TV
TV
'Benefits Street' has been axed.
Plans to film a second series of the Channel 4 reality show in Birmingham have been ditched because the cast, including notorious benefits scrounger White Dee, have allegedly demanded five-figure salaries.
Producers are reportedly holding crisis meetings with some of the key residents of James Turner Street, many of whom are unemployed and living off welfare, in the hope of brining them back.
Dee, 42, whose real name is Deirdre Kelly, told the Daily Star newspaper: "Producers had meetings with certain residents in the hope of coming back. But, because of how we felt - we were misled in series one - they didn't get anywhere.
"The series has had a major effect. The community spirit has completely gone. People have moved away and it has caused arguments."
The series was a ratings hit for Channel 4, but the show has come under fire from viewers at a time when benefits continue to be cut across the country.
Dee's agent, Barry Tomes, added: "She is not budging and is relieved they have knocked it on the head."
However, TV bosses have claimed they never had any plans to film any more 'Benefits Street' episodes.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: "There are no plans to film a second series of 'Benefits Street'."
Benefits Street cancelled by Channel 4
'Benefits Street' has been axed.
Plans to film a second series of the Channel 4 reality show in Birmingham have been ditched because the cast, including notorious benefits scrounger White Dee, have allegedly demanded five-figure salaries.
Producers are reportedly holding crisis meetings with some of the key residents of James Turner Street, many of whom are unemployed and living off welfare, in the hope of brining them back.
Dee, 42, whose real name is Deirdre Kelly, told the Daily Star newspaper: "Producers had meetings with certain residents in the hope of coming back. But, because of how we felt - we were misled in series one - they didn't get anywhere.
"The series has had a major effect. The community spirit has completely gone. People have moved away and it has caused arguments."
The series was a ratings hit for Channel 4, but the show has come under fire from viewers at a time when benefits continue to be cut across the country.
Dee's agent, Barry Tomes, added: "She is not budging and is relieved they have knocked it on the head."
However, TV bosses have claimed they never had any plans to film any more 'Benefits Street' episodes.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: "There are no plans to film a second series of 'Benefits Street'."
TV
Justin Moorhouse will play a rival pub landlord in 'Coronation Street'.
The comedian-and-actor has been cast as Dean Upton, the owner of the Flying Horse pub, for a short stint to air in August.
Dean will take on fellow pub landlord Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), who runs the cobbles' famous boozer, the Rovers Return, in a game of cricket.
Justin said: "I'm delighted to be treading the cobbles. It's always been a dream of mine to appear in the Rovers Return, even though as Dean, landlord of the Flying Horse, I feel like I'm a spy."
The comic is known for his roles in 'Phoenix Nights' and 'Looking for Eric'.
He will film his scenes for 'Corrie' prior to performing a stand-up comedy show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Meanwhile, there are unhappy times ahead for soap favourite Steve next week as he takes account of his life ahead of his 40th birthday.
While his mum Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and girlfriend Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) are eager to celebrate the landmark birthday, Steve is less joyful.
A source told Inside Soap magazine: "The prospect of turning 40 can be scary for anyone, but Steve takes it particularly badly. It's at times like this that people step back to assess their lives and look at what they've achieved - and poor Steve reckons he doesn't have much to show for his life."
Justin Moorhouse joins Corrie as rival pub owner
Justin Moorhouse will play a rival pub landlord in 'Coronation Street'.
The comedian-and-actor has been cast as Dean Upton, the owner of the Flying Horse pub, for a short stint to air in August.
Dean will take on fellow pub landlord Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), who runs the cobbles' famous boozer, the Rovers Return, in a game of cricket.
Justin said: "I'm delighted to be treading the cobbles. It's always been a dream of mine to appear in the Rovers Return, even though as Dean, landlord of the Flying Horse, I feel like I'm a spy."
The comic is known for his roles in 'Phoenix Nights' and 'Looking for Eric'.
He will film his scenes for 'Corrie' prior to performing a stand-up comedy show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Meanwhile, there are unhappy times ahead for soap favourite Steve next week as he takes account of his life ahead of his 40th birthday.
While his mum Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and girlfriend Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) are eager to celebrate the landmark birthday, Steve is less joyful.
A source told Inside Soap magazine: "The prospect of turning 40 can be scary for anyone, but Steve takes it particularly badly. It's at times like this that people step back to assess their lives and look at what they've achieved - and poor Steve reckons he doesn't have much to show for his life."
TV
Maggie Gyllenhaal feels like a "fully fledged Brit" after perfecting an English accent.
The Hollywood actress takes a lead role in BBC Two's new political thriller, 'The Honourable Woman', and thinks her Anglo accent is good enough to be considered an honourary Briton.
She told the Daily Star newspaper: "I've worked on two plays and two movies with an English accent so I knew I was competent. It wasn't like I was learning from scratch, but this was the first time I've ever felt like it was really in my bones. I love talking with an English accent, I now feel like a fully fledged Anglophile."
In the new political drama, Maggie - best known for her roles in blockbuster movies such as 'The Dark Knight' and 'White House Down' - plays activist Nessa Stein, who unwittingly finds herself mixed up in a secret conspiracy.
Speaking about her TV alter-ego, the 36-year-old star added: "[She's] a powerful, smart, grown-up woman who is also deeply flawed. She is hard and sensual, brave and childlike, all at once."
The eight-part series begins on BBC Two next month.
Maggie Gyllenhaal feels like ‘fully fledged Brit’
Maggie Gyllenhaal feels like a "fully fledged Brit" after perfecting an English accent.
The Hollywood actress takes a lead role in BBC Two's new political thriller, 'The Honourable Woman', and thinks her Anglo accent is good enough to be considered an honourary Briton.
She told the Daily Star newspaper: "I've worked on two plays and two movies with an English accent so I knew I was competent. It wasn't like I was learning from scratch, but this was the first time I've ever felt like it was really in my bones. I love talking with an English accent, I now feel like a fully fledged Anglophile."
In the new political drama, Maggie - best known for her roles in blockbuster movies such as 'The Dark Knight' and 'White House Down' - plays activist Nessa Stein, who unwittingly finds herself mixed up in a secret conspiracy.
Speaking about her TV alter-ego, the 36-year-old star added: "[She's] a powerful, smart, grown-up woman who is also deeply flawed. She is hard and sensual, brave and childlike, all at once."
The eight-part series begins on BBC Two next month.
TV
Joey Essex thought he was going to die in Brazil.
The 'Educating Joey Essex: Football Fever' star was terrified when he was left walking the streets of a favela in just a pair of tiny shorts and was convinced he would be singled out because of his attire.
He said: "I didn't have my hairdryer with me. I didn't have no clothes, nothing.
"They took me to the beach before they took me to the favela so I was in a tiny pair of shorts and I was like 'Thanks, cheers for telling me to pack my overnight bag', and they thought it was funny.
"Everyone in the favela wears trousers. You can see why I was scared.
"It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be -- at some points, I thought I was going to die."
Joey, 23, was so afraid of the notorious Rocinha favela, he refused to stay overnight as planned.
He said: "I didn't stay in the favela, I got scared. I don't know if it's in the show but I ran out of the home in the favela."
The former 'Only Way Is Essex' star was particularly horrified after he discovered his Rio security team wouldn't accompany him into the slums as they thought it too dangerous.
He told The Sun newspaper: "When we went to the favela, no police or security are allowed near because if they go in the people round there pull out guns and shoot them straight away. But I wasn't going to back out.
"The man I was with said 'The people who have got guns have got really moody faces. He said 'Just don't look at them'."
Joey Essex feared for his life
Joey Essex thought he was going to die in Brazil.
The 'Educating Joey Essex: Football Fever' star was terrified when he was left walking the streets of a favela in just a pair of tiny shorts and was convinced he would be singled out because of his attire.
He said: "I didn't have my hairdryer with me. I didn't have no clothes, nothing.
"They took me to the beach before they took me to the favela so I was in a tiny pair of shorts and I was like 'Thanks, cheers for telling me to pack my overnight bag', and they thought it was funny.
"Everyone in the favela wears trousers. You can see why I was scared.
"It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be -- at some points, I thought I was going to die."
Joey, 23, was so afraid of the notorious Rocinha favela, he refused to stay overnight as planned.
He said: "I didn't stay in the favela, I got scared. I don't know if it's in the show but I ran out of the home in the favela."
The former 'Only Way Is Essex' star was particularly horrified after he discovered his Rio security team wouldn't accompany him into the slums as they thought it too dangerous.
He told The Sun newspaper: "When we went to the favela, no police or security are allowed near because if they go in the people round there pull out guns and shoot them straight away. But I wasn't going to back out.
"The man I was with said 'The people who have got guns have got really moody faces. He said 'Just don't look at them'."
TV
Danniella Westbrook wants to get married in Liverpool.
The former 'EastEnders' actress, who is engaged to 24-year-old Tom Richards, wants to tie the knot with her beau in the English city after nixing plans to marry abroad.
She said: "I said I wanted to get married abroad, but now I want to get married in Liverpool. It's England's best kept secret!"
Danniella - who recently experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage - admits she isn't interested in an engagement ring from Tom and would rather he splash out on a nice holiday for her and her kids from previous relationships, Kai, 17, and Jodi, 12, whom she had with ex-husband Kevin Jenkins.
She said: "I didn't want a ring. We talked about it and he asked, 'Would you get married again?' and I said, 'Yeah, but don't do the ring thing.' I'd rather go on holiday.
"We were in Spain and he threw me in a freezing swimming pool and then when we came up from under the water, he said, 'Will you marry me?' "
The 40-year-old star has battled cocaine addiction and bipolar disorder in the past, so she insists her family are less shocked about the 16-year age gap between her and Tom.
Daniella told Britain's OK! magazine: "After the things I've put my mum through, an age difference is the last thing that would shock her! And if it's good enough for [former on-screen mum] Barbara Windsor, it's good enough for me!"
Danniella Westbrook wants Liverpool wedding
Danniella Westbrook wants to get married in Liverpool.
The former 'EastEnders' actress, who is engaged to 24-year-old Tom Richards, wants to tie the knot with her beau in the English city after nixing plans to marry abroad.
She said: "I said I wanted to get married abroad, but now I want to get married in Liverpool. It's England's best kept secret!"
Danniella - who recently experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage - admits she isn't interested in an engagement ring from Tom and would rather he splash out on a nice holiday for her and her kids from previous relationships, Kai, 17, and Jodi, 12, whom she had with ex-husband Kevin Jenkins.
She said: "I didn't want a ring. We talked about it and he asked, 'Would you get married again?' and I said, 'Yeah, but don't do the ring thing.' I'd rather go on holiday.
"We were in Spain and he threw me in a freezing swimming pool and then when we came up from under the water, he said, 'Will you marry me?' "
The 40-year-old star has battled cocaine addiction and bipolar disorder in the past, so she insists her family are less shocked about the 16-year age gap between her and Tom.
Daniella told Britain's OK! magazine: "After the things I've put my mum through, an age difference is the last thing that would shock her! And if it's good enough for [former on-screen mum] Barbara Windsor, it's good enough for me!"
TV
Katie Price thinks Mel B's brutal honesty will be "refreshing" on 'The X Factor'.
The glamour model is delighted her good friend will be joining the ITV singing competition's panel this autumn and thinks the straight-talking Spice Girl is going to be the most honest judge to date.
She said: "I like Mel because she says it exactly how it is. There's no beating around the bush or massaging egos. If Mel thinks you're rubbish, she'll tell you. It will be refreshing to hear her comments.
"Personally, I don't think she'll be all about the outfit or style wars like some judges. She'll be more passionate about the talent and concentrating on the contestants."
Katie, 36, who has just dumped her husband Kieran Hayler after discovering he had cheated on her with her best pal Jane Pountney, has no doubt Mel's Scary Spice '90s alter-ego will make a comeback when she's put in the ultra competitive environment.
She explained in her Now magazine column: "Mel will definitely answer Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh back and not put up with any crap. She'll be all out to win it, that's for sure.
"Mel's done brilliantly cutting her teeth on the 'X Factor' Australia and 'America's Got Talent' - so now they're sharpened, she'll be scary with her views."
Katie Price: Mel B will refresh The X Factor
Katie Price thinks Mel B's brutal honesty will be "refreshing" on 'The X Factor'.
The glamour model is delighted her good friend will be joining the ITV singing competition's panel this autumn and thinks the straight-talking Spice Girl is going to be the most honest judge to date.
She said: "I like Mel because she says it exactly how it is. There's no beating around the bush or massaging egos. If Mel thinks you're rubbish, she'll tell you. It will be refreshing to hear her comments.
"Personally, I don't think she'll be all about the outfit or style wars like some judges. She'll be more passionate about the talent and concentrating on the contestants."
Katie, 36, who has just dumped her husband Kieran Hayler after discovering he had cheated on her with her best pal Jane Pountney, has no doubt Mel's Scary Spice '90s alter-ego will make a comeback when she's put in the ultra competitive environment.
She explained in her Now magazine column: "Mel will definitely answer Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh back and not put up with any crap. She'll be all out to win it, that's for sure.
"Mel's done brilliantly cutting her teeth on the 'X Factor' Australia and 'America's Got Talent' - so now they're sharpened, she'll be scary with her views."
TV
Ade Edmondson, Alan Rickman and Dawn French were among the celebrities who mourned Rik Mayall at a private funeral today (19.06.14).
Friends and family of the late 'Young Ones' star - who tragically died at the age of 56 on June 9 - gathered at St George's Church in Dittisham, Devon, to pay their respects to the comedian.
Ade, Rik's comedy partner and 'Bottom' co-star, was joined at the funeral by his wife Jennifer Saunders, as well as a host of other names including Ben Elton, Nigel Planer and Ruby Wax.
Rik's coffin, which was adorned in red roses, was carried into the rural church by many of his friends, including Ade.
Speaking before the funeral, comedienne Dawn told the Independent newspaper: "He was honestly one of the funniest people ever. A breathtakingly funny and beautiful guy - [it's] a real tragic loss."
Rik - who shot to fame in 'The Young Ones' and 'Bottom' - died following an "acute cardiac event" at his home in Barnes, south-west London, following his morning run.
A post-mortem conducted last week proved inconclusive and his official cause of death is yet to be determined.
The star's widow Barbara Robbins thanked fans for their "swell of love" in the days following Rik's tragic death earlier this week.
She said: "Knowing the swell of love you all share with us we would like to let you, the fans, know that we will be having a private family funeral for Rik, as I am sure you will understand.
"We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday, June 19, if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time.
"Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength."
Stars mourn Rik Mayall at funeral
Ade Edmondson, Alan Rickman and Dawn French were among the celebrities who mourned Rik Mayall at a private funeral today (19.06.14).
Friends and family of the late 'Young Ones' star - who tragically died at the age of 56 on June 9 - gathered at St George's Church in Dittisham, Devon, to pay their respects to the comedian.
Ade, Rik's comedy partner and 'Bottom' co-star, was joined at the funeral by his wife Jennifer Saunders, as well as a host of other names including Ben Elton, Nigel Planer and Ruby Wax.
Rik's coffin, which was adorned in red roses, was carried into the rural church by many of his friends, including Ade.
Speaking before the funeral, comedienne Dawn told the Independent newspaper: "He was honestly one of the funniest people ever. A breathtakingly funny and beautiful guy - [it's] a real tragic loss."
Rik - who shot to fame in 'The Young Ones' and 'Bottom' - died following an "acute cardiac event" at his home in Barnes, south-west London, following his morning run.
A post-mortem conducted last week proved inconclusive and his official cause of death is yet to be determined.
The star's widow Barbara Robbins thanked fans for their "swell of love" in the days following Rik's tragic death earlier this week.
She said: "Knowing the swell of love you all share with us we would like to let you, the fans, know that we will be having a private family funeral for Rik, as I am sure you will understand.
"We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday, June 19, if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time.
"Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength."
TV
Ryan Thomas has a great relationship with ex-girlfriend Tina O'Brien.
The 'Coronation Street' hunk has a five-year-old daughter, Scarlett, with his former co-star and while they've long split up, the pair - who are both in new relationships - have a strong bond due to their shared parental responsibilities.
Ryan said: "I care about Tina a lot and she's the best thing in the world. I'm very happy with the set-up and everyone gets on. It's really good."
The 30-year-old star admits he felt "negative" when the couple first split, but he's learned to get along with his ex, who played Sarah-Louise Platt in 'Corrie'.
He told Britain's OK! magazine: "I appreciate the good things in life and appreciate how beautiful Scarlett is. It's not about me and my problems and my issues. I was a bit negative and now I know I've got to get on with people. I was a really young dad and now I've grown up a bit."
Ryan is now dating Bollywood star Amy Jackson, 23, while Tina is six months pregnant with her second child, with new boyfriend Adam Crofts.
The 'Corrie' star says he is willing to have Scarlett's half-sibling stay over and gets on great with Adam.
He enthused: "I said to Tina, 'When Scarlett comes over to stay, I've got two of them to look after now!'
"Course I will [look after the baby] - whatever Scarlett wants. The point is to make her happy."
Ryan Thomas: I still care about Tina O’Brien
Ryan Thomas has a great relationship with ex-girlfriend Tina O'Brien.
The 'Coronation Street' hunk has a five-year-old daughter, Scarlett, with his former co-star and while they've long split up, the pair - who are both in new relationships - have a strong bond due to their shared parental responsibilities.
Ryan said: "I care about Tina a lot and she's the best thing in the world. I'm very happy with the set-up and everyone gets on. It's really good."
The 30-year-old star admits he felt "negative" when the couple first split, but he's learned to get along with his ex, who played Sarah-Louise Platt in 'Corrie'.
He told Britain's OK! magazine: "I appreciate the good things in life and appreciate how beautiful Scarlett is. It's not about me and my problems and my issues. I was a bit negative and now I know I've got to get on with people. I was a really young dad and now I've grown up a bit."
Ryan is now dating Bollywood star Amy Jackson, 23, while Tina is six months pregnant with her second child, with new boyfriend Adam Crofts.
The 'Corrie' star says he is willing to have Scarlett's half-sibling stay over and gets on great with Adam.
He enthused: "I said to Tina, 'When Scarlett comes over to stay, I've got two of them to look after now!'
"Course I will [look after the baby] - whatever Scarlett wants. The point is to make her happy."
TV
Frank Skinner could be immortalised as a 'Doctor Who' action figure.
The comedian has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by starring in an episode of the BBC sci-fi drama recently and he reveals that he was photographed for a potential toy to accompany the eighth series, which will begin in August.
Speaking on his Absolute Radio Saturday morning show, Frank said: "This guy said, 'I need to take your photo', so I had to stand in front of this white screen in my costume, which obviously I can't describe, and I was photographed in the round - so I had to turn around a little bit, turn around a little bit.
"I said, 'What was that for?' He said, 'That was just in case you are an action figure.' I'm not saying I will be but I think that is every man's ambition to be an action figure."
The 57-year-old comic had to miss his son Buzz's birthday in order to film his scenes, but Frank more than made up for it by enlisting the new Time Lord, Peter Capaldi, to star in a personalised greeting for the youngster.
He explained: "It's of Peter Capaldi stepping out of the TARDIS holding up a sign that says, 'Happy birthday, Buzz.' I shall send him that every year for the rest of his life - not for the rest of his life, for the rest of my life."
Frank Skinner to get Doctor Who action figure?
Frank Skinner could be immortalised as a 'Doctor Who' action figure.
The comedian has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by starring in an episode of the BBC sci-fi drama recently and he reveals that he was photographed for a potential toy to accompany the eighth series, which will begin in August.
Speaking on his Absolute Radio Saturday morning show, Frank said: "This guy said, 'I need to take your photo', so I had to stand in front of this white screen in my costume, which obviously I can't describe, and I was photographed in the round - so I had to turn around a little bit, turn around a little bit.
"I said, 'What was that for?' He said, 'That was just in case you are an action figure.' I'm not saying I will be but I think that is every man's ambition to be an action figure."
The 57-year-old comic had to miss his son Buzz's birthday in order to film his scenes, but Frank more than made up for it by enlisting the new Time Lord, Peter Capaldi, to star in a personalised greeting for the youngster.
He explained: "It's of Peter Capaldi stepping out of the TARDIS holding up a sign that says, 'Happy birthday, Buzz.' I shall send him that every year for the rest of his life - not for the rest of his life, for the rest of my life."