THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • Who is Brandi Glanville? Reality TV celeb and CBB star

    She’s probably best known for her stint on The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, but now she’s entered the Celebrity Big Brother house – so who is Brandi Glanville?

    Brandi Glanville (44)  is an American reality television personality, author and former model – best known for appearing on The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills.

    She moved to LA in the 90s and met her soon to-be husband, Ellie Cibrian. However, in 2009, her marriage hit the headlines amid claims that Eddie had been having an affair with his co-star, LeAnn Rimes.

  • Who is Amelia Lily? Former X Factor star and CBB star

    She’s probably best known for her stint on X Factor, but now she’s entered the Celebrity Big Brother house – so who is Amelia Lily?

    Amelia Lily (22) rose to fame in 2011 when she finished third on The X Factor UK.

    Straight off the back of her X Factor journey, her debut single “You Bring Me Joy” reached number two in the Official UK Singles Chart. During the results of the first live show on the X Factor, Kelly Rowland sent Amelia home. However, she was later given a lifeline and re-joined the finalists.

    She made it all the way to Wembley and finished the show in third place.

  • Who is in Celebrity Big Brother and when is it on?

    It’s back. The brand new series of Celebrity Big Brother hit our screens last night, but who is in this season of Celebrity Big Brother?

    Who is in Celebrity Big Brother and when is it on?

    So here are some other stats, there are 15 house mates this year, 8 females (53.3 percent) and 7 males. The average age of the celebs is 34.8 years old. In terms of demographics, there are two from the BAME community (13.55 percent), one from the LGBT community (6.6 percent) four Americans (26.6 percent)

    Amelia Lily (22) rose to fame in 2011 when she finished third on The X Factor UK.

    Straight off the back of her X Factor journey, her debut single “You Bring Me Joy” reached number two in the Official UK Singles Chart. During the results of the first live show on the X Factor, Kelly Rowland sent Amelia home. However, she was later given a lifeline and re-joined the finalists.

    She made it all the way to Wembley and finished the show in third place.

    Brandi Glanville (44)  is an American reality television personality, author and former model – best known for appearing on The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills.

    She moved to LA in the 90s and met her soon to-be husband, Ellie Cibrian. However, in 2009, her marriage hit the headlines amid claims that Eddie had been having an affair with his co-star, LeAnn Rimes.

    Chad Johnson (29) rose to fame in 2016 when he took part in the American series, The Bachelorette, as the show’s brand new villain.

    Chad has continued to shine in reality TV after being recognised as the franchise’s “most famous character”, starring in both Bachelor in Paradise 3 and Famously Single 2.

    Derek Francis Johnson, (67) professionally known as Derek Acorah, is a TV Psychic best known for appearing on paranormal television series, Most Haunted.

    The star describes himself as a spiritual medium, and says his first experience in the paranormal world came when he was just aged six, after seeing a ghost on his grandmother’s landing! Derek has been touring with his ‘Whispers from Heaven’ tour which helps connects people with their loved ones in the spirit world.

    Helen Lederer (62) is an English actress and comedian, best known for her role in the comedy series, Absolutely Fabulous.

    In the show, she played dippy Catriona, an employee at Patsy’s magazine.

    She most recently appeared in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie that took $37 million at the box office. Helen has also dipped her toes into the dazzling world of theatre, starring in The Vagina Monologues and Calendar Girls. She recently returned to the world of television, appearing in Hollyoaks, Doctors, as well Celebrity Masterchef and Splash!

    Jemma Lucy (29) is an MTV reality star, best known for taking part in two seasons of Ex on the Beach. She also works as a tattoo model.

    Jemma reportedly had a short-lived relationship with 2016’s CBB winner, Stephen Bear and also hooked up with Kirk Norcross on season three of EOTB. She has set up her own dating app, Dating Ink, an app which brings tattooed lovers together

    Jordan Davies (25) is a Welsh television personality, best known for appearing in Ibiza Weekender.

    He also appeared on MTV’s Ex On The Beach, where he found love with fellow ex CBB housemate, Megan McKenna.

    The lothario has admitted: “I’ve slept with about 750 girls, I wouldn’t care if a girl had slept with the same amount.” Jordan says he is a ‘nightmare’ when single and has been linked to many well-known women including Stephanie Davies and Marnie Simpson.

    Karthik Nagesan (35) is best known for appearing on The Apprentice.

    He was fired on the spot by Lord Sugar after one of the worst results the show has ever seen, selling just £188 compared to his rival’s £40,000 plus! Karthik quickly became a fan favourite on the show due to his entertaining personality, and above all, his love for the monobrow. He describes himself as “the next billion dollar unicorn”!

    Marissa Jade (32) is an American model and actress, best known for appearing in the series Mob Wives.

    Born and raised in New York, her impressive modelling credits include Ralph Lauren, Tahari, Nine West and Brian Atwood. She has also appeared in Gossip Girl, The Good Wife and Law & Order. Known for her no nonsense attitude and role of one of the most memorable altercations in Mob Wives history, Marissa is a devoted mum to her eight-year-old son whom she raises on her own.

    Paul Danan (38) began his career as an actor on Hollyoaks, where he played the role of Sol Patrick.

    However, he is best known for his appearance in two series of Celebrity Love Island. During the show, Paul was remembered for his meltdowns and screaming matches.
    Paul went on to appear in his own reality show on ITV; Callum, Fran and Dangerous Danan.

    Sandi Bogle (51) is best known for her appearance in Gogglebox.

    She is the mum of four children, has several grandchildren and is Naomi Campbell’s cousin!

    In 2016, she kicked off her music career, releasing her first solo single, “Casanova”. Well known for her ‘Celebrity Selfies’ on social media, Sandi has snapped pictures with the likes of Sir David Jason, Sam Smith, Whoopi Goldberg and all four Britain’s Got Talent judges.

    Sam Thompson (24) is a British reality star. He is best known for appearing in Made In Chelsea, alongside his sister, Louise.


    Since appearing in the show, Sam has been linked with many of his co-stars, including Olivia Bentley, Riley Uggla and Tiffany Watson. Tiffany joined the Made In Chelsea cast in 2014, and she and Sam quickly became the leading “power couple”. However, they called time on their relationship in May this year, making Sam newly single!

    Sam is also a highly watched vlogger, uploading hilarious videos and mocking clips of his sister to his YouTube and Instagram accounts.

    Sarah Harding (35) is an English recording artist, dancer, model, and actress who rose to fame as one fifth of Girls Aloud.

    Sarah made her debut appearance on 2002’s PopStar: The Rivals, securing her place in the hit girl band.

    The band went on to have massive chart success, scoring twenty-one UK top ten singles and four UK number one singles. The Guinness World Records lists the band as “Most Successful Reality TV Group” in their 2007 edition.

    Following the band’s split, Sarah embarked on a solo career and most recently finished a stint in the West End as the leading lady in Ghost the musical.

    Shaun Williamson (52) is a British actor, best known for playing Barry Evans in the soap, EastEnders.

    In 2004, more than 14 million viewers watched on as his character Barry was pushed to his death.

    He also starred alongside Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant in the award winning comedy sitcom, Extras!
    Aside from his television career, Shaun has carved a successful career on stage.

    Trisha Paytas (29) is an American internet sensation, actress and singer-songwriter.


    She rose to fame in 2006 after launching her YouTube channel ‘blndsundoll4mj’, uploading videos about her idol Quentin Tarantino. Trisha is an open book; vlogging and sharing all her life’s trials and tribulations to her 2.8 million subscribers. One of her videos, ‘Our Sex Life’, has over 80 million views!

    In 2009, she portrayed Jessica Simpson in the Eminem music video, “We Made You”. She has also appeared in videos for Amy Winehouse and The All America Rejects.

    Trisha auditioned for season 7 of America’s Got Talent, however, she only lasted for 14 seconds when all three judges pressed their ‘X’ buttons.

  • When is Autopsy of Kurt Cobain showing on Channel 5?

    Channel 5’s Autopsy series returns with Kurt Cobain’s tragic death at the centre of its investigation.

    When is Autopsy of Kurt Cobain showing on Channel 5?

    In the Spring of 1994 one of the world’s most famous musicians, Kurt Cobain was found dead in his Seattle home. Kurt and his band, Nirvana were at the height of their popularity, when he seemingly committed suicide.

    He had a gunshot wound to his head. A suicide note was found in his home and it was quickly concluded that the singer had taken his own life. The programme looks at the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

    in this programme, forensic pathologist Dr Jason Payne-James examines all the available evidence medical and testimony from family and friends to reveal the cause of Kurt Cobain’s death.

    Director Steve Webb
    Executive Producer Ed Taylor
    Executive Producer Michael Kelpie
    Producer Steve Webb
    Series Producer Suzy Davis

    The show begins this Friday, 4th August, on Channel 5 at 10.05 PM and again on My5 on Saturday 12th August at 2 AM.

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Mamma Mia, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

    ★★★| Mamma Mia 2017 National UK Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Mamma Mia, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

    Sophie is determined to have her father walk her down the aisle at her forthcoming wedding. After finding out that there are three potential guys who may be her father, she invites them all to the forthcoming nuptials; but will she find out which one really is her father, and how will her mother react when three of her former lovers all turn up unexpectedly?

    Currently on its first ever UK tour, Mamma Mia is a show which needs little introduction. Based around the hit songs of Abba, the show has been a phenomenon for many years and continues to pack out theatres with its sunny setting, perfect pop and feel-good factor.

    The show feels as warm as the weather in the Greek setting to the story, with a set made up of a backdrop of brilliant blues and two moveable parts to the set which transforms the locations of the story very well. The lighting design is well conceived, the costumes include some spandex and stomping platform boots, and the whole thing is fairly seamless in its presentation.

    Sadly, for such a slick and polished production, the lead cast was disappointing; with both the acting and singing not being of a standard one would expect from such a huge show. Someone in the foyer joked “at least we won’t have to listen to Pierce Bronson sing tonight” (referring to his much-maligned performance in the film version of the show); but at times, his dulcet tones may have been a blessing. It is the ensemble cast who really shone in terms of their enthusiasm, singing and dancing; with more gorgeous gals and hunks in trunks than you can shake a stick at; and an abundance of muscular and ridiculously attractive young men in the ensemble with vast amounts of six packs, biceps and perfect pecs on display.

    But the real star of the show is the music, and with a soundtrack which plays out like your ABBA Gold CD, there are more than a few songs here that you will know every word to. There are some storming numbers, which work really well; “Money. Money, Money”, “Mamma Mia” and “Does Your Mother Know” are good ensemble pieces, and the collision of the stag and hen do’s to “Voulez Vous” was an enjoyable highlight; with this show reminding you of just how good ABBA really were.

    But where the show really succeeds is in the fact that it remains an absolute crowd-pleaser and presents itself with a real sense of fun. It’s a show which cranks up the camp, ditches the story and plot and goes all out to enjoy itself. It’s not perfect by any stretch, but by the time the crowd are on their feet singing and dancing at the end, you know that you have had a good couple of hours of escapism and managed to kick-start your summer.
    Mamma Mia plays at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre until 12th August 2017
    * Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre 

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Wedding Singer, Bromley Churchill Theatre

    ★★ | The Wedding Singer, Bromley Churchill Theatre 

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Wedding Singer, Bromley Churchill Theatre

    Robbie Hart is a popular wedding singer who has his belief in love shattered when he is jilted at the altar by his fiancé. But as he has promised to sing at the wedding of affable waitress Julia to her sleazy, materialistic boyfriend, Glenn, he spends his time helping her prepare for her big day. But amongst the gift registry and dress shopping, the two of them slowly fall for each other, and as Julia’s big day approaches, will they both find the courage to tell each other how they feel?

    This 80’s set musical is based on the film of the same name and is packed with a full list of original songs, a smattering of ensemble pieces and a rapping granny. In terms of the cast, Ray Quinn (X-Factor) stood head and shoulders amongst the performers, with a good performance as Glenn, whilst Cassie Compton (X-Factor) and UK Eurovision singer Lucie Jones provided competent support and, to their credit, some superb singing.

    But aside from a handful of good performances, sadly, the whole thing just simply didn’t hang together. The onslaught of songs became intrusive to the progression of the narrative, the clunky and cumbersome set changes interrupted the flow and the show overall fell somewhere between lacklustre and dull. Add into that an incredibly cringe worthy seduction scene between Robbie and his ex-fiancé, a significant lack of chemistry between the two leads and some borderline offensive stereotypes of gay men which felt more like ridicule than parody and you have a rather disappointing production.

    But where the show really lets itself down is in its lack of an 80’s feel, especially given that the decade is ripe for the picking in terms of its cultural identity.  Part of the charm of the film that the show is based on is its nods to the decade, from the fashions to the music; something that is noticeably missing from this show. It takes more than a randomly placed Rubiks Cube, a Sony Walkman and a reference to the size of a mobile phone to set the 80’s scene. But the biggest omission is that the original songs didn’t have even a tinge of 80’s synth pop to them and were so generic that, on the whole, they could have come from any musical set in any decade; whilst the costumes missed the opportunity to fully exploit the decade that fashion forgot.

    The show did finally come alive during the last scene and the curtain call, but it was far too little far too late, and couldn’t avoid the show receiving a rather muted reception from the generally unimpressed audience.

    The Wedding Singer is currently playing at the Bromley Churchill Theatre until 5th August 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Production.

     

  • What does the interior of the Celebrity Big Brother house look like?

    The pictures are here…

    See the inside of the brand new Celebrity Big Brother house.

     

  • TV REVIEW | Against The Law

    As part of their Gay Britannia season, the BBC commissioned Against The Law, a docudrama of some of the events leading up the Wolfenden report, which paved the way to the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK.

    TV REVIEW | Against The Law

    Against The Law is a docudrama by filmmaker Fergus O’Brien, based on the true story of Peter Wildeblood played by Daniel Mays, a writer and journalist for the Daily Mail, who was charged and imprisoned for homosexual acts in 1954, following an affair with a military man (Richard Gadd). At the time, gay men were being arrested in their droves, police raids were regular and the shaming of men for their lifestyle was rife.

    The punishment for those found guilty was prison time and gay cures offered, by professional medical staff, to those who wished to drive the gay out of them. The cures offered included electrical and chemical aversion therapies.

    The law made it almost impossible for gay men to lead honest, open relationships with each other as demonstrated in Wildeblood’s story. His personal love letters to his boyfriend were used against him in evidence of his so-called crimes.

    After his incarceration, he was the only openly gay man to testify in front of the Wolfenden committee, the committee that was, eventually, instrumental in the decriminalising of homosexuality in the UK.

    Interspersed with the drama were the true life stories from men caught up in the cruelty of the British legal system. They share their heartbreaking stories of fear, longing for acceptance and reclamation of their stolen lives.

    Utterly captivating and desperately sad, Against The Law, is a history lesson everybody in the LGBT+ community needs to learn.

     

  • When will the X Factor 2017 start and who is judging it this year?

    Summer 2017 sees the return of one Britain’s most popular show, the X Factor. When does it start, who is hosting it and who are the judges?

    when does the new series of X Factor start?

    Simon Cowell has already hinted that there will be many new surprises to delight and retain viewers.

    After last year’s dismal ratings, Simon Cowell has hinted that there will be many changes to the 2017 format of X Factor, including a new location for auditions, six weeks of live shows instead of 10 and no more novelty acts, like Honey G, that have blighted the show for years. For fans of the Jukebox, it will not be returning to the 2017 series after Simon ruled it out in July.

    When does X Factor 2017 start?

    Although the show’s first episode air date has not yet been announced, you can expect it to be at the end of August. This is when the show usually starts and takes viewers right up until Christmas. It has historically launched on the last weekend of August. Dermot O’Leary is returning for hosting duties.

    Who is judging the X Factor 2017?

    Don’t expect too many changes to the lineup from 2016. Simon, Nicole, Sharon and Louis Walsh will all be returning, however, there are rumours that several guest judges will be making a stop to shake things up.

    After years of fixing and rejigging the judging panel, this is the first time that the show will have exactly the same judging panel as the previous year. A source said that the “chemistry was perfect” among the judges.

    Where will the Judge’s Houses be in this year’s X Factor?

    As always, the location of the judge’s houses is a secret – you’ll have to wait until the shows to find out more.

    Who won last year’s X Factor?

    In case you’ve forgotten – so much has happened since last year’s finale, Matt Terry won out the series – followed by Saara Alto.

     

     

     

  • The show that made Jane McDonald famous is making a comeback

    A brand new series of The Cruise is set to return to our screens…

    Yes, the show that gave us Jane McDonald is coming back to ITV.

    Three new series of ITV’s hit documentary The Cruise, which will be set on board two Princess Cruises ships, are being lined up for next year.

    Wild Pictures will once again board The Cruise and reveal what life at sea is like for both crew and guests on board some of the ocean’s largest cruise liners. The new series follows the success of the previous two series, filmed respectively on Regal Princess in the Baltics and Royal Princess in the Mediterranean, which were a ratings success.

    The new series of The Cruise will include 6 x30minute episodes in the Mediterranean, returning to the 3,560-guest Royal Princess as she cruises from Greece to Spain and everywhere in between this summer. Two special 3 x 30 minute outings to Alaska and the Caribbean will take viewers further then ever before to bbreathtakingand exotic locations, which present new challenges for staff.

    The series is commissioned for ITV by Satmohan Panesar, Commissioning Editor and Sue Murphy Head of Factual Entertainment.

    Paul Hamann, executive producer at Wild Pictures, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Princess Cruises again on this successful returning series. Viewers are really fascinated by the world of cruising, the workings of such a large operation and the exciting destinations this series gives them a passport to see.”

    Viewers can join the conversation on Twitter via #TheCruise

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dirty Dancing, Princess Theatre Torquay

    ★★★ | Dirty Dancing, Princess Theatre Torquay

    Set in the 1960’s, Frances “Baby” Houseman goes to Kellerman’s holiday camp with her family. She befriends the staff of the camp and develops a crush on charismatic dance teacher, Johnny Castle. When Johnny’s dance partner cannot perform at a show at a local hotel, Baby steps in to ensure that they do not lose their jobs. But as Johnny and Baby rehearse, they fall in love and learn more from each other than just the dance moves.

    Based on the hugely popular film of the same name, Dirty Dancing hits the stage with a show which follows the story of the film very closely, with the bulk of the script being comfortingly recognisable from the film. There are some additional scenes thrown in, which mainly expand on the political changes in the 60’s and some which flesh out the relationship between Baby and Johnny; whilst the show’s music came from a combination of both live and pre-recorded tracks, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Love Man” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”

    Katie Eccles and Robert Colvin took the lead roles of Baby and Johnny, and had some chemistry between them; and they were supported by a broadly competent cast of singers, dancers and musicians. Unsurprisingly, the dancing was better than the acting, but given that the show’s main focus is the musical numbers it doesn’t cause too much of a problem.

    The show has been given a major overhaul and is all the better for it. This production has a vibrant lighting design and has ushered in a luxurious, well designed and thoroughly detailed set which transform smoothly without ever interrupting the story; whilst the show has been sexed up a little with a few more bare chests and muscular arms on display. Overall, the production values here are very high and very impressive.

    But where the show really succeeds is in its ability to bring the movie to life and recreating it on stage. All of the familiar lines, plot points, dance routines and songs are there and there is something very comforting about watching such a faithful recreation of the movie. For those who have not seen the film, the show is a good introduction to the world of Kellerman’s. For established fans of the film, the show will be hard to beat.

    Dirty Dancing is playing at the Princess Theatre Torquay until 5th August 2017

    • Review taken from the Sheffield Theatre production