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Drag Queens of London celebrate Conchita Wurst win


Conchita Wurst has become a symbol of change for drag queens in London.
The fabulous bearded singer, who earned a victory for Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest last weekend, is being heralded as a beacon of hope for equality and tolerance amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community after defeating the odds to become the first drag queen to ever win the competition.
Lady Lloyd, one of the stars of new reality show 'Drag Queens of London', exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It was so emotional when she won, we were all screaming and jumping up and down. I host a Eurovision party every year and the bar was absolutely packed. It was really moving. She's number one in Russia now, how great is that? It's sort of a f**k you."
The flamboyant star - who is a member of the Buffalo Girls and models for Vivienne Westwood - was shocked to hear the leader of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party had branded Conchita's win "the end of Europe" and thinks the public is more open minded than some "backwards" world leaders.
Lady Lloyd explained: "It's going to make a difference because it's exposure. Everything helps. There's the same amount of gay people in Russia as everywhere else. It's just so backwards that some man thinks that there's not.
"There's always going to be drag, it's the oldest profession. Shakespeare was all about drag! It's got its place in history.
"Everything's moving ahead as it should, with gay marriage etc. It's a slow process, changing the world one eyelash at a time!"
However, the drag queen doesn't think it was fair for people to take their anger about Russia's political stance and "anti-gay" laws out on the country's act by booing them.
She added: "I didn't boo them, a lot of people did in the bar. But they're two sweet little girls, they didn't deserve it. But at the same time, they're choosing to represent their country."
Brand new episodes of 'Drag Queens of London' air Tuesdays at 10pm on London Live - Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159.

Ricky Wilson questions reason to return to The Voice


Ricky Wilson doesn't know what the reason would be for him to return to 'The Voice'.
The Kaiser Chiefs singer was one of the four coaches on the last series of the BBC One talent show and proved to be very popular among viewers.
Although he enjoyed his time on the programme, Ricky has touring commitments with his band following the success of their fifth studio album 'Education, Education, Education & War' and he admits one of the motivations for him joining the line-up was to spread the word about his new record, something he no longer needs to do.
Speaking at The 2014 Radio Academy Awards in London, he revealed: "I loved doing 'The Voice', although I didn't enjoy it at the time. It was really hard work but at the same time one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. If you asked me the day before it ended (if I'd come back), I'd be like I don't know, but the day after I kind of missed it a little bit. I don't know if I'll be back at the moment because the first time I did it I had a really strong reason to do it and that was the pride I had in the record. If I did it again, and it comes around in October, November time, I don't know what the reason would be to do it other than that I enjoy it. But that might be the best reason of all. I'll wait to be asked."
Although Ricky has proven himself as a talent show judge on 'The Voice' he isn't sure if he'd want to make the switch to 'The X Factor' and doesn't think he'd be allowed to anyway.
When quizzed on what he'd do if Simon Cowell asked him to join his ITV series, the 36-year-old rocker said: "Contractually I wouldn't be allowed to ... I don't know because I was terrified about doing 'The Voice', so I'd be terrified about doing 'X Factor'. But these opportunities, when they come along now, I take a lot more seriously than I used to."
Kylie Minogue has already announced she won't be returning to 'The Voice' next year, while it is rumoured that will.i.am is leaving after three series potentially leaving Sir Tom Jones as the only remaining original judge.

Charlotte Rampling joins Broadchurch


Charlotte Rampling has joined the cast of 'Broadchurch'.
The acclaimed British actress will take on a lead role in the second series of ITV's hit murder mystery drama, and while details about her character are being kept under wraps, she is expected to play a "pivotal" role in the show.
Creator and writer Chris Chibnall said: "Charlotte Rampling! We've been keeping this secret for months, it's been agony. We have another big story to tell this year, and that meant finding exceptional actors for new roles. There's none more exceptional than Charlotte: to be writing for her is a dream come true. As you can imagine, Charlotte's character is an integral part of our new story - but that's where we're drawing a veil, for now..."
ITV's director of drama Steve November added: "We're delighted Charlotte is joining the 'Broadchurch' family. She's the first of some exciting additions to the ensemble for the new series."
Charlotte recently played by Dr. Evelyn Vogel in the final season of hit US serial killer thriller 'Dexter'.
Earlier this week it was confirmed that several actors will return for the second series of 'Broadchurch', including David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Arthur Darvill, Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan.
The new series will begin filming in Dorset shortly.

Jamelia: Loose Women changed for better


Jamelia thinks 'Loose Women' has "changed for the better".
The ITV daytime show has seen a major shake-up over the last year, including a glamorous new set and the introduction of younger panellists, in a bid to boost ratings and the singer believes the programme has benefited from the transformation.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I definitely think it has changed and it's changed for the better. I feel the changes [executive producer] Martin Frizell has put in place - he's making it more brave, a bit more interesting, something that everybody will want it to watch rather than just appealing to the over 40 women. I think everybody used to watch it, but people are watching it now and not just because it's on."
The 33-year-old star says the current panel, which features stars young and old, are "strong" women who aren't afraid to stand by their opinion on the topical programme.
Referring to recent clashes between Janet Street-Porter, 67, and Myleene Klass, 36, she said: "I think that's what makes it interesting. Janet represents one demographic and Myleene represents a set of people who think like her.
"I think it's important the panellists are strong women who aren't easily swayed by another person's opinion.
"I do think you need to be respectful of what someone else is saying and listen when they're voicing their opinion. But I also believe we have to be strong, opinionated and not feel intimidated by another woman on the panel."
Jamelia is an ambassador for Tilda Basmati's Mum Helping Mums campaign in association with the World Food Programme. For further information visit www.tilda.com/mums.

Billie Piper: Penny Dreadful scarier than Daleks


Billie Piper says 'Penny Dreadful' is scarier than the Daleks in 'Doctor Who'.
The 31-year-old actress, who plays prostitute Brona Croft in the dark new Victoria-era thriller, says the themes explored in the series - produced by 'Skyfall' director Sam Mendes - are far scarier than the metallic robots seen in her former show.
Speaking at the launch of 'Penny Dreadful' in London yesterday (12.05.14), she said: "Not that I was scared of the Daleks myself ... But yes, as much as it has all the supernatural elements, lots of it is about mortality. It is about people existing on the outskirts of society becoming one and living with the demons and darkness. And I think all of that is pretty scary - far scarier than the Daleks!"
Billie - who played Rose Tyler in 'Doctor Who' - is joined in the violent new thriller by US actor Josh Hartnett, Eva Green, Timothy Dalton and Harry Treadaway.
'Penny Dreadful' marks 'Pearl Harbor' heartthrob Josh's return to the small screen after turning his back on big budget Hollywood movies, and he admits it was a challenge not knowing his character's entire storyline for the series.
He explained: "I'm used to getting a full script for the concept of the character from inception to completion, and in the show I was only given the first two episodes so the back-story doesn't exist."
'Penny Dreadful' starts on May 20 at 9pm on Sky Atlantic.

Corrie’s Maria Connor to flee cobbles


Coronation Street's Maria Connor will leave the cobbles after being exposed as Tyrone Dobbs' mystery text culprit.
The Weatherfield hairdresser - played by Samia Ghadie - will flee the country when Tyrone (Alan Halsall) and Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) discover she is the person behind the malicious messages addressed from Tyrone's abusive ex Kirsty Soames.
Samia said: "She's really worried. She's completely lost the plot, and that's why she decides to go away for a while. She just needs to get away from Weatherfield and Marcus and get back to being Maria.
"I think a break will do her the world of good. She needs to get away and let the dust settle with Tyrone and Fiz, and then try and start again."
The actress blames her character's actions on discovering her boyfriend Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) in bed with another man, Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley), earlier this year.
Samia explained: "Maria's terrified when [Tyrone and Fiz] report her to the police, but she's also terrified by what she's done. She's basically had a nervous breakdown, she's not herself, and I think it's a result of what's happened over the past few years. She's been heartbroken so many times and she's been through so much stuff that finding Marcus on the floor with Todd just tipped her over the edge."

Steven Moffat chooses ‘odd’ Time Lords


Steven Moffat deliberately chooses "odd" looking Time Lords.
The 'Doctor Who' executive producer believes the beauty of the titular time-travelling Gallifreyan lies in his charm and intelligence, so unconventionally attractive actors like Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi are perfectly suited to the role.
He explained to Radio Times magazine: "There's something about Peter's demeanour, his eyes, his attitude - he's tremendously bright and that comes out on screen. When you choose a Doctor, you want somebody who is utterly compelling, attractive in a very odd way.
"None of the Doctors are conventionally attractive, but they're all arresting. Handsome men don't quite suit. Matt Smith's a young, good looking bloke from one angle but actually the strangest looking man from another.
"You need that oddity; you need somebody who is carved out of solid star, really. It really is built around the abilities, the charm and the magnetism of a succession of different actors."
Steven also seeks stars with an ageless quality about them and likes the combination of boyish behaviour and an air of wisdom that new Doctor Peter possesses.
He said: "I always thought Matt, while a very young man, had something of the demeanour of a much older man, whereas Peter is a man in his 50s but terribly boyish and young at times. I like the Doctors to have mixed messages about what age they are - you can't really pin them down."

Simpsons and Family Guy crossover in September


'The Simpsons' and 'Family Guy' crossover episode will air later this year.
Homer Simpson will come face-to-face with Peter Griffin in an hour-long special titled 'The Simpsons Guy' in September on US channel FOX.
The special episode, featuring characters from both hit animated shows, will see the cartoon patriarchs battle over which fictional beer is better - 'Family Guy' brew of choice, Pawtucket, or Homer's favourite beer, Duff.
The other Simpson and Griffin family members will also hit it off when Peter, Lois and the gang take a trip to Springfield - the fictional town 'The Simpsons' is set in.
Lois Griffin and Marge Simpson will become fast friends, while Bart Simpson and the youngest of the Griffin clan, Stewie, will bond over their shared love of pranks.
The exciting crossover was first announced by FOX last year, who said the Griffins would be "greeted by a friendly stranger named Homer Simpson who welcomes his new 'albino' friends with open arms".
Both shows air on Sunday nights in the US and will be back for new seasons later this year.
'The Simpsons' continues its streak as one of TV's longest-running shows, entering its 26th season in September, while 'Family Guy' begins its thirteenth season.

Ben Shephard criticises Good Morning Britain viewers


Ben Shephard has criticised 'Good Morning Britain' viewers for focusing on Susanna Reid's legs.
The 39-year-old presenter, who hosts the new ITV morning show along with the former 'BBC Breakfast' star and ex Sky News anchors Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher, has spoken out against people's complaints that her famous pins were hidden behind a desk.
He said: "I find it extraordinary. It beggars belief people say that. She's an incredible journalist who has worked for 20-odd years in this industry and seemingly that is important? There is quite a lot more happening in the world."
Ben praised his new co-host as one of the best broadcasters he's ever worked with.
He said: "I have had the pleasure of working with some broadcasters and journalists over the years and without a doubt, in a short space of time, I have realised how brilliant Susanna is."
The former 'X Factor' host also addressed his new show's ratings, as they are currently pulling in an average of 600,000 viewers, half of the regular audience of 'BBC Breakfast'.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Any TV show is hard to get right. It is something that gets worked on for years and years and years.
"The X Factor now is not The X Factor I when I worked on it at the turn of the century.
"I did the first three series and it is a completely different animal now. These things will naturally develop and grow and become something different."

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