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Music fans can thank Eurovision for launching the careers of Abba, Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John and Måneskin. Now in its 67th edition, the annual European song contest is the longest-running TV competition in history (it debuted in 1956), but you don’t need to be on the continent to watch the world’s next music star.
Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won 2022’s showdown with their song, “Stefania,” and Italian rock outfit Måneskin won the 2021 event with their song, “Zitti E Buoni.” (The 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic.) While Eurovision’s tradition means that the winning country hosts the following year’s event, the European Broadcasting Union (Ebu) announced that Ukraine was unable to safely host the 2023 song contest due to the Russian invasion. This year...
Music fans can thank Eurovision for launching the careers of Abba, Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John and Måneskin. Now in its 67th edition, the annual European song contest is the longest-running TV competition in history (it debuted in 1956), but you don’t need to be on the continent to watch the world’s next music star.
Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won 2022’s showdown with their song, “Stefania,” and Italian rock outfit Måneskin won the 2021 event with their song, “Zitti E Buoni.” (The 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic.) While Eurovision’s tradition means that the winning country hosts the following year’s event, the European Broadcasting Union (Ebu) announced that Ukraine was unable to safely host the 2023 song contest due to the Russian invasion. This year...
- 5/9/2023
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham will present the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage later this year.
Waddingham is part of a presenting and commentary line-up including stalwarts Graham Norton and Rylan, Julia Sanina, Alesha Dixon, Timur Miroshnychenko, Sam Quek, Mel Giedroyc, Scott Mills and Claire Sweeney.
Miroshnychenko is a Ukrainian presenter, coming as the UK stepped in to host the awards that should have been in Ukraine. Ukrainian rap trio Kalush Orchestra won last year’s contest but cannot host due to the war so the UK is hosting in Liverpool as the nation came second.
Emmy winner Waddingham plays Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso and past credits include Sex Education and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage,...
Waddingham is part of a presenting and commentary line-up including stalwarts Graham Norton and Rylan, Julia Sanina, Alesha Dixon, Timur Miroshnychenko, Sam Quek, Mel Giedroyc, Scott Mills and Claire Sweeney.
Miroshnychenko is a Ukrainian presenter, coming as the UK stepped in to host the awards that should have been in Ukraine. Ukrainian rap trio Kalush Orchestra won last year’s contest but cannot host due to the war so the UK is hosting in Liverpool as the nation came second.
Emmy winner Waddingham plays Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso and past credits include Sex Education and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Claire Sweeney says becoming a mother has ''completely changed'' her life. The 44-year-old star welcomed her first child, son Jaxon, with ex-boyfriend Daniel Reilly 10 months ago and admits her priorities have changed completely since his arrival. She said: ''He's one in September ... It's gone so fast! But I'm loving it, it's completely changed my life. It's like my life was so vacuous before, it's just brilliant ... He stood up for the first time this weekend!'' The former 'Brookside' actress split from Jaxon's father while she was pregnant and although they rekindled their relationship after he was born they called time...
- 7/15/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
On a mid February evening, Leicester Square was draped in pink and orange, the colours of Rajasthan. Although the heat of Rajasthan was certainly absent, with the London air becoming increasingly biting, one could have been stood in India at a wedding.
The air heavy with Bhangra and Bollywood beats, archways protruding with colourful marigold flowers, it was time to celebrate the world premiere of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!
The evening was one full of fun and celebration.
Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Kbm) built up the anticipation and entertained the public waiting with their slick Bollywood moves to beats such as Taal, Nagara Sang Dhol and Malang.
Gracing the orange carpet were the cast and crew of the film including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Tina Desai, Lillete Dubey, Diana Hardcastle, Shazad Latif, director John Madden, writer Ol Parker and producer Graham Broadbent.
The air heavy with Bhangra and Bollywood beats, archways protruding with colourful marigold flowers, it was time to celebrate the world premiere of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!
The evening was one full of fun and celebration.
Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass (Kbm) built up the anticipation and entertained the public waiting with their slick Bollywood moves to beats such as Taal, Nagara Sang Dhol and Malang.
Gracing the orange carpet were the cast and crew of the film including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Tina Desai, Lillete Dubey, Diana Hardcastle, Shazad Latif, director John Madden, writer Ol Parker and producer Graham Broadbent.
- 2/19/2015
- by Aashi Gahlot
- Bollyspice
Gaby Roslin will guest present Lorraine next week.
The 50-year-old will fill in for Lorraine Kelly from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20.
The presenter is taking the week off to spend time with her family over the school holidays.
She said: "Lorraine is without doubt the kindest, sweetest woman on telly with a wicked sense of humour. They are very tough shoes to fill and I'm hugely touched that she's asked me to look after her show whilst she's away. I can't wait."
Roslin previously hosted The Big Breakfast with Chris Evans, and has also worked on the BBC's Top Dog and Food Inspectors. She currently hosts her own show on BBC London Radio.
Guests on Lorraine next week include Ashley Roberts, Sam Bailey, Claire Sweeney, Nadia Sawalha, John Whaite and Dean Edwards.
Last year, Kelly celebrated her 30th year in breakfast television with a special edition of her long-running show.
The 50-year-old will fill in for Lorraine Kelly from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20.
The presenter is taking the week off to spend time with her family over the school holidays.
She said: "Lorraine is without doubt the kindest, sweetest woman on telly with a wicked sense of humour. They are very tough shoes to fill and I'm hugely touched that she's asked me to look after her show whilst she's away. I can't wait."
Roslin previously hosted The Big Breakfast with Chris Evans, and has also worked on the BBC's Top Dog and Food Inspectors. She currently hosts her own show on BBC London Radio.
Guests on Lorraine next week include Ashley Roberts, Sam Bailey, Claire Sweeney, Nadia Sawalha, John Whaite and Dean Edwards.
Last year, Kelly celebrated her 30th year in breakfast television with a special edition of her long-running show.
- 2/12/2015
- Digital Spy
Brookside will not be revived, Channel 4 has said.
The broadcaster's chief creative officer Jay Hunt told the Belfast Media Festival that the Liverpool-based soap was not coming back, but teased the launch of a new soap-like drama.
"I would love to tell you something about that now, but I can't," Hunt was quoted by Broadcast as saying.
"We're not bringing back Brookside, but we... will have a drama announcement next week."
Brookside ran from 1982 to 2003 on Channel 4 and attracted over 8 million viewers at its peak.
The show celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012 with an exhibit at the Museum of Liverpool and Most Memorable Moments DVD release.
A Digital Spy poll held at that time attracted 7,000 votes, with 83.9% wanting the show to return and only 16.1% against a revival.
Lindsey Corkhill actress Claire Sweeney told DS that Brookside should never have been cancelled.
"It was groundbreaking drama," Sweeney said shortly before the anniversary.
The broadcaster's chief creative officer Jay Hunt told the Belfast Media Festival that the Liverpool-based soap was not coming back, but teased the launch of a new soap-like drama.
"I would love to tell you something about that now, but I can't," Hunt was quoted by Broadcast as saying.
"We're not bringing back Brookside, but we... will have a drama announcement next week."
Brookside ran from 1982 to 2003 on Channel 4 and attracted over 8 million viewers at its peak.
The show celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012 with an exhibit at the Museum of Liverpool and Most Memorable Moments DVD release.
A Digital Spy poll held at that time attracted 7,000 votes, with 83.9% wanting the show to return and only 16.1% against a revival.
Lindsey Corkhill actress Claire Sweeney told DS that Brookside should never have been cancelled.
"It was groundbreaking drama," Sweeney said shortly before the anniversary.
- 11/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Claire Sweeney has given birth to a baby boy. The 42-year-old presenter and her former fiancé Daniel Riley welcomed their son into the world on Monday (29.09.14) and though the former 'Brookside' star isn't getting much sleep, she is thrilled with the new arrival. Her representative told MailOnline: ''Claire has given birth to a baby boy via C-section at the Catherine Suite in Liverpool Women's Hospital. He was born at 1.58pm on September 29th.'' And Claire added: ''My baby is beautiful and has me awake every hour breast-feeding.'' Claire - who split from Daniel late last year a few weeks before finding out...
- 10/1/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
The lineup for this year's Pointless Celebrities series has been announced by BBC One.
Beginning with an August 9 comedy special, the upcoming series will feature different themes each week.
Four teams of two from the world of music, TV, soaps, sport, food and drink, journalism, radio and theatre will compete for charity in weekly specials to air on Saturday evenings on BBC One.
The first show pits Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson from Birds of a Feather against Ronni Ancona and Phil Cornwell, Su Pollard and Ruth Madoc, and Josh Widdicombe and his partner Sara Pascoe.
Standout teams from the series include Stefan Dennis and fellow Neighbours star Rebekah Elmaloglou, who will square off against Ray Quinn and Louis Emerick from Brookside.
Antony Costa from Blue will team with 5ive's Scott Robinson in the music special, while TV stars Louie Spence and Carol McGiffin will face off against the likes...
Beginning with an August 9 comedy special, the upcoming series will feature different themes each week.
Four teams of two from the world of music, TV, soaps, sport, food and drink, journalism, radio and theatre will compete for charity in weekly specials to air on Saturday evenings on BBC One.
The first show pits Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson from Birds of a Feather against Ronni Ancona and Phil Cornwell, Su Pollard and Ruth Madoc, and Josh Widdicombe and his partner Sara Pascoe.
Standout teams from the series include Stefan Dennis and fellow Neighbours star Rebekah Elmaloglou, who will square off against Ray Quinn and Louis Emerick from Brookside.
Antony Costa from Blue will team with 5ive's Scott Robinson in the music special, while TV stars Louie Spence and Carol McGiffin will face off against the likes...
- 7/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing cha-cha-chas back into your Saturday nights this weekend, offering a glittery and ever-so-slightly-camp alternative to the sobbing and warbling of ITV's The X Factor.
After ruling the ratings roost in 2012, the X Factor team and ITV will have been waiting nervously to find out who their competition is this year, but following the unveiling of the lineup on The One Show tonight, Simon Cowell and co will probably be sleeping a little bit more easily.
The biggest names on the lineup are probably Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, BBC Breakfast's Susanna Reid, rugby play Ben Cohen and Wag Abbey Clancy. It's hardly a selection of names to get your pulse racing.
Of course Strictly lineups have never been exactly brimming with A-listers. From orange-faced antiques babbler David Dickinson and Celebrity Big Brother reject Claire Sweeney in series one to the likes of bland acting bore Colin Salmon...
After ruling the ratings roost in 2012, the X Factor team and ITV will have been waiting nervously to find out who their competition is this year, but following the unveiling of the lineup on The One Show tonight, Simon Cowell and co will probably be sleeping a little bit more easily.
The biggest names on the lineup are probably Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, BBC Breakfast's Susanna Reid, rugby play Ben Cohen and Wag Abbey Clancy. It's hardly a selection of names to get your pulse racing.
Of course Strictly lineups have never been exactly brimming with A-listers. From orange-faced antiques babbler David Dickinson and Celebrity Big Brother reject Claire Sweeney in series one to the likes of bland acting bore Colin Salmon...
- 9/2/2013
- Digital Spy
Tim Vine and The Soap Stars have made it through to the final of Let's Dance for Comic Relief.
The comedian won the public vote after impressing with his performance to Justin Timberlake's 'Rock Your Body'.
The Soap Stars - Natalie Cassidy, Ricky Groves, Claire Sweeney and Dean Gaffney - opened the show to 'You Can't Stop the Beat' from the musical Hairspray. They were put through to the final by judges Tameka Empson, Bradley Walsh and Mel Giedroyc.
Gaffney still managed to appear on the show despite being in a serious car crash on January 30.
Destiny's Dad - Hal Cruttenden, Shaun Keaveny and Mark Dolan - performed to Destiny's Child's 'Bootylicious' but didn't make it through to the final.
Olivia Lee also left the competition tonight following her dance to Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance'.
Boxer Ricky Hatton danced to Robbie Williams's 'Let Me Entertain You'...
The comedian won the public vote after impressing with his performance to Justin Timberlake's 'Rock Your Body'.
The Soap Stars - Natalie Cassidy, Ricky Groves, Claire Sweeney and Dean Gaffney - opened the show to 'You Can't Stop the Beat' from the musical Hairspray. They were put through to the final by judges Tameka Empson, Bradley Walsh and Mel Giedroyc.
Gaffney still managed to appear on the show despite being in a serious car crash on January 30.
Destiny's Dad - Hal Cruttenden, Shaun Keaveny and Mark Dolan - performed to Destiny's Child's 'Bootylicious' but didn't make it through to the final.
Olivia Lee also left the competition tonight following her dance to Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance'.
Boxer Ricky Hatton danced to Robbie Williams's 'Let Me Entertain You'...
- 2/16/2013
- Digital Spy
Brookside would be celebrating its 30th anniversary on screen tonight had Channel 4 not wielded the axe nearly a decade ago. The Museum of Liverpool will be staging a memoriam with creator Phil Redmond as well as popular cast members Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill) and Dean Sullivan (Jimmy). Better still, Channel 4 will be releasing a DVD at the end of the month celebrating the hard-hitting soap opera's best moments following a gruelling campaign headed by fans. Real-life residents now live in the Brookside Close (more)...
- 11/2/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Brookside will be remembered by the Museum of Liverpool this weekend as the soap celebrates its 30th anniversary. The hard-hitting soap opera, which was axed by Channel 4 in 2003, will be celebrated this coming Sunday (November 4) with special guests including creator Phil Redmond. Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill), who recently claimed that Brookie should never have been cancelled, will also attend the all-day event, as well as her on-screen dad Dean Sullivan (Jimmy). Finally, Brookside's most senior writer Peter Cox, who penned 227 episodes between 1986 and 2003, will join the lineup. Redmond, who is now the chairman of National Museums Liverpool, has released a statement saying: "It's quite unbelievable that it's been 30 years since Brookside came (more)...
- 10/31/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Claire Sweeney has opened up about her new relationship. The former Brookside actress is dating Liverpool-based businessman Daniel Riley. > Claire Sweeney interview: 'Big Brother got cruel and vindictive' "We've been friends for three years and we've been together since Christmas," Sweeney told The Mirror. "We haven't thought about what to do for our year anniversary yet but we're very happy. He has an online marketing agency in Liverpool and is very bright." Speaking of working (more)...
- 10/17/2012
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Claire Sweeney has said that Brookside should have never been cancelled. The Liverpool-set soap ran from 1982 to 2003 and Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill from 1991 to 2001, before returning for the final episode. "I don't think it should ever have been decommissioned," the actress told Digital Spy of the show. "It was groundbreaking drama. You get new controllers who come in who want to make their name and it got dropped, which was such a shame." Asked if she was proud of her work on the show, Sweeney added: "Oh God yeah, really proud. "[Creator] Phil Redmond - he was fantastic. His work and the team of writers he had on board, like Jimmy McGovern. And wonderful actors and writers on board. I'm so proud to have been part of it." Asked if any of her character's (more)...
- 9/17/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
The set of Loose Women has reportedly been hit by an outbreak of shingles. A number of the ITV1 show's presenters and crew have contracted the viral disease over the past few weeks, reports The Mirror. Janet Street Porter and Jane McDonald were both sent home this week with the illness, which is similar to chickenpox. Street Porter is said to have left production on Wednesday (April 4), while McDonald was forced to leave the studio minutes before going on air yesterday (April 5). Claire Sweeney was later contacted to join the show as a replacement. Presenter Andrea McLean allegedly had the disease recently, while an executive producer was sent home for two weeks with chickenpox. Show bosses are said to (more)...
- 4/6/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Candy Cabs has been cancelled by BBC One after one series. The comedy drama, which featured stars including Jo Joyner, Claire Sweeney, Lisa Millett, Jodie Prenger and Denis Lawson, aired three episodes in April. The show, which allegedly took four years to develop, focused on a group of people working at a female taxi company. Candy Cabs' first instalment was watched by around 5.5m viewers, but audiences dropped to just 3.62m (more)...
- 6/6/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
New BBC comedy Candy Cabs lost more than 1m viewers on Tuesday evening, but still outperformed Smugglers on ITV1, the latest audience data has revealed. Candy Cabs, starring Claire Sweeney, Jo Joyner and Paul Nicholls, averaged 4.27m (17.6%) for BBC One in the 9pm hour, down 1.21m on last week's debut episode. However, the show still proved too strong for Smugglers, a new reality series following the work of the UK Borders Agency, which had 3.38m (13.9%) on ITV1 and 195k (1.1%) on +1. Also in the 9pm hour, Filthy Cities sniffed out 1.85m (7.6%) on BBC Two and 99k (0.4%) on BBC HD, while Katie: My Beautiful Friends captivated 1.37m (5.6%) on Channel 4 and 229k (1.3%) on +1. Earlier, Grimefighters cleaned up 2.22m (10.4%) on ITV1 from 7.30pm and 108k (0.5%) on timeshift. BBC One's Holby City fetched 5.48m (23.5%) (more)...
- 4/13/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
Claire Sweeney has said that Richard Gere was "really rude" when she interviewed him. The former Brookside actress and Celebrity Big Brother contestant told Metro that she responded in kind when Gere was unpleasant to her. Sweeney explained: "I interviewed him for a TV show when I was in Chicago and the film of Chicago he was in had just come out. He tried to put me down and was just really rude. "At the end I asked about his courtroom (more)...
- 4/5/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Claire Sweeney has revealed that she is joining the GMTV team. The former 60 Minute Makeover host will start working on the morning programme in the summer, appearing as a roving reporter. Speaking to The People, Sweeney commented: "I'm thrilled. I won't be on the sofa but I can't wait to hit the road." Sweeney's appointment follows the recent news that Adrian (more)...
- 5/10/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
"Great LezBritian" is a fortnightly stroll through the very best of British lesbo-centric entertainment and culture. Plus there will be some jolly good interviews with the top ladies who are waving the flag for gay UK.
In the UK, the soap opera is a staunch institution, as British as a cup of tea. Indeed, a character in soap land calling for the kettle to be put on is regularly the opening gambit to many a lively plot.
The British soap was established when BBC Radio 4 broadcasted The Archers in 1951. Set in an imagined village, many of the storylines were not on the cusp of anything especially thrilling – the threatened closure of the local shop being an example. Over the past few years, the writers of the Archers have looked outside of the village pub window and tried to realign the storylines with the happenings of modern society. As a result,...
In the UK, the soap opera is a staunch institution, as British as a cup of tea. Indeed, a character in soap land calling for the kettle to be put on is regularly the opening gambit to many a lively plot.
The British soap was established when BBC Radio 4 broadcasted The Archers in 1951. Set in an imagined village, many of the storylines were not on the cusp of anything especially thrilling – the threatened closure of the local shop being an example. Over the past few years, the writers of the Archers have looked outside of the village pub window and tried to realign the storylines with the happenings of modern society. As a result,...
- 4/26/2010
- by Sarah and Lee
- AfterEllen.com
Hollyoaks boss Paul Marquess allegedly has his sights on former Brookside actress Claire Sweeney to head up the soap's "glitzy" new family. Marquess, who took office at the Channel 4 serial's home in Liverpool at the beginning of the year, apparently has Sweeney's casting photo pinned to the centre of his notice board with the remaining cast surrounding her. It is believed that she will become the matriarchal figurehead of a raft of new characters expected to be announced in the coming months. A Hollyoaks source this afternoon told Digital Spy: "Loads of people around the building have been talking about Claire's photo on Paul's wall. Everyone thinks that he's bringing her in to be the mother of a Family Affairs-style Costello clan." (more)...
- 3/17/2010
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) has arrived (http://www.diariodemallorca.es/secciones/noticia.jsp?pRef=2009050300_9_459920__Actual-malo-Harry-Potter-Great-Ormond-Street-Hospital) in Majorca, Spain for a Pirates Adventure show (http://www.snitchseeker.com/harry-potter-news/tom-felton-attend-pirates-adventure-charity-premiere-event-63648/) to benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital (http://gosh.org/) in London, England. A photo of him can be seen here (http://www.snitchseeker.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-39105). Image: http://www.snitchseeker.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13923/tom_pirates.jpg If anyone can translate the above linked article, please send a copy in to us (http://www.snitchseeker.com/sendmessage.php)! Source: FeltBeats (http://feltbeats.com/2009/05/03/news-article-about-tom-felton-at-pirates-adventure-charity-event/) *Update*: We now have a full translation of the story thanks to Oesed (http://www.snitchseeker.com/members/oesed-84972/). It can be read below; Though he went unnoticed at first by the local press, it only took a little time for everyone to know that Tom Felton, best known for portraying Draco...
- 5/3/2009
- by EmmaRiddle
- Snitchseeker.com
Oz Clarke and James May's new series for BBC Two made a strong debut in the ratings on Tuesday night, easily beating ITV1's competition. Oz and James Drink To Britain, following the pair on a journey to find the best of British drink, pulled in 3.44m (14.7%) over 30 minutes from 8pm. ITV1's one-off documentary Planning Wars, about the environmental effects of new developments, had a dismal 1.8m (7.5%) for the 8pm hour. The latest episode of Masterchef kept up the pace with 3.05m (12.6%) for BBC Two at 8.30pm and on Channel 4, Country House Rescue logged 2.34m (9.8%). Five had 1.19m (5%) for a Pyramids-themed Secrets of Egypt but BBC One comfortably won the hour with 6.04m (25.4%) for Holby City. The channel kept the lead at 9pm with 4.76m (20.2%) for update show Crimewatch Solved, while on ITV1, Claire Sweeney (more)...
- 1/11/2009
- by By Neil Wilkes
- Digital Spy
Claire Sweeney has put on two stone as part of a documentary looking into the dangers of unhealthy eating. The TV presenter climbed from 9st 12lb to 11st 10lb during the filming of My Big Fat Diet after eating whatever she wanted. Sweeney, who also saw her bra size grow from a C to a G cup, said that the extra weight makes her feel "like Michelin Man". She added: "I feel quite bloated." The former Brookside (more)...
- 1/8/2009
- by By Michael Thornton
- Digital Spy
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