UK TV Diversity Chief Defends Social Media Activity After “Antisemitism” Row Over Stephen Fry Speech
Exclusive: The chief executive of one of the UK’s top diversity bodies has denied ‘liking’ allegedly antisemitic LinkedIn posts about Stephen Fry’s Christmas speech.
Deborah Williams, who runs the Creative Diversity Network, said she did not endorse messages posted over the festive period by former Channel 4 commissioner Tamara Abood.
Williams’ denial comes amid other questions about her social media activity, including re-posting a petition, shared by controversial politician Chris Williamson, calling on Israel’s ambassador to the UK to be expelled.
Abood was accused of antisemitism by high-profile Jewish producers after she wrote that Fry’s rallying cry against rising discrimination was “disingenuous” and demonstrated “where the power lies” in UK media. Fry’s six-minute speech was produced by Fulwell 73 for Channel 4.
Screenshots seen by Deadline show that Williams apparently ‘liked’ a message from Abood in which she said: “Unlike the disingenuous Fulwell Fry version, this is...
Deborah Williams, who runs the Creative Diversity Network, said she did not endorse messages posted over the festive period by former Channel 4 commissioner Tamara Abood.
Williams’ denial comes amid other questions about her social media activity, including re-posting a petition, shared by controversial politician Chris Williamson, calling on Israel’s ambassador to the UK to be expelled.
Abood was accused of antisemitism by high-profile Jewish producers after she wrote that Fry’s rallying cry against rising discrimination was “disingenuous” and demonstrated “where the power lies” in UK media. Fry’s six-minute speech was produced by Fulwell 73 for Channel 4.
Screenshots seen by Deadline show that Williams apparently ‘liked’ a message from Abood in which she said: “Unlike the disingenuous Fulwell Fry version, this is...
- 1/3/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Prominent Jewish TV executives in the UK have expressed their horror at a social media post by a former Channel 4 commissioner, who attacked a Stephen Fry rallying call against antisemitism.
Tamara Abood, an ex-Channel 4 current affairs commissioner and producer of shows including What Happens In Kavos, sparked anger after posting on LinkedIn about Fry’s alternative Christmas Day message.
Industry executives were also dismayed that one of Abood’s posts was ‘liked’ by Deborah Williams, chief executive of the Creative Diversity Network, British TV’s inclusion watchdog.
Fry used his speech on Channel 4 to express concern about rising antisemitism in the UK and implored viewers to stand up against discrimination. The six-minute speech was produced by Fulwell 73.
Abood, who now works as a psychotherapist but maintains links to the TV industry, wrote that the speech was “disingenuous” in a series of LinkedIn messages.
She added: “C4 is broadcasting a Christmas message about anti-semitism.
Tamara Abood, an ex-Channel 4 current affairs commissioner and producer of shows including What Happens In Kavos, sparked anger after posting on LinkedIn about Fry’s alternative Christmas Day message.
Industry executives were also dismayed that one of Abood’s posts was ‘liked’ by Deborah Williams, chief executive of the Creative Diversity Network, British TV’s inclusion watchdog.
Fry used his speech on Channel 4 to express concern about rising antisemitism in the UK and implored viewers to stand up against discrimination. The six-minute speech was produced by Fulwell 73.
Abood, who now works as a psychotherapist but maintains links to the TV industry, wrote that the speech was “disingenuous” in a series of LinkedIn messages.
She added: “C4 is broadcasting a Christmas message about anti-semitism.
- 12/31/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday September 14, Spotify hosted its annual Spotify Supper in London, which saw Mercury Music Prize nominated artist and Spotify Equal ambassador for UK & Ireland Olivia Dean perform.
Guests were treated to a multisensory experience with theatrical cocktails inspired by Spotify’s Blend feature and mood-boosting desserts from Soft Serve Society.
Soundtracked expertly by DJ Tiffany Calver, the evening kicked off with a panel session featuring Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussing their new The Rest is Football podcast with broadcaster Robert Peston during networking drinks ahead of dinner.
In a discussion with Ed Couchman, Head of Ad Sales for Northern Europe at Spotify, the trio revealed the genesis of their new podcasts and how the medium allows them to be more free.
Gary Lineker spoke about how their podcast was born from being sat in the green room while watching matches before Match of the Day “Podcasting is an...
Guests were treated to a multisensory experience with theatrical cocktails inspired by Spotify’s Blend feature and mood-boosting desserts from Soft Serve Society.
Soundtracked expertly by DJ Tiffany Calver, the evening kicked off with a panel session featuring Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussing their new The Rest is Football podcast with broadcaster Robert Peston during networking drinks ahead of dinner.
In a discussion with Ed Couchman, Head of Ad Sales for Northern Europe at Spotify, the trio revealed the genesis of their new podcasts and how the medium allows them to be more free.
Gary Lineker spoke about how their podcast was born from being sat in the green room while watching matches before Match of the Day “Podcasting is an...
- 9/15/2023
- Podnews.net
Exclusive: The BBC is actively weighing whether it should replace Huw Edwards as the anchor of its flagship election night show amid continued uncertainty over the presenter’s future.
Edwards has been suspended since July as the BBC investigates his conduct following allegations in The Sun newspaper that he paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
Deadline understands that the BBC is in the early stages of planning for a significant UK general election, which could usher in a new government after 13 years of Conservative rule.
The election is expected to take place next year, though Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could call an early vote, meaning senior BBC executives are giving thought to who should anchor its output.
Edwards, who earns up to £440,000, presented 2019’s election night coverage and signed a new deal with the BBC earlier this year which would have guaranteed his place as master of ceremony...
Edwards has been suspended since July as the BBC investigates his conduct following allegations in The Sun newspaper that he paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
Deadline understands that the BBC is in the early stages of planning for a significant UK general election, which could usher in a new government after 13 years of Conservative rule.
The election is expected to take place next year, though Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could call an early vote, meaning senior BBC executives are giving thought to who should anchor its output.
Edwards, who earns up to £440,000, presented 2019’s election night coverage and signed a new deal with the BBC earlier this year which would have guaranteed his place as master of ceremony...
- 9/6/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Visit https://podnews.net/update/ondemand-vs-live for all the links, and to get our newsletter.
For the first time ever, Americans are listening to more on-demand audio (like podcasts and music services) than live, linear audio (like radio), according to data from Edison Research released this week. Larry Rosin, the company's President, says that though there will always be a place for linear radio, the trend will continue into the future. What happens when Elon Musk mentions your podcast? Last week, a day after we mentioned it in Podnews, apparent Podnews reader Elon Musk (hi Elon) tweeted about Airwave's The Explorers Podcast, in a tweet that got 18 million views. Rephonic looks at the numbers to see what happened next. Business, true crime and comedy are the top categories increasing for podcast ad spend, says MediaRadar in a new study released this week. True crime podcasts might be mostly about murder,...
For the first time ever, Americans are listening to more on-demand audio (like podcasts and music services) than live, linear audio (like radio), according to data from Edison Research released this week. Larry Rosin, the company's President, says that though there will always be a place for linear radio, the trend will continue into the future. What happens when Elon Musk mentions your podcast? Last week, a day after we mentioned it in Podnews, apparent Podnews reader Elon Musk (hi Elon) tweeted about Airwave's The Explorers Podcast, in a tweet that got 18 million views. Rephonic looks at the numbers to see what happened next. Business, true crime and comedy are the top categories increasing for podcast ad spend, says MediaRadar in a new study released this week. True crime podcasts might be mostly about murder,...
- 8/25/2023
- Podnews.net
The Rest is Money is a new podcast hosted by business correspondent and broadcaster Steph McGovern and economics expert Robert Peston. It’s the latest in ‘The Rest Is’ format from Goalhanger Podcasts and will look at economics, business and finance. Old friends, Steph and Robert will explore everything we need to know about the issues that affect us in our everyday lives.
- 8/25/2023
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Does money really make the world go round? Economics, business and finance have long been subjects we leave to the stockbrokers, hedge fund managers and business school professors who spend their lives obsessing over them - but there’s no reason we shouldn’t discuss ‘money’ in the same way we talk about sport and TV.
In their new podcast, The Rest Is Money, business correspondent and broadcaster Steph McGovern is joined by old friend and economics expert Robert Peston to explore everything we need to know about the issues that affect us in our everyday lives: how will AI affect your job and our economic prospects? Are we stuck with higher inflation for years to come? Why are wealthy nations like Saudi Arabia buying up sport?
Talking about her new role, Steph says: “We’ve all been told that ‘money makes the world go round‘ but who is making it and how?...
In their new podcast, The Rest Is Money, business correspondent and broadcaster Steph McGovern is joined by old friend and economics expert Robert Peston to explore everything we need to know about the issues that affect us in our everyday lives: how will AI affect your job and our economic prospects? Are we stuck with higher inflation for years to come? Why are wealthy nations like Saudi Arabia buying up sport?
Talking about her new role, Steph says: “We’ve all been told that ‘money makes the world go round‘ but who is making it and how?...
- 8/24/2023
- Podnews.net
Cj Harris, a former contestant on American Idol, has reportedly died at the age of 31.
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Cj Harris, a former contestant on American Idol, has reportedly died at the age of 31.
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
The musician, whose full name is Curtis Harris, is said to have been rushed to hospital in Jasper, Alabama after suffering an apparent heart attack on Sunday (15 January) night.
A family member confirmed to TMZ that Harris was subsequently pronounced dead.
During his time on the 2014 season of the popular US reality show, Harris made it through to the top six.
Among the songs he covered on the show were “Soulshine” by the Allman Brothers Band, “Too Close”, and “American Woman”.
He was selected by the judges to progress through to the Top Six after making it through to the semi-finals.
At the time, the show’s judges were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban, the lattermost of whom described Harris’s singing as “believable and real”.
“You sing ‘cause you have to sing,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Music
A fan theory may have provided an explanation for one of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’s biggest unanswered questions.
The murder mystery film, a sequel to 2019’s whodunnit Knives Out, was released on Netflix last month.
Daniel Craig reprised the role of southern sleuth Benoit Blanc for the film, alongside a cast including Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Edward Norton and Dave Bautista.
Near the beginning of the film, the characters are seen boarding a boat owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Norton), which then transports them to his private island.
Before boarding the boat, however, the characters are given a high-pressure throat spray by one of Bron’s employees, played by Ethan Hawke. He then tells them that they will no longer require face masks.
While many have assumed that the spray contained an instant-effect Covid vaccine, the moment raises a number of other logistical questions. How, for instance,...
The murder mystery film, a sequel to 2019’s whodunnit Knives Out, was released on Netflix last month.
Daniel Craig reprised the role of southern sleuth Benoit Blanc for the film, alongside a cast including Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Edward Norton and Dave Bautista.
Near the beginning of the film, the characters are seen boarding a boat owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Norton), which then transports them to his private island.
Before boarding the boat, however, the characters are given a high-pressure throat spray by one of Bron’s employees, played by Ethan Hawke. He then tells them that they will no longer require face masks.
While many have assumed that the spray contained an instant-effect Covid vaccine, the moment raises a number of other logistical questions. How, for instance,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor has opened up about his cancer diagnosis in a new interview.
The guitarist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer four years ago, but only revealed the news publicly in November.
At the time, Taylor’s bandmates shared the news in a letter – written by the musician – ahead of their induction to the Hall of Fame, which he couldn’t attend.
“They very graciously, generously read that out before the ceremony,” explained Taylor while being interviewed on Channel 5 News.
“I didn’t have any plan, and then afterwards, the amount of love and support of offers of help,” he said on sharing the news of his health.
“I realised that by talking about it – Duran have quite a large female fanbase, so it’s like, your partner, your boyfriend – give them a nudge, get them a test.”
Taylor explained that he had first noticed...
The guitarist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer four years ago, but only revealed the news publicly in November.
At the time, Taylor’s bandmates shared the news in a letter – written by the musician – ahead of their induction to the Hall of Fame, which he couldn’t attend.
“They very graciously, generously read that out before the ceremony,” explained Taylor while being interviewed on Channel 5 News.
“I didn’t have any plan, and then afterwards, the amount of love and support of offers of help,” he said on sharing the news of his health.
“I realised that by talking about it – Duran have quite a large female fanbase, so it’s like, your partner, your boyfriend – give them a nudge, get them a test.”
Taylor explained that he had first noticed...
- 1/16/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
HBO’s new series The Last of Us left viewers “devastated” and “sobbing” after just 30 minutes of its opening episode.
Adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, the series is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been taken over by a zombie-like fungal plague.
Pedro Pascal stars in the series as Joel, while Bella Ramsey plays the character Ellie.
Spoilers follow for the first episode of The Last of Us – you have been warned!
In the series prologue, set 20 years before the main story begins, we see Joel’s home life with his teenage daughter Sarah.
However, their hometown quickly descends into chaos after the fungal cordyceps outbreak begins to spread.
Joel and Sarah manage to escape from a number of infected people, before encountering a law enforcement officer, who shoots at them. Sarah then dies in Joel’s arms.
The harrowing twist – which arrived around half an hour into...
Adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, the series is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been taken over by a zombie-like fungal plague.
Pedro Pascal stars in the series as Joel, while Bella Ramsey plays the character Ellie.
Spoilers follow for the first episode of The Last of Us – you have been warned!
In the series prologue, set 20 years before the main story begins, we see Joel’s home life with his teenage daughter Sarah.
However, their hometown quickly descends into chaos after the fungal cordyceps outbreak begins to spread.
Joel and Sarah manage to escape from a number of infected people, before encountering a law enforcement officer, who shoots at them. Sarah then dies in Joel’s arms.
The harrowing twist – which arrived around half an hour into...
- 1/16/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Italian actor Gina Lollobrigida has died aged 95.
The film star, who was a high profile figure in cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s, died on Monday (16 January) in Rome. Her death was confirmed by Italian news agency Ansa.
Lollobrigida, whose biggest films included The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Beautiful But Dangerous, appeared on screen opposite stars such as Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Rock Hudson.
She was often described as “the most beautiful woman in the world” and, before her death, was considered to be one of the last remaining stars from the Golden Age of cinema.
Born in Subiaco in 1927, the young Lollobrigida modelled and participated in a number of beauty contests before taking small roles in Italian cinema.
Despite being prevented from working in American films shot in the US until 1959 by a contract signed with film producer Howard Hughes, she went on to find success in European cinema throughout the 1950s.
The film star, who was a high profile figure in cinema throughout the 1950s and 1960s, died on Monday (16 January) in Rome. Her death was confirmed by Italian news agency Ansa.
Lollobrigida, whose biggest films included The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Beautiful But Dangerous, appeared on screen opposite stars such as Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Rock Hudson.
She was often described as “the most beautiful woman in the world” and, before her death, was considered to be one of the last remaining stars from the Golden Age of cinema.
Born in Subiaco in 1927, the young Lollobrigida modelled and participated in a number of beauty contests before taking small roles in Italian cinema.
Despite being prevented from working in American films shot in the US until 1959 by a contract signed with film producer Howard Hughes, she went on to find success in European cinema throughout the 1950s.
- 1/16/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Richard E Grant has been announced as the host of the 2023 Baftas ceremony, with Alison Hammond also receiving a hosting role.
The awards show will take place in February at the Royal Festival Hall in the South Bank Centre.
Grant, who is known for roles in the likes of Withnail and I, Game of Thrones and Gosford Park said: "I feel hugely privileged to be hosting the Ee Baftas for the first time and the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the extraordinary range of this year’s films.”
The 65-year-old actor will host the 76th year of the Baftas alongside This Morning host Hammond, who will present the Baftas Studios part of the show.
"I’m so excited to be hosting at this year’s Ee Bafta Film Awards with The Richard E Grant,” said the presenter.
"We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the...
The awards show will take place in February at the Royal Festival Hall in the South Bank Centre.
Grant, who is known for roles in the likes of Withnail and I, Game of Thrones and Gosford Park said: "I feel hugely privileged to be hosting the Ee Baftas for the first time and the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the extraordinary range of this year’s films.”
The 65-year-old actor will host the 76th year of the Baftas alongside This Morning host Hammond, who will present the Baftas Studios part of the show.
"I’m so excited to be hosting at this year’s Ee Bafta Film Awards with The Richard E Grant,” said the presenter.
"We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the...
- 1/16/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Film
Love Island is back for its second-ever winter edition.
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
- 1/16/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
Brendan Fraser left Critics Choice Awards viewers in tears during his Best Actor acceptance speech.
At the ceremony, held in Los Angeles on Sunday (15 January), Fraser was recognised for his work in The Whale, Darren Aronofsky’s drama about a reclusive teacher who weighs 600lbs (272kg).
Fraser has received widespread praise since the film’s US release last year and is expected to receive an Academy Award nomination later this month.
Accepting his Critics Choice Award, Fraser began his address to the audience with a quote attributed to Herman Melville, telling them: “‘There are only five critics in America; the rest are asleep.’ I don’t know what it means either,” he said to laughter, adding, “but I’m so glad you woke up for me.”
The actor went on to jokingly ask where the voting panel were for his much-panned 2010 family film, Furry Vengeance, before praising the performances of his on-screen daughter,...
At the ceremony, held in Los Angeles on Sunday (15 January), Fraser was recognised for his work in The Whale, Darren Aronofsky’s drama about a reclusive teacher who weighs 600lbs (272kg).
Fraser has received widespread praise since the film’s US release last year and is expected to receive an Academy Award nomination later this month.
Accepting his Critics Choice Award, Fraser began his address to the audience with a quote attributed to Herman Melville, telling them: “‘There are only five critics in America; the rest are asleep.’ I don’t know what it means either,” he said to laughter, adding, “but I’m so glad you woke up for me.”
The actor went on to jokingly ask where the voting panel were for his much-panned 2010 family film, Furry Vengeance, before praising the performances of his on-screen daughter,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - Film
The creator of HBO’s The Last of Us has explained the reasoning behind certain changes to the character of Joel.
In the series, adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, Joel is played by Pedro Pascal.
However, there are a number of subtle differences between the way the character is portrayed in the series, and the version of the character gamers may be familiar with.
One of the differences occurs early in the story, as we catch up with Joel after the prologue. In the game, he is involved in a weapons deal. In the series, however, he is after a car battery.
There are also physical discrepencies between the two versions of the character, which manifest in the ways they move.
“There are certain things that we embrace about our medium that are different than the game medium.” said co-creator Craig Mazin, in an interview with Polygon. “[In the game], Joel’s...
In the series, adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game, Joel is played by Pedro Pascal.
However, there are a number of subtle differences between the way the character is portrayed in the series, and the version of the character gamers may be familiar with.
One of the differences occurs early in the story, as we catch up with Joel after the prologue. In the game, he is involved in a weapons deal. In the series, however, he is after a car battery.
There are also physical discrepencies between the two versions of the character, which manifest in the ways they move.
“There are certain things that we embrace about our medium that are different than the game medium.” said co-creator Craig Mazin, in an interview with Polygon. “[In the game], Joel’s...
- 1/15/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
HBO’s live-action seriesThe Last of Us has set a new record with its Rotten Tomatoes score.
The show, which premieres in the US on Sunday 15 January and on Monday 16 January on Sky Atlantic in the UK, is adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game of the same name.
Ahead of its debut, The Last of Us has been lavished with praise by many reviewers – including The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton.
On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently boasts a glowing “fresh” score of 97 per cent positive reviews.
The score is especially noteworthy given the tepid reception video game adaptations usually receive. Several – such as 1993’s Super Mario Bros or 2003’s Alone in the Dark – have been cited as ranking among the worst films ever made.
In fact, while it’s possible the series’ ranking may drop a percentage point or two in the next week,...
The show, which premieres in the US on Sunday 15 January and on Monday 16 January on Sky Atlantic in the UK, is adapted from the acclaimed 2013 video game of the same name.
Ahead of its debut, The Last of Us has been lavished with praise by many reviewers – including The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton.
On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently boasts a glowing “fresh” score of 97 per cent positive reviews.
The score is especially noteworthy given the tepid reception video game adaptations usually receive. Several – such as 1993’s Super Mario Bros or 2003’s Alone in the Dark – have been cited as ranking among the worst films ever made.
In fact, while it’s possible the series’ ranking may drop a percentage point or two in the next week,...
- 1/15/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Christina Applegate has said that she will be attending this year’s Critics Choice Awards ceremony.
The occasion will mark the first time the actor has made a public appearance at an awards event since 2019, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Applegate is nominated for a trophy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Netflix’s Dead to Me.
Writing on Twitter, Applegate, 51, shared her thoughts ahead of the ceremony on Sunday (15 January) night.
“So this Sunday will be the first awards show I have been to since 2019,” she wrote. “And the first since Ms. Nervous! But grateful to the @CriticsChoice for including me.”
Applegate first spoke publicly about her Ms diagnosis back in August 2021.
When she began undergoing treatment for the condition, which often affects the brain and spinal cord, Dead to Me suffered a five-month filming hiatus, compounded by the Covid pandemic.
At Applegate’s behest,...
The occasion will mark the first time the actor has made a public appearance at an awards event since 2019, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Applegate is nominated for a trophy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Netflix’s Dead to Me.
Writing on Twitter, Applegate, 51, shared her thoughts ahead of the ceremony on Sunday (15 January) night.
“So this Sunday will be the first awards show I have been to since 2019,” she wrote. “And the first since Ms. Nervous! But grateful to the @CriticsChoice for including me.”
Applegate first spoke publicly about her Ms diagnosis back in August 2021.
When she began undergoing treatment for the condition, which often affects the brain and spinal cord, Dead to Me suffered a five-month filming hiatus, compounded by the Covid pandemic.
At Applegate’s behest,...
- 1/15/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Fans of And Just Like That are divided over a possible romantic reunion in the show’s second season.
In August 2022, it was announced that John Corbett would be joining Sarah Jessica Parker and the rest of the cast of in season two of the Sex and the City spin-off.
Corbett played the role of Aidan Shaw, one of Carrie’s two big love interests on Sex and the City, which ran from 1998 until 2004.
Along with Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, Aidan was one of two fan-favourite characters that did not appear in the show’s spin-off, which was released in 2021.
New photos from season two, released by the production on Friday (13 January), show Carrie (Parker) and Aidan walking through New York, holding hands.
Fans are split down the middle over whether to be thrilled by their possible reunion or worried that Carrie will break his heart for a third time.
In August 2022, it was announced that John Corbett would be joining Sarah Jessica Parker and the rest of the cast of in season two of the Sex and the City spin-off.
Corbett played the role of Aidan Shaw, one of Carrie’s two big love interests on Sex and the City, which ran from 1998 until 2004.
Along with Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, Aidan was one of two fan-favourite characters that did not appear in the show’s spin-off, which was released in 2021.
New photos from season two, released by the production on Friday (13 January), show Carrie (Parker) and Aidan walking through New York, holding hands.
Fans are split down the middle over whether to be thrilled by their possible reunion or worried that Carrie will break his heart for a third time.
- 1/15/2023
- by Maanya Sachdeva
- The Independent - TV
The third and fourth contestants have been eliminated from the 2023 series of The Masked Singer.
Saturday 14 January’s episode featured contestants such as Phoenix, Jellyfish, Otter, and Knitting face off against one another in a singing contest.
The rules of the hit ITV reality series remain the same: a roster of celebrities perform musical numbers while wearing elaborate identity-obscuring disguises. Viewers at home, and the panel of celebrity judges, are then tasked with guessing the masked singers’ real identities.
At the end of each episode, one contestant is voted off, and is de-masked.
In Saturday’s latest episode, Knitting and Cat and Mouse ended up in the bottom two, before the judges decided who to vote out.
Knitting was ultimately saved, with the judges approving of their performance of “Memories” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.
Cat and Mouse, meanwhile, performed “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes.
Saturday 14 January’s episode featured contestants such as Phoenix, Jellyfish, Otter, and Knitting face off against one another in a singing contest.
The rules of the hit ITV reality series remain the same: a roster of celebrities perform musical numbers while wearing elaborate identity-obscuring disguises. Viewers at home, and the panel of celebrity judges, are then tasked with guessing the masked singers’ real identities.
At the end of each episode, one contestant is voted off, and is de-masked.
In Saturday’s latest episode, Knitting and Cat and Mouse ended up in the bottom two, before the judges decided who to vote out.
Knitting was ultimately saved, with the judges approving of their performance of “Memories” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.
Cat and Mouse, meanwhile, performed “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes.
- 1/14/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer UK is back for a fourth season, welcoming a new cast of 12 incognito celebrities.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Love Island fever is here once again thanks to the imminent arrival of a winter series hosted by Maya Jama.
The contestants entering the South African villa this year include the show’s first-ever partially sighted contestant and an extra from the sitcom Benidorm.
Joining them is 27-year-old ring girl and actor Olivia Hawkins.
Hawkins can be seen in the background of Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film, No Time to Die.
Find out more about Love Island contestant Olivia Hawkins below.
Why has Olivia joined Love Island and what will she bring to the villa?
In short, Olivia has joined the show because she has never been in a relationship before.
She told ITV: “I’m 27 and I’ve never been in a relationship so I feel like now I’m really ready to settle down and hopefully find the love of my life.
Olivia said that...
The contestants entering the South African villa this year include the show’s first-ever partially sighted contestant and an extra from the sitcom Benidorm.
Joining them is 27-year-old ring girl and actor Olivia Hawkins.
Hawkins can be seen in the background of Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film, No Time to Die.
Find out more about Love Island contestant Olivia Hawkins below.
Why has Olivia joined Love Island and what will she bring to the villa?
In short, Olivia has joined the show because she has never been in a relationship before.
She told ITV: “I’m 27 and I’ve never been in a relationship so I feel like now I’m really ready to settle down and hopefully find the love of my life.
Olivia said that...
- 1/14/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Love Island’s winter edition kicks off on Monday 16 January.
The ITV2 dating show is returning to our screens for its second winter series filmed in South Africa.
Ahead of the show’s winter 2023 series, hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants.
Among them is Shaq Muhammad, a 24-year-old airport security officer from London. Find out more about Shaq below, from his biggest icks to what he’s looking for in the villa.
Who is Shaq Muhammad?
The self-proclaimed “talk of the terminal” has been single for almost two years. He’s not afraid to take an opportunity if he sees someone he likes, even admitting that he turns into a “big teddy bear” when he’s falling for someone.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shaq (@shaq24s_)
What is Shaq looking for on Love Island?
He’s after the love of his life.
The ITV2 dating show is returning to our screens for its second winter series filmed in South Africa.
Ahead of the show’s winter 2023 series, hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants.
Among them is Shaq Muhammad, a 24-year-old airport security officer from London. Find out more about Shaq below, from his biggest icks to what he’s looking for in the villa.
Who is Shaq Muhammad?
The self-proclaimed “talk of the terminal” has been single for almost two years. He’s not afraid to take an opportunity if he sees someone he likes, even admitting that he turns into a “big teddy bear” when he’s falling for someone.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shaq (@shaq24s_)
What is Shaq looking for on Love Island?
He’s after the love of his life.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Love Island is returning to our screens with a brand new series to brighten the winter days.
The ITV2 dating show is back this January for the first series filmed in South Africa since the pandemic.
Among this series’ group of islanders are a contestant with vitiligo, the show’s first partially sighted star, and a body double who once stood in for Emma Watson.
Among the contestants is Anna-May Robey, a payroll administrator. You can find out more about her below…
Who is Anna-May?
Hailing from Swansea, 20-year-old Anna-May is the youngest contestant in the original Love Island line-up this year.
The payroll administrator says she’s “funny, energetic and spontaneous” and will bring lots of fun to the villa. “I’m always running around singing and screaming,” she says. “My parents are always like, ‘Shut up!’”
What is Anna-May looking for in the villa?
Anna-May says she hopes...
The ITV2 dating show is back this January for the first series filmed in South Africa since the pandemic.
Among this series’ group of islanders are a contestant with vitiligo, the show’s first partially sighted star, and a body double who once stood in for Emma Watson.
Among the contestants is Anna-May Robey, a payroll administrator. You can find out more about her below…
Who is Anna-May?
Hailing from Swansea, 20-year-old Anna-May is the youngest contestant in the original Love Island line-up this year.
The payroll administrator says she’s “funny, energetic and spontaneous” and will bring lots of fun to the villa. “I’m always running around singing and screaming,” she says. “My parents are always like, ‘Shut up!’”
What is Anna-May looking for in the villa?
Anna-May says she hopes...
- 1/14/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Love Island: Who is Lana Jenkins? Meet the make-up artist who used to date I’m a Celeb’s Owen Warner
Love Island is back in South Africa for its second ever winter edition, with a whole new batch of hopefuls competing to find someone who’s “100 per cent their type on paper”.
The contestants entering the villa this year include the show’s first partially sighted star, a contestant with vitiligo, and one who has been a body double for Emma Watson.
Joining them is Lana Jenkins, a 25-year-old make-up artist from Luton. Find out more about Lana, from her Instagram profile to her claim to fame, below…
What is Lana’s job?
Lana is a make-up artist, who has worked with stars such as actor Michelle Keegan. Ahead of entering the villa, she told ITV: “In my work as a make-up artist I’ve worked with lots of celebrities. Also, when I was six years old I used to live in Spain and I was in an episode of Benidorm as an extra.
The contestants entering the villa this year include the show’s first partially sighted star, a contestant with vitiligo, and one who has been a body double for Emma Watson.
Joining them is Lana Jenkins, a 25-year-old make-up artist from Luton. Find out more about Lana, from her Instagram profile to her claim to fame, below…
What is Lana’s job?
Lana is a make-up artist, who has worked with stars such as actor Michelle Keegan. Ahead of entering the villa, she told ITV: “In my work as a make-up artist I’ve worked with lots of celebrities. Also, when I was six years old I used to live in Spain and I was in an episode of Benidorm as an extra.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Love Island’s second-ever winter season is back.
Ahead of the show’s return, which will be hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants heading to South Africa.
One of the contestants is Kai Fagan, who is a science and Pe teacher, as well as a semi-professional rugby player for Burnage Rfc.
Find more information about Kai below.
What does Kai do?
Kai, 24, is a science and Pe teacher, though he also plays semi-professional rugby for Burnage Rfc. He hails from Manchester.
The contestant has previously played rugby 7s for Jamaica. He has three different degrees and went to three different universities.
What is Kai looking for on ‘Love Island’?
Kai said he has “quite high expectations” and does not committ to anyone unless he is “absolutely buzzing” over them.
Kai says his friends would describe him as “chilled, caring, very impulsive and a good guy”, adding...
Ahead of the show’s return, which will be hosted by Maya Jama, ITV has revealed the first 10 contestants heading to South Africa.
One of the contestants is Kai Fagan, who is a science and Pe teacher, as well as a semi-professional rugby player for Burnage Rfc.
Find more information about Kai below.
What does Kai do?
Kai, 24, is a science and Pe teacher, though he also plays semi-professional rugby for Burnage Rfc. He hails from Manchester.
The contestant has previously played rugby 7s for Jamaica. He has three different degrees and went to three different universities.
What is Kai looking for on ‘Love Island’?
Kai said he has “quite high expectations” and does not committ to anyone unless he is “absolutely buzzing” over them.
Kai says his friends would describe him as “chilled, caring, very impulsive and a good guy”, adding...
- 1/14/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
Love Island is back for its second-ever winter edition.
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
The hit ITV dating reality show is due to return to screens on 16 January, with Maya Jama hosting for the first time.
This year, a new group of singles will arrive in South Africa in the hopes of replicating their success – and, of course, finding love.
One of the contestants is Tanya Manhenga, a biomedical student and social media star from Liverpool.
Find out more about Tanya below.
What does Tanya do?
Tanya is a biomedical student and a social media influencer with over 20k followers. She’s previously worked with fashion brands like Boohoo and Ego footwear.
Tanya has Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation condition. She says, however, that “you may not even notice it”. Tanya said she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation on her lip and in her hair, adding that “it’s a vibe...
- 1/14/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer is back on our screens, turning the nation into at-home detectives as they try to figure out who this year’s celebrity contestants are.
The singing competition series, in which celebrities compete anonymously behind giant anthropomorphic costumes, returned on New Year’s Day, with the first group of contestants all performing.
Among the group was Phoenix, who was shown in their Vt standing within a grand castle and explaining in a posh accent that “I am rather hot, aren’t I?”
“Fire” by Kasabian then played as Phoenix said that they had risen from the ashes and been “born anew” and “reincarnated”.
They also said that they were good with “mysteries” and “following a trail”, while Phoenix was shown inspecting foot prints with a magnifying glass.
Phoenix’s first performance was a jazz version of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. While performing, they sang with an American accent.
The singing competition series, in which celebrities compete anonymously behind giant anthropomorphic costumes, returned on New Year’s Day, with the first group of contestants all performing.
Among the group was Phoenix, who was shown in their Vt standing within a grand castle and explaining in a posh accent that “I am rather hot, aren’t I?”
“Fire” by Kasabian then played as Phoenix said that they had risen from the ashes and been “born anew” and “reincarnated”.
They also said that they were good with “mysteries” and “following a trail”, while Phoenix was shown inspecting foot prints with a magnifying glass.
Phoenix’s first performance was a jazz version of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. While performing, they sang with an American accent.
- 1/14/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
As has become customary in January, The Masked Singer is back on our screens to kick off the year in chaotic fashion.
Joel Dommett takes charge of proceedings once again as 13 celebrities dressed in creative disguises show off their vocals every weekend on ITV.
The audience at home and in the studio are not the only ones guessing their identities, however. Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross are the judging panel, determining who progresses to the next stages of the competition.
After the first episode, Ghost was unveiled as football star Chris Kamara, and became the season’s first eliminated contestant.
Among the costumes competing this time around are Phoenix, Knitting, Jellyfish and Jacket Potato.
However, one of the most amusing identities in store for this season is Rubbish – a green refuse bin with bottles and cans emerging from the top.
(Note for The Masked Singer producers:...
Joel Dommett takes charge of proceedings once again as 13 celebrities dressed in creative disguises show off their vocals every weekend on ITV.
The audience at home and in the studio are not the only ones guessing their identities, however. Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross are the judging panel, determining who progresses to the next stages of the competition.
After the first episode, Ghost was unveiled as football star Chris Kamara, and became the season’s first eliminated contestant.
Among the costumes competing this time around are Phoenix, Knitting, Jellyfish and Jacket Potato.
However, one of the most amusing identities in store for this season is Rubbish – a green refuse bin with bottles and cans emerging from the top.
(Note for The Masked Singer producers:...
- 1/14/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer UK is back for a fourth season, welcoming a new cast of 12 incognito celebrities.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
On Sunday (1 January), the top-secret singing series, which sees a number of celebrities dressed in oversized costumes to hide their identity, returned to ITV.
During the opening episode, Cat and Mouse, a duo act, were among the first batch of competitors to perform for the judges by Irving Berlin.
Who are Cat and Mouse?
The clues revealed in the first episode included the number 200,000,000 written on a notepad.
Cat said he was “no stranger to legalities” and liked to “get to the bottom of cases”, as well as knowing “how to spin a tale”. The Vt also showed five different jars of spices lined up.
So far, fans have speculated that the duo could be Spice Girl Emma Bunton and partner Jade Jones. Others have their suspicions that the furry duo are married couple Shirlie and Martin Kemp.
- 1/14/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Jacob Elordi has not been cast as the next Superman – not yet anyway.
The Euphoria star has been the rumoured frontrunner to take on the red cape after it was announced that Henry Cavill would not be returning in the role, despite being told by DC Studios to “announce his return in October”.
On Twitter, DC head director James Gunn responded to a fan mock-up of Elordi in Superman’s costume with the caption: “Jacob Elordi is rumoured to be @JamesGunn's Superman for the #Dcu. Thoughts?”
In his reply, Gunn wrote: “My thoughts are no one has been cast as Superman yet. Casting, as is almost always the case with me, will happen after the script is finished or close to finished, and it isn’t.”
He continued: “We’ll announce a few things in not too long, but the casting of Superman won’t be one of them.”
Last month,...
The Euphoria star has been the rumoured frontrunner to take on the red cape after it was announced that Henry Cavill would not be returning in the role, despite being told by DC Studios to “announce his return in October”.
On Twitter, DC head director James Gunn responded to a fan mock-up of Elordi in Superman’s costume with the caption: “Jacob Elordi is rumoured to be @JamesGunn's Superman for the #Dcu. Thoughts?”
In his reply, Gunn wrote: “My thoughts are no one has been cast as Superman yet. Casting, as is almost always the case with me, will happen after the script is finished or close to finished, and it isn’t.”
He continued: “We’ll announce a few things in not too long, but the casting of Superman won’t be one of them.”
Last month,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Ezra Miller has avoided a jail sentence as they pleaded guilty to trespassing on a neighbour’s property.
Last year, the actor – who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns – found themselves facing a string of arrests and reports of erratic behaviour stretching from Hawaii to Vermont.
The trespassing incident involving Miller took place on 1 May 2022, when Vermont State Police responded to a burglary complaint in Stamford after several bottles of alcohol had reportedly been taken from a residence while the homeowner was away.
The homeowner said he had been friends with Miller for about 18 years and bought the home a year and half ago in the town, where Miller had also purchased a home.
Miller was charged after police consulted surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses. In October, they pleaded not guilty to stealing the alcohol.
On Friday (13 January), the 30-year-old appeared in court, where they entered a guilty plea...
Last year, the actor – who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns – found themselves facing a string of arrests and reports of erratic behaviour stretching from Hawaii to Vermont.
The trespassing incident involving Miller took place on 1 May 2022, when Vermont State Police responded to a burglary complaint in Stamford after several bottles of alcohol had reportedly been taken from a residence while the homeowner was away.
The homeowner said he had been friends with Miller for about 18 years and bought the home a year and half ago in the town, where Miller had also purchased a home.
Miller was charged after police consulted surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses. In October, they pleaded not guilty to stealing the alcohol.
On Friday (13 January), the 30-year-old appeared in court, where they entered a guilty plea...
- 1/13/2023
- by Wilson Ring
- The Independent - Film
Amy Winehouse will receive the biopic treatment in a new film about the singer.
On Friday (13 January), it was announced that the project, titled Back to Black, will be directed by Fifty Shades of Grey filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Starring as Winehouse will be Marisa Abela, who plays Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the TV series Industry, which is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
It is believed that Abela fought out many rising stars to win the role.
The film will focus on the singer’s “extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that infused everything she did”.
It has been described as transporting viewers “through the looking glass of celebrity to watch this journey from behind the mirror, to see what Amy saw, to feel what she felt”.
The film was written by Matt Greenhalgh, who previously scripted Taylor-Johnson’s John Lennon film Nowhere Boy (2009).
Shooting will begin on Monday (16 January), but an...
On Friday (13 January), it was announced that the project, titled Back to Black, will be directed by Fifty Shades of Grey filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Starring as Winehouse will be Marisa Abela, who plays Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the TV series Industry, which is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
It is believed that Abela fought out many rising stars to win the role.
The film will focus on the singer’s “extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that infused everything she did”.
It has been described as transporting viewers “through the looking glass of celebrity to watch this journey from behind the mirror, to see what Amy saw, to feel what she felt”.
The film was written by Matt Greenhalgh, who previously scripted Taylor-Johnson’s John Lennon film Nowhere Boy (2009).
Shooting will begin on Monday (16 January), but an...
- 1/13/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Rihanna is well aware that it’s been over six years since she dropped her last album Anti. 2,190 days to be exact.
So, when she announced last September that she would be making her highly anticipated return to music, performing at the NFL’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, she knew all eyes were on her.
“I’m nervous... but excited,” the “Love on the Brain” singer admitted to TMZ at the time.
Given that Rihanna’s big day – Sunday 12 February – is fast approaching, she’s now released the official trailer for her headlining show.
In the new teaser for the first-ever Apple Music Super Bowl Lvii Halftime show, the nine-time Grammy-winning artist is shown walking out of the shadows amidst paparazzi camera flashes.
As Rihanna effortlessly shrugs off a green fuzzy cape, a multitude of voices can be heard saying things like, “It’s been 2,190 days”, “Dude Rihanna, we’ve...
So, when she announced last September that she would be making her highly anticipated return to music, performing at the NFL’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, she knew all eyes were on her.
“I’m nervous... but excited,” the “Love on the Brain” singer admitted to TMZ at the time.
Given that Rihanna’s big day – Sunday 12 February – is fast approaching, she’s now released the official trailer for her headlining show.
In the new teaser for the first-ever Apple Music Super Bowl Lvii Halftime show, the nine-time Grammy-winning artist is shown walking out of the shadows amidst paparazzi camera flashes.
As Rihanna effortlessly shrugs off a green fuzzy cape, a multitude of voices can be heard saying things like, “It’s been 2,190 days”, “Dude Rihanna, we’ve...
- 1/13/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Music
Miley Cyrus is back with her new single “Flowers”.
The anticipated release shows Cyrus overcoming a failed relationship, where she sings: “I can love me better than you can”.
While Cyrus has not confirmed who the song is about, fans strongly believe that her lyrics relate to her relationship with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.
Cyrus, who dated Hemsworth on and off for over 10 years, released the new single on his birthday.
Fans are convinced the track is directed at Hemsworth, with one commenting: “Wow, @MileyCyrus really hates Liam Hemsworth eh? #Flowers.”
In the new song, which celebrates self-love, Cyrus sings: “We were good, we were gold / Kind of dream that can’t be sold /We were right ‘til we weren’t / Built a home and watched it burn”.
“Mmm, I didn’t wanna leave you, I didn’t wanna lie / Started to cry, but then remembered I” she sings before the empowering chorus.
The anticipated release shows Cyrus overcoming a failed relationship, where she sings: “I can love me better than you can”.
While Cyrus has not confirmed who the song is about, fans strongly believe that her lyrics relate to her relationship with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.
Cyrus, who dated Hemsworth on and off for over 10 years, released the new single on his birthday.
Fans are convinced the track is directed at Hemsworth, with one commenting: “Wow, @MileyCyrus really hates Liam Hemsworth eh? #Flowers.”
In the new song, which celebrates self-love, Cyrus sings: “We were good, we were gold / Kind of dream that can’t be sold /We were right ‘til we weren’t / Built a home and watched it burn”.
“Mmm, I didn’t wanna leave you, I didn’t wanna lie / Started to cry, but then remembered I” she sings before the empowering chorus.
- 1/13/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
The Brit Awards are receiving widespread criticism after failing to recognise a single woman in the Artist of the Year category.
Nominees were announced for the forthcoming ceremony on Thursday (12 January). This year is the second year that the organisation has abandoned gendered categories.
The artists nominated in the category celebrating the best in the UK were Central Cee, Fred Again.., George Ezra, Harry Styles and Stormzy.
No women were nominated for the prize, which has been seen as a big step backwards after Adele won the award in the gender-neutral category’s inaugural year in 2022.
“So the Brits introduced an Artist of the Year category as a gender-neutral replacement for Best Male and Best Female Artist category – but this year all five nominees are blokes,” tweeted musician Tim Burgess. “One step forward, three steps back.”
“Florence and the Machine being snubbed at the Brits when she could have fit...
Nominees were announced for the forthcoming ceremony on Thursday (12 January). This year is the second year that the organisation has abandoned gendered categories.
The artists nominated in the category celebrating the best in the UK were Central Cee, Fred Again.., George Ezra, Harry Styles and Stormzy.
No women were nominated for the prize, which has been seen as a big step backwards after Adele won the award in the gender-neutral category’s inaugural year in 2022.
“So the Brits introduced an Artist of the Year category as a gender-neutral replacement for Best Male and Best Female Artist category – but this year all five nominees are blokes,” tweeted musician Tim Burgess. “One step forward, three steps back.”
“Florence and the Machine being snubbed at the Brits when she could have fit...
- 1/13/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Music
Rick and Morty co-creator and star Justin Roiland is facing domestic violence charges in connection with a 2020 incident.
On Thursday (12 January), the voice behind both titular characters of the animated series appeared in Orange County court for a pre-trial.
In 2020, a criminal complaint seen by NBC News had been filed against Roiland, charging him with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit.
It stated that the incident had occurred on or around 19 January 2020, against a woman, who wished to remain anonymous, and who had apparently been dating Roiland at the time.
Roiland pleaded not guilty to both charges in October 2020, according to Orange County Superior records. He’s since had to attend more than a dozen court hearings and pre-trial hearings.
A trial date has not yet been set.
Roiland is currently free after posting...
On Thursday (12 January), the voice behind both titular characters of the animated series appeared in Orange County court for a pre-trial.
In 2020, a criminal complaint seen by NBC News had been filed against Roiland, charging him with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit.
It stated that the incident had occurred on or around 19 January 2020, against a woman, who wished to remain anonymous, and who had apparently been dating Roiland at the time.
Roiland pleaded not guilty to both charges in October 2020, according to Orange County Superior records. He’s since had to attend more than a dozen court hearings and pre-trial hearings.
A trial date has not yet been set.
Roiland is currently free after posting...
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Lisa Marie Presley has been “rushed to hospital” just days after attending the Golden Globes, her mother Priscilla confirmed.
“My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers,” Priscilla tweeted, adding: “We feel the prayers from around the world and ask for privacy at this time.”
On Thursday (12 January), the singer and daughter of the late Elvis, was transferred to hospital after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest in her Calabasas home.
Rolling Stone said it had confirmed the news with the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.A representative for Presley told The Independent they had “no comment at this time” regarding reports that she’d suffered a cardiac arrest.
When paramedics arrived on the scene TMZ reports they performed CPR on the 54-year-old before transporting her to hospital to receive additional medical care.
“My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers,” Priscilla tweeted, adding: “We feel the prayers from around the world and ask for privacy at this time.”
On Thursday (12 January), the singer and daughter of the late Elvis, was transferred to hospital after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest in her Calabasas home.
Rolling Stone said it had confirmed the news with the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.A representative for Presley told The Independent they had “no comment at this time” regarding reports that she’d suffered a cardiac arrest.
When paramedics arrived on the scene TMZ reports they performed CPR on the 54-year-old before transporting her to hospital to receive additional medical care.
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel and Tom Murray
- The Independent - Music
Ryan Dorsey has penned an emotional message, remembering his late ex-wife Naya Rivera on what would have been her 36th birthday.
In July 2020, the Glee star went missing after renting a pontoon boat with her then-four-year-old son Josey Hollis, whom she shared with Dorsey.
Though Josey was found unharmed at the time, Rivera’s body was discovered days later and she was pronounced dead from accidental drowning. She was 33.
On Thursday (12 January), alongside an old photo of Rivera and Josey, Dorsey wrote on Instagram: “A little easier with each little bit of time that passes by to look at pictures
“But I still don’t have the answers to the questions to the ‘why’s’ our sweet boy asks from time to time. I never will,” he added. “Doing the best we can.”
Dorsey then added a note to those reading, saying: “No matter what you’re going through, take...
In July 2020, the Glee star went missing after renting a pontoon boat with her then-four-year-old son Josey Hollis, whom she shared with Dorsey.
Though Josey was found unharmed at the time, Rivera’s body was discovered days later and she was pronounced dead from accidental drowning. She was 33.
On Thursday (12 January), alongside an old photo of Rivera and Josey, Dorsey wrote on Instagram: “A little easier with each little bit of time that passes by to look at pictures
“But I still don’t have the answers to the questions to the ‘why’s’ our sweet boy asks from time to time. I never will,” he added. “Doing the best we can.”
Dorsey then added a note to those reading, saying: “No matter what you’re going through, take...
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Geena Davis has come forward with more details about Bill Murray’s alleged harassment on set.
The two starred together in the 1990 crime comedy Quick Change.
Davis has previously spoken about the pair’s infamous 1990 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show in which Murray repeatedly touched Davis, running his fingers up and down her bare arm, and at one point pulling down the straps of her dress.
She has also recounted her audition for Quick Change, during which Murray allegedly used a massage device he called “The Thumper” on her despite her repeated protests.
In a new interview with journalist Kara Swisher on her podcast, On With Kara Swisher, Davis also recalled Murray screaming at her to hurry up one day during filming.
“We were shooting a huge scene out on an intersection in Manhattan with hundreds of extras and giant crew and all that stuff,” Davis said. She then...
The two starred together in the 1990 crime comedy Quick Change.
Davis has previously spoken about the pair’s infamous 1990 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show in which Murray repeatedly touched Davis, running his fingers up and down her bare arm, and at one point pulling down the straps of her dress.
She has also recounted her audition for Quick Change, during which Murray allegedly used a massage device he called “The Thumper” on her despite her repeated protests.
In a new interview with journalist Kara Swisher on her podcast, On With Kara Swisher, Davis also recalled Murray screaming at her to hurry up one day during filming.
“We were shooting a huge scene out on an intersection in Manhattan with hundreds of extras and giant crew and all that stuff,” Davis said. She then...
- 1/12/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
Idris Elba has shared the official release date and first look at his highly anticipated movie Luther: The Fallen Sun.
Rumours of a spinoff movie of the BBC original five-season drama Luther had been circulating far before its series finale in 2019. It wasn’t until September 2021 that Netflix confirmed a forthcoming adaptation.
Now nearly two years later, it’s finally received a release date, along with a video teaser.
On Thursday (12 January), in a clip shared on social media, Elba’s Luther is shown appearing from the shadows.
“Something’s coming. You see me now?” an ominous voice says.
It will arrive in select cinemas on 24 February, followed by a greater Netflix release on 10 March.
The film – which sees Elba reprise his role as disgraced detective John Luther – will continue on from the BBC original.
Unsurprising to fans, Luther: The Fallen Sun will follow “a gruesome serial killer” who is...
Rumours of a spinoff movie of the BBC original five-season drama Luther had been circulating far before its series finale in 2019. It wasn’t until September 2021 that Netflix confirmed a forthcoming adaptation.
Now nearly two years later, it’s finally received a release date, along with a video teaser.
On Thursday (12 January), in a clip shared on social media, Elba’s Luther is shown appearing from the shadows.
“Something’s coming. You see me now?” an ominous voice says.
It will arrive in select cinemas on 24 February, followed by a greater Netflix release on 10 March.
The film – which sees Elba reprise his role as disgraced detective John Luther – will continue on from the BBC original.
Unsurprising to fans, Luther: The Fallen Sun will follow “a gruesome serial killer” who is...
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
James Cameron said it took real effort to convince Leonardo DiCaprio to star in Titanic.
DiCaprio led the 1997 box office hit as Jack, who develops a romance with star-crossed lover Rose (Kate Winslet) aboard the doomed Titanic.
Speaking to People at the Golden Globes on Tuesday (10 January), the award-winning director recalled having to “twist” the then 21-year-old actor’s arm to be his “leading man”.
“He didn't want to do a leading man," Cameron revealed. "I had to really twist his arm to be in the movie. He didn't want to do it. He thought it was boring."
Cameron added that DiCaprio eventually “accepted the part” of stowaway Jack only after the Canadian filmmaker “convinced him” that the role was “actually a difficult challenge”.
“It didn’t surprise me, first of all, that he’s made a lot of authentic choices going forward. And secondly, I never doubted his talent,...
DiCaprio led the 1997 box office hit as Jack, who develops a romance with star-crossed lover Rose (Kate Winslet) aboard the doomed Titanic.
Speaking to People at the Golden Globes on Tuesday (10 January), the award-winning director recalled having to “twist” the then 21-year-old actor’s arm to be his “leading man”.
“He didn't want to do a leading man," Cameron revealed. "I had to really twist his arm to be in the movie. He didn't want to do it. He thought it was boring."
Cameron added that DiCaprio eventually “accepted the part” of stowaway Jack only after the Canadian filmmaker “convinced him” that the role was “actually a difficult challenge”.
“It didn’t surprise me, first of all, that he’s made a lot of authentic choices going forward. And secondly, I never doubted his talent,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Dancing on Ice star Christopher Dean has broken his finger just days before the new series begins.
Dean, who stars alongside long-term skating partner Jayne Torvill on the popular ITV reality series, shared the news with fans on social media.
The former professional skater posted a picture of his finger in a bandage, alongside the caption: “Yes broken.”
“We were trying the Iron Lotus, but ended up doing a Half Nelson,” he wrote, in a follow-up tweet. “Or did I just fall over a suitcase in the middle of the night.”
The “Iron Lotus” refers to a fictional figure skating move from the 2007 Will Ferrell comedy Blades of Glory.
Torvill and Dean rose to prominence during the 1984 Winter Olympics, when their figure skating routine set to Maurice Ravel's “Boléro” was awarded a gold medal.
The celebrity contestants for the new series of Dancing on Ice were announced back in October last year.
Dean, who stars alongside long-term skating partner Jayne Torvill on the popular ITV reality series, shared the news with fans on social media.
The former professional skater posted a picture of his finger in a bandage, alongside the caption: “Yes broken.”
“We were trying the Iron Lotus, but ended up doing a Half Nelson,” he wrote, in a follow-up tweet. “Or did I just fall over a suitcase in the middle of the night.”
The “Iron Lotus” refers to a fictional figure skating move from the 2007 Will Ferrell comedy Blades of Glory.
Torvill and Dean rose to prominence during the 1984 Winter Olympics, when their figure skating routine set to Maurice Ravel's “Boléro” was awarded a gold medal.
The celebrity contestants for the new series of Dancing on Ice were announced back in October last year.
- 1/12/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Katherine Heigl has reflected on feeling “betrayed” by the entertainment industry for “turning” on her.
The actor shot to fame in the 2000s with her role as Izzie Stevens in Grey’s Anatomy, and had lead roles in high-profile films including Knocked Up and 27 Dresses.
However, Heigl, 44, found herself falling out of favour with studio bosses after sharing her honest thoughts about the projects that made her name.
These comments featured in a 2008 Vanity Fair interview, in which she referred to her unpredictable character arc in Grey’s Anatomy as a “ratings ploy”.
In the same interview, she called Knocked Up, which was written and directed by Judd Apatow, “a little sexist”.
Over the years, Heigl has reflected on being ostracised by Hollywood after being labelled “difficult” to work with, something she said brought her to therapy.
“I started going because of the scrutiny,” she told Howard Stern in 2016. “I was not handling it well.
The actor shot to fame in the 2000s with her role as Izzie Stevens in Grey’s Anatomy, and had lead roles in high-profile films including Knocked Up and 27 Dresses.
However, Heigl, 44, found herself falling out of favour with studio bosses after sharing her honest thoughts about the projects that made her name.
These comments featured in a 2008 Vanity Fair interview, in which she referred to her unpredictable character arc in Grey’s Anatomy as a “ratings ploy”.
In the same interview, she called Knocked Up, which was written and directed by Judd Apatow, “a little sexist”.
Over the years, Heigl has reflected on being ostracised by Hollywood after being labelled “difficult” to work with, something she said brought her to therapy.
“I started going because of the scrutiny,” she told Howard Stern in 2016. “I was not handling it well.
- 1/12/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Lauren Mahon and Steve Bland are stepping down as hosts of BBC cancer podcast You, Me and the Big C.
The award-winning podcast launched in 2018, with Mahon presenting alongside BBC Radio 5 Live newsreader Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James.
All three of the hosts had cancer, and Rachael Bland died six months later, while James died last year.
Rachael’s husband Steve took her place on the podcast after her death.
Speaking to the BBC, Mahon – who recovered from breast cancer five years ago – said: “I have struggled over the past year getting back in that studio without their seats being filled.”
She said: “I’m still processing it all. In what other job than the army would you go into work thinking you may lose colleagues? And so it’s very hard because there’s not many people who get it. It’s challenging.”
Mahon said she has had...
The award-winning podcast launched in 2018, with Mahon presenting alongside BBC Radio 5 Live newsreader Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James.
All three of the hosts had cancer, and Rachael Bland died six months later, while James died last year.
Rachael’s husband Steve took her place on the podcast after her death.
Speaking to the BBC, Mahon – who recovered from breast cancer five years ago – said: “I have struggled over the past year getting back in that studio without their seats being filled.”
She said: “I’m still processing it all. In what other job than the army would you go into work thinking you may lose colleagues? And so it’s very hard because there’s not many people who get it. It’s challenging.”
Mahon said she has had...
- 1/12/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Fans of The Traitors are being forced to cancel their January plans.
In December, the BBC game show became a breakout hit throughout its three weeks on the air.
The series, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, saw 22 strangers play “the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust” at a Scottish Highlands castle in the hope of winning up to £120,000.
After the series, which is executive produced by Studio Lambert, came to a dramatic conclusion on 22 December, viewers were left wondering if the show would return for a second outing.
While the BBC has yet to officially say whether this will happen, fans are being given the perfect gift to tide them over until that announcement is inevitably made.
On Friday (13 January), the US version of the series will be made available to view as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.
“Following the huge success of The Traitors, which has been streamed more...
In December, the BBC game show became a breakout hit throughout its three weeks on the air.
The series, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, saw 22 strangers play “the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust” at a Scottish Highlands castle in the hope of winning up to £120,000.
After the series, which is executive produced by Studio Lambert, came to a dramatic conclusion on 22 December, viewers were left wondering if the show would return for a second outing.
While the BBC has yet to officially say whether this will happen, fans are being given the perfect gift to tide them over until that announcement is inevitably made.
On Friday (13 January), the US version of the series will be made available to view as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.
“Following the huge success of The Traitors, which has been streamed more...
- 1/12/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Horror fans have a new contender for “scariest film ever” on their hands.
Each new year sees the release of a bunch of buzzy new titles hoping to be met with acclaim and approval from fans of the genre.
In the last five years, films that generated word-of-mouth excitement ahead of being unveiled included Ari Aster’s Hereditary, Dashcam in 2021 and, last year, Terrifier 2.
Now, you can add Skinamarink to that list.
The film, an independent release from Canadian director Kyle Edward Ball that cost just 15,000 to make, is currently making waves on the horror scene.
To fully explain the plot of Skinamarink would be to spoil its surprises. All you need to know is that it follows two young children, played by Lucas Paul and Kaylee Dali Rose Tetreault, who wake up in the middle of the night to discover their father is no longer home.
The slow-paced film,...
Each new year sees the release of a bunch of buzzy new titles hoping to be met with acclaim and approval from fans of the genre.
In the last five years, films that generated word-of-mouth excitement ahead of being unveiled included Ari Aster’s Hereditary, Dashcam in 2021 and, last year, Terrifier 2.
Now, you can add Skinamarink to that list.
The film, an independent release from Canadian director Kyle Edward Ball that cost just 15,000 to make, is currently making waves on the horror scene.
To fully explain the plot of Skinamarink would be to spoil its surprises. All you need to know is that it follows two young children, played by Lucas Paul and Kaylee Dali Rose Tetreault, who wake up in the middle of the night to discover their father is no longer home.
The slow-paced film,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
High school is bad enough without your boyfriend tap-dancing down dimly lit classroom corridors, shimmying his way over to wish you a happy birthday. But that’s just the kind of secondhand embarrassment that characterises Netflix’s cringe-fest comedy-drama Ginny & Georgia. And yet, this globally derided show, which gives audiences the TV equivalent of the ick, has somehow conquered the US’s Top 10 Most-watched list.
Brianne Howey stars as young mother Georgia, who’s constantly on the move with her best friend and teenage daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) and young son Austin (Diesel La Torraca), in order to stay two steps ahead of her dark past. Just when she’s finally relocated them to a quaint Northeastern suburb in the hope of finally putting down roots, her lies begin to surface. The story unfolds through a wealth of absurd cliffhangers and plotlines, in which significant themes of mental health and racism are explored.
Brianne Howey stars as young mother Georgia, who’s constantly on the move with her best friend and teenage daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) and young son Austin (Diesel La Torraca), in order to stay two steps ahead of her dark past. Just when she’s finally relocated them to a quaint Northeastern suburb in the hope of finally putting down roots, her lies begin to surface. The story unfolds through a wealth of absurd cliffhangers and plotlines, in which significant themes of mental health and racism are explored.
- 1/12/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Staff "shredded" key documents and destroyed evidence ahead of Sue Gray investigation Staff corroborated their stories prior to filling out Metropolitan Police questionnaires. The notorious party on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh funeral service in April 2021 was even more debaucherous than previously documented, with at least two couples “getting it on with each other” and “touching each other up” and two other members of staff “all over each other” in a kitchen area. Only 50 of the parties were ever investigated by Sue Gray or the Metropolitan Police.
Boris Johnson joked to Downing Street staff “this is the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now”, during a boozy Number 10 leaving do, ITV News has revealed in an explosive new podcast on the partygate scandal.
The claim aired on Partygate: The Inside Story brings into fresh doubt Mr Johnson’s long-held position that he was unaware rules had...
Boris Johnson joked to Downing Street staff “this is the most unsocially distanced party in the UK right now”, during a boozy Number 10 leaving do, ITV News has revealed in an explosive new podcast on the partygate scandal.
The claim aired on Partygate: The Inside Story brings into fresh doubt Mr Johnson’s long-held position that he was unaware rules had...
- 1/11/2023
- Podnews.net
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