British TV host, comedian and actor Paul O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening according to a statement by his husband which was provided to local media. He was 67. Known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage as well as hosting several TV game and talk shows, the multi-award winning O’Grady was also a radio personality. One of his most recent TV appearances was in 2022 with now Queen Consort Camilla for an episode of ITV’s For the Love of Dogs, a series O’Grady helped launch in 2012 which follows the staff at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. More recently, he had been on tour playing Miss Hannigan in a touring version of Annie . Said husband Andre Portasio in the statement, “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me … [Read more...] about Paul O’Grady Dies: UK TV Host & Comedian Was 67
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Kate Winslet Scoops Big Acting Prize At RTS Awards
Kate Winslet took home the big acting prize at last night’s RTS Awards for her heartwrenching performance in Channel 4’s I Am Ruth while there were two gongs apiece for Sherwoo d, The Traitors and Derry Girls . Winslet won Leading Actor (Female) during last night’s London ceremony, staving off competition from I Hate Suzie Too’s Billie Piper and The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe’s Monica Dolan. Winslet’s performance alongside daughter Mia Threapleton has attracted praise from critics in the Channel 4 anthology series about the human experience. Speaking last week , HBO’s Casey Bloys said he wants Winslet to become a “national treasure” in the U.S. and she is currently in production on HBO’s The Palace. Heartstopper’s Kit Connor took home Leading Actor (Male) ahead of Top Boy’s Kane Robinson aka Kano and The English’s Chaske Spencer, marking a rare RTS acting win for a Netflix show. Graham’s BBC drama Sherwood won the coveted Drama Series … [Read more...] about Kate Winslet Scoops Big Acting Prize At RTS Awards
Universal’s Rebranded Parks Division Taps Brian Robinson & Eric Parr As It Fires Up Creative Unit
The recently renamed Universal Destinations & Experiences (previously Parks & Resorts) has named two executives to key roles at its growing creative division. In a memo to staff today, Destinations’ chairman-CEO Mark Woodbury said Brian Robinson has been named to the role of EVP, Chief Creative Officer and will lead the division’s Creative Studio, including ATI (Advanced Technology Initiatives), Media, Architecture and Planning, and Attraction Development. Currently EVP, Brand Strategy & Creative at Universal Products & Experiences, he will transition out of that role with a planned move to Orlando later this year. Eric Parr has been promoted to the new role of SVP, Creative Studio, reporting to Robinson and taking on expanded leadership of creative design on new attractions, destinations and experiences worldwide. “Universal Destinations & Experiences has an exciting future with a powerful aspiration, phenomenal product, a differentiated brand … [Read more...] about Universal’s Rebranded Parks Division Taps Brian Robinson & Eric Parr As It Fires Up Creative Unit
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Boss On Season 5 Finale, Plans For June’s Conclusion & ‘The Testaments’
SPOILER ALERT: The story below reveals major plot points from Hulu ’s The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 finale. Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale wrapped up its fifth season tonight and while a lot has changed for June Osborne ( Elisabeth Moss ), the season ends in ways similar to how it all began. When viewers first meet June, she is torn apart from her husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle) and the life they shared with their daughter Hannah—a scene that’s imitated in the Season 5 finale. June and her daughter Nichole board a train for an unknown future in Hawaii as Luke is arrested by the authorities. His arrest is unfair considering Luke was saving his wife from a man attempting to kill her by running her over in his truck but here we are—the world is crumbling. It’s worth noting the hired hitman was sent by Gilead to dispose of the thorn in their side once and for all but failed. If June was a cat, she’d be down to three lives if my math is accurate. A big part of her she’s … [Read more...] about ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Boss On Season 5 Finale, Plans For June’s Conclusion & ‘The Testaments’
Universal TV & Jenna Bush Hager To Adapt ‘Black Candle Women’ Series With Carla Banks Waddles
Universal Television is developing a series adaptation of Diane Marie Brown’s debut novel Black Candle Women with Jenna Bush Hager , who has a first-look deal with Universal Studio Group, under her production banner Thousand Voices. Hager is teaming with Bel-Air showrunner Carla Banks Waddles and Good Girls creator Jenna Bans , both of whom have overall deals with UTV, for the project. Waddles is set to write and executive produce the adaptation. Bans will executive produce through her production banner Minnesota Logging Company, along with the company’s Head of Television Casey Kyber. Hager will also executive produce with President of Thousand Voices, Ben Spector. Black Candle Women introduces four generations of Montrose women—Augusta, Victoria, Willow—who have lived together in their quaint two-story bungalow in California for years. They keep to themselves, never venture far from home, and their collection of tinctures and spells is an unspoken bond … [Read more...] about Universal TV & Jenna Bush Hager To Adapt ‘Black Candle Women’ Series With Carla Banks Waddles
Austin Theory Says He’s Not Trying To Be Next John Cena, ‘Don’t Want To Be A Rip-Off’
TMZSports.com Austin Theory is fighting his childhood idol, John Cena , on "The Grandest Stage of Them All," WrestleMania, but the current WWE United States Champion wants everyone to know he's not trying to be a Cena 2.0 -- telling TMZ Sports , "I don't want to be a rip-off." We spoke with Theory ahead of his highly-anticipated match with Cena for the U.S. title at 'Mania ... and he put into perspective what the moment means to him considering John played a role in his desire to be a professional wrestler. Getty "Being eight years old and knowing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life because of John Cena and that is be a WWE Superstar. That was the first time I seen wrestling and I was inspired. And I went straight to the TV and I'd watch John every single week." Theory and Cena made their match for the U.S. Championship at WrestleMania official two weeks ago ... during an intense segment where the latter reminded the WWE Universe … [Read more...] about Austin Theory Says He’s Not Trying To Be Next John Cena, ‘Don’t Want To Be A Rip-Off’
‘The Bachelor’: Zach Shallcross, Fiancé Kaity Biggar Discuss Fantasy Suites & Their Post-Finale Relationship
SPOILER ALERT! This post contains details from the Season 27 finale of ABC ‘s The Bachelor . Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar have officially gone public with their engagement! Viewers saw Shallcross get down on one knee during Monday’s Bachelor finale, but in all actuality, the pair have been together for several months since production ended. During the proposal, Biggar put it all on the line when she confessed her love for Shallcross, telling him “if it’s not you, it’s not anyone.” Luckily, he does choose her. Monday’s episode also included some heartbreaking moments, including Shallcross’ breakup with his runner up, Gabi Elnicki. He also had the opportunity to speak with Ariel Frenkel, who came in third place. Both women had plenty to say, holding Shallcross accountable for how his no-intimacy plans for fantasy suites derailed all of their experiences. Shallcross and Biggar spoke with Deadline about last night’s confrontations, getting to know each other … [Read more...] about ‘The Bachelor’: Zach Shallcross, Fiancé Kaity Biggar Discuss Fantasy Suites & Their Post-Finale Relationship
BBC News Channel To Bench Seasoned Presenters From Next Week As Output Is Relaunched
EXCLUSIVE : BBC News will make sweeping changes to its news channel presenting line-up from next week, with a number of seasoned anchors dropping off air. The British broadcaster is merging its UK and World News stations into a single channel, with changes gradually being introduced from April 3. Audiences are unlikely to notice a “big bang” overhaul, but one of the most notable differences will be the channel’s presenter lineup. Newsroom sources also expect BBC management to rethink plans to reduce UK news amid fears that the merger could dilute domestic output and damage viewing figures. The BBC said the channel always planned to carry UK news for local viewers. From next week, five journalists will take up Chief Presenter roles, including Matthew Amroliwala, Yalda Hakim, Christian Fraser, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri. A further 10 UK-based presenters were unsuccessful in applying for these roles , and Deadline hears that many have dropped off BBC News’ … [Read more...] about BBC News Channel To Bench Seasoned Presenters From Next Week As Output Is Relaunched