despite his plans to hang up his extravagant costumes next year, Christopher is adamant he won't be retiring from the glamorous world of showbiz for good as he's set to appear on numerous TV panel shows in the coming years.
Meanwhile, life on stage isn't the only thing Christopher is planning to give up as he recently admitted he's been told to ditch the booze after learning he had suffered liver damage.
He said recently: "I was drinking two bottles of wine four or five nights a week. That's easy when you're out and there are trays of red and white.
"But the doctor turned to me and said do you want to die in your own bed in old age, or do you want to die in a hospital bed dribbling a whole lot sooner?"
Christopher Biggins to quit pantomime
Christopher Biggins is planning to quit pantomime next year.
The 67-year-old actor kick-started his budding career on stage in 1965 - playing Rat in 'Dick Whittington' at Wiltshire's Salisbury Playhouse - but he has revealed his final curtain call will come in 2017 following four decades in the industry.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Last year was so exhausting. I'm going to have a sabbatical this year, then I'm going to go back and finish the year after. That's going to be my last one."
The funnyman, known for his contagious laughter and catchphrase "naughty naughty", has been dedicated to writing, acting and directing theatre performances for many years - having only missed one Christmas panto because of his gig on 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' in 2007, which ultimately led to him being crowned King of the Jungle.
But despite his plans to hang up his extravagant costumes next year, Christopher is adamant he won't be retiring from the glamorous world of showbiz for good as he's set to appear on numerous TV panel shows in the coming years.
Meanwhile, life on stage isn't the only thing Christopher is planning to give up as he recently admitted he's been told to ditch the booze after learning he had suffered liver damage.
He said recently: "I was drinking two bottles of wine four or five nights a week. That's easy when you're out and there are trays of red and white.
"But the doctor turned to me and said do you want to die in your own bed in old age, or do you want to die in a hospital bed dribbling a whole lot sooner?"
TV
'Gogglebox's George Gilbey is set to become a father.
The reality TV star - who won over the hearts of the nation when he appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2014 - has revealed he and his girlfriend Gemma, who have been dating for nine months, are expecting a little girl in June.
He said of his news: "I'm ecstatic. I am so, so excited. It was amazing when we found out we were having a girl."
The 31-year-old hunk met Gemma, a school deputy head, at Ascot last year and struck up a romance with her almost immediately after realising she was different from the other girls he'd dated following his stint on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
He explained to heat magazine: "I've met a lot of superficial girls who were all over me when I came out of the house. It was terrible, But Gemma was genuine. After we'd been seeing each other for a week, she said, 'It's nice going out and all that, but can't we just stay in together?'
"That's when I knew it was proper, because she wasn't just interested in being seen with me."
Meanwhile, George was forced to turn his back on 'Gogglebox' - a show which films British families watching television - in 2014 after he entered the infamous abode because his stint was deemed a rule breaker by bosses.
However, almost two years after he walked away from the camera, the electrician is set to open the doors to his family home once again as him, his mother Linda and her husband Pete - who became an instant hit when they joined the show in 2013 - will return for the new series.
Gogglebox’s George Gilbey to become a dad
'Gogglebox's George Gilbey is set to become a father.
The reality TV star - who won over the hearts of the nation when he appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2014 - has revealed he and his girlfriend Gemma, who have been dating for nine months, are expecting a little girl in June.
He said of his news: "I'm ecstatic. I am so, so excited. It was amazing when we found out we were having a girl."
The 31-year-old hunk met Gemma, a school deputy head, at Ascot last year and struck up a romance with her almost immediately after realising she was different from the other girls he'd dated following his stint on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
He explained to heat magazine: "I've met a lot of superficial girls who were all over me when I came out of the house. It was terrible, But Gemma was genuine. After we'd been seeing each other for a week, she said, 'It's nice going out and all that, but can't we just stay in together?'
"That's when I knew it was proper, because she wasn't just interested in being seen with me."
Meanwhile, George was forced to turn his back on 'Gogglebox' - a show which films British families watching television - in 2014 after he entered the infamous abode because his stint was deemed a rule breaker by bosses.
However, almost two years after he walked away from the camera, the electrician is set to open the doors to his family home once again as him, his mother Linda and her husband Pete - who became an instant hit when they joined the show in 2013 - will return for the new series.
TV
Jake Wood is "honoured" to be named the UK's top Weird Crush for the second year in a row.
The 'EastEnders' star has been handed the award in heat magazine's annual poll, ahead of the likes of Ed Sheeran and Greg Davies.
Jake said: "I must be the weirdest crush in the history of weird crushes. I'm quite honoured. Last year I was delighted, and this year I'm even more bowled over. Lost for words.
"I must be slightly weirder then Ed [Sheeran] and that's a great honour to me. I'm obviously the hottest weirdest ginger."
When the 43-year-old actor - who is currently taking a hiatus from the BBC One soap - triumphed in the poll last year, he admitted it was the "award [he] wanted to win more than any other".
He shared at the time: "I'm absolutely honoured. It's the award I wanted to win more than any other. I'm so happy I won.
"Thank you to the people that voted for me. I'm doing it for the weird crushes all over the world. Ginger, tall, freaky looking guys with a sexy glint in their eyes, that's me."
Jake Wood named UK’s Weirdest Crush for second time
Jake Wood is "honoured" to be named the UK's top Weird Crush for the second year in a row.
The 'EastEnders' star has been handed the award in heat magazine's annual poll, ahead of the likes of Ed Sheeran and Greg Davies.
Jake said: "I must be the weirdest crush in the history of weird crushes. I'm quite honoured. Last year I was delighted, and this year I'm even more bowled over. Lost for words.
"I must be slightly weirder then Ed [Sheeran] and that's a great honour to me. I'm obviously the hottest weirdest ginger."
When the 43-year-old actor - who is currently taking a hiatus from the BBC One soap - triumphed in the poll last year, he admitted it was the "award [he] wanted to win more than any other".
He shared at the time: "I'm absolutely honoured. It's the award I wanted to win more than any other. I'm so happy I won.
"Thank you to the people that voted for me. I'm doing it for the weird crushes all over the world. Ginger, tall, freaky looking guys with a sexy glint in their eyes, that's me."
TV
Ollie Locke is set to spend the next three weeks in South America shooting a new "top secret" TV show.
The 27-year-old hunk may have just wrapped up his hosting gig on his new straight-talking programme 'Love Fix' and is gearing up to film the next series of 'Made in Chelsea' but he certainly shows no signs of slowing down as he's just jetted across the pond on a mystery project.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, he said: "I'm leaving tomorrow to film abroad for the next three weeks. I'm filming on the other side of the world. I honestly can't tell you but you'll find out very soon. It's an English show but it's very very exciting. But I can't say anything at the moment. I'll be quite remote. It's me on my own but I'm meeting people out there. It's amazing. I'm not allowed to use my phone for two weeks. I'm going to South America."
And, despite being lined up for a number of different style shows, the reality TV star is adamant he'll never turn his back on 'Made in Chelsea' permanently.
Ollie, who left the show in 2013 and returned last year, explained: "That was my deal when I went back to 'MiC' that I have other things so we all just have to work with each other. And the producers are actually really good and they're helping me. I'm incredible to have it.
"'MiC' is my home, it's where I started and when I'm not doing it then I miss it. I felt a part of me wasn't there. It's very difficult when you leave; it's like a horrible break up."
'Love Fix' will air on ITV2 at 10pm on February 14.
Ollie Locke to film top secret show in South America
Ollie Locke is set to spend the next three weeks in South America shooting a new "top secret" TV show.
The 27-year-old hunk may have just wrapped up his hosting gig on his new straight-talking programme 'Love Fix' and is gearing up to film the next series of 'Made in Chelsea' but he certainly shows no signs of slowing down as he's just jetted across the pond on a mystery project.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, he said: "I'm leaving tomorrow to film abroad for the next three weeks. I'm filming on the other side of the world. I honestly can't tell you but you'll find out very soon. It's an English show but it's very very exciting. But I can't say anything at the moment. I'll be quite remote. It's me on my own but I'm meeting people out there. It's amazing. I'm not allowed to use my phone for two weeks. I'm going to South America."
And, despite being lined up for a number of different style shows, the reality TV star is adamant he'll never turn his back on 'Made in Chelsea' permanently.
Ollie, who left the show in 2013 and returned last year, explained: "That was my deal when I went back to 'MiC' that I have other things so we all just have to work with each other. And the producers are actually really good and they're helping me. I'm incredible to have it.
"'MiC' is my home, it's where I started and when I'm not doing it then I miss it. I felt a part of me wasn't there. It's very difficult when you leave; it's like a horrible break up."
'Love Fix' will air on ITV2 at 10pm on February 14.
TV
Hannah Spearritt has an "amicable" relationship with her ex-boyfriend Paul Cattermole following their split last year.
The former S Club 7 singers called time on their romance in November, following just three months of dating, but, despite the heartbreaking separation, the pair have remained friends.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, the actress said: "I'm single. Me and Paul are talking. it's such a big subject and it's hard not go too much into it and say it in a nutshell. There's so much to it. we're still friends. We're amicable. Life is too short. We've known each other too long."
And, although the blonde beauty is enjoying the single life, Hannah, 34, is desperate to settle down and have children.
She explained: "I've been looking for a boyfriend for so many years... no I'm joking, I'm happy being single.
"It would be nice to have children and get married in the future but you've just got to be with the right guy."
Meanwhile, Hannah hasn't had much luck when it comes to dating as she was left heartbroken in 2006 when she split from Paul, 38, following five years together.
However, it didn't take her long to get over her former bandmate as just a year later she started romancing Andrew-Lee Potts and got engaged to him in 2007.
They split in 2013 and she moved on to fitness fanatic Adam Thomas, whom she got engaged to in 2013, but dumped him last year to rekindle her romance with Paul.
Hannah Spearritt has ‘amicable’ relationship with ex Paul Cattermole
Hannah Spearritt has an "amicable" relationship with her ex-boyfriend Paul Cattermole following their split last year.
The former S Club 7 singers called time on their romance in November, following just three months of dating, but, despite the heartbreaking separation, the pair have remained friends.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, the actress said: "I'm single. Me and Paul are talking. it's such a big subject and it's hard not go too much into it and say it in a nutshell. There's so much to it. we're still friends. We're amicable. Life is too short. We've known each other too long."
And, although the blonde beauty is enjoying the single life, Hannah, 34, is desperate to settle down and have children.
She explained: "I've been looking for a boyfriend for so many years... no I'm joking, I'm happy being single.
"It would be nice to have children and get married in the future but you've just got to be with the right guy."
Meanwhile, Hannah hasn't had much luck when it comes to dating as she was left heartbroken in 2006 when she split from Paul, 38, following five years together.
However, it didn't take her long to get over her former bandmate as just a year later she started romancing Andrew-Lee Potts and got engaged to him in 2007.
They split in 2013 and she moved on to fitness fanatic Adam Thomas, whom she got engaged to in 2013, but dumped him last year to rekindle her romance with Paul.