TV
TV
Ant and Dec once tried to buy the 'Byker Grove' youth club building but had their bid rejected.
The national treasures, who won two awards for 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' at the British Academy Television Awards last night (18.05.14), first shot to fame on the BBC children's drama series filmed in Newcastle and wanted to help others wanting to get into the industry by buying the 13th Century Benwell Tower and using it to hold workshops for young people.
Ant told BANG Showbiz: "A few years ago, I don't know whether I should say this, but why not? We tried to buy the building that 'Byker Grove' was made in and turn it into a performing arts centre but we didn't get it. So it's something we've definitely looked at [helping others]."
It was reported in 2012 that the turreted Victorian building would instead become an Islamic school and it was originally put on the market for £1 million.
Dec went on to talk about how the pair, who also present 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!', still want to help children realise their dreams.
He said: "If we made it, there must be other kids in the north east who can do it too.
"We've talked about it [helping young kids] but we haven't kind of finalised any details yet. Hopefully we'll be able to facilitate other kids, like us from the same background, to hopefully get into the industry in some way. But also in Scotland and Wales. Just because they're not from London doesn't mean they can't do it."
Talking about their awards for Entertainment Programme and Entertainment Performance, which they were given at the ceremony at London's Theatre Royal, Dec added: "It's just like a dream, I go to work every day with my best mate, we're winning awards and having a great time and working on amazing shows. It doesn't really get better than this."
Ant and Dec tried to buy Byker Grove youth club
Ant and Dec once tried to buy the 'Byker Grove' youth club building but had their bid rejected.
The national treasures, who won two awards for 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway' at the British Academy Television Awards last night (18.05.14), first shot to fame on the BBC children's drama series filmed in Newcastle and wanted to help others wanting to get into the industry by buying the 13th Century Benwell Tower and using it to hold workshops for young people.
Ant told BANG Showbiz: "A few years ago, I don't know whether I should say this, but why not? We tried to buy the building that 'Byker Grove' was made in and turn it into a performing arts centre but we didn't get it. So it's something we've definitely looked at [helping others]."
It was reported in 2012 that the turreted Victorian building would instead become an Islamic school and it was originally put on the market for £1 million.
Dec went on to talk about how the pair, who also present 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!', still want to help children realise their dreams.
He said: "If we made it, there must be other kids in the north east who can do it too.
"We've talked about it [helping young kids] but we haven't kind of finalised any details yet. Hopefully we'll be able to facilitate other kids, like us from the same background, to hopefully get into the industry in some way. But also in Scotland and Wales. Just because they're not from London doesn't mean they can't do it."
Talking about their awards for Entertainment Programme and Entertainment Performance, which they were given at the ceremony at London's Theatre Royal, Dec added: "It's just like a dream, I go to work every day with my best mate, we're winning awards and having a great time and working on amazing shows. It doesn't really get better than this."
TV
Cilla Black almost cried when she received a standing ovation at the British Academy Television Awards last night (18.05.14).
The 70-year-old presenter, who was honoured with the Special Award at the ceremony at London's Theatre Royal, admitted she was overcome with emotion on stage.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I nearly went tonight [and cried], when the whole of the audience stood up. I thought, 'This is for me?' I've been doing exactly what I've wanted to do all my life. For me, to have the whole audience stand up was amazing. It's a great honour to get the BAFTA."
The star, who will be played by BAFTA-winning actress Sheridan Smith in a new drama, claims she's only ever been herself and has never tried to be someone she isn't.
Cilla said: "My life is flashing before my eyes but to have someone in your own lifetime play you ... I feel so honoured and so pleased."
Asked if she wanted Sheridan to play a sexy version of her, she replied: "I'm not sexy ... really. God knows I've tried."
Cilla, who previously said she wanted to die at 75, admits she "lied" and presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth, who she bumped into at the BAFTAs, told her he wasn't impressed by her comments.
She said: "He told me off, he said, 'I heard you wanted to die at 75', and I said, 'I lied.' I said that four years ago. I did lie, now I'm in my 71st year.
"I've lived by the book being a star, not going out when you don't want to be seen. I can't stand people who say, 'I want my privacy', then they got to Mahiki [the London club]. Stay at home why don't you?"
The star, who has sons Robert, Ben and Jack with late husband Bobby Willis, also claims becoming a mother is what she is most proud of in her life.
She said: "I always wanted six children but then Bobby didn't agree, but I have three fabulous boys and they've all really done me proud. They'll all in the business behind the scenes in television and take care of me."
Cilla Black: I almost cried at BAFTAs
Cilla Black almost cried when she received a standing ovation at the British Academy Television Awards last night (18.05.14).
The 70-year-old presenter, who was honoured with the Special Award at the ceremony at London's Theatre Royal, admitted she was overcome with emotion on stage.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I nearly went tonight [and cried], when the whole of the audience stood up. I thought, 'This is for me?' I've been doing exactly what I've wanted to do all my life. For me, to have the whole audience stand up was amazing. It's a great honour to get the BAFTA."
The star, who will be played by BAFTA-winning actress Sheridan Smith in a new drama, claims she's only ever been herself and has never tried to be someone she isn't.
Cilla said: "My life is flashing before my eyes but to have someone in your own lifetime play you ... I feel so honoured and so pleased."
Asked if she wanted Sheridan to play a sexy version of her, she replied: "I'm not sexy ... really. God knows I've tried."
Cilla, who previously said she wanted to die at 75, admits she "lied" and presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth, who she bumped into at the BAFTAs, told her he wasn't impressed by her comments.
She said: "He told me off, he said, 'I heard you wanted to die at 75', and I said, 'I lied.' I said that four years ago. I did lie, now I'm in my 71st year.
"I've lived by the book being a star, not going out when you don't want to be seen. I can't stand people who say, 'I want my privacy', then they got to Mahiki [the London club]. Stay at home why don't you?"
The star, who has sons Robert, Ben and Jack with late husband Bobby Willis, also claims becoming a mother is what she is most proud of in her life.
She said: "I always wanted six children but then Bobby didn't agree, but I have three fabulous boys and they've all really done me proud. They'll all in the business behind the scenes in television and take care of me."
TV
WWE Diva Layla wants to compete on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The sexy star - who was born and raised in London - has a professional dancing background and she would love the opportunity to return to her home country and show her skills on the ballroom TV show.
Layla - who is currently partnered with ballroom dancing Superstar Fandango - told BANG Showbiz: "I've been watching 'Strictly Come Dancing' and I have to say I definitely want to be a part of that. That's something that I'm looking to do in the near future ... I'm absolutely up for doing it, I want to come back to England and settle down at home and I'd love to do that show. I think I'd be a character on it, everyone would either love me or hate me but I'd definitely get a reaction."
The 36-year-old competitor is also confident she could step in and take over hosting duties from Tess Daly or Claudia Winkleman - who will present the main show with Tess on the next series after Sir Bruce Forsyth retired from the BBC programme.
She said: "I want to say congratulations to Abbey Clancy who won last year and not only that I have to say congrats to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, girl power! But if they ever need a replacement they better make sure they call me up. I'll come and host the show."
Before arriving in World Wrestling Entertainment as the winner of the WWE Diva Search contest in 2006 Layla danced for basketball team Miami Heat and for numerous rappers and pop stars, including Kanye West, P. Diddy and Sir Elton John and she believes that experience would serve her well on 'Strictly...'
She said: "It's great being with Fandango because I get to go back to my dancing background. I miss dancing, it's something I've always done since I was a little girl. I trained at Italia Conti ... I've danced with a lot of stars in the UK like Ms. Dynamite, Elton John and Blue as well as people like P. Diddy, Mace, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx in the US."
Layla and a host of other Superstars such as Hulk Hogan and John Cena are currently in the UK for the 'WWE Live WrestleMania Revenge' tour.
'RAW' comes to The O2 arena in London tonight (19.05.14) with 'SmackDown' following at the same venue on Tuesday evening (20.05.14).
Live shows also take place at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on Tuesday, Belfast's Odyssey Arena on Wednesday (21.05.14) and The O2 in Dublin on Thursday (22.05.14).
Information and a few remaining tickets are available at Bookingsdirect.com.
WWE Diva Layla wants to compete on Strictly Come Dancing
WWE Diva Layla wants to compete on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The sexy star - who was born and raised in London - has a professional dancing background and she would love the opportunity to return to her home country and show her skills on the ballroom TV show.
Layla - who is currently partnered with ballroom dancing Superstar Fandango - told BANG Showbiz: "I've been watching 'Strictly Come Dancing' and I have to say I definitely want to be a part of that. That's something that I'm looking to do in the near future ... I'm absolutely up for doing it, I want to come back to England and settle down at home and I'd love to do that show. I think I'd be a character on it, everyone would either love me or hate me but I'd definitely get a reaction."
The 36-year-old competitor is also confident she could step in and take over hosting duties from Tess Daly or Claudia Winkleman - who will present the main show with Tess on the next series after Sir Bruce Forsyth retired from the BBC programme.
She said: "I want to say congratulations to Abbey Clancy who won last year and not only that I have to say congrats to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, girl power! But if they ever need a replacement they better make sure they call me up. I'll come and host the show."
Before arriving in World Wrestling Entertainment as the winner of the WWE Diva Search contest in 2006 Layla danced for basketball team Miami Heat and for numerous rappers and pop stars, including Kanye West, P. Diddy and Sir Elton John and she believes that experience would serve her well on 'Strictly...'
She said: "It's great being with Fandango because I get to go back to my dancing background. I miss dancing, it's something I've always done since I was a little girl. I trained at Italia Conti ... I've danced with a lot of stars in the UK like Ms. Dynamite, Elton John and Blue as well as people like P. Diddy, Mace, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx in the US."
Layla and a host of other Superstars such as Hulk Hogan and John Cena are currently in the UK for the 'WWE Live WrestleMania Revenge' tour.
'RAW' comes to The O2 arena in London tonight (19.05.14) with 'SmackDown' following at the same venue on Tuesday evening (20.05.14).
Live shows also take place at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on Tuesday, Belfast's Odyssey Arena on Wednesday (21.05.14) and The O2 in Dublin on Thursday (22.05.14).
Information and a few remaining tickets are available at Bookingsdirect.com.
TV
'Coronation Street' star Krissi Bohn will leave the soap this summer.
The 31-year-old actress has played taxi-driver Lloyd Mullaney's (Craig Charles) daughter Jenna Kamara since joining the soap two years ago, but ITV bosses have now decided to axe her character as they've run out of ideas for storylines for her.
Speaking about her disappointment at being written out of the programme, she told The Sun newspaper: "I have enjoyed every single moment of my time on the street.
"Although I am disappointed not to have my contract renewed I am thankful for all the experience I've gained and look forward to whatever the future may hold."
Krissi - whose only other television role was an appearance in 'Law and Order: UK' in 2010 - enjoyed a number of storylines, including a lesbian relationship with Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) and trying to protect her father Lloyd from his new girlfriend Andrea (Hayley Tamaddon), during her time as Jenna.
'Coronation Street' boss Stuart Blackburn said: "Krissi has played a key role in some fantastic stories."
Krissi's departure will come as the soap prepares to welcome Kal Nazir's (Jimi Mistry) mother Yasmeen and her teenage son Zeedan to the famous cobbles this summer.
Coronation Street’s Krissi Bohn axed from soap
'Coronation Street' star Krissi Bohn will leave the soap this summer.
The 31-year-old actress has played taxi-driver Lloyd Mullaney's (Craig Charles) daughter Jenna Kamara since joining the soap two years ago, but ITV bosses have now decided to axe her character as they've run out of ideas for storylines for her.
Speaking about her disappointment at being written out of the programme, she told The Sun newspaper: "I have enjoyed every single moment of my time on the street.
"Although I am disappointed not to have my contract renewed I am thankful for all the experience I've gained and look forward to whatever the future may hold."
Krissi - whose only other television role was an appearance in 'Law and Order: UK' in 2010 - enjoyed a number of storylines, including a lesbian relationship with Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) and trying to protect her father Lloyd from his new girlfriend Andrea (Hayley Tamaddon), during her time as Jenna.
'Coronation Street' boss Stuart Blackburn said: "Krissi has played a key role in some fantastic stories."
Krissi's departure will come as the soap prepares to welcome Kal Nazir's (Jimi Mistry) mother Yasmeen and her teenage son Zeedan to the famous cobbles this summer.
TV
Maddy Hill and Sam Strike don't socialise with their 'EastEnders' co-stars.
The soap newcomers - who play siblings Nancy and Johnny Carter - don't spend much time with their young castmates as they don't like going out partying very much.
Asked if all the young cast hang out together, Maddy said: "Not really. Well, me and Sam aren't really into the West End club scene."
Sam jokingly added: "We like drinking Horlicks and playing Scrabble."
And the pair admit their celebrations will be low-key if 'EastEnders' triumphs at the forthcoming British Soap Awards.
Discussing how he will celebrate if he wins a prize, Sam said: "I don't really know, I don't really drink. I'll probably celebrate in my head. I'll be happy in my brain."
Maddy added: "That is so cute! I'll probably do the same."
Sam won a lot of praise for a scene where his character came out to his dad Mick, who is played by Danny Dyer, and the actor admits he was very "nervous" about the response to the emotional discussion.
He told heat magazine: "I was proper nervous. The day it was on TV, and the day after, I didn't want to go out.
"It was really nerve-wracking but then Danny and I started getting positive feedback.
"In all fairness, I knew I was coming out to Danny in that scene, but Danny had pages and pages of dialogue.
"I was crying and choked up, so I couldn't talk. I feel that was what took people aback. It was so genuine what he was saying, like, 'It doesn't matter.' It was such a solid message."
EastEnders stars don’t socialise with cast
Maddy Hill and Sam Strike don't socialise with their 'EastEnders' co-stars.
The soap newcomers - who play siblings Nancy and Johnny Carter - don't spend much time with their young castmates as they don't like going out partying very much.
Asked if all the young cast hang out together, Maddy said: "Not really. Well, me and Sam aren't really into the West End club scene."
Sam jokingly added: "We like drinking Horlicks and playing Scrabble."
And the pair admit their celebrations will be low-key if 'EastEnders' triumphs at the forthcoming British Soap Awards.
Discussing how he will celebrate if he wins a prize, Sam said: "I don't really know, I don't really drink. I'll probably celebrate in my head. I'll be happy in my brain."
Maddy added: "That is so cute! I'll probably do the same."
Sam won a lot of praise for a scene where his character came out to his dad Mick, who is played by Danny Dyer, and the actor admits he was very "nervous" about the response to the emotional discussion.
He told heat magazine: "I was proper nervous. The day it was on TV, and the day after, I didn't want to go out.
"It was really nerve-wracking but then Danny and I started getting positive feedback.
"In all fairness, I knew I was coming out to Danny in that scene, but Danny had pages and pages of dialogue.
"I was crying and choked up, so I couldn't talk. I feel that was what took people aback. It was so genuine what he was saying, like, 'It doesn't matter.' It was such a solid message."
TV
Gemma Collins has accused her ex-fiancé of "stalking" the cast of 'The Only Way is Essex'.
The 33-year-old star broke off her short engagement to Rami Hawash earlier this year - blasting him for mentally tormenting her during their three-year relationship - and she now claims her "fame-hungry" ex is stalking her 'TOWIE' castmates at various showbiz events and on Twitter.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "None of the 'TOWIE' people want to know him ... he turns up at events, he stalks the 'TOWIE' cast on Twitter. The realisation that he was only with me to be famous is sad.
"I just wish [that] at 38-years-old, he would have more dignity and stop writing rubbish about me on Twitter. He's very bitter, and what guy would try and stalk people to try and get papped? He needs get to over it."
Gemma has now vowed to call off any future relationships should her boyfriend ask to appear on 'TOWIE' with her.
She explained: "I would never go out with someone that wanted to be on 'TOWIE'. I believe they'd be looking for fame rather than love.
"I'd be happy for my future boyfriend to do a cameo so [the viewers] see my life, but I'd never want to go out with someone that wanted to be famous ever again, because it was a living nightmare."
Gemma Collins blasts ‘stalker’ ex-fiancé
Gemma Collins has accused her ex-fiancé of "stalking" the cast of 'The Only Way is Essex'.
The 33-year-old star broke off her short engagement to Rami Hawash earlier this year - blasting him for mentally tormenting her during their three-year relationship - and she now claims her "fame-hungry" ex is stalking her 'TOWIE' castmates at various showbiz events and on Twitter.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "None of the 'TOWIE' people want to know him ... he turns up at events, he stalks the 'TOWIE' cast on Twitter. The realisation that he was only with me to be famous is sad.
"I just wish [that] at 38-years-old, he would have more dignity and stop writing rubbish about me on Twitter. He's very bitter, and what guy would try and stalk people to try and get papped? He needs get to over it."
Gemma has now vowed to call off any future relationships should her boyfriend ask to appear on 'TOWIE' with her.
She explained: "I would never go out with someone that wanted to be on 'TOWIE'. I believe they'd be looking for fame rather than love.
"I'd be happy for my future boyfriend to do a cameo so [the viewers] see my life, but I'd never want to go out with someone that wanted to be famous ever again, because it was a living nightmare."
TV
Brian McFadden says 'Stand By Your Man' is "much wilder" than 'Take Me Out'.
The former Westlife singer is hosting the new Channel 5 show and promised viewers a raunchy, controversial programme which definitely can't be "aired before the watershed".
He told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "The contestants are very forward - it's much wilder than 'Take Me Out'.
"If it aired before the watershed we'd have to cut most of the footage. It would only last about five minutes ... I was shocked by a lot of it.
"These boys and girls have no filter. They're all driven by sex so it's a very modern show."
Even just hosting the show has convinced the star he was right to avoid dating, admitting he wouldn't have been as confident as the contestants.
Brian - who was first married to Kerr Katona before he wed Vogue Williams in 2012 - added: "I'd never really been a dater before I got married.
"That's why this show was a real eye-opener for me. It's made me glad I'm married. If I was in the dating world I'd be in serious trouble.
"The way guys have to go about and how forward they have to be, I think I'd struggle. In the old days men would hold doors open for women but now girls seem to go for the bad boys."
Brian McFadden: Stand By Your Man is wild
Brian McFadden says 'Stand By Your Man' is "much wilder" than 'Take Me Out'.
The former Westlife singer is hosting the new Channel 5 show and promised viewers a raunchy, controversial programme which definitely can't be "aired before the watershed".
He told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "The contestants are very forward - it's much wilder than 'Take Me Out'.
"If it aired before the watershed we'd have to cut most of the footage. It would only last about five minutes ... I was shocked by a lot of it.
"These boys and girls have no filter. They're all driven by sex so it's a very modern show."
Even just hosting the show has convinced the star he was right to avoid dating, admitting he wouldn't have been as confident as the contestants.
Brian - who was first married to Kerr Katona before he wed Vogue Williams in 2012 - added: "I'd never really been a dater before I got married.
"That's why this show was a real eye-opener for me. It's made me glad I'm married. If I was in the dating world I'd be in serious trouble.
"The way guys have to go about and how forward they have to be, I think I'd struggle. In the old days men would hold doors open for women but now girls seem to go for the bad boys."
TV
Chelsee Healey has joined the cast of 'Casualty'.
The former 'Waterloo Road' actress has signed up to play an administrator in the soap as bosses look to make the show hospital show more glamorous.
An insider told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "The BBC were delighted to sign up Chelsee.
"After starting out on 'Waterloo road' and being runner-up in 'Strictly Come Dancing' she was the natural choice to inject a bit of glamour.
"Chelsee is delighted to be back working in a long running series as she has missed acting in the last few months and she can't wait to get stuck in."
Chelsee - who was the runner-up on 'Strictly' when Harry Judd won in 2011 - was spotted having a break before starting on the show as she enjoyed a sunny break in Marbella, Spain with a mystery man.
A source said: "She and her pals partied all day, splashing about in the pool and dancing to music. They were all downing cocktails.
"Chelsee and her man looked loved up. They went for a walk but he fell over and she helped him up, giggling her head off."
Chelsee Healey set for Casuality
Chelsee Healey has joined the cast of 'Casualty'.
The former 'Waterloo Road' actress has signed up to play an administrator in the soap as bosses look to make the show hospital show more glamorous.
An insider told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "The BBC were delighted to sign up Chelsee.
"After starting out on 'Waterloo road' and being runner-up in 'Strictly Come Dancing' she was the natural choice to inject a bit of glamour.
"Chelsee is delighted to be back working in a long running series as she has missed acting in the last few months and she can't wait to get stuck in."
Chelsee - who was the runner-up on 'Strictly' when Harry Judd won in 2011 - was spotted having a break before starting on the show as she enjoyed a sunny break in Marbella, Spain with a mystery man.
A source said: "She and her pals partied all day, splashing about in the pool and dancing to music. They were all downing cocktails.
"Chelsee and her man looked loved up. They went for a walk but he fell over and she helped him up, giggling her head off."
TV
Simon Cowell wants a huge male star for 'The X Factor' judging panel.
The media mogul's search for a woman to appear alongside Cheryl Cole isn't going to plan, so he's willing to compromise and go for another man - providing they are a big name.
An insider told the Sunday People newspaper: "Before it was only a woman that Simon wanted, now they've started taking meetings with boy too.
"Olly Murs was always top contender but he has other commitments. They are looking at lots of options, including Americans, but they want a biggie.
"What they want is someone hip and cool who speaks to the masses."
One name being tied to the show - potentially as Louis Walsh's replacement if ITV axe him from the next series - is 'Livin' La Vida Loca' hitmaker Ricky Martin.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday newspaper, a source said: "Ricky has had several discussing about becoming a judge and is keen to join the show.
"ITV want to replace Louis - and Ricky is their top choice. The problem is Simon is adamant he wants Louis on the panel and he usually gets his own way."
Simon Cowell wants another male judge for X Factor
Simon Cowell wants a huge male star for 'The X Factor' judging panel.
The media mogul's search for a woman to appear alongside Cheryl Cole isn't going to plan, so he's willing to compromise and go for another man - providing they are a big name.
An insider told the Sunday People newspaper: "Before it was only a woman that Simon wanted, now they've started taking meetings with boy too.
"Olly Murs was always top contender but he has other commitments. They are looking at lots of options, including Americans, but they want a biggie.
"What they want is someone hip and cool who speaks to the masses."
One name being tied to the show - potentially as Louis Walsh's replacement if ITV axe him from the next series - is 'Livin' La Vida Loca' hitmaker Ricky Martin.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday newspaper, a source said: "Ricky has had several discussing about becoming a judge and is keen to join the show.
"ITV want to replace Louis - and Ricky is their top choice. The problem is Simon is adamant he wants Louis on the panel and he usually gets his own way."